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Use Less Electricity
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Remove micro air bubbles from resurfacing water
Eliminate big parts of your water heating costs for your flood water and save 10% – 12% energy from your ice plant by lowering the temperature of the resurfacing water used on your ice pad. According to ASHRAE, 7% of an ice rink’s total energy use is due to domestic hot water that is used in the resurfacing process of the ice. The more impurities in water (both minerals and dissolved gas), the harder the refrigeration plant has to work before it will freezes. Local water sources with higher concentrations of salts of various kinds will have different freezing properties and if the concentration is elevated enough to lower the freezing temperature even further. More energy is required to lower that temperature, and the resulting ice will have poorer quality. To address these issues, most ice rinks heat the water to 140°F – 160°F to remove micro air bubbles before resurfacing the […]
Control arena lights by staff
Lights are one of the ice rink’s largest electricity consumers. Keeping the lights on in the facility when it is empty, consumes energy which could be avoided by allowing staff to control the lights in the arena. The lights generate heat, that needs to be removed by the refrigeration system to maintain good ice. Arenas can increase efficiency by giving staff control of the lighting. Therefore if on/off toggles are in use to operate the lights, consider making them key-controlled light switches. Beyond staff controlling some of the main lights, occupancy sensors can be installed in area locations such as storage rooms, restrooms, back offices, and hallways. That includes the facility’s dressing rooms for example operated with the sensors that have a generous 30-minute window to automatically switch off after no activity is detected. The amount of energy consumed or wasted depends on what kind of light is left on. A “normal” incandescent bulb costs […]
Upgrade arena lighting to LED
Many rinks might have already upgraded metal halide lights for energy saving LED lights, saving 60 percent of the energy previously required. On top, local utilities reduce the return on investment time substantially by offering incentives. In addition to the energy savings, LED arena lighting is built to last. Many warranties guarantee maintenance-free bright light for years and eliminate the need to replace burnt out bulbs and failed ballasts. LED produces far less heat, compared to previous lighting technologies, so chillers won’t have to work as hard. Also, LED lighting in your arena helps keep the ice harder for summer hockey and the floor cooler for summer box lacrosse. Areas off the ice: remove all old fluorescent (T12 )/ halogen / incandescent technology and upgrade to LED lights. Benefits: Better, brighter light in the arena Load reduction on the chiller Likely utility incentives available Potential utility incentives available Savings: Electricity up to 60% […]
Harvest solar energy to keep the ice in
Harvesting solar energy to run the refrigeration plant is one way of reducing our energy costs. There are already a variety of large and small installations across Canada and in other places in the world. Two solar examples: In 2013 a 10 kW solar installation was installed on the roof of the Oilfields Regional Arena, Black Diamond’s local indoor hockey rink. In addition to benefiting the environment, all of the savings achieved as a result of the power being generated from this project are reinvested in the town’s sustainability efforts. The money goes into a Green Fund that is used to fund future renewable energy projects. Another example is the Iqaluit’s Arctic Winter Games Arena Complex. With little moisture in the atmosphere, which means less sunshine is being filtered out a lot of sun energy comes through. (Surprisingly more sun energy comes through than would happen in Southern California.) Solar panels are effective […]
Optimize ice thickness
Finding the optimal thickness of the ice and the thickness of the concrete slab beneath are critical factors in refrigeration efficiency. Ice and the concrete act as insulators, resisting the transfer of heat to the refrigeration system. If the ice is too thick, it will dramatically increase compressor load and energy costs. The thicker the ice and concrete, the harder it is for the refrigeration system to maintain a desired ice surface temperature. Each additional 1 inch (25.4 mm) of ice adds approximately 10,000 kWh/yr to the required energy to maintain the ice surface. Vigorous skating during a typical hockey practice will damage ice that is too thin. It will also require more resurfacings. On the other hand, thick ice is inefficient because it increases the energy requirements of the refrigeration system. Most rink facilities maintain their ice thickness between 1 1/4” (apx. 3.2 cm) to 1 1/2” (apx. 3.8 cm) as […]
Remove old fluorescent lights
Besides the refrigeration system, lighting is typically an ice rink’s largest electricity consumer. Arenas can save energy costs and reduce the load on the refrigeration system by removing all old fluorescent (T12) / halogen / incandescent light technology and upgrading to more energy efficient Light Emitting Diodes (LED) lights. Benefits: Increased life time of lights Reduced cost Improved lighting – instant on / off with no warm-up time Less heat produced – reduces load on ice plant Lowers energy demand charges Enhanced arena estetics Enhanced arena aesthetics Savings: Electricity CO2 Web resources: Cowichan Lake Sports Arena Upgrades
Add low emission ceiling
Solar radiation heat is the main heat radiation in ice arenas. Nearly 30% of the total refrigeration load in heated rinks is radiated from the arena ceiling. The temperature, colour and emissivity index of the inner surface of the ceiling are the main causes of the radiation thermal load to the ice rink. Common materials used for ceilings (wood, steel, etc.), have an emissivity index (EM) of between 0.85 <e< 0.95. Emissivity describes a material’s ability to radiate heat. Perfect radiating materials have an Emissivity (EM) of 1.0. Materials that radiate no heat have an EM of 0. Radiant heat migrates from a warm surface in an arena to a cold surface, the heat load radiates from the ceiling to the ice surface. Reducing the EMs of the arena ceiling has a large impact on the load on the ice plant, reducing energy costs and providing better ice conditions. Low emissivity ceilings offer […]
Adjust inside air temperature
To keep the spectators comfortable, the inside air temperature is set between 55° and 60° Fahrenheit (F) in many rinks (apx. 12°-15° Celsius). Inside air temperature has a great effect on the ice plant because the ice will melt faster at higher ambient temperatures. Reducing the settings for the inside air temperature from 60°F (apx. 15.6°C) to about 40°F (apx. 4.4°C) can have a drastic effect on energy spent in the facility. Ensure walls and ceiling are insulated properly to better control the indoor climate. Benefits: Reduced energy cost Savings: Electricity CO2 We resources: Guidelines for Indoor Air Quality in Arenas
Implement energy management system
Controlling temperature, energy efficiency and reliability of the ice plant can be achieved with a computer controlled energy management system. In comparison to the same refrigeration system without a computer control system, energy savings can be greater than 20%. An energy management system can adjust the plant to the present weather conditions and facility usage to run most efficiently. Pre-programmed settings can be applied for hockey, figure skating and public skating in which the ice temperature is adjusted automatically, including the lights above the ice, to match the current on-ice program. Off-hour programming will help to reduce energy consumption. It allows the ice temperatures to rise during nighttime hours, or inversely pre-chilling the ice prior to peak demand hours. Benefits: Efficient and reliable control of refrigeration system, brine pumps, ice temperature, lighting and illumination levels, ventilation equipment, heating systems, domestic hot water heating Less maintenance costs and extended equipment life Convenience […]
Use head pressure controls
Refrigeration systems are often designed for higher outdoor temperatures. As a consequence, the head pressure is higher than needed. This leads to high condensing temperatures and increased electrical consumption. Benefits: Especially in cold climates, modulating head pressure based on outdoor air temperature can yield refrigeration savings as high as 25%. Savings: Electricity CO2 Web resources: Carbon Trust: How to minimise head pressure in refrigeration
Install a snow melt pit
In a busy arena the ice is resurfaced up to 10 times a day; during which ice is scraped off and allowed to melt. Some facilities even use hot water to melt the snow and with this more energy. The ice shavings are often taken outside of the arena and dumped nearby. This introduces risks such as health hazards to ice rink operators and also causes energy loss and increased humidity in the arena. A snow melt pit allows for the snow to be melted without opening the outside doors and letting the heat in. The refrigeration plant will run cooler and the refrigeration power costs will be reduced significantly during the ice melting process. Snow melt pits should be regularly cleaned and sanitized to create a safe work environment for operations crews. Benefits: Less refrigeration costs Less humidity in the rink since the doors stay closed Less temperature imbalances in […]
Optimize brine use
According to Business Energy Advisor brine should be kept at a specific gravity of 1.20 to 1.22 for most efficient energy use. A hydrometer can be used to measure the specific gravity, or density relative to water. Brine should be warmed up to 60°F (apx. 15.6°C) before testing. Specific gravity is measured relative to water, which has a specific gravity of 1.0. To adjust the specific gravity, add calcium chloride flakes to increase (mix in a barrel and add through mixing valve), or dilute the brine with water to decrease. Experts recommend testing the brine annually by a lab regularly engaged in testing arena brine samples. Benefits: Insulating the brine storage tank, reduces cooling losses Reduced heating costs in the compressor room Savings: Electricity CO2 Web resources: Managing energy costs in ice rinks
Boost lighting in the parking lot
Arena operators are concerned with the lighting both inside and outside their facilities. Adding LED lights to the arenas’ parking lot will improve safety, discourage crime, and also reduce electricity costs. LED lights produce consistent illumination, range in power level (brightness), and avoid the “hot spots” and areas of shadow that traditional / high-intensity discharge parking area lights can produce. Benefits: Improved safety Reduced energy cost Savings: Electricity
Replace old compressors
Replacing old compressors with more efficient ones will save a lot of energy and maintenance costs.
Install variable frequency drives
Variable-frequency drives (VFDs)—also referred to as variable-speed or adjustable-speed drives—allow induction-motor-driven loads such as condenser fans and brine pumps to operate at rotational speeds. VFDs are used in applications ranging from small appliances to large compressors. About 25% of the world’s electrical energy is consumed by electric motors in industrial applications, which can be more efficient when using VFDs in centrifugal load service. A variable speed drive controls motor speed and torque by varying the motor input voltage and frequency. Variable speed drives are expensive, yet the most efficient means of operation, as they match pump operation with the ice surface needs. By controlling motor speed to correspond with varying load requirements, retrofitting electric motors with VFD controls can increase motor energy efficiency—in some cases by as much as 50%. VFDs can also improve power factor and process precision, and they can deliver other performance enhancements and non-energy benefits such […]
Upgrade brine pump
In indirect refrigeration systems, brine is pumped through evenly spaced pipes in the rink floor. A liquid refrigerant absorbs heat from the brine and then pulls the heat out of the rink floor. Brine pump efficiency upgrades can improve the efficiency by 10-15% or even more. Often, these upgrades yield significant savings on pump maintenance and repair as well, which translates into less downtime and reduced environmental risks. Upgrading pumps include custom coatings for internal and external parts, shaft and seal modifications, bearing isolators and bearing-housing breathers. Some resources suggest installing dual-drive brine pumps, which allow for significant reduction in pump horsepower by stopping the large main brine pump and starting a lower-horsepower pony pump. In addition to the energy savings, there is the added security of a backup brine pump in the event of a failure. Of these, custom surface coatings typically provide the fastest return on investment. Benefits: Boost efficiency of […]
Add energy efficient motors
Replacing glycol pump / brine pump, water pump and compressor motors with new energy efficient motors helps save electrical energy through decreased usage and makes the refrigeration plant more efficient. Install high-efficiency motors, soft start controllers: Using motors with a high-efficiency rating will increase the total system efficiency. Arenas can install soft-start controllers on the compressor motors. Soft-start controllers reduces inrush current and the resulting peak demand loads and reduces the strain on the compressor during the high torque generated at start up. Check with utility companies, as power bills can be reduced by using a soft-start controller and will depend on the method used to calculate the demand load. Benefits: Reduced cost Rebate programs they may offer to help pay for the greater efficiency Savings: Electricity CO2 Web resource: The News: Energy efficiency in the ice rink
Appoint an internal Energy Manager
Arenas can appoint an internal representative to research, analyze and implement effective programs and operations processes to create greener arenas. Internal Energy Managers can assess current policies (e.g. recycling) and collaborate with stakeholders (e.g. utilities, local governments, user groups and environmental professionals, etc.) to make suggestions for sustainable green initiatives at their arena and can help to tap in into funding sources for efficiency upgrade equipment. Energy Managers can use information systems to track, manage, benchmark, and report energy, water, waste, emissions and other sustainability data. Information systems can be installed that include automated data exchange services that synchronizes utility and building data directly with the Energy Manager’s portfolio. Information systems enhance long-term value by increasing arena occupancy and revenue, reduce the risk of obsolescence, and strengthening user loyalty, all while reducing emissions to protect the environment. Benefits: Dedicated person that looks at the whole facility to leverage initiatives and reach […]
Replace arena slab
Under the ice in arenas there is a slab that is above the embedded brine (used to keep the ice frozen) tube network. A brand new slab and energy efficient upgrades will result in gas, hydro and greenhouse gas savings (GHG). In older ice slabs (e.g. more than 30 years), many components will need to be replaced. This will ensure its ongoing availability to the many local ice user groups, and will avoid the added costs of emergency replacement. Over time, the ice slab will shift, which eventually causes the pipes underneath to crack and start leaking brine. Ice slab upgrade projects include: Disassemble the existing dasher boards and arena glass system Stabilize existing masonry walls which include structural framing and sheathing – this phase is required to be completed before the next phase Replace ice rink refrigeration piping system Removal and replacement of the concrete slab, including new heating and […]
Smart parking lot outlets
Intelligent parking lot controllers have the potential to produce significant energy savings and could slash the arena’s plug-in expenses up to 50 per cent, yet ensure trouble-free starts for staff or guests. In contrast to earlier types of controllers, they save energy by automatically adjusting power at car plugs as a function of outside temperatures. Above -5° C, outlets receive no power. As the temperature drops, progressively more power is cycled to the outlets. Below -20° C power stays on all the time. Plug power is controlled either from a central panel or by circuitry built inside the receptacle – the so called “intelligent”parking lot controllers that use tell tale lights to show if there is a problem with block heaters or cords. If Yukon government converted all of the 1,603 conventional plug-in outlets it manages to intelligent parking lot control units, it could save approximately 80,206 kilowatts per year. That is roughly […]
Improve arena insulation
Caulk and weatherstrip your facility’s walls, floors, windows, roof, and doors. Seal air leaks and insulate water heaters and pipes in unconditioned areas. Insulated ceilings and walls make it possible to control the indoor climate regardless of the outdoor climate. Special products are available to stop condensation on the ceiling. The ceiling is cold because of the radiant heat transfer between the ice and the ceiling (i.e. the ice cools down the inner surface of the ceiling.) Though there are technical solutions to minimize the indoor rain problem (low emissive coatings) the ceiling is still subjected to weather conditions and high running costs. Benefits: Reduced energy cost Reduced noise levels Savings: Electricity CO2 Web resources: Technical guidelines of an ice rink – International Ice Hockey Federation
Clean rink floor slab before installing ice
Ice installation starts with thoroughly cleaning the floor slab. The ice has to bond to the slab to ensure the heat transfer is good. This means that any impurities, such as oil and dirt will affect the bonding of the ice to the slab. Other impurities present will affect the freezing point of the water making it difficult to freeze the affected zones. The refrigeration system has to ensure that even the most difficult area of the ice surface can be frozen. This means that energy is wasted if the rink needs to be kept colder than necessary because of impurities in some parts of the surface. Benefits: Lower operating cost Less electricity required Savings: Electricity CO2 Web resource: Manitoba Hydro – Energy Efficiency Guide for Municipal Recreation Facilities page 41
Replace old windows and doors
Energy loss through old windows and doors is significant. Heat and cold can escape from poorly sealed windows, cracked door frames, or windows and doors that don’t open and close properly or seal tightly. Condensation can form between panes on non-sealed glazing window or storm windows. Additionally, moist air that has leaked past inner window panes can create condensed on outer window panes. Even dry areas can suffer from condensation problems if the windows and doors are not sealed to the interior space. Benefits: Better ice Less humidity Reduced energy cost Savings: Electricity CO2 Web resource: Natural Resources Canada – Energy efficiency improvements On Design of Low-Operation-Cost Ice Arenas with Energy Saving Approaches
Use non-toxic and thermally conductive paints
Painting the ice with an environmentally friendly, reflective and thermally conductive white reduces refrigeration costs by reflecting radiant heat energy away from the skating surface and creates a healthier environment for skaters. If the slab were the colour of dark sand or grey concrete, the heat and light energy would be more readily absorbed and would have to be removed by the ice plant. Reflecting light back into the rink also reduces the amount and number of lights required to provide adequate illumination, for further energy savings. Choose ice surface paints designed to be thermally conductive. This reduces the heat transfer through the ice and help conserve energy. Benefits: Safer environment for skaters Hydro savings Savings: Reduces the refrigerant load by five to 15 per cent compared to “dark ice.” Web resources: Manitoba Hydro: Energy Efficiency Guide for Municipal Recreation Facilities, page 42 Metro Vancouver: Managing Waste Water Pools and Rinks
Place occupancy sensors for lights
Lighting occupancy sensors detect the presence or absence of users and turn lights on or off accordingly. Arenas can install occupancy sensors to control lights and ensure that the lights are off when no one is in the facility – or in specific areas in the facility (e.g. storage closets, restrooms, hallways, offices). Occupancy light sensors increase the electrical efficiency in facilities and can save 30-75% annually in lighting-energy consumption. Benefits: Ensure lights are off during times of no occupancy Savings: Electricity CO2 Web resources: Edmonton hockey arena raises the bar for sports facilities