The process of cooling down hockey rinks
The central systems for all of the hockey rinks are substantial to maintain a consistent ice surface that is firm, level, and safe for the players.
The program consistently consists of a network of pipes, a refrigeration system, and a heat exchange system.
The first step in building a cooling program for a hockey rink is to install a network of pipes underneath the ice surface. These pipes are usually made of a durable material akin to copper or plastic and are designed to distribute chilled water throughout the rink. The pipes are consistently installed in a serpentine pattern with a spacing of about 9-12 inches between each coil. Once the pipes are on site, a refrigeration program is installed to chill the water that will flow through them. This is consistently done using a compressor, a condenser, and an evaporator, which work together to cool and compress the refrigerant. The refrigerant is also then circulated through the pipes, absorbing heat from the water as it passes through. The final step in the cooling process is the heat exchange system. This heating and A/C program is responsible for transferring the heat absorbed by the refrigerant to the outside air. Typically, this is done using a sizable fan and a series of ducts that blow cold air over the condenser coil, which then releases the heat outside. The entire central heating and A/C cooling program is controlled by a central control unit, which ensures that the temperature of the ice surface is worked on at a consistent level. This is important because if the ice gets too warm, it can become soft and create dangerous playing conditions for the hockey players. In summary, the entire cooling systems for hockey rinks involve the upgrade of a network of pipes, a refrigeration system, and a heat exchange system.