Chelyabinsk is on the verge of a large-scale sports project

Chelyabinsk is on the threshold of a large-scale sports project. The Governor of the region Alexey Teksler has officially confirmed that the reconstruction of the old Belousov Arena is considered impractical, and instead a new and more modern stadium for the Traktor hockey club will be built. The decision is dictated not only by the club's ambitions, but also by objective necessity: teams from all four leagues — the KHL, VHL, MHL and Women's Hockey League-are based in the region. The old venue will remain in use for lower-division matches and training sessions, while the main arena for KHL games will become a modern complex. Although the capacity and exact parameters have not yet been disclosed, the very fact of building such an object already triggers a powerful multiplier effect for related industries. One of the key ones is the refrigeration equipment industry.

Any ice arena, especially of the KHL scale, is not just a concrete bowl and stands. It is a complex engineering organism, where maintaining ice of the required quality is a critical condition for holding matches. The demand for cooling systems in such projects is enormous, and for companies specializing in industrial cooling, the construction of the Traktor arena means new contracts, technological challenges, and the opportunity to demonstrate their solutions at a federal-level facility.

What specific industrial refrigeration equipment is used in such projects? The range is wide, and each device performs specific functions.

1. Central refrigeration stations (Chillers) This is the heart of the cooling system. Unlike household air conditioners, industrial chillers for ice arenas operate on glycol solutions or brine (calcium/sodium chloride) and cool the heat carrier to temperatures ranging from -12°C to -20°C.

• Specifications: The cooling capacity of such machines can reach 2-5 MW and higher. Screw or centrifugal compressors are used (based on R-134a, R-507, R-404A, or the modern R-449A refrigerant). Modern models are equipped with frequency drives for smooth load regulation.
• Function and application: Chillers provide circulation of the cooled coolant through the system of pipes, poured into the concrete slab of the arena base. They are responsible for the primary freezing of ice 3-5 cm thick and maintaining its stable temperature throughout the match and training sessions. The new arena of "Traktor" will require at least two chillers (main and reserve) with a total capacity providing a cold reserve of up to 30%.

2. Ice field tube system (Piping System) This is not equipment in the usual sense, but a key element supplied by specialized companies. These are kilometers of pipes through which brine or glycol flows.

• Specifications: PEX or PE-RT polyethylene pipes with a diameter of 25-32 mm are used. They are laid in a snake pattern with a spacing of 75-100 mm on a special substrate with thermal insulation (extruded polystyrene foam). An important feature is their resistance to low temperatures (up to -40°C) and high ring stiffness.
• Function and application: The pipes are the final heat exchanger. The heat generated by the skates of hockey players, as well as the heat radiation from the lighting and stands, is removed by the circulating refrigerant. Without a well-designed pipe layout, it is impossible to achieve uniform ice coverage throughout the arena.

3. Air dehumidification and cooling system (Climate Control) The ice in the arena begins to melt not because of the outside temperature, but because of the humidity in the air. The moisture condenses on the surface of the ice, making it loose and heavy. Therefore, powerful dehumidifiers will be installed on the Tractor site.

• Specifications: Industrial desiccant dryers (with silica gel or zeolite) or condensation dryers. The capacity can reach 100-300 m³/min. The air temperature above the ice is maintained at +4..+6°C, with a humidity level of no more than 40%. The ventilation system additionally cools the incoming air to prevent it from overloading the ice plate.
• Function and application: Providing a stable microclimate. Ideal ice is not only cold, but also dry. If the humidity is high, the ice will become "slushy," a mixture of snow and water that reduces sliding. This system is especially important in spring and autumn, when the natural humidity in Chelyabinsk is high.

4. Freon systems for hockey boards (Cooling for Ice Rink Dasher Boards) Modern arenas are increasingly using cooling systems to directly cool the area where the puck contacts the board. This prevents ice buildup and plastic deformation.

• Specifications: Small-sized chillers or sections of the central system that supply refrigerant to the sideboard circuit. Temperature below freezing point (up to -5°C).
• Function and application: Reducing the friction of the puck against the board and preventing ice from freezing on the perimeter glazing panels. Ensures proper rebound of the puck in game situations.

5. Heat carrier storage and heating system (Buffer Tanks & Heat Recovery) In large arenas, not only cold is used, but also waste heat from the chiller compressors. Modern installations are equipped with heat exchangers.

• Specifications: Refrigerant-water heat exchangers with a capacity of up to 0.5-1 MW. Heat is removed from the compressor discharge (temperature up to 80°C).
• Function and application: Heating water for showers, heating auxiliary rooms (lockers, corridors), and most importantly, heating the ground under the ice slab (to prevent the foundation from freezing). This increases the energy efficiency of the arena, reducing operating costs for the future owner of the facility, the Tractor club.

For companies engaged in the supply and installation of industrial refrigeration equipment, the construction of the arena in Chelyabinsk is a multimillion-dollar order. It's not just about supplying the units. It's about engineering work, including calculating the thermal loads (taking into account the climate of the Urals with its extreme temperature fluctuations), selecting the optimal layout (central station with distribution nodes), and providing supervision and commissioning. Additionally, the arena will be operational year-round, hosting concerts and shows during the summer, with ice loading from September to May. This requires a flexible and reliable system. A chiller failure on the day of a playoff match can lead to a game postponement, which can result in serious reputational and financial losses for the club. Therefore, equipment suppliers who can guarantee 24/7 service support in the specific conditions of the Chelyabinsk region will have a significant advantage.

In summary, the new Tractor Arena will not only serve as a growth point for the South Ural hockey community. It will also provide employment for dozens of specialized companies, including manufacturers of chillers, heat exchangers, dehumidifiers, and automated climate control systems. The demand for high-quality refrigeration technologies that can withstand the rigorous demands of the KHL will inevitably increase, driving the market towards more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly solutions. The project for the Chelyabinsk Arena is currently in the development phase, providing an excellent opportunity for refrigeration companies to showcase their expertise and offer innovative technical solutions.