Ice Arena on Toreza Avenue in St. Petersburg

The Vyborg district of St. Petersburg is preparing to become a center of attraction for sports enthusiasts: a modern sports complex with an ice arena will soon appear on Toreza Avenue. The project, approved by the Committee for Urban Planning and Architecture, promises to become a real highlight of the district and provide residents with ample opportunities for sports and outdoor activities. The ice field, 500-seat stands, dance halls, and other specialized spaces demonstrate the scale and versatility of the future complex.

However, behind the glamour and spectacle of a new ice arena lies an entire industry that ensures its smooth operation. In particular, the construction and maintenance of such facilities have a significant impact on companies specializing in industrial refrigeration equipment. After all, creating and maintaining a high-quality ice surface is a complex process that requires reliable and efficient refrigeration.

Industrial Refrigeration Equipment for Ice Arenas: The Key to Perfect Ice

An ice arena is one of the most demanding consumers of industrial refrigeration. A complex of specialized equipment is used to create and maintain an ice surface that meets high quality standards. Let's consider the main components of this system:

• Chillers: This is the heart of the refrigeration unit, which is responsible for cooling the coolant (usually glycol or ethylene glycol solution) that circulates in the pipes located under the ice plate. Absorption – type chillers, compression chillers, and screw chillers are the most common solutions.

  • Specifications: The capacity of ice rink chillers varies depending on the size of the rink and the required cooling capacity, but it typically ranges from a few hundred kilowatts to several megawatts. The coefficient of performance (COP) is an important factor that affects operating costs.

• Pump stations: They ensure the circulation of cooled coolant in a closed loop between the chiller and the ice slab cooling system.

  • Specifications: Pumps must be highly reliable and capable of maintaining a stable flow rate of the coolant.

• Cold distribution system (ice slab): This is a network of pipes laid under the ice surface, through which cooled coolant circulates. This system is responsible for directly cooling the water and forming the ice cover.

  • Specifications: The pipe material must be resistant to corrosion and low temperatures. The pipe spacing affects the uniformity of cooling and the quality of ice.

• Automatic control and monitoring system: Provides automatic maintenance of the optimal operating parameters of the refrigeration unit, such as the temperature of the coolant, flow rate, pressure, etc.

  • Functions: Monitoring the status of equipment, preventing emergencies, and optimizing energy consumption.

• Heat recovery system: Allows you to use the heat generated by refrigeration equipment to heat the arena's rooms, warm water, or meet other needs. This significantly improves the energy efficiency of the facility.

  • Application: Heating of stands, heating of water for household needs, and maintaining a stable temperature in technical rooms.

• Air Dehumidifiers: Condensation of moisture on the ice surface can lead to fog formation and deterioration of the ice quality. Air dehumidifiers maintain an optimal level of humidity in the arena premises.

The Impact of Ice Arena Construction on Industrial Refrigeration Companies

The construction of a new sports complex with an ice arena in the Vyborg district is an excellent opportunity for companies engaged in the supply, installation, and maintenance of industrial refrigeration equipment. The demand for:

• Design and installation of refrigeration units: Companies with experience in designing and installing refrigeration systems for ice arenas will be able to offer their services.
• Equipment supply: Manufacturers and suppliers of chillers, pumps, pipes, automatic control systems, and other equipment will receive new orders.
• Service maintenance: During the operation of the ice arena, regular maintenance of the refrigeration equipment will be required, which will create a constant demand for service services.

Thus, the construction of an ice arena on Toreza Avenue will not only become a new sports center for residents of the Vyborg district, but will also give impetus to the development of the industrial refrigeration industry in St. Petersburg. This is an example of how the development of sports stimulates technological progress and creates new business opportunities.