Ice under Control: How the Construction of the FOK in Istra Will Change the Industrial Refrigeration Market

Istra, a suburban town, is preparing for a large-scale sports transformation. By the end of 2027, the Polevo microdistrict will feature a sports and recreation complex with an indoor ice rink. The contract for design and construction has already been signed with ASG Techno Stroy. The facility, with a total area of 6,100 square meters, will include an ice arena with stands, gyms for strength training and choreography, as well as administrative spaces. The maximum capacity of the complex is 350 people. For the region, this is not just another sports facility, but a serious signal for companies operating in the field of industrial refrigeration equipment.

The construction of a sports center with an ice arena is a complex engineering project, where the ice cooling system plays a central role. Without high-quality refrigeration equipment, the ice rink would turn into an expensive swimming pool. This is where specialized organizations that supply and maintain industrial refrigeration systems come in.

What equipment is used in such projects? We will list the key items with their characteristics and functions.

1. Chillers (refrigeration machines) for pouring and maintaining ice. This is the heart of the entire system. Chillers cool the coolant (most commonly propylene glycol or brine), which is then circulated through the pipes embedded in the concrete base of the ice rink. For an arena with an area of approximately 1,800-2,000 square meters (the standard for training ice rinks), chillers with a cooling capacity of 300 to 500 kW are required. The type of compressors is screw or spiral, and the refrigerant is R407C or R134a (environmentally friendly freons). Special feature: the presence of a low-noise mode, as the facility is located in a residential area.

2. Compressor-condenser units (CCU) for dehumidification and ventilation systems. An ice arena is a high-humidity area. If the humidity is not controlled, fog will form above the ice and condensation will form on the stands. To prevent this, specialized air dehumidifiers based on CCU are installed. These dehumidifiers cool the air below the dew point, condensing excess moisture. The typical capacity of such units is 80-120 kW, and the dehumidification capacity is up to 150 kg of moisture per hour. The key characteristic is resistance to corrosion, as water vapor and chemical agents are constantly present in the air.

3. Evaporative condensers. This type of equipment is used to remove heat from refrigeration machines. Unlike air condensers, evaporative condensers are more efficient under high loads and can save energy. The capacity of these units for a sports center with an ice arena is typically 400-600 kW of thermal power. An important consideration is the noise level (no more than 55 dB at a distance of 10 meters), which is crucial for residential areas.

4. Refrigerated tables and panels for stands and buffets. Although this is auxiliary equipment, it must also meet industrial standards. Medium-temperature refrigerators (temperature +2…+5 °C) and freezers (up to –18 °C) are installed in the catering area. Specialized thermostatically controlled refrigerators are used to store sports equipment and medical supplies.

5. Automated control systems (ACCS). A modern ice rink is a digital facility. Controllers control the operation of chillers, pumps, ventilation, and dehumidification. The system monitors the ice temperature (the optimal range is between -3 and -5°C for hockey and between -2 and -4°C for figure skating), humidity, and equipment utilization. The integration of smart cooling reduces operating costs by 15-20%.

How will the construction of such an object affect companies engaged in industrial refrigeration equipment? First, there is a direct demand for the design, installation, and commissioning of ice field systems. Second, a service market is emerging. Once the ice rink is operational, the contractor will need to perform annual maintenance, including oil changes, refrigerant leak checks, and condenser cleaning. According to experts, one ice complex generates between 2 and 5 million rubles per year in service contracts. Thirdly, the construction of the FOK stimulates the development of related areas: design bureaus receive orders for calculating refrigeration loads, and heat carrier manufacturers receive a stable channel for selling propylene glycol.

Finally, for regional distributors of industrial refrigeration, the appearance of such an object is a signal to expand warehouses and service centers in the Istra district. Previously, equipment for ice rinks was mainly supplied to Moscow and major cities in the region, but now the demand is shifting towards municipalities. Companies that manage to localize their services and offer comprehensive solutions (equipment + installation + warranty) will gain a significant competitive advantage.

Thus, the ice arena in Istra is not only a point of attraction for athletes, but also a growth driver for an entire industry segment. And the better the refrigeration equipment is installed, the longer and more stable this sports facility will be.