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"ASTRO-RINK"
Low-E insulation has been used for many decades as a long
lasting insulator which, when installed correctly, also provides
a complete air seal, increased "R" value and negates the radiant
heat gain with its Low-E qualities. These properties provide
great assistance in the efforts to achieve an ideal environment
in arena applications. "ASTRO-RINK"
is reinforced to prevent damages caused by pucks and other
flying objects; therefore protective netting is not required.
An "ASTRO-RINK"
reflective ceiling, scientifically known as low emissivity
ceiling, translates into significant potential savings since
the ceiling is the source of 28% of the refrigeration load.
In short, the ceiling must be equipped with a reflective surface
such as "ASTRO-RINK"
to reduce the emissivity from 90% to 5%.
Furthermore a reflective ceiling
will reduce humidity condensation on the ceiling and the drops
of water that fall on the ice. In fact, ceiling temperature
will be higher, which will delay condensation when the humidity
increases. Finally, a reflective ceiling can improve the quality
and level of lighting by 40%.
Technical Data
Energy Use in an Arena As
refrigeration is quite simply, the transfer of heat from one
area to another using mechanical means, it is important to
realize the sources of that heat in order to reduce its origin,
and therefore, refrigeration plant run-time. The following
factors are those that most influence costs in an arena: ¢
The period of the year during which the ice is being used.
It is more costly to make the ice during the summer than the
winter. ¢ The building's interior volume. An arena with stands
uses up more energy than one without. ¢ The thermal resistance
and airthightness of the architectural envelope. ¢ The type
of activity that is held there. Hockey is an activity that
leads to greater energy consumption than figure skating: the
ice needs to be colder, resurfacing is more frequent and showers
are used more intensively. Ventilation in the players' dressing
rooms must also be more efficient.
In order to better understand
savings measures in an arena, it is useful to assess the energy
needs of the refrigeration system. The table below reflects
this assessment:
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Approximately 28% of the
total cooling load in a typical ice arena or curling rink
is due to infrared radiation. This is the area which we
are reducing, through the installation of your "Astro-Rink"
ceiling.
Radiant heat loads can be
best exemplified by using two examples common in the arena
industry. Radiant heating systems have been used extensively
for the spectator areas of arenas. Whether gas-fired or
electric, both types, when in operation, radiate their heat
to the objects below. It is important to note that if your
facility uses this type of heat, ensure that the reflectors
around the heating elements shield the ice surface and the
boards from direct exposure to the radiant elements. Secondly,
with outdoor ice surfaces even with cold air temperatures
and a plant providing brine at 10 °F or less, radiant heat
from the sun can melt the ice surface. The sun has a similar
effect on your facility roof and ceiling, allowing it to
gain heat, and radiate it to your ice surface. More...
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