Refrigeration systems are the core energy-consuming components of ice and snow venues, accounting for over 60% of the venue’s total energy consumption. They directly determine long-term operating costs and the project’s profitability.

To create “low-energy, high-stability” ice and snow venues, systematic optimization must be carried out across four dimensions: equipment selection, system design, material application, and intelligent operation and maintenance.

I. Equipment Selection: Improving Energy Efficiency at the Source

Prioritize units with high coefficient of performance (COP)

Traditional reciprocating units typically have a COP below 3.0, whereas variable-frequency screw units and transcritical CO₂ direct cooling units can achieve a COP of 4.5–6.0. Under the same cooling capacity, energy consumption can be reduced by 20%–35%.

CO₂ systems also offer the advantage of combined heating and cooling, allowing for the recovery of waste heat to provide venue heating and hot water, further improving overall energy efficiency.

Match the load to avoid over-sizing

Accurately calculate the cooling load based on the venue’s ice surface area, usage scenarios (competitions/recreation), and ambient temperature. Select the appropriate number and capacity of units to avoid long-term low-load operation, which leads to reduced energy efficiency.

II. System Design: Reducing Cooling Losses

Optimizing Pipe Layout

Short-run, co-directional pipe designs are adopted to minimize bends and pressure losses, ensuring uniform distribution of cooling capacity. Pipes are insulated with closed-cell rubber-plastic insulation and covered with an aluminum foil protective layer to minimize heat loss.

The layout of pipes beneath the ice surface also affects energy consumption; scientifically optimized spacing and routing ensure more uniform ice surface temperatures and reduce the frequency of unit start-stops.

Smart Control and Zone Management

A PLC-based smart control system is implemented to automatically adjust cooling capacity based on time of day and foot traffic; temperature control is zoned for different functional areas (such as the ice rink, rest areas, and snow zones) to prevent overcooling in non-essential areas.

III. Material Application: Retaining Cooling Capacity and Reducing Heat Loss

Ice Surface Structure Insulation

High-density polyurethane insulation panels (≥100 mm) + a moisture-proof vapor barrier are installed beneath the ice surface to block the transfer of cold energy to the building structure, preventing condensation and frost heave on the floor slab while reducing the cooling load.

Venue Envelope

Exterior walls and roofs utilize insulated rock wool + double-pane glass, and doors and windows are properly sealed to reduce the intrusion of outdoor heat, thereby supporting energy conservation at the building level.

IV. Operations and Maintenance: Long-Term, Stable Energy Savings

Regularly clean condensers and evaporators to maintain heat exchange efficiency

Monitor refrigerant purity and pipeline integrity to prevent efficiency losses caused by leaks

Establish an energy consumption data analysis system to promptly identify abnormal energy usage and optimize operational strategies

✅ Beijing Yangsheng Ice and Snow Technology: One-Stop Energy-Efficient Ice and Snow Venue Solutions

We specialize in the construction of ice and snow venues, providing clients with end-to-end services ranging from planning and design to engineering, construction, and O&M management:

Core Technology: Lightweight, low-energy-consumption ice rink systems that reduce floor load by 30% and lower refrigeration energy consumption by 25%

Extensive Portfolio: We have served dozens of real-ice rinks and ice and snow theme park projects nationwide, covering commercial complexes, cultural and tourism attractions, and campus facilities

Service Guarantee: 30-day rapid delivery and lifetime operational support, ensuring more cost-effective and stable long-term venue operations

If you are planning or upgrading a winter sports venue and wish to create a low-energy, high-return project, please contact us for a customized energy-saving design solution.

Hotline: 13691511384

Company Address: Room 10-603, YuanDa Technology Park, Shunyi District, Beijing