Indoor ice skating rinks and hockey arenas are structures that require specialized HVAC design not only for cooling but also for dehumidification. The use of integrated dehumidifiers in these structures and the permanent control of humidity by dehumidifiers is a detail that should not be overlooked during the design phase in terms of maintaining quality ice surfaces, ensuring indoor comfort, energy efficiency, and structural safety.
Hot and humid air entering the indoor environment through the rink doors opening to the outside due to partial vapor pressure differences can quickly condense when it enters the cooled rink environment, causing undesirable results. As NKT - Humidity Control Technologies, in this article we will examine the dehumidifier requirements in ice rinks, the integration of dehumidifiers without compromising system integrity, and why humidity control is important in ice skating rinks and hockey arenas.
The types and operating principles of dehumidification equipment to be used during humidity control will be discussed. Additionally, common applications and case studies from around the world will be mentioned, and finally, key considerations for dehumidifier integration in ice rinks will be addressed.
Maintaining the correct humidity level in the ambient air of indoor ice rinks ranks fourth in terms of facility operating energy efficiency after cooling, heating, and lighting; however, even a small neglect in the dehumidification system can affect the entire system performance.