Theoretical justification for the choice of technical solutions for microclimate support systems of indoor ice rinks

Abstract

The specific character of ensuring the microclimate of indoor ice rinks and ice arenas consists in creating temperature and humidity conditions which prevent fog formation at the ice surface, deterioration of its mechanical properties, and condensation on building structures and auxiliary facilities. The article aims to theoretically justify the choice of an air exchange scheme in the ice arena zone, as well as to propose a design of the central air conditioner that implements the suggested air exchange method. As a result, the energy requirement for air handling can be reduced. The article proposes methods for air exchange organization contributing to the achievement of the required characteristics and parameters. Employing these methods also results in many options of air mass handling schemes and the layout of central air conditioners. The principles of organizing air exchange in the ice arena zone were formulated. They include supplying incoming air with concentrated airstreams directed at an angle or vertically downward from the upper zone of indoor ice rinks and ice arenas and removing exhaust air from the upper or maintenance areas. The Id-diagram shows layout options of equipment sections for central air conditioners and the sequence of humid air handling processes according to the following schemes: top-up, top-down, and mixed. These schemes characterize differences in energy consumption, as well as cost indicators for equipment and operation, which determines the multifactorial and multicriteria nature of selecting a design option under uncertainty. Based on the analysis of the research results with respect to the discounted cost criterion, the choice of the mixed scheme for organizing air exchange is theoretically substantiated. Moreover, the study determines the area of economic feasibility of the selected option.