Work

Numerical Analysis of the Energy Consumption of Ventilation and Dehumidification Processes in the Ice Rink Arena

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The reduction in energy use in buildings remains a major challenge. In the European Union, buildings account for approximately 40% of the total energy consumption, with sports facilities alone responsible for around 10% of annual use. These facilities are characterised by specific indoor environmental requirements, and ice rink arenas, in particular, represent substantial energy consumers due to the demands of ventilation and dehumidification processes. This paper investigates strategies for maintaining adequate air parameters in an ice rink arena, based on an experimentally verified numerical model of the facility. The research focused on: (1) assessing the energy consumption of different ventilation and air distribution system configurations, and (2) evaluating potential reductions achievable through the implementation of recirculation, heat recovery, and various air handling unit (AHU) configurations, while ensuring appropriate thermal and humidity conditions within the arena. Multi-variant simulations of AHU energy consumption were performed in IDA ICE 4.8 software for both day and night operation over the entire ice rink season. The results showed that the choice and operation of AHU configurations significantly influenced energy consumption as well as the thermal–humidity conditions of the facility, with annual savings of up to 67%.

Source: Applied Sciences

DOI: 10.3390/app152111771

Authors: Agnieszka Palmowska, Piotr Ciuman

Institution: Silesian University of Technology

Language: English

Topic: Building Energy and Comfort Optimization

Subfield: Building and Construction

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Climate action, Affordable and clean energy

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,896