GOT QUESTIONS? WE’VE GOT ANSWERS!
Yes.
The Retscreen and custom CanmetENERGY software we use takes into account the total building envelope.
Every rink is different and project justification is always required to answer this question.
We approach justification through a short pre-feasibility assessment that if positive, is followed up with a more detailed assessment.
The energy savings assumptions have been made using standard ASHRAE recommendations combined with a custom CanmetENERGY model to specifically identify the impact of colder flood water.CanmetENERGY, a department of Canada Natural Resources is a world leader in energy assessment for indoor ice rinks.
The arena below showing energy usage by a component of the arena was referenced from a statistically relevant sampling of energy usage in over 20 arenas in Quebec byCanmetENERGY.
The RinkSense arena reflects a reduction in hot water heating as well as reduced heat loads on the ice, resulting in an approximate 10% savings on the annual energy cost. No benefit has been included for a 10-15% longer compressor life nor infrastructure and humidity control costs due to lower water vapour rates because of lower flood water temperatures.
The biggest risk is trying the patience of your ice managers during initial setup. Trial and error is inevitable as each rink and water supply is different. We can provide the guidelines, but your ice managers know your ice and will need patience to determine the parameters right for your rink.
The RinkSense (RS) unit is typically mounted on a wall close to the resurfacer tank fill. The largest RS unit measures 4' diameter by 5' long.
The RinkSense system is not in itself sensitive to temperature change. However, your ice management will be easier with a consistent flood water temperature.
If the source water supply temperature falls below 10 0C (50 0F) during the season, you will need to mix hot water to increase the water temperature.
Mixing hot and cold water is achieved by manual valves on each water source or through a tempering valve where the temperature is pre-selected.
Note: If manual valves are used, check valves should be installed to prevent siphoning (ie. hot water entering into the cold water system).
Theoretically yes. However, each rink has different pressure and flow rate conditions. Consultation with a plumber may be required.
This is extremely unlikely. The RinkSense system has no moving parts and no filters that can become clogged.
The most likely reason for failure will come with an early warning signal, i.e. a slowdown in water delivery or flow rates which causes an increase in fill times.
The most likely cause of flow rate reduction is large foreign particles accumulating before or within the unit. Flushing the unit by reverse flow is the immediate response to this unlikely event.
We are a service call away.
RinkSense uses a novel and efficient concept to create multiple rotating (vortex) streams to disperse and, under the right flow conditions, remove micro-air bubbles in cold water. Water entering the RinkSense system is channeled into several streams where rotational flow is induced. Shortly after entry, vortex flow is established in these water streams and a final flow dynamic is introduced to enhance the process. On exit from the system, the individual rotating streams wind together, forming a rope like single stream which remains largely intact until released to the atmosphere where micro bubbles may be released. Water processed in this manner is expected to retain its characteristics for a period of at least 24 hours.
Rotational or vortex flow dynamics have been used for many years for separation and dispersion of gases, fluids and solids and rely upon basic principles of pressure gradients, shear force and, more recently, cavitation.
Separation
Rotational or vortex flow is characterized by a low pressure zone along the centre of its axis of rotation and a high pressure zone at its outer boundaries. These pressure differences are referred to as pressure gradients. Air trapped in the water in the form of macro/micro sized bubbles in the form of threads or clusters (air likes to stay with air!) can be induced towards the low pressure area of the vortex flow. The air may then separate from the water flow under the right conditions.
Dispersion
Shear forces or zones are areas in a rotational or vortex flow where water velocity changes rapidly over a short distance. Shear force is capable, together with pressure gradients, of shearing and dispersing: air bubbles, clusters and threads of air.
Also the combination of pressure gradients and shear force under the right flow conditions will induce a condition called cavitation which is: the formation, growth and collapse of air bubbles. Collapse and splitting of air bubbles create intense shock waves and high local temperatures and pressures leading to further dispersion. Many applications of cavitation exist today and it is well known to change particulate structures.
RinkSense
RinkSense employs the above principles to enable cold water flooding. The combined impacts of the processes produce fewer and more finely dispersed micro-bubbles in water, resulting in enhanced ice crystallization formations. Finely dispersed micro-bubbles left in the water inhibit the formation (nucleation) and entrapment of long-grained cones or threads in the ice, the condition normally associated with cold water usage. When properly applied to an ice sheet, the RinkSense result is clearer, harder ice, allowing operators to maintain ice at a higher temperature, while users benefit from similar, or better, ice surface quality.