Mechanical systems
Precision cooling, measured in tons per kilowatt.
Refrigeration is the heartbeat of every rink and the largest line on its utility bill. We design and deliver systems that balance ice quality, energy use and long-term reliability, whether the rink runs for ten weeks or twelve months.
No one-size-fits-all plants.
Every system we build is tailored to the location, the budget and the operating schedule. A seasonal outdoor rink in the mid-Atlantic and a twin-sheet arena in Ontario need different compressors, different condensers and different controls. Getting that right on day one is what keeps operating and maintenance costs down for the life of the plant.
- Exceptional energy efficiency, designed for maximum output at minimum draw
- Lower operating and maintenance cost over the full lifespan of the system
- Custom-engineered for indoor or outdoor installations
- Responsive support from planning through operations
How efficiency is measured.
System efficiency is the tons of cooling your equipment delivers per kilowatt of electricity it consumes. A higher tons-per-kilowatt figure means a cheaper rink to run and a smaller environmental footprint. We design for the highest figure the site allows.
- Metric
- Tons of cooling per kilowatt consumed
- What drives it
- Condensing temperature, compressor selection, coil sizing, fan and pump motors, controls
- What it buys you
- Lower monthly utility cost, less wear, longer plant life
- Documentation
- Full technical documentation, performance specs and case studies for contracted clients
Air-cooled or water-cooled?
Choosing the condenser is one of the most consequential decisions in the plant. We will guide you to the right fit for your application.
Outdoor and variable climates
Oversized coils for peak efficiency and multi-speed fans that adjust to ambient conditions. The usual choice for outdoor rinks and sites with changeable weather.
Controlled environments
Designed for minimal condensing temperatures with dual-speed, power-saving motors that reduce electrical load. Best for permanent, enclosed facilities.
TurboChiller and GreenMachine
Our TurboChiller and GreenMachine plants ship with the TurboChiller graphic microprocessor system, so operators see and tune the plant from one screen.
Proof
One arena, 500,000 kWh a year.
Falmouth Youth Hockey went from seasonal ice to year-round skating on the strength of an energy-efficient design that, by the Cape Light Compact case study, saves more than 500,000 kWh annually. The arena is now among the most efficient in the country. That is what refrigeration designed around the building, not dropped into it, looks like on a utility bill.
- Trusted by municipalities, private operators and entertainment venues across North America
- Every installation customized, every component selected for the site
- Support continues long after start-up
Questions we get
Frequently asked
How big a plant do I need?
It depends on sheet size, indoor or outdoor exposure, climate, operating months and the building envelope. Poor vapor barriers and air sealing alone can add up to 42% of unnecessary heat load, so we size the plant after looking at the building, not before.
Can you retrofit an existing rink?
Yes. We replace and upgrade plants in existing facilities and pair them with Perma Ice floor systems when the floor needs work too.
What refrigerants do you use?
Refrigerant selection is made per project against local code, efficiency targets and the owner’s long-term plans. Ask our engineers about the options for your site.
Ready to talk through your project?
Tell us the site, the season and the goal. We will come back with options and a straight answer on what it takes.