REALice
2018 | Clark Drake Arena
The Clare Drake Arena is a 2,600 seat arena with approximately 1,530 square metres of ice surface. Ice is typically made using hot water to reduce air bubbles and make the surface harder. REALice® uses unheated water and a vortex to remove bubbles, resulting in significant energy savings associated with heating large quantities of water without compromising ice quality.
Environmental Impact
- Increases the equipment's amortization period by reducing compressor and boiler use, ice cleaning frequency and dehumidification and condensation issues such as rust on structural elements.
- 40 tonnes of carbon emissions saved annually for each rink.
Innovation & Technology
- Unheated water is forced through a chamber to produce a vortex to remove unwanted micro-air bubbles, resulting in harder, clearer ice.
- The technology can operate using warmer ice slab temperatures, reducing compressor run times and power consumption.
- Used by the National Hockey League for outdoor games.
Estimated Savings
- 3 year return on investment for a single pad of ice.
- 400–600 GJ of natural gas savings annually per rink.
Average reduction of 79%. - 50,000 kWh electricity savings annually per rink.
Average reduction of 10–12%