Experimental study and numerical prediction of thermal and humidity conditions in the ventilated ice rink arena

- The numerical model of the tested ice rink arena was prepared.
- Improvement of the moisture flux numerical modelling was carried out.
- The results of measurements were used to obtain data for boundary conditions as well as for experimental validation.
- The numerical model was able to map real conditions with good agreement between measured and predicted values.
- The validated numerical model is useful in solving the problems relating to the ventilation system in ice rink.

An ice rink arena is a place where the ventilation system has to deal with the presence of spectators and skaters (who have different requirements), and with the temperature of the ice surface below 0 °C. An important problem that arises is excess moisture, leading to condensation of water vapour onto the ice surface and inner surface of the ceiling. The aim of this presented paper was to experimentally identify physical phenomena occurring in the actual ventilated ice rink arena in Gliwice (Poland) and to check whether the developed numerical model correctly reproduces such phenomena and how it should be improved for this purpose. Long-term and short-term experimental research was carried out to obtain data for boundary conditions, to identify changes in thermal and humidity conditions and for experimental validation of simulation results. Air parameters: speed, velocity, temperature and relative humidity were measured. Thermal imaging measurements were also carried out. The numerical model was prepared by means of the Ansys CFX 14.5. Improvement of the moisture flux numerical modelling was carried out. The scope of validation encompassed the comparison of indoor airflow pattern, air parameters (above the ice surface and on the outskirts of the ice rink) and temperature of the ceiling. The numerical model was able to map real conditions in the object with good agreement between measured and predicted values. The mean deviations for all studied cases did not exceed values of 0.03 m/s for speed, 1.1 °C for temperature and 15% for relative humidity of the indoor air.