There are more than 300 skating rinks around Sweden. It is increasingly common for ice to be available in the rinks all the year round. This offers great opportunities for training and development to those who practise ice hockey and other sports on ice. But a disadvantage is that the municipalities, clubs and other organizations that operate the rinks face increasing energy consumption and thus also higher costs.
The highest single thermal load on the ice is from the heat radiated from the roof. If Prelaq Energy sheet steel is used for building the rink, the energy consumption is estimated to drop by around 10 percent, provided that Prelaq Energy is used both on the inside and on the outside of the roof and walls. But a good effect will be achieved even if Prelaq Energy is used only on the inside.
The estimated average energy cost for a skating rink of normal size is SEK 1 million annually. So if Prelaq Energy is used, the annual energy cost reduction will be around SEK 100 000. In addition, the environmental impact of the skating rink will be lower.
Prelaq Energy is prepainted sheet steel that has been developed by SSAB. It is used for applications such as the exteriors and interiors of walls and roofs. Due to its properties, Prelaq Energy cuts the energy consumption of buildings and improves the indoor climate.
The additional cost of using Prelaq Energy for building a skating rink of average size is SEK 90 000 – 100 000. But this cost will be recovered during the first year of operation due to the reduced energy consumption.
Caption 1:
Prelaq Energy is a new material for roof and wall covering both indoors and outdoors. Thermal characteristics generate up to 15 percent lower energy costs. External use is illustrated to the left and internal use to the right.