Heat transfer beneath ice-rink floors

This paper presents two models to determine ground-coupled heat gains for ice rinks. The first model is based on an analytical method: the Interzone Temperature Profile Estimation (ITPE) technique while the second model utilized implicit finite difference scheme. Using both models, time-varying heat transfer within the ice medium as well as the ground is investigated. The predictions of both models have been compared and are found to be within good agreement. Moreover, the results from the transient numerical model are compared against measurements obtained for a small-scale ice-rink model operated under laboratory conditions. The measurements provide the time period required to freeze the ice-rink surface as well as the ice temperatures at different locations of the ice-rink floor. The results of the numerical model are then utilized to investigate the impact of various design and operating conditions on the thermal performance of a typical ice rink.