Ice rinks require chillers capable of achieving 9°C (15°F). This is easily achieved with Caterpillar’s low-temperature chiller module (which can achieve –40° F LWT) and some air-cooled machines. Rental systems are always the first choice when permanent equipment fails at ice rinks. Rental chillers are also ideal for temporary and seasonal rinks—which are becoming more common—as they do not require a large capital investment. A typical installation is shown below.

Rental equipment typically used for cooling ice rinks may include the following:

• Low-temperature chiller modules

• Glycol

• Pump modules

• Piping and fittings

• Engineering and supervision services

• Installation and maintenance services

• On-site operation and training

Typical Customers:

• Permanent ice hockey arenas

• Public and private skating rinks

• Multi-use arenas

• Amusement parks or malls with skating rinks

Discovery Questions:

• Is the refrigeration system for your ice rink due for maintenance, repairs, or replacement?

• Do you keep your rink frozen all year long, or only during certain seasons?

• Have you done a financial comparison between capital investment or permanent chiller equipment versus rental chillers for your seasonal facility?
  Do you ever have a “fogging” problem on your ice?

• Do you have a backup plan in the event your chiller fails?

Configuration and Installation Issues:

• A glycol tank may be required.