Minor Improvements

Hey everyone, so my new proposal has some minor changes. It clarifys better about the real topic to my research.

SUMMARY STATEMENT OF PROPOSED PROJECT:

            So it has been determined that radiant heated seats are possible and already constructed. This improved proposal is on the more defined topic is it still possible to provide radiant heated bench seats in an arena by conserving the energy produced from under the ice surface.

PURPOSE:

            The purpose is to generate radiant heated seating areas for spectators while saving money. This proposal is still all about creating an alternative for the wasted energy that is being produced. Although this heat has some value, as it maintains the quality of the ice, we can save the energy and create other opportunities to use it, such as heated seats. Further research will provide a better understanding. The energy that would normally be wasted is now being re-used to accompany the comfort of the spectators.

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE PROJECT:

            The complete task is to improve the energy efficiency while maintaining good quality ice and contentment of spectators. This will achieve an evenly distributed heat throughout the arenas seating vicinity, increasing indoor climate control and thermal comfort. The heat being produced underneath the ice surface is generating energy that is being wasted and costing a pricey budget for the maintenance of the arena. By controlling and redirecting this energy we can utilize an alternative, providing a secondary use for the energy to prevent waste and increase quality.

METHODOLOGY AND ANALYTICAL APPROACH:

            There are generally certain criteria of a conventional ice rink design. Typically, there is a base layer of gravel and sand. Contained throughout this base layer is evenly spaced, typically polyethylene, heated pipe. Above the heated pipes is a layer of high density rink floor foam insulation. There can be a heated concrete slab underneath the insulation to prevent the ground from below the ice form freezing. Next there is a cooled concrete slab with rink pipes evenly distributed within the slab. Finally the ice surface is created. The heated pipes purpose is to eliminate frost build up under the rink. To do so the temperature of the sand and gravel should be just under 3.5°C. (Russell-Ausley)

            Adding these same heated pipes around the arenas floor and inside the bench seating is a perfect way to get full use of the produced heat. Instead of the energy generated going nowhere, it will be providing radiant heat to the seats and floors.

All the pipes are connected to a header trench. This header manifold is where the piping feeds from. These headers are 8" DIA steel. The pipes that surround the seating areas will also be connected to the header trench and would be tied in with the heat from under the surface of the ice. The same general method of producing heat under the ice surface is applied to the seating facilities to ensure excellence. 

PREVIOUS STUDIES OR RELATED INFORMATION:

            Recent investigation has shown that there are a few different locations that have now incorporated heated bench seats in there ice arenas. Previous studies have taken place and proven the effective result of conserving the energy produced and putting to other uses such as heating other buildings. The ice rink is generally frozen by circulation of a heat transfer fluid. This heat transfer fluid is usually methanol, glycol, and calcium chloride. (Caliskan & Hepbasli, 2010, p.1418) Another study has shown that the energy costs to operate an ice rink in Canada for 8 months are on average $86,000. (Mun & Krarti, 2011, p.1087) The improvement of energy performance to decrease costs is one of the main goals in this topic.

PLANS FOR DISSEMINATION OF WORK:

            Creating a blog for this proposal will ensure the information is being distributed into the eyes of other readers and researchers whom this topic interests. Circulating this proposal to arena faculty who carry out lots of seniority and interest will also open the door to other possibilities.