Developing energy calculation methodology and calculation tool validations: application in air-heated ice rink arenas

The ice-pad refrigeration and space heating energy demand in air-heated ice-rink arenas dominate the total energy demand. Accordingly, the overall energy usage is a weak function of ambient temperature. This makes it possible to analyze the energy demand in steady-state conditions. This study aims to develop a simplified calculation tool to enable non-expert users to accomplish the following: First, they can roughly calculate the energy requirements/costs of ice rinks using a simplified calculation method. Second, they can calculate energy performance value, which is mandatory for obtaining energy performance certificates. Third, they can clarify discrepancies between real and official energy performance values. The study verifies the applicability of the tool, which is analyzed by applying theoretical and physical principles in steady-state conditions. The tool is intended to be applied in the early design phase to assist authorities in developing clear vision about energy consumption/costs and making right choices. The accuracy of the tool is validated against dynamic energy simulation. The tool results deviate upto 10% with IDA-ICE results in refrigeration and space heating demands but approximately 30% in cooling/dehumidification demands, where steady-state calculation causes considerable faults. However, the tool assesses overall yearly energy costs with 8% inconsistency compared with simulation results.