Ice Rink Refrigeration for Recreational Facilities

Vilter combines proven industrial refrigeration compression technology with engineering expertise and lifecycle support for ice rinks, ovals and arenas. Reciprocating and single-screw compressor solutions support ammonia and CO₂ refrigeration applications, giving contractors and facility operators flexibility to select the technology that fits their performance, safety and sustainability goals.

From equipment selection and system design through commissioning, startup, parts and ongoing service, Vilter supports the refrigeration system throughout its operational life.

Vilter provides lifecycle support including genuine OEM parts, hands-on training, remanufacturing, field service and technical support. These resources help arena operators and technicians maintain compressor performance, minimize unplanned downtime and extend equipment life.

At the Pettit National Ice Center, Vilter training has helped the facility's in-house team develop the knowledge to maintain and rebuild compressors that have remained in service for more than 30 years.

Vilter application engineers support compressor selection, refrigerant selection, system design and equipment integration for ice rinks, ovals and arenas. Whether a project involves a new facility, expansion or modernization, Vilter works with consultants, contractors and operators to match compression technology to refrigeration loads, operating conditions and project requirements.

Yes. Vilter works directly with recreation ice facility operators and contractors to configure compressor packages tailored to specific facility requirements. Configuration support covers capacity selection, refrigerant compatibility, control integration and compliance with local safety and environmental regulations, delivering a system configured to your specific operating requirements.

Complete the form above to connect with a Vilter application engineer. We'll review your facility and operating requirements, help identify the appropriate refrigeration solution and provide project-specific information and pricing.

An ice rink can reduce the environmental impact of refrigeration through refrigerant selection, efficient compression technology, effective capacity control and opportunities for heat recovery.

Natural refrigerants such as ammonia (R-717) and CO₂ (R-744) can help facilities reduce refrigerant-related global warming impact. Matching compressor output to changing refrigeration loads can also help reduce unnecessary energy consumption.

Depending on system design, facilities may also be able to recover heat rejected by the refrigeration system and reuse it for other needs. At the Pettit National Ice Center, for example, recovered heat is used for snow melting and underfloor heating to help prevent permafrost formation.

Together, refrigerant selection, system efficiency, capacity control and heat recovery can support an ice facility's broader energy and sustainability goals.

An ammonia ice rink refrigeration system continuously removes heat to maintain the low temperatures required for quality ice. The compressor raises the pressure and temperature of ammonia vapor, after which the condenser rejects heat and converts the refrigerant to liquid. The refrigerant then passes through an expansion process that reduces its pressure before absorbing heat and returning to the compressor to repeat the cycle.

In many ice facilities, the refrigeration system cools a secondary fluid such as glycol, which circulates through piping beneath the ice surface to maintain the required slab temperature. Ammonia is widely used in industrial refrigeration and ice rink applications because of its thermodynamic efficiency and zero global warming potential.

An ice rink refrigeration system is sized by calculating the facility's refrigeration load and evaluating operating conditions such as ice surface area, evaporating and condensing temperatures, refrigerant, ambient conditions, duty cycle and changes in cooling demand.

Peak loads from ice resurfacing, occupancy and events also need to be considered, along with available space, electrical infrastructure, system configuration and future capacity requirements. Selecting the appropriate compressor capacity and control strategy allows the refrigeration system to respond efficiently as those loads change.

Vilter application engineers can work with project teams to help select compression equipment appropriate for the facility's operating requirements.

Neither ammonia nor CO₂ is the best choice for every ice rink. The appropriate refrigerant depends on the facility's refrigeration requirements, system design, safety considerations, sustainability goals and operating conditions.

Ammonia (R-717) is a proven natural refrigerant widely used in industrial refrigeration and ice rink applications because of its efficiency and zero global warming potential. Its toxicity requires appropriate system design, operation and safety practices.

CO₂ (R-744) is nonflammable, has low toxicity and a GWP of 1, but CO₂ refrigeration systems operate at significantly higher pressures and require equipment designed for those conditions.

Vilter offers compression technologies for both ammonia and CO₂ applications, allowing contractors and facility owners to evaluate the refrigerant strategy that best fits their operational and sustainability objectives.

A refrigeration system directly affects ice quality by controlling the temperature and consistency of the ice surface. Stable temperatures help operators maintain the ice characteristics required for different activities, while changing refrigeration loads from resurfacing, occupancy and ambient conditions can make that more difficult.

For competitive speedskating, the relationship between ice and air temperature can be especially important. At the Pettit National Ice Center, Vilter compressors help the facility maintain ice temperatures as low as 15–18°F while air temperatures remain around 58–60°F. Those conditions help produce the fast ice required for elite competition.

At a recent World Cup event, skaters broke eight track records while the facility's Vilter compressors operated for seven straight days at peak demand.