Delivering the Region’s First Ice Rink Cooling Solution in Abu Dhabi

Background

Trane Abu Dhabi delivered a customised low-temperature cooling solution for the region’s first ice rink project. Using air cooled chillers configured for ultra-low temperatures, the system achieved a reliable -10°C chilled water supply within a tight schedule, opening new opportunities for low-temperature rental applications across the region.

The Challenge

An event organiser in Abu Dhabi required a temporary cooling system to support the construction of an ice rink. The application demanded a reliable solution capable of producing chilled water at -10°C, with precise temperature control in the secondary loop. The project also needed to be executed within a compressed timeline, requiring advanced engineering and rapid mobilisation.

Industry: Events and Entertainment
Application: Low-temperature cooling for an ice rink

Challenges We Faced
  • Very low temperature requirement: Delivering chilled water at -10°C, significantly lower than standard comfort cooling applications.

  • Tight timeline: Execution and commissioning needed to be completed rapidly to align with event schedules.

  • Flow management: Brine pump flow inconsistencies created additional operational complexity.

  • System integration: Customer’s original design used only two chillers in parallel, limiting redundancy.
  • Temperature stability: Maintaining performance during the reversal of flow and controlling the secondary loop were critical.
Considerations for the Replacement Plan
  • Ensuring reliable performance at -10°C for continuous ice production.

  • Designing a flexible solution that could operate efficiently with existing equipment.

  • Providing built-in redundancy to ensure uninterrupted rink operation.

  • Mobilising equipment and personnel quickly to meet the project deadline.
  • Leveraging Trane Abu Dhabi’s experience in delivering non-standard process applications.
The Solution

Trane Abu Dhabi proposed a customised low-temperature rental solution using high-capacity air cooled chillers configured in a unique design. The approach ensured stable -10°C operation while addressing flow control and redundancy requirements.

Proposed Solution
  • 3 x air cooled chillers, 750 kW each (2 duty + 1 standby)

     

  • Unique configuration: RTAG310 + RTAF125, with RTAC300 on standby

     

  • Outlet temperature maintained at -10°C

     

  • Flow range: 650–800 GPM

     

  • Full scope, including hoses, fittings, installation, and commissioning support

     

  • An on-site technician was provided for start-up and monitoring

     

Key Advantages of Choosing Trane Saudi Arabia
  • Innovative configuration of chillers to achieve ultra-low temperatures.

  • Redundancy is built into the design for operational reliability.

  • Rapid mobilisation and execution within tight event schedules.

  • Proven capability in delivering specialised process cooling projects requiring non-standard low temperatures.

  • Trusted expertise in expanding rental solutions to new applications such as ice rinks.
The Result

The ice rink cooling system was delivered and commissioned successfully within the deadline, achieving stable -10°C operation throughout the event. The project marked the region’s first ice rink rental solution, demonstrating Trane Abu Dhabi’s ability to handle specialised low-temperature applications. This success opened new opportunities for branded events and similar projects in Kuwait, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia.