The Moisture Challenge in Ice Arenas
Every ice arena facility manager knows the signs of uncontrolled humidity—fog drifting over the rink, condensation dripping from ceiling structures, and softening ice under skates. These symptoms are more than nuisances; they compromise safety, facility integrity, and the guest experience. In many arenas, warm, moisture-laden air enters through doors, wall cracks, and ventilation systems, creating ideal conditions for mold growth, corrosion, and increased refrigeration costs.
Humidity is not just an air comfort problem—it's an infrastructure threat. Addressing it starts with understanding the environment and implementing the right technology to control dewpoint precisely and reliably.
Why Dewpoint Matters More Than Relative Humidity
Relative humidity (RH) fluctuates with temperature, making it unreliable for controlling condensation in a cold environment like an ice rink. Dewpoint, on the other hand, measures the actual moisture content in the air, independent of air temperature. This makes it the preferred control point for dehumidification systems in arenas.
To prevent fog and surface condensation, dewpoints need to be controlled near or below the temperature of the coldest surface—the ice. For most municipal arenas, a dewpoint of 35°F is sufficient, though NHL-sized rinks may aim lower depending on ceiling height and occupancy.
ARID-Ice®: Proven Desiccant Technology
CDI’s ARID-Ice® Dehumidification Series was developed specifically to address the challenges of humidity in indoor ice environments. These dedicated desiccant air supply systems maintain dry air conditions without relying on traditional cooling coils. Instead, they use a solid desiccant rotor to continuously remove moisture from the air. A separate reactivation airstream heats the rotor, releasing captured moisture safely outside the facility.
The result is consistent, ultra-low dewpoint air that prevents fog, eliminates condensation, and improves ice quality across hockey, figure skating, speed skating, and curling environments.
Key Benefits of the ARID-Ice® System
The ARID-Ice® system provides a range of critical benefits for arena operations:
- Very dry air: Achieves low dewpoints unattainable by traditional systems
- No phase change required: Thermodynamic efficiency without the need for coil freezing or reheat
- Energy-efficient operation: Minimizes refrigeration system workload and resurfacing frequency
- Comfort and quality: Spectators enjoy better comfort while skaters benefit from consistent ice conditions
- Durability and versatility: Units are suitable for both indoor and outdoor mounting with double-wall insulated construction.
Technical Specs That Deliver
ARID-Ice® DH-S0 models support a wide range of process air volumes from 3,000 to 15,000 CFM. Each unit features:
- Electric or gas reactivation options
- Moisture removal capacities up to 180 lb-H₂O/hr
- Flexible air inlet/outlet configurations
- Compact dimensions for easier installation
- Compatibility with building management systems via BACnet™, Modbus®, or LonWorks®.
Common installation options include roof curb or slab mounting, with optional fresh air intakes and MERV-8 filters for both process and reactivation air. Reactivation exhausts are vented outside, ensuring all moisture is completely removed from the building envelope.
Designed for Efficiency and Simplicity
Maintenance is simple—just replace filters regularly and schedule annual inspections. The systems are engineered for longevity and performance, backed by CDI’s field service network and 24/7 customer support. Combined with the ability to customize components to match project requirements, the ARID-Ice® series offers unmatched flexibility and reliability in ice arena dehumidification.
Ready to Control Your Arena Environment?
Humidity doesn’t have to be a constant challenge. With CDI’s ARID-Ice® systems, facility managers and design professionals have a powerful, proven tool for creating safe, efficient, and high-performance ice environments.
To explore how ARID-Ice® can transform your arena, contact CDI’s application specialistsat sales@cdihvac.com
