2007-01-06_PR Comm Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Coils embedded in the arena's floors and seating areas distribute heat to spectator areas. This system of heated floors and seats uses less energy than an air heating system. When more heat is needed, a polystyrene ground loop filled with antifreeze extracts the Earth's heat and carries it to the heat pump. ,k,..•,. OUT Q -fa IN U ,sem 'IOU, ,fin C� "When it's really cold, the ground loop comes into play," Doherty explained. "The outside temperature has to drop to between 5 and 0 degrees (Fahrenheit) before it starts drawing heat from the outside." Environmental benefits The facility demonstrates the environmental benefits of geothermal heat pumps, using a heat recovery system that minimizes the release of greenhouse gases. It also offers financial benefits, including reduced labor costs resulting from the system's simple design, control, and operation. Energy costs are expected to be half of the $50,000 spent annually on energy by the average Minnesota ice arena. These savings are likely to pay back the system's costs in less than two years, Doherty said. "There was very little incremental expense involved," he explained. "The pricing matches what more conventional systems would cost." A year after operation started, the arena is on target with an energy bill of $25,000. While Cambridge-Isanti was the first arena to use heat pump technology, it isn't the last. Doherty said three other arenas currently being built use the technology -two in Minnesota, one in Nebraska.