Hybrid-electric ice resurfacer scores big for arena air quality
By WorkCabin.ca
Many of us have seen them, and wondered about them, every time we see a gas-powered ice resurfacing machine motor around an ice rink.
Eventually those fumes dissipate into the air of the enclosed arena and we don’t see them anymore. But make no mistake, a chemical brew hangs in the air we’ll continue to breath for the rest of the hockey game, practice or afternoon of pleasure skating.
The good news is we’ll soon be able to start saying goodbye to that nasty indoor air pollution in Canadian ice arenas.
At least that's if Finnish company UKKO has its way. The company manufacturers the planet's first zero emissions battery-powered ice cleaning machines. For about $160,000 per machine -- twice the cost of most gas-powered models -- cities and towns can put an end to two harmful byproducts of gas-powered machines which affect arena air quality.
The hybrid-electric ice-resurfacer, called the Icecat, emits none of the potentially dangerous pollutants carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide produced by traditional gas-powered models used in most arenas. Ten years ago, a University of British Columbia study suggested that 40 per cent of ice rinks in Canada exceeded guidelines for nitrogen dioxide, a hazardous gas that, in high levels, can cause breathing difficulties and irritation to eyes and nose to players and spectators.
While still rare in Canada, the Icecat is beginning to make inroads. The City of Toronto has just purchased two. Two other machines are in operation in the city of Winnipeg and at the University of Manitoba.
Elsewhere in the world, Icecats are sold in Russia, Scandinavia and the United States.
A fully-charged Icecat can produce about 25 cleanings of an ice surface before requiring recharging. The Icecat can be easily recharged during arena off-hours or ice rental down time.Despite costing more than traditional ice resurfacers, the company says municipalities can save money in fuel and maintenance costs typical of gas-powered machines.
PHOTO: UKKO
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, Lucas from Spain.