Louis A. Roser Company completed a large-scale arena refrigeration system retrofit for a multi-use ice and event facility in Salt Lake City, Utah. This project focused on upgrading an aging industrial ammonia refrigeration system to improve energy efficiency, enhance ice quality, and extend the long-term reliability of the facility’s mechanical infrastructure.
Designed to support year-round operation, the upgraded system now performs efficiently both with and without the ice floor installed. The project demonstrates Louis A. Roser Company’s expertise in arena refrigeration, industrial refrigeration retrofits, and high-performance ammonia systems for complex facilities.
Project Background
Ice arenas and large event facilities require refrigeration systems capable of maintaining precise temperature control under variable loads. These systems must support ice production, comfort cooling, and operational flexibility while remaining energy efficient and reliable over time.
Prior to this project, the facility’s refrigeration equipment had begun to show signs of age. Performance limitations, increasing energy usage, and ice consistency challenges indicated the need for a detailed system evaluation. The client engaged Louis A. Roser Company to assess the existing infrastructure and develop a retrofit solution that would modernize the system without unnecessary replacement of functional components.
Project goals included:
● Improving overall refrigeration system efficiency
● Reducing electrical consumption and operating costs
● Resolving ice quality and consistency issues
● Extending the life of existing mechanical infrastructure
● Supporting flexible operation for both ice and non-ice events
Engineering Evaluation and Retrofit Design
Louis A. Roser Company’s engineering team conducted a comprehensive evaluation of the existing ammonia refrigeration system, reviewing equipment condition, system performance, and energy usage. Special attention was given to how the system operated under different load conditions, including peak ice usage and periods when the ice floor was removed.
Based on this assessment, the team developed a targeted refrigeration retrofit design focused on upgrading key components that would deliver the greatest performance and efficiency gains. This approach minimized downtime, reduced unnecessary costs, and ensured compatibility with the facility’s existing systems.
The final design emphasized:
● High-efficiency ammonia refrigeration equipment
● Variable capacity operation to match real-time demand
● Improved heat rejection performance
● Long-term serviceability and reliability
Scope of Work
Following design approval, Louis A. Roser Company executed the retrofit in coordination with project partners, prioritizing safety, quality, and operational continuity.
Ammonia Compressor with Variable Frequency Drive
A new ammonia compressor with a variable frequency drive (VFD) was installed to replace aging equipment. The VFD allows the compressor to modulate output based on system demand, significantly improving energy efficiency during partial-load operation.
This upgrade reduced electrical consumption, improved system stability, and minimized mechanical wear, contributing to longer equipment life.
Evaporative Condenser and Cooling Towers
The retrofit included the installation of a new evaporative condenser and cooling towers, improving heat rejection efficiency and system reliability. These components are critical for maintaining optimal performance in industrial refrigeration systems, particularly during warmer conditions or high-load operation.
The upgraded equipment enhanced system capacity while supporting consistent operation across seasonal temperature variations.
Ammonia to Brine Heat Exchanger for Ice Floor Refrigeration
To support consistent ice production, a new ammonia-to-brine heat exchanger was installed for the ice floor system. This component ensures efficient heat transfer and precise temperature control, both essential for maintaining high-quality ice in arena environments.
New Brine Pumps and Piping
New brine pumps and associated piping were installed to improve circulation and system reliability. Proper flow rates and pressure control help maintain uniform temperatures across the ice surface and reduce the risk of performance issues.
Ammonia to Glycol Heat Exchanger for Arena Comfort Cooling
In addition to ice refrigeration, the retrofit addressed arena comfort cooling needs. A new ammonia-to-glycol heat exchanger was installed to provide efficient cooling for occupied spaces, supporting spectator comfort during events and non-ice uses.
This integration improved system flexibility and reduced the need for separate cooling infrastructure.
Installation and Commissioning
The retrofit was completed through careful planning and coordination to minimize disruption to facility operations. Louis A. Roser Company worked closely with engineering and energy partners to ensure the system was installed according to design specifications and industry best practices.
Comprehensive testing and commissioning confirmed that all refrigeration components were operating as intended and delivering the expected efficiency and performance improvements.
Project Results
The upgraded arena refrigeration system delivered immediate and long-term benefits.
Increased Energy Efficiency
The combination of VFD-driven compressors, upgraded heat rejection equipment, and optimized system design resulted in a significant reduction in electrical usage. Improved efficiency translated into lower operating costs and a more sustainable facility.
Improved Ice Quality and Consistency
Soft ice issues were resolved following the retrofit. The upgraded refrigeration system now delivers consistent, high-quality ice that meets the demands of competitive athletics, performances, and high-traffic events.
Enhanced Reliability and System Longevity
By replacing aging components with modern, high-efficiency equipment, the retrofit extended the operational life of the refrigeration system. Improved reliability reduces maintenance requirements and unplanned downtime.
Greater Operational Flexibility
The system now performs efficiently both with and without the ice floor installed, allowing the facility to accommodate a wide range of events throughout the year.
EXPERTISE IN ARENA AND INDUSTRIAL REGRIGERATION
This project demonstrates Louis A. Roser Company’s proven expertise in arena refrigeration systems, industrial ammonia refrigeration, and mechanical system retrofits. Facilities of this scale require careful engineering, precise installation, and a deep understanding of real-world operating conditions.
Louis A. Roser Company delivers customized refrigeration solutions designed to balance performance, efficiency, and long-term value. Each project is approached with a focus on safety, reliability, and energy efficiency
Serving the Western United States
Louis A. Roser Company provides industrial refrigeration, HVAC, and mechanical engineering services throughout Utah, Idaho, California, Colorado, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, and Montana. From new system design to complex refrigeration retrofits, the company supports facilities that depend on reliable, high-performance mechanical systems.
This arena refrigeration retrofit reflects Louis A. Roser Company’s commitment to delivering efficient, forward-thinking solutions that help clients reduce energy costs, improve performance, and extend the life of critical infrastructure.
