WO2009031888A2

WO2009031888A2 - Mobile long-distance ice rink and segment, coupling piece, diaphragm plate and method for a mobile long-distance ice rink

Info

Publication number: WO2009031888A2
Application number: PCT/NL2008/050579
Authority: WO
Inventors: Wilhelmus Adolfus Johannes Marie Hoeks
Original assignee: ICE-WORLD BV
Current assignee: ICE-WORLD BV
Priority date: 2007-09-04
Filing date: 2008-09-02
Publication date: 2009-03-12
Anticipated expiration: 2010-03-04
Also published as: WO2009031888A3

Abstract

The invention relates to a mobile ice rink constructed from at least two cooling members. Each cooling member has at least two connected segments. Each segment has a supply distribution line and parallel thereto a discharge distribution line, in the longitudinal direction of the rink, and pairs of cooling lines located transversely to the distribution lines. Of each pair of cooling lines, one cooling line extends from the supply distribution line to an end coupling piece and the other cooling line extends, parallel to the first cooling line, from the end coupling piece to the discharge distribution line. An outflow end of the discharge distribution lines of the first cooling member is connected to an inlet end of the supply distribution lines of the second cooling member via a first pump. An outflow end of the discharge distribution lines of the second cooling member is in liquid connection with a second pump for the supply of coolant to an inlet end of supply distribution lines of a further cooling member or of the first cooling member.

Description

Mobile long-distance ice rink and segment, coupling piece, diaphragm plate and method for a mobile long-distance ice rink.

The invention relates to a mobile long-distance ice rink.

EP 1 462 755, in the name of the Applicant, discloses a mobile ice rink constructed from cooling elements, each cooling element consisting of a number of mutually parallel cooling lines extending between a supply distribution line and a discharge distribution line. The cooling lines are constructed from hingeable line parts which are joined together in a liquid-tight manner via flexible couplings. The cooling lines extend in the longitudinal direction of the ice rink and can have a length of between 10 and 30 m. The width of the known mobile ice rink can be extended as desired by placing various cooling elements next to one another and joining together the respective supply distribution lines and discharge distribution lines.

The known cooling elements provide a mobile ice rink which can be rapidly constructed, easily dimensionally adapted and used in a large number of locations. The dimensions of the previously known ice rinks are of the same order of magnitude in the length and in the width of the ice rink, thus allowing skaters to skate in all directions over the formed surface of ice.

An object of the present invention is to provide a mobile long-distance ice rink. The term "long-distance", as used in the present document, refers to an ice rink having a length of at least 80 m and a width of between 1 m and 50 m, preferably between 3 m and 20 m. The term "mobile", as used in the present document, refers to an ice rink constructed from segments of interconnected cooling lines and from distribution lines connected thereto, which segments, once they have been used for a certain period of time, can be drained of coolant, can be uncoupled from one another and can be transported and/or stored and, once a certain period of time has elapsed, can be joined together again at the same or at a different location, via the distribution lines, thus allowing an ice rink to be reconstructed therefrom. A mobile long-distance ice rink should be easy to transport, install and dismantle. 8 050579

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A further object of the invention is to provide a mobile long-distance ice rink for use outdoors, wherein the cooling can be adapted to local conditions influencing the formation of ice, such as insolation, wind force and/or temperature.

It is also an object of the invention to provide a mobile long-distance ice rink with which a curved rink can be formed, such as a closed contour. The provision of a reliable coupling piece, which can be rapidly attached and removed, for the distribution lines of segments of a mobile ice rink, is envisaged.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a mobile long-distance ice rink within which the transport of the cooling medium through the cooling lines and the distribution lines can be achieved according to a predetermined manner.

For this purpose, a mobile ice rink according to the invention is characterised in that said ice rink is formed from at least a first and a second cooling member, wherein each cooling member is provided with at least two interconnected segments, with for each segment:

- a supply distribution line and parallel thereto a discharge distribution line, which distribution lines extend in the longitudinal direction, - pairs of cooling lines located transversely to the distribution lines, with for each pair a first cooling line extending from the supply distribution line to an end coupling piece and a second cooling line extending, parallel to the first cooling line, from the end coupling piece to the discharge distribution line,

- the supply distribution lines and the discharge distribution lines of the first segment being connected in a liquid-tight manner to the respective distribution lines of the second segment, and an outflow end of the discharge distribution lines of the first cooling member being connected to an inlet end of the supply distribution lines of the second cooling member via a first pump, and an outflow end of the discharge distribution lines of the second cooling member being in liquid connection with a second pump for the supply of coolant to an inlet end of supply distribution lines of a further cooling member or of the first cooling member. Constructing a cooling member from segments provides elements of a convenient size, so the mobile long-distance ice rink can be easily transported, installed and dismantled. In addition, the segments can be tested for liquid-tightness during manufacture, so no time-consuming testing is then required during installation.

Joining together the supply distribution lines and the discharge distribution lines of two or more cooling members in the longitudinal direction of the ice rink, in such a way that the cooling lines extend in the transverse direction of the ice rink, provides a very long mobile ice rink having a continuous and uniform ice surface. Providing at least two of the cooling members each with its own pump, the pumps being interconnected in series, results in a pumping power distributed over the length of the ice rink, thus ensuring adequate flow of the coolant for an ice rink of any length. As a result of the multiplicity of pumps, the diameters of the distribution lines can remain relatively small, thus ensuring that the mobile ice rink is easy to handle. In addition, as a result of the relatively small diameters of the distribution lines, the total volume, and therefore the total amount, of cooling liquid remains limited. As a result of the redundancy of the pumps connected in series, there remains sufficient circulation of coolant even in the event of failure of one or more pumps, thus preventing the ice rink from heating up locally to above the melting point of water. The fact that the pumping power is distributed over the length of the path of the cooling liquid allows local pressures to remain relatively low, for example in the region of 1 to 2 bar, thus ensuring the tightness of the couplings.

In an embodiment of a mobile ice rink according to the invention, a heat exchanger for cooling of the coolant is received between the outflow end of the discharge distribution lines of the first cooling member and the inlet end of the supply distribution lines of the second cooling member, wherein a second heat exchanger for cooling of the coolant is received between the outflow end of the discharge distribution lines of the second cooling member and the inlet end of the supply distribution lines of a further cooling member or of the first cooling member.

The fact that the cooling members are each provided at their inlet with a heat exchanger produces cooling, distributed uniformly over the length of the ice rink, of the cooling lines and allows uniform formation of ice to be realised. Preferably, each cooling member is provided both with its own heat exchanger and with its own pump.

A further embodiment provides N cooling members n = 3...N, the outflow end of the discharge distribution lines of the (n-l)^th cooling member being connected to the inlet end of the supply distribution lines of the n* cooling member.

In one embodiment, the distribution lines are joined together in a closed loop, so the coolant is circulated through all lines. The cooling lines can extend transversely to a straight line, if a straight ice rink is formed, or can be located transversely to a closed contour, thus forming a closed ice rink, for example in the form of an oval or of a competition rink with two parallel straight parts, joined together by U-shaped curved parts.

The distribution lines of each cooling member protrude along the length of the cooling member and are each closed off at one end. The diameter of these distribution lines is not greater than 30 cm, preferably not greater than 25 cm, most preferably not greater than 20 cm.

The length Ls of each segment of the ice rink is between 0.5 m and 5 m, preferably between 0.8 m and 2.5 m, and the width W is between 1 m and 12 m, preferably between 3 m and 7 m, the length Lc of each cooling member being at least 50 m. A mobile ice rink having a length L of at least 100 m and a width of, for example, 2ϋ m can easily be obtained using two pairs of neighbouring cooling members, each 10 m wide, with the end coupling pieces positioned facing each other.

Advantageously, each heat exchanger is provided with a cold source and with a regulating unit for controlling the cooling power of the heat exchanger.

The regulating unit allows cooling of a heat exchanger to be set and adapted to the local ice conditions which are, for example, dependent on insolation, wind or local temperature. It is possible to adapt the power of the heat exchangers in accordance with the time of day, wherein the power of the heat exchangers can vary from location to location. The heat exchangers can be controlled individually on the basis of temperature, insolation and/or wind in order to ensure uniform formation of ice over the length of the ice rink. In this regard, wind has a relatively marked influence on the formation of ice, so a regulator preferably comprises a sensor to determine the wind speed and wind direction.

Advantageously, the mobile ice rink is additionally provided with a central regulating unit for the monitoring and/or (additional) controlling of the cooling power of each of the heat exchangers. It is, for example, possible to adapt the cooling power of each of the heat exchangers as the temperature varies over the course of the day. It is, for example, also possible, if one of the heat exchangers is unable to supply sufficient cooling power, to increase the cooling power of the other heat exchangers, so good overall cooling power is still obtained. The central regulating unit thus monitors and controls the overall cooling power.

In a further embodiment, the distribution lines of the first and the second, cooling member are positioned on opposing longitudinal sides of the cooling elements. Placing the distribution lines in alternation on opposing sides of the ice rink allows sufficient thermal expansion and contraction to take place in each distribution line without this giving rise to impermissible deformations. The supply and discharge distribution lines of the segments are preferably joined together via a flexible coupling which can expand in the longitudinal direction to accommodate changes in length resulting from thermal expansion and contraction. This flexible coupling may comprise one or more curved pieces, line parts made of a flexible material, bellows constructions or sliding couplings and the like.

In a further embodiment of a mobile ice rink according to the invention, the end coupling piece of at least one of the segments forms a single tube having a length which differs from the length of the distribution lines. This forms a trapezial cooling element, from a number of which a curve can be formed, each trapezial segment corresponding to a specific angle of arc. The angle of arc, which is defined by the length of the cooling lines, the length of the distribution lines and the length of the end coupling piece, can, for example, be 2 degrees, for a length of the cooling lines of 10 m and a length of the distribution lines and the tubular end coupling piece of 1.00 m and 1.35 m respectively. For example, 90 of these trapezial cooling elements can provide a curve of 180 degrees with a radius of approximately 34 m and a length of approximately 106 m, measured over the centre of the rink. The cooling lines still extend substantially parallel in a segment.

The distribution lines of the trapezial cooling elements are preferably joined together by a coupling piece with two closure rims extending in the circumferential direction.

In a further embodiment of a mobile ice rink according to the invention, the mobile ice rink in which, during operation, the cooling medium flows with a first flow rate through a first cooling line, is provided with control means for providing, during operation, a flow of the cooling medium with a second flow rate through a second cooling line at a distance from the first cooling line, wherein the second flow rate has a predetermined relation to the first flow rate. In such a manner, a predetermined degree of flow of the cooling liquid through the cooling lines is provided.

In an embodiment, the degree of the second flow rate is more than 80% and less than 125%, and preferably more than 90% and less than 111% of the first flow rate, so that the degree of the first flow rate through the first cooling line is comparable with the second flow rate through the second cooling line.

Li such a manner, a comparable degree of flow of the cooling liquid through the cooling lines is achieved.

In a further embodiment, the degree of the flow rate between the first and second cooling lines of each combination of two cooling lines within a segment, and preferably within a cooling member, is equal to within 20% and preferably to within 10%. hi this way a substantially uniform branch of the cooling medium from the supply distribution lines to the cooling lines is achieved. In such a manner, a sufficient flow of the cooling liquid through all cooling lines along the entire length of the ice rink is achieved. This results in an improved quality of the ice-formation. In an embodiment, the flow rate distribution has a predetermined profile along the cooling member. The predetermined profile can be adapted to, for example, the individual distance between two neighbouring cooling lines or the local conditions, such as anticipated insolation, wind or temperature. This provides for an additional adjustment option to adjust the cooling conditions for a long-distance rink depending on the position along the rink.

The control means preferably comprise constrictions of the supply distribution lines and/or the discharge distribution lines and/or the cooling lines. The constrictions ensure an increase in the flow resistance of the cooling medium. This also allows for a variation of the pressure difference between the supply distribution lines and the discharge distribution lines to be corrected and controlled, in particular to be harmonized, along the longitudinal direction of the ice rink, thus enabling a well- balanced distribution of the cooling fluid in the cooling lines as a result of a substantially uniform branch.

In an embodiment, the constrictions are applied in the cooling lines. This enables the flow resistance through the cooling lines to be controlled and, for example, to obtain a substantially uniform branch of the flow from the supply distribution lines to the cooling lines.

In an embodiment, the constrictions are applied in the supply distribution lines and/or in the discharge distribution lines. This enables the control of the distribution of pressure in the respective supply distribution lines or the discharge distribution lines. The constrictions are preferably applied in the distribution lines instead of in the cooling lines since constrictions in the distribution lines have a larger diameter than in the cooling lines in order to cause the same effect to the flow rate distribution. By applying a larger diameter, there is little risk of any stoppages occurring caused by contamination which, for example, has remained in the lines after dismantling, re- constructing and filling the lines. Additionally, generally speaking, fewer diaphragm plates are required when placed in the distribution lines.

The constrictions are preferably formed by the presence of a diaphragm plate, placed transversely to the fluid circuit, whereby the diaphragm plate comprises one or more through-flow orifices, each having an aperture size for enabling the passage of the cooling liquid.

The diaphragm plate is preferably placed in or between segments of a cooling member in the supply distribution lines and/or discharge distribution lines.

It is also possible for diaphragm plates to be placed between all neighbouring segments. It may also suffice to just place diaphragm plates between a number of neighbouring segments, for example, when the pressure distribution along a number of segments is only very small. A total size of the one or more through-flow orifices for each diaphragm plate, Le. for each position along the longitudinal direction of the ice rink, is preferably optimized for obtaining a homogenous pressure drop between the supply distribution lines and the discharge distribution lines, i.e. across the cooling lines. A total size is, for example, determined by the sum of the aperture sizes of each of the one or multiple through-flow orifices in the diaphragm plate.

Preferably, at least one through-flow orifice of the diaphragm plate is positioned on the upper side of the diaphragm plate.

This ensures effective de-aeration when the diaphragm plate in the ice rink is placed with the upper side of the diaphragm plate directed upwards, so as to ensure that the through-flow of downstream air whilst filling the cooling member is not hindered, nor the through-flow of upstream air whilst emptying the cooling member. In an alternative embodiment, the diaphragm plate is provided with one through-flow orifice on the upper side and one single further through-flow orifice. The through-flow orifice on the upper side of the diaphragm plate has preferably the same size for each diaphragm plate in a cooling member, whereas the size of the further through-flow orifice in the diaphragm plate is different in order to obtain the homogenous pressure drop. In an alternative embodiment, the diaphragm plate is provided with one through-flow orifice on the upper side and with multiple further through-flow orifices. In this embodiment, the through-flow orifice on the upper side of the diaphragm plate has preferably the same size for each diaphragm plate in a cooling member, whereas the size and number of the further through-flow orifices in the diaphragm plate may differ 9 between the different diaphragm plates in order to obtain the homogenous pressure drop.

A few embodiments of a mobile ice rink according to the invention will be described in greater detail, by way of example, with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a schematic reproduction of a cooling element according to the invention formed from a number of angular segments;

Fig. 2 shows a first embodiment of a mobile ice rink formed from two closed cooling circuits;

Fig. 3 shows an embodiment of a mobile ice rink, a first and a second cooling member being joined together via a pump and a last cooling member being connected to the first cooling member via a return line and a pump;

Fig. 4 shows an embodiment wherein the first and second cooling member and the last but one and last cooling member are joined together via a pump;

Fig. 5 shows an embodiment wherein the supply and discharge distribution lines of each coolingjnember are connected to a pump;

Fig. 6 is a schematic reproduction of cooling segments coupled together in a straight line;

Fig. 7 shows two trapezial cooling segments coupled together at an angle;

Fig. 8 shows a coupling piece for interconnecting the distribution lines of two trapezial cooling segments;

Fig. 9 shows a preferred embodiment of a coupling at an angle of the supply and discharge distribution lines; Fig. 10 shows a 400 m ice rink with a closed contour;

Fig. 11 and Fig. 12 a diaphragm plate for varying the through-flow orifice of the fluid circuit through a distribution line, and

Fig. 13 shows a diaphragm plate placed between two segments.

Fig. 1 shows a mobile ice rink 1 which extends hi the longitudinal direction A and is formed from N cooling members Ci, C₂, .. -, CN- Each cooling member C_n, n = 1...N, is constructed from P segments Si-Sp. The number P of segments can be the same in each cooling member C_n but can also differ from cooling member to cooling member. The cooling members C_n each have a supply distribution line 3 and a discharge distribution line 5. A pump 7 is connected to an upstream end 6 of each supply distribution line. A downstream end 8 of the supply distribution lines 3 is closed off. A downstream end 11 of the discharge distribution line 5 is connected to a second pump 12 which is connected via a heat exchanger 13 to the supply distribution line 3 of the neighbouring cooling member C₂. An upstream end 15 of the supply distribution line 5 of cooling member Ci is closed off.

Each segment S_p, p ~ 1...P, has a number of pairs of parallel cooling lines 17, 18 which are respectively connected, at a first end 20, 21, to the supply distribution line 3 and to the discharge distribution line 5 and which are joined together, at a second end 22, 23, via an end coupling piece 19. The outlet of the discharge distribution line 5 of the N¹¹¹ cooling member CN is connected via the pump 9 and the heat exchanger 11 of the N^th cooling member to a return line 25 which is connected to the inlet of the supply distribution line 3 of the first cooling member Ci via an (optional) pump 7 of the first cooling member Ci.

During operation, coolant, for example glycol, is fed at a temperature of, for example, -10 °C via the supply distribution line 3 to the first cooling line 17 and flows via the end coupling piece 19, through the second cooling line 18, back to the discharge distribution line 5. The average temperature over the two neighbouring cooling lines 17, 18 is substantially constant in each position between the distribution lines 3, 5 and the end coupling piece.

The width W of each segment S is for example 10 m, the length Ls for example 1 m, whereas the length Lc of a cooling member is for example between 10 m and 200 m, such as for example 50 m.

In the embodiment according to Figure 2, the mobile ice rink 1 comprises a first pair of cooling members Ci, C₂, the outflow end 11 of the discharge distribution line of cooling member Ci being connected to an inflow end of the supply distribution line of cooling member C_∑ via a pump 12. The outflow end 16 of the discharge distribution line of cooling member C₂ is connected to the supply distribution line of the cooling member Ci via a return line and a pump 7. A second closed cooling circuit is constructed in the same manner from cooling members C3, C₄ and pumps T, 12". The ice rink according to this embodiment can be extended as desired with various closed circuits, each with two or more cooling members C_N. Furthermore, cooling heat exchangers for cooling of the cooling medium (for example, glycol) can be received between the cooling members Ci, C₂ and/or in the return line.

In the embodiment according to Figure 3, N cooling members CI-CN are positioned in series, with a pump 12, 7 between cooling members Ci and C₂, and CN and Ci.

In the embodiment according to Figure 4, a pump 12, 10 is received between the first pair of cooling members Ci and C₂ and between the last pair of cooling members CN-_I and CN, whereas in the embodiment according to Figure 5 each cooling member C_I-CN is connected, on its inlet side and outlet side, to a respective pump 12, 10, 9, 7.

In the embodiment according to Figures 3 to 5, one or more heat exchangers can be received. The number of heat exchangers can be as large as the number of pumps, although this is not always necessary. It is, for example, possible for a single heat exchanger to be used for each pair of cooling members, so the number of heat exchangers is N/2.

As shown in Fig. 6, each cooling member C has a length L of, for example, 100 m and is, for example, constructed from 100 segments S. Each segment S has a length dimension D of, for example, 1 m and a width dimension W of, for example, 10 m. The cooling lines 17, 18 have an internal diameter of, for example, 19 mm and are set apart from each other by 5.5 cm. The distribution lines 3, 5 have a diameter of, for example, 16 cm. The pumps 7, 12 pump the coolant at a rate of, for example, 200 1/min at a working pressure of from 1 to 2 bar.

The cooling lines 17 of each segment S are connected, on the one hand, to the supply distribution line 3 and, on the other hand, to a tube 25, whereas the cooling lines 18 extend between the discharge distribution line 5 and the tube 25. The supply and discharge distribution lines 3, 5 of each segment S are joined together to form a portable and convenient unit, whereas the tube 25 connects the ends of the cooling lines to form a rigid and manageable unit. During transportation, the segments S can be stacked flat one on top of another and taken by a trailer along the stretch of the ice rink to be constructed. Subsequently, the supply and discharge distribution lines 3, 5 of successive segments are joined together in the longitudinal direction A of the ice rink via coupling pieces 26, 27. Suitable coupling pieces are described in European patent application EP 1 462 755 in the name of the Applicant. Preferably, some coupling pieces are somewhat resilient, as a result, for example, of a bellows-like expansion part or as a result of the use of a flexible material to accommodate thermal expansion and contraction of the supply and discharge distribution lines in the longitudinal direction.

As is shown in Figure 6, the heat exchanger 13 is provided with a cold source 30, the cooling power of which is set via a programmable regulating unit 31. Alternatively, the heat-exchanging contact between the cooling liquid and the cold source 30 is varied by the regulating unit 31. The heat exchanger 13 regulates the cooling of the cooling liquid, for example, on the basis of a temperature signal from temperature sensor T, a light intensity signal from light sensor L or a wind force signal from wind sensor W.

In ice rinks having relatively large dimensions, for example a length of 5 km, specific cooling members C can be provided with their own cold source and regulating unit which adapts the cooling power for this segment as a function of the local conditions (wind, sun, temperature), thus allowing uniform formation of ice over the entire length of the ice rink. 2008/050579

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Figure 7 is apian view of two generally trapezial segments S, a length D₂ of the supply and discharge distribution lines 3, 5 being greater than the length Di of the tube 25. Lines 3, 5 of the neighbouring segments Sj and S₂ are joined together via a coupling piece 33 provided with connection cavities in which the ends of the lines 3, 5 are received in such a way that the lines extend relative to one another at an angle α of, for example, α= 2° at Di = 1.00 m, D₂ = 1.35 m and W = 10 m for a curve to the left and at Di = 1.35 m, D₂ = 1.00 m and W = 10 m for a curve to the right.

Figure 8 shows a coupling piece 40 for connecting two distribution lines 41, 42 at an angle a. The coupling piece 40 has two receiving parts 43, 44 which fit tightly around the ends of the lines 41, 42. A curved channel part 45 of the coupling piece forms a liquid connection between the lines 41, 42.

Fig. 9 shows a coupling piece 50 as known, for example, from EP 1 462 755 for the joining-together of distribution lines 51, 52. For segments S which are positioned along a curvature, the circumferential grooves 53 are large compared to the closure rims 54, 55 of the coupling piece 50. In this case, a width V of the circumferential grooves 53 and the depth H are considerably larger than the width and the depth of the closure rims 54, 55, so the axes of the distribution lines can assume an angle of, for example, 2° relative to one another. For distribution lines, the axes of which are positioned in one another's extension along straight pieces of the ice rink, the circumferential grooves 53 can, for the same coupling pieces 50, be narrower in order to engage closely with the closure rims 54, 55 of the coupling piece. In this way, both straight parts and curved parts of an ice rink can be formed using a single coupling piece 50.

Figure 10 shows a 400 m ice rink formed from segments Si-Sp with rectangular segments having a length of 2 m and a width of 10 m and trapezial segments having a length of Di = 1.00 m and D₂ = 1.35 m respectively and a width of 10 m.

The distribution lines 57, 58 of the curved rink parts are positioned on the inside of the rink, whereas the distribution lines 59, 60 of the longitudinal sides are positioned along the external circumference of the rink. A skater who fails to take the bend will therefore not enter into contact with the distribution lines.

The distribution lines 59 are connected to pump-cooling combinations 65, 66. The distribution lines 57 to 60 are joined together via flexible transverse lines 61, 62, 63 and 64 running continuously below the ice rink. In this way, each series of cooling members is able to move sufficiently along the longitudinal sides and along the curves under the influence of thermal expansion and contraction without this excessively increasing the tension on the coupling pieces of the distribution lines.

Obviously, utilising a multiplicity of rectangular segments and trapezial segments, for curves to the left and curves to the right, provides not only this 400 m rink but also a mobile ice rink of any desired length and shape such as, for example, a loop having a winding 5 km track.

The cooling bodies of a mobile long-distance ice rink with a length of, for example, 5 km may, for example, have a length of between 250 m and 300 m, wherein each cooling member Ci, C₂ is provided with a pump 12 and a heat-exchanger 13. Here, provisions can e.g. be made for an interstitial distance between the cooling lines 17, 18 of between 5 and 6 cm, a width of the segments of 5 m, a diameter of the cooling lines of 20 mm, a diameter of the supply distribution lines 3 and discharge distribution lines 5 of between 150 and 200 mm, and the pumps may generate a pressure of, for example, between 1.0 and 1. 5 atm. Whereas m Known cooπng systems _Wi omaller ice rinks the pressure drop on the supply distribution lines and the discharge distribution lines is almost uniform, the pressure drop on such a large cooling member may be so large that the branch of the cooling medium from the supply distribution lines 3 to the cooling lines 17, 18 is not uniform. The invention therefore provides for constrictions of the supply distribution lines and/or the discharge distribution lines and/or the cooling lines in order to vary the through-flow orifice of the fluid circuit through a distribution line, for providing a predetermined distribution in the flow rate in the cooling lines of the cooling member. The predetermined distribution of the flow rate preferably corresponds to a substantially uniform branch line of the cooling medium from the supply distribution lines to the cooling lines of the cooling member.

The constrictions may be formed by adjusting the diameter of the supply distribution lines and/or the discharge distribution lines and/or the cooling lines to the location along the longitudinal direction of the circuit. However, in this case it will be necessary to provide a multiple of different segments with substantially the same dimensions, but with distribution lines and/or cooling lines of varying diameters. The constrictions are therefore preferably formed by the presence of a diaphragm plate in the distribution lines and/or cooling lines. The diaphragm plate is preferably present in the distribution lines, for example, between the (standard) segments. Placement in the supply distribution lines and/or the discharge distribution lines has the advantage above placement in the cooling lines in that it provides for a good through-flow of the cooling medium, whereas constrictions of the cooling lines or placement of diaphragm plates in the cooling lines could possibly result in such a small opening that there would be a risk of stoppage caused by contaminations. In particular, when the mobile ice rink is repeatedly dismantled, constructed and filled, there is a risk of the presence of contaminations, for example, due to the fact that sand has entered the lines.

Fig. 11 and Fig. 12 show examples of a diaphragm plate. The diaphragm plate 110 shown in Fig. 11a and Fig. 1 Ib is around disc which can be placed between two segments for the purpose of disturbing the fluid circuit. The dotted line 115 indicates an inner circumference of a distribution line for the diaphragm plate from this example, when this is placed between the two segments. The diaphragm plate is, for example, an aluminium disc 111 having a first hole 112 in the centre and a second hole 113, 114 on the upper side. The second hole can be formed as a recess on the exterior of the disc 111, as shown in Fig. 1 Ia, or as a, preferably round, hole 114 near the exterior of the disc 112, as shown in Fig. lib. The size of both holes together determines the resistance met by the cooling liquid when this flows through the holes 112, 113. The second hole 113, 114 preferably has the same size for each diaphragm plate. A uniform branch into the cooling lines can be achieved by adapting the size of the first hole 112 to the fluid pressure and the flow rate depending on the position along the longitudinal direction of the cooling member. For a 5 km circuit with the dimensions as described hereinbefore, the diameter of the first hole in the diaphragm plate in close proximity to an end section of the cooling member may, for example, be between 1 and 5% of the diameter of the supply distribution line, whereas the first hole in the diaphragm plate in the centre of the cooling member may have a diameter of, for example, between 50 and 80% of the diameter of the supply distribution line.

Fig. 12 shows an alternative diaphragm plate 120. Here, the diaphragm plate here is an aluminium disc 121 within which a plurality of first holes 122 are distributed over the disc and which has a second hole 123 on the top side. The plurality of first holes 122 may consist of a number of holes, all with the same size, wherein the number of holes can be varied between the diaphragm plates in order to change the total through-flow orifice of the diaphragm plate. The plurality of first holes 122 may consist of a fixed number of holes with the same size within a single diaphragm plate, but with different sizes between the diaphragm plates for varying the total through-flow orifice of the diaphragm plate. It is also possible to vary the number and size of the first holes 122 between diaphragm plates.

Fig. 13 shows a diaphragm plate 130 placed between two segments Sn, Sn+1. The two segments Sn, Sn+1 are interconnected by means of a coupling piece 140, for example, as shown and discussed in Fig. 9, wherein the coupling piece is arranged for also placing the diaphragm plate 130 between the two segments. The diaphragm plate 130 is provided with a first hole 132 and a second hole 132 for obtaining the correct conditions for a uniform branching of the fluid flow 150 from the first supply distribution line 170 to the cooling lines 160, 161 and of the cooling fluid flow 151 from the second supply distribution line 171 to the cooling lines 162, 163.

The following steps are applied in order to construct a mobile ice rink 1 in which cooling elements Ci, C₂ are used with a diaphragm plate 130. Firstly, at least two segments S₁, S₂ are interconnected, wherein the supply distribution lines 3 and the discharge distribution lines 5 of the first segment Si are connected fluid-tight with the respective distribution lines 3, 5 of the second segment S2 and wherein a diaphragm plate is placed in a connection between a supply distribution line 3, 5 of the first segment Si with the respective distribution line 5, 3 of the second segment S_∑. Subsequently, the placement of at least a first cooling member C 1 and a second cooling member C₂ takes place, each cooling member having been provided in the first step with at least two interconnected segments Si, S₂, wherein an outflow end 11 of the discharge distribution lines 5 of the first cooling member Ci is connected via a first . pump 12 to an inlet end 14 of the supply distribution lines 3 of the second cooling member C₂, and wherein an outflow end 16 of the discharge distribution lines 5 of the second cooling member C₂ has a fluid connection with a second pump 7, 10 for the supply of a cooling medium to an inlet end of supply distribution lines of a further cooling member C₃ or of the first cooling member C₁, C₄. A heat-exchanger 13 may be incorporated between the outflow end 11 of the discharge distribution lines 5 of the first cooling member Ci and the inlet end 14 of the supply distribution lines 3 of the second cooling member C₂ for cooling the cooling medium, and a second heat- exchanger 13' may be incorporated between the outflow end 16 of the discharge distribution lines 5 of the second cooling member C₂ and an inlet end of the supply distribution lines of a further cooling member C₃ or of the first cooling member Ci for cooling the cooling medium. Subsequently, the mobile ice rink is filled with a cooling medium, after which the cooling process may commence by allowing the cooling fluid to flow through the ice rink using the pumps 7, 10.

Claims

1. Mobile ice rink (I) comprising at least a first (Ci) and a second (C₂) cooling member, wherein each cooling member is provided with at least two interconnected segments (Si, S₂), with for each segment

- a supply distribution line (3) and parallel thereto a discharge distribution line (5), which distribution lines extend in the longitudinal direction (A),

- pairs of cooling lines (17, 18) located transversely to the distribution lines (3, 5), with for each pair a first cooling line (17) extending from the supply distribution line (3) to an end coupling piece (19, 25) and a second cooling line (18) extending, parallel to the first cooling line (17), from the end coupling piece (19, 25) to the discharge distribution line (5),

- the supply distribution lines (3) and the discharge distribution lines (5) of the first segment (Si) being connected in a liquid-tight manner to the respective distribution lines (3, 5) of the second segment (S₂), and an outflow end (11) of the discharge distribution lines (5) of the first cooling member (Ci) being connected to an inlet end (14) of the supply distribution lines (3) of the second cooling member (C₂) via a first pump (12), and an outflow end (16) of the discharge distribution lines (5) of the second cooling member (C2) being in liquid connection with a second pump (7, 10) for the supply of coolant to an inlet end of supplv distribution lines of a further cooling member (C3) or of the first cooling member (C₅, C₄).

2. Mobile ice rink (1) according to Claim 1, wherein a heat exchanger (13) for cooling of the coolant is received between the outflow end (11) of the discharge distribution lines (5) of the first cooling member (Q) and the inlet end (14) of the supply distribution lines (3) of the second cooling member (C2), and wherein a second heat exchanger (13") for cooling of the coolant is received between the outflow end (16) of the discharge distribution lines (5) of the second cooling member (C₂) and the inlet end of the supply distribution lines of a further cooling member (C3) or of the first cooling member (Ci).

3. Mobile ice rink (1) according to either Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein each cooling member (CI-CN) is connected, at an inlet end of the supply distribution lines (3) and at an outflow end of the discharge distribution lines (5), to a respective pump (7, 10, 12) and to a respective heat exchanger (13, 13').

4. Mobile ice rink (1) according to Claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein N cooling members (C_n) are provided, the outflow end of the discharge distribution lines (5) of the (n-l)^ft cooling member (C_n-I) being connected to the inlet end of the supply distribution lines (3) of the n^th cooling member (C_n).

5. Mobile ice rink (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein an upstream end (15) of the discharge distribution lines (5) of a cooling member (C_n) and a downstream end (8) of the supply distribution lines (3) of a cooling member (C_n) are closed off.

6. Mobile ice rink (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a diameter of the supply and of the discharge distribution lines (3, 5) is not greater than 30 cm, preferably not greater than 25 cm, most preferably not greater than 20 cm.

7. Mobile ice rink (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, having a length (D) of each segment (Si-Sp) of between 10 and 40 m and a width (W) of between 1 and

10 m, preferably between 3 and 7 m, and a length (L) of each cooling member (C_I-CN) of at least 50 m.

8. Mobile ice rink (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cooling members (C_I-CN) form a closed path.

9. Mobile ice rink (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each heat exchanger (13, 13') is provided with a cold source (30) and with a regulating unit (31) for controlling the cooling power of the heat exchanger.

10. Mobile ice rink (1) according to Claim 9, further provided with a central regulating unit, wherein the central regulating unit cooperates with the regulating unit of each heat exchanger.

11. Mobile ice rink (1) according to Claim 9 or Claim 10, wherein at least one of the regulating unit of each heat exchanger and the central regulating unit cooperates with at least one sensor for determining the cooling power of the heat exchanger.

12. Mobile ice rink (1) according to Claim 11, wherein the at least one sensor carries out a measurement of at least one value from the group consisting of the temperature of the air, the temperature of the cooling liquid, the wind speed and the insolation.

13. Mobile ice rink (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein distribution lines (3, 5) of the first and the second cooling element (Ci, C₂) are positioned on opposing longitudinal sides of the cooling elements (Ci, C₂).

14. Mobile ice rink (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the distribution lines (3, 5) of the first and the second cooling member (Ci, C₂) are connected via connecting elements (24, 28) which are flexible in the longitudinal direction of the cooling members.

15. Mobile ice rink (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the end coupling piece (19, 25) of at least one of the segments (S₁-S4) forms a single tube having a length (DO which differs from the length (D₂) of the distribution lines (3, 5).

16. Mobile ice rink (1) according to Claim 15, wherein the segments form a closed contour.

17. Mobile ice rink (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, during operation, the cooling medium flows with a first flow rate through a first cooling line (160), further provided with control means for providing, during operation, a flow of the cooling medium with a second flow rate through a second cooling line (163) at a distance from the first cooling line, wherein the second flow rate has a predetermined relation with the first flow rate.

18. Mobile ice rink (1) according to claim 17, wherein the degree of the second flow rate is more than 80% and less than 125%, and preferably more than 90% and less than 111% of the first flow rate.

19. Mobile ice rink (1) according to claim 17 or 18, whereby the control means comprise constrictions of the supply distribution lines (3) and/or the discharge distribution lines (5) and/or the cooling lines (17, 18).

20. Mobile ice rink (1) according to claim 19, wherein the constrictions are provided in the supply distribution lines (3; 170) and/or the discharge distribution lines (S).

21. Mobile ice rink (1) according to claim 19 or 20, whereby the constrictions are formed by the presence of a diaphragm plate (110; 120; 130), placed transversally to the fluid circuit, wherein the diaphragm plate comprises one or more through-flow orifices (112, 113, 114; 122, 123; 132, 133), each having an aperture size enabling the passage of the cooling fluid.

22. Mobile ice rink (1) according to claim 20, whereby the constrictions are formed by the presence of a diaphragm plate, placed transversally to the fluid circuit in or between segments (S₁-S₄) of a cooling member (Ci, C₂), wherein the diaphragm plate comprises one or more through-flow orifices (112, 113, 114; 122, 123; 132, 133) each having an aperture size enabling the passage of the cooling liquid.

23. Mobile ice rink (1) according to claim 21 or 22, wherein at least one of the through-flow orifices (113, 114; 123; 133) of the diaphragm plate is placed on an upper side of the diaphragm plate (110; 120; 130).

24. Mobile ice rink (1 ) according to claim 23, wherein the diaphragm plate (110) is provided with one through-flow orifice (113) on the upper side and one further through-flow orifice (112), whereby the through-flow orifice (113, 114) on the upper side of the diaphragm plate has substantially the same size for each diaphragm plate in the cooling member (Ci, C₂), and the size of the further through-flow orifice (112) in the diaphragm plate differs between at least two diaphragm plates in the cooling member.

25. Mobile ice rink (1) according to claim 23, wherein the diaphragm plate (120) is provided with one through-flow orifice (123) on the upper side and multiple further through-flow orifices (122), wherein the through-flow orifice (123) on the upper side of the diaphragm plate has preferably the same size for each diaphragm plate in a cooling member, whereas the size and number of the further through-flow orifices (122) in the diaphragm plate differ between at least two diaphragm plates in the cooling member.

26. Segment (Si-Sp) for use in a mobile ice rink, comprising a supply distribution line (3) and parallel thereto a discharge distribution line (5), pairs of cooling lines (17, 18) located transversely to the distribution lines, with for each pair a first cooling line (17) extending from the supply distribution line to a tubular end coupling piece (19, 25) and a second cooling line (18) extending, parallel to the first cooling line (17), from the tubular end coupling piece (19, 25) to the discharge distribution line (5), characterised in that the length (Di) of the tubular coupling piece (19, 25) differs from the length (D₂) of the distribution lines (3, 5).

27. Diaphragm plate (110; 120; 130) for placement in a mobile ice rink, characterized in that the diaphragm plate comprises one or more through-flow orifices (112, 113, 114; 122, 123; 132, 133), each with an aperture size for enabling the passage of the cooling liquid.

28. Diaphragm plate (110; 120; 130) according to claim 27 for placement between two neighbouring segments (Si, S₂) of a mobile ice rink.

29. Diaphragm plate (110; 120; 130) according to claim 27 or 28, wherein at least one through-flow orifice (113; 123; 133) of the diaphragm plate is positioned on an upper side of the diaphragm plate (110; 120; 130).

30. Plurality of diaphragm plates (110; 120; 130), wherein a first diaphragm plate according to any one of the claims 27-29 has a first total size of the one or more through-flow orifices (112, 113, 114; 122, 123; 132, 133) in the first diaphragm plate and wherein a second diaphragm plate according to any of the claims 27-29 has a second total size of the one or more through-flow orifices (112, 113, 114; 122, 123; 132, 133) in the second diaphragm plate, wherein the first total size and the second total size are different.

31. Coupling piece (40) for the joining-together of distribution lines of two neighbouring segments (Si, S₂) of a mobile ice rink, characterised in that the coupling piece comprises a bridging channel (45) and two opposing connection cavities (43, 44) which adjoin said bridging channel and have dimensions corresponding to the distribution lines which can be placed in the cavities, the longitudinal axes of the connection cavities extending at an angle relative to each other.

32. Coupling piece (140) for interconnecting distribution lines of two neighbouring segments (S_n, S_n+0 of a mobile ice rink, characterized in that the coupling piece comprises a bridging channel (45) and two opposing connection cavities (43, 44) which adjoin said bridging channel and have dimensions corresponding to the distribution lines which can be placed in the cavities, the coupling piece being arranged to also place a diaphragm plate (110; 120; 130) in between the two neighbouring segments).

33. Coupling piece (40) according to Claim 31 or 32 for the joining-together of distribution lines provided with a circumferential groove having a groove width (V) and a groove depth (H), wherein the coupling piece (40) is provided with a closure rim (54, 55) having a closure rim width and a closure rim height, the groove width (V) being substantially greater than the closure rim width and the groove depth (H) being substantially greater than the closure rim height.

34. Method for regulating the cooling power of at least two heat exchangers in a mobile ice rink (1) provided with at least one regulating unit for controlling the cooling power of each of the at least two heat exchangers and a central regulating unit, wherein the central regulating unit determines, in cooperation with the regulating unit of each heat exchanger, the cooling power of each of the at least two heat exchangers.

35. Method according to Claim 34 for a mobile ice rink (1) which is additionally provided with at least one sensor, wherein at least one of the regulating unit of each heat exchanger and the central regulating unit cooperates with at least one sensor for determining the cooling power of each of the at least two heat exchangers.

36. Method according to Claim 35, wherein the sensor carries out a measurement of at least one value from the group consisting of the temperature of the air, the temperature of the cooling liquid, the wind speed and the insolation.

37. Method for the construction of a mobile ice rink (1) according to any of the preceding claims 22-25, insofar as these are dependent on claim 25, wherein said method comprises:

- interconnecting at least two segments (Si, S₂) according to claim 23, wherein the supply distribution lines (3) and the discharge distribution lines (5) of the first segment (S₁) are connected fluid-tight with the respective distribution lines (3, 5) of the second segment (S₂) and wherein a diaphragm plate (110; 120; 130) according to claim 25 or 26 is placed in a connection between a supply or distribution line (3, 5) of the first segment (S₁) and the respective distribution line (5, 3) of the second segment (S₂.

- the placement of at least a first (Ci) and a second (C2) cooling member (C₂), wherein each cooling member is provided with at least two interconnected segments (Si, S₂), wherein an outflow end (11) of the discharge distribution lines (5) of the first cooling member (Ci) is connected via a first pump (12) to an inlet end (14) of the supply distnBufforflines (3) of the secόncTcooling member t€ri% and wliereby ail uulllυw eud- (16) of the discharge distribution lines (5) of the second cooling member (C₂) is connected in a liquid-tight manner to a second pump (7, 10) for the supply of a cooling medium to an inlet end of supply distribution lines of a further cooling member (C3) or of the first cooling member (Ci, C₄), and

- the filling of the mobile ice rink (1) with a cooling medium.

38. Method according to claim 37, whereby a heat-exchanger (13) is incorporated between the outflow end (11) of the discharge distribution lines (5) of the first cooling member (Ci) and the inlet end (14) of the supply distribution lines (3) of the second cooling member (C₂) for cooling the cooling medium, and wherein a second heat- exchanger (13') is incorporated between the outflow end (16) of the discharge distribution lines (5) of the second cooling member (C₂) and inlet end of the supply distribution lines of a further cooling member (C₃) or of the first cooling member (Ci).

39. Method according to claim 37 or 38, wherein each cooling member (CI-CN) is connected with an inlet end of the supply distribution lines (3) and a outflow end of the discharge distribution lines (5) to a respective pump (7, 10, 12) and to a respective heat- exchanger (13, 13').