Cold for Ski Jumps: Daikin Ensures Stable Conditions at 40+ Ski Jumping Complexes

Since 2013, Peter Riedel GmbH has been using Daikin refrigeration systems to cool the in-run surfaces of ski jumping complexes. More than 40 facilities worldwide operate on this technology.

Facilities and Objective

Among the equipped complexes are Holmenkollen in Oslo, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Bischofshofen, and Ramsau. The task of the systems is to maintain stable conditions on the in-run surface for fair competition regardless of external factors: temperature, precipitation, and solar radiation.

Technical Parameters

Cooling in-run surfaces is considered a technically challenging task. The systems must respond precisely to temperature fluctuations, solar insolation, rain, and snow; the most problematic range is around zero degrees. According to Peter Riedel GmbH, the cooling capacity of the units is 16–25 kW. Each facility requires individual configuration — both in terms of hydraulic calculations and taking into account the site's climatic conditions.

Remote Monitoring and Control

The cooperation covers not only technical coordination but also the ability for remote monitoring: operating parameters are adjusted remotely. The control system developed by Peter Riedel GmbH allows tracking ice quality and transmitting relevant data on the in-run surface condition to coaches and operators.

According to Peter Riedel, Managing Director of Peter Riedel GmbH, since 2013 the company has equipped more than 40 ski jumping complexes with refrigeration equipment in partnership with Daikin. This cooperation, he says, has contributed to the further development of in-run surface systems for obtaining reliable results in challenging conditions.

Source: Die Kälte + Klimatechnik