Since the opening of the Beijing Winter Olympics, the National Speed Skating Stadium "Ice Ribbon" has witnessed a number of new Olympic records for four consecutive days! In addition to the excellent performance of the competitors themselves, the National Speed Skating Stadium "Ice Ribbon" competition venue also contribute to such frequent new Olympic records.

The temperature difference of the ice surface is controlled within 0.5 ℃.The ice surface of the National Speed Skating Stadium covers an area of 12,000 square meters. To create the "fastest ice" in such a large venue, the National Speed Skating Stadium has abandoned traditional refrigeration methods and has innovatively adopted carbon dioxide transcritical direct cooling ice technology. It has become the world's first winter Olympic speed skating venue using this technology, and the temperature difference between the ice surface can be controlled within 0.5 ℃.

Lower temperature difference results in more uniform ice hardness and smoother ice surface

With the support of key R&D programs, the team has developed an innovative carbon dioxide transcritical direct cooling ice system that focuses on "the fastest ice" and green low-carbon goals. This ice system not only reduces the energy-saving GWP value (Global Warming Potential) from nearly 4,000 to 1, but also controls the ice temperature.

In addition, by comparing the laser scan with the BIM model, the team has ensured that 120,000 meters of stainless steel ice pipes under the ice rink are in a precise position and the ice temperature is uniform. To ensure the flatness of the ice slab concrete, laser measurement technology has been used to make the deviation of the flatness of 12,000 square meters of ice rink from the original 5 mm acceptance standard finally reach a maximum of no more than 3 mm.

The ice surface is carefully repaired by the staff between games intervals

Creating the "fastest ice" is not an easy task, and how to maintain it is even more of a learning curve. Since the opening of the arena, the staff has been watering and repairing the ice according to the rules of the game during training breaks or between games. This procedure ensures that the players are able to skate on the ice in good condition.

In addition, during the use of the "Ice Ribbon", the ice makers also need to constantly test the thickness of the ice to repair the flatness of the ice rink. For serious damage, it may be necessary to melt and refreeze.

Thanks to the support of technology and the efforts of countless people, the "fastest ice" has provided a better stage for the competitors to show themselves. In the coming days, it may witness more records!