In the world of professional hockey, the only thing that might be more iconic than the legendary Stanley Cup might be the Zamboni – the mighty ice-smoothing machines that keep the rink fast, flawless, and game-ready. And, thanks to battery power, today’s Zambonis can do the job more quietly, cleanly, and efficiently than ever.
We’ve written about how, despite the fact that affordable zero-emission technology exists along with mountains of research to prove its health benefits compared to to natural gas or propane combustion, most of the Zambonis in active deployment today still burn those fuels. And, while propane exhaust is generally considered “safe,” few will miss the ICE smells and exhaust fumes once they’re gone.
“I really appreciate that we’re not breathing the fumes,” a middle-aged woman told the Press Democrat, when they replaced their old ICE-powered Zamboni with a Snoopy-themed electric last year. “It’s huge.”
In addition to better health conditions for fans and improved working conditions for rink employees and hockey players, the electric Zambonis provide other benefits, as well.
“Our battery-powered electric ice resurfaces are expected to reduce fuel-related costs by 80% and maintenance costs by 35%,” explains Brent Fowler, Director of Corporate Asset Management and Fleet for Kingston, Ontario Clairmont. “In addition to cost reductions, we have access to improved operational and maintenance data while producing an overall enriched operator experience, with Zamboni providing valuable ongoing training opportunities for staff.”
The Zamboni model 552AC electric is powered by am 18 kW (~24 hp) brushless AC traction motor paired with an 8 kW (~11 hp) hydraulic pump motor. Both draw electrons from an 80 V battery pack built around either lead‑acid units (~510 Ah) or optional lithium‑ion packs (between 210 and 315 Ah as shown, below). The company claims that either choice is good for resurfacing a 200×100′ with clean, quiet power.
Electric options
In addition to its new propulsion, the modern Zamboni features dramatically upgraded resurfacing features that will help reduce the rink’s utility bill, as well.
Zamboni’s new “FastICE” system replaces the old “flood bar and towel system” on previous-generation ICE units with dozens of computer-controlled nozzles spraying a thick mist of water onto the ice. This FastICE freezes in a much more dense state than before, enabling rinks to run their refrigeration units at a higher overall temperature while still maintaining a quality ice sheet.
“A good amount of energy savings comes from that,” said Snoopy Ice program director, Blake Johnson, who told the Press Democrat that the difference was, “night and day.”
Aftermarket support
The best part? Electric Zambonis have been around long enough that there’s a significant amount of aftermarket support for them – including an upgrade from lead-acid to LiFePO4 batteries offered by Spiderway that the company claims extends the resurfacing battery’s lifespan from 3-5 years to 10-15.
When you consider better, faster ice, reduced energy costs, and cleaner, healthier conditions for fans, players, and rink workers in an enclosed place, it’s hard to argue with the electrification of Zambonis everywhere.
SOURCES: Press Democrat, Spiderway, Zamboni.
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