Commercial & Industrial HVAC Hire
Ahead of the winter and Christmas season, a major seasonal events provider required a specialist cooling solution to create a temporary ice rink in Berkshire. Producing ice outdoors requires a highly controlled cooling system capable of reaching and maintaining temperatures as low as -10°C — essential for ensuring the surface freezes consistently and remains safe for public use.
Ideal Heat Solutions was contacted to supply a temporary chiller package that could meet strict performance requirements, support high flow rates and deliver the stability needed for reliable ice formation. With the installation taking place outdoors during a busy build period, the solution needed to be efficient, safe and fully capable of operating in challenging winter conditions.
We approached this project with a methodical and structured workflow to ensure the ice rink could be created on schedule for the opening of the seasonal event.
Our engineers attended the site in Berkshire to assess:
The survey allowed us to design a temporary low-temperature cooling system that could consistently produce and sustain the required ice thickness.
Following the survey, Ideal Heat Solutions deployed a specialised cooling package that included:
All equipment was prepared ahead of delivery for efficient installation within the tight build schedule of the ice rink construction.
The temporary chiller package was installed adjacent to the rink area, with the buffer tank and pump configuration positioned to maximise stability and efficiency.
Key steps included:
The chillers were configured to maintain consistent low temperatures throughout the day and night, ensuring the ice built evenly across the entire surface.
The temporary cooling system was designed to deliver:
Throughout the project, our engineers closely monitored performance, ensuring ice formation met the client’s timeframe and maintained the structural integrity required for skaters.
In addition, Ideal Heat Solutions utilised Trane Connect remote monitoring throughout the hire period. This enabled our team to track performance, adjust operating parameters when required, and ensure the chillers continued to run efficiently as weather conditions changed.
The solution included key equipment chosen for durability, reliability and low-temperature capability:
The project required a temporary cooling system capable of:
• Achieving and maintaining -10°C to produce and stabilise ice
• Operating efficiently during outdoor winter conditions
• Handling significant flow requirements across a large rink area
• Integrating safely with public-facing event infrastructure
• Supporting a tight build schedule ahead of the Christmas season
Ideal Heat Solutions provided a complete temporary chiller package including heat pump chillers, buffer tank, pump and braided hoses. The system was designed to achieve the specific cooling output required for ice creation and to maintain consistent temperatures throughout the event.
By setting the chillers to the correct control parameters and configuring the pump to deliver the required flow rate, the system successfully supported the formation of a stable, safe ice surface suitable for public use.
Trane Connect monitoring allowed our engineers to oversee real-time performance and adjust settings remotely if required — adding an extra layer of operational reliability throughout the hire period.
The installation successfully enabled the event provider to create and maintain a high-quality ice rink in time for the Christmas opening.
Key results included:
At the end of the event, the heat pump chillers are switched into heating mode to assist with melting the remaining ice — helping the site team complete decommissioning quickly and safely.
The project enabled thousands of visitors to enjoy a seasonal ice rink experience, supported by a cooling system engineered for low-temperature reliability.
Ideal Heat Solutions is trusted across the events sector for delivering temporary heating and cooling systems that keep operations running smoothly, safely and on schedule.
We offer:
Creating a high-quality ice rink requires a carefully engineered cooling solution capable of maintaining sub-zero temperatures with precision. By supplying a tailored temporary chiller package — including heat pump chillers, buffer tank, pump and braided hoses — Ideal Heat Solutions enabled the successful creation of a seasonal ice rink in Reading.
With the support of Trane Connect remote monitoring and the option to switch the system into heating mode at the end of the event, the solution delivered complete operational reliability from installation to decommissioning.
The system provided consistent performance throughout the winter season, helping ensure the event opened on time and delivered a safe, enjoyable experience for visitors. With expertise across temporary cooling, heating and seasonal infrastructure, Ideal Heat Solutions remains the trusted partner for event operators nationwide.
Can temporary chillers create ice for outdoor rinks?
Yes — with the correct setup, heat pump chillers can produce and maintain ice at sub-zero temperatures.
What temperature do chillers need to run at for ice rinks?
Typically around -10°C, depending on rink size and weather conditions.
Do you provide buffer tanks and pumps?
Yes — buffer tanks, pumps and braided hoses can all be supplied as part of a temporary cooling package.
Can temporary chillers operate outdoors during winter?
Yes, our systems are designed for reliable outdoor performance in low temperatures.
Do you offer nationwide temporary chiller hire?
Yes — we provide event cooling solutions across Reading, London and the entire UK.
Need temporary, planned or emergency chiller hire for an event?
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