Ammonia system ensures Olympic performances
15th March 2026
ITALY: Consistent ice quality for the bobsleigh and skeleton track at the recent Olympic Winter Games was provided by an innovative ammonia-based refrigeration system.
When the new bobsleigh and skeleton track in Cortina d’Ampezzo was built for the Olympic Winter Games Milano–Cortina 2026, consistent ice quality, high energy efficiency, and safe operation were non-negotiable requirements.
To meet these demands, an advanced ammonia-based refrigeration system was designed to produce chilled glycol distributed along the track.
The plant concept was developed in collaboration with Italian engineering partner Energytech and installed by Bolzano-based contractor Longofrigo, a specialist with decades of experience in winter sports refrigeration.
Danfoss supported the project from design through commissioning, contributing with an innovative ammonia-based system with state-of-the-art air purger technology.
The Olympic track required a highly efficient refrigeration system capable of maintaining precise and uniform ice temperatures along a long and technically complex course.
A central element of the installation is the Danfoss IPS 8 purging system, which automatically removes non-condensable gases from the refrigeration circuit. Continuous removal of these gases is essential to maintaining high efficiency and stable cooling capacity.
