Intelligent Snow Melting Reduces Costs at Ullevål Stadium

Ullevål Stadium is managed by Eiendomshuset Malling & Co. The company manages more than 2.5 million square metres of commercial property on behalf of Norwegian and international property owners, with an ambition to transform property management through technology that delivers measurable results.

Ahead of the 2020/2021 winter season, Guard Automation installed a new intelligent control system designed to keep the areas surrounding Norway's national football stadium free from snow and ice.

”Previously, the entire heating system was controlled by a single snow detector installed in the ground. This is a common solution, but far from optimal. The heating only starts once snow has already fallen, and when it does, the entire system runs at full capacity. This leads to unnecessary energy consumption,” explains Robert Skramstad, Head of Technology at Eiendomshuset Malling & Co.

”The new solution uses predictive technology to automate and optimise snow and ice melting. We can now stay ahead of freezing temperatures and snowfall,” says Skramstad with a smile.

He adds that the technology controls ground heating across approximately 6,000 square metres of pedestrian areas and vehicle access routes.

”Keeping the areas around Ullevål Stadium free from snow and ice is critical. The site includes shops, offices, a hotel and delivery areas. The new system is also unaffected by local weather conditions around the buildings, which was previously a challenge when relying on a single snow detector.”

Energy from an Advanced Energy Centre

Skramstad explains that Ullevål Stadium has one of Norway's most advanced energy centres for commercial buildings. Among other installations, six large ammonia heat pumps supply energy to the stadium and its associated facilities.

”The energy centre also provides the energy used for ground heating. Even though we produce our own heat, we want operations to be as stable and efficient as possible. Without our own energy production, we would experience extremely costly peak loads on cold, snowy days.”

The ground heating system can draw as much as 2.3 MW from the energy centre when required.

”These are enormous amounts of energy, which demonstrates just how important effective control is. Guard's technology contributes to more stable and consistent energy production while ensuring efficient snow melting when needed,” says Skramstad.

Jon Egil Ek, Division Manager at Guard Automation, explains that Ullevål Stadium is among the first facilities in Norway to implement the advanced Guard Street Smart solution.

Guard Automation has been developing systems for critical infrastructure for many years.

”Having our solution installed at Ullevål Stadium, with its complex energy centre, is an important achievement for us. Looking ahead, we hope to help other commercial properties reduce peak loads, energy consumption and operating costs,” says Ek.

He explains how the technology works:

”Guard Street Smart requires neither extensive installation work nor major investments. We connect an intelligent control unit to the existing heating system. This unit communicates with the cloud to predict heating requirements and optimise the snow melting process.”

Guard has collaborated with astrophysicists to develop calculation models based on weather data and the thermodynamics of the heating system.

”These models allow us to predict heating requirements as accurately as possible, without relying on physical sensors,” Ek continues.

The system analyses weather data, including solar radiation, wind conditions, temperature and cloud cover, to calculate how much energy is required.

The objective is to minimise energy consumption while maintaining safe and accessible outdoor areas.

Fast Installation Without Sensors

Skramstad explains that installing additional conventional snow detectors in the ground would have been both expensive and complicated.

”We would have needed to cut channels into the ground between the heating loops to install one or more snow sensors. And the heating would still have operated as before: unevenly, at full capacity and always reacting after the fact. That would have continued to cause unnecessary energy consumption.”

”The fact that Guard's solution is sensor-free is therefore a major advantage. Installation is flexible and relatively quick,” says Skramstad.

By combining operational expertise with technology, Skramstad works to deliver measurable improvements in commercial property management.

A Significant Need for Better Control

Jon Egil Ek believes there is considerable potential to improve the control of ground heating systems across Norway. This was one of the main reasons Guard began developing the technology in 2019.

”Many organisations could save significant amounts of money and energy through better ground heating control. So far, we have automated and optimised snow melting at around a dozen locations in Norway, with very positive results: lower costs, less unnecessary energy consumption and simpler day-to-day operations for facility managers.”

Skramstad agrees, pointing out that the challenge is both common and well known.

”It is worth reflecting on the fact that relatively simple snow detectors and control systems often determine whether ground heating should be switched on or off. As we know, snow melting systems consume enormous amounts of energy during cold periods.”

”I am convinced that many property owners could save substantial amounts of money and energy by implementing more intelligent control technology.”

Skramstad also highlights his satisfaction with Guard's support and follow-up throughout the project. The system has been continuously fine-tuned, and Malling & Co will now consider implementing the technology at other commercial properties under its management.

”Guard has followed us closely throughout the process. They are professional and genuinely care about making the solution work as effectively as possible. It is clear that Guard is accustomed to working with critical infrastructure.”

”I would therefore recommend Guard to anyone looking to manage their snow melting system more intelligently,” Skramstad concludes.