Field heating systems and Ground heating solutions for Football artificial turf fields with EKA
Keeping artificial turf fields playable year-round is a challenge in cold climates. At EKA, we specialize in designing heating systems for artificial turf fields. Our expertise helps you create energy-efficient and tailored solutions that meet your needs. However, we do not supply the systems; instead, we support you through the design and procurement process.
Customized Design for Field Heating
We assist you in designing a heating system optimized for your artificial turf field. Whether the heat comes from district heating, heat recovery, or heat pumps, we support you in selecting and considering the best options for your needs.
Why Choose EKA for Heating System Design?
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Independent Advisors: We are not tied to any specific supplier, ensuring we always prioritize your interests.
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Experience and Expertise: We have experience working with heating systems for sports facilities, including collaborations with KJ Byggadmin for the City of Stockholm.
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Sustainability: Our solutions focus on energy efficiency and reduced environmental impact.
From Design to Procurement
We offer structured support to ensure successful design and procurement of heating systems. More details about our approach can be found on our services page.
Reference Projects
We have worked on several projects where we have helped clients optimize the heating of artificial turf fields. In collaboration with KJ Byggadmin, we have conducted design work for the City of Stockholm, including an assessment of the energy usage of existing artificial turf fields, which served as a basis for a feasibility study of potential future football fields. Our experience ranges from smaller local fields to larger sports facilities.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is ground heating used beneath a football pitch?
Ground heating is used to keep the pitch playable even in cold weather. During winter, the ground can otherwise become rock hard or covered in ice and snow, which not only makes playing difficult but also increases the risk of injuries. Heating the ground prevents frozen surfaces and provides better conditions for both matches and training sessions. For many municipalities, this is a cost-effective alternative to building indoor arenas or using temporary dome structures, especially when there is a shortage of available pitch time and space.
What are the best energy source options for the ground heating system? (e.g. district heating, electricity)
The heat can come from district heating, heat recovery, or heat pumps — we support you in choosing and evaluating the best options for your needs.
Is ground-heating used to melt snow on the football pitch?
No, it’s not used for that. It would be technically possible, but it would require a much higher heat capacity. Snow on the football pitch has to be ploughed, and ground-heating is used to prevent the artificial turf and infill from freezing.
What are the long-term operating and maintenance costs of the ground heating system?
The operating costs are solely related to the energy used to heat the surface. These depend on scheduling and control, which is why a good control system is essential. The ground-heating system functions like a large standard HVAC installation, with no unusual service or maintenance requirements.
What environmental requirements and regulations must be followed when installing ground heating?
The antifreeze fluid must be selected with environmental considerations in mind, and legal requirements must be followed, just like for all HVAC installations.
What are the technical specifications of the ground heating system, including power requirements and the installation process?
The temperature level in the heating system, power requirements, and installation depend on the length of the season, outdoor temperature requirements, and the construction of the under-soil heating itself — which also depends on the desired FIFA standards.
How do you ensure that the ground heating system operates optimally during the winter months?
Monitoring with ground temperature sensors and proper control is crucial to ensure that the system operates optimally and in an energy-efficient way.
What happens if we don’t connect the ground heating during winter — can the pipes freeze if the system is not running?
The loops are usually pressure tested and filled with antifreeze fluid from the start, even if the heating system is not yet connected. This means the pipes cannot freeze, and the football pitch is therefore prepared for a future connection to the heating system.
