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UK TURF COOLING The UK is experiencing one of the hottest and driest summers since the 1970s, which has led to huge stress on grass plants across the country. SGL discusses the benefits of cooling systems for grass plants in sporting environments
HOW DOES IT WORK?
The turf-cooling fans work through the principle of adiabatic cooling, also known as evaporative cooling. It is a method of cooling air through the evaporation of water. The systems spray a consistent stream of mist, which can then be carried 50m across the pitch by the high-powered fan. The mist abstracts the heat energy from the air above the surface, making the mist evaporate before it touches the grass, resulting in a cooler, dryer playing surface. This ‘wet cooling’ process can lower the surface temperature by an average of 7-80C, depending on the outside temperatures and natural wind. The graph, right, indicates the temperature difference with and without the use of the TC50s. The readings were taken 22 THE GROUNDSMAN August 2018
Technical sales engineer, SGL
speed created by the TC50 unit. This can vary from 14m/s at a range of 5m, to 4m/s at a range of 45m. An environment with the capability to increase air flow and air movement, and a similar capability to decrease air temperature can be a big advantage to any grounds team. It can help aid plant growth and recovery and reduce risk of disease in a sports stadium, training ground, court or course environment.
specifically over a 50m distance using the TC50 at FC Barcelona’s ground. The TC range is not just beneficial in hot temperatures. With the flexibility of being able to turn the cooling system off, the fan can help air circulation and the drying of the grass plant in a damp, still environment of the stadium structure. These turf fans help to accelerate the drying of the plant with increased air flow and circulation, which can also lead to a drop in temperatures. Another study revealed the difference between natural wind speed and the wind
i
For more on Turf Cooling systems, visit www.sglconcept.com
TEMPERATURES 10CM ABOVE GRASS 28
Degrees centigrade
T
hree years ago, SGL introduced a range of Turf Cooling systems, including the TC25, TC40 and the more common TC50. These machines have been used in southern Europe at football clubs such as FC Barcelona and Juventus FC. More recently, they have been introduced into northern European clubs, including Paris SaintGermain, Borussia Dortmund, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City.
By Tom Grafen
26.1
26.1
26.9
27.2 24.1
17.3
17.5
10m
20m
18.1
30m Without TC50
20.3
40m With TC50
50m