Brazil Arena MRV

Balancing comfort and energy efficiency in sports venues has become a significant challenge in the HVAC industry. Midea Building Technologies(MBT), in collaboration with Brazil’s JAM Engineering, provided an all-in-one HVAC solution for the newly built MRV Arena. This included a high-efficiency air conditioning system, a ventilation system to ensure proper air circulation, and an exhaust system for the bars and kitchens serving the public. Through stable, reliable, and eco-friendly system designs, Midea has enabled MRV Arena to achieve a comfortable, healthy, and refreshing air environment.

Balancing Aesthetics and Reliability to Create a Green and Comfortable Venue

MRV Arena is the home stadium of Atlético Mineiro, a top-tier football club in Brazil. Covering over 185,000 square meters and accommodating 46,000 spectators, it is the second-largest football stadium in Belo Horizonte. The brand-new MRV Arena was also named Brazil’s “2023 Stadium of the Year.”

This project’s HVAC installation posed multiple challenges. First, the tight timeline required the completion of complex installation tasks within a short period. Additionally, the system design not only needed to meet the technical demands of efficient operation but also had to harmonize with the stadium’s overall aesthetic design, maintaining visual consistency. Furthermore, to provide the best spectator experience, the system had to operate at low noise levels. These demands placed higher expectations on Midea’s HVAC solutions, requiring them to meet stringent standards of reliability and durability while ensuring that material selection, design, and installation aligned with the unique characteristics of the stadium. Midea delivered industry-leading VRF systems, automated and intelligent control management systems, as well as air distribution and mechanical exhaust systems that comply with international standards. These solutions ensure that every spectator and player can enjoy the passion of football in a comfortable environment.

Precise Temperature Control and Intelligent Management for Efficient and Stable Operation

For a large venue like MRV Arena, the temperature requirements of different areas vary significantly, necessitating independent temperature control based on usage and crowd density. This called for a highly flexible and finely tuned HVAC system. Midea’s VRF system, known for its excellent energy efficiency and ability to independently control the temperature in different zones, was the perfect choice for this project. With a total capacity of up to 90 HP for the condensing units, the VRF system adapts to changing heat loads and provides precise temperature regulation for each area, ensuring optimal comfort. This flexibility not only enhances the experience for spectators and players but also reduces overall energy consumption, aligning with sustainable development principles.

Midea’s VRF system not only excels in temperature control but also integrates seamlessly with the Building Management System (BMS), enabling intelligent and efficient air conditioning management. Through the BMS, facility managers can dynamically adjust temperature settings across various zones based on the stadium’s usage and external environmental conditions. Additionally, the system’s self-diagnostic feature can identify potential issues promptly, simplifying maintenance processes, reducing operating costs, and ensuring long-term stable performance.

In the MRV Arena project, Midea’s duct system adhered strictly to ABNT and SMACNA standards, ensuring uniform air distribution and effective exhaust. The ducts were insulated with specific materials such as glass wool or ceramic fiber and made with galvanized or black steel, enhancing durability and energy efficiency. The system design also took aesthetic considerations into account, ensuring the duct layout harmonized with the stadium’s overall style, improving the visual experience and spectator satisfaction.

Carlos Antonio Pinheiro, the project director for MRV Arena, spoke highly of MBT’s solutions, summarizing the HVAC system as “high-quality” and “reliable”. He stated, “Given the scale of the project, we needed a strong and dependable partner with deep technical expertise to support us throughout the project, which is why we chose Midea.”

As a pioneer in green HVAC solutions, Midea has provided innovative and reliable all-in-one solutions for world-class sporting events, including the Qatar World Cup, Brazil World Cup, and Beijing Winter Olympics. With the MRV Arena project, MBT has once again demonstrated its leadership in low-carbon, intelligent HVAC systems, continuing to drive the industry toward greener and smarter solutions while contributing to the global development of sustainable buildings.