As part of the improvements to the Estádio do Dragão’s infrastructure, RACE has completed the construction of a central kitchen for preparing the food served in the stadium—something that did not previously exist. This central kitchen enables more efficient production and significantly reduces product restocking time during events.

The project included the installation of modern and efficient air-conditioning and ventilation systems, essential for user comfort and the proper functioning of the facilities.

To ensure air renewal and thermal control of the spaces, four Air Handling Units (AHUs) were installed to compensate for hood extraction and ensure adequate climate control.

Ventilation is provided by five fans, two of which are specifically responsible for hood extraction and smoke exhaust in the event of a fire, with the system operating through a bypass that circumvents the electrostatic and activated-carbon filters during emergencies. Complementing the system, five fan coil units with six-way valves for cycle inversion were installed.

For cooling, the stadium now has two additional chillers that can operate simultaneously or alternately, depending on the detected thermal load or SACE’s instructions. The chilled-water loop feeding the AHU and fan-coil batteries is maintained by a treated-water filling system that prevents pipe corrosion and extends the service life of the installations. In parallel, there is an interconnection with the existing hot-water line which, in addition to supplying AHUs and fan coils, recirculates through a plate heat exchanger to heat the water in two buffer tanks for consumption.

All piping and ductwork were thermally insulated to maximize energy efficiency and minimize thermal losses.

Additionally, several direct-expansion air-conditioning units were installed in specific areas.

The Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system is equipped with dedicated control panels, including all necessary smoke-extraction functions.

These investments reaffirm FC Porto’s commitment to modernizing the Estádio do Dragão and making it a comfortable, safe, and technologically advanced venue, prepared to host large-scale sporting and cultural events.