3M Korea Fab HVAC Energy Savings

  • August 12, 2024
  • William Payne

Advanced Cooling Technologies (ACT) has installed its Wrap-Around Heat Pipe Heat Exchangers (WAHX) at 3M Korea’s semiconductor plant. This has significantly enhanced cleanroom air conditioning performance at the 3M fab.

Facing challenges in maintaining consistent cooling and humidity levels, 3M Korea implemented ACT’s WAHX system, resulting in substantial energy savings and reduced carbon emissions.

The WAHX system, installed in nine air handling units (AHUs), provides a passive, highly efficient method for pre-cooling and reheating air. This innovation has led to energy savings of over 1,050,000 kWh annually per unit, translating to approximately $320,000 USD, saved in 2023 and projected savings of $440,000 for 2024. Additionally, the plant’s carbon footprint has been reduced by over 1,100 metric tons.

Due to these results, 3M is now considering expanding the use of ACT’s WAHX systems to its facilities in Japan, China, Taiwan, the USA, and the EU.