A CHILLING EFFECT
Cutting Kilowatts and Costs
IBM, RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. – Chiller Optimization Project
BACKGROUND
IBM’s Research Triangle Park (IBM-RTP) facility is one of the world’s largest technology centers
and the worldwide headquarters for many of IBM’s global operations. At more than 3.2 million
square feet and with three data centers, it’s a huge energy consumer. Yet, by working together,
Duke Energy and IBM-RTP have made the site one of IBM’s lowest-cost operations.
When a vendor approached IBM with a proposal for optimizing the site’s chiller (cooling) system,
IBM in turn called on Duke Energy for expertise. Duke Energy was asked to review the vendor’s
proposal, validate savings projections and determine if the project qualified for energy efficiency
rebates.
IBM, Duke Energy and the vendor conducted a thorough review of the cooling system and agreed
that new controls could significantly reduce both electrical demand and energy consumption.
The new controls make the site’s entire cooling system more efficient. “Variable flow modulation”
software, used in conjunction with variable speed drives on pump and fan motors, automatically
adjusts flow rates to optimal levels in response to facility cooling needs.
The project also expanded the capacity of the existing thermal storage system, providing greater
ability to curtail the site’s electric load during times of peak power demand.
RESULTS
This new controls scheme is helping IBM achieve its corporate energy and cost reduction goals.
Cooling system peak demand is down by 29 percent, and annual energy usage by 4.7 million
kilowatt-hours – a 27 percent decrease. The reduction in energy costs is estimated at $250,000
annually.
In addition, Duke Energy’s Smart $aver® program provided IBM with Custom Incentives of nearly
$230,000, substantially reducing the payback period of the chiller optimization project.
HOW CAN WE HELP YOUR BUSINESS GROW?
Duke Energy offers smart, customized energy solutions to help our business customers identify
ways to improve efficiency, and save energy and money. We put our expertise to work for you,
with technical support and practical solutions that improve your business’s electrical infrastructure, energy use and reliability.
Learn more by contacting your Duke Energy account manager or by visiting us at
www.duke-energy.com.
Job# 100225
©2013 Duke Energy Corporation 4/13-LU
“Duke’s assistance in
reviewing the proposal, along
with their incentive program,
was invaluable in helping us
sell this project internally.”
John Lepper
Site Energy Coordinator,
IBM-Research Triangle Park