Planergy creates custom template for energy usage

05/01/1998

Planergy creates custom template for energy usage

Independent energy services company Planergy, Austin, TX, has developed a custom template for assessing energy usage patterns in working semiconductor fabs. The set of energy assessment services is designed to evaluate usage at several different levels, ranging from the operation of individual equipment to large systems and processes. They identify potential energy efficiency measures that can reportedly result in cost savings with little impact on production. The assessments, which cover a fab`s manufacturing or cleanroom area, support areas, and office space, originated from a joint project between Planergy and SEMATECH. Pilot assessments conducted at Advanced Micro Devices and National Semiconductor resulted in the creation of a replicable template for conducting comprehensive energy assessments in operating fabs.

Texas Instruments (TI) is using Planergy`s template to monitor energy usage at its Dallas wafer fabs. TI plans to use the data it collects to maximize production efficiencies in the company`s fabs worldwide. SGS-THOMSON Microelectronics in Grenoble, France, and LG Semicon in Chongju-shi, South Korea, are also utilizing the energy assessment services. While its template was designed for the semiconductor industry, Planergy says the methodology and tools could be applied to any manufacturing environment with strict temperature, humidity, and particulate requirements.