3M's Motor Challenge Showcase Demonstration Project

Abstract

In January 1994, 3M began the task of optimizing the electric motor systems at 3M Center, a 26 building, 7 million square foot corporate campus. A cross-functional, cross-company team was established which included four 3M employees representing two different departments within 3M, an engineer specializing in demand side management programs from Northern States Power Company, and a sales engineer from General Electric Supply Company. The team was later joined by an engineering specialist from Landis & Staefa, Inc., a building automation controls supplier. The team began the task of identifying the projects that could save energy and provide a reasonable return on 3M's investment on a building by building approach. As surveys were completed, proposals were prepared and presented to management requesting funding. The team continued the process of identifying projects in remaining buildings and took on the responsibility of designing, contracting and implementing projects as funding was approved for those already studied. Follow-up measurements to ascertain that the savings predicted was actually achieved are done before project close-out. This project was submitted and accepted as a Motor Challenge Showcase Demonstration Project. The Motor Challenge is a U.S. Department of Energy initiative to promote the efficient use of energy in electric motor systems. Showcase Demonstration Projects are used to exemplify the benefits that motor system optimization can provide. This Showcase Project is different from most as it emphasizes the process that was developed to carry out a project of this magnitude rather than any single specific technologies or applications. The team has completed the project at 3M Center. Measured savings are $823,000 per year. This paper will discuss the Motor Challenge Showcase Demonstration project that was completed at 3M Center, the motor systems survey methodology the team developed, analysis tools and techniques and the results that have been attained.