Univ of Illinois Micro + Nanotechnology Lab 2016 Highlights Report | Page 21

Energy conservation projects
New crystal growth capabilities

FACILITY UPDATES

Energy conservation projects

MNTL is poised to save $ 12 million in energy costs over the next 20 years thanks to the campus Energy Service Company ( ESCO ) initiative . Most of the cost savings will be realized in MNTL ’ s cleanrooms through new occupancy and particulate sensors , an air damper system , building control systems , centralized process water loops , upgraded air handlers , and new steam traps .
As a result of this work , which was mostly completed in 2016 , the particulate air quality and room temperature is now controlled independently for each cleanroom bay , whereas before the labs were controlled in pairs . The ESCO project is providing MNTL facility users with a better overall research experience .
In all , ESCO upgrades and renovations are being completed in four other College of Engineering facilities : Frederick Seitz Materials Research Lab , Loomis Lab , Engineering Sciences Building , and the Superconductivity Center . The total energy savings for all these facilities will be $ 41 million over the next 20 years .

New crystal growth capabilities

MNTL researchers are using the Aixtron MOCVD reactor to develop III-V compound semiconductorbased materials and devices like nanowire solar cells and next-generation transistors . The deposition system , which provides superior process flexibility and intrinsic uniformity , is available for use by researchers from outside of the University of Illinois . Contact us at 217.333.3097 for more information . micro + nanotechnology lab | 19 | 2016 highlights report