Molly Ayala
Laboratory equipment is essential for scientific research and development, but it can also be a significant source of energy consumption. With a growing focus on sustainability and cost-efficiency, it is important to understand which lab equipment consumes the most electricity. By identifying the energy-intensive equipment, laboratories can implement strategies to improve energy efficiency and reduce their environmental footprint. Centrifuges, hoods, and freezers are among the commonly used laboratory equipment, and they can vary in their power requirements and impact on energy consumption. Understanding the specific equipment and their energy usage patterns is the first step towards optimizing laboratory operations and contributing to a greener future.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Lab equipment energy consumption | 50% of total energy consumption at Stanford University |
| Plug load energy consumption | 32% of total energy consumption at Stanford University |
| Energy use intensity in lab buildings | 10.19 kWh/ft2/year |
| Energy use intensity in office buildings | 4.72 kWh/ft2/year |
| Percentage of energy consumed by lab equipment at Pitt | 2.5 times the campus-wide average per square foot |
| Energy-saving practices | Use of stickers as reminders to shut off non-essential equipment, University shutdown checklists, and guides |
| Energy-efficient equipment upgrades | Rebates and incentives offered by states and organizations |
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What You'll Learn
Lab equipment: types and energy consumption
Laboratory equipment is often energy-intensive. A plug-load assessment at Stanford University found that lab equipment accounted for 14% of all equipment surveyed but was responsible for 50% of the energy consumption. Lab buildings consume more energy than office buildings, with labs consuming an estimated 69% of the total plug load electricity compared to 20% for offices.
The types of equipment that consume the most energy vary depending on the laboratory and its functions. For example, in a study conducted on Stanford University's campus, computers and monitors were the most prevalent types of equipment. Other energy-intensive equipment commonly found in labs includes hot water baths, heating blocks, PCR machines, refrigerated centrifuges, electronic microscopes, and ultra-low-temperature freezers.
To reduce energy consumption, it is important to understand the power consumption of different types of equipment. Metering devices can be used to measure the energy consumption of laboratory equipment, and this information can be used to create plans for improved energy efficiency. Additionally, when replacing old equipment, it is advisable to look for more energy-efficient alternatives. Some states and organizations offer incentives and rebates for the purchase of new, energy-efficient equipment.
Several universities have implemented energy-saving practices and guidelines for labs. For example, the University of Nottingham uses a Lab Walkaround Checklist, while the University of Texas has an end-of-day shutdown procedure that includes turning off non-essential equipment. Other recommendations include using sensors to control lighting and temperature, regular defrosting of freezers, and frequent cleaning of filters and condensers to facilitate heat dissipation.
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Energy-saving practices in labs
Laboratories are energy-intensive facilities, often consuming much more energy than non-lab academic buildings. The first step in reducing energy consumption is to understand your baseline energy usage. Labs can use metering devices to measure the energy consumption of laboratory equipment and track actual usage. Once you have established a baseline, you can implement the following energy-saving practices:
Turn off equipment when not in use
Not all lab equipment needs to be on at all times. Chilled centrifuges, PCR machines, heating blocks, and hot water baths can be turned off when not in use. These machines can use up to 10kWh of electricity a day. Bio Safety Cabinets should also be shut down when not in use, and if they use UV lights, the sterilisers only need to be on for 30 minutes in most tissue culture hoods.
Use timers and smart plugs
Consider using timer or smart plugs on equipment that needs to be turned on or off before or after your lab is staffed, but do not need to be "always-on".
Unplug devices
Devices such as desktop computers, printers, copiers, and hot plates should be unplugged when not in use to reduce vampire plug-in.
Put computers into "sleep" mode
Computers and monitors can be put into "sleep" mode after 10 minutes of inactivity to cut power use to nearly zero.
Regular maintenance
Develop maintenance schedules for scientific equipment to extend their life and maintain their energy efficiency. For example, cleaning the compressor coils on cooling devices.
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Plug load equipment in commercial buildings
Plug load refers to the energy consumed by devices that are plugged into a standard AC outlet (120V/15A). Examples of such devices include computers, task lighting, coffee makers, and vending machines. These devices often continue to draw power even when they are not in use, leading to significant energy wastage and increased costs.
In commercial buildings, plug loads can account for a substantial portion of total energy consumption. According to the Commercial Buildings Energy Consumption Survey (CBECS), 19% of the total energy in US office buildings is attributed to plug load energy use. This includes office equipment, computers, and other devices. The US Department of Energy projected that office equipment would be the fastest-growing commercial end-use sector between 1998 and 2020.
To address the issue of plug load energy consumption, various strategies can be implemented. One approach is to use energy-efficient products with labels such as Energy Star, which have demonstrated over 50% energy savings compared to standard equipment. Additionally, plug load control strategies can be employed, such as occupancy-based controls, timer-based controls, and system-based receptacle controls. Occupancy sensors are ideal for areas with irregular schedules, such as offices, classrooms, and conference rooms, as they turn off equipment when a space is vacant. Timer-based controls allow for programming different settings for daytime and nighttime, ensuring equipment is turned off during unoccupied hours.
Building codes and standards, such as ASHRAE 90.1, Title 24, and IECC, now mandate controlled receptacles via occupancy sensing or schedule-based control. These measures not only help reduce energy consumption but also contribute to cost savings and improved energy efficiency in commercial buildings.
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Lab building energy consumption
Laboratory buildings use significantly more energy per square foot than office buildings and other facilities. This is due to the energy-intensive nature of laboratory activities and the stringent health and safety requirements.
To improve energy efficiency in laboratories, it is fundamental to first understand how much power each piece of equipment uses. There are metering devices available to measure the energy consumption of laboratory equipment, which can be obtained from utility companies. With this information, a plan can be created to improve energy efficiency in the lab.
The Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP) encourages energy efficiency in laboratories through a whole-building approach. This approach enables agencies and organizations to improve the efficiency of an entire facility, rather than focusing on specific laboratory components. FEMP provides an interactive tool with technical component-specific best practices for HVAC systems in laboratories, helping operators plan and cost-effectively achieve safe, efficient, and sustainable laboratories.
By understanding power consumption, implementing metering devices, and utilizing resources and programs such as FEMP, laboratory buildings can significantly reduce their energy consumption and improve their sustainability.
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Energy efficiency in labs
Laboratories are highly energy-intensive facilities, requiring up to ten times more energy per square foot than a typical commercial office building. This high energy demand is due to a variety of factors, including the sophisticated equipment and technology used in modern research labs. One of the major energy consumers in labs is the HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems, which are essential for maintaining a safe research environment with clean air.
To improve energy efficiency in labs, a whole-building approach can be taken, focusing on both the building infrastructure and occupant behaviour. Firstly, facility managers can optimise the HVAC systems by programming them to operate at minimum ventilation rates when the building is unoccupied and adjusting the rates based on indoor air quality when in use. More advanced HVAC control systems can automatically increase ventilation when contaminants are detected and decrease it when the indoor air quality is good, thus saving energy without compromising safety. When considering retrofit and retro-commissioning options, investing in upgraded HVAC systems is a cost-effective way to improve energy efficiency.
In addition to HVAC optimisation, simple behavioural changes can significantly reduce energy consumption in labs. These include shutting the sash on fume hoods, turning off lights when not in use, utilising task lighting, unplugging lab equipment, and using appliance timers. One notable example is adjusting Ultra-Low Temperature Freezers from -80 degrees Celsius to -70 degrees Celsius, which can reduce energy consumption by up to 30% without damaging most samples. While behavioural changes may be challenging to implement due to the priority given to scientific research, effective communication and promotion of energy-efficient practices are key to overcoming this hurdle.
Measuring power consumption is another important aspect of improving energy efficiency in labs. By using metering devices to understand the energy consumption of laboratory equipment, facilities can create targeted plans for energy savings. Local utility companies often provide metering devices, and it is advisable to consult with them or a Sustainability Director before selecting a specific meter. Overall, a combination of infrastructure upgrades, behavioural changes, and power consumption awareness can help labs significantly improve their energy efficiency and reduce their environmental footprint.
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Frequently asked questions
Fume hoods are one of the most energy-intensive equipment in laboratories.
Significant savings can be achieved by keeping fume hoods closed when not in use and by adjusting the flow velocity.
Centrifuges, freezers, and hoods are other general laboratory equipment that can consume a lot of energy.
Changing the set point of a –80°C freezer to –70°C can save 20 to 30 percent of energy, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
