Field Study of Tier 2 Advanced Power Strips

This final report is the result of the CARD program project Field Study of Tier 2 Advanced Power Strips.

Abstract

Plug load energy used by everything from computers to water coolers represents a relatively untapped energy savings resource in commercial buildings. And these loads, defined as all electric end uses that are not HVAC, lighting, or domestic hot water, are increasing (CBECS 2016). This is especially true in contrast to other end uses. There is a need for those in the commercial buildings industry to both identify and quantify strategies for reducing these loads.

Slipstream, in partnership with the Center for Energy and Environment and LHB, have completed a field research study to demonstrate and measure the savings from Tier 2 Advanced Power Strips (T2 APS) in office buildings. We also characterized the types of devices and baseline usage in those offices, and documented occupant acceptance, operational issues, and cost-effectiveness of the T2 APS.

We used what we learned to identify actions that utilities and policy makers could take, including increasing the impact of these strategies in Conservation Improvement Programs (CIPs) in Minnesota. We also put plug loads into context and established some best practices for building designers and operators.