PureWave UPS™ Protects Entire Semiconductor Fabrication Facility.

History was made in August: The STMicroelectronics operation in Phoenix, Ariz., became the first semiconductor fabrication facility in the world to be completely protected by a medium-voltage (12.47 kV) uninterruptible power supply (UPS) system. As a semiconductor manufacturer, STMicroelectronics (ST) uses highly sensitive manufacturing processes. Even momentary service disruptions can cost the company hundreds of thousands of dollars. And with monsoon season approaching — which typically causes a number of service disruptions — ST wanted to install power-quality equipment on a very aggressive schedule.

The PureWave UPS System, rated 12,500 kVA, provided an innovative solution for their power-quality needs. The system eliminates voltage disturbances, such as sags and short outages of up to 30 seconds in duration. The PureWave UPS utilizes a patented utility-disturbance monitor that allows the system to sense and respond to a disturbance in less than 2 milliseconds, thus meeting the stringent requirements of a critical-process manufacturer like ST. S&C pioneered the development of large-scale UPS protection equipment for critical-process manufacturers, so PureWave was a perfect match for ST’s requirements.

The PureWave UPS, which is designed for outdoor installation, is actually installed in the Arizona Public Service substation adjacent to the ST facility. So PureWave conserves valuable physical space within the manufacturing facility.

S&C had complete turn-key responsibility for the project as well, including installation and start-up of the equipment. All work was completed on a tight schedule.

After the PureWave UPS went into service, it was called on twice during the first 30 days of operation to protect the plant. According to Mike Ryan, Facilities Manager of ST’s Phoenix operation, “The S&C PureWave system performed as expected and saved us significant dollars in potential power impact losses.”

The PureWave product family offers the most complete line of low- and medium-voltage power-quality solutions available. Call S&C to find out how PureWave can improve power quality at your facility.