Energy-saving software tool

Baldor has released a software estimating tool that enables users to evaluate the energy efficiency of electric motors and variable speed drives. Known as BE$T, the Baldor Energy Savings Tool can be downloaded from the company’s website. The software analyses the efficiency and annual electricity usage of usersÂ’ existing motors and calculates the cost savings that can be achieved by replacing them with equivalent higher-efficiency models. Built-in motor performance and pricing information enables the software to suggest optimum replacements and to estimate the investment payback period.

Suitable for electrical engineers and maintenance personnel wishing to implement a comprehensive, site-wide motor management strategy, or to simply compare the costs of a motor rewind against those of a replacement motor, the software is also useful for conducting energy audits.

The program runs on any standard PC and is easy to use. Data can either be input or imported from a Microsoft Excel file. The program also handles ‘what-if’ scenarios, enabling users to simplify and accelerate iterative calculations. For example, significant energy and cost savings can often be obtained by adding a variable speed drive to an existing electric motor, especially if its load has a variable torque demand, as is often the case with pumps, fans and blowers.

The latest version of the software - v3.07 - can be downloaded from www.baldor.com/support/software_BEST.asp.