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Software Tools

BestPractices has a varied and expanding software collection. Much of the software can be accessed here. A few packages must be ordered from the EERE Information Center via e-mail or by calling 1-877-EERE-INF (877-337-3463).

With the right know-how, you can use these powerful tools to help identify and analyze energy system savings opportunities in your plant. While the tools are accessible here for download, you are also encouraged to attend a training workshop to enhance your knowledge and take full advantage of opportunities identified in the software programs. For some tools, advanced training is also available to help you further increase your expertise. Find out more about training. You can get help on software installation and operation by calling the EERE Information Center at 1-877-EERE-INF (877-337-3463) or sending an e-mail to eereic@ee.doe.gov.

Please see the notice before downloading any of these tools.

 

The Quick Plant Energy Profiler, Release 1.1.3

The Quick Plant Energy Profiler, or Quick PEP, is an online software tool that helps industrial plant personnel quickly understand how energy is being used at their plant and how they might save energy and money. Quick PEP is a tool that can help the user quickly diagnose the energy situation at his/her plant. The tool is meant to give an overview of the energy that a plant purchases and the major systems that consume energy at the plant. Quick PEP will provide a report that helps the user understand where the largest opportunities are for energy and cost savings. The Quick PEP tool should be the first step in identifying areas for potential savings at the plant. Once those areas have been identified Quick PEP provides a broad list of potential next steps that the user could take to begin realizing energy and cost savings.


Decision Tools for Industry—Order the Portfolio of Tools on CD

The Decision Tools for Industry CD contains the MotorMaster+ (MM+), Pump System Assessment Tool, Steam System Tool Suite, 3E Plus and the new AirMaster+ software packages described on this page. In addition, it includes MM+ training. The training walks you through the fundamentals and the advanced features of MM+ and provides examples for using the software to make motor purchase decisions. Read the fact sheet (PDF 420 KB). Please order the CD via e-mail from the EERE Information Center or call the EERE Information Center at 1-877-EERE-INF (877-337-3463).


DOE Industry Tools

AIRMaster+ Version 1.2.2

Release Date: July 16, 2008
AIRMaster+ provides comprehensive information on assessing compressed air systems, including modeling, existing and future system upgrades, and evaluating savings and effectiveness of energy efficiency measures. This version supports data measurements in either English or metric units for pressure selections and airflows, and allows users to shift between units for comparison. The tool also includes a currency selection feature and regional and language settings.

Release Notes: This version replaces earlier versions of AIRMaster+ and corrects unit labeling errors in some screens of the English version.

  • Fact Sheet (PDF 1.2 MB)
  • Download Software
  • AIRMaster+ Qualification
    DOE and the Compressed Air Challenge® recognize Qualified AIRMaster+ Specialists for their ability to use the AIRMaster+ software effectively with industrial end users. Used properly, AIRMaster+ is a powerful tool for modeling "what if" scenarios for possible improvements to compressed air systems. A Qualified Specialist can apply AIRMaster+ to assist you in identifying system improvement opportunities. Details.

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Chilled Water System Analysis Tool (CWSAT) Version 2.3

Release Date: October 5, 2007

Use the Chilled Water System Analysis Tool (CWSAT) to determine energy requirements of your system, and to evaluate opportunities for energy and costs savings by applying improvement measures. Provide basic information about an existing configuration to calculate current energy consumption, and then select proposed equipment or operational changes for comparison. The results of this analysis will help you quantify the potential benefits of chilled water system improvements.

NOTE: Because of the size of the file for this software tool, users should download only if using a T1 or similar connection. To Install: Please follow these instructions to ensure complete installation of the tool. First, create a folder for the new content. Then, extract the Chilled Water System Analysis Tool V23.zip file to this created folder. Launch the program by double-clicking the "CWSAT23.EXE" file.

The entire "WEATHER" folder and CWSAT23.EXE files need to be within the same directory to work. You will also need the msvbvm60.dll support file to run MS Visual Basic 6. This file should already be located in the system directory of your hard drive.

Release Notes:  Several updates were made in Version 2.3, including the addition of Canadian cities to the weather database and modifications to input limitations and restrictions (for example,  higher chilled water supply temperatures are now allowed). This version also corrects minor user input bugs/issues for improved functionality. The fact sheet and user manual for Version 2.1 are still valid for the new version.

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Combined Heat and Power Application Tool (CHP)

The Combined Heat and Power (CHP) Application Tool helps industrial users evaluate the feasibility of CHP for heating systems such as fuel-fired furnaces, boilers, ovens, heaters, and heat exchangers. It allows analysis of three typical system types: fluid heating, exhaust-gas heat recovery, and duct burner systems. Use the tool to estimate system costs and payback period, and to perform "what-if" analysis for various utility costs. The tool includes performance data and preliminary cost information for many commercially available gas turbines and default values that can be adapted to meet specific application requirements.

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Fan System Assessment Tool (FSAT)

Use the Fan System Assessment Tool (FSAT) to help quantify the potential benefits of optimizing fan system configurations that serve industrial processes. FSAT is simple and quick, and requires only basic information about your fans and the motors that drive them. With FSAT, calculate the amount of energy used by your fan system; determine system efficiency; and quantify the savings potential of an upgraded system. Minimum screen resolution of 1024 x 768 and 10 megabytes of hard drive space are required.

  • Fact Sheet (PDF 1.3 MB)
  • Download Software
  • FSAT Qualification
    DOE recognizes FSAT Qualified Specialists for their ability to apply the FSAT tool with industrial users. Attendees who successfully complete a FSAT qualification workshop receive this designation. A Qualified Specialist can apply FSAT to help your plant or industrial customers identify ways to improve fan system efficiency.

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MotorMaster+ Version 4.0.6

Release Date: March 1, 2007
An energy-efficient motor selection and management tool, MotorMaster+ software includes a catalog of over 20,000 AC motors. This tool features motor inventory management tools, maintenance log tracking, efficiency analysis, savings evaluation, energy accounting, and environmental reporting capabilities.

Release Notes: Version 4.0.6 includes a checkbox to display only NEMA Premium motors in the MotorMaster+ List screen. This addresses the requirement for federal government agencies to purchase only NEMA Premium motors. A similar option limits the Batch Analysis setup to NEMA Premium for purchase of replacement motors. This version also contains updated motor price and performance data for Reliance, Baldor, and Siemens motors.

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MotorMaster+ International 1.0.15

Release Date: March 1, 2007
MotorMaster+ International includes many of the capabilities and features of MotorMaster+; however, now you can evaluate repair/replacement options on a broader range of motors, including those tested under the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) standard, and those tested using International Electrical Commission (IEC) methodology. With this tool you can conduct analyses in different currencies, calculate efficiency benefits for utility rate schedules with demand charges, edit and modify motor rewind efficiency loss defaults, and determine "best available" motors. The tool can be modified to operate in English, Spanish, and French.

Release Notes: Version 1.0.15 includes an option to display only NEMA Premium motors in the Motor Selector screen. This addresses the requirement for federal government agencies to purchase only NEMA Premium motors. An IEC50Hz option limits selections to motors that meet or exceed the CEMEP EFF1-High Efficiency motor standard. This version also contains updated motor price and performance data for Reliance, Baldor, and Siemens motors.

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NOx and Energy Assessment Tool (NxEAT)

The NOx and Energy Assessment Tool (NxEAT) helps plants in the petroleum refining and chemical industries to assess and analyze NOx emissions and application of energy efficiency improvements. Use the tool to inventory emissions from equipment that generates NOx, and then compare how various technology applications and efficiency measure affect overall costs and reduction of NOx. Perform "what-if" analyses to optimize and select the most cost-effective methods for reducing NOx from systems such as fired heaters, boilers, gas turbines, and reciprocating engines.

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Plant Energy Profiler for the Chemical Industry (ChemPEP Tool)

The ChemPEP Tool provides chemical plant managers with the information they need to identify savings and efficiency opportunities. The ChemPEP Tool enables energy managers to see overall plant energy use, identify major energy-using equipment and operations, summarize energy cost distributions, and pinpoint areas for more detailed analysis. The ChemPEP Tool provides plant energy information in an easy to understand graphical manner that can be very useful to managers.

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New

Process Heating Assessment and Survey Tool (PHAST) Version 2.0

Release Date: April 21, 2008
The Process Heating Assessment and Survey Tool (PHAST) introduces methods to improve thermal efficiency of heating equipment. This tool helps industrial users survey process heating equipment that consumes fuel, steam, or electricity, and identifies the most energy-intensive equipment. Use the tool to compare performance of equipment under various operating conditions and test "what-if" scenarios.

Version 2.0 has enhanced features to assess furnace equipment and other process heating equipment, such as ovens, heaters, melters, and boilers. This updated version supports inputs in English and metric units of measurement. The tool also allows local currency options for energy cost and savings calculations. PHAST 2.0 is compatible with Windows 2000/XP/Vista operating systems.

Release Notes: This version of PHAST replaces Version 1.1.2; downloading the new version is recommended. Plant data previously collected using PHAST 1.1.2 cannot be transferred directly to PHAST 2.0; however, a patch is available at the tool download site, which allows for parallel use of both versions.

  • Fact Sheet (PDF 1.3 MB) Download Adobe Reader
  • Download Software
  • PHAST Qualification
    DOE recognizes PHAST Qualified Specialists for their ability to apply the PHAST tool with industrial users. Attendees who successfully complete a PHAST qualification workshop receive this designation. A Qualified Specialist can apply PHAST to help you identify opportunities for thermal efficiency of heating equipment. Details

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Pumping System Assessment Tool (PSAT) 2008

Release Date: February 6, 2008
The Pumping System Assessment Tool helps industrial users assess the efficiency of pumping system operations. This version of the tool and its accompanying valve tool support data measurements in either English or metric units. PSAT uses achievable pump performance data from Hydraulic Institute standards and motor performance data from the MotorMaster+ database to calculate potential energy and associated cost savings. The tool also enables users to save and retrieve log files, default values, and system curves for sharing analyses with other users.

Release Notes: This version replaces earlier versions of PSAT. However, if an earlier version is already installed, you run can both versions simultaneously, if desired. If you are currently using PSAT 2004, the new tool contains a utility to update log and summary files to PSAT 2008.

  • Fact Sheet (PDF 1.2 MB) Download Adobe Reader
  • Download Software
  • PSAT Qualification
    DOE offers a qualification program for pumping system specialists in the use of PSAT software. Industry professionals who successfully complete a PSAT qualification workshop and exam receive recognition from DOE as Qualified Pump System Specialists. Then Specialists can apply this tool in their own plants or to help industrial customers identify ways to improve pumping system efficiency. Details

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Steam System Tool Suite

If you consider potential steam system improvements in your plant, the results could be worthwhile. In fact, in many facilities, steam system improvements can save 10% to 20% in fuel costs.

To help you tap into potential savings in your facility, DOE offers a suite of tools for evaluating and identifying steam system improvements. Learn more about the tools and specialized training, and download software here.

  • Fact Sheet (PDF 1.3 MB) Download Adobe Reader
  • Steam System Scoping Tool
    This tool is designed to help steam system energy managers and operations personnel to perform initial self-assessments of their steam systems. This tool will profile and grade steam system operations and management. This tool will help you to evaluate your steam system operations against best practices.

    Download Software 
New
  • Steam System Assessment Tool (SSAT), Version 3
    Release Date: Updated July 7, 2008
    SSAT allows steam analysts to develop approximate models of real steam systems. Using these models, you can apply SSAT to quantify the magnitude—energy, cost, and emissions-savings—of key potential steam improvement opportunities. SSAT contains the key features of typical steam systems.

    Version 3 includes a set of templates for measurement in both English and metric units. The new templates correct all known problems with Version 2, such as an update to the User Calculations sheet, which allows better access to Microsoft Excel functionality. Version 3 is also now compatible with Microsoft Vista and Microsoft Excel 2007.

    Release Notes: This version replaces earlier versions and corrects errors associated with Microsoft Excel and the tool's calculation template.

    Download Software

  • 3E Plus®
    The program calculates the most economical thickness of industrial insulation for user input operating conditions. You can make calculations using the built-in thermal performance relationships of generic insulation materials or supply conductivity data for other materials.

    NOTE: If you are participating in US DOE BestPractices Steam Training, please install 3E Plus Version 3.2.

    Download Software Version 3.2

    Download Software Version 4.0

  • Steam Tool Specialist Qualification
    Industry professionals can earn recognition as Qualified Specialists in the use of BestPractices Steam Tools. DOE offers an in-depth 2-1/2 day training for steam system specialists, including 2 days of classroom instruction and a written exam. Participants who complete the workshop and pass the written exam are recognized by DOE as Qualified Steam Tool Specialists. Specialists can assist industrial customers in using BestPractices Tools to evaluate their steam systems. Details

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