The International Motor Selection and Savings Analysis (IMSSA) software tool was developed as a direct result of discussions at a previous EEMODS conference concerning methods to promote use of energy-efficiency motors. Building on experience with existing software, such as MotorMaster+ (U.S.) and Eurodeem (Europe), an international collaboration was formed to develop software that would provide a universal, flexible software shell adaptable for use in any country in any language. Through the support of the sponsoring organizations: Corporacion Nacional del Cobre de Chile (Codelco); the UK Action Energy (Carbon Trust), the European Community – JRC; Natural Resources Canada; the US Department of Energy; and the International Copper Association, IMSSA seeks to provide industrial users of motor systems with greater access to performance and decisionmaking information concerning energy efficient motors. In addition, the focus on international collaboration provides a unique environment for further dialogue on about the global harmonization of motor testing and energy efficiency standards.
This paper will examine 1) the process of developing the software by the sponsors in cooperation with Washington State University; 2) key features of the software, such as software shell flexibility and functionality, multiple databases, language and currency modules; 3) issues in creating and maintaining IMSSA for international use; 4) how the software can be used to support efficiency standards and labels; and 5) the sponsors’ experiences with launching the software in Canada, Chile, the United States, and Europe. A status report on new users of the software will be provided as well as plans to extend the use of the software to additional host countries and equipment manufacturers and distributors.
