A 1998 report for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) found that in 1994, industrial electric motor systems consumed 747 billion kWh, equivalent to 25 percent of all U.S. electricity sales or 63% of the net industrial electricity used in the U.S. This report estimated that, in the manufacturing sector, the potential motor system energy savings using mature, proven, and cost-effective technologies range from 11-18 percent (Xenergy, 1998).
To help end users of industrial fan systems realize these energy savings opportunities, the DOE’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) is developing a Fan System Assessment Tool (FSAT) and Qualified FSAT Specialist Training program, in collaboration with the Air Movement and Control Association International, Inc. (AMCA International). AMCA International is a non-profit trade association assisting manufacturers, end-users, and engineers with testing, system design, equipment directories, educational materials, seminars and services related air moving equipment. As of this writing, anticipated date for release of the beta version of the FSAT software is Fall 2003 and the pilot Qualified FSAT Specialist Training program may be available by end of 2003.
