PSAT, distributed by the U.S. Department of Energy,  helps users assess energy savings opportunities in existing pumping systems. It relies on field measurements of flow rate, head, and motor power or current to perform the assessment. Using algorithms from Hydraulic Institute (HI) standards and motor performance characteristics from the U.S. DOE Motormaster database, PSAT estimates existing pump and motor efficiency and calculates the potential energy/cost savings for a system optimized to work at peak efficiency.

PSAT can be used to perform the following key functions: 

• Establish system efficiency
• Quantify potential energy savings
• Examine the economic and energy impacts of different operating scenarios
• Provide data for trending system performance
• Clarify impacts of operational changes on demand charges
•  Identify degraded or poorly performing pumps

A prescreening process accompanies the PSAT software. Primary prescreening selects systems with high energy costs - typically large equipment that runs much of the time. Secondary prescreening identified systems with significant savings potential including:

• Throttle-valve control for the system
• Cavitation noise or damage in the system
• Continuous pump operation to support a batch process
• Constant number of parallel pumps supporting a process with changing demands
• Bypass or recirculation line normally open
• High system maintenance
• Systems that have undergone change in function

Qualified Pumping System Specialists are able to assist pump users in applying PSAT to evaluate their pumping systems. See PSAT Qualified Specialists for a list of individuals associated within Pump Systems Matter ^TM  sponsor organizations who completed the training and passed the rigorous PSAT qualifying exam. They are recognized by the DOE as Qualified PSAT Specialists, and, if available, should be able to assist in evaluating potential pump systems energy-savings and improvement opportunities.