Motor and drive evaluation software

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 free of charge from the company’s website.

The software analyses the efficiency and annual electricity usage of users’ 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.

Baldor’s BE$T program runs under Microsoft Windows on any standard PC. Data can either be input from the computer’s keyboard or imported from a Microsoft Excel file. Both methods employ drop-down menus and are backed by built-in help. A single screen is used for setting all preferences and global project data, such as local currency, electricity costs, supply frequency, default motor load, etc. Clicking on the Instant Cost Calculation button will show the amount of energy being used by the existing motor, together with the amount that would be used by comparable Baldor Standard-E (IEC IE2 rated or NEMA Energy Efficient) and Super-E (IEC IE3 or NEMA Premium Efficient) models. The results screen also shows the purchase cost of the motors and the payback period, and provides a direct link to a full motor specification.

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