Variable Frequency Drive Savings Calculator
General Procedure for Effective Use and Evaluation
The following generalized procedure will be utilized by the Michigan Retired Engineer Technical Assistance Program (RETAP) to effectively use and evaluate the Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) Savings Calculator under the Michigan Small Manufacturers Source Reduction grant project.
Initial Requirements
- Designate VFD Savings Calculator user expert
- Expert trains on and becomes proficient with using the tool
- Expert drafts summary document, data collection sheet, procedure, and presentation
- RETAP manager reviews and approves required documents
Operational Procedure
- RETAP staff and/or assessment team leader complete the VFD Savings Calculator Initial Input Data Collection sheet and provides toassessor assigned to evaluate VFD opportunities. The required data will be collected during:
- Pre-assessment checklist / information request
- On-site Assessment
- Assessorenters data into the VFD Savings Calculator for each potential VFD opportunity.
- Assessor keeps record of time spent using the Calculator.
- Assessor completes the VFD Savings Calculator Evaluation Data Collection sheet (potential energy and cost savings) and provides copy to the RETAP Manager.
- RETAP Manager determines the combined energy and cost savings for the energy conservation measures used in the assessment report.
Initial Adjustments
On completion of the pilot assessments, adjustments on the use of the VFD Savings Calculator and data collection sheets will be made to improve efficiency and usefulness of the tool. Changes made and lessons learned will be incorporated into the VFD Savings Calculator training presentation.
Final Evaluation
On completion of the project assessments, an overall review of the data will be made on adding the VFD Savings Calculator to the RETAP assessment process, discontinuing its use, or make changes on how it is used. The primary factors will be the amount of time required to use the calculators, the number of energy conservation measuresincluded in the assessment reports, the significance of the energy and cost avoided, and any barriers encountered in effectively using the calculators. The review will involve a group discussion between the RETAP Manager, staff, user expert, and several assessment team members active in using the VFD SavingsCalculator. The final determination and lessons learned during the operational phase of the project will be incorporated into the VFD Savings Calculator training presentation.
U.S. EPA Grant Number NP – 00E01561