Using PSAT (Pumping System Assessment Tool) to Save Energy at Water & Wastewater Utilities

National estimates indicate that approximately 80–90% of the electricity utilized at water and wastewater facilities is attributable to pumps and blower motors. The Tennessee Valley Authority and our power distributors are helping our water and wastewater customers and other industrial users save energy by assessing their pumping systems using the US Department of Energy (DOE) Pumping System Assessment Tool (PSAT) which was developed by Don Casada.TVA has partnered with DOE to provide in-depth training in utilizing PSAT at several locations throughout the TVA service region. TVA is also conducting assessments at customer facilities at their request.PSAT identifies energy savings opportunities in pumping systems and quantifies those opportunities in both dollars and electrical energy savings. Although PSAT does not tell how to improve systems, it does prioritize improvement opportunities. When the opportunities are implemented, the results are often decreased maintenance and repair costs and increased production and energy savings.