Proposed Rule2022-09810
Energy Conservation Program: Test Procedure for Compressors
Primary source
Metadata and text below are from the Federal Register, a public-domain U.S. government work. Always verify the official published version before relying on it for any legal matter.
Published
May 6, 2022
Issuing agencies
Energy Department
Abstract
The U.S. Department of Energy ("DOE") is initiating a review through this RFI to consider whether to amend DOE's test procedure for compressors. To inform interested parties and to facilitate this process, DOE has identified certain issues associated with the currently applicable test procedure on which DOE is interested in receiving comment. The issues outlined in this document mainly concern the scope of coverage, updated industry test procedures and the accuracy, representativeness and cost of existing test requirements. DOE welcomes written comments from the public on any subject within the scope of this document (including topics not raised in this RFI), as well as the submission of data and other relevant information.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 87 Issue 88 (Friday, May 6, 2022)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 88 (Friday, May 6, 2022)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 27025-27029]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2022-09810]
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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
10 CFR Part 431
[EERE-2022-BT-TP-0019]
RIN 1904-AF08
Energy Conservation Program: Test Procedure for Compressors
AGENCY: Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Department of
Energy.
ACTION: Request for information (``RFI'').
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SUMMARY: The U.S. Department of Energy (``DOE'') is initiating a review
through this RFI to consider whether to amend DOE's test procedure for
compressors. To inform interested parties and to facilitate this
process, DOE has identified certain issues associated with the
currently applicable test procedure on which DOE is interested in
receiving comment. The issues outlined in this document mainly concern
the scope of coverage, updated industry test procedures and the
accuracy, representativeness and cost of existing test requirements.
DOE welcomes written comments from the public on any subject within the
scope of this document (including topics not raised in this RFI), as
well as the submission of data and other relevant information.
DATES: Written comments and information are requested and will be
accepted on or before June 6, 2022.
[[Page 27026]]
ADDRESSES: Interested persons are encouraged to submit comments using
the Federal eRulemaking Portal at <a href="http://www.regulations.gov">www.regulations.gov</a>, under docket
number EERE-2022-BT-TP-0019. Follow the instructions for submitting
comments. Alternatively, interested persons may submit comments by
email to <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#70331f1d00021503031f0203424042422420404041493015155e141f155e171f06"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="3f7c50524f4d5a4c4c504d4c0d0f0d0d6b6f0f0f0e067f5a5a115b505a11585049">[email protected]</span></a>. Include docket number EERE-
2022-BT-TP-0019 in the subject line of the message. No telefacsimiles
(``faxes'') will be accepted. For detailed instructions on submitting
comments and additional information on this process, see section IV of
this document.
Although DOE has routinely accepted public comment submissions
through a variety of mechanisms, including postal mail and hand
delivery/courier, the Department has found it necessary to make
temporary modifications to the comment submission process in light of
the ongoing coronavirus 2019 (``COVID-19'') pandemic. DOE is currently
suspending receipt of public comments via postal mail and hand
delivery/courier. If a commenter finds that this change poses an undue
hardship, please contact Appliance Standards Program staff at (202)
586-1445 to discuss the need for alternative arrangements. Once the
COVID-19 pandemic health emergency is resolved, DOE anticipates
resuming all of its regular options for public comment submission,
including postal mail and hand delivery/courier.
Docket: The docket for this activity, which includes Federal
Register notices, comments, and other supporting documents/materials,
is available for review at <a href="http://www.regulations.gov">www.regulations.gov</a>. All documents in the
docket are listed in the <a href="http://www.regulations.gov">www.regulations.gov</a> index. However, some
documents listed in the index, such as those containing information
that is exempt from public disclosure, may not be publicly available.
The docket web page can be found at: <a href="http://www.regulations.gov/docket/EERE-2022-BT-TP-0019">www.regulations.gov/docket/EERE-2022-BT-TP-0019</a>. The docket web page contains instructions on how
to access all documents, including public comments, in the docket. See
section III of this document for information on how to submit comments
through <a href="http://www.regulations.gov">www.regulations.gov</a>.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Mr. Jeremy Dommu, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy
Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Building Technologies Office, EE-5B,
1000 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20585-0121. Telephone:
(202) 586-9870. Email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#54152424383d353a37310720353a303526302705213127203d3b3a271431317a303b317a333b22"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="a4e5d4d4c8cdc5cac7c1f7d0c5cac0c5d6c0d7f5d1c1d7d0cdcbcad7e4c1c18ac0cbc18ac3cbd2">[email protected]</span></a>.
Ms. Celia Sher, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of the General
Counsel, GC-33, 1000 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20585-0121.
Telephone: (202) 287-6122. Email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#9ffcfaf3f6feb1ecf7faeddff7eeb1fbf0fab1f8f0e9"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="b0d3d5dcd9d19ec3d8d5c2f0d8c19ed4dfd59ed7dfc6">[email protected]</span></a>.
For further information on how to submit a comment or review other
public comments and the docket, contact the Appliance and Equipment
Standards Program staff at (202) 287-1445 or by email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#bafbcacad6d3dbd4d9dfe9cedbd4dedbc8dec9ebcfdfc9ced3d5d4c9fadfdf94ded5df94ddd5cc"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="bcfdccccd0d5ddd2dfd9efc8ddd2d8ddced8cfedc9d9cfc8d5d3d2cffcd9d992d8d3d992dbd3ca">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Table of Contents
I. Introduction
A. Authority and Background
B. Rulemaking History
II. Request for Information
A. Scope and Definitions
B. Test Procedure
1. Energy Use Measurements
2. Representative Average Use Cycle
3. Updates to Industry Test Procedures
III. Submission of Comments
I. Introduction
Compressors are among the consumer and industrial equipment for
which DOE is authorized to establish and amend test procedures and
energy conservation standards. (42 U.S.C. 6311(2)) DOE's test
procedures for compressors are prescribed at title 10 of the Code of
Federal Regulations (``CFR'') 431.344 and appendix A to subpart T of
part 431. The following sections discuss DOE's authority to establish
and amend test procedures for compressors, as well as relevant
background information regarding DOE's consideration of test procedures
for this equipment.
A. Authority and Background
The Energy Policy and Conservation Act, as amended (``EPCA''),\1\
authorizes DOE to regulate the energy efficiency of a number of
consumer products and certain industrial equipment. (42 U.S.C. 6291-
6317) Title III, Part C \2\ of EPCA, added by Public Law 95-619, Title
IV, Sec. 441(a) (42 U.S.C. 6311-6317 as codified), established the
Energy Conservation Program for Certain Industrial Equipment, which
sets forth a variety of provisions designed to improve energy
efficiency. Under EPCA, DOE may include a type of industrial equipment,
including compressors, as covered equipment if it determines that to do
so is necessary to carry out the purposes of Part A-1. (42 U.S.C.
6311(1)(L), 42 U.S.C. 6311(2)(B)(i), and 42 U.S.C. 6312(b)). The
purpose of Part A-1 is to improve the efficiency of electric motors and
pumps and certain other industrial equipment in order to conserve the
energy resources of the Nation. (42 U.S.C. 6312(a)) On November 15,
2016, DOE published a final rule, which determined that coverage for
compressors is necessary to carry out the purposes of Part A-1 of Title
III of EPCA. 81 FR 79991. (42 U.S.C. 6311(1)(L); 42 U.S.C. 6311 (2)(A);
42 U.S.C. 6311 (2)(B)(i))
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\1\ All references to EPCA in this document refer to the statute
as amended through the Energy Act of 2020, Public Law 116-260 (Dec.
27, 2020), which reflect the last statutory amendments that impact
Parts A and A-1 of EPCA.
\2\ For editorial reasons, upon codification in the U.S. Code,
Part C was redesignated Part A-1.
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The energy conservation program under EPCA consists essentially of
four parts: (1) Testing, (2) labeling, (3) Federal energy conservation
standards, and (4) certification and enforcement procedures. Relevant
provisions of EPCA include definitions (42 U.S.C. 6311), test
procedures (42 U.S.C. 6314), labeling provisions (42 U.S.C. 6315),
energy conservation standards (42 U.S.C. 6313), and the authority to
require information and reports from manufacturers (42 U.S.C. 6316; 42
U.S.C. 6296).
Federal energy efficiency requirements for covered equipment
established under EPCA generally supersede State laws and regulations
concerning energy conservation testing, labeling, and standards. (42
U.S.C. 6316(a) and 42 U.S.C. 6316(b); 42 U.S.C. 6297).) DOE may,
however, grant waivers of Federal preemption in limited instances for
particular State laws or regulations, in accordance with the procedures
and other provisions set forth under 42 U.S.C. 6316(b)(2)(D).
The Federal testing requirements consist of test procedures that
manufacturers of covered equipment must use as the basis for: (1)
Certifying to DOE that their equipment complies with the applicable
energy conservation standards adopted pursuant to EPCA (42 U.S.C.
6316(a); 42 U.S.C. 6295(s)), and (2) making other representations about
the efficiency of that equipment (42 U.S.C. 6314(d)). Similarly, DOE
must use these test procedures to determine whether the equipment
complies with relevant standards promulgated under EPCA. (42 U.S.C.
6316(a); 42 U.S.C. 6295(s))
EPCA also requires that, at least once every 7 years, DOE evaluate
test procedures for each type of covered equipment, including
compressors, to determine whether amended test procedures would more
accurately or fully comply with the requirements for the test
procedures to not be unduly burdensome to conduct and be reasonably
designed to produce test results that reflect energy efficiency,
[[Page 27027]]
energy use, and estimated operating costs during a representative
average use cycle. (42 U.S.C. 6314(a)(1)) In addition, if the Secretary
determines that a test procedure amendment is warranted, the Secretary
must publish proposed test procedures in the Federal Register, and
afford interested persons an opportunity (of not less than 45 days'
duration) to present oral and written data, views, and arguments on the
proposed test procedures. (42 U.S.C. 6314(b)) If DOE determines that
test procedure revisions are not appropriate, DOE must publish its
determination not to amend the test procedures. DOE is publishing this
RFI to collect data and information to inform its decision in
satisfaction of the 7-year review requirement specified in EPCA. (42
U.S.C. 6314(a)(1)).
B. Rulemaking History
As stated, DOE published a final rule on November 15, 2016, in
which DOE determined that coverage of compressors is necessary to carry
out the purposes of Part A-1 of Title III of EPCA. 81 FR 79991. DOE's
test procedure for determining compressor energy efficiency of certain
varieties of compressors was established in a final rule published on
January 4, 2017. 82 FR 1052. The test procedure is codified in 10 CFR
431.344 and appendix A to subpart T of part 431.
The compressor test procedure currently adopts through reference
certain sections of the ISO Standard 1217:2009(E) ``Displacement
compressors--Acceptance tests'' and accompanying ISO standard
1217:2009/Amd.1:2016(E) ``Displacement compressors--Acceptance tests
(Fourth edition); Amendment 1: Calculation of isentropic efficiency and
relationship with specific energy,'' (``ISO 1217:2009(E)'') in
conjunction with the additional clarifications and test methods and
calculations established in the final rule. 82 FR 1052, 1054.
II. Request for Information
In the following sections, DOE has identified a variety of issues
on which it seeks input to aid in its analysis of whether an amended
test procedure for compressors would more accurately or fully comply
with the requirement in EPCA that the test procedure produces results
that measure energy use during a representative average use cycle for
the product, and not be unduly burdensome to conduct. (42 U.S.C.
6314(a)(2)) Additionally, DOE welcomes comments on any aspect of the
existing test procedures for compressors and on other relevant issues
that may not specifically be identified in this document.
A. Scope and Definitions
A compressor is a machine or apparatus that converts different
types of energy into the potential energy of gas pressure for
displacement and compression of gaseous media to any higher pressure
values above atmospheric pressure and has a pressure ratio at full-load
operating pressure greater than 1.3. 10 CFR 431.342.
DOE's test procedure applies to compressors that meet the following
criteria:
(1) Is an air compressor;
(2) Is a rotary compressor;
(3) Is not a liquid ring compressor;
(4) Is driven by a brushless electric motor;
(5) Is a lubricated compressor;
(6) Has a full-load operating pressure greater than or equal to 75
pounds per square inch gauge (psig) and less than or equal to 200 psig;
(7) Is not designed and tested to the requirements of the American
Petroleum Institute Standard 619, ``Rotary-Type Positive-Displacement
Compressors for Petroleum, Petrochemical, and Natural Gas Industries;''
(8) Has full-load actual volume flow rate greater than or equal to
35 cubic feet per minute (cfm), or is distributed in commerce with a
compressor motor nominal horsepower greater than or equal to 10
horsepower (hp); and
(9) Has a full-load actual volume flow rate less than or equal to
1,250 cfm, or is distributed in commerce with a compressor motor
nominal horsepower less than or equal to 200 hp. 10 CFR 431.344(a).
To support the scope of the compressor test method at appendix A to
subpart T of part 431, DOE established the following definitions
related to compressors:
Actual volume flow rate means the volume flow rate of air,
compressed and delivered at the standard discharge point, referred to
conditions of total temperature, total pressure and composition
prevailing at the standard inlet point, and as determined in accordance
with the test procedures prescribed in Sec. 431.344.
Air compressor means a compressor designed to compress air that has
an inlet open to the atmosphere or other source of air, and is made up
of a compression element (bare compressor), driver(s), mechanical
equipment to drive the compressor element, and any ancillary equipment.
Brushless electric motor means a machine that converts electrical
power into rotational mechanical power without use of sliding
electrical contacts.
Compressor motor nominal horsepower means the motor horsepower of
the electric motor, as determined in accordance with the applicable
procedures in subparts B and X of this part, with which the rated air
compressor is distributed in commerce.
Full-load actual volume flow rate means the actual volume flow rate
of the compressor at the full-load operating pressure.
Lubricated compressor means a compressor that introduces an
auxiliary substance into the compression chamber during compression.
Positive displacement compressor means a compressor in which the
admission and diminution of successive volumes of the gaseous medium
are performed periodically by forced expansion and diminution of a
closed space(s) in a working chamber(s) by means of displacement of a
moving member(s) or by displacement and forced discharge of the gaseous
medium into the high-pressure area.
Pressure ratio at full-load operating pressure means the ratio of
discharge pressure to inlet pressure, determined at full-load operating
pressure in accordance with the test procedures prescribed in Sec.
431.344.
Rotary compressor means a positive displacement compressor in which
gas admission and diminution of its successive volumes or its forced
discharge are performed cyclically by rotation of one or several rotors
in a compressor casing. 10 CFR 431.342.
Issue 1: DOE requests comment on the scope of the compressors test
procedure, and on any developments in the industry that may warrant
reexamination of the respective scope criteria.
Issue 2: DOE requests comment on the definitions related to the
scope of the compressors test procedures, and whether any of the terms
should be amended, and if so the reason for any such change and how the
terms should be amended. In particular, DOE requests comment on whether
the terms are sufficient to identify which equipment is subject to the
test procedure and whether any test procedure amendments are required
to ensure that all such equipment can be appropriately tested in
accordance with the test procedure.
B. Test Procedure
DOE specifies package isentropic efficiency as the test metric for
compressors. 10 CFR 431.464(b). Package isentropic efficiency is
[[Page 27028]]
determined at ``full-load'' and ``part-load,'' which respectively apply
to fixed- and variable-speed compressors. 10 CFR 431.344(b).
1. Energy Use Measurements
As stated, the current DOE test procedure for compressors is
codified in 10 CFR part 431, subpart T, appendix A. The test procedure
provides for measuring the energy required by a compressor to compress
a certain volume of air under specific conditions and divides that
value by the energy that would be required by a thermodynamically
idealized compressor performing an identical compression process with
no increase in entropy.\3\
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\3\ An idealized compressor would perform compression with no
increase in entropy, which is commonly understood as disorder in a
thermodynamic system and represents an irreversible loss of energy.
In practice, all real compressors will cause a finite entropy
increase.
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Issue 3: DOE seeks comment on whether existing test procedure
requirements (e.g., instrumentation, testing configurations/
specifications, calculation methodologies) accurately measure energy
use. DOE requests comment on the costs associated with the test
procedure and whether amendments would reduce test cost while
maintaining the representativeness of the results.
2. Representative Average Use Cycle
Compressors supply pressurized gas at pressure levels greater than
ambient at flow rates matched to application demand. Accordingly,
energy use varies as a function of the quantity of pressurized gas
called for. The current DOE test procedure for compressors measures
energy use during a representative average use cycle.
Issue 4: DOE seeks comment on what constitutes a representative
average use cycle/period of use for compressors with distinction made,
as appropriate, between fixed- and variable-speed compressors.
3. Updates to Industry Test Procedures
DOE's established practice is to adopt industry standards as DOE
test procedures unless such methodology would be unduly burdensome to
conduct or would not produce test results that reflect the energy
efficiency, energy use, water use (as specified in EPCA) or estimated
operating costs of that product during a representative average use
cycle. 10 CFR 431.4; 10 CFR part 430 subpart C appendix A section 8(c).
In cases where the industry testing standard does not meet the EPCA
statutory criteria for test procedures, DOE will make any necessary
modifications to these testing standards through the rulemaking process
when adopting them for inclusion into DOE's regulations.
DOE's compressor test procedures incorporate certain sections of
industry standard ISO 1217:2009(E), in conjunction with the additional
detail and test methods and calculations established in the DOE test
procedure. 10 CFR 431.343(b). ISO 1217:2009(E) was reviewed and
reaffirmed by ISO in 2021 and remains current.\4\
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\4\ ISO 1217:2009. ``Displacement compressors -- Acceptance
tests''. Available at: <a href="http://www.iso.org/standard/44769.html">www.iso.org/standard/44769.html</a>. Accessed
2022-04-18.
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Issue 5: DOE requests comment on ISO 1217:2009(E) and its
associated amendment, ISO 1217:2009/Amd.1:2016(E), in the context of
suitability for continued use as the basis of compressors test
procedures and on any anticipated forthcoming updates.
III. Submission of Comments
DOE invites all interested parties to submit in writing by the date
specified under the DATES heading, comments and information on matters
addressed in this RFI and on other matters relevant to DOE's
consideration of amended test procedures for compressors. These
comments and information will aid in the development of a test
procedure NOPR for compressors if DOE determines that amended test
procedures may be appropriate for this equipment.
Submitting comments via <a href="http://www.regulations.gov">www.regulations.gov</a>. The
<a href="http://www.regulations.gov">www.regulations.gov</a> web page will require you to provide your name and
contact information. Your contact information will be viewable to DOE
Building Technologies staff only. Your contact information will not be
publicly viewable except for your first and last names, organization
name (if any), and submitter representative name (if any). If your
comment is not processed properly because of technical difficulties,
DOE will use this information to contact you. If DOE cannot read your
comment due to technical difficulties and cannot contact you for
clarification, DOE may not be able to consider your comment.
However, your contact information will be publicly viewable if you
include it in the comment or in any documents attached to your comment.
Any information that you do not want to be publicly viewable should not
be included in your comment, nor in any document attached to your
comment. Following this instruction, persons viewing comments will see
only first and last names, organization names, correspondence
containing comments, and any documents submitted with the comments.
Do not submit to <a href="http://www.regulations.gov">www.regulations.gov</a> information for which
disclosure is restricted by statute, such as trade secrets and
commercial or financial information (hereinafter referred to as
Confidential Business Information (``CBI'')). Comments submitted
through <a href="http://www.regulations.gov">www.regulations.gov</a> cannot be claimed as CBI. Comments received
through the website will waive any CBI claims for the information
submitted. For information on submitting CBI, see the Confidential
Business Information section.
DOE processes submissions made through <a href="http://www.regulations.gov">www.regulations.gov</a> before
posting. Normally, comments will be posted within a few days of being
submitted. However, if large volumes of comments are being processed
simultaneously, your comment may not be viewable for up to several
weeks. Please keep the comment tracking number that <a href="http://www.regulations.gov">www.regulations.gov</a>
provides after you have successfully uploaded your comment.
Submitting comments via email. Comments and documents submitted via
email also will be posted to <a href="http://www.regulations.gov">www.regulations.gov</a>. If you do not want
your personal contact information to be publicly viewable, do not
include it in your comment or any accompanying documents. Instead,
provide your contact information on a cover letter. Include your first
and last names, email address, telephone number, and optional mailing
address. The cover letter will not be publicly viewable as long as it
does not include any comments.
Include contact information each time you submit comments, data,
documents, and other information to DOE. Faxes will not be accepted.
Comments, data, and other information submitted to DOE
electronically should be provided in PDF (preferred), Microsoft Word or
Excel, WordPerfect, or text (ASCII) file format. Provide documents that
are not secured, written in English and free of any defects or viruses.
Documents should not contain special characters or any form of
encryption and, if possible, they should carry the electronic signature
of the author.
Campaign form letters. Please submit campaign form letters by the
originating organization in batches of between 50 to 500 form letters
per PDF or as one form letter with a list of supporters' names compiled
into one or more PDFs. This reduces comment processing and posting
time.
[[Page 27029]]
Confidential Business Information. According to 10 CFR 1004.11, any
person submitting information that he or she believes to be
confidential and exempt by law from public disclosure should submit via
email two well-marked copies: One copy of the document marked
confidential including all the information believed to be confidential,
and one copy of the document marked ``non-confidential'' with the
information believed to be confidential deleted. DOE will make its own
determination about the confidential status of the information and
treat it according to its determination.
It is DOE's policy that all comments may be included in the public
docket, without change and as received, including any personal
information provided in the comments (except information deemed to be
exempt from public disclosure).
DOE considers public participation to be a very important part of
the process for developing test procedures and energy conservation
standards. DOE actively encourages the participation and interaction of
the public during the comment period in each stage of this process.
Interactions with and between members of the public provide a balanced
discussion of the issues and assist DOE in the process. Anyone who
wishes to be added to the DOE mailing list to receive future notices
and information about this process should contact Appliance and
Equipment Standards Program staff at (202) 287-1445 or via email at
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#97d6e7e7fbfef6f9f4f2c4e3f6f9f3f6e5f3e4c6e2f2e4e3fef8f9e4d7f2f2b9f3f8f2b9f0f8e1"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="81c0f1f1ede8e0efe2e4d2f5e0efe5e0f3e5f2d0f4e4f2f5e8eeeff2c1e4e4afe5eee4afe6eef7">[email protected]</span></a>.
Signing Authority
This document of the Department of Energy was signed on May 2,
2022, by Kelly J. Speakes-Backman, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary
for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, pursuant to delegated
authority from the Secretary of Energy. That document with the original
signature and date is maintained by DOE. For administrative purposes
only, and in compliance with requirements of the Office of the Federal
Register, the undersigned DOE Federal Register Liaison Officer has been
authorized to sign and submit the document in electronic format for
publication, as an official document of the Department of Energy. This
administrative process in no way alters the legal effect of this
document upon publication in the Federal Register.
Signed in Washington, DC, on May 3, 2022.
Treena V. Garrett,
Federal Register Liaison Officer, U.S. Department of Energy.
[FR Doc. 2022-09810 Filed 5-5-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6450-01-P
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