[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 150 (Tuesday, August 5, 2014)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 45377-45380]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-18348]
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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
10 CFR Part 431
[Docket No. EERE-2013-BT-STD-0040]
RIN 1904-AC83
Energy Conservation Program for Certain Commercial and Industrial
Equipment: Gas Compressors; Request for Information
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 considering
[[Page 45378]]
establishing energy conservation standards for commercial and
industrial compressors. To date, DOE has proposed to consider energy
conservation standards only for compressors intended to compress air,
rather than gas. As a result, DOE's current efforts have focused solely
on air compressors. However, DOE is also aware that compressors used to
compress natural gas may also use a substantial amount of energy. To
improve its understanding of natural gas compressors and their related
markets, DOE requests information, comment, and supporting data about
the characteristics and energy use of this equipment.
DATES: DOE will accept written comments, data, and information on this
notice, but no later than September 4, 2014.
ADDRESSES: Interested persons are encouraged to submit comments
electronically. However, interested persons may submit comments,
identified by docket number EERE-2013-BT-STD-0040 or Regulation
Identifier Number (RIN) 1904-AC83, by any of the following methods:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: www.regulations.gov Follow the
instructions for submitting comments.
Email: [email protected] Include EERE-2013-BT-STD-
0040 and/or RIN 1904-AC83 in the subject line of the message. Submit
electronic comments in WordPerfect, Microsoft Word, portable document
format (PDF), or American Standard Code for Information Interchange
(ASCII) file format, and avoid the use of special characters or any
form of encryption.
Mail: Ms. Brenda Edwards, U.S. Department of Energy,
Building Technologies Office, Mailstop EE-5B, 1000 Independence Avenue
SW., Washington, DC 20585-0121. Telephone: (202) 586-2945. If possible,
please submit all items on a compact disc (CD), in which case it is not
necessary to include printed copies.
Hand Delivery/Courier: Ms. Brenda Edwards, U.S. Department
of Energy, Building Technologies Office, 6th Floor, 950 L'Enfant Plaza
SW., Washington, DC 20024. Telephone: (202) 586-2945. If possible,
please submit all items on a CD, in which case it is not necessary to
include printed copies.
Instructions: All submissions received must include the agency name
and docket number or RIN for this rulemaking. No telefacsimilies
(faxes) will be accepted. For detailed instructions on submitting
comments and additional information on the rulemaking process, see
section III of this document (Public Participation).
Docket: The docket is available for review at www.regulations.gov,
including Federal Register notices, comments, and other supporting
documents/materials (search EERE-2013-BT-STD-0040). All documents in
the docket are listed in the www.regulations.gov index. However, not
all documents listed in the index may be publicly available, such as
information that is exempt from public disclosure.
A link to the docket Web page can be found at: http://www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/appliance_standards/rulemaking.aspx/ruleid/58. This Web page contains a link to the docket for this notice
on the www.regulations.gov site. The www.regulations.gov Web page
contains instructions on how to access all documents, including public
comments, in the docket. See section III for further information on how
to submit comments through www.regulations.gov.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. James Raba, U.S. Department of
Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Building
Technologies, EE-5B, 1000 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC
20585-0121. Telephone: (202) 586-8654. Email: [email protected].
Mr. Michael Kido, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of the General
Counsel, GC-71, 1000 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20585.
Telephone: (202) 586-8145. Email: [email protected].
Ms. Johanna Hariharan, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of the
General Counsel, GC-71, 1000 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC
20585. Telephone: (202) 287-6307. Email: [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Table of Contents
I. Authority and Background
II. Discussion
III. Public Participation
I. Authority and Background
Title III of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act, 42 U.S.C.
6291, et seq., (EPCA) sets forth a variety of provisions designed to
improve the energy efficiency of products and commercial equipment.
(All references to EPCA refer to the statute as amended through the
American Energy Manufacturing Technical Corrections Act (AEMTCA 2012),
Pub. L. 112-210 (December 18, 2012)). Part C of Title III (42 U.S.C.
6311-6317), which was subsequently re-designated as Part A-1 for
editorial reasons, establishes an energy conservation program for
certain industrial equipment, which includes compressors, the subject
of today's notice. (42 U.S.C. 6311(2)(B)(i)) Unlike some other types of
equipment included in EPCA, the term ``compressors'' is undefined.
Section 341 of EPCA, 42 U.S.C. 6312, provides a general statement
of purpose to improve the efficiency of a variety of industrial
equipment to conserve the energy resources of the Nation. Accordingly,
section 341 further provides that the Secretary of Energy may, by rule,
classify certain equipment as covered equipment if a determination is
made that doing so is necessary to carry out the purposes of Part A-1
of EPCA. Consistent with this process, DOE is currently considering
whether to regulate the efficiency of a specific group of compressors--
commercial and industrial air compressors. 77 FR 76972 (December 31,
2012). DOE received comments from interested parties, which are
available in docket number EERE-2013-BT-STD-0040. The comments were
considered in developing a Framework Document to explain the relevant
issues, analyses, and processes it anticipates using when considering
new energy conservation standards for commercial and industrial air
compressors. DOE issued that document and conducted a public meeting to
discuss its contents earlier this year. 79 FR 6839 (Feb. 5, 2014).
Because the term ``compressors'' is undefined by EPCA, DOE
considered a variety of definitions for this term in order to help
ensure a reasonable level of clarity with respect to the type of
equipment that might be regulated. In its ongoing proceeding, DOE
offered for comment the following definition for ``commercial and
industrial compressors'' to clarify the coverage of any potential test
procedure or energy conservation standard:
Compressor: A compressor is an electric-powered device that takes
in air or gas at atmospheric pressure and delivers the air or gas at a
higher pressure. Compressors typically have a specific ratio, the ratio
of delivery pressure to supply pressure, greater than 1.20.
After further evaluating this definition and considering the
comments it received, DOE revisited this definition and offered a
revised version. That version, which is based on International
Organization for Standardization (ISO) Technical Report (TR) 12942,
provides a different definition of the term ``compressor'' from DOE's
initial
[[Page 45379]]
approach. (ISO TR 12942 provides a means to classify modern compressor
types along with definitions and related terms that can be utilized in
technical and contractual specifications such as a manufacturer's
literature and industrial statistics.) The revised definition DOE
offered for public comment reads as follows:
Compressor: A machine or apparatus converting 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 with pressure-increase ratios exceeding 1.1.\1\
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\1\ International Organization for Standardization (ISO), ISO
12942, Compressors--Classification-- Complementary information to
ISO 5390, International Organization for Standardization (ISO),
2012.
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DOE is continuing to consider revisions to this definition,
however, due at least in part to submitted comments in which some
parties have commented that the specified ratio should be different to
avoid overlapping with what the compressor industry generally treats as
``blowers,'' equipment for which DOE may also establish standards. See
78 FR 7306 (Feb. 1, 2013) (announcing DOE's issuance of a framework
document related to the potential setting of energy conservation
standards for industrial fans and blowers).
DOE notes that the vast majority of compressors are air
compressors. According to Current Industrial Reports from the U.S.
Census Bureau,\2\ shipments of new air compressors totaled 3.8 million
in 2006, while shipments of new gas compressors were only around 6,000
units. As such, DOE at this point is considering establishing standards
that would address only those compressors intended to compress air.\3\
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\2\ Pumps and Compressors: 2006. Current Industrial Reports.
U.S. Census Bureau. Available at:
\3\ See p. 3 of the Framework Document. Available at: http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=EERE-2013-BT-STD-0040-0001.
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While DOE's focus up until now has centered primarily on those
compressors that are intended to compress air, compressors are used in
a wide variety of applications and may be used to compress different
types of gases. DOE is aware that compressors intended to compress
other gases such as natural gas (i.e. gas compressors) may, both
collectively and individually, use a substantial amount of energy, as
such compressors are often very large. An important application of gas
compressors is the pipeline transport of natural gas. The drivers for
such compressors can be natural gas turbines (particularly since gas is
an easily accessible fuel out in the field), steam turbines, internal
combustion engines, or electric motors. Recent data provided by the
Energy Information Administration (EIA) indicate that the annual amount
of natural gas used to transport natural gas through the pipeline
system was about 0.7 quadrillion Btu. In addition to the pipeline
natural gas use, compressors are used in the production and processing
of natural gas, which is accounted for in the 1.4 quadrillion Btu of
natural gas reported by EIA as ``lease and plant fuel.'' \4\
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\4\ Energy Information Administration, Annual Energy Outlook
2014, Table 2.
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In the Framework Document, DOE stated that it is considering the
possibility of setting air compressor standards based on equipment size
as measured in rated horsepower (hp). This approach would help align
its efforts with the current energy efficiency standards for electric
motors, as codified in subpart B of Title 10 of the Code of Federal
Regulations, Part 431 (10 CFR part 431) by covering compressor
equipment rated from 1 through 500 hp. Because compressors often rely
on the use of an electric motor to operate, aligning compressor
standards in this manner could provide a relatively straight-forward
approach that parallels the approach already established for electric
motors. DOE may take a similar approach with respect to gas compressors
as well but seeks comment on the appropriateness of doing so.
To inform its decision making regarding gas compressors, DOE
requests information, comment, and supporting data about the
characteristics, applications and energy use of gas compressors. In
particular, DOE seeks comment and information about the topics below.
II. Discussion
DOE seeks a variety of different types of information to help
inform its decision regarding how, if at all, to regulate gas
compressor energy efficiency. To this end, DOE seeks detailed data
regarding the following aspects related to gas compressors:
(1) Annual shipments.
a. DOE is seeking historical shipments data (specifically from
2003-2013) for gas compressors, with further breakdowns, where
available, including, but not limited to, equipment type (both
compression principle and driver type), equipment size, and
application. DOE is also interested in comments regarding how gas
compressors are manufactured and shipped as original equipment from the
manufacturer, for example, as a package (i.e., with both air end and
primary driver), or as a separate component, or both.
(2) Equipment types and sizes.
a. DOE is seeking comment regarding the types of equipment used in
gas compressors. Specifically, DOE is interested in information
regarding the compression principles (e.g., positive-displacement or
dynamic compressors) and primary driver types (e.g., natural gas or
steam turbines or electric motors) used in gas compressors, as well as
what design, construction, and performance characteristics would be
attributed to each type. DOE is also interested in information
regarding the compression principles and driver types used in gas
compressors based on application type.
b. DOE is also seeking comment regarding how gas compressors are
sized (e.g., by brake horsepower, input/output pressure, or delivered
air volume) and the general sizes of gas compressors based on both
equipment and application type.
(3) Applications.
a. DOE is aware that an important application of gas compressors is
in the transportation, production, and processing of natural gas. DOE
seeks comment on other major applications (e.g., injection, withdrawal,
lifting, or filling) in which gas compressors are used.
b. DOE also seeks information regarding any particular
characteristics or features that are unique to each of these different
applications.
(4) Typical energy use in each application type.
DOE seeks comment regarding the typical energy use of gas
compressors broken down by, where available, application type,
equipment type, and equipment size.
(5) Typical energy efficiency by equipment type.
DOE is interested in information regarding the typical range in
efficiency levels of gas compressors broken down by equipment type and
size.
(6) DOE is interested in what opportunities, if any, for improving
gas compressor energy efficiency are possible and how these efficiency
improvements may, or may not, impact equipment performance, features,
utility or safety.
(7) DOE requests comment on whether the test procedures in ISO
[[Page 45380]]
1217:2009 \5\ and ISO 5389:2005,\6\ which address the testing of
displacement and turbo compressors, respectively, would be appropriate
for rating gas compressors. DOE also requests information on other
applicable test procedures it should consider along with any
deficiencies or issues that would need to be addressed prior to
adopting a regulation mandating a particular test procedure.
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\5\ International Organization for Standardization (ISO), ISO
1217, Displacement compressors-- Acceptance tests, International
Organization for Standardization (ISO), 2009.
\6\ International Organization for Standardization (ISO), ISO
5389, Turbocompressors--Performance test code, International
Organization for Standardization (ISO), 2005.
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(8) DOE requests feedback regarding any safety issues, regulations,
codes, or standards (e.g., National Fire Protection Association
requirements) that must be considered in the manufacture, testing, and
use of gas compressors.
(9) DOE seeks information on any voluntary efforts by manufacturers
that are already in place to improve the energy efficiency of gas
compressors and what type of future voluntary efforts to improve
efficiency, if any, are likely to occur in the near future.
(10) DOE seeks information regarding whether there are particular
characteristics that would readily distinguish an ``air compressor''
from a ``gas compressor'' and whether those characteristics play any
role with respect to the energy efficiency performance of these two
categories of compressors.
(11) DOE requests comment on the market for natural gas
compressors, and how they are marketed, sold, shipped, and assembled.
III. Public Participation
DOE invites all interested parties to submit in writing by the date
specified previously in the DATES section of this RFI, comments and
information on matters addressed in this notice and on other matters
relevant to DOE's consideration of gas compressors.
DOE considers public participation to be a very important part of
the process for developing test procedures. DOE actively encourages the
participation and interaction of the public during the comment period
at each stage of the rulemaking process. Interactions with and between
members of the public provide a balanced discussion of the issues and
assist DOE in the rulemaking process. Anyone who wishes to be added to
the DOE mailing list to receive future notices and information about
this rulemaking should contact Ms. Brenda Edwards at (202) 586-2945, or
via email at [email protected].
Issued in Washington, DC, on July 28, 2014.
Kathleen B. Hogan,
Deputy Assistant Secretary, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.
[FR Doc. 2014-18348 Filed 8-4-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6450-01-P