DOE Amends Energy Efficiency Regs to Cover Compressors

The Energy Department is designating certain types of compressors as “covered equipment” under the Energy Policy and Conservation Act, in a final rule (here). The designation means DOE may issue energy efficiency standards and test procedures for compressors. The new regulation defines covered compressors as “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.” The final rule takes effect Dec. 15.