Energy Conservation Program: Test Procedure for Compressors
Published Date: 1/17/2025
Rule
Summary
The Department of Energy is updating how compressors are tested to fix a math error and make sure pressure is measured correctly, especially at different heights. These changes affect manufacturers who must follow the new rules starting July 16, 2025, helping ensure fair and accurate energy efficiency ratings. This update won’t cost extra but will make testing clearer and more reliable.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
No retesting or added testing cost required
DOE states the amendments align with industry practice and will not require retesting or recertification solely because of DOE's adoption, and the amendments will not increase the cost of testing.
Manufacturers must use new tests by July 16, 2025
If you make compressors, you must base any energy-use or efficiency claims on the amended test procedure starting July 16, 2025 (180 days after the rule). The rule itself is effective April 2, 2025.
Adds K6 correction for elevation differences
DOE added a K6 correction factor to the formulas for isentropic efficiency and specific energy consumption to correct for pressure-ratio changes when testing at different elevations. This ensures test results done at elevations other than 364 ft, or during unusual low-/high-pressure weather, will be adjusted correctly.
Pressure ratio formula corrected to absolute terms
DOE corrected the pressure-ratio formula in the test procedure so pressure ratio is calculated using absolute pressure and fixed a typographical error. This changes how manufacturers must compute pressure ratio in test reports.
Clarifies 'air compressor' covers multi‑element units
DOE revised the definition of "air compressor" to clarify that compressors made up of one or more compression elements are within the test-procedure scope, and fixed a typographical error changing "compressor element" to "compression elements."
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