DOE Grants Coolers Waiver to Mysterious Chinese Freezer Firm
Published Date: 5/27/2026
Notice
Summary
Zhuhai Samyou Environmental Technology asked the Department of Energy to let them use a different way to test their walk-in coolers and freezers. The DOE said yes for now and wants to hear what people think before making a final call. This means Samyou can keep selling their products while everyone figures out the best testing method, with comments due by June 26, 2026.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Interim Waiver Lets Samyou Keep Selling
The Department of Energy granted an interim waiver to Zhuhai Samyou for two specific models (VLD-02ZFCLVX3H and MEFDW12D), allowing Samyou to test and rate those models using an alternate test procedure and continue certifying and distributing them in the U.S. while DOE decides on the full waiver. Samyou estimated that without an interim waiver it would lose an estimated $2–5 million in annual sales; DOE is accepting public comments on the petition through June 26, 2026.
Alternate Test Method and Testing Rules
For the two Samyou basic models, DOE requires testing per 10 CFR part 431, subpart R, appendix C but substitutes indoor-air and outdoor-air enthalpy methods instead of the refrigerant enthalpy (DX) methods. The Interim Waiver Order also sets specific instrumentation tolerances (refrigerant temperature tolerance 0.5 °F; temperatures for water vapor content accurate to 0.4 °F; 1.0 °F for other temps), requires measured net capacities from primary and secondary methods to balance within 6%, and allows certain exterior modifications (e.g., adding insulation or sealing) by the test lab to achieve the heat-balance check while preserving primary-test results.
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