1 | Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy eere.energy.gov

[INSERT PICTURE(S) OF 

PRODUCT(S)]

[INSERT PICTURE(S) OF PRODUCT(S)]

Energy Conservation Standards for 

Gas Compressors: 

Request for Information

December 17, 2014

Jim Raba, Project Manager

Department of Energy

Building Technologies Office

EERE-2014-BT-STD-0051

GasCompressors2014STD0051@ee.doe.gov

Source: http://www.geenergy.com/products_and_services/products/compressors/axial.jsp

http://www.ge-energy.com/content/multimedia/_

files/downloads/GE_HSR_AMS-9x12x4_040513-WEB.pdf

https://mysolar.cat.com/cda/files/2816226/7/ds70cs.pdf
2

 Introductions 

 Role of the Facilitator

 Ground Rules (Norms)

• Listen as an ally

• Use short, succinct statements/keep to the point

• Hold sidebar conversations outside the room

• Focus on issues, not personalities

• One person speak at a time (raise hand to be recognized; state your name for 

the record)

• Set cell phones to silent/vibrate

 Housekeeping Items

 Agenda Review

 Opening Remarks

Welcome and Introduction
3

9:00 – 9:05 am Welcome

9:05 – 9:30 am Opening Remarks, Introductions, and Agenda Review

9:30 – 9:45 am Introduction

9:45 – 10:30 am Rulemaking Process Overview

10:30 – 10:45 am Break

10:45 – 11:30 am Legislative History & Scope of Coverage

11:30 – 11:45 am Metrics & Test Procedure

11:45 – 12:00 pm Break

Agenda
4

12:00 – 12:30 pm Market Assessment

12:30 – 1:00 pm Technology Assessment

1:00 – 1:25 pm Screening Analysis

1:25 – 1:30 pm Closing Remarks

Agenda
5

Interested parties who contacted DOE to request an 

opportunity to issue an opening statement should speak 

now.

Opening Remarks
6

Public Meeting Slides Topics

1 Introduction

2 Rulemaking Process Overview

3 Legislative History & Scope of Coverage

4 Metrics & Test Procedures

5 Market Assessment

6 Technology Assessment

7 Screening Analysis

8 Closing Remarks
7

Purpose of Today’s Public Meeting

 Provide overview preliminary information from the RFI and other sources 

concerning the market and technology of gas compressors

 Invite interested parties to review information and discuss the impact of 

potential standards to the industry and the Nation

 Describe the legal context as well as the procedural and analytical 

approaches DOE uses when considering energy conservation standards

 Encourage and facilitate input from interested parties

Introduction
8

Introduction

Request for Comment 

Item #-#: DOE solicits comment on a range of specific 

issues throughout today’s presentation.

• Throughout this presentation, these issues will be highlighted for 

discussion in comment boxes such as this.

• Item numbers correspond to sections in the Market and Technology 

Assessment (MTA) document.

• DOE welcomes comments concerning these specific issues and any 

other issues related to this rulemaking.
9

Public Meeting Slides Topics

1 Introduction

2 Rulemaking Process Overview

3 Legislative History & Scope of Coverage

4 Metrics & Test Procedures

5 Market Assessment

6 Technology Assessment

7 Screening Analysis

8 Closing Remarks
10

Standards Development

 The Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975 (EPCA) sets forth 

provisions for the “Energy Conservation Program for Certain Industrial 

Equipment”

• EPCA specifies a list of 11 types of equipment and provides a twelfth provision 

for any other type of industrial equipment which the Secretary of Energy 

classifies as covered equipment

• To classify equipment as covered, the Secretary must determine that doing so 

is necessary for the purposes of Part A-1 of EPCA – namely, to improve the 

efficiency of certain industrial equipment

 DOE is considering extending coverage for compressors used in the natural 

gas infrastructure, provided they meet EPCA criteria for coverage

Rulemaking Process Overview
11

 EPCA directs DOE to consider seven factors for analysis when setting 

technologically feasible and economically justifiable standards:

Rulemaking Process Overview

EPCA Requirement Corresponding DOE Analyses

1. Economic impact on consumers and 

manufacturers

• Life-Cycle Cost Analysis

• Manufacturer Impact Analysis

2. Lifetime operating cost savings compared to 

increased equipment cost

• Life-Cycle Cost Analysis

3. Total projected energy savings • National Impact Analysis 

4. Impact on utility or performance

• Engineering Analysis

• Screening Analysis

5. Impact of any lessening of competition • Manufacturer Impact Analysis

6. Need for national energy conservation • National Impact Analysis

7. Other factors the Secretary considers relevant

• Emissions Analysis

• Utility Impact Analysis

• Employment Impact Analysis

Source: (42 U.S.C. § 6295(o)(2)(B)(i) and 42 U.S.C. § 6316(a))
12

• TP and ECS rulemakings are separate processes but have integrated timelines

• The TP rulemaking timeline duration is about 1.5 years from start to finish

• The ECS rulemaking timeline duration is about 3 years from start to finish

• For additional information on the rulemaking process go to:

 http://www.energy.gov/eere/buildings/standards-development-and-revision

Energy Conservation 

Standards (ECS)

Test Procedure (TP)

Framework

Document Preliminary 

Analysis NOPR Final

Rule

NOPR Final 

Rule

Test Procedure and Standard Rulemaking Timelines

Rulemaking Process Overview
13

Request for Information

 Encourages early participation from interested parties

 Seeks information on a variety of topics to help inform decision-making 

regarding how, if at all, to regulate a product

 Accompanying Federal Register Notice of Request for Information (RFI)

• Encourages interested parties to submit comments, data, and information

Rulemaking Process Overview

Request for 

Information

Framework 

Document

Preliminary 

Analysis NOPR Final Rule

Today
14

Framework Document

 Prior to the framework document, DOE will decide whether to pursue an 

energy conservation standard, based on data from the RFI

 Provides an overview of the rulemaking process and encourages early 

participation from interested parties

 Invites comments on proposed approach and issues

 Accompanying Federal Register Notice of Public Meeting (NOPM)

• Gives notice of the public meeting and availability of the Framework Document

• Encourages interested parties to submit comments, data, and information

Rulemaking Process Overview

Request for 

Information

Framework 

Document

Preliminary 

Analysis NOPR Final Rule
15

Preliminary Analysis Document

 Planned Federal Register Notice and Public Meeting (NOPM):

• Gives notice of public meeting and availability of the Technical Support Document (TSD)

• Encourages interested parties to submit comments

 Analysis:

Rulemaking Process Overview

Request for 

Information

Framework 

Document

Preliminary 

Analysis NOPR Final Rule

• Design options to increase efficiency 

(engineering analysis)

• Manufacturer-to-user markups

• Energy use

• Consumer life-cycle cost (LCC) and payback 

period (PBP)

• Product Shipments 

• National impacts (including national energy 

savings (NES) and consumer net present value 

(NPV)

• Preliminary analysis of manufacturer impacts

• Discussion of comments received in response to 

the framework document
16

Notice of Proposed Rulemaking

 Discussion of comments received in response to Preliminary Analysis TSD

 Analysis of the impacts of potential standards on consumers, 

manufacturers, and the Nation and weighting of these impacts

 Proposed standard levels for public comment

 Accompanying Federal Register Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NOPR)

• Gives notice of the public meeting and availability of the revised Technical 

Support Document (TSD)

• Encourages interested parties to submit comments

Rulemaking Process Overview

Request for 

Information

Framework 

Document

Preliminary 

Analysis NOPR Final Rule
17

Final Rule Publication

 Discuss comments received in response to the NOPR

• DOE will consider all written and oral input in preparing the final rule. 

 Revise analysis of the impacts of standards, and weighting of these 

impacts in the final rule

 Determine the standard levels DOE will adopt

 Establish the compliance date for the adopted standards

 Final Rule will appear in the Federal Register

Rulemaking Process Overview

Request for 

Information

Framework 

Document

Preliminary 

Analysis NOPR Final Rule
18

Public Meeting Slides Topics

1 Introduction

2 Rulemaking Process Overview

3 Legislative History & Scope of Coverage

4 Metrics & Test Procedures

5 Market Assessment

6 Technology Assessment

7 Screening Analysis

8 Closing Remarks
19

Authority and Background

 Currently no energy conservation standards for gas compressors

 The Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA) of 1975 (Public Law 94-

163), as amended, established an energy conservation program for certain 

commercial and industrial equipment 

• This program, set forth in Part C of Title III of EPCA, includes compressors as 

covered equipment and authorizes DOE to issue standards, test procedures 

and labeling requirements for them. 42 U.S.C. 6311(2)(B)(i)

 DOE issued a Request for Information (RFI) on August 5, 2014 (79 FR 

45377) and received comments from interested parties

Legislative History & Scope of Coverage
20

Authority and Background (cont.)

 DOE published a Federal Register Notice and Public Meeting (NOPM) on 

November 28, 2014 (79 FR 70797) 

• Some aspects of the RFI and the MTA document are addressed in this 

presentation

Legislative History & Scope of Coverage
21

Gas Compressors for Which DOE is Considering Standards

• Gas Lift

• Gathering

• Boosting

• Processing

• Transmission (pipeline)

• Storage

Legislative History & Scope of Coverage

 Natural gas compressors appear in a variety of applications including

 DOE believes the transmission and distribution of natural gas to be one of 

the largest applications for natural gas compressors
22

Network Hierarchy

Legislative History & Scope of Coverage

 Upstream

• Air Drilling

• Gas Lift

• Wellhead Gas 

Compression

• Gathering and 

Boosting

• Coal Bed 

Methane 

Compression

• Advanced 

Recovery 

Processes (CO2 , 

O2 , Fire Flood)

• Acid Gas Injection

• Vapor Recovery 

 Midstream

• Gas Processing

• Refrigeration

• Storage and 

Withdrawal

• Transmission

• Vapor Recovery

 Downstream

• Chemical 

Processing

• Refining

• Fuel Gas Boosting

• CNG Vehicle 

Fueling

• Vapor Recovery 

Source: ACI Services, Inc.
23

Source: Energy Information Administration, Office of Oil and Gas, Natural Gas Division, 

Natural Gas Transportation Information System 

Legislative History & Scope of Coverage

Transmission Station Map (2008)
24 Transmission Volume Map (2008)

Legislative History & Scope of Coverage
25

Gas Compressors for Which DOE is Considering Standards

 DOE is exploring the energy savings opportunities for natural gas 

compressors

 DOE has not established which, if any, compressors could be regulated

 DOE is investigating energy-saving opportunities throughout the natural 

gas supply chain – e.g. gathering, processing, transmission and storage 

market segments

Legislative History & Scope of Coverage
26

 Set of equipment used to increase pressure of natural gas

 Includes, but is not limited to, the compression unit, the prime mover, and 

associated auxiliary hardware 

Legislative History & Scope of Coverage

Natural Gas Compressor Package
27

 Natural Gas Compressor Package: A set of equipment that is used to 

increase the pressure of natural gas and includes, but is not limited to, the 

compression unit, the prime mover, and associated auxiliary hardware 

including controls, sensors, vents, and measures for safety and 

maintenance

Legislative History & Scope of Coverage

Compressor Definition
28

 Reciprocating: A natural gas compressor that performs compression on an 

enclosed volume of gas using a piston traveling linearly

 Centrifugal: Flow enters the compressor in an axial direction (parallel with 

the axis of rotation) and exits in the radial direction (perpendicular to the 

axis of rotation). Compression is achieved by first using a rotating radial 

impeller to accelerate the gas and impart kinetic energy. Then a stationary 

diffuser is used to transform the increased kinetic energy into pressure rise 

 Axial: Flow enters and exits the compressor in an axial direction (parallel 

with the axis of rotation). Compression is achieved by first using a row of 

rotating airfoils to accelerate the gas and impart kinetic energy. Then a row 

of stationary airfoils is used to diffuse the gas and transform the increased 

kinetic energy into pressure rise 

Legislative History & Scope of Coverage

Natural Gas Compression Unit Types
29

 Prime Mover: The assembly that consumes electrical energy, thermal 

energy from natural gas combustion, or another source of input energy in 

order to supply the mechanical power used for natural gas compression. In 

certain cases (e.g., integral reciprocating compressors) the compression 

unit and the prime mover may be part of the same assembly

Legislative History & Scope of Coverage

Prime Mover Definition
30

 Reciprocating Gas Engine: Uses pistons to harness energy from 

combusted gas in a trapped volume, which is then expelled using valves

 Gas Turbine: Uses rotating vanes or impellers to harness energy from a 

flow of combusted gas

 Electric Motor: Uses electrical energy to create magnetic fields that rotate 

a shaft

Legislative History & Scope of Coverage

Prime Mover Types
31

 DOE is considering the following regulatory options depending on how 

compressors are defined and sold (unit-level, package-level, or design 

requirement):

1. Defining and establishing standards for the compressor unit exclusive of 

the prime mover. This option would likely involve a metric such as 

isentropic efficiency of compression

2. Defining and establishing standards for packages shipped including both a 

compressor unit and a prime mover and, potentially, auxiliary equipment

3. Defining and establishing design requirements for compressors or 

compressor packages that mandate certain technology be used or 

avoided

Legislative History & Scope of Coverage

Compressor Systems
32

Request for Comment

Item 3-1: Given the breadth of application of natural gas compressors, DOE 

requests comment on where potential cost-effective energy savings lie. Often, 

these exist where market forces do not incentivize the purchase of efficient 

equipment. 

Item 3-2: DOE requests comment on the scope of coverage – specifically, 

whether a gas compressor energy conservation standard should be inclusive or 

exclusive of the prime mover. 

Legislative History & Scope of Coverage
33

Public Meeting Slides Topics

1 Introduction

2 Rulemaking Process Overview

3 Legislative History & Scope of Coverage

4 Metrics & Test Procedures

5 Market Assessment

6 Technology Assessment

7 Screening Analysis

8 Closing Remarks
34

 Compressor Unit Efficiency: Measures how much energy is expended in 

compressing the gas compared to how much overall energy is used by the 

compressor. This relationship may be expressed as isentropic efficiency, a 

dimensionless parameter reflecting how close a compressor comes to the 

theoretical physical maximum

Metrics & Test Procedures

Efficiency Metrics – Compression Unit
35

 Thermal Efficiency: As applied to a prime mover (engine, turbine or 

electric motor) that drives a compressor, thermal efficiency measures how 

much of the potential energy of an input fuel or electric power is 

converted into useful energy that can be used to drive a compressor. The 

majority of energy that is not converted into useful energy is considered 

“waste heat” in the exhaust, cooling, and lubrication systems

Metrics & Test Procedures

Efficiency Metrics – Prime Mover
36

 Heat Recovery: Both compressors and prime movers generate waste heat 

in compression and combustion, respectively. Using waste heat either 

directly (for space or water heating, e.g.) or to generate electrical power 

may be economical, depending on compressor type and size. Heat 

recovery is sometimes lumped in compressor unit or prime mover 

efficiency values. But because the savings materialize remotely, where the 

heat or generated electrical power is consumed, it may be useful to 

discuss that savings separately

Metrics & Test Procedures

Efficiency Metrics – Heat Recovery
37

 Gas Efficiency: Reflects how effective a compressor is at retaining natural 

gas. Natural gas may escape in a variety of ways, including through seals or 

packing, uncombusted, in the exhaust stream, through valves, or any 

other hardware in the compressor package. DOE is not aware of an 

established metric to quantify gas efficiency. Logically, it could be 

represented as the mass flow of gas leaving the equipment divided by the 

mass flow of gas entering the equipment, discounting the gas used as fuel. 

Although not commonly discussed as efficiency, improving this parameter 

would enable a compressor to deliver more natural gas for a given energy 

consumption

Metrics & Test Procedures

Efficiency Metrics – Gas Retention
38

 If standards are adopted, manufacturers must use a DOE-prescribed test 

procedure to: 

• Establish compliance, and

• Make representations of energy efficiency for gas compressors

 DOE also uses the established test procedure to subsequently verify the 

performance of covered equipment if standards are established

Metrics & Test Procedures

Test Procedures
39

 DOE will review the following test procedures, along with others 

Metrics & Test Procedures

Test Procedures

Test Procedure

API 617 Axial and Centrifugal Compressors and Expander-Compressors

ASME PTC-10 Performance test Code on Compressors and Exhausters

ASME PTC-09 Displacement Compressors, Vacuum Pumps And Blowers

ISO 1217:2009 Displacement Compressors – Acceptance Tests

ISO 5389:2005 Turbocompressors – Performance test code
40

Request for Comment – Test Procedures

Item 4-1: DOE requests comment about test procedures that may be suitable 

for assessment of energy consumption in natural gas compressors. In addition 

to specifying which and how physical parameters must be measured, such a 

procedure should specify the conditions under which the measurements are 

taken and interpreted.

Item 4-2: DOE requests comment about whether the test procedures in

ISO 1217:2009 and ISO 5389:2005, which address the testing of displacement 

and turbo compressors, respectively, would be appropriate for rating gas 

compressors. DOE also requests information about other applicable test 

procedures it should consider along with any deficiencies or issues that should 

be addressed prior to prescribing test procedure requirements to measure 

energy consumption.

Metrics & Test Procedures
41

Public Meeting Slides Topics

1 Introduction

2 Rulemaking Process Overview

3 Legislative History & Scope of Coverage

4 Metrics & Test Procedures

5 Market Assessment

6 Technology Assessment

7 Screening Analysis

8 Closing Remarks
42

 Identify and characterize the natural gas compressor industry (e.g., 

manufacturers, industry organizations, other stakeholders)

 Estimate market share trends

 Investigate and address related regulatory and non-regulatory initiatives 

• In particular, energy efficiency improvement/energy use reduction initiatives

Market Assessment

Purpose
43

 95% of new compressors supplied for compressor stations come from nine 

different manufacturers

 DOE is currently unaware of any manufacturers that qualify as small 

businesses 

Market Assessment

Manufacturers and Small Businesses

Manufacturer Compressor Types Manufactured

Reciprocating Centrifugal

Ariel Corporation X

Burckhardt Compression X

Cameron X

Dresser-Rand Group X X

G E Oil & Gas X X

Howden Compressors, Inc. X X

Neuman & Esser USA, Inc. X

Siemens AG X

Solar Turbines, Inc. X
44

 Two major sources for compressor packaging and installation

• Manufacturer

- Compressor purchaser works directly with manufacturer to select and design the 

compressor components

- Manufacturer packages component and installs them

• Independent “Integrator”

- Compressor purchaser and integrator work together to determine compressor 

package requirements

- Integrator selects, designs, and packages the compressor components

- Integrator or EPC (engineering, procurement, and construction) contractor installs 

the package

Market Assessment

Compressor Packaging and Installation
45

 DOE has identified the following trade associations in the natural gas 

industry

Note: Not all associations include compressor manufacturers

• Gas Compressor Association (GCA): Represents companies that manufacture, 

lease, and service natural gas compressors

• Gas Machinery Research Council (GMRC): Research corporation focused on 

the effectiveness of the design, construction, and operation of mechanical and 

fluid systems, including natural gas compressors

• Interstate Natural Gas Association of America (INGAA): Advocates regulatory 

and legislative positions of importance to the natural gas pipeline industry

• American Petroleum Institute (API): Represents all aspects of the American oil 

and gas industry, including production, refinement, distribution, and suppliers, 

and works to influence public policy in support of a strong U.S. oil and gas 

industry

• Gas Processors Association (GPA): Represents the “midstream” pipeline 

industry which is primarily composed of pipelines and storage of natural gas

Market Assessment

Trade Associations
46

 Regulatory Programs

Currently no energy conservation regulations for natural gas compressors

• Clean Air Act: Stipulates emissions regulations that apply to natural gas 

compressor prime movers

• Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC): Federal commission with 

oversight of the natural gas industry

• National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA): Requires new gas pipeline projects 

to undergo an Environmental Impact Analysis to evaluate alternative options 

that may have lower environmental impacts than the proposed plan

• USDOT Transportation Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety 

Administration: Has oversight of the safety of the natural gas pipeline 

infrastructure

 Non-regulatory Programs

• EPA Natural Gas STAR Program: Voluntary partnership with industry 

promoting efficiency and low methane emissions 

Market Assessment

Regulatory & Non-regulatory Programs
47

 A 2014 EPA whitepaper provides estimates for the current installed base of 

both compressors and prime movers1

• Compressor estimates broken down by industry segment and compressor type

• Prime mover estimates made only for transmission industry segment

Market Assessment

Shipments and Value

Compressor 

Type

Industry Segment

Production Processing Transmission Storage LNG Storage LNG Import 

Terminal

Reciprocating 36,066 5,624 7,235 1,012 270 37

Centrifugal 0 906 725 99 64 7

Total 36,066 6,530 7,960 2,011 334 44

Prime Mover Type Active Units

Gas Engine1 7,235

Gas Turbine1 725

Electric Motor2 200

Total 8,160

1. EPA, 2014. Oil and Natural Gas Sector Compressors. Table 3-9. http://www.epa.gov/airquality/oilandgas/2014papers/20140415compressors.pdf

2. INGAA, 2010. Interstate Natural Gas Pipeline Efficiency. 1 November. P.42. http://www.ingaa.org/11885/Reports/10927.aspx
48

 EIA Natural Gas Pipeline Project Spreadsheet contains details on all new 

pipeline projects across the U.S., including compressor package 

installations 1

• Provides method for estimating compressor package shipments

• Annual Estimated Compressor Package Shipments from 2009-2013

Market Assessment

Shipments and Value

Primary Driver Gas Engine Gas Turbine Electric Motor

Compressor Technology Reciprocating Centrifugal Centrifugal

Annual Unit 

Shipments

2009 42 28 6

2010 34 23 4

2011 7 21 10

2012 16 12 9

2013 5 8 7

Cumulative Market Share 45% 40% 16%

Total Units 104 92 36

1. EIA, 2014. EIA Natural Gas Pipeline Projects, EIA. http://www.eia.gov/naturalgas/pipelines/EIA-NaturalGasPipelineProjects.xls
49

• Estimated Compressor Package Shipments by HP Range from 2009-20131

Market Assessment

Shipments and Value

Primary Driver Gas Engine Gas Turbine Electric Motor

Compressor Technology Reciprocating Centrifugal Centrifugal

Shipments by 

Horsepower Ranges

1,000-2,500 20 2 3

2,501-5,000 57 7 1

5,001-7,500 2 9 2

7,501-10,000 25 7 7

10,001-15,000 0 41 7

15,001-20,000 0 17 4

20,001-30,000 0 9 9

30,001-50,000 0 0 3

Average Horsepower 4,880 12,022 16,203

Total Units 104 92 36

1. EIA, 2014. EIA Natural Gas Pipeline Projects, EIA. http://www.eia.gov/naturalgas/pipelines/EIA-NaturalGasPipelineProjects.xls
50

Request for Comment - Shipments

Item 5-1: DOE is seeking both present and 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 compressor and prime mover), or as a separate 

component, or both.

Item 5-2: DOE requests shipment information on upstream and gathering 

natural gas compressors, and how their numbers compare to those of natural 

gas compressors in other applications.

Item 5-3: DOE seeks comment on how an energy conservation standard for gas 

compressors might impact future equipment shipments.

Market Assessment
51

Request for Comment – Equipment Type and Size

Item 5-4: DOE is seeking comment about 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.

Item 5-5: DOE is also seeking comment about how gas compressors are sized 

(e.g., by brake horsepower, input/output pressure, or delivered gas volume) and 

the general sizes of gas compressors based on both equipment and application 

type.

Market Assessment
52

Request for Comment – Equipment Type and Size

Item 5-6: DOE requests input on ways to characterize gas compressor sizing and 

selection practices for different equipment and end use applications. 

Item 5-7: DOE requests comment on the degree of gas compressor oversizing 

that is prevalent under current industry practices. Specifically, the degree to 

which this oversizing may be a factor for different end-use applications. 

Market Assessment
53

Request for Comment – Product Differentiation

Item 5-8: Are gas compressors marketed and sold on the basis of efficiency? Do 

certain customers tend to purchase certain compressor types or efficiency 

levels? What makes compressors more or less efficient?

Market Assessment
54

Request for Comment – Voluntary Efforts

Item 5-9: 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 voluntary efforts to improve efficiency, if any, are likely to occur in 

the near future.

Market Assessment
55

Request for Comment – Sales and Distribution

Item 5-10: DOE requests comment on how compressors are marketed, sold, 

shipped, and assembled, and on the various distribution channels through 

which gas compressors pass through from the manufacturer to the final enduser.

Item 5-11: DOE seeks comment on the different agents involved in the sale and 

installation of a typical gas compressor for each distribution channel. 

Item 5-12: DOE seeks comment on the share of industry shipments for each 

different distribution channel, and any differences in gas compressor design 

that may apply.

Market Assessment
56

Request for Comment – Consumers

Item 5-13: DOE seeks comment of what consumer populations would be 

disproportionately affected if DOE were to adopt new energy conservation 

standards.

Market Assessment
57

Public Meeting Slides Topics

1 Introduction

2 Rulemaking Process Overview

3 Legislative History & Scope of Coverage

4 Metrics & Test Procedures

5 Market Assessment

6 Technology Assessment

7 Screening Analysis

8 Closing Remarks
58

 Understand equipment and technologies used in natural gas compressors

 Understand how energy is used by natural gas compressors

 Investigate technology changes that may improve natural gas compressor 

efficiency 

Technology Assessment

Purpose
59

Technology Assessment

Prime Mover Efficiency (Lower Heating Value) 

Vs. Rated Horsepower1

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

0 10,000 20,000 30,000 40,000 50,000 60,000 70,000 80,000

Efficiency (Lower Heating Value)

Rated Horsepower

Reciprocating

Centrifugal

1. Manufacturer catalog data. GE (https://www.ge-distributedpower.com/products/gas-compression-mechanical-drive). Solar (https://mysolar.cat.com/). Caterpillar 

(https://catoilandgas.cat.com/). 2014 December
60

 Compressor package efficiency depends upon efficiency of both primary 

components – compressor and prime mover1

Technology Assessment

Compressor Package Efficiency

Compressor 

Unit Prime Mover Heat Recovery CU Efficiency (%) PM Efficiency(%)

Combined 

Efficiency (%)

LS Recip. LS Recip. None 80-92 30-43 24-40

LS Recip. SE Motor None 80-92 25-46 20-42

MS Recip. MS Recip. None 75-90 32-46 24-39

HS Recip. HS Recip. None 70-82 32-43 22-35

SC Centrif. SG Turbine None 75-88 24-31 18-27

MC Centrif. MG Turbine None 75-88 27-36 20-32

LC Centrif. LG Turbine None 80-88 29-40 23-35

LC Centrif. LG Turbine Organic Rankine 80-88 33-47 26-41

LC Centrif. LG Turbine Steam Rankine 80-88 34-55 26-48

LC Centrif. SE Motor None 80-88 25-46 20-40

1. INGAA, 2010. Interstate Natural Gas Pipeline Efficiency. 1 November. Table B-1. http://www.ingaa.org/11885/Reports/10927.aspx
61

 Reciprocating compressors:

• Valve losses 

- Gas leakage, flow restrictions, and valve actuation energy are the most common type of 

losses reciprocating compressors

• Passage losses 

- Losses arise from gas travel through parts of the compressor other than valves. This could 

include sections of pipe connecting the cylinders to the pipeline, or travel through the 

cylinder itself

• Pulsation losses 

- Pressure waves develop in gas during suction and discharge, reflect back on the cylinder, 

and can reduce efficiency, depending on wave timing

• Heat transfer losses 

- Majority of input energy used for compression is lost and converted to heat

- Heat generated during compression can, in turn, heat gas on the suction end of the 

cylinder, further reducing overall efficiency

• Leakage losses 

- Gas leaks from the compression chamber past the piston rings resulting in lost energy 

and capacity

• Flow control losses 

- Different methods of flow control (e.g., suction pressure throttling or gas recycling) result 

in significant losses

Technology Assessment

Compressor Losses
62

 Centrifugal compressors:

• Internal losses 

- Incidence loss – Difference in inlet flow and impeller blade angles

- Blade loading loss – Particle build-up on impeller blades

- Skin friction loss – Friction between fluid and channel surfaces

- Clearance loss – Gas leaks through clearance between impeller and casing

- Mixing loss/Slip – Mixing of primary and secondary flows

• Parasitic losses 

- Disc friction loss – Frictional torque on the back surface of the rotor

- Seal loss – Gas leakage through seals

- Bearing loss – Friction in bearings

- Recirculation loss – High pressure air recirculates back into the impeller region from 

the diffuser

• Flow control losses 

- Different methods of flow control (e.g., suction pressure throttling or gas recycling) 

result in significant losses

Technology Assessment

Compressor Losses
63

 Reciprocating compressors:

• Improved valve design 

- Certain valves reduce flow restriction during suction and discharge

• Actively-tuned manifolds

- Optimizes internal pressure-wave timing to match with cylinder cycle to improve 

performance

• Speed reduction

- Slower speed reciprocating compressors may be more efficient

• Efficient pulsation controls

- Reduction in pressure drop over pulsation controls (e.g., bottles) using various 

methods

Technology Assessment

Technology Options for Improving Efficiency
64

 Centrifugal compressors:

• Variable vane geometry

- Vanes with adjustable angle of incidence are installed at inlet/exhaust to help 

control flow at off-peak operating points

• Dry gas shaft seals

- Shaft seals that replace oil with high-pressure air/inert gas for sealant significantly 

reduce overall gas leakages

 Universal compressor options:

• Multi-staging

- Compression process is separated into multiple stages with intercooling between 

each to increase efficiency

Technology Assessment

Technology Options for Improving Efficiency
65

 Reciprocating gas engines:

• Turbocharging

- Utilizing the engine’s exhaust for power, a small compressor pre-compresses the engine’s 

inlet air to increase overall efficiency

• Higher speed

- Higher speed reciprocating engines are more efficient than their slow speed counterparts

• Advanced ignition systems

- Ignition systems that could ignite higher air/fuel ratios would reduce overall fuel 

consumption

 Gas turbines:

• Inlet air cooling

- Cooling of inlet air increases overall turbine efficiency

 Universal prime mover options:

• Air/fuel controls

- Allows combustion engines to operate more efficiently over a wide range of operating 

conditions

Technology Assessment

Technology Options for Improving Efficiency
66

 Heat recovery:

• Gas compression loses 75-80% of the input energy to heat generation

• Heat recovery systems use heat generated by both compressor and prime 

mover for several possible applications

- Water/Space heating – not generally needed in compressor station applications

– Requires demand for output

- Electricity generation – heat used to create high temperature/pressure steam that 

powers a steam turbine

– Requires access to grid and regulatory structure that permits sale

Technology Assessment

Technology Options for Improving Efficiency
67

Request for Comment - Applications

Item 6-1: 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.

Item 6-2: DOE also seeks information regarding any particular characteristics or 

features that are unique to each of these different applications.

Technology Assessment
68

Request for Comment – Gas Leakage

Item 6-3: DOE seeks input on gas leakage by equipment type, and on data that 

may help characterize the amount of leakage by specific source.

Item 6-4: DOE seeks input on technologies available to reduce gas leakage, 

including the cost effectiveness and applicability of each.

Item 6-5: DOE requests specific comment on compressor blowdown, including 

estimated leak volume, technologies able to reduce blowdown frequency and 

capture the gas blown down.

Technology Assessment
69

Request for Comment – Energy Use

Item 6-6: DOE seeks comment regarding the typical energy use of gas 

compressors broken down by, where available, application type, equipment 

type, and equipment size.

Item 6-7: DOE seeks recommendations on sources of data, or analysis methods 

that would provide demand profiles for gas compressors and their end-use 

applications. Further, DOE seeks comment on what gas compressor design 

features would affect their typical demand profile.

Item 6-8: DOE seeks recommendations on sources of data or analysis on the 

fraction of time, in hours, per year that gas compressors spend at off-design 

(efficiencies other than the specified design point) operation under normal 

operating conditions.

Technology Assessment
70

Request for Comment – Operation

Item 6-9: DOE seeks comment on the types, and rate of adoption, of different 

control systems that are employed to adjust a gas compressor’s output to meet 

end-use application demands during off-design operation. 

Technology Assessment
71

Request for Comment – Energy Efficiency Levels

Item 6-10: DOE is interested in information about the typical range in efficiency 

levels of gas compressors broken down by equipment type and size, and why 

the range exists. For example, do more efficient compressors incorporate 

particular design features? 

Technology Assessment
72

Request for Comment – Efficiency Trends and Improvement

Item 6-11: DOE seeks comment about how gas compressor efficiency is likely to 

change over time in the absence of standards.

Item 6-12: DOE is interested in what opportunities, if any, for improving gas 

compressor energy efficiency are possible. 

Technology Assessment
73

Request for Comment – Customer Utility

Item 6-13: DOE requests comment about any compressor features that 

represent usefulness to the user, such as pressure, flow, fuel type, physical size, 

portability, serviceability, emissions, and acoustic noise, and on applications in 

which particular forms of utility may be especially important. Additionally, how 

would an effort to increase energy efficiency of a compressor affect these 

features? 

Technology Assessment
74

Request for Comment – Installation

Item 6-14: DOE seeks comment about whether installation costs for gas 

compressors change with higher efficiency equipment. If so, DOE seeks 

comment about the reasons for, and the amount of, such an increase.

Technology Assessment
75

Request for Comment – Maintenance 

Item 6-15: DOE seeks comment about whether maintenance costs for gas 

compressors change with higher efficiency equipment. If so, DOE seeks 

comment about the reasons for, and the amount of, such a change.

Item 6-16: DOE seeks comment about whether repair costs for gas compressors 

change with higher efficiency equipment. If so, DOE seeks comment about the 

reasons for, and the amount of, such a change.

Technology Assessment
76

Request for Comment – Lifetime 

Item 6-17: DOE recognizes that gas compressors can have a very long 

mechanical lifetime (hours of operation). While many factors contribute to

equipment lifetimes, DOE seeks data about the mechanical lifetimes for gas 

compressors under typical operating conditions. Further, DOE seeks comment 

about whether differences in equipment design or capacity would affect gas 

compressor lifetimes.

Item 6-18: DOE seeks recommendations on sources of data or analysis methods 

correlating gas compressor maintenance and repair with gas compressor 

lifetime and efficiency.

Technology Assessment
77

Public Meeting Slides Topics

1 Introduction

2 Rulemaking Process Overview

3 Legislative History & Scope of Coverage

4 Metrics & Test Procedures

5 Market Assessment

6 Technology Assessment

7 Screening Analysis

8 Closing Remarks
78

 Screen out technology options that DOE will not consider in the 

engineering analysis for gas compressors based on statutory criteria

 DOE documents reasons for eliminating technologies during the screening 

analysis

Screening Analysis

Purpose
79

 Technological feasibility

• Screen out technology not commercially available

 Practicability to manufacture, install and service

• Screen out technology that can not be manufactured, installed or serviced on 

a scale needed to serve the market

 Impacts on product utility or availability to consumers

• Screen out technology that has an adverse impact on equipment availability 

and utility, including reliability, features, size, capacities, and volumes 

currently available

 Impacts on health or safety

• Screen out technology that has an adverse impact on health or safety 

Screening Analysis

Criteria
80

Request for Comment

Item 7-1: DOE is interested in how these efficiency improvements would impact 

equipment performance, features, utility or safety. 

Screening Analysis
81

Public Meeting Slides Topics

1 Introduction

2 Rulemaking Process Overview

3 Legislative History & Scope of Coverage

4 Metrics & Test Procedures

5 Market Assessment

6 Technology Assessment

7 Screening Analysis

8 Closing Remarks
82

Instructions for Submitting Comments

 In all correspondence, please refer to this Gas Compressors rulemaking:

• Docket # EERE-2014-BT-STD-0051, and/or RIN 1904-AD40

 Electronic: GasCompressors2014STD0051@ee.doe.gov OR www.regulations.gov

 Postal Mail: Ms. Brenda Edwards

U.S. Department of Energy

Building Technologies Program, Mailstop EE-5B

1000 Independence Avenue, SW.

Washington, D.C. 20585-0121

 Courier: Ms. Brenda Edwards, 950 L’Enfant Plaza, SW., 6th Floor

 Phone: (202) 586-2945

Closing Remarks

Comment period closes January 12, 2015