83 FR 30717 - Notice of Petition for Waiver of LG Electronics USA, Inc. From the Department of Energy Room Air Conditioner Test Procedure and Notice of Grant of Interim Waiver
DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 126 (June 29, 2018)
Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 126 (June 29, 2018)
| Page Range | 30717-30726 | |
| FR Document | 2018-14030 |
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 126 (Friday, June 29, 2018)] [Notices] [Pages 30717-30726] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2018-14030] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY [Case Number 2018-003; EERE-2018-BT-WAV-0006] Notice of Petition for Waiver of LG Electronics USA, Inc. From the Department of Energy Room Air Conditioner Test Procedure and Notice of Grant of Interim Waiver AGENCY: Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Department of Energy. ACTION: Notice of petition for waiver and grant of an interim waiver, and request for comments. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: This document announces receipt of and publishes a petition for waiver from LG Electronics USA, Inc. (``LG''), which seeks an exemption from the U.S. Department of Energy (``DOE'') test procedure used for determining the efficiency of specified room air conditioner basic models. LG seeks to use an alternate test procedure to address issues involved in testing the basic models identified in its petition. According to LG, the current DOE test procedure for room air conditioners, which provides for testing at full-load performance only, does not take into account the benefits of room air conditioners that use variable-speed compressors (``variable speed air conditioners''), with their part-load performance characteristics, and misrepresents their actual energy consumption. LG requests that it be permitted to test the specified basic models at four rating conditions instead of a single rating condition and to calculate the test unit's weighted- average combined energy efficiency ratio (CEER), which can then be compared to the expected performance of a comparable single-speed room air conditioner across the same four rating conditions. The performance improvement would be applied to the measured performance of the variable-speed room air conditioner when tested under the high- temperature rating condition of the DOE test procedure for room air conditioners to determine the test unit's final rated CEER value. DOE grants LG an interim waiver from the DOE's room air conditioner test procedure for the specified basic models, subject to use of the alternate test procedure as set forth in the Interim Waiver Order. DOE solicits comments, data, and information concerning LG's petition and its suggested alternate test procedure to inform its final decision on LG's waiver request. DATES: Written comments and information are requested and will be accepted on or before July 30, 2018. ADDRESSES: Interested persons are encouraged to submit comments using the Federal eRulemaking Portal at http://www.regulations.gov. Alternatively, interested persons may submit comments, identified by case number ``2018-003'', and Docket number ``EERE-2018-BT-WAV-0006,'' by any of the following methods:Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. Email: LG2018WAV0006@ee.doe.gov. Include the case number [Case No. 2018-003] in the subject line of the message. Postal Mail: Ms. Lucy deButts, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Building Technologies Office, Mailstop EE-5B, Petition for Waiver Case No. 2018-003, 1000 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20585-0121. 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: Appliance and Equipment Standards Program, U.S. Department of Energy, Building Technologies Office, 950 L'Enfant Plaza SW, Room 6046, Washington, DC 20024. If possible, please submit all items on a ``CD'', in which case it is not necessary to include printed copies. No telefacsimilies (faxes) will be accepted. For detailed instructions on submitting comments and additional information on this process, see section V of this document. Docket: The docket, which includes Federal Register notices, comments, and other supporting documents/materials, is available for review at http://www.regulations.gov. All documents in the docket are listed in the http://www.regulations.gov index. However, some documents listed in the index, such as those containing information that is exempt from public disclosure, may not be publicly available. The docket web page can be found at http://www.regulations.gov/ docket?D=EERE-2018-BT-WAV-0006. The docket web page contains simple instruction on how to access all documents, including public comments, in the docket. See section V for information on how to submit comments through http://www.regulations.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Lucy deButts, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Building Technologies Office, Mailstop EE-5B, 1000 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20585-0121. E-mail: AS_Waiver_Request@ee.doe.gov. Sarah Butler, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of the General Counsel, Mail Stop GC-33, Forrestal Building, 1000 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20585-0103. Telephone: (202) 586-1777. E-mail: Sarah.Butler@hq.doe.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Background and Authority The Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975 (``EPCA'' or ``the Act''),\1\ Public Law 94-163 (42 U.S.C. 6291-6317, as codified), among other things, authorizes DOE to regulate the energy efficiency of a number of consumer products and industrial equipment. Title III, Part B \2\ of EPCA established the Energy Conservation Program for Consumer Products Other Than Automobiles, a program that includes room air conditioners, which are the subject of this document. (42 U.S.C. 6292(a)(2)). --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \1\ All references to EPCA in this document refer to the statute as amended through the EPS Improvement Act of 2017, Public Law 11- 115 (January 12, 2018). \2\ For editorial reasons, upon codification in the U.S. Code, Part B was re-designated Part A. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- DOE regulations set forth at 10 CFR 430.27 contain provisions that allow any interested person to seek a waiver from test procedure requirements for a particular basic model when the petitioner's basic model for which the petition for waiver was submitted contains one or more design characteristics that either (1) prevent testing according to the prescribed test procedure, or (2) cause the prescribed test procedures to evaluate the basic model in a manner so unrepresentative of its true energy consumption characteristics as to provide materially inaccurate comparative data. 10 CFR [[Page 30718]] 430.27(f)(2). A petitioner must include in its petition any alternate test procedures known to the petitioner to evaluate the basic model in a manner representative of its energy consumption characteristics. 10 CFR 430.27(b)(1)(iii). DOE may grant the waiver subject to conditions, including adherence to alternate test procedures. 10 CFR 430.27(f)(2). As soon as practicable after the granting of any waiver, DOE will publish in the Federal Register a notice of proposed rulemaking to amend its regulations so as to eliminate any need for the continuation of such waiver. 10 CFR 430.27(l). As soon thereafter as practicable, DOE will publish in the Federal Register a final rule. Id. The waiver process also provides that DOE may grant an interim waiver if it appears likely that the underlying petition for waiver will be granted and/or if DOE determines that it would be desirable for public policy reasons to grant immediate relief pending a determination on the underlying petition for waiver. 10 CFR 430.27(e)(2). Within one year of issuance of an interim waiver, DOE will either: (i) Publish in the Federal Register a determination on the petition for waiver; or (ii) publish in the Federal Register a new or amended test procedure that addresses the issues presented in the waiver. 10 CFR 430.27(h)(1). When DOE amends the test procedure to address the issues presented in a waiver, the waiver will automatically terminate on the date on which use of that test procedure is required to demonstrate compliance. 10 CFR 430.27(h)(2). II. LG's Petition for Waiver and Petition for Interim Waiver On April 6, 2018, LG filed a petition for waiver and a petition for interim waiver from the test procedure applicable to room air conditioners set forth in appendix F. According to LG, the current DOE test procedure for room air conditioners, which provides for testing at full-load performance only (i.e., at a single indoor and high- temperature outdoor operating condition), does not take into account the benefits of variable-speed room air conditioners, with their part- load performance characteristics, and misrepresents their actual energy consumption.\3\ Appendix F requires room air conditioners be tested only with full-load performance, in part, as a result of DOE having previously concluded that widespread use of part-load technology in room air conditioners was not likely to be stimulated by the development of a part-load metric. 76 FR 972, 1016 (January 6, 2011). --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \3\ The specific basic models for which the petition applies are room air conditioner basic models LG LW2217IVSM, LG LW1817IVSM, and LG LW1517IVSM. These basic model names were provided by LG in its April 6, 2018 petition. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- LG states that variable-speed room air conditioners use frequency controls constantly to adjust the compressor rotation speed to maintain the desired temperature in the home without turning the motor on and off; that the compressor responds automatically to surrounding conditions to operate in the most efficient possible manner; and that this results in both dramatic energy savings and faster cooling compared to a room air conditioner without a variable-speed compressor. LG asserted that this ability to adjust to conditions results in both dramatic energy savings and faster cooling compared to products room air conditioners without variable-speed compressors. LG further stated that variable-speed room air conditioners also have a higher/lower operating range (10 Hz to 120 Hz). LG asserts that because the DOE test procedure does not account for part-load characteristics, the results of the test procedure are not representative of the actual energy consumption of variable-speed room air conditioners. LG also requests an interim waiver from the existing DOE test procedure. DOE will grant an interim waiver if it appears likely that the petition for waiver will be granted, and/or if DOE determines that it would be desirable for public policy reasons to grant immediate relief pending a determination of the petition for waiver. See 10 CFR 430.27(e)(2). DOE understands that, absent an interim waiver, the test procedure does not accurately measure the energy consumption of variable-speed room air conditioners, and without waiver relief, the part-load characteristics of the basic models identified in LG's petition would not be captured. III. Requested Alternate Test Procedure EPCA requires that manufacturers use DOE test procedures when making representations about the energy consumption and energy consumption costs of products covered by the statute. (42 U.S.C. 6293(c)). Consistent representations are important for manufacturers to use in making representations about the energy efficiency of their products and to demonstrate compliance with applicable DOE energy conservation standards. Pursuant to its regulations applicable to waivers and interim waivers from applicable test procedures at 10 CFR 430.27, and after consideration of public comments on the petition, DOE will consider setting an alternate test procedure for the equipment identified by LG in a subsequent Decision and Order. In its petition, LG requests testing the basic models listed in the petition according to the test procedure for room air conditioners prescribed by DOE in appendix F, except that the variable-speed room air conditioner would be tested at four rating conditions instead of a single rating condition. The suggested test conditions are presented in Table III.1. Table III.1--Indoor and Outdoor Inlet Air Test Conditions--Variable-Speed Room Air Conditioners ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Evaporator inlet air, [deg]F Condenser inlet air, [deg]F Test condition ---------------------------------------------------------------- Compressor speed Dry bulb Wet bulb Dry bulb Wet bulb ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Test Condition 1............ 80 67 95 75 Maximum. Test Condition 2............ 80 67 92 72.5 Maximum. Test Condition 3............ 80 67 87 69 Intermediate. Test Condition 4............ 80 67 82 65 Minimum. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Under the suggested test procedure, the test unit's weighted- average combined energy efficiency ratio (CEER) metric is calculated from the individual CEER values obtained at the four rating conditions, with the weighting factors derived from the fractional temperature bin hours for each rating temperature provided in Table 19 of DOE's test [[Page 30719]] procedure for central air conditioners (10 CFR part 430, subpart B, appendix M (``appendix M'')). This weighted-average value is adjusted to normalize it against the expected weighted-average CEER under the same four rating conditions of a comparable single-speed room air conditioner that has the same performance as the variable-speed test unit at the 95 degree Fahrenheit ([deg]F) test condition but differing performance at the other rating conditions due to optimization of the refrigeration system efficiency through compressor speed adjustments to better match the cooling load and eliminate cycling losses. This average performance improvement resulting from the implementation of a variable-speed compressor across multiple rating conditions would then be applied to the measured performance of the variable-speed room air conditioner when tested at the 95 [deg]F rating condition according to appendix F to determine the test unit's final rated CEER value. LG states that this approach takes into account performance and efficiency improvements associated with variable-speed room air conditioners as compared to room air conditioners with single-speed compressors and isolates the effects just attributable to the variable speed operation. IV. Grant of an Interim Waiver DOE has reviewed the marketing materials, website, and brochure for the specific basic models for which this petition applies. The materials that DOE reviewed support LG's assertion of the part-load characteristics of the variable-speed room air conditioners and that the DOE test procedure may evaluate the basic models in a manner unrepresentative of their true energy consumption characteristics. In particular, the DOE test procedure does not capture the relative efficiency improvements that can be achieved by variable-speed room air conditioners over a range of operating conditions compared to single- speed room air conditioners. In the absence of an alternate test procedure, the CEER values of variable-speed room air conditioners would suggest that such room air conditioners would consume at least as much energy annually as a comparable single-speed room air conditioner, despite the anticipated benefits of improved performance under part- load conditions. Furthermore, DOE has reviewed the alternate procedure suggested by LG, along with additional performance modeling and analysis performed by DOE using rating conditions specified in an industry standard for single-package air conditioning equipment with variable speed compressors, American National Standards Institute (``ANSI'')/Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (``AHRI'') Standard 210/240:2008, ``Performance Rating of Unitary Air- Conditioning & Air-Source Heat Pump Equipment.'' Based on this review it appears that the suggested alternate test procedure, with additional specification regarding the required compressor speeds,\4\ will allow for a more accurate measurement of efficiency of the specified basic models of variable-speed room air conditioners, while alleviating the testing problems associated with LG's implementation of room air conditioner testing for the basic models specified in its petition. Specifically, the suggested alternate test procedure will produce CEER values for the variable-speed room air conditioners under the DOE test procedure's existing rating condition that will more accurately reflect the average performance improvement associated with variable-speed compressors at differing operating conditions (i.e., optimization of the refrigeration system efficiency through compressor speed adjustments to better match the cooling load and eliminate cycling losses), as compared to the performance changes that comparable single- speed room air conditioners would experience under those same conditions. Consequently, it appears likely that LG's petition for waiver will be granted. Furthermore, DOE has determined that it is desirable for public policy reasons to grant LG immediate relief pending a determination of the petition for waiver. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \4\ DOE derived the specification for determining the intermediate compressor speed from the DOE test procedure provisions for central air conditioners with variable-speed compressors (section 3.2.4.a of appendix M of 10 CFR part 430 subpart B). --------------------------------------------------------------------------- For the reasons stated, DOE has granted an interim waiver to LG for the specified room air conditioner basic models in LG's petition. Therefore, DOE has issued an Order, stating: (1) LG must test and rate the following room air conditioner basic models with the alternate test procedure set forth in paragraph (2): (A) LG LW2217IVSM, LG LW1817IVSM, and LG LW1517IVSM (2) The alternate test procedure for the LG basic models listed in subparagraph (1)(A) is the test procedure for room air conditioners prescribed by DOE at appendix F to subpart B of 10 CFR part 430 (Appendix F), except the combined energy efficiency ratio (CEER) will be determined as detailed below. All other requirements of Appendix F and DOE's regulations remain applicable. In Section 1, Definitions, add: 1.8 ``Single-speed'' means a type of room air conditioner that does not automatically adjust either the compressor or fan speed, or both, based on the detected outdoor conditions. 1.9 ``Variable-speed'' means a type of room air conditioner that can automatically adjust compressor and fan speed, only compressor speed, or only fan speed, based on the detected outdoor conditions. Add to the end of Section 2.1 Cooling: For a variable-speed room air conditioner, the cooling mode test shall be repeated 3 additional times with alternate outdoor test conditions, as described in section 3.1 of this appendix. For a variable-speed room air conditioner, a psychrometric chamber may alternatively be used in accordance with ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 37-2009 (incorporated by reference; see Sec. 430.3), in place of a calorimeter chamber, which is required in accordance with appendix F. If using the psychrometric chamber approach, set-up and instrument the variable- speed room air conditioner in accordance with Section 5 and Section 6 of ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 37-2009, measure the indoor cooling capacity in accordance with Section 7.3 of ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 37-2009, and measure the average electrical input power in Watts at the nameplate voltage for each of the rating test condition. Add to the end of Section 3.1, Cooling mode: However, for variable-speed room air conditioners, the set of four cooling mode tests shall be conducted with the following test conditions, presented in Table 1 of this appendix. [[Page 30720]] Table 1--Indoor and Outdoor Inlet Air Test Conditions--Variable-Speed Room Air Conditioners ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Evaporator inlet air, [deg]F Condenser inlet air, [deg]F Test condition ---------------------------------------------------------------- Compressor speed Dry bulb Wet bulb Dry bulb Wet bulb ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Test Condition 1............ 80 67 95 75 Maximum. Test Condition 2............ 80 67 92 72.5 Maximum. Test Condition 3............ 80 67 87 69 Intermediate. Test Condition 4............ 80 67 82 65 Minimum. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Determine the intermediate compressor speed cited in Table 1 using: [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN29JN18.000 where a tolerance of plus 5 percent or the next higher inverter frequency step from that calculated is allowed. Add to the end of Section 4.1, Cooling mode: If using the psychrometric chamber approach for a variable-speed room air conditioner, measure the indoor cooling capacity in accordance with Section 7.3 of ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 37-2009 and measured power input in cooling mode in accordance with Section 5.4 of ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 37-2009. Add to the end of Section 5.1: For variable-speed room air conditioners, determine cooling capacity, Capacity m , for each of the four cooling mode rating test conditions. Notwithstanding the requirements of Sec. 430.23(f), the cooling capacity used in Sec. 430.23(f) and reported in Sec. 429.15(b)(2) shall be the cooling capacity determined for test condition 1 in Table 1 of this appendix. Add to the end of Section 5.2: For variable-speed room air conditioners, determine electrical power input, Pm , for each of the four cooling mode rating test conditions. Notwithstanding the requirements of Sec. 430.23(f), the electrical power input used in Sec. 430.23(f) and reported in Sec. 429.15(b)(2) shall be the value measured for test condition 1 in Table 1 of this appendix. Add following Section 5.3, Standby mode and off mode annual energy consumption: 5.4 Variable-speed room air conditioner combined energy efficiency ratio. Calculate the combined energy efficiency ratio for variable- speed room air conditioners as follows, which shall be the combined energy efficiency ratio reported in Sec. 429.15(b)(2) for variable- speed room air conditioners. 5.4.1 Comparable single-speed room air conditioner. Calculate the cooling capacity, expressed in British thermal units per hour (Btu/h), and electrical power input, expressed in watts, for a comparable single-speed room air conditioner at all cooling mode test conditions. A comparable single-speed room air conditioner has the same cooling capacity and electrical power input, with no cycling losses, as the variable-speed room air conditioner under test at test condition 1 in Table 1. CapacitySS_m = Capacity95 x (1 + (Mc x (T95 - Tm ))) PSS_m = P95 x (1 - (Mp x (T95 - Tm ))) Where: CapacitySS_m = comparable single-speed room air conditioner cooling capacity, in Btu/h, calculated for each of the cooling mode test conditions in Table 1. Capacity95 = variable-speed room air conditioner cooling capacity, in Btu/h, determined in section 5.1 of this appendix for test condition 1 in Table 1. PSS_m = comparable single-speed room air conditioner electrical power input, in watts, calculated for each of the cooling mode test conditions in Table 1. P95 = variable-speed room air conditioner electrical power input, in watts, determined in section 5.2 of this appendix for test condition 1 in Table 1. Mc = adjustment factor to determine the increased capacity at lower outdoor test conditions, 0.0099. Mp = adjustment factor to determine the reduced electrical power input at lower outdoor test conditions, 0.0076. T95 = outdoor dry-bulb temperature for test condition 1 in Table 1, 95 [deg]F. Tm = outdoor dry-bulb temperature for each of the test conditions in Table 1. m represents the cooling mode test condition (``95'' test condition 1 (95 [deg]F), ``92'' test condition 2 (92 [deg]F), ``87'' test condition 3 (87 [deg]F), and ``82'' test condition 4 (82 [deg]F)). 5.4.2 Variable-speed annual energy consumption for cooling mode at each cooling mode test condition. Calculate the annual energy consumption for cooling mode under each test condition, AECm , expressed in kilowatt-hours per year (kWh/year). AECm = Pm x t x k Where: AECm = variable-speed room air conditioner annual energy consumption, in kWh/year, in cooling mode for each test condition in Table 1. Pm = electrical power input, in watts, in cooling mode for each test condition in Table 1. m as defined in section 5.4.1 of this appendix. t = number of annual operating hours in cooling mode, 750. k = 0.001 kWh/Wh conversion factor from watt-hours to kilowatt- hours. 5.4.3 Comparable single-speed room air conditioner annual energy consumption for cooling mode at each cooling mode test condition. Calculate the annual energy consumption for a comparable single-speed room air conditioner for cooling mode under each test condition, AECSS_m , expressed in kWh/year. AECSS\m = PSS\m x t x k Where: AECSS_m = comparable single-speed room air conditioner annual energy consumption, in kWh/year, in cooling mode for each test condition in Table 1. PSS_m = comparable single-speed room air conditioner electrical power input, in watts, in cooling mode for each test condition in Table 1, determined in section 5.4.1 of this appendix. m as defined in section 5.4.1 of this appendix. t and k as defined in section 5.4.2 of this appendix. 5.4.4 Variable-speed room air conditioner combined energy efficiency ratio at each cooling mode test condition. Calculate the variable-speed room air conditioner combined energy [[Page 30721]] efficiency ratio, CEERm , for each test condition, expressed in Btu/Wh. [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN29JN18.001 Where: CEERm = variable-speed room air conditioner combined energy efficiency ratio, in Btu/Wh, for each test condition in Table 1. Capacitym = variable-speed room air conditioner cooling capacity, in Btu/h, for each test condition in Table 1, determined in section 5.1 of this appendix. AECm = variable-speed room air conditioner annual energy consumption, in kWh/yr, in cooling mode for each test condition in Table 1, determined in section 5.4.2 of this appendix. ETSO = standby mode and off mode annual energy consumption for room air conditioners, in kWh/year, determined in section 5.3 of this appendix. m as defined in section 5.4.1 of this appendix. t and k as defined in section 5.4.2 of this appendix. 5.4.5 Comparable single-speed room air conditioner combined energy efficiency ratio at each cooling mode test condition. Calculate the combined energy efficiency ratio for a comparable single-speed room air conditioner, CEERSS_m , for each test condition, expressed in Btu/Wh. [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN29JN18.002 Where: CEERSS_m = comparable single-speed room air conditioner combined energy efficiency ratio, in Btu/Wh, for each test condition in Table 1. CapacitySS_m = comparable single-speed room air conditioner cooling capacity, in Btu/h, for each test condition in Table 1, in Btu/h, determined in section 5.4.1 of this appendix. AECSS_m = comparable single-speed room air conditioner annual energy consumption for each test condition in Table 1, in kWh/year, determined in section 5.4.3 of this appendix. ETSO = standby mode and off mode annual energy consumption for room air conditioners, in kWh/year, determined in section 5.3 of this appendix. m as defined in section 5.4.1 of this appendix. t and k as defined in section 5.4.2 of this appendix. 5.4.6 Comparable single-speed room air conditioner adjusted combined energy efficiency ratio for each cooling mode test condition. Calculate the adjusted combined energy efficiency ratio for a comparable single-speed room air conditioner, CEERSS_m_adj, with cycling losses considered, expressed in Btu/Wh. CEERSS\m\adj = CEERSS\m x CLFm Where: CEERSS_m_adj = comparable single-speed room air conditioner adjusted combined energy efficiency ratio, in Btu/Wh, for each test condition in Table 1. CEERSS_m = comparable single-speed room air conditioner adjusted combined energy efficiency ratio, in Btu/Wh, for each test condition in Table 1, determined in section 5.4.5 of this appendix. CLFm = cycling loss factor for each cooling mode test condition, 1 for test condition 1, 0.971 for test condition 2, 0.923 for test condition 3, and 0.875 for test condition 4. m as defined in section 5.4.1 of this appendix. 5.4.7 Weighted combined energy efficiency ratio. Calculate the weighted combined energy efficiency ratio for the variable-speed room air conditioner, CEERwt, and comparable single-speed room air conditioner, CEERSS_wt , expressed in Btu/Wh. [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN29JN18.003 Where: CEERwt = variable-speed room air conditioner weighted combined energy efficiency ratio, in Btu/Wh. CEERSS_wt = comparable single-speed room air conditioner weighted combined energy efficiency ratio, in Btu/Wh. CEERm = variable-speed room air conditioner combined energy efficiency ratio, in Btu/Wh, at each test condition in Table 1, determined in section 5.4.4 of this appendix. CEERSS_m_adj = comparable single-speed room air conditioner adjusted combined energy efficiency ratio, in Btu/Wh, at each test condition in Table 1, determined in section 5.4.6 of this appendix. Wm = weighting factors for each cooling mode test condition, 0.05 for test condition 1, 0.16 for test condition 2, 0.31 for test condition 3, and 0.48 for test condition 4. m as defined in section 5.4.1 of this appendix. 5.4.8 Variable-speed room air conditioner performance adjustment factor. Calculate the variable-speed room air conditioner performance adjustment factor, Fp. [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN29JN18.004 Where: Fp = variable-speed room air conditioner performance adjustment factor. CEERwt = variable-speed room air conditioner weighted combined energy efficiency ratio, in Btu/Wh, determined in section 5.4.7 of this appendix. CEERSS_wt = comparable single-speed room air conditioner weighted combined energy efficiency ratio, in Btu/Wh, determined in section 5.4.7 of this appendix 5.4.9 Variable-speed room air conditioner CEER. For variable-speed room air conditioners, multiply the combined energy efficiency ratio, CEER, expressed in Btu/Wh, determined in Sec. 430.23(f) by (1 + Fp ) to obtain the final CEER for variable speed room air conditioners. [[Page 30722]] Where: Fp = variable-speed room air conditioner performance adjustment factor, determined in section 5.4.8 of this appendix.'' (3) Representations. LG may not make representations about the energy efficiency of the basic models identified in paragraph (1) for compliance, marketing, or other purposes unless the basic models have been tested in accordance with the provisions in the alternate test procedure and such representations fairly disclose the results of such testing in accordance with 10 CFR 429.15(a). (4) This interim waiver shall remain in effect according to the provisions of 10 CFR 430.27. (5) This interim waiver is issued to LG on the condition that the statements, representations, and information provided by LG are valid. DOE may revoke or modify this waiver at any time if it determines the factual basis underlying the petition for waiver is incorrect, or the results from the alternate test procedure are unrepresentative of the basic models' true energy consumption characteristics. 10 CFR 430.27(k)(1). Likewise, LG may request that DOE rescind or modify the interim waiver if LG discovers an error in the information provided to DOE as part of its petition, determines that the interim waiver is no longer needed, or for other appropriate reasons. 10 CFR 430.27(k)(2). (6) Granting of this interim waiver does not release LG from the certification requirements set forth at 10 CFR part 429. DOE makes decisions on waivers and interim waivers for only those basic models specifically set out in the petition, not future models that may be manufactured by the petitioner. LG may submit a new or amended petition for waiver and request for grant of interim waiver, as appropriate, for additional basic models of room air conditioners. Alternatively, if appropriate, LG may request that DOE extend the scope of a waiver or an interim waiver to include additional basic models employing the same technology as the basic models set forth in the original petition consistent with 10 CFR 430.27(g). V. Request for Comments DOE is publishing LG's petition for waiver in its entirety, pursuant to 10 CFR 430.27(b)(1)(iv).\5\ The petition includes a suggested alternate test procedure, as specified in the petition and summarized in section III of this document, to determine the efficiency of LG's specified room air conditioners. DOE may consider including the alternate procedure specified in the Interim Waiver Order, specified in section IV of this document, in a subsequent Decision and Order. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \5\ The petition did not identify any of the information contained therein as confidential business information. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- DOE invites all interested parties to submit in writing by July 30, 2018, comments and information on all aspects of the petition, including the alternate test procedure. Pursuant to 10 CFR 430.27(d), any person submitting written comments to DOE must also send a copy of such comments to the petitioner. The contact information for the petitioner is Scott Blake Harris, Harris, Wiltshire & Grannis LLP, 1919 M Street NW, Eighth Floor, Washington, DC 20036. Submitting comments via http://www.regulations.gov. The http://www.regulations.gov web page will require you to provide your name and contact information. Your contact information will be viewable to DOE Building Technologies staff only. Your contact information will not be publicly viewable except for your first and last names, organization name (if any), and submitter representative name (if any). If your comment is not processed properly because of technical difficulties, DOE will use this information to contact you. If DOE cannot read your comment due to technical difficulties and cannot contact you for clarification, DOE may not be able to consider your comment. 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Confidential Business Information. According to 10 CFR 1004.11, any person submitting information that he or she believes to be confidential and exempt by law from public disclosure should submit via email, postal mail, or hand delivery two well-marked copies: one copy of the document marked confidential including all the information believed to be confidential, and one copy of the document marked ``non- confidential'' with the information believed to be confidential deleted. Submit these documents via email or on [[Page 30723]] a CD, if feasible. DOE will make its own determination about the confidential status of the information and treat it according to its determination. Factors of interest to DOE when evaluating requests to treat submitted information as confidential include (1) a description of the items, (2) whether and why such items are customarily treated as confidential within the industry, (3) whether the information is generally known by or available from other sources, (4) whether the information has previously been made available to others without obligation concerning its confidentiality, (5) an explanation of the competitive injury to the submitting person which would result from public disclosure, (6) when such information might lose its confidential character due to the passage of time, and (7) why disclosure of the information would be contrary to the public interest. It is DOE's policy that all comments may be included in the public docket, without change and as received, including any personal information provided in the comments (except information deemed to be exempt from public disclosure). Signed in Washington, DC, on June 22, 2018. Kathleen B. Hogan, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. Before the United States, Department of Energy, Washington, D.C. 20585 In the Matter of: Energy Efficiency Program: Test Procedure for Room Air Conditioners Petition of LG Electronics, Inc. for Waiver and Application for Interim Waiver of Test Procedure for Room Air Conditioners LG Electronics, Inc. (LG) respectfully submits this Petition for Waiver and Application for Interim Waiver \1\ from DOE's test procedure for room air conditioners (RACs). LG seeks a waiver because the current test procedure does not accurately measure the energy consumption of RACs with variable speed compressors (VSCs). LG requests expedited treatment of the Petition and Application. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \1\ See 10 C.F.R. Sec. 430.27 (petitions for waiver and interim waiver). --------------------------------------------------------------------------- LG is a manufacturer of room air conditioners and other products sold worldwide, including in the United States. LG's United States affiliate is LG Electronics USA, Inc., with headquarters at 1000 Sylvan Avenue, Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632 (tel. 201-816-2000). Its worldwide headquarters are located at LG Twin Towers 20, Yoido-dong, Youngdungpo- gu Seoul, Korea 150-721; (tel. 011-82-2-3777-1114); URL: http.www.LGE.com. I. Basic Models for Which a Waiver is Requested The basic models for which a waiver is requested are set forth in the Appendix. They are distributed in commerce under the LG brand name. II. Need for the Requested Waiver The LG RACs with VSC technology are advanced, energy efficient products. A VSC (inverter compressor) uses frequency controls constantly to adjust the compressor's rotation speed to maintain the desired temperature in the home without turning the motor on and off. The compressor responds automatically to surrounding conditions to operate in the most efficient possible manner. This results in both dramatic energy savings and faster cooling compared to products without VSCs. RACs with VSCs also have a higher/lower operating range (10Hz to 120Hz) than those without VSC.\2\ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \2\ To the best of LG's knowledge, LG is the only manufacturer of RAC basic models distributed in commerce in the United States to incorporate design characteristic(s) similar to those found in the basic models that are the subject of this petition, namely, RAC VSC technology. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Unfortunately, the current DOE test procedure for RACs provides that they be tested only with full-load performance.\3\ Thus, the RAC test procedure does not take into account the benefits of VSC, with its part-load performance characteristics. This is unlike the DOE test procedure for central air conditioners, which provides for testing with part-load performance for VSCs. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \3\ 10 C.F.R. Part 430, Subpart B, Appendix F. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- DOE has recognized this serious shortcoming in its RAC test procedure. It has stated that this test procedure ``does not measure the benefits of technologies that improve part-load performance.'' \4\ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \4\ 80 Fed. Reg. 34843, 34848 (June 18, 2015). The current room AC test procedure measures only the full-load performance at outdoor ambient conditions of 95 [deg]F dry-bulb and 75 [deg]F wet-bulb. Therefore, technologies that improve part-load performance, such as multiple-speed compressors and variable-opening expansion devices, will not improve the rated performance of a room AC under the current test procedure.'' \5\ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \5\ Id. Indeed, DOE has correctly stressed that, ``[i]n contrast, central ACs and heat pumps are rated using multiple rating points at different conditions.'' \6\ Finally, DOE has said it intends to investigate potential revision of the test procedure ``to account for any benefits of technologies that improve part-load performance.'' \7\ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \6\ Id. \7\ Id. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- At the moment, however, the DOE test procedure for RACs does not include any provision to account for the benefits of the part-load performance of VSCs. Therefore, the test procedure evaluates the LG models with VSCs in a manner that misrepresents their actual energy consumption. LG urges that a waiver be granted, for the basic models in the Appendix, that will allow use of the alternate test procedure discussed below. The test procedure is designed to take into account the energy savings characteristics of VSCs, and will yield results more representative of the actual energy consumption of these products than the current DOE test procedure. And the rules provide that DOE ``will grant a waiver from the test procedure requirements'' in these circumstances.\8\ The waiver should continue until DOE adopts an applicable amended test procedure. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \8\ 10 C.F.R. Sec. 430.27(f)(2). --------------------------------------------------------------------------- III. Proposed Alternate Test Procedure LG proposes the following alternate test procedure to evaluate the performance of the basic models listed in the Appendix. The alternate test procedure is the same as the existing test procedure for RACs except that it takes into account VSC part-load characteristics. It does so by providing for tests at a variety of load conditions. Specifically: LG shall be required to test the performance of the basic models listed in the Appendix hereto according to the test procedure for room air conditioners in 10 C.F.R. Part 430, Subpart B, Appendix F, except as follows: Add new Sections 1.8 and 1.9 to Appendix F as follows: ``1.8 ``Single-speed'' means a type of room air conditioner that does not automatically adjust either the compressor or fan speed, or both, based on the detected outdoor conditions. 1.9 ``Variable-speed'' means a type of room air conditioner that can automatically adjust compressor and fan speed, only compressor speed, or only fan speed, based on the detected outdoor conditions.'' Add the following at the end of Section 2.1 of Appendix F: ``For a variable-speed room air conditioner, the cooling mode test shall [[Page 30724]] be repeated 3 additional times with alternate outdoor test conditions, as described in section 3.1 of this appendix. For a variable-speed room air conditioner, a psychrometric chamber may alternatively be used in place of a calorimeter chamber, in accordance with ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 37-2009 (incorporated by reference; see Sec. 430.3). If using the psychrometric chamber approach, set-up and instrument the variable- speed room air conditioner in accordance with Section 5 and Section 6 of ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 37-2009, measure the indoor cooling capacity in accordance with Section 7.3 of ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 37-2009, and measure the average electrical input power in Watts at the nameplate voltage for each of the rating test condition.'' Add the following at the end of Section 3.1 of Appendix F: ``, except, for variable-speed room air conditioners, the set of four cooling mode tests shall be conducted with the following test conditions, presented in Table 1 of this appendix. Table 1--Indoor and Outdoor Inlet Air Test Conditions--Variable-Speed Room Air Conditioners ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Evaporator inlet air, [deg]F Condenser inlet air, [deg]F Test condition ---------------------------------------------------------------- Compressor speed Dry bulb Wet bulb Dry bulb Wet bulb ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Test Condition 1............ 80 67 95 75 Maximum. Test Condition 2............ 80 67 92 72.5 Maximum. Test Condition 3............ 80 67 87 69 Intermediate. Test Condition 4............ 80 67 82 65 Minimum. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Add the following at the end of Section 4.1 of Appendix F: ``If using the psychrometric chamber approach for a variable-speed room air conditioner, measure the indoor cooling capacity in accordance with Section 7.3 of ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 37-2009 and measured power input in cooling mode in accordance with Section 5.4 of ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 37-2009.'' Add the following at the end of Section 5.1 of Appendix F: ``For variable-speed room air conditioners, determine cooling capacity, Capacitym , for each of the four cooling mode rating test conditions. The cooling capacity used in Sec. 430.23(f) and reported in Sec. 429.15(b)(2) shall be the cooling capacity determined for test condition 1 in Table 1 of this appendix. Add the following at the end of Section 5.2 of Appendix F: ``For variable-speed room air conditioners, determine electrical power input, Pm , for each of the four cooling mode rating test conditions, and the electrical power input used in Sec. 430.23(f) shall be the value measured for test condition 1 in Table 1 of this appendix.'' Add the following after Section 5.3 of Appendix F: ``5.4 Variable-speed room air conditioner combined energy efficiency ratio. Calculate the combined energy efficiency ratio for variable-speed room air conditioners as follows, which shall be the combined energy efficiency ratio reported in Sec. 429.15(b)(2) for variable-speed room air conditioners. 5.4.1 Comparable single-speed room air conditioner. Calculate the cooling capacity, expressed in British thermal units per hour (Btu/h), and electrical power input, expressed in watts, for a comparable single-speed room air conditioner at all cooling mode test conditions. CapacitySS_m = Capacity95 x (1 + (Mc x (T95 -Tm ))) PSS_m = P95 x (1--(Mp x (T95 --Tm ))) Where: CapacitySS_m = comparable single-speed room air conditioner cooling capacity, in Btu/h, calculated for each of the cooling mode test conditions in Table 1. Capacity95 = variable-speed room air conditioner cooling capacity, in Btu/h, determined in section 5.1 of this appendix for test condition 1 in Table 1. PSS_m = comparable single-speed room air conditioner electrical power input, in watts, calculated for each of the cooling mode test conditions in Table 1. P95 = variable-speed room air conditioner electrical power input, in watts, determined in section 5.2 of this appendix for test condition 1 in Table 1. Mc = adjustment factor to determine the increased capacity at lower outdoor test conditions, 0.0099. Mp = adjustment factor to determine the reduced electrical power input at lower outdoor test conditions, 0.0076. T95 = outdoor dry-bulb temperature for test condition 1 in Table 1, 95 [deg]F. Tm = outdoor dry-bulb temperature for each of the test conditions in Table 1. m represents the cooling mode test condition (``95'' test condition 1 (95 [deg]F), ``92'' test condition 2 (92 [deg]F), ``87'' test condition 3 (87 [deg]F), and ``82'' test condition 4 (82 [deg]F)). 5.4.2 Variable-speed annual energy consumption for cooling mode at each cooling mode test condition. Calculate the annual energy consumption for cooling mode under each test condition, AECm, expressed in kilowatt-hours per year (kWh/year). AECm = Pm xt xk Where: AECm = variable-speed room air conditioner annual energy consumption, in kWh/year, in cooling mode for each test condition in Table 1. Pm = electrical power input, in watts, in cooling mode for each test condition in Table 1. m as defined in section 5.4.1 of this appendix. t = number of annual operating hours in cooling mode, 750. k = 0.001 kWh/Wh conversion factor from watt-hours to kilowatt- hours. 5.4.3 Comparable single-speed room air conditioner annual energy consumption for cooling mode at each cooling mode test condition. Calculate the annual energy consumption for a comparable single-speed room air conditioner for cooling mode under each test condition, AECSS_m, expressed in kWh/year. AECss_m x t x k Where: AECSS_m = comparable single-speed room air conditioner annual energy consumption, in kWh/year, in cooling mode for each test condition in Table 1. PSS_m = comparable single-speed room air conditioner electrical power input, in watts, in cooling mode for each test condition in Table 1, determined in section 5.4.1 of this appendix. m as defined in section 5.4.1 of this appendix. t and k as defined in section 5.4.2 of this appendix. 5.4.4 Variable-speed room air conditioner combined energy efficiency ratio at each cooling mode test condition. Calculate the variable-speed room air conditioner combined energy efficiency ratio, CEERm, for each test condition, expressed in Btu/Wh. [[Page 30725]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN29JN18.005 Where: CEERm = variable-speed room air conditioner combined energy efficiency ratio, in Btu/Wh, for each test condition in Table 1. Capacitym = variable-speed room air conditioner cooling capacity, in Btu/h, for each test condition in Table 1, determined in section 5.1 of this appendix. AECm = variable-speed room air conditioner annual energy consumption, in kWh/yr, in cooling mode for each test condition in Table 1, determined in section 5.4.2 of this appendix. ETSO = standby mode and off mode annual energy consumption for room air conditioners, in kWh/year, determined in section 5.3 of this appendix. m as defined in section 5.4.1 of this appendix. t and k as defined in section 5.4.2 of this appendix. 5.4.5 Comparable single-speed room air conditioner combined energy efficiency ratio at each cooling mode test condition. Calculate the combined energy efficiency ratio for a comparable single-speed room air conditioner, CEERSS_m , for each test condition, expressed in Btu/Wh. [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN29JN18.006 Where: CEERSS_m = comparable single-speed room air conditioner combined energy efficiency ratio, in Btu/Wh, for each test condition in Table 1. CapacitySS_m = comparable single-speed room air conditioner cooling capacity, in Btu/h, for each test condition in Table 1, in Btu/h, determined in section 5.4.1 of this appendix. AECSS_m = comparable single-speed room air conditioner annual energy consumption for each test condition in Table 1, in kWh/year, determined in section 5.4.3 of this appendix. ETSO = standby mode and off mode annual energy consumption for room air conditioners, in kWh/year, determined in section 5.3 of this appendix. m as defined in section 5.4.1 of this appendix. t and k as defined in section 5.4.2 of this appendix. 5.4.6 Comparable single-speed room air conditioner adjusted combined energy efficiency ratio for each cooling mode test condition. Calculate the adjusted combined energy efficiency ratio for a comparable single-speed room air conditioner, CEERSS_m_adj , with cycling losses considered, expressed in Btu/Wh. CEERSS\m\adj = CEERSS\m x CLFm Where: CEERSS_m_adj = comparable single-speed room air conditioner adjusted combined energy efficiency ratio, in Btu/Wh, for each test condition in Table 1. CEERSS_m = comparable single-speed room air conditioner adjusted combined energy efficiency ratio, in Btu/Wh, for each test condition in Table 1, determined in section 5.4.5 of this appendix. CLFm = cycling loss factor for each cooling mode test condition, 1 for test condition 1, 0.971 for test condition 2, 0.923 for test condition 3, and 0.875 for test condition 4. m as defined in section 5.4.1 of this appendix. 5.4.7 Weighted combined energy efficiency ratio. Calculate the weighted combined energy efficiency ratio for the variable-speed room air conditioner, CEERwt , and comparable single-speed room air conditioner, CEERSS_wt , expressed in Btu/Wh. [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN29JN18.007 Where: CEERwt = variable-speed room air conditioner weighted combined energy efficiency ratio, in Btu/Wh. CEERSS_wt = comparable single-speed room air conditioner weighted combined energy efficiency ratio, in Btu/Wh. CEERm = variable-speed room air conditioner combined energy efficiency ratio, in Btu/Wh, at each test condition in Table 1, determined in section 5.4.4 of this appendix. CEERSS_m_adj = comparable single-speed room air conditioner adjusted combined energy efficiency ratio, in Btu/Wh, at each test condition in Table 1, determined in section 5.4.6 of this appendix. Wm = weighting factors for each cooling mode test condition, 0.05 for test condition 1, 0.16 for test condition 2, 0.31 for test condition 3, and 0.48 for test condition 4. m as defined in section 5.4.1 of this appendix. 5.4.8 Variable-speed room air conditioner performance adjustment factor. Calculate the variable-speed room air conditioner performance adjustment factor, Fp . [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN29JN18.008 Where: Fp = variable-speed room air conditioner performance adjustment factor. CEERwt = variable-speed room air conditioner weighted combined energy efficiency ratio, in Btu/Wh, determined in section 5.4.7 of this appendix. CEERSS_wt = comparable single-speed room air conditioner weighted combined energy efficiency ratio, in Btu/Wh, determined in section 5.4.7 of this appendix 5.4.9 Variable-speed room air conditioner CEER. For variable-speed room air conditioners, multiply the combined energy efficiency ratio, CEER, expressed in Btu/Wh, determined in Sec. 430.23(f) by (1 + Fp ) to obtain the final CEER for variable speed room air conditioners. Where: Fp = variable-speed room air conditioner performance adjustment factor, determined in section 5.4.8 of this appendix.'' [[Page 30726]] IV. Application for Interim Waiver LG also hereby applies for an interim waiver of the applicable test procedure requirements for the LG basic models set forth in the Appendix. LG meets the criteria for an interim waiver. LG's Petition for Waiver is likely to be granted because the test method contained in 10 C.F.R. Part 430, Subpart B, Appendix F clearly does not address the VSC characteristics of these LG basic models. Thus, the test procedure does not accurately measure their energy consumption. Without waiver relief, LG would be subject to requirements that are inapplicable to these products. Additionally, LG will suffer economic hardship and be at a competitive disadvantage if it must wait to rate these basic models pending a determination on the petition for waiver. DOE approval of LG's interim waiver application is also supported by sound public policy. These LG products employ advanced technology that increases efficiency and reduces energy consumption, while offering a new level of affordable comfort to consumers. V. Conclusion LG respectfully requests that DOE grant its Petition for Waiver of the applicable test procedure for specified basic models, and also grant its Application for Interim Waiver. LG requests expedited treatment of the Petition and Application. Respectfully submitted, Scott Harris/s/ Richard C. Wingate, Vice President, Compliance and General Counsel. LG Electronics USA, Inc. 1000 Sylvan Avenue Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632 (201) 816-2000 Scott Blake Harris Stephanie Weiner John A. Hodges Harris, Wiltshire & Grannis LLP 1919 M Street, NW, 8th Floor Washington, DC 20036 (202) 730-1313 Counsel to LG Electronics USA, Inc. April 6, 2018 Appendix The waiver and interim waiver requested herein should apply to testing and rating of the following basic models that are manufactured by LG: LW2217IVSM LW1817IVSM LW1517IVSM [FR Doc. 2018-14030 Filed 6-28-18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6450-01-P
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Loan (FFEL) and the Federal Perkins conditions. The performance index, such as those containing
Loan (Perkins Loan) Programs may improvement would be applied to the information that is exempt from public
request deferment of repayment on their measured performance of the variable- disclosure, may not be publicly
loans if they meet certain statutory and speed room air conditioner when tested available.
regulatory criteria. The U.S. Department under the high-temperature rating The docket web page can be found at
of Education and other loan holders condition of the DOE test procedure for http://www.regulations.gov/
uses the information collected on these room air conditioners to determine the docket?D=EERE-2018-BT-WAV-0006.
forms to determine whether a borrower test unit’s final rated CEER value. DOE The docket web page contains simple
meets the eligibility requirements for grants LG an interim waiver from the instruction on how to access all
the specific deferment type being DOE’s room air conditioner test documents, including public comments,
submitted. procedure for the specified basic in the docket. See section V for
Dated: June 26, 2018. models, subject to use of the alternate information on how to submit
test procedure as set forth in the Interim comments through http://
Kate Mullan,
Waiver Order. DOE solicits comments, www.regulations.gov.
Acting Director, Information Collection
Clearance Division, Office of the Chief Privacy
data, and information concerning LG’s FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Officer, Office of Management. petition and its suggested alternate test Ms. Lucy deButts, U.S. Department of
[FR Doc. 2018–14022 Filed 6–28–18; 8:45 am]
procedure to inform its final decision on Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and
LG’s waiver request. Renewable Energy, Building
BILLING CODE 4000–01–P
DATES: Written comments and Technologies Office, Mailstop EE–5B,
information are requested and will be 1000 Independence Avenue SW,
DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY accepted on or before July 30, 2018. Washington, DC 20585–0121. E-mail:
ADDRESSES: Interested persons are AS_Waiver_Request@ee.doe.gov.
[Case Number 2018–003; EERE–2018–BT– encouraged to submit comments using Sarah Butler, U.S. Department of
WAV–0006] Energy, Office of the General Counsel,
the Federal eRulemaking Portal at
http://www.regulations.gov. Mail Stop GC–33, Forrestal Building,
Notice of Petition for Waiver of LG
Alternatively, interested persons may 1000 Independence Avenue SW,
Electronics USA, Inc. From the
submit comments, identified by case Washington, DC 20585–0103.
Department of Energy Room Air
number ‘‘2018–003’’, and Docket Telephone: (202) 586–1777. E-mail:
Conditioner Test Procedure and Notice
number ‘‘EERE–2018–BT–WAV–0006,’’ Sarah.Butler@hq.doe.gov.
of Grant of Interim Waiver
by any of the following methods: SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
AGENCY: Office of Energy Efficiency and • Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://
I. Background and Authority
Renewable Energy, Department of www.regulations.gov. Follow the
Energy. instructions for submitting comments. The Energy Policy and Conservation
ACTION: Notice of petition for waiver and • Email: LG2018WAV0006@ Act of 1975 (‘‘EPCA’’ or ‘‘the Act’’),1
grant of an interim waiver, and request ee.doe.gov. Include the case number Public Law 94–163 (42 U.S.C. 6291–
for comments. [Case No. 2018–003] in the subject line 6317, as codified), among other things,
of the message. authorizes DOE to regulate the energy
SUMMARY: This document announces • Postal Mail: Ms. Lucy deButts, U.S. efficiency of a number of consumer
receipt of and publishes a petition for Department of Energy, Office of Energy products and industrial equipment.
waiver from LG Electronics USA, Inc. Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Title III, Part B 2 of EPCA established the
(‘‘LG’’), which seeks an exemption from Building Technologies Office, Mailstop Energy Conservation Program for
the U.S. Department of Energy (‘‘DOE’’) EE–5B, Petition for Waiver Case No. Consumer Products Other Than
test procedure used for determining the 2018–003, 1000 Independence Avenue Automobiles, a program that includes
efficiency of specified room air SW, Washington, DC 20585–0121. If room air conditioners, which are the
conditioner basic models. LG seeks to possible, please submit all items on a subject of this document. (42 U.S.C.
use an alternate test procedure to compact disc (‘‘CD’’), in which case it is 6292(a)(2)).
address issues involved in testing the not necessary to include printed copies. DOE regulations set forth at 10 CFR
basic models identified in its petition. • Hand Delivery/Courier: Appliance 430.27 contain provisions that allow
According to LG, the current DOE test and Equipment Standards Program, U.S. any interested person to seek a waiver
procedure for room air conditioners, Department of Energy, Building from test procedure requirements for a
which provides for testing at full-load Technologies Office, 950 L’Enfant Plaza particular basic model when the
performance only, does not take into SW, Room 6046, Washington, DC 20024. petitioner’s basic model for which the
account the benefits of room air If possible, please submit all items on a petition for waiver was submitted
conditioners that use variable-speed ‘‘CD’’, in which case it is not necessary contains one or more design
compressors (‘‘variable speed air to include printed copies. characteristics that either (1) prevent
conditioners’’), with their part-load No telefacsimilies (faxes) will be testing according to the prescribed test
performance characteristics, and accepted. For detailed instructions on procedure, or (2) cause the prescribed
misrepresents their actual energy submitting comments and additional test procedures to evaluate the basic
consumption. LG requests that it be information on this process, see section model in a manner so unrepresentative
permitted to test the specified basic V of this document. of its true energy consumption
models at four rating conditions instead Docket: The docket, which includes characteristics as to provide materially
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES
of a single rating condition and to Federal Register notices, comments, inaccurate comparative data. 10 CFR
calculate the test unit’s weighted- and other supporting documents/
average combined energy efficiency materials, is available for review at 1 All references to EPCA in this document refer
ratio (CEER), which can then be http://www.regulations.gov. All to the statute as amended through the EPS
Improvement Act of 2017, Public Law 11–115
compared to the expected performance documents in the docket are listed in (January 12, 2018).
of a comparable single-speed room air the http://www.regulations.gov index. 2 For editorial reasons, upon codification in the
conditioner across the same four rating However, some documents listed in the U.S. Code, Part B was re-designated Part A.
VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:58 Jun 28, 2018 Jkt 244001 PO 00000 Frm 00035 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\29JNN1.SGM 29JNN1](https://thefederalregister.org/doc/83_FR_30843/page/1.svg)
![Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 126 / Friday, June 29, 2018 / Notices 30723
a CD, if feasible. DOE will make its own 816–2000). Its worldwide headquarters DOE has said it intends to investigate
determination about the confidential are located at LG Twin Towers 20, potential revision of the test procedure
status of the information and treat it Yoido-dong, Youngdungpo-gu Seoul, ‘‘to account for any benefits of
according to its determination. Korea 150–721; (tel. 011–82–2–3777– technologies that improve part-load
Factors of interest to DOE when 1114); URL: http.www.LGE.com. performance.’’ 7
evaluating requests to treat submitted At the moment, however, the DOE test
information as confidential include (1) a I. Basic Models for Which a Waiver
procedure for RACs does not include
description of the items, (2) whether is Requested
any provision to account for the benefits
and why such items are customarily The basic models for which a waiver of the part-load performance of VSCs.
treated as confidential within the is requested are set forth in the Therefore, the test procedure evaluates
industry, (3) whether the information is Appendix. They are distributed in the LG models with VSCs in a manner
generally known by or available from commerce under the LG brand name. that misrepresents their actual energy
other sources, (4) whether the II. Need for the Requested Waiver consumption. LG urges that a waiver be
information has previously been made granted, for the basic models in the
available to others without obligation The LG RACs with VSC technology Appendix, that will allow use of the
concerning its confidentiality, (5) an are advanced, energy efficient products. alternate test procedure discussed
explanation of the competitive injury to A VSC (inverter compressor) uses below. The test procedure is designed to
the submitting person which would frequency controls constantly to adjust
take into account the energy savings
result from public disclosure, (6) when the compressor’s rotation speed to
characteristics of VSCs, and will yield
such information might lose its maintain the desired temperature in the
results more representative of the actual
confidential character due to the home without turning the motor on and
energy consumption of these products
passage of time, and (7) why disclosure off. The compressor responds
than the current DOE test procedure.
of the information would be contrary to automatically to surrounding conditions
And the rules provide that DOE ‘‘will
the public interest. to operate in the most efficient possible
grant a waiver from the test procedure
It is DOE’s policy that all comments manner. This results in both dramatic
requirements’’ in these circumstances.8
may be included in the public docket, energy savings and faster cooling
The waiver should continue until DOE
without change and as received, compared to products without VSCs.
RACs with VSCs also have a higher/ adopts an applicable amended test
including any personal information procedure.
provided in the comments (except lower operating range (10Hz to 120Hz)
information deemed to be exempt from than those without VSC.2 III. Proposed Alternate Test
public disclosure). Unfortunately, the current DOE test Procedure
procedure for RACs provides that they
Signed in Washington, DC, on June 22, LG proposes the following alternate
be tested only with full-load
2018. test procedure to evaluate the
performance.3 Thus, the RAC test
Kathleen B. Hogan, performance of the basic models listed
procedure does not take into account
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy in the Appendix. The alternate test
the benefits of VSC, with its part-load
Efficiency, Energy Efficiency and Renewable procedure is the same as the existing
Energy.
performance characteristics. This is
unlike the DOE test procedure for test procedure for RACs except that it
Before the United States, Department of central air conditioners, which provides takes into account VSC part-load
Energy, Washington, D.C. 20585 for testing with part-load performance characteristics. It does so by providing
for VSCs. for tests at a variety of load conditions.
In the Matter of: Specifically:
DOE has recognized this serious
Energy Efficiency Program: Test shortcoming in its RAC test procedure. LG shall be required to test the
Procedure for Room Air Conditioners It has stated that this test procedure performance of the basic models listed
‘‘does not measure the benefits of in the Appendix hereto according to the
Petition of LG Electronics, Inc. for
technologies that improve part-load test procedure for room air conditioners
Waiver and Application for Interim
performance.’’ 4 in 10 C.F.R. Part 430, Subpart B,
Waiver of Test Procedure for Room
Appendix F, except as follows:
Air Conditioners The current room AC test procedure
LG Electronics, Inc. (LG) respectfully measures only the full-load performance at Add new Sections 1.8 and 1.9 to
outdoor ambient conditions of 95 °F dry-bulb Appendix F as follows:
submits this Petition for Waiver and
and 75 °F wet-bulb. Therefore, technologies
Application for Interim Waiver 1 from that improve part-load performance, such as ‘‘1.8 ‘‘Single-speed’’ means a type of
DOE’s test procedure for room air multiple-speed compressors and variable- room air conditioner that does not
conditioners (RACs). LG seeks a waiver opening expansion devices, will not improve automatically adjust either the
because the current test procedure does the rated performance of a room AC under compressor or fan speed, or both, based
not accurately measure the energy the current test procedure.’’ 5 on the detected outdoor conditions.
consumption of RACs with variable Indeed, DOE has correctly stressed that, 1.9 ‘‘Variable-speed’’ means a type of
speed compressors (VSCs). LG requests ‘‘[i]n contrast, central ACs and heat room air conditioner that can
expedited treatment of the Petition and pumps are rated using multiple rating automatically adjust compressor and fan
Application. points at different conditions.’’ 6 Finally, speed, only compressor speed, or only
LG is a manufacturer of room air fan speed, based on the detected
conditioners and other products sold 2 To the best of LG’s knowledge, LG is the only outdoor conditions.’’
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES
worldwide, including in the United manufacturer of RAC basic models distributed in
commerce in the United States to incorporate Add the following at the end of Section
States. LG’s United States affiliate is LG
design characteristic(s) similar to those found in the 2.1 of Appendix F:
Electronics USA, Inc., with basic models that are the subject of this petition,
headquarters at 1000 Sylvan Avenue, namely, RAC VSC technology. ‘‘For a variable-speed room air
Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632 (tel. 201– 3 10 C.F.R. Part 430, Subpart B, Appendix F. conditioner, the cooling mode test shall
4 80 Fed. Reg. 34843, 34848 (June 18, 2015).
1 See 10 C.F.R. § 430.27 (petitions for waiver and 5 Id. 7 Id.
interim waiver). 6 Id. 8 10 C.F.R. § 430.27(f)(2).
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![30726 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 126 / Friday, June 29, 2018 / Notices
IV. Application for Interim Waiver DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
LG also hereby applies for an interim Federal Energy Regulatory Federal Energy Regulatory
waiver of the applicable test procedure Commission Commission
requirements for the LG basic models
set forth in the Appendix. LG meets the [Docket No. ID–6627–002] Combined Notice of Filings #1
criteria for an interim waiver.
Vigue, Peter A.; Notice of Take notice that the Commission
LG’s Petition for Waiver is likely to be Supplemental Filing received the following electric corporate
granted because the test method
Take notice that on June 22, 2018, filings:
contained in 10 C.F.R. Part 430, Subpart
B, Appendix F clearly does not address Peter A. Vigue filed supplements to the Docket Numbers: EC18–107–000.
the VSC characteristics of these LG basic April 24, 2018 and May 11, 2018 Applicants: New Covert Generating
models. Thus, the test procedure does applications for authorization to hold Company, LLC.
not accurately measure their energy interlocking positions, pursuant to Description: Application for
consumption. Without waiver relief, LG section 305(b) of the Federal Power Act, Authorization for Disposition of
would be subject to requirements that 18 U.S.C. 825d(f), and section 45.4 of Jurisdictional Facilities and Request for
are inapplicable to these products. the Federal Energy Regulatory Expedited Action of New Covert
Additionally, LG will suffer economic Commission’s (Commission) Generating Company, LLC.
Regulations, 18 CFR 45.8. Filed Date: 6/21/18.
hardship and be at a competitive
Any person desiring to intervene or to Accession Number: 20180621–5121.
disadvantage if it must wait to rate these Comments Due: 5 p.m. ET 7/12/18.
basic models pending a determination protest this filing must file in
on the petition for waiver. accordance with Rules 211 and 214 of Docket Numbers: EC18–108–000.
the Commission’s Rules of Practice and Applicants: Red Pine Wind Project,
DOE approval of LG’s interim waiver LLC, PGGM Cooperatie U.A.
application is also supported by sound Procedure (18 CFR 385.211, 385.214).
Protests will be considered by the Description: Joint Application for
public policy. These LG products Authorization for Disposition of
employ advanced technology that Commission in determining the
appropriate action to be taken, but will Jurisdictional Facilities and Request for
increases efficiency and reduces energy Expedited Action of Red Pine Wind
consumption, while offering a new level not serve to make protestants parties to
the proceeding. Any person wishing to Project, LLC.
of affordable comfort to consumers. Filed Date: 6/22/18.
become a party must file a notice of
V. Conclusion Accession Number: 20180622–5065.
intervention or motion to intervene, as Comments Due: 5 p.m. ET 7/13/18.
LG respectfully requests that DOE appropriate. Such notices, motions, or
protests must be filed on or before the Docket Numbers: EC18–109–000.
grant its Petition for Waiver of the Applicants: Rock Falls Wind Farm
applicable test procedure for specified comment date. On or before the
LLC, PGGM Cooperatie U.A.
basic models, and also grant its comment date, it is not necessary to
Description: Joint Application for
Application for Interim Waiver. serve motions to intervene or protests
Authorization for Disposition of
on persons other than the Applicant.
LG requests expedited treatment of Jurisdictional Facilities and Request for
The Commission encourages
the Petition and Application. Confidential Treatment and Expedited
electronic submission of protests and
Respectfully submitted, Action of Rock Falls Wind Farm LLC, et.
interventions in lieu of paper using the
Scott Harris/s/ al.
eFiling link at http://www.ferc.gov.
Richard C. Wingate, Filed Date: 6/22/18.
Persons unable to file electronically Accession Number: 20180622–5067.
Vice President, Compliance and General should submit an original and 5 copies Comments Due: 5 p.m. ET 7/13/18.
Counsel. of the protest or intervention to the
Docket Numbers: EC18–110–000.
LG Electronics USA, Inc. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission,
1000 Sylvan Avenue Applicants: Playa Solar 1, LLC, Playa
888 First Street NE, Washington, DC
Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632 Solar 2, LLC, PGGM Cooperatie U.A.
20426. Description: Joint Application for
(201) 816–2000 This filing is accessible on-line at
Scott Blake Harris Authorization for Disposition of
http://www.ferc.gov, using the eLibrary
Stephanie Weiner Jurisdictional Facilities, and Request for
link and is available for electronic
John A. Hodges Confidential Treatment and Expedited
review in the Commission’s Public
Harris, Wiltshire & Grannis LLP Action of Playa Solar 1, LLC, et. al.
Reference Room in Washington, DC. Filed Date: 6/22/18.
1919 M Street, NW, 8th Floor There is an eSubscription link on the
Washington, DC 20036 Accession Number: 20180622–5069.
(202) 730–1313
website that enables subscribers to Comments Due: 5 p.m. ET 7/13/18.
receive email notification when a
Counsel to LG Electronics USA, Inc. Take notice that the Commission
document is added to a subscribed
April 6, 2018 received the following electric rate
docket(s). For assistance with any FERC
filings:
Appendix Online service, please email
FERCOnlineSupport@ferc.gov, or call Docket Numbers: ER10–2739–022;
The waiver and interim waiver (866) 208–3676 (toll free). For TTY, call ER14–1219–009; ER16–1732–008;
requested herein should apply to testing (202) 502–8659. ER17–993–007; ER18–95–004; ER10–
and rating of the following basic models 2729–009; ER17–989–007; ER10–1892–
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES
Comment Date: 5:00 p.m. Eastern
that are manufactured by LG: Time on July 13, 2018. 009; ER10–1854–014; ER17–990–007;
LW2217IVSM ER17–1946–007; ER17–991–007; ER16–
Dated: June 22, 2018.
1652–010; ER11–3320–014; ER10–2744–
LW1817IVSM Nathaniel J. Davis, Sr., 015; ER16–2406–008; ER16–2405–008;
LW1517IVSM Deputy Secretary. ER13–2316–012; ER17–992–007; ER10–
[FR Doc. 2018–14030 Filed 6–28–18; 8:45 am] [FR Doc. 2018–13960 Filed 6–28–18; 8:45 am] 2678–015; ER10–1631–014; ER14–19–
BILLING CODE 6450–01–P BILLING CODE 6717–01–P 013.
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Document Created: 2018-06-29 01:12:55
Document Modified: 2018-06-29 01:12:55
| Category | Regulatory Information | |
| Collection | Federal Register | |
| sudoc Class | AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106: | |
| Publisher | Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration | |
| Section | Notices | |
| Action | Notice of petition for waiver and grant of an interim waiver, and request for comments. | |
| Dates | Written comments and information are requested and will be accepted on or before July 30, 2018. | |
| Contact | Ms. Lucy deButts, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Building Technologies Office, Mailstop EE-5B, 1000 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20585-0121. E-mail: [email protected] | |
| FR Citation | 83 FR 30717 |
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