83 FR 34499 - Energy Conservation Program: Test Procedure for Single Package Vertical Air Conditioners and Single Package Vertical Heat Pumps

DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 140 (July 20, 2018)

Page Range		34499-34505
FR Document		2018-15584

The U.S. Department of Energy (``DOE'') is initiating a data collection process through this request for information (``RFI'') to consider whether to amend DOE's test procedure for single package vertical air conditioners (``SPVACs'') and single package vertical heat pumps (``SPVHPs''), collectively referred to as single package vertical units (``SPVUs''). To inform interested parties and to facilitate the process, DOE has gathered data, identifying several issues associated with the currently applicable test procedure on which DOE is interested in receiving comment. The issues outlined in this document mainly concern: Incorporation by reference of the applicable industry standard; efficiency metrics; clarification of test methods; and any additional topics that may inform DOE's decisions in a future test procedure rulemaking, including methods to reduce regulatory burden while ensuring the procedure's accuracy. DOE welcomes written comments from the public on any of subject within the scope of this document (including topics not raised in this RFI).

Federal Register, Volume 83 Issue 140 (Friday, July 20, 2018)

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 140 (Friday, July 20, 2018)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 34499-34505]
From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2018-15584]

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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

10 CFR Part 431

[EERE-2017-BT-TP-0020]

Energy Conservation Program: Test Procedure for Single Package
Vertical Air Conditioners and Single Package Vertical Heat Pumps

AGENCY: Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Department of
Energy.

ACTION: Request for information.

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SUMMARY: The U.S. Department of Energy (``DOE'') is initiating a data
collection process through this request for information (``RFI'') to
consider whether to amend DOE's test procedure for single package
vertical air conditioners (``SPVACs'') and single package vertical heat
pumps (``SPVHPs''), collectively referred to as single package vertical
units (``SPVUs''). To inform interested parties and to facilitate the
process, DOE has gathered data, identifying several issues associated
with the currently applicable test procedure on which DOE is interested
in receiving comment. The issues outlined in this document mainly
concern: Incorporation by reference of the applicable industry
standard; efficiency metrics; clarification of test methods; and any
additional topics that may inform DOE's decisions in a future test
procedure rulemaking, including methods to reduce regulatory burden
while ensuring the procedure's accuracy. DOE welcomes written comments
from the public on any of subject within the scope of this document
(including topics not raised in this RFI).

DATES: Written comments and information are requested and will be
accepted on or before September 4, 2018.

ADDRESSES: Interested persons are encouraged to submit comments by any
of the following methods:
1. Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. Follow
the instructions for submitting comments.
2. Email: SPVACandHeatPumps2017TP0020@ee.doe.gov. Include docket
number EERE-2017-BT-TP-0020 in the subject line of the message.
3. Postal Mail: Appliance and Equipment Standards Program, U.S.
Department of Energy, Building Technologies Office, Mailstop EE-5B,
Test Procedure RFI for Single Package Vertical Air Conditioners and
Heat Pumps, Docket No. EERE-2017-BT-TP-0020, 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.
4. Hand Delivery/Courier: Appliance and Equipment Standards
Program, U.S. Department of Energy, Building Technologies Office, 950
L'Enfant Plaza SW, Suite 600, Washington, DC 20024. Telephone: (202)
287-1445. 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 the
rulemaking process, see section III of this document.
Docket: The docket for this activity, 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 https://www.regulations.gov/docket?D=EERE-2017-BT-TP-0020. The docket web page contains
instructions on how to access all documents, including public comments,
in the docket. See section III for information on how to submit
comments through http://www.regulations.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Ms. Catherine Rivest, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy
Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Building Technologies Office, EE-5B,
1000 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20585-0121. Telephone:
(202) 586-7335. Email: ApplianceStandardsQuestions@ee.doe.gov.
Mr. Eric Stas, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of the General
Counsel, GC-33, 1000 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20585.
Telephone: (202) 586-9507. Email: Eric.Stas@hq.doe.gov.
For further information on how to submit a comment, or review other
public comments and the docket, contact the Appliance and Equipment
Standards Program staff at (202) 287-1445 or by email:
ApplianceStandardsQuestions@ee.doe.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Table of Contents

I. Introduction
A. Authority and Background
B. Rulemaking History
II. Request for Information
A. Scope and Definitions
B. Test Procedure
1. Test Set-Up
2. Airflow and External Static Pressure
3. Outdoor Air Enthalpy Method
4. Air Temperature Measurements
C. Energy Efficiency Descriptor
D. Other Test Procedure Topics
III. Submission of Comments

I. Introduction

SPVACs and SPVHPs are included in the list of ``covered equipment''
for which DOE is authorized to establish and amend energy efficiency
standards and test procedures. (42 U.S.C. 6311(1)(B)-(D)) DOE's test
procedure for SPVACs and SPVHPs is prescribed in title 10 of the Code
of Federal Regulations (``CFR''), appendix A to subpart F of part 431.
The following

[[Page 34500]]

sections discuss DOE's authority to establish and amend test procedures
for SPVACs and SPVHPs, as well as relevant background information
regarding DOE's consideration of test procedures for this equipment.

A. Authority and Background

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 C
\2\ of the Act, added by Public Law 95-619, Title IV, section 441(a),
established the Energy Conservation Program for Certain Industrial
Equipment, which sets forth a variety of provisions designed to improve
energy efficiency. This equipment includes small, large, and very large
commercial package air conditioning and heating equipment, which
includes the SPVACs and SPVHPs (referred to collectively as single
package vertical units (``SPVUs'')) that are the subject of this RFI.
(42 U.S.C. 6311(1)(B)-(D))
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\1\ All references to EPCA in this document refer to the statute
as amended through the Energy Efficiency Improvement Act of 2015
(EEIA 2015), Public Law 114-11 (April 30, 2015).
\2\ For editorial reasons, upon codification in the U.S. Code,
Part C was redesignated Part A-1.
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Under EPCA, DOE's energy conservation program consists essentially
of four parts: (1) Testing, (2) labeling, (3) Federal energy
conservation standards, and (4) certification and enforcement
procedures. Relevant provisions of the Act include definitions (42
U.S.C. 6311), energy conservation standards (42 U.S.C. 6313), test
procedures (42 U.S.C. 6314), labeling provisions (42 U.S.C. 6315), and
the authority to require information and reports from manufacturers (42
U.S.C. 6316).
Federal energy efficiency requirements for covered equipment
established under EPCA generally supersede State laws and regulations
concerning energy conservation testing, labeling, and standards. (42
U.S.C. 6316(a) and (b); 42 U.S.C. 6297) DOE may, however, grant waivers
of Federal preemption for particular State laws or regulations, in
accordance with the procedures and other provisions of EPCA. (42 U.S.C.
6316(b)(2)(D))
The Federal testing requirements consist of test procedures that
manufacturers of covered equipment must use as the basis for: (1)
Certifying to DOE that their equipment complies with the applicable
energy conservation standards adopted pursuant to EPCA (42 U.S.C.
6316(b); 42 U.S.C. 6296), and (2) making representations about the
efficiency of that equipment (42 U.S.C. 6314(d)). Similarly, DOE uses
these test procedures to determine whether the equipment complies with
relevant standards promulgated under EPCA.
Under 42 U.S.C. 6314, EPCA sets forth the criteria and procedures
DOE is required to follow when prescribing or amending test procedures
for covered equipment. EPCA requires that any test procedures
prescribed or amended under this section must be reasonably designed to
produce test results which reflect energy efficiency, energy use, or
estimated annual operating cost of covered equipment during a
representative average use cycle or period of use and requires that
test procedures not be unduly burdensome to conduct. (42 U.S.C.
6314(a)(2)) In addition, if DOE determines that a test procedure
amendment is warranted, it must publish proposed test procedures and
offer the public an opportunity to present oral and written comments on
them. (42 U.S.C. 6314(b))
As discussed, SPVUs are a category of commercial package air
conditioning and heating equipment. EPCA requires that the test
procedures for commercial package air conditioning and heating
equipment be those generally accepted industry testing procedures or
rating procedures developed or recognized by the Air-Conditioning,
Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) or by the American Society
of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), as
referenced in ASHRAE Standard 90.1, ``Energy Standard for Buildings
Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings'' (ASHRAE Standard 90.1). (42
U.S.C. 6314(a)(4)(A)) Further, if such an industry test procedure is
amended, DOE must update its test procedure to be consistent with the
amended test procedure, unless DOE determines, by rule published in the
Federal Register and supported by clear and convincing evidence, that
the amended test procedure would not meet the requirements in 42 U.S.C.
6314(a)(2) and (3) related to representative use and test burden. (42
U.S.C. 6314(a)(4)(B))
EPCA also requires that, at least once every 7 years, DOE evaluate
test procedures for each type of covered equipment including SPVUs, to
determine whether amended test procedures would more accurately or
fully comply with the requirements for the test procedures to not be
unduly burdensome to conduct and be reasonably designed to produce test
results that reflect energy efficiency, energy use, and estimated
operating costs during a representative average use cycle. (42 U.S.C.
6314(a)(1)) In addition, if DOE determines that a test procedure
amendment is warranted, it must publish a proposed test procedures and
offer the public an opportunity to present oral and written comments on
them. (42 U.S.C. 6314(b)) If DOE determines that test procedure
revisions are not appropriate, DOE must publish its determination not
to amend the test procedures. DOE is publishing this RFI to collect
data and information to inform its decision in satisfaction of the 7-
year review requirement specified in EPCA.

B. Rulemaking History

DOE's current test procedures for SPVUs with a cooling capacity
less than 760,000 Btu/h are set forth at 10 CFR part 431, subpart F,
appendix A (``Appendix A''). The test procedure currently incorporates
by reference ANSI/AHRI Standard 390-2003 (``ANSI/AHRI 390-2003''),
``Performance Rating of Single Package Vertical Air-Conditioners and
Heat Pumps,'' (omitting section 6.4) and includes additional provisions
in paragraphs (c) and (e) of 10 CFR 431.96. ANSI/AHRI 390-2003 is the
SPVU test standard referenced in ASHRAE Standard 90.1. Paragraph (c) of
10 CFR 431.96 provides the method for an optional break-in period.
Paragraph (e) of 10 CFR 431.96 provides specifications for addressing
key information typically found in the installation and operation
manuals. DOE established its test procedure for SPVUs in a final rule
for commercial heating, air conditioning, and water heating equipment
published on May 16, 2012. 77 FR 28928.

II. Request for Information

In the following sections, DOE has identified a variety of issues
on which it seeks input to aid in the development of the technical and
economic analyses regarding whether amended test procedures for SPVUs
may be warranted. Specifically, DOE is requesting comment on any
opportunities to streamline and simplify testing requirements for
SPVUs.
Additionally, DOE welcomes comments on other issues relevant to the
conduct of this process that may not specifically be identified in this
document. In particular, DOE notes that under Executive Order 13771,
``Reducing Regulation and Controlling Regulatory Costs,'' Executive
Branch agencies such as DOE are directed to manage the costs associated
with the imposition of expenditures required to comply with Federal
regulations. See 82 FR 9339 (Feb. 3, 2017). Pursuant to that

[[Page 34501]]

Executive Order, DOE encourages the public to provide input on measures
DOE could take to lower the cost of its regulations applicable to SPVUs
consistent with the requirements of EPCA.

A. Scope and Definitions

DOE defines an SPVAC as air-cooled commercial package air
conditioning and heating equipment that: (1) Is factory-assembled as a
single package that: (i) Has major components that are arranged
vertically; (ii) is an encased combination of cooling and optional
heating components; and (iii) is intended for exterior mounting on,
adjacent interior to, or through an outside wall; (2) is powered by a
single-or 3-phase current; (3) may contain 1 or more separate indoor
grilles, outdoor louvers, various ventilation options, indoor free air
discharges, ductwork, well plenum, or sleeves; and (4) has heating
components that may include electrical resistance, steam, hot water, or
gas, but may not include reverse cycle refrigeration as a heating
means. 10 CFR 431.92. Additionally, DOE defines an SPVHP as a single
package vertical air conditioner that: (1) Uses reverse cycle
refrigeration as its primary heat source; and (2) may include secondary
supplemental heating by means of electrical resistance, steam, hot
water, or gas. Id.

B. Test Procedure

1. Test Set-Up
ANSI/AHRI 390-2003 provides different test provisions, such as
minimum external static pressure (``ESP''), based on whether the model
is ducted or non-ducted. However, whether an SPVU is ducted may be more
a characteristic of installation than the equipment itself. A given
SPVU model could potentially be installed either with or without a
duct. DOE's preliminary research has not revealed that SPVUs have
physical characteristics that clearly distinguish them as ducted or
non-ducted models, and DOE has identified several models that advertise
the capability for use in both ducted and non-ducted installations.
ANSI/AHRI 390-2003 does not specify how to determine whether an SPVU
model is to be tested using the ducted or non-ducted provisions.
Issue 1: DOE requests comment on what, if any, equipment
characteristics can be used to determine whether SPVU models would be
installed (and hence should be tested) as ducted or non-ducted models.
DOE also requests comments on whether individual SPVU models that are
sold for both ducted and non-ducted applications are currently tested
using both ducted and non-ducted standard rating conditions.
Section 5.2.3 of ANSI/AHRI 390-2003 requires that for SPVUs with an
outdoor-side fan drive that is non-adjustable, standard ratings shall
be determined at the outdoor-side airflow rate inherent to the
equipment when operated with all of the resistance elements associated
with inlets, louvers, and any ductwork and attachments considered by
the manufacturer as normal installation practice. However, it is not
clear from DOE's initial review of manufacturer literature which
resistance elements should be used during the test to be consistent
with what manufacturers consider as ``normal installation practice.''
For externally-mounted SPVUs, provisions for transferring outdoor air
through an external wall are not necessary, but it may be possible that
alternative ``resistance elements'' could be offered as options (i.e.,
louvers instead of grills). In addition, for internally-mounted SPVUs,
there may be multiple options for the specific geometry for external
wall pass-through, as well as the option for louvers instead of grills.
Issue 2: DOE requests comments on the variations in outdoor air-
side attachments (e.g., grills, louvers, wall sleeve) that could affect
performance during testing. DOE seeks comment on what, if any,
provisions should be considered for addition to the test procedure to
standardize outdoor air flow for both externally and internally mounted
SPVUs, including considerations regarding grills or louvers, geometry
of wall pass-through sleeves, and a representative wall thickness.
ANSI/AHRI 390-2003 does not provide any specific guidance on
setting and verifying the refrigerant charge of a unit. In a test
procedure final rule for central air conditioners (CACs) published on
June 8, 2016 (``June 2016 CAC TP final rule''), DOE established a
comprehensive approach for refrigerant charging that improves test
reproducibility. 81 FR 36992, 37030-37031. The approach indicates which
set of installation instructions to use for charging, explains what to
do if there are no instructions, specifies that target values of
parameters are the centers of the ranges allowed by installation
instructions, and specifies tolerances for the measured values. The
approach also requires that refrigerant line pressure gauges be
installed for single-package units, unless otherwise specified in
manufacturer instructions. Id. These methods provide general
refrigerant charging instructions and guidelines that DOE believes
should be applied to air conditioners and heat pumps across a range of
capacities, including commercial equipment such as SPVUs.
Issue 3: DOE seeks comment on whether it would be appropriate to
adopt an approach for charging requirements for SPVUs similar or
identical to the approach adopted in the June 2016 CAC TP final rule.
DOE seeks comments regarding which parts of the approach should or
should not be considered for adoption, and for what reasons those
provisions might or might not be suitable for application to SPVUs. DOE
is also interested in receiving data that demonstrate how sensitive the
performance of a SPVU is relative to changes in the various charge
indicators used for different charging methods, specifically the method
based on sub-cooling.
Section 5.2.1 of ANSI/AHRI 390-2003, requires that, for units rated
with 208/230 dual nameplate voltages, the test be performed at 230 V.
For all other dual nameplate voltage units, the test standard requires
that the test be performed at both voltages or at the lower voltage if
only a single rating is to be published. DOE understands that voltage
can affect the measured efficiency of air conditioners and may,
therefore, consider adding provisions to its test procedure that
specify at which nameplate voltage to conduct the test for dual
nameplate voltage units.
Issue 4: DOE requests data and information demonstrating the effect
of voltage on air conditioning equipment (including, but not limited
to, SPVUs). Specifically, DOE seeks comment on whether there is a
consistent relationship between voltage and efficiency, and if so,
whether testing at a lower voltage will typically result in a higher or
lower tested efficiency. Further, DOE requests feedback on whether
certain voltages within common dual nameplate voltage ratings (e.g.,
208/230 V) are more representative of typical field installation.
Section 5.2.2.a of ANSI/AHRI 390-2003 requires that non-filtered
ducted equipment be tested at the minimum ESP specified in Table 4 of
ANSI/AHRI 390-2003 plus an additional 0.08 in H2O of ESP.
However, ANSI/AHRI 390-2003 does not define ``non-filtered equipment.''
It is possible that an SPVU may be designed so as not to be installed
with a filter. For SPVUs designed to be installed with a filter, a
filter may not be shipped with the unit (i.e., the filter would not be
present during the test, requiring an increase in the minimum ESP to
account for the pressure drop of the filter if one were

[[Page 34502]]

present, as it is expected to be in the field).
Issue 5: DOE requests comments on whether there are any SPVUs that
are not designed to be installed with a filter. Further, DOE requests
comment on what the typical effectiveness (i.e., minimum efficiency
reporting value (MERV) rating) is of filters provided or installed with
SPVUs, which will impact the pressure drop across the filter. Finally,
DOE requests comment on whether non-ducted SPVUs intended for
installation with a filter are ever tested without a filter installed,
and, if so, how such testing has accounted for the filter pressure drop
to better represent actual performance.
2. Airflow and External Static Pressure
Table 4 of ANSI/AHRI 390-2003 specifies the minimum ESP required
for testing ducted SPVUs based on capacity range. DOE is considering
whether the minimum ESP levels in ANSI/AHRI 390-2003 are representative
of field operation for ducted SPVUs.
Issue 6: DOE seeks comments on whether the minimum ESP requirements
in Table 4 of ANSI/AHRI 390-2003 are representative of field operation
for ducted SPVUs, and if not, comment and data on what representative
minimum ESP levels would be.
ANSI/AHRI 390-2003 does not specify tolerances on achieving the
rated airflow and/or the minimum ESP during testing. The performance of
any air conditioner or heat pump can be affected by variations in
airflow and ESP. Consequently, rated performance could vary from field
performance if airflow and ESP during testing are different than that
intended for field operation. How to control an SPVU to achieve a
specified airflow at a specified ESP and how closely an SPVU can
achieve the specified airflow and ESP depends on the type of fan drive
system. There are two common types used in SPVUs: One is multi-speed
drive, which provides discrete airflow settings (or motor speeds), each
typically associated with certain functions and operating conditions
(e.g., high or low static operation); the other is variable-speed
drive, which can be adjusted continuously within a range of speeds. The
type of fan drive system is determined by the type of fan motor (e.g.,
multi-speed motor, variable-speed motor), the type of drives (e.g.,
direct-drive, belt-drive), and whether there is any external control
(e.g., variable-frequency drive). When a multi-speed drive system is
required to meet the specified ESP, a certain deviation in airflow is
expected because of limited speed options; whereas, for variable-speed
drive systems, a smaller deviation is expected because of the
capability to be adjusted continuously.
To address the tolerances for variable-speed fan drive systems,
which are common in air-cooled commercial unitary air-conditioners
(``ACUACs'') with capacity greater than or equal to 65,000 Btu/h, DOE
established a requirement for ACUACs that the full-load indoor airflow
rate must be within 3 percent of the certified airflow.
Section 6 of Appendix A. In addition, the tolerance for ESP for testing
ACUACs in DOE's current test procedure is -0.00/+0.05 in H2O
(see section 3 of Appendix A, which incorporates by reference Table 5
of ANSI/AHRI Standard 340/360-2007, ``2007 Standard for Performance
Rating of Commercial and Industrial Unitary Air-Conditioning and Heat
Pump Equipment'' (``ANSI/AHRI 340/360-2007'')). In contrast, in DOE's
test procedure for central air conditioners and heat pumps (``CAC/
HPs''), the method for setting indoor air volume rate for ducted units
without variable-speed constant-air-volume-rate indoor fans is a multi-
step process that addresses the discrete-step fan speed control of
these units. In this method, (a) the air volume rate during testing may
not be higher than the certified air volume rate, but may be up to 10
percent less, and (b) the ESP during testing may not be lower than the
minimum specified ESP, but may be higher than the minimum if this is
required to avoid having the air volume rate overshoot its certified
value. See 10 CFR part 430, subpart B, appendix M, section 3.1.4.2.a.
Issue 7: DOE seeks more information on the different types of
indoor air fan drive systems that are used for SPVUs. For example, are
fans with multi-speed motors provided with variable-frequency drive or
belt drives with variable-pitch sheaves to allow continuous variation
of fan speed? Are direct-drive fans provided with variable-speed motors
for which the installer can only select limited speeds?
Issue 8: DOE seeks information on how closely the rated airflow and
specified ESP are achieved in laboratory testing of SPVUs. For indoor
fans that are adjustable in discrete steps, is the specified ESP
typically exceeded in order to match the certified airflow?
Additionally, DOE seeks comments on whether the tolerances for setting
airflow of ACUACs or of CACs would be appropriate for all SPVUs or if
separate tolerances should be provided based on fan motor type. If
neither of the tolerances would be appropriate, DOE requests
information or data on what tolerances would be appropriate for airflow
and ESP.
ANSI/AHRI 390-2003 does not distinguish between cooling and heating
airflow rates required for testing. For SPVHPs with multiple-speed or
variable-speed indoor fans, the indoor airflow rate in heating
operation could be different from that in cooling operation. Different
airflow rates may be used for heating and cooling operation because of
different indoor comfort needs in the heating season, and there may be
a minimum heating airflow rate for electrical resistance heating safety
that exceeds the cooling airflow rate. For ACUAC heat pumps, DOE's
current test procedure requires that indoor airflow and ESP first be
set up within required tolerances for the full-load cooling test
condition, by adjusting both the unit under test and the test
facility's airflow-measuring apparatus (see Section 6(i) of Appendix
A). The DOE test procedure further requires that, unless the unit is
designed to operate at different airflow rates for cooling and heating
modes, the airflow-measuring apparatus (but not the unit under test) be
adjusted to achieve an airflow in heating mode equal to the cooling
full-load airflow rate within the specified tolerance, without regard
to changes in ESP (see Section 6(ii), Appendix A).
Issue 9: DOE requests comments on whether there are SPVHPs for
which the heating airflow rate is designed to be different from the
cooling airflow rate. If so, DOE seeks comments on whether provisions
similar to those required for ACUACs would be appropriate for
determining airflow rate and minimum ESP for heating mode tests for
SPVHPs.
3. Outdoor Air Enthalpy Method
ANSI/AHRI 390-2003 references ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 37-1988,
``Methods of Testing for Rating Unitary Air-Conditioning and Heat Pump
Equipment'' (``ANSI/AHRI 37-1988'') for methods of testing SPVUs.
Section 7.2 of ANSI/ASHRAE 37-1988 specifies that for equipment with
cooling capacity less than 135,000 Btu/h, primary and secondary
capacity measurements are required. Specifically, the indoor air
enthalpy method must be used as the primary method for capacity
measurement, and Table 3 of ANSI/ASHRAE 37-1988 specifies the
applicable options for selecting a secondary method. Section 10.1.2 of
ANSI/ASHRAE 37-1988 then requires that the two test methods agree
within 6 percent. DOE understands that the outdoor air enthalpy test
method is commonly used as a secondary test method for determining
capacity for

[[Page 34503]]

SPVUs. The outdoor air enthalpy method requires the use of an air-side
test apparatus that is connected to the unit under test. Due to
concerns about the impact of the air-side test apparatus on performance
as compared to performance in the field without the air-side test
apparatus connected, section 8.5 of ANSI/ASHRAE 37-1988 (which is
referenced by ANSI/AHRI 390-2003) specifies testing with and without
the air-side test apparatus connected. First, ANSI/ASHRAE 37-1988
requires a one-hour preliminary test be conducted without the outdoor
air-side test apparatus connected. Then, ANSI/ASHRAE 37-1988 specifies
a one-hour test be conducted with the outdoor air-side test apparatus
connected, which will serve as the official test. ANSI/ASHRAE 37-1988
requires agreement between evaporating and condensing temperatures
between the two tests for a valid test. In a test procedure final rule
for CACs/HPs, DOE amended its requirements when using the outdoor air
enthalpy method as the secondary test method for capacity measurement
for CAC/HPs. 82 FR 1426, 1508-1509 (Jan. 5, 2017). Specifically, DOE's
amended test procedure requires that a 30-minute official test be
conducted without the outdoor air-side test apparatus connected, then a
30-minute test with the air-side test apparatus be conducted, the
results of which are compared to the official, no air-side apparatus
test. DOE is considering whether similar changes (i.e., requiring that
the official test be conducted without the outdoor air-side test
apparatus connected) would be appropriate for the test procedure for
SPVUs. DOE expects that such a change would make the test more
representative of field use and would improve the repeatability of the
test.
Issue 10: DOE seeks comment on whether modifications to the
requirements for using the outdoor air enthalpy method as the secondary
method for testing SPVUs (similar to those made for CAC/HPs) would be
appropriate, including that the official test be conducted without the
outdoor air-side test apparatus connected.
4. Air Temperature Measurements
Outdoor air temperature and humidity are key parameters that affect
SPVU performance, and for this reason, ANSI/AHRI 390-2003 requires
accurate outdoor air condition measurements. However, DOE is
considering whether the method set forth in ANSI/AHRI 390-2003 would
benefit from additional specification as to outdoor air temperature
measurement. For air-cooled and evaporatively cooled commercial unitary
air conditioners, Appendix C of AHRI Standard 340/360-2015, ``2015
Standard for Performance Rating of Commercial and Industrial Unitary
Air-Conditioning and Heat Pump Equipment,'' (``AHRI 340/360-2015'')
provides details on entering outdoor air temperature measurement,
including air sampling tree and aspirating psychrometer requirements.
DOE is considering whether similar requirements should be adopted for
testing SPVUs. However, DOE notes that in such case, some of the
requirements may have to be revised for application to SPVUs. For
example, the requirement in section C3 of Appendix C of AHRI 340/360-
2015 that ``multiple individual reading thermocouples be installed
around the unit air discharge perimeter so that they are below the
plane of condenser fan exhaust and just above the top of the condenser
coil'' may not be appropriate for SPVUs, because the units typically
exhaust outdoor air horizontally, instead of vertically as is the case
for ACUACs.
While Appendix C of AHRI 340/360-2015 provides detailed
requirements for measurement of entering outdoor air temperature, it
provides no such requirements for measurement of entering indoor air
temperature, leaving indoor air temperature, or leaving outdoor air
temperature. These parameters have a significant impact on performance
of an SPVU as measured by the indoor air enthalpy method and the
outdoor air enthalpy method. Therefore, DOE is also considering whether
the requirements contained in Appendix C of AHRI 340/360-2015 would be
appropriate for measurement of these parameters for testing SPVUs.
Issue 11: DOE seeks comments regarding which, if any, requirements
for outdoor air temperature measurement in Appendix C of AHRI Standard
340/360-2015 may or may not be appropriate for testing SPVUs.
Specifically, DOE requests comment on whether any requirements in
Appendix C of AHRI Standard 340/360-2015 would be appropriate for
measurement of indoor air entering and leaving temperatures, as well as
outdoor air entering and leaving temperatures.

C. Energy Efficiency Descriptor

EPCA requires that test procedures produce test results that
reflect efficiency of equipment during a representative average use
cycle. (42 U.S.C. 6314(a)(2)) DOE prescribes energy efficiency ratio
(EER) as the cooling mode metric and coefficient of performance (COP)
as the heating mode metric for SPVUs. 10 CFR 431.96. Correspondingly,
ASHRAE 90.1-2016 only includes minimum efficiency levels in terms of
the full-load metrics of EER and COP for SPVUs. In contrast, ASHRAE
90.1-2016 includes minimum cooling mode efficiency levels for CUACs and
for variable refrigerant flow multi-split air conditioners and heat
pumps in terms of both the full-load metric EER and the integrated
energy efficiency ratio (IEER), which integrates the performance of the
equipment when operating at part-load. IEER provides an indication of
seasonal performance by integrating test results from four different
load points with varying outdoor conditions and load levels (lower load
for cooler conditions) in order to represent the equipment's average
efficiency throughout the cooling season. ANSI/AHRI 390-2003 includes a
part-load metric, integrated part-load value (IPLV) that integrates
unit performance at each capacity step provided by the refrigeration
system. However, the IPLV tests are all conducted at constant outdoor
air conditions of 80 [deg]F dry bulb temperature and 67 [deg]F wet bulb
temperature. DOE notes that some manufacturers make representations of
part-load performance of SPVUs in product literature using IPLV,
indicating a potential value in ratings that integrate performance of
part-load operation. However, DOE also notes that IPLV was once used
for rating CUACs but has since been removed from AHRI 340/360 in favor
of IEER.
Issue 12: DOE requests comments on whether DOE should consider
adopting for SPVUs a cooling-mode metric that integrates part-load
performance to better represent full-season efficiency. If so, DOE
requests comment on whether a part-load metric such as IEER or the
current IPLV would be appropriate for SPVUs, and which of these would
better represent actual performance.
DOE is aware that the energy use of field-installed fans will vary
based on the use of the fan for various functions (e.g., economizing,
ventilation, filtration, and auxiliary heat). Consequently, DOE is
investigating whether changes to the SPVU test procedure are needed to
properly characterize a representative average use cycle, including
changes to more accurately represent fan energy use in field
applications. DOE also seeks comment on any anticipated burdens
associated with such potential changes to the SPVUs test procedure. DOE
also requests information as to the extent that accounting for the
energy use of fans in commercial equipment such as SPVUs would be
additive of other existing accountings of fan energy use. DOE also
seeks information as to

[[Page 34504]]

whether accounting for the energy use of fan operation in SPVUs would
alter measured efficiency, and if so, to what extent.
Issue 13: DOE seeks information, including any available data, on
how frequently SPVU supply fans are operated when there is no demand
for heating or cooling (i.e., for fresh air ventilation or air
circulation/filtration), and what the typical operating schedules or
duty cycles are for this function. Additionally, DOE requests data or
information regarding how frequently auxiliary heating is installed
with SPVUs and whether its operation is dependent on the supply fan of
the SPVU. DOE requests data or information regarding how frequently the
systems are used with economizers, how the economizers are integrated
with the systems, and what control logic is typically used on the
economizers. DOE further seeks comment as to whether or what portion of
such fan operation is part of a ``representative average use cycle.''
DOE also seeks information as to whether accounting for the energy use
of fan operation in SPVUs would alter measured efficiency, and if so,
to what extent.
Issue 14: Assuming DOE has authority to address fans embedded in
other commercial equipment such as SPVUs (a conclusion the agency has
not yet reached), DOE is interested in receiving comment and other
information on this topic. DOE requests comment on whether any of the
issues considered in this section would result in double regulation of
the energy use of fans in SPVUs, and if so, how.
SPVHPs generally include a defrost cycle to periodically defrost
the outdoor coil when operating in outdoor ambient conditions in which
frost collects on it during heating operation. Based on preliminary DOE
review of product literature, the time between defrost cycles can be
between 30-90 minutes, and defrost cycle duration may be roughly 10
minutes. During the defrost cycle, the SPVHP is consuming energy but
not providing heat, unless it also energizes auxiliary heat during
defrost. DOE's test procedure for SPVUs is based on testing in outdoor
air conditions for which defrost is not necessary (i.e.,
47[emsp14][deg]F outdoor air dry-bulb temperature). Hence, any
differences in defrost cycle performance between different SPVHP models
is not reflected in the heating mode metric, COP. DOE's test procedure
for CACs/HPs includes measurement of average delivered heat and total
energy use, including for defrost cycles, during operation in outdoor
conditions for which frost forms on the outdoor coil. In contrast,
DOE's test procedures for commercial heat pumps do not include
consideration of defrost.
Issue 15: DOE seeks information regarding the types of buildings
most commonly served by SPVHPs and the annual heating and cooling loads
for such buildings, including information or data for SPVHP cooling and
heating seasonal energy use therein. DOE also seeks information on the
impact on heating mode efficiency associated with the defrost cycle for
SPVHPs, including impacts associated with the potential use of
resistance heating during defrost.

D. Other Test Procedure Topics

In addition to the issues identified earlier in this document, DOE
welcomes comment on any other aspect of the existing test procedure for
SPVUs not already addressed by the specific areas identified in this
document. DOE particularly seeks information that would improve the
repeatability, reproducibility, and consumer representativeness of the
test procedures. DOE also requests information that would help DOE
create a procedure that would limit manufacturer test burden through
streamlining or simplifying testing requirements. Comments regarding
the repeatability and reproducibility are also welcome. DOE also
requests comment on the benefits and burdens of adopting any industry
based or other appropriate test procedure, without modification.
DOE also requests feedback on any potential amendments to the
existing test procedure that could be considered to address impacts on
manufacturers, including small businesses. Regarding the Federal test
method, DOE seeks comment on the degree to which the DOE test procedure
should consider and be harmonized with the most recent relevant
industry standards for SPVUs and whether there are any changes to the
Federal test method that would provide additional benefits to the
public. DOE also requests comment on the benefits and burdens of
adopting any industry/voluntary consensus-based or other appropriate
test procedure, without modification. As discussed, the Federal test
procedure for SPVUs currently incorporates by reference ANSI/AHRI 390-
2003 (omitting section 6.4) and includes additional provisions to
provide the method for an optional break-in period and to provide
specifications for addressing key information typically found in the
installation and operation manuals. Section 6.4 of ANSI/AHRI 390-2003
specifies the maximum deviation of published efficiency ratings from
measured test results; therefore, this section is omitted from DOE's
current test procedure because it conflicts with DOE's certification,
compliance, and enforcement regulations at 10 CFR part 429.
Additionally, DOE requests comment on whether the existing test
procedure limits a manufacturer's ability to provide additional
features to consumers of SPVUs. DOE particularly seeks information on
how the test procedures could be amended to reduce the cost of new or
additional features and make it more likely that such features are
included on SPVUs.

III. Submission of Comments

DOE invites all interested parties to submit in writing by
September 4, 2018, comments and information on matters addressed in
this notice and on other matters relevant to DOE's consideration of an
amended test procedure for SPVACs and SPVHPs. These comments and
information will aid in the development of a test procedure notice of
proposed rulemaking (NOPR) for SPVACs and SPVHPs if DOE determines that
an amended test procedure may be appropriate for this equipment.
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.
However, your contact information will be publicly viewable if you
include it in the comment or in any documents attached to your comment.
Any information that you do not want to be publicly viewable should not
be included in your comment, nor in any document attached to your
comment. Persons viewing comments will see only first and last names,
organization names, correspondence containing comments, and any
documents submitted with the comments.
Do not submit to http://www.regulations.gov information for which
disclosure is restricted by statute, such as trade secrets and
commercial or financial information (hereinafter referred to as
Confidential Business Information (``CBI'')). Comments

[[Page 34505]]

submitted through http://www.regulations.gov cannot be claimed as CBI.
Comments received through the website will waive any CBI claims for the
information submitted. For information on submitting CBI, see the
Confidential Business Information section.
DOE processes submissions made through http://www.regulations.gov
before posting. Normally, comments will be posted within a few days of
being submitted. However, if large volumes of comments are being
processed simultaneously, your comment may not be viewable for up to
several weeks. Please keep the comment tracking number that http://www.regulations.gov provides after you have successfully uploaded your
comment.
Submitting comments via email, hand delivery, or mail. Comments and
documents submitted via email, hand delivery, or mail also will be
posted to http://www.regulations.gov. If you do not want your personal
contact information to be publicly viewable, do not include it in your
comment or any accompanying documents. Instead, provide your contact
information in a cover letter. Include your first and last names, email
address, telephone number, and optional mailing address. The cover
letter will not be publicly viewable as long as it does not include any
comments.
Include contact information each time you submit comments, data,
documents, and other information to DOE. If you submit via mail or hand
delivery, please provide all items on a CD, if feasible. It is not
necessary to submit printed copies. No telefacsimiles (faxes) will be
accepted.
Comments, data, and other information submitted to DOE
electronically should be provided in PDF (preferred), Microsoft Word or
Excel, WordPerfect, or text (ASCII) file format. Provide documents that
are not secured, written in English, and free of any defects or
viruses. Documents should not contain special characters or any form of
encryption and, if possible, they should carry the electronic signature
of the author.
Campaign form letters. Please submit campaign form letters by the
originating organization in batches of between 50 to 500 form letters
per PDF or as one form letter with a list of supporters' names compiled
into one or more PDFs. This reduces comment processing and posting
time.
Confidential Business Information. Pursuant 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 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).
DOE considers public participation to be a very important part of
the process for developing test procedures and energy conservation
standards. DOE actively encourages the participation and interaction of
the public during the comment period in each stage of this process.
Interactions with and between members of the public provide a balanced
discussion of the issues and assist DOE in the process. Anyone who
wishes to be added to the DOE mailing list to receive future notices
and information about this process should contact Appliance and
Equipment Standards Program staff at (202) 287-1445 or via email at
ApplianceStandardsQuestions@ee.doe.gov.

Signed in Washington, DC, on July 12, 2018.
Kathleen B. Hogan,
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency, Energy Efficiency and
Renewable Energy.
[FR Doc. 2018-15584 Filed 7-19-18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6450-01-P

34504 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 140 / Friday, July 20, 2018 / Proposed Rules

whether accounting for the energy use commercial heat pumps do not include section is omitted from DOE’s current
of fan operation in SPVUs would alter consideration of defrost. test procedure because it conflicts with
measured efficiency, and if so, to what Issue 15: DOE seeks information DOE’s certification, compliance, and
extent. regarding the types of buildings most enforcement regulations at 10 CFR part
Issue 13: DOE seeks information, commonly served by SPVHPs and the 429.
including any available data, on how annual heating and cooling loads for Additionally, DOE requests comment
frequently SPVU supply fans are such buildings, including information on whether the existing test procedure
operated when there is no demand for or data for SPVHP cooling and heating limits a manufacturer’s ability to
heating or cooling (i.e., for fresh air seasonal energy use therein. DOE also provide additional features to
ventilation or air circulation/filtration), seeks information on the impact on consumers of SPVUs. DOE particularly
and what the typical operating heating mode efficiency associated with seeks information on how the test
schedules or duty cycles are for this the defrost cycle for SPVHPs, including procedures could be amended to reduce
function. Additionally, DOE requests impacts associated with the potential the cost of new or additional features
data or information regarding how use of resistance heating during defrost. and make it more likely that such
frequently auxiliary heating is installed features are included on SPVUs.
D. Other Test Procedure Topics
with SPVUs and whether its operation
In addition to the issues identified III. Submission of Comments
is dependent on the supply fan of the
SPVU. DOE requests data or information earlier in this document, DOE welcomes DOE invites all interested parties to
regarding how frequently the systems comment on any other aspect of the submit in writing by September 4, 2018,
are used with economizers, how the existing test procedure for SPVUs not comments and information on matters
economizers are integrated with the already addressed by the specific areas addressed in this notice and on other
systems, and what control logic is identified in this document. DOE matters relevant to DOE’s consideration
typically used on the economizers. DOE particularly seeks information that of an amended test procedure for
further seeks comment as to whether or would improve the repeatability, SPVACs and SPVHPs. These comments
what portion of such fan operation is reproducibility, and consumer and information will aid in the
part of a ‘‘representative average use representativeness of the test development of a test procedure notice
cycle.’’ DOE also seeks information as to procedures. DOE also requests of proposed rulemaking (NOPR) for
whether accounting for the energy use information that would help DOE create SPVACs and SPVHPs if DOE determines
of fan operation in SPVUs would alter a procedure that would limit that an amended test procedure may be
measured efficiency, and if so, to what manufacturer test burden through appropriate for this equipment.
extent. streamlining or simplifying testing Submitting comments via http://
Issue 14: Assuming DOE has authority requirements. Comments regarding the www.regulations.gov. The http://
to address fans embedded in other repeatability and reproducibility are www.regulations.gov web page will
commercial equipment such as SPVUs also welcome. DOE also requests require you to provide your name and
(a conclusion the agency has not yet comment on the benefits and burdens of contact information. Your contact
reached), DOE is interested in receiving adopting any industry based or other information will be viewable to DOE
comment and other information on this appropriate test procedure, without Building Technologies staff only. Your
topic. DOE requests comment on modification. contact information will not be publicly
whether any of the issues considered in DOE also requests feedback on any viewable except for your first and last
this section would result in double potential amendments to the existing names, organization name (if any), and
regulation of the energy use of fans in test procedure that could be considered submitter representative name (if any).
SPVUs, and if so, how. to address impacts on manufacturers, If your comment is not processed
SPVHPs generally include a defrost including small businesses. Regarding properly because of technical
cycle to periodically defrost the outdoor the Federal test method, DOE seeks difficulties, DOE will use this
coil when operating in outdoor ambient comment on the degree to which the information to contact you. If DOE
conditions in which frost collects on it DOE test procedure should consider and cannot read your comment due to
during heating operation. Based on be harmonized with the most recent technical difficulties and cannot contact
preliminary DOE review of product relevant industry standards for SPVUs you for clarification, DOE may not be
literature, the time between defrost and whether there are any changes to able to consider your comment.
cycles can be between 30–90 minutes, the Federal test method that would However, your contact information
and defrost cycle duration may be provide additional benefits to the will be publicly viewable if you include
roughly 10 minutes. During the defrost public. DOE also requests comment on it in the comment or in any documents
cycle, the SPVHP is consuming energy the benefits and burdens of adopting attached to your comment. Any
but not providing heat, unless it also any industry/voluntary consensus-based information that you do not want to be
energizes auxiliary heat during defrost. or other appropriate test procedure, publicly viewable should not be
DOE’s test procedure for SPVUs is based without modification. As discussed, the included in your comment, nor in any
on testing in outdoor air conditions for Federal test procedure for SPVUs document attached to your comment.
which defrost is not necessary (i.e., currently incorporates by reference Persons viewing comments will see only
47 °F outdoor air dry-bulb temperature). ANSI/AHRI 390–2003 (omitting section first and last names, organization
Hence, any differences in defrost cycle 6.4) and includes additional provisions names, correspondence containing
performance between different SPVHP to provide the method for an optional comments, and any documents
daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with PROPOSALS

models is not reflected in the heating break-in period and to provide submitted with the comments.
mode metric, COP. DOE’s test procedure specifications for addressing key Do not submit to http://
for CACs/HPs includes measurement of information typically found in the www.regulations.gov information for
average delivered heat and total energy installation and operation manuals. which disclosure is restricted by statute,
use, including for defrost cycles, during Section 6.4 of ANSI/AHRI 390–2003 such as trade secrets and commercial or
operation in outdoor conditions for specifies the maximum deviation of financial information (hereinafter
which frost forms on the outdoor coil. published efficiency ratings from referred to as Confidential Business
In contrast, DOE’s test procedures for measured test results; therefore, this Information (‘‘CBI’’)). Comments

VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:08 Jul 19, 2018 Jkt 244001 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 E:\FR\FM\20JYP1.SGM 20JYP1

Document Created: 2018-07-20 01:18:31
Document Modified: 2018-07-20 01:18:31

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		Proposed Rules
Action		Request for information.
Dates		Written comments and information are requested and will be accepted on or before September 4, 2018.
Contact		Ms. Catherine Rivest, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Building Technologies Office, EE-5B, 1000 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20585-0121. Telephone: (202) 586-7335. Email: [email protected]
FR Citation		83 FR 34499