Energy Conservation Program for Consumer Products: Publication of the Petition for Waiver of Peerless Boilers Heat, LLC From the Department of Energy Residential Furnace and Boiler Test Procedures, 46460-46465 [06-6897]
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Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 156 / Monday, August 14, 2006 / Notices
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[FR Doc. E6–13268 Filed 8–11–06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6450–01–P
DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
Office of Energy Efficiency and
Renewable Energy
[Docket ID: ERRE–BT–2006–WAV–0140]
Energy Conservation Program for
Consumer Products: Publication of the
Petition for Waiver of Peerless Boilers
Heat, LLC From the Department of
Energy Residential Furnace and Boiler
Test Procedures
Office of Energy Efficiency and
Renewable Energy, Department of
Energy.
ACTION: Notice of Petition for Waiver
and request for comments.
jlentini on PROD1PC65 with NOTICES
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: Today’s notice publishes a
Petition for Waiver from Peerless Boilers
Heat, LLC (PB). This petition (hereafter
‘‘PB Petition’’) request a waiver from the
Department of Energy’s (hereafter
‘‘Department’’ or ‘‘DOE’’) test
procedures for residential furnaces and
boilers. Today’s notice also includes an
alternate test procedure PB has
requested DOE to include in the
Decision and Order, should the
Department grant PB a waiver. The
Department is soliciting comments,
data, and information with respect to
the PB Petition and the proposed
alternate test procedure.
DATES: The Department will accept
comments, data, and information
regarding this Petition for Waiver until,
but no later than September 13, 2006.
ADDRESSES: Please submit comments,
identified by Docket ID number: EERE–
BT–2006–WAV–0140, by any of the
following methods:
• Mail: Ms. Brenda Edwards-Jones,
U.S. Department of Energy, Office of
Energy Efficiency and Renewable
Energy, Building Technologies Program,
Mailstop EE–2J, Forrestal Building, 1000
Independence Avenue, SW.,
Washington, DC 20585–0121.
Telephone: (202) 586–2945. Please
submit one signed original paper copy.
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• Hand Deliver/Courier: Ms. Brenda
Edwards-Jones, U.S. Department of
Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and
Renewable Energy, Building
Technologies Program, Room 1J–018,
Forrestal Building, 1000 Independence
Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20585–
0121.
• E-mail: PBPetitiion@ee.doe.gov.
Include either the Docket ID number:
EERE–BT–2006–WAV–0140, and/or
‘‘PB Petition’’ in the subject line of the
message.
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://
www.regulations.gov. Follow the
instructions for submitting comments.
Instructions: All submissions received
must include the agency name and case
number for this proceeding. Submit
electronic comments in Microsoft Word,
WordPerfect, PDF, or text (ASCII) file
format and avoid the use of special
characters or any form of encryption.
Wherever possible, include the
electronic signature of the author.
Absent an electronic signature,
comments should electronically must be
followed and authenticated by
submitting the signed original paper
document. The Department does not
accept telefacsimiles (faxes). Any person
submitting written comments must also
send a copy of such comments to the
petitioner. (10 CFR 430.27(b)(1)(iv)).
The contact information for the
petitioner in today’s notice is: Mr.
Jeffrey K. Alexander, Vice President, PB
Heat, LLC, 9th & Rothermel Drive, P.O.
Box 447, New Berlinville, PA 19545–
0477.
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 two copies: One copy of
the document including all the
information believed to be confidential,
and one copy of the document with the
information believed to be confidential
deleted. The Department will make its
own determination about the
confidential status of the information
and treat it according to its
determination.
Docket: For access to the docket to
read the background comments relevant
to this matter, go to the U.S. Department
of Energy, Forrestal Building, Room 1J–
018 (Resource Room of the Building
Technologies Program), 1000
Independence Avenue, SW.,
Washington, DC 20585–0121, (202) 586–
2945, between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays. Available documents include
the following items: This notice, public
comments received, the PB Petition, and
prior Department rulemakings regarding
residential furnace and boilers. Please
PO 00000
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call Ms. Brenda Edwards-Jones at the
above telephone number for additional
information regarding visiting the
Resource Room.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Mohammed Khan, U.S. Department of
Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and
Renewable Energy, Building
Technologies Program, Mail Stop EE–2J,
Forrestal Building, 1000 Independence
Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20585–
0121, (202) 586–9611; E-mail:
Mohammed.Khan@ee.doe.gov; or
Thomas DePriest, Esq., U.S. Department
of Energy, Office of General Counsel,
Mail Stop GC–72, Forrestal Building,
1000 Independence Avenue, SW.,
Washington, DC 20585–0121,
(202) 586–9507; E-mail:
Thomas.DePriest@hq.doe.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Background and Authority
II. Petition for Waiver
III. Alternate Test Procedure
IV. Summary and Request for Comments
I. Background and Authority
Title III of the Energy Policy and
Conservation Act (EPCA) sets forth a
variety of provisions concerning energy
efficiency. Part B of Title III (42 U.S.C.
6291–6309) provides for the ‘‘Energy
Conservation Program for Consumer
Products other than Automobiles.’’ It
specifically provides for definitions, test
procedures, labeling provisions, energy
conservation standards, and the
authority to require information and
reports from manufacturers. With
respect to test procedures, Part B
generally authorizes the Secretary of
Energy to prescribe test procedures that
are reasonably designed to produce
results which reflect energy efficiency,
energy use and estimated operating
costs, and that are not unduly
burdensome to conduct. (42 U.S.C.
6293(b)(3)) EPCA provides that the
Secretary of Energy may amend test
procedures for consumer products if the
Secretary determines that amended test
procedures would more accurately
reflect energy efficiency, energy use and
estimated operating costs, and that they
are not unduly burdensome to conduct.
(42 U.S.C. 6293(b))
Today’s notice involves residential
products covered under Part B. The PB
Petition requests a waiver from the
residential furnace and boiler test
procedures for PB’s PO–50, PO–60, PO–
63 and PO–73 models of oil-fired
boilers. The test procedures for
residential furnaces and boilers appear
at 10 CFR Part 430, Subpart B,
Appendix N.
The Department’s regulations contain
provisions allowing a person to seek a
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waiver from the test procedure
requirements for covered consumer
products (10 CFR 430.27). The waiver
provisions allow the Assistant Secretary
for Energy Efficiency and Renewable
Energy (hereafter ‘‘Assistant Secretary’’)
to temporarily waive test procedures for
a particular basic model when a
petitioner shows that the basic model
contains one or more design
characteristics that prevent testing
according to the prescribed test
procedures, or when the prescribed test
procedures may evaluate the basic
model in a manner so unrepresentative
of its true energy consumption as to
provide materially inaccurate
comparative data. (10 CFR 430.27(a)(1))
The Assistant Secretary may grant the
waiver subject to conditions, including
adherence to alternate test procedures.
Petitioners are to include in their
petition any alternate test procedures
known to evaluate the basic model in a
manner representative of its energy
consumption. (10 CFR 430.27(b)(1)(iii))
Waivers generally remain in effect until
final test procedure amendments
become effective, thereby resolving the
problem that is the subject of the
waiver.
The waiver process also allows the
Assistant Secretary to grant an Interim
Waiver from test procedure
requirements to manufacturers that have
petitioned the Department for a waiver
of such prescribed test procedures. (10
CFR 430.27(a)(2)) An Interim Waiver
remains in effect for a period of 180
days or until the Department issues its
determination on the Petition for
Waiver, whichever is sooner, and may
be extended for an additional 180 days,
if necessary. (10 CFR 430.27(h))
II. Petition for Waiver
On March 27, 2006, PB filed a Petition
for Waiver from the test procedures
applicable to its residential oil-fired
boilers. PB seeks a waiver from the
applicable test procedures for its PO–50,
PO–60, PO–63 and PO–73 models of oilfired boilers on the grounds that the
prescribed test procedures may result in
an evaluation of the basic model that is
unrepresentative of its true energy
consumption characteristics.
Modern residential boilers are
typically used with either baseboard
convector or radiant floor heating
systems, and these heating systems
circulate water in a closed-loop fashion.
Originating at the boiler, headed water
is pumped to the convectors or radiant
floor coils. As the water passes through
the convectors or floor coils, heat is
extracted and the water is cooled. The
heated water from the boiler is termed
‘‘supply water’’ and the cooled water is
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termed ‘‘return water’’. With any given
system, the return water temperature is
directly proportional to the supply
water temperature which can be set at
the boiler. The return water temperature
is also a function of a home’s heating
load and the effectiveness of convector
or floor coil system. Different water
temperatures are also seen with
different systems (and control features);
the return and supply water
temperatures are lower for radiant floor
heating systems compared to convector
systems. The DOE test procedures
specifies certain supply and return
temperatures for boiler efficiency
testing. These temperature
specifications, according to PB, do not
suitably match the expected
performance characteristics of the
subject boiler units.
In particular, PB claims that one of
the test conditions (i.e., return water
temperature) in the DOE test procedures
is not representative of what would
occur with radiant floor heating systems
and for boilers equipped with outdoor
reset controls. The PB Petition requests
that DOE grant a waiver from existing
test procedures and allow the use of an
alternate test procedure. In its petition,
PB requests use of the American Society
of Heating, Refrigerating and AirConditioning Engineers (ASHRAE)
Standard 103–2003 Public Review Draft,
‘‘Determination of Boiler Performance
for Low Water Temperature
Applications’’ (hereafter ‘‘draft ASHRAE
Standard 103–2003’’).
Pending public comment, it is not
clear if DOE would grant PB a waiver in
the Decision and Order. PB seeks a
waiver of the temperature requirements
for return water in the applicable test
procedure on the grounds that the
prescribed test procedures may result in
an evaluation of the basic model that is
unrepresentative of its true energy
consumption characteristics. PB also
requests permission to use an alternate
test procedure, draft ASHRAE Standard
103–2003, which specifies lower test
temperatures that the DOE test
procedure requires. PB claims boilers
for which it seeks a test procedure
waiver are capable of achieving
condensing operating conditions with
return water temperatures that are lower
than those specified in the DOE test
procedure. In particular, PB states that
if a boiler is used with radiant floor
heating systems, the return and supply
water temperatures are far lower than
those seen with baseboard convector
systems. Similarly, PB states that if a
boiler is used with baseboard convector
heating systems, in combination with
outdoor reset controls, the supply water
temperatures can be lower than the DOE
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test procedure for some fraction of the
heating season. In its petition, PB also
asserts that because its boilers are
supplied with an outdoor reset control,
the boilers installed with either radiant
floor heating systems or baseboard
convector heating systems are capable of
achieving condensing conditions and
increased efficiency and reduced energy
use, during warmer periods of the
heating season.
DOE finds, however, that the
reliability of this approach depends
upon different parameters, which can
vary from home to home. It depends, for
example, on the home’s heating load
profile, which is a function of the
geographic location, the temperature of
the return water necessary for
condensation, and the performance
characteristics of the home’s baseboard
convectors. The draft ASHRAE Standard
103–2003 does not estimate, or take into
account, how often the boiler will
function in the condensing mode with
a baseboard convector system and may
not accurately reflect an ‘‘annualized’’
efficiency rating and may confuse
consumers who purchase boilers for use
with baseboard heating systems.
Furthermore, there are no guarantees the
boiler would be installed with outdoor
reset controls. Finally, DOE is
concerned that granting PB a waiver
could result in energy efficiency ratings
for its PO–50, PO–60, PO–63 and PO–
73 models of oil-fired boilers that are
not comparable to the ratings of other
models of oil-fired boilers.
III. Alternate Test Procedure
The Department will make a judgment
on the PB Petition after the period for
public comment. The Department is
publishing the proposed alternate test
procedure in this notice, though it has
not yet made a determination on the
petition, to account for the potential
need for an alternate test procedure and
to allow the public to comment on a
proposed alternate test procedure. PB
proposed the use of draft ASHRAE
standard 103–2003 as an alternate test
procedure in its petition. DOE is
considering including in the Decision
and Order an alternate test procedure
that is based on draft ASHRAE Standard
103–2003 for residential furnaces and
boilers.
The Department proposes for
comment the following language: 10
CFR Parts 430 Subpart B, Appendix N—
‘‘Uniform Test Method for Measuring
the Energy Consumption of Furnaces
and Boilers,’’ as amended by adding:
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Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 156 / Monday, August 14, 2006 / Notices
Section 8.4.1
Determination of Boiler Performance for
Low-Water-Temperature Applications
This section contains procedures for
determining the seasonal performance
of a hot water boiler used in a lowwater-temperature application,
specifically, for radiant floor heating
systems. This performance is expressed
as Low-Water-Temperature Seasonal
Efficiency (LWTSE).
Note: When applying this criteria to
noncondensing boilers, it should be
recognized that such boilers used for lowwater-temperature applications need to
address the potential for the formation of
condensation within the boiler’s heat
exchanger, in addition to the boiler’s venting
system. This can be addressed either by the
design of the boiler and its venting system,
or by the boiler’s return/supply water piping,
or both.
For Noncondensing Hot Water Boilers
The water flow rate shall be adjusted
to produce a water temperature rise
between 19.5 °F and 20.5 °F during the
steady-state test described under
Section 8.0, Test Procedure. During the
steady-state and heat-up tests, the hot
water boiler shall be supplied with
water having a temperature of a least 90
°F, but not more than 94 °F.
jlentini on PROD1PC65 with NOTICES
For Condensing Hot Water Boilers
The water flow rate shall be adjusted
to produce a water temperature rise
between 19.5 °F and 20.5 °F during the
steady-state test described under
Section 8.0, Test Procedure. During the
steady-state and heat-up tests, the
condensing boiler shall be supplied
with return water having a temperature
of at least 90 °F, but not more than 94
°F. The maximum permissible variation
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of the return water temperature from the
required value during the steady-state
and heat-up tests shall not exceed ± 2
°F, except during the first 30 seconds
after start-up, when it shall not exceed
± 10 °F, and between 30 and 60 seconds
after start-up, when it shall not exceed
± 5 °F.
Calculations
The boiler’s LWTSE shall be
determined by using the applicable
calculations to determine AFUE
specified under Section 10.0,
Calculation of derived results from test
measurement.
V. Summary and Request for Comments
Today’s notice announces PB’s
Petition for Waiver from the test
procedures applicable to PB’s PO–50,
PO–60, PO–63 and PO–73 models of oilfired boilers. The Department is
publishing the PB Petition for Waiver in
its entirety. The Petition contains no
confidential information. Furthermore,
PB requests the use of draft ASHRAE
Standard 103–2003 as an alternate test
procedure. In this alternate test
procedure, the Department would
replace the supply water temperature
requirements in the DOE test procedure
with the requirements in draft ASHRAE
Standard 103–2003.
The Department is interested in
receiving comments on all aspects of
this notice. The Department is
particularly interested in receiving
comments and views of interested
parties concerning whether to grant the
PB Petition and regarding the proposed
alternate test procedure. Specifically,
the Department would like to receive
comment on the following questions:
• Does the DOE test procedure
provide results that are unrepresentative
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of the PB PO–50, PO–60, PO–63 and
PO–73 models of oil-fired boilers’
energy consumption so as to provide
materially inaccurate comparative data
in all installations?
• Were PB to be granted a waiver,
would it lead to a proliferation of
petitions for waiver for other oil-fired
boilers?
• Is the DOE test procedure
appropriate for boilers used with
baseboard convector heating systems?
• Are there other metrics that can be
used to assess the performance of lowwater-temperature boilers used with
baseboard heating systems?
• Is it appropriate for PB to use the
proposed alternate test procedure for
ratings and representations, and
compliance with energy efficiency
standards, building codes and
regulatory requirements?
• Should the Department prescribe
for manufacturers the LWTSE for lowwater-temperature boilers?
In addition, the Department is
interested in receiving comments on
possible modifications to any test
procedures or alternative rating methods
which the Department could use to
fairly represent the energy efficiency of
PB’s PO–50, PO–60, PO–63 and PO–73
models of oil-fired boilers. Any person
submitting written comments must also
send a copy of such comments to the
petitioner, whose contact information is
cited above.
Issued in Washington, DC, on August 4,
2006.
Alexander A. Karsner,
Assistant Secretary, Energy Efficiency and
Renewable Energy.
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[FR Doc. 06–6897 Filed 8–11–06; 8:45 am]
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 156 (Monday, August 14, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Pages 46460-46465]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 06-6897]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
[Docket ID: ERRE-BT-2006-WAV-0140]
Energy Conservation Program for Consumer Products: Publication of
the Petition for Waiver of Peerless Boilers Heat, LLC From the
Department of Energy Residential Furnace and Boiler Test Procedures
AGENCY: Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Department of
Energy.
ACTION: Notice of Petition for Waiver and request for comments.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: Today's notice publishes a Petition for Waiver from Peerless
Boilers Heat, LLC (PB). This petition (hereafter ``PB Petition'')
request a waiver from the Department of Energy's (hereafter
``Department'' or ``DOE'') test procedures for residential furnaces and
boilers. Today's notice also includes an alternate test procedure PB
has requested DOE to include in the Decision and Order, should the
Department grant PB a waiver. The Department is soliciting comments,
data, and information with respect to the PB Petition and the proposed
alternate test procedure.
DATES: The Department will accept comments, data, and information
regarding this Petition for Waiver until, but no later than September
13, 2006.
ADDRESSES: Please submit comments, identified by Docket ID number:
EERE-BT-2006-WAV-0140, by any of the following methods:
Mail: Ms. Brenda Edwards-Jones, U.S. Department of Energy,
Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Building Technologies
Program, Mailstop EE-2J, Forrestal Building, 1000 Independence Avenue,
SW., Washington, DC 20585-0121. Telephone: (202) 586-2945. Please
submit one signed original paper copy.
Hand Deliver/Courier: Ms. Brenda Edwards-Jones, U.S.
Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy,
Building Technologies Program, Room 1J-018, Forrestal Building, 1000
Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20585-0121.
E-mail: PBPetitiion@ee.doe.gov. Include either the Docket
ID number: EERE-BT-2006-WAV-0140, and/or ``PB Petition'' in the subject
line of the message.
Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov.
Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
Instructions: All submissions received must include the agency name
and case number for this proceeding. Submit electronic comments in
Microsoft Word, WordPerfect, PDF, or text (ASCII) file format and avoid
the use of special characters or any form of encryption. Wherever
possible, include the electronic signature of the author. Absent an
electronic signature, comments should electronically must be followed
and authenticated by submitting the signed original paper document. The
Department does not accept telefacsimiles (faxes). Any person
submitting written comments must also send a copy of such comments to
the petitioner. (10 CFR 430.27(b)(1)(iv)). The contact information for
the petitioner in today's notice is: Mr. Jeffrey K. Alexander, Vice
President, PB Heat, LLC, 9th & Rothermel Drive, P.O. Box 447, New
Berlinville, PA 19545-0477.
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 two copies: One copy of the document including
all the information believed to be confidential, and one copy of the
document with the information believed to be confidential deleted. The
Department will make its own determination about the confidential
status of the information and treat it according to its determination.
Docket: For access to the docket to read the background comments
relevant to this matter, go to the U.S. Department of Energy, Forrestal
Building, Room 1J-018 (Resource Room of the Building Technologies
Program), 1000 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20585-0121,
(202) 586-2945, between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday,
except Federal holidays. Available documents include the following
items: This notice, public comments received, the PB Petition, and
prior Department rulemakings regarding residential furnace and boilers.
Please call Ms. Brenda Edwards-Jones at the above telephone number for
additional information regarding visiting the Resource Room.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mohammed Khan, U.S. Department of
Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Building
Technologies Program, Mail Stop EE-2J, Forrestal Building, 1000
Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20585-0121, (202) 586-9611; E-
mail: Mohammed.Khan@ee.doe.gov; or Thomas DePriest, Esq., U.S.
Department of Energy, Office of General Counsel, Mail Stop GC-72,
Forrestal Building, 1000 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC
20585-0121, (202) 586-9507; E-mail: Thomas.DePriest@hq.doe.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Background and Authority
II. Petition for Waiver
III. Alternate Test Procedure
IV. Summary and Request for Comments
I. Background and Authority
Title III of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA) sets
forth a variety of provisions concerning energy efficiency. Part B of
Title III (42 U.S.C. 6291-6309) provides for the ``Energy Conservation
Program for Consumer Products other than Automobiles.'' It specifically
provides for definitions, test procedures, labeling provisions, energy
conservation standards, and the authority to require information and
reports from manufacturers. With respect to test procedures, Part B
generally authorizes the Secretary of Energy to prescribe test
procedures that are reasonably designed to produce results which
reflect energy efficiency, energy use and estimated operating costs,
and that are not unduly burdensome to conduct. (42 U.S.C. 6293(b)(3))
EPCA provides that the Secretary of Energy may amend test procedures
for consumer products if the Secretary determines that amended test
procedures would more accurately reflect energy efficiency, energy use
and estimated operating costs, and that they are not unduly burdensome
to conduct. (42 U.S.C. 6293(b))
Today's notice involves residential products covered under Part B.
The PB Petition requests a waiver from the residential furnace and
boiler test procedures for PB's PO-50, PO-60, PO-63 and PO-73 models of
oil-fired boilers. The test procedures for residential furnaces and
boilers appear at 10 CFR Part 430, Subpart B, Appendix N.
The Department's regulations contain provisions allowing a person
to seek a
[[Page 46461]]
waiver from the test procedure requirements for covered consumer
products (10 CFR 430.27). The waiver provisions allow the Assistant
Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (hereafter
``Assistant Secretary'') to temporarily waive test procedures for a
particular basic model when a petitioner shows that the basic model
contains one or more design characteristics that prevent testing
according to the prescribed test procedures, or when the prescribed
test procedures may evaluate the basic model in a manner so
unrepresentative of its true energy consumption as to provide
materially inaccurate comparative data. (10 CFR 430.27(a)(1)) The
Assistant Secretary may grant the waiver subject to conditions,
including adherence to alternate test procedures. Petitioners are to
include in their petition any alternate test procedures known to
evaluate the basic model in a manner representative of its energy
consumption. (10 CFR 430.27(b)(1)(iii)) Waivers generally remain in
effect until final test procedure amendments become effective, thereby
resolving the problem that is the subject of the waiver.
The waiver process also allows the Assistant Secretary to grant an
Interim Waiver from test procedure requirements to manufacturers that
have petitioned the Department for a waiver of such prescribed test
procedures. (10 CFR 430.27(a)(2)) An Interim Waiver remains in effect
for a period of 180 days or until the Department issues its
determination on the Petition for Waiver, whichever is sooner, and may
be extended for an additional 180 days, if necessary. (10 CFR
430.27(h))
II. Petition for Waiver
On March 27, 2006, PB filed a Petition for Waiver from the test
procedures applicable to its residential oil-fired boilers. PB seeks a
waiver from the applicable test procedures for its PO-50, PO-60, PO-63
and PO-73 models of oil-fired boilers on the grounds that the
prescribed test procedures may result in an evaluation of the basic
model that is unrepresentative of its true energy consumption
characteristics.
Modern residential boilers are typically used with either baseboard
convector or radiant floor heating systems, and these heating systems
circulate water in a closed-loop fashion. Originating at the boiler,
headed water is pumped to the convectors or radiant floor coils. As the
water passes through the convectors or floor coils, heat is extracted
and the water is cooled. The heated water from the boiler is termed
``supply water'' and the cooled water is termed ``return water''. With
any given system, the return water temperature is directly proportional
to the supply water temperature which can be set at the boiler. The
return water temperature is also a function of a home's heating load
and the effectiveness of convector or floor coil system. Different
water temperatures are also seen with different systems (and control
features); the return and supply water temperatures are lower for
radiant floor heating systems compared to convector systems. The DOE
test procedures specifies certain supply and return temperatures for
boiler efficiency testing. These temperature specifications, according
to PB, do not suitably match the expected performance characteristics
of the subject boiler units.
In particular, PB claims that one of the test conditions (i.e.,
return water temperature) in the DOE test procedures is not
representative of what would occur with radiant floor heating systems
and for boilers equipped with outdoor reset controls. The PB Petition
requests that DOE grant a waiver from existing test procedures and
allow the use of an alternate test procedure. In its petition, PB
requests use of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-
Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) Standard 103-2003 Public Review Draft,
``Determination of Boiler Performance for Low Water Temperature
Applications'' (hereafter ``draft ASHRAE Standard 103-2003'').
Pending public comment, it is not clear if DOE would grant PB a
waiver in the Decision and Order. PB seeks a waiver of the temperature
requirements for return water in the applicable test procedure on the
grounds that the prescribed test procedures may result in an evaluation
of the basic model that is unrepresentative of its true energy
consumption characteristics. PB also requests permission to use an
alternate test procedure, draft ASHRAE Standard 103-2003, which
specifies lower test temperatures that the DOE test procedure requires.
PB claims boilers for which it seeks a test procedure waiver are
capable of achieving condensing operating conditions with return water
temperatures that are lower than those specified in the DOE test
procedure. In particular, PB states that if a boiler is used with
radiant floor heating systems, the return and supply water temperatures
are far lower than those seen with baseboard convector systems.
Similarly, PB states that if a boiler is used with baseboard convector
heating systems, in combination with outdoor reset controls, the supply
water temperatures can be lower than the DOE test procedure for some
fraction of the heating season. In its petition, PB also asserts that
because its boilers are supplied with an outdoor reset control, the
boilers installed with either radiant floor heating systems or
baseboard convector heating systems are capable of achieving condensing
conditions and increased efficiency and reduced energy use, during
warmer periods of the heating season.
DOE finds, however, that the reliability of this approach depends
upon different parameters, which can vary from home to home. It
depends, for example, on the home's heating load profile, which is a
function of the geographic location, the temperature of the return
water necessary for condensation, and the performance characteristics
of the home's baseboard convectors. The draft ASHRAE Standard 103-2003
does not estimate, or take into account, how often the boiler will
function in the condensing mode with a baseboard convector system and
may not accurately reflect an ``annualized'' efficiency rating and may
confuse consumers who purchase boilers for use with baseboard heating
systems. Furthermore, there are no guarantees the boiler would be
installed with outdoor reset controls. Finally, DOE is concerned that
granting PB a waiver could result in energy efficiency ratings for its
PO-50, PO-60, PO-63 and PO-73 models of oil-fired boilers that are not
comparable to the ratings of other models of oil-fired boilers.
III. Alternate Test Procedure
The Department will make a judgment on the PB Petition after the
period for public comment. The Department is publishing the proposed
alternate test procedure in this notice, though it has not yet made a
determination on the petition, to account for the potential need for an
alternate test procedure and to allow the public to comment on a
proposed alternate test procedure. PB proposed the use of draft ASHRAE
standard 103-2003 as an alternate test procedure in its petition. DOE
is considering including in the Decision and Order an alternate test
procedure that is based on draft ASHRAE Standard 103-2003 for
residential furnaces and boilers.
The Department proposes for comment the following language: 10 CFR
Parts 430 Subpart B, Appendix N--``Uniform Test Method for Measuring
the Energy Consumption of Furnaces and Boilers,'' as amended by adding:
[[Page 46462]]
Section 8.4.1
Determination of Boiler Performance for Low-Water-Temperature
Applications
This section contains procedures for determining the seasonal
performance of a hot water boiler used in a low-water-temperature
application, specifically, for radiant floor heating systems. This
performance is expressed as Low-Water-Temperature Seasonal Efficiency
(LWTSE).
Note: When applying this criteria to noncondensing boilers, it
should be recognized that such boilers used for low-water-
temperature applications need to address the potential for the
formation of condensation within the boiler's heat exchanger, in
addition to the boiler's venting system. This can be addressed
either by the design of the boiler and its venting system, or by the
boiler's return/supply water piping, or both.
For Noncondensing Hot Water Boilers
The water flow rate shall be adjusted to produce a water
temperature rise between 19.5 [deg]F and 20.5 [deg]F during the steady-
state test described under Section 8.0, Test Procedure. During the
steady-state and heat-up tests, the hot water boiler shall be supplied
with water having a temperature of a least 90 [deg]F, but not more than
94 [deg]F.
For Condensing Hot Water Boilers
The water flow rate shall be adjusted to produce a water
temperature rise between 19.5 [deg]F and 20.5 [deg]F during the steady-
state test described under Section 8.0, Test Procedure. During the
steady-state and heat-up tests, the condensing boiler shall be supplied
with return water having a temperature of at least 90 [deg]F, but not
more than 94 [deg]F. The maximum permissible variation of the return
water temperature from the required value during the steady-state and
heat-up tests shall not exceed 2 [deg]F, except during the
first 30 seconds after start-up, when it shall not exceed
10 [deg]F, and between 30 and 60 seconds after start-up, when it shall
not exceed 5 [deg]F.
Calculations
The boiler's LWTSE shall be determined by using the applicable
calculations to determine AFUE specified under Section 10.0,
Calculation of derived results from test measurement.
V. Summary and Request for Comments
Today's notice announces PB's Petition for Waiver from the test
procedures applicable to PB's PO-50, PO-60, PO-63 and PO-73 models of
oil-fired boilers. The Department is publishing the PB Petition for
Waiver in its entirety. The Petition contains no confidential
information. Furthermore, PB requests the use of draft ASHRAE Standard
103-2003 as an alternate test procedure. In this alternate test
procedure, the Department would replace the supply water temperature
requirements in the DOE test procedure with the requirements in draft
ASHRAE Standard 103-2003.
The Department is interested in receiving comments on all aspects
of this notice. The Department is particularly interested in receiving
comments and views of interested parties concerning whether to grant
the PB Petition and regarding the proposed alternate test procedure.
Specifically, the Department would like to receive comment on the
following questions:
Does the DOE test procedure provide results that are
unrepresentative of the PB PO-50, PO-60, PO-63 and PO-73 models of oil-
fired boilers' energy consumption so as to provide materially
inaccurate comparative data in all installations?
Were PB to be granted a waiver, would it lead to a
proliferation of petitions for waiver for other oil-fired boilers?
Is the DOE test procedure appropriate for boilers used
with baseboard convector heating systems?
Are there other metrics that can be used to assess the
performance of low-water-temperature boilers used with baseboard
heating systems?
Is it appropriate for PB to use the proposed alternate
test procedure for ratings and representations, and compliance with
energy efficiency standards, building codes and regulatory
requirements?
Should the Department prescribe for manufacturers the
LWTSE for low-water-temperature boilers?
In addition, the Department is interested in receiving comments on
possible modifications to any test procedures or alternative rating
methods which the Department could use to fairly represent the energy
efficiency of PB's PO-50, PO-60, PO-63 and PO-73 models of oil-fired
boilers. Any person submitting written comments must also send a copy
of such comments to the petitioner, whose contact information is cited
above.
Issued in Washington, DC, on August 4, 2006.
Alexander A. Karsner,
Assistant Secretary, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.
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[FR Doc. 06-6897 Filed 8-11-06; 8:45 am]
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