Energy Conservation Program for Consumer Products: Publication of the Petition for Waiver and Granting the Application for Interim Waiver of Hallowell International From the Department of Energy Residential Central Air Conditioner and Heat Pump Test Procedure, 63131-63142 [E9-28694]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 230 (Wednesday, December 2, 2009)]
[Notices]
[Pages 63131-63142]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-28694]


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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

[Case No. CAC-022]


Energy Conservation Program for Consumer Products: Publication of 
the Petition for Waiver and Granting the Application for Interim Waiver 
of Hallowell International From the Department of Energy Residential 
Central Air Conditioner and Heat Pump Test Procedure

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

ACTION: Notice of Petition for Waiver, Granting an Application for 
Interim Waiver, and request for public comments.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: This notice announces receipt of and publishes the Hallowell 
International (Hallowell) Petition for Waiver (hereafter, ``Petition'') 
from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) test procedure for determining 
the energy consumption of residential central air conditioners and heat 
pumps for certain specified equipment. The waiver request pertains to 
Hallowell's Boosted Compression heat pumps, a product line that uses 
three-stage technology to enable efficient heating at very low outdoor 
temperatures. The existing test procedure accounts for two-capacity 
compressors, but not three-capacity operation. Therefore, Hallowell has 
suggested an alternate test procedure to calculate the heating 
performance of its three-stage Boosted Compression products. DOE is 
soliciting comments, data, and information concerning Hallowell's 
Petition and the suggested alternate test procedure. DOE is also 
granting an interim waiver to Hallowell.

DATES: DOE will accept comments, data, and information with respect to 
the Hallowell Petition until, but no later than January 4, 2010.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments, identified by case number [CAC-
022], by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov. 
Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     E-mail: AS_Waiver_Requests@ee.doe.gov. Include either 
the case number [CAC-022], and/or ``Hallowell Petition'' in the subject 
line of the message.
     Mail: Ms. Brenda Edwards, U.S. Department of Energy, 
Building Technologies Program, Mailstop EE-2J, Petition for Waiver Case 
No. RF-008, 1000 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20585-0121. 
Telephone: (202) 586-2945. Please submit one signed original paper 
copy.
     Hand Delivery/Courier: Ms. Brenda Edwards, U.S. Department 
of Energy, Building Technologies Program, 950 L'Enfant Plaza, SW., 
Suite 600, Washington, DC 20024. Please submit one signed original 
paper copy.
    Instructions: All submissions received must include the agency name 
and case number for this proceeding. Submit electronic comments in 
WordPerfect, Microsoft Word, Portable Document Format (PDF), or text 
(American Standard Code for Information Interchange (ASCII)) file 
format, and avoid the use of special characters or any form of 
encryption. Wherever possible, include the electronic signature of the 
author. DOE does not accept telefacsimiles (faxes).
    Any person submitting written comments must also send a copy of 
such comments to the petitioner, pursuant to 10 CFR 430.27(d). The 
contact information for the petitioner is: Mr. Joseph M. Gross, Design 
Engineer, Hallowell International, 110 Hildreth Street, Bangor, ME 
04401. Telephone: (207) 990-5600 x121. E-mail: 
jgross@gotohallowell.com.
    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. DOE 
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 review the background documents 
relevant to this matter, you may visit the U.S. Department of Energy, 
950 L'Enfant Plaza, SW., (Resource Room of the Building Technologies 
Program), Washington, DC 20024; (202) 586-2945, between 9 a.m. and 4 
p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. Available 
documents include the following items: (1) This notice; (2) public 
comments received; (3) the Petition for Waiver and Application for 
Interim Waiver; and (4) prior DOE rulemakings regarding similar central 
air conditioning and heat pump equipment. Please call Ms. Brenda 
Edwards at the above telephone number for additional information 
regarding visiting the Resource Room.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Michael G. Raymond, U.S. 
Department of Energy, Building Technologies Program, Mail Stop EE-2J, 
Forrestal Building, 1000 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 
20585-0121. Telephone: (202) 586-9611. E-mail: 
Michael.Raymond@ee.doe.gov.
    Francine Pinto or Eric Stas, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of 
the General Counsel, Mail Stop GC-72, Forrestal Building, 1000 
Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20585-0103. Telephone: (202) 
586-9507. E-mail: Francine.Pinto@hq.doe.gov or Eric.Stas@hq.doe.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Table of Contents

I. Background and Authority
II. Petition for Waiver
III. Application for Interim Waiver
IV. Alternate Test Procedure
V. Summary and Request for Comments
VI.

I. Background and Authority

    Title III of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA) sets 
forth a variety of provisions concerning energy efficiency. Part A of 
Title III establishes the Energy Conservation Program for Consumer 
Products Other Than Automobiles.\1\ (42 U.S.C. 6291-6309) This notice 
involves residential products under Part A, and EPCA specifically 
includes definitions, test procedures, labeling provisions, energy 
conservation standards, and the authority to require information and 
reports from manufacturers.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ These two parts were originally titled Parts B and C, but 
were redesignated as Parts A and A-1 in the United States Code for 
editorial reasons.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    With respect to test procedures, Part A generally authorizes the 
Secretary of Energy (the Secretary) to prescribe test procedures that 
are reasonably designed to produce results which reflect energy 
efficiency, energy use, and estimated annual operating costs, and that 
are not unduly burdensome to conduct. (42 U.S.C. 6293(b)(3))

[[Page 63132]]

    Relevant to the current Petition for Waiver, the test procedures 
for residential central air conditioners and central air conditioning 
heat pumps are set forth in 10 CFR Part 430, subpart B, appendix M. 
Section 323 of 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 or estimated annual operating costs, and are not 
unduly burdensome to conduct. (42 U.S.C. 6293(b)(1)(A) and (b)(3))
    DOE's regulations contain provisions allowing a person to seek a 
waiver from the test procedure requirements for covered products, for 
which the petitioner's 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). Petitioners must 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). The 
Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (the 
Assistant Secretary) may grant the waiver subject to conditions, 
including adherence to alternate test procedures. 10 CFR 430.27(l). 
Within 1 year of granting the waiver, DOE must publish in the Federal 
Register a notice of proposed rulemaking to amend its regulations so as 
to eliminate any need for the continuation of such waiver. As soon 
thereafter as practicable, the Department of Energy must publish in the 
Federal Register a final rule. The waiver will terminate on the 
effective date of such final rule. 10 CFR 430.27(m).
    The waiver process also permits parties petitioning DOE for a 
waiver to apply for an Interim Waiver from the prescribed test 
procedure requirements. 10 CFR 430.27(a)(2). The Assistant Secretary 
will grant an Interim Waiver request if it is determined that the 
applicant will experience economic hardship if the Interim Waiver is 
denied, if it appears likely that the Petition for Waiver will be 
granted, and/or the Assistant Secretary determines that it would be 
desirable for public policy reasons to grant immediate relief pending a 
determination on the Petition for Waiver. 10 CFR 430.27(g). An Interim 
Waiver remains in effect for a period of 180 days or until DOE 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 July 29, 2008, Hallowell filed a Petition for Waiver from the 
test procedures applicable to residential air conditioning and heating 
equipment and an Application for Interim Waiver. The applicable test 
procedure for Hallowell's residential Boosted Compression products is 
the DOE residential test procedure found in 10 CFR Part 430, Subpart B, 
Appendix M. Hallowell included an alternate test procedure in its July 
29, 2008, submittal, but the alternate procedure was incomplete. On 
April 25, 2009, Hallowell submitted the revised petition and alternate 
test procedure included in this Federal Register notice.
    Hallowell seeks a waiver from the DOE test procedures on the 
grounds that its Boosted Compression heat pump systems contain design 
characteristics that prevent testing according to the current DOE test 
procedure. The DOE test procedure covers systems with a single speed, 
with two steps or stages of modulation, and with continuous modulation 
over a finite range through the incorporation of a variable-speed or 
digital compressor. Hallowell's product deviates from the anticipated 
form--a system whose performance falls between that of a two-capacity 
system and a conventional variable-capacity system--because the three-
capacity capability is limited to heating mode operation. Moreover, the 
additional stage of heating capacity is specifically used at the lowest 
outdoor temperatures with the aim of maximizing the total heating 
contributed by the heat pump relative to the total heating supplied by 
the auxiliary heat source (usually electric resistance). Another unique 
feature of Hallowell's low-temperature heat pump system is that for any 
given outdoor temperature, only two-stages of heating are permitted; 
one stage is always locked out.
    Rating Hallowell's Boosted Compression products will require 
modified calculation algorithms and testing at an additional, lower 
temperature to capture the effect on both capacity and power of the 
additional stage/level of heating operation. The building load assigned 
within
    HSPF calculations requires evaluation based on the case where high-
stage compressor capacity for heating exceeds the high-stage compressor 
capacity for cooling. Finally, the control feature that limits the 
number of heating mode capacity levels to two for any given outdoor 
temperature must be accounted for.
    Accordingly, Hallowell requests that DOE grant a test procedure 
waiver for its Boosted Compression product designs, until a suitable 
test method can be prescribed. Furthermore, Hallowell states that 
failure to grant the waiver would result in economic hardship because 
it would prevent the company from marketing its Boosted Compression 
products.

III. Application for Interim Waiver

    In addition to its Petition for Waiver, submitted on July 29, 2008 
and revised on April 25, 2009, Hallowell submitted to DOE an 
Application for Interim Waiver. On May 29, 2009, Hallowell submitted a 
revised Petition for Waiver and Application for Interim Waiver 
containing information concerning the financial hardship and 
competitive disadvantage Hallowell is facing. Hallowell states that it 
is difficult to build sales volume and gain credibility when there are 
no standards to provide performance ratings for the equipment, which 
would entitle its customers to rebates, tax credits, and other 
incentives. Since the release of the Recovery Act with new criteria for 
energy efficiency tax rebates, business growth at Hallowell has 
diminished. Many of Hallowell's dealers and distributors have submitted 
letters concerning the lack of sales of the Acadia system due lack of 
AHRI listing, and therefore no rebates available. Hallowell submitted 
an attachment of many dealer/distributor letters claiming these 
hardships. With sales down, Hallowell International has cut back on all 
research and development, development of new products and new 
manufacturing production that would enable the company to grow.
    In those instances where it appears likely the Petition for Waiver 
will be granted, based upon a product design that has characteristics 
which prevent testing according to the prescribed test procedure, it is 
in the public interest to allow products to be marketed that DOE 
believes are exceptionally energy-efficient. Hallowell's three-speed 
Boosted Compression heat pumps are capable of efficient operation at 
much lower temperatures than two-speed heat pumps (Hallowell measured a 
coefficient of performance of 2.1 at -15 [deg]F), making them 
potentially very desirable for heating in cold climates. The alternate 
test procedure submitted by Hallowell is not radically different from 
the current DOE test procedure, which has provisions for heat pumps 
having a two-capacity compressor. The Hallowell alternate test 
procedure is a

[[Page 63133]]

logical extension of DOE's two-capacity test method to cover 
Hallowell's three-capacity compressor. The two (of three potential) 
active stages of heating capacity available for each bin temperature 
calculation will be based on Hallowell's control logic. The HSPF 
algorithm will follow the algorithm in the DOE test procedure used for 
two-capacity heat pumps. Thus, DOE has determined that it is likely 
that Hallowell's Petition for Waiver will be granted for its new 
Boosted Compression three-speed models.
    Therefore, DOE grants Hallowell's application for Interim Waiver 
from testing of its Boosted Compression heat pump models. This granting 
of Interim Waiver may be modified at any time upon a determination that 
the factual basis underlying the application is incorrect.

IV. Alternate Test Procedure

    DOE plans to consider inclusion of the following waiver language in 
the Decision and Order for Hallowell's Boosted Compression central air 
conditioning heat pumps models:
    (1) The ``Petition for Waiver'' filed by Hallowell is hereby 
granted as set forth in the paragraphs below.
    (2) Hallowell shall not be required to test or rate its Boosted 
Compression central air conditioning heat pumps products listed above 
in section III, on the basis of the currently applicable DOE test 
procedure, but shall be required to test and rate such products 
according to the alternate test procedure as set forth in paragraph 
(3).
    (3) Add section 3.6.6 to address the heating mode tests conducted 
on units having a triple-capacity compressor.
    3.6.6 Tests for a heat pump having a triple-capacity compressor. 
Test triple-capacity, northern heat pumps for the heating mode as 
follows:
    a. Conduct one Maximum Temperature Test (H01), two High Temperature 
Tests (H12 and H11), two Frost Accumulation Tests (H22 and H21), three 
Low Temperature Tests (H31, H32, and H33), and one Minimum Temperature 
Test (H43). An alternative to conducting the H21 Frost Accumulation 
Test to determine Qhk=1 (35) and 
Ehk=1 (35) is to use the following equations to 
approximate this capacity and electrical power:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN02DE09.035

    In evaluating the above equations, determine the quantities 
Qhk=1 (47) and Ehk=1 (47) 
from the H11 Test and evaluate them according to Section 3.7. Determine 
the quantities Qhk=1 (17) and 
Ehk=1 (17) from the H31 Test and evaluate them 
according to Section 3.10. If the manufacturer conducts the H21 Test, 
the option of using the above default equations is not forfeited. Use 
the paired values of Qhk=1 (35) and 
Ehk=1 (35) derived from conducting the H21 Frost 
Accumulation Test and evaluated as specified in section 3.9.1 or use 
the paired values calculated using the above default equations, 
whichever paired values contribute to a higher Region IV HSPF based on 
the DHRmin.
    Conducting a Frost Accumulation Test (H23) with the heat pump 
operating at its booster capacity is optional. If this optional test is 
not conducted, determine Qhk=3 (35) and 
Ehk=3 (35) using the following equations to 
approximate this capacity and electrical power:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN02DE09.036

Where,
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN02DE09.037

    Determine the quantities Qhk=2 (47) and 
Ehk=2 (47) from the H12 Test and evaluate them 
according to Section 3.7. Determine the quantities 
Qhk=2 (35) and Ehk=2 (35) 
from the H22 Test and evaluate them according to Section 3.9.1. 
Determine the quantities Qhk=2 (17) and 
Ehk=2 (17) from the H32 Test, determine the 
quantities Qhk=3 (17) and 
Ehk=3 (17) from the H33 Test, and determine the 
quantities Qhk=3 (2) and 
Ehk=3 (2) from the H43 Test. Evaluate all six 
quantities according to Section 3.10. If the manufacturer conducts the 
H23 Test, the option of using the above default equations is not 
forfeited. Use the paired values of Qhk=3 (35) 
and Ehk=3 (35) derived from conducting the H23 
Frost Accumulation Test and calculated as specified in section 3.9.1 or 
use the paired values calculated using the above default equations, 
whichever paired values contribute to a higher Region IV HSPF based on 
the DHRmin.

[[Page 63134]]

    Table A specifies test conditions for all thirteen tests.

                                   Table A--Heating Mode Test Conditions for Units Having a Triple-Capacity Compressor
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                                 Air entering indoor unit  Air entering outdoor unit
                                   temperature ([deg]F)       temperature ([deg]F)
        Test description        -----------------------------------------------------     Compressor            Booster         Heating air volume rate
                                                Wet bulb                                   capacity
                                   Dry bulb      (max)       Dry bulb     Wet bulb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
H01 Test (required, steady)....           70           60           62          56.5  Low...............  Off...............  Heating Minimum \1\
H12 Test (required, steady)....           70           60           47          43    High..............  Off...............  Heating Full-Load \2\
H1C2 Test (optional, cyclic)...           70           60           47          43    High..............  Off...............  (\3\)
H11 Test (required)............           70           60           47          43    Low...............  Off...............  Heating Minimum(\1\)
H1C1 Test (optional, cyclic)...           70           60           47          43    Low...............  Off...............  (\4\)
H23 Test (optional, steady)....           70           60           35          33    High..............  On................  Heating Full-Load \2\
H22 Test (required)............           70           60           35          33    High..............  Off...............  Heating Full-Load \2\
H21 Test (5 6) (required)......           70           60           35          33    Low...............  Off...............  Heating Minimum \1\
H32 Test (required, steady)....           70           60           17          15    High..............  On................  Heating Full-Load \2\
H3C3 Test (optional, cyclic)...           70           60           17          15    High..............  On................  (\7\)
H32 Test (required, steady)....           70           60           17          15    High..............  Off...............  Heating Full-Load \2\
H31 Test \5\ (required, steady)           70           60           17          15    Low...............  Off...............  Heating Minimum \1\
H43 Test (required, steady)....           70           60            0          -2    High..............  On................  Heating Full-Load \2\
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\1\ Defined in section 3.1.4.5.
\2\ Defined in section 3.1.4.4.
\3\ Maintain the airflow nozzle(s) static pressure difference or velocity pressure during the ON period at the same pressure or velocity as measured
  during the H12 Test.
\4\ Maintain the airflow nozzle(s) static pressure difference or velocity pressure during the ON period at the same pressure or velocity as measured
  during the H11 Test.
\5\ Required only if the heat pump's performance when operating at low compressor capacity and outdoor temperatures less than 37 [deg]F is needed to
  complete the section 4.2.6 HSPF calculations.
\6\ If table note 5 applies, the section 3.6.3 equations for Qhk=1 (35) and Ehk=1 (17) may be used in lieu of conducting the H21 Test.
\7\ Maintain the airflow nozzle(s) static pressure difference or velocity pressure during the ON period at the same pressure or velocity measured during
  the H33 Test.

    Section 4.2.3 of Appendix M shall be revised to read as follows:
    4.2.3. Additional steps for calculating the HSPF of a heat pump 
having a triple-capacity compressor. * * *
    a. Evaluate the space heating capacity and electrical power 
consumption of the heat pump at outdoor temperature Tj and 
with a first stage call from the thermostat (k=1), and with a second 
stage call from the thermostat (k=2) using:
BILLING CODE 6450-01-P

[[Page 63135]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN02DE09.021

BILLING CODE 6450-01-C

V. Summary and Request for Comments

    Through today's notice, DOE grants Hallowell's Petition for Interim 
Waiver and announces receipt of Hallowell's Petition for Waiver from 
the test procedures applicable to Hallowell's Boosted Compression 
there-speed heat

[[Page 63136]]

pump products. As part of this notice, DOE is publishing Hallowell's 
Petition for Waiver in its entirety. The Petition includes a suggested 
alternate test procedure and calculation methodology to determine the 
energy consumption of Hallowell's specified heat pumps with Boosted 
Compression technology. The Petition contains no confidential 
information.
    DOE is interested in receiving comments on the issues addressed in 
this notice. Pursuant to 10 CFR 430.27(d), any person submitting 
written comments must also send a copy of such comments to the 
petitioner, whose contact information is included in the ADDRESSES 
section above.

    Issued in Washington, DC, on November 23, 2009.
Cathy Zoi,
Assistant Secretary, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.

To: Michael Raymond, Department of Energy

From: Joseph M Gross, Hallowell International

Subject: Petition to waive CFR (Code of Federal Regulations) Part 
430 performance ratings for ACADIA Combined Heating and Cooling 
System.

Date: April 25, 2009

CC: American Heating and Refrigeration Institute Assistant Secretary 
for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

    To whom it may concern,

    Hallowell International manufactures and markets air source heat 
pump equipment featuring a patented technology known as Boosted 
Compression. This technology greatly enhances the cold temperature 
performance of an air source heat pump, enabling the equipment to 
remain effective in heating operation at temperatures as cold as -
30[deg]F without the need for any form of supplemental heat.
    The physical nature of this technology, as well as the control 
by which it is operated, eliminates the possibility of testing under 
the existing 210/240-2008 standard for unitary air source heat pump 
equipment, following Appendix M to Subpart B of CFR Part 430, as has 
been confirmed by engineering at ETL Semko, and engineering at AHRI. 
The current standard covers 1 and 2 speed systems. Boosted 
Compression effectively introduces 3 speed technologies to the 
marketplace, yet operates similar to a 1 or 2 stage system at any 
given temperature condition.
    This letter will discuss the mechanical and functional details 
of the equipment, define how the normal operation makes testing 
under current standards irrelevant, and describe what operating 
specifics should be validated to show the true operating benefits of 
the equipment. A suggestion for modifications to existing standards 
is also included, as well as an interim request for a temporary test 
waiver.
    Because of the large amount of effort and financial resources 
that have been expended on testing under current standards, 
Hallowell International requests to be considered in two stages. The 
first and most immediate stage is for consideration is to be given 
for a waiver, declaring the equipment outside of any test standard 
and relieving the equipment temporarily from the requirement. The 
second stage is to consider Hallowell International's suggestions 
for small modifications to the existing CFR Part 430 standard, or 
for a waiver offering an alternate test method to AHRI. The 
recommended test method will define the addition of 3 speed systems 
to the standard, and suggest how these systems may be modeled 
similarly to 1 and 2 speed systems.

Affected Models

    The Hallowell International model group has seven specific 
models that are currently, or were previously, available on the 
market:

1. ACADIA024
2. ACADIA036
3. ACADIA048
4. 36C35H
5. 42C46H
6. ACHP03642
7. ACHP02431

    The model group is covered under the following trade names:

1. All Climate Heat Pump
2. ACHP
3. Acadia Combined Heating and Cooling System
4. Acadia System
5. Acadia Heat Pump
6. Acadia
7. Hallowell ACADIA
8. Hallowell All Climate Heat Pump
9. Hallowell ACHP
10. Hallowell Acadia Combined Heating and Cooling System
11. Hallowell Heat Pump
12. Boosted Compression Heat Pump
13. Opti-Cycle Heat Pump

Mechanical and Functional Details of Boosted Compression

    The model group to be considered for a Department of Energy 
waiver falls under the system classification HRCU-A-CB, where a heat 
pump system is comprised of two primary components; the outdoor 
condensing unit with an outdoor coil and compressors which is mated 
to an indoor coil with a fan. The model was designed as a ``Two 
Speed'' system whereby the definitions of ``Two Speed'' systems from 
section 3.16 of the 210/240-2008 Standard were considered within the 
scope of the design.
    Boosted Compression equipment is comprised of two compressors 
paired in series. The first compressor, the Primary compressor, is 
able to modulate between half capacity and full capacity by 
reversing rotation of the crank shaft and mechanically eliminating 
the motion of one of the two internal pistons for half capacity 
operation. The Primary compressor functions for heating operation 
and for cooling operation. A second compressor, the Booster 
compressor, is a fixed speed, fixed capacity compressor that is used 
at cold ambient outdoor conditions to increase the mass flow rate of 
refrigerant through the system and increase the low temperature 
performance by a process of supercharging the refrigeration cycle. 
This compressor is used exclusively in heating operation at and 
below 25 [deg]F, and does not operate during, or affect air 
conditioning operation or performance.
    The following covers the definition from the 210/240-2008 
Standard (CFR Part 430, Appendix M, section 1.43), at a very basic 
level, how this system was thought to be acceptable for ``Two 
Speed'' testing.
    3.16 Two-capacity (or Two-stage) Compressor. An air conditioner 
or heat pump that has one of the following:
    c. Two compressors where one compressor (Compressor 1) 
operates at low loads and both compressors (Compressors 1 
and 2) operate at high loads but Compressor 2 
never operates alone
    For such systems, low capacity means:
    c. Operating Compressor 1, or
    d. Operating with the compressor unloading (e.g., operating one 
piston of a two-piston reciprocating compressor, using a fixed 
fractional volume of the full scroll, etc.).
    For such systems, high capacity means:
    c. Operating Compressors 1 and 2.
    A Boosted Compression system stages between a high and a low 
capacity throughout the systems' operating envelope much like 
traditional 2 speed systems. The system brings on higher capacities 
to satisfy larger loads, typically as a function of a call for 
higher capacity from a thermostat. In this system there are 4 
heating capacities and 2 cooling capacities. At any given 
temperature point of operation, there are only 2 capacities 
available from the system, which stage based on outdoor air 
temperature and the heating or cooling call from the thermostat. The 
table below illustrates the algorithm of staging as utilized in the 
control for Boosted Compression equipment.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                  BIN B  -30 <=     BIN C  15 <=     BIN D  25 <=     BIN E  34 <=     BIN F  41 <=
  Heating call at thermostat     BIN A  ODT-30       ODT < 15         ODT < 25         ODT < 34         ODT < 41         ODT < 62      BIN G  62 <= ODT
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Y1............................  W1.............  M3.............  M2.............  M2.............  M2.............  M1.............  M1
Y2............................  W1.............  M4.............  M3.............  M2+W1..........  M2.............  M2.............  M1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Where:

W1: Auxiliary heat control output
M1: Single cylinder operation, half capacity

[[Page 63137]]

of Primary Compressor, heating and cooling
M2: Two cylinder operation, Full capacity of Primary Compressor, 
heating and cooling
M3: M2 + Booster Compressor + Economizer operation, heating only
M4: M3 + W1

    As the table above illustrates, at any given outdoor temperature 
condition, a Boosted Compression system operates with a maximum of 
two capacities, using 2 of the 3 modes of heating (4 modes including 
1st stage resistance) depending on what the ambient temperature is 
at the current time of operation. The graph below shows more 
accurately how a Boosted Compression system can be used as a two 
stage system, but how the outdoor temperature conditions affect 
which of the two out of four modes of operation will make up the two 
capacities for said condition. The graph only shows Modes 1-3, 
showing vapor cycle operation only.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN02DE09.022

    The graph shows how at any given temperature BIN, the Acadia 
only utilizes a maximum of 2 out of its 3 stages of vapor cycle. In 
fact, in BINs G (not shown), E, D, and B, the Acadia acts like a 
single stage system, utilizing only one mode in these BINs.
    A typical two speed heat pump would, if using the Boosted 
Compression terminology to define operation, only have M1, M2, and 
M2 + W1 available for system operation. Boosted Compression adds a 
3rd stage of compression to the vapor cycle with the Booster 
Compressor and an Economizer. This third stage effectively doubles 
the capacity of the heat pump without a degradation of the 
Coefficient of Performance at lower ambient conditions. The System 
is further able to add supplemental or auxiliary heat much like 
conventional 1 and 2 speed systems for occasions where the vapor 
cycle alone is unable to maintain the conditioned space.
    The following charts illustrate and provide distinction for the 
differences in Boosted Compression 3 speed systems and standard two 
speed systems. The charts reflect vapor cycle performance only. From 
these it is clear that Boosted Compression is effectively a 3 speed, 
or 3 capacity system, and as such will be the foundation for our 
recommendation to create a standard for 3 speed equipment as a 
modification to the existing 210/240-2008 Standard.
    Important characteristics to note when comparing the two 
systems:

1. Capacities at low ambient outdoor conditions
2. Capacity as a function of outdoor temperature
3. Coefficient of performance at low ambient conditions
4. Coefficient of performance relative to system capacity
5. Linear performance of standard systems relative to outdoor 
temperature
6. Staged performance of 3 speed technology relative to outdoor 
temperature
7. Charts reflect Maximum Vapor Cycle Capacity and do not include 
lower speeds at similar outdoor temperatures

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[[Page 63138]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN02DE09.023

BILLING CODE 6450-01-C

Restrictions of Current 210/240-2008 Standard

    The current 210/240 standard provides an excellent template for 
the evolution of a 3 speed standard. The restrictions of 2 speed 
testing for the 3 speed unit are comprised of the following:
    1. The expectation that the equipment will follow a linear 
performance trend and as such can be modeled linearly
    2. Operating condition tests are restricted to 62 [deg]F, 47 
[deg]F, 35 [deg]F, and 17 [deg]F. This will not collect enough 
operating characteristics to create an accurate trend, and does not 
consider advantages of 3 speed equipment at cold temperatures.
    3. If the 3 speed system provides 3 speeds of heating, or 
cooling, how will equipment with different numbers of speeds for 
both, such as 3 for heating and 2 for cooling be considered?
    4. Heating Seasonal Performance Factor is calculated from a 
linear interpolation of system performance along with other factors 
considering defrosts and cycling penalties. A linear trend cannot be 
created based on Boosted Compression performance characteristics and 
erroneous HSPF numbers result. This is easily identified as 
interpolated capacities trend towards infinite values as outdoor 
temperature bins get colder, and moderate temperature operation is 
very low where the two trends meet at an

[[Page 63139]]

apex. Note the quotation from AHRI representatives below:
    Quote from an e-mail dated 7/18/08 from Ms. Sarah Medepalli, the 
Certification Engineer assigned to Hallowell International at AHRI.
    ``The main problem is that 210/240 linearly interpolates to 
capture the effect of varying outdoor temperature. As such, the lab 
testing is set up so that the unit's configuration is exactly the 
same for multiple outdoor conditions. The Hallowell unit, for 
example, appears to use a different system configuration for the 
high compressor capacity tests at 47 [deg]F and 17 [deg]F (and maybe 
35 [deg]F too). The Hallowell unit would require extra test points 
and the algorithm used to calculate HSPF would have to be modified 
to create a more accurate performance map as opposed to the approach 
of just blindly applying the current 210/240 algorithm for two-
capacity heat pumps.''
    The following graph illustrates how a Boosted Compression system 
cannot be modeled correctly using the 210/240 (CFR Part 430, 
Appendix M) 2 speed standard for calculating Qhk-1, 
Qhk-2, Ehk-1 and Ehk-2, covered in 
section 4.2.3.a (Qhk-1, Qhk-2 and the BL(Tj) 
are graphed on the chart below).

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN02DE09.024


    The graph shows a Boosted Compression system's Qhk-1, 
Qhk-2 and the load line for Minimum HSPF in region IV, 
where QH1 = Qhk-1 and QH2 = Qhk-2. As can be 
seen in this Illustration, when a Boosted Compression system's 
heating capacities are interpolated with the 210/240 (CFR Part 430, 
Appendix M) algorithm, the stages do not represent how any heat pump 
system can physically operate, showing Qhk-2 increasing 
infinitely as the outdoor temperature conditions drop. The data 
taken to create this graph was taken directly from ETL's HSPF 
calculation tables for our 3 Ton system, ARI document  
USHP-08315-Q-1.
    The 210/240-2008 Standard currently accurately covers the 2 
speed air conditioning performance of Boosted Compression, since the 
Booster Compressor is not allowed to operate in cooling mode, 
effectively making the system a standard two speed air conditioner.

Recommendations for Modification of Current CFR Part 430 Standard, or 
Interim Alternate Testing Method for Immediate Consideration

    The following recommendations for testing of a ``3 Speed Heat 
Pump'' are hereby submitted:
    1. Additional test points of heating performance, in addition to 
62 [deg]F, 47 [deg]F, 35 [deg]F and 17 [deg]F, should be added to 
account for increased cold temperature performance. The following 
table illustrates current tests and new tests required to 
interpolate a 3 stage heat pump under AHRI 210/240 2 speed system 
standard, where the H62 test would be a new test 
condition requirement.


----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                IDU entering    IDU entering    ODU entering    ODU entering
         Heating test           air [deg]Fdb    air [deg]Fwb    air [deg]Fdb    air [deg]Fwb      System speed
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
H01..........................              70              60              62            56.5  Low
H11..........................              70              60              47              43  Low
H21..........................              70              60              35              33  Low
H31..........................              70              60              17              15  Low
H32..........................              70              60              17              15  High
H62..........................              70              60               0              -2  High
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    2. From the CFR Part 430 standard the following equation is 
defined for HSPF,
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN02DE09.025


[[Page 63140]]


where the design heating requirement, DHR, as defined in section 
4.2, is calculated from the 47[deg] test point. This equation will 
continue to hold true for 3 speed HSPF calculation.
    The following equations are compatible with Boosted Compression 
and continue with a similar methodology to the current standards.
    In section 4.2.3, the evaluation of heating capacity (Qh\k\) and 
electrical energy consumption (Eh\k\) could be defined by the 
following performance slope equations:

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[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN02DE09.026

BILLING CODE 6450-01-C

    With these algorithms used to interpolate capacity (Qh\k\) and 
electrical energy consumption (Eh\k\), the following graph can be 
achieved from entering data into the CFR Part 430 standard for 
calculating HSPF on a 2 speed heat pump system, and plotting 
Qh\k=1\, Qh\k=2\ and the BL(Tj) vs. the temperature BIN temperature 
(Tj), where QH1 = Qhk-1 and QH2 = Qhk-2.


[[Page 63141]]


[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN02DE09.027


    It can easily be seen, when comparing this graph to the one 
outlining the modes of operation in different temperature BINs that 
these new algorithms accurately portray a Boosted Compression 
system's vapor cycle. The graph below highlights the modes of 
operation from the graph above for clarity.

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN02DE09.028


    We, the representatives of Hallowell International, wish to 
encourage the Department of Energy to consider quick action in 
amending the current CFR Part 430 testing specifications to include 
3-speed equipment. Hallowell, as a manufacturer, relies on third 
party performance testing and verification of performance from AHRI 
against competitive equipment to gain traction in the marketplace. 
Since AHRI adopts their 210/240 standard from CFR Part 430, changes 
made to the CFR will carry through to AHRI, allowing Hallowell 
systems to be fairly listed on the directory with other competitive 
heat pump systems.
    We believe that our equipment brings great advancement to the 
HVAC industry and provides a unique alternative to fossil fuels in 
today's changing energy climate. It is difficult to build sales 
volume and gain the credibility, required as an OEM, when there are 
no standards to provide performance ratings for the equipment, which 
would entitle our customers to rebates, tax credits, or other 
incentives.
    We hope that a temporary waiver will be granted acknowledging 
that our three speed product is not covered by a current standard. 
We further hope that an amendment to the existing standards will be 
considered, or an alternate test procedure waiver will be 
considered, as 3-speed equipment does not need to have an entirely 
new process to be considered and implemented.
    If there are any questions or concerns about the equipment 
please do not hesitate to contact us directly. We will freely share 
information about Boosted Compression such that your requirements 
and due diligence will be satisfied in this matter.
    Please direct all correspondence with Hallowell International 
to:

Joseph M Gross
Design Engineer
Hallowell International


[[Page 63142]]


Phone: 207 990 5600 Extension 121
Fax: 207 990 5602

E-mail: JGross@gotohallowell.com

Signed,

Duane A. Hallowell,
President and CEO

Date:
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Joseph M Gross,
Design Engineer

Date:
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

[FR Doc. E9-28694 Filed 12-1-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6450-01-P