Energy Conservation Program: Test Procedures for Microwave Ovens, 65631-65633 [2011-27406]
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<![CDATA[
10 CFR Part 430
[Docket Number EERE–2010–BT–TP–0023]
RIN 1904–AC26
the space cooling capacity of the unit as
determined from the A or A2 Test,
whichever applies, Btu/h;
HLHA = the actual heating hours for a
particular location as determined using
the map given in Figure 2, hr;
DHR = the design heating requirement used
in determining the HSPF; refer to section
4.2 and definition 1.22, Btu/h;
C = defined in section 4.2 following Equation
4.2–2, dimensionless;
SEER = the seasonal energy efficiency ratio
calculated as specified in section 4.1,
Btu/W·h;
HSPF = the heating seasonal performance
factor calculated as specified in section
4.2 for the generalized climatic region
that includes the particular location of
interest (see Figure 2), Btu/W·h. The
HSPF should correspond to the actual
design heating requirement (DHR), if
known. If it does not, it may correspond
to one of the standardized design heating
requirements referenced in section 4.2;
P1 = the off-mode power consumption taken
at 82 °F, as determined in section 3.13,
W, and
P2 = the off-mode power consumption taken
at 57 °F, as determined in section 3.13,
W.
Evaluate the HSH using
Where TOD and nj/N are listed in Table 19
and depend on the location of interest
relative to Figure 2. For the six generalized
climatic regions, this equation simplifies to
the following set of equations:
Region I HSH = 2.4348 × HLH
Region II HSH = 2.5182 × HLH
Region III HSH = 2.5444 × HLH
Region IV HSH = 2.5078 × HLH
Region V HSH = 2.5295 × HLH
Region VI HSH = 2.2757 × HLH
Evaluate the shoulder season hours using
srobinson on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS
Where,
CSH = the cooling season hours calculated
using CSH = 2.8045 × CLH.
*
*
*
*
*
[FR Doc. 2011–25813 Filed 10–21–11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6450–01–P
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18:01 Oct 21, 2011
Jkt 226001
Energy Conservation Program: Test
Procedures for Microwave Ovens
Office of Energy Efficiency and
Renewable Energy, Department of
Energy.
ACTION: Request for information.
AGENCY:
The U.S. Department of
Energy (DOE) has initiated a test
procedure rulemaking to develop active
mode testing methodologies for
residential microwave ovens. DOE
specifically is seeking information, data,
and comments regarding representative
and repeatable methods for measuring
the energy use of microwave-only ovens
and combination microwave ovens,
including: Food loads representative of
consumer use; the repeatability of
energy use measurements using
different food loads; and consumer
usage data on the hours of operation in
active mode, standby mode, and off
mode for the development of an
integrated energy use metric.
DATES: Written comments and
information are requested on or before
November 23, 2011.
ADDRESSES: Interested persons are
encouraged to submit comments using
the Federal eRulemaking Portal at
https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the
instructions for submitting comments.
Alternatively, interested persons may
submit comments, identified by docket
number EERE–2010–BT–TP–0023 and/
or RIN 1904–AC26, by any of the
following methods:
• E-mail: MWO–2010–TP–
0023@ee.doe.gov. Include docket
number EERE–2010–BT–TP–0023 and/
or RIN 1904–AC26 in the subject line of
the message. Submit electronic
comments in WordPerfect, Microsoft
Word, PDF, or ASCII file format and
avoid the use of special characters or
any form of encryption.
• Postal Mail: Ms. Brenda Edwards,
U.S. Department of Energy, Building
Technologies Program, Mailstop EE–2J,
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., 6th Floor,
Washington, DC 20024. Please submit
one signed original paper copy.
SUMMARY:
PO 00000
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Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
Docket: For access to the docket to
read background documents, or
comments received, go to the Federal
eRulemaking Portal at https://
www.regulations.gov.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr.
Wes Anderson, U.S. Department of
Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and
Renewable Energy, Building
Technologies Program, EE–2J, 1000
Independence Avenue, SW.,
Washington, DC 20585–0121.
Telephone: 202–586–7335. E-mail:
Wes.Anderson@ee.doe.gov.
In the Office of the General Counsel,
contact Mr. Ari Altman, U.S.
Department of Energy, 1000
Independence Ave., SW., Room 6B–159,
Washington, DC 20585. Telephone:
202–287–6307; E-mail:
Ari.Altman@hq.doe.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On July
22, 2010, DOE published in the Federal
Register a final rule for the microwave
oven test procedure rulemaking (July TP
repeal final rule), in which it repealed
the regulatory provisions for
establishing the cooking efficiency test
procedure for microwave ovens under
the Energy Policy and Conservation Act
(EPCA). 75 FR 42579. In the July TP
repeal final rule, DOE determined that
the existing microwave oven test
procedure to measure the cooking
efficiency did not produce
representative and repeatable test
results and was unaware of any test
procedures that have been developed
that address DOE’s concerns with the
microwave oven cooking efficiency test
procedure. DOE was also unaware of
any research or data on consumer usage
indicating what a representative food
load would be, or any data showing the
repeatability of test results. 75 FR
42579, 42581.
On July 22, 2010, DOE also published
in the Federal Register a notice of
public meeting to initiate a separate
rulemaking process to consider new
provisions for measuring microwave
oven energy efficiency in active
(cooking) mode. 75 FR 42611. DOE held
the public meeting on September 16,
2010 to discuss and receive comments
on several issues related to active mode
test procedures for microwave ovens to
consider in developing a new test
procedure. DOE received no data or
comments at or after the September 16,
2010 public meeting suggesting
potential methodologies for test
procedures for microwave oven active
mode.
In support of its test procedure
rulemaking, DOE conducts in-depth
technical analyses of publicly available
test standards and other relevant
E:\FR\FM\24OCP1.SGM
24OCP1
EP24OC11.083</GPH>
DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
EP24OC11.082</GPH>
Where,
CLHA = the actual cooling hours for a
particular location as determined using
the map given in Figure 3, hr;
65631
EP24OC11.081</GPH>
Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 205 / Monday, October 24, 2011 / Proposed Rules
65632
Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 205 / Monday, October 24, 2011 / Proposed Rules
srobinson on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS
information. DOE continually seeks data
and public input to improve its testing
methodologies to more accurately reflect
consumer use and to produce repeatable
results. In general, DOE is requesting
comment and supporting data regarding
representative and repeatable methods
for measuring the energy use of
combination microwave ovens.
Additionally, DOE seeks comment and
information on the specific topics
below.
Food Test Load Characteristics
DOE’s previous active mode test
procedure incorporated portions of the
International Electrotechnical
Commission (IEC) Standard 705–1998
and Amendment 2–1993, ‘‘Methods for
Measuring the Performance of
Microwave Ovens for Households and
Similar Purpose.’’ The test methods
measured the amount of energy required
to raise the temperature of 1 kilogram of
water by 10 degrees Celsius (°C) under
controlled conditions. The ratio of
usable output power over input power
described the energy factor (EF), a
measure of the cooking efficiency.1 In
comments received in response to a
separate test procedure notice of
proposed rulemaking (NOPR) published
in the Federal Register on October 17,
2008, which addressed provisions for
measuring standby mode and off mode
energy use for microwave ovens (73 FR
62134), interested parties commented
that pure water has relatively low
specific resistivity, and actual food
items that might be cooked in a
microwave oven would have more salts
and thus absorb microwave energy more
efficiently than pure water. Interested
parties stated that, as a result, testing
with a water load would likely result in
lower efficiency measurements than
would be expected from using actual
food products.
DOE also notes that IEC is currently
revising its test standard for microwave
ovens, IEC Standard 60705, ‘‘Household
microwave ovens—Methods for
measuring performance,’’ but that this
test procedure continues to use a water
load for testing. DOE is also unaware of
any industry or international test
standards that address the active mode
cooking function of combination
microwave ovens (i.e., microwave ovens
that incorporate convection features or
possibly other means of cooking) and
what food loads would be appropriate
for testing the combination cooking
function.
1 The previous DOE microwave oven test
procedure also provided for the calculation of
several other measures of energy consumption,
including cooking efficiency and annual energy
consumption.
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18:01 Oct 21, 2011
Jkt 226001
DOE is therefore interested in
stakeholder feedback on what food
loads are most commonly cooked by
consumers and should be used for
measuring the energy efficiency of
microwave oven cooking, as well as the
methodology for testing such food loads.
In particular, DOE is requesting inputs
on the following:
• Consumer usage data on the
characteristics of food loads cooked by
consumers in both microwave-only and
combination cooking modes. Please
provide specific details on which food
loads are cooked with the microwaveonly cooking function and which are
cooked with the combination cooking
function;
• The percentage of cooking cycles
consumers use the microwave-only and
combination cooking modes;
• Specific details on the food loads,
including, but not limited to, weights,
composition, frequency of cooking, and
initial and final temperatures, as well as
the racks or plates used to hold the food
load;
• Food loads used by manufacturers
to evaluate both efficiency and cooking
performance;
• Testing methodology for measuring
the cooking efficiency using different
food loads (Please provide specific
details on suggested testing
methodologies, including, but not
limited to, the number and placement of
temperature probes, required
temperature increases, and any
procedures for preparing the load prior
to heating); and
• Appropriate metrics to use for
measuring energy use or efficiency in
both microwave-only ovens and
combination microwave ovens.
Food Load Repeatability
As discussed previously, interested
parties commented in response to the
October 2008 test procedure NOPR that
the previous DOE microwave oven test
procedure did not produce repeatable
results. DOE is not aware of any data on
the repeatability of various food loads.
DOE notes that consumer product
review organizations evaluate
performance of microwave ovens by
testing loads such as: Potatoes, mashed
potatoes, whole chicken, cake, and other
real-world food loads. DOE also notes
that one consumer product review
organization in the UK uses a
solidifying gel, TX–151, to simulate a
food load (in this case lasagna).2 DOE
specifically requests comment on:
• Repeatability of various loads that
may be used for measuring the energy
2 For more information, visit https://
www.which.co.uk/home-and-garden/kitchen/
guides/how-we-test-microwaves/.
PO 00000
Frm 00017
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
efficiency of microwave oven active
mode cooking. When providing data,
please provide detailed description of
the characteristics of the cooking load
under test;
• Whether there are any artificial
loads that accurately simulate real food
loads and the repeatability of test results
using those loads;
• Methodologies for improving the
repeatability of testing using various
food loads, for example, using multiple
thermocouples to determine an average
temperature;
• The number of identical tests that
should be conducted for various food
loads (with results averaged) in order to
produce accurate and repeatable results;
and
• Any testing burdens associated with
testing various food loads.
Consumer Usage Data on Hours of
Operation in Active Mode, Standby
Mode, and Off Mode Operation
EPCA requires that the energy
consumption in standby mode and off
mode be integrated into the energy
descriptor (which would include active
mode) for a covered product unless the
current test procedures already fully
accounts for such consumption. If
integration is technically infeasible,
DOE must prescribe a separate standby
mode and off mode energy use test
procedure, if the latter is technically
feasible. (42 U.S.C. 6295(gg)(2)(A)) DOE
conducted a separate test procedure
rulemaking and published an interim
final rule amending its test procedures
for microwave ovens to provide for the
measurement of standby mode and off
mode power use by microwave ovens.
76 FR 12825 (Mar. 9, 2011). In the
interim final rule, DOE determined that
the absence of active mode provisions
results in a de facto separate energy use
descriptor for microwave oven standby
mode and off mode energy use. If DOE
adopts amendments to the microwave
oven test procedure to include
provisions for measuring active mode
energy use, it will consider adopting a
single metric that integrates active
mode, standby mode, and off mode
energy use.
DOE is therefore interested in
stakeholder feedback on developing
such an integrated energy use metric. In
particular, DOE is requesting inputs on
the following:
• Consumer usage data on the
number of hours microwave ovens are
operated in active mode, standby mode,
and off mode; and
• What metric should be used to
describe the integrated energy use (i.e.,
annual energy use, EF, or cooking
efficiency);
E:\FR\FM\24OCP1.SGM
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Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 205 / Monday, October 24, 2011 / Proposed Rules
Public Participation
DOE invites all interested parties to
submit in writing by November 23,
2011, comments and information on
matters addressed in this notice and on
other matters relevant to DOE’s
consideration of a revised test procedure
for measuring the active mode energy
consumption of residential microwaves
(both microwave-only and combination
microwave types).
After the close of the comment period,
DOE will begin collecting data,
conducting relevant analyses, and
reviewing the public comments. These
actions will be taken to aid in the
development of a test procedure NOPR
for residential microwaves.
DOE considers public participation to
be a very important part of the process
for developing test procedures. DOE
actively encourages the participation of
the public during the comment period
in each stage of the rulemaking process.
Interactions with and between members
of the public provide a balanced
discussion of the issues and assist DOE
in the rulemaking process. Anyone who
wishes to be added to the DOE mailing
list to receive future notices and
information about this rulemaking
should contact Ms. Brenda Edwards at
(202) 586–2945, or via e-mail at
Brenda.Edwards@ee.doe.gov.
Issued in Washington, DC, on October 18,
2011.
Kathleen Hogan,
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy
Efficiency, Energy Efficiency and Renewable
Energy.
[FR Doc. 2011–27406 Filed 10–21–11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6450–01–P
DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
10 CFR Part 430
[Docket Number: EERE–2011–BT–STD–
0006]
RIN 1904–AC43
Energy Conservation Program:
Framework Document for General
Service Fluorescent Lamps and
Incandescent Reflector Lamps
U.S. Department of Energy
(DOE), Office of Energy Efficiency and
Renewable Energy.
ACTION: Notice of extension of public
comment period.
srobinson on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS
AGENCY:
On September 14, 2011, DOE
published a notice of public meeting
and availability of the framework
document on general service fluorescent
lamps and incandescent reflector lamps
SUMMARY:
VerDate Mar<15>2010
18:01 Oct 21, 2011
Jkt 226001
energy conservation standards in the
Federal Register. This notice announces
that the period for submitting comments
on the framework document is extended
to November 28, 2011.
DATES: DOE will accept comments, data,
and information regarding the
framework document received no later
than November 28, 2011.
ADDRESSES: Any comments submitted
must identify the framework document
on general service fluorescent lamps
and incandescent reflector lamps energy
conservation standards, and provide
docket number EERE–2011–BT–STD–
0006 and/or RIN number 1904–AC43.
Comments may be submitted using any
of the following methods:
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://
www.regulations.gov. Follow the
instructions for submitting comments.
• E-mail: GSFL-IRL_2011-STD0006@ee.doe.gov. Include docket
number EERE–2011–BT–STD–0006
and/or RIN 1904–AC43 in the subject
line of the message. Submit electronic
comments in WordPerfect, Microsoft
Word, PDF, or ASCII file format and
avoid the use of special characters or
any form of encryption.
• Postal Mail: Ms. Brenda Edwards,
U.S. Department of Energy, Building
Technologies Program, Mailstop EE–2J,
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., 6th Floor,
Washington, DC 20024. Please submit
one signed original paper copy.
Docket: For access to the docket to
read background documents or
comments received, visit the U.S.
Department of Energy, Resource Room
of the Building Technologies Program,
950 L’Enfant Plaza, SW., 6th Floor,
Washington, DC 20024, (202) 586–2945,
between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
Please call Ms. Brenda Edwards at the
above telephone number for additional
information regarding visiting the
Resource Room. Please note: DOE’s
Freedom of Information Reading Room
(Room 1E–190 at the Forrestal Building)
no longer houses rulemaking materials.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Dr. Tina Kaarsberg, U.S. Department of
Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency
and Renewable Energy, Building
Technologies Program, EE–2J, 1000
Independence Avenue, SW.,
Washington, DC 20585–0121.
Telephone: (202) 287–1393. E-mail:
Tina.Kaarsberg@ee.doe.gov.
PO 00000
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65633
Ms. Elizabeth Kohl, U.S. Department of
Energy, Office of the General Counsel,
GC–71, 1000 Independence Avenue,
SW., Washington, DC 20585–0121.
Telephone: (202) 586–7796. E-mail:
Elizabeth.Kohl@hq.doe.gov.
On
September 14, 2011, DOE published a
notice of public meeting and availability
of the framework document in the
Federal Register 76 FR 56678
(September 14, 2011) to make available
and invite comments on the framework
document for general service fluorescent
lamps and incandescent reflector lamps
energy conservation standards. The
notice provided for the submission of
comments by October 31, 2011, and
comments were also accepted at a
public meeting held on October 4, 2011.
At this public meeting Lutron stated it
had conferred with other stakeholders
and they were in agreement that more
time should be allowed to provide
comments on the framework document.
Lutron suggested that the comment
period for the framework document be
extended to coincide with the comment
period for the notice of proposed
rulemaking for general service
fluorescent lamps, general service
incandescent lamps, and incandescent
reflector lamps test procedures ending
November 28, 2011. DOE has
determined that an extension of the
public comment period is appropriate
based on the foregoing reasons and is
hereby extending the comment period.
DOE will consider any comments
received by November 28, 2011/
midnight and deems any comments
received between October 31, 2011/
midnight and November 28, 2011/
midnight to be timely submitted.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Further Information on Submitting
Comments
Under 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.
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
E:\FR\FM\24OCP1.SGM
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 205 (Monday, October 24, 2011)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 65631-65633]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-27406]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
10 CFR Part 430
[Docket Number EERE-2010-BT-TP-0023]
RIN 1904-AC26
Energy Conservation Program: Test Procedures for Microwave Ovens
AGENCY: Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Department of
Energy.
ACTION: Request for information.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has initiated a test
procedure rulemaking to develop active mode testing methodologies for
residential microwave ovens. DOE specifically is seeking information,
data, and comments regarding representative and repeatable methods for
measuring the energy use of microwave-only ovens and combination
microwave ovens, including: Food loads representative of consumer use;
the repeatability of energy use measurements using different food
loads; and consumer usage data on the hours of operation in active
mode, standby mode, and off mode for the development of an integrated
energy use metric.
DATES: Written comments and information are requested on or before
November 23, 2011.
ADDRESSES: Interested persons are encouraged to submit comments using
the Federal eRulemaking Portal at https://www.regulations.gov. Follow
the instructions for submitting comments. Alternatively, interested
persons may submit comments, identified by docket number EERE-2010-BT-
TP-0023 and/or RIN 1904-AC26, by any of the following methods:
E-mail: MWO-2010-TP-0023@ee.doe.gov. Include docket number
EERE-2010-BT-TP-0023 and/or RIN 1904-AC26 in the subject line of the
message. Submit electronic comments in WordPerfect, Microsoft Word,
PDF, or ASCII file format and avoid the use of special characters or
any form of encryption.
Postal Mail: Ms. Brenda Edwards, U.S. Department of
Energy, Building Technologies Program, Mailstop EE-2J, 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., 6th
Floor, Washington, DC 20024. Please submit one signed original paper
copy.
Docket: For access to the docket to read background documents, or
comments received, go to the Federal eRulemaking Portal at https://www.regulations.gov.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Wes Anderson, U.S. Department of
Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Building
Technologies Program, EE-2J, 1000 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington,
DC 20585-0121. Telephone: 202-586-7335. E-mail:
Wes.Anderson@ee.doe.gov.
In the Office of the General Counsel, contact Mr. Ari Altman, U.S.
Department of Energy, 1000 Independence Ave., SW., Room 6B-159,
Washington, DC 20585. Telephone: 202-287-6307; E-mail:
Ari.Altman@hq.doe.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On July 22, 2010, DOE published in the
Federal Register a final rule for the microwave oven test procedure
rulemaking (July TP repeal final rule), in which it repealed the
regulatory provisions for establishing the cooking efficiency test
procedure for microwave ovens under the Energy Policy and Conservation
Act (EPCA). 75 FR 42579. In the July TP repeal final rule, DOE
determined that the existing microwave oven test procedure to measure
the cooking efficiency did not produce representative and repeatable
test results and was unaware of any test procedures that have been
developed that address DOE's concerns with the microwave oven cooking
efficiency test procedure. DOE was also unaware of any research or data
on consumer usage indicating what a representative food load would be,
or any data showing the repeatability of test results. 75 FR 42579,
42581.
On July 22, 2010, DOE also published in the Federal Register a
notice of public meeting to initiate a separate rulemaking process to
consider new provisions for measuring microwave oven energy efficiency
in active (cooking) mode. 75 FR 42611. DOE held the public meeting on
September 16, 2010 to discuss and receive comments on several issues
related to active mode test procedures for microwave ovens to consider
in developing a new test procedure. DOE received no data or comments at
or after the September 16, 2010 public meeting suggesting potential
methodologies for test procedures for microwave oven active mode.
In support of its test procedure rulemaking, DOE conducts in-depth
technical analyses of publicly available test standards and other
relevant
[[Page 65632]]
information. DOE continually seeks data and public input to improve its
testing methodologies to more accurately reflect consumer use and to
produce repeatable results. In general, DOE is requesting comment and
supporting data regarding representative and repeatable methods for
measuring the energy use of combination microwave ovens. Additionally,
DOE seeks comment and information on the specific topics below.
Food Test Load Characteristics
DOE's previous active mode test procedure incorporated portions of
the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) Standard 705-1998
and Amendment 2-1993, ``Methods for Measuring the Performance of
Microwave Ovens for Households and Similar Purpose.'' The test methods
measured the amount of energy required to raise the temperature of 1
kilogram of water by 10 degrees Celsius ([deg]C) under controlled
conditions. The ratio of usable output power over input power described
the energy factor (EF), a measure of the cooking efficiency.\1\ In
comments received in response to a separate test procedure notice of
proposed rulemaking (NOPR) published in the Federal Register on October
17, 2008, which addressed provisions for measuring standby mode and off
mode energy use for microwave ovens (73 FR 62134), interested parties
commented that pure water has relatively low specific resistivity, and
actual food items that might be cooked in a microwave oven would have
more salts and thus absorb microwave energy more efficiently than pure
water. Interested parties stated that, as a result, testing with a
water load would likely result in lower efficiency measurements than
would be expected from using actual food products.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ The previous DOE microwave oven test procedure also provided
for the calculation of several other measures of energy consumption,
including cooking efficiency and annual energy consumption.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
DOE also notes that IEC is currently revising its test standard for
microwave ovens, IEC Standard 60705, ``Household microwave ovens--
Methods for measuring performance,'' but that this test procedure
continues to use a water load for testing. DOE is also unaware of any
industry or international test standards that address the active mode
cooking function of combination microwave ovens (i.e., microwave ovens
that incorporate convection features or possibly other means of
cooking) and what food loads would be appropriate for testing the
combination cooking function.
DOE is therefore interested in stakeholder feedback on what food
loads are most commonly cooked by consumers and should be used for
measuring the energy efficiency of microwave oven cooking, as well as
the methodology for testing such food loads. In particular, DOE is
requesting inputs on the following:
Consumer usage data on the characteristics of food loads
cooked by consumers in both microwave-only and combination cooking
modes. Please provide specific details on which food loads are cooked
with the microwave-only cooking function and which are cooked with the
combination cooking function;
The percentage of cooking cycles consumers use the
microwave-only and combination cooking modes;
Specific details on the food loads, including, but not
limited to, weights, composition, frequency of cooking, and initial and
final temperatures, as well as the racks or plates used to hold the
food load;
Food loads used by manufacturers to evaluate both
efficiency and cooking performance;
Testing methodology for measuring the cooking efficiency
using different food loads (Please provide specific details on
suggested testing methodologies, including, but not limited to, the
number and placement of temperature probes, required temperature
increases, and any procedures for preparing the load prior to heating);
and
Appropriate metrics to use for measuring energy use or
efficiency in both microwave-only ovens and combination microwave
ovens.
Food Load Repeatability
As discussed previously, interested parties commented in response
to the October 2008 test procedure NOPR that the previous DOE microwave
oven test procedure did not produce repeatable results. DOE is not
aware of any data on the repeatability of various food loads. DOE notes
that consumer product review organizations evaluate performance of
microwave ovens by testing loads such as: Potatoes, mashed potatoes,
whole chicken, cake, and other real-world food loads. DOE also notes
that one consumer product review organization in the UK uses a
solidifying gel, TX-151, to simulate a food load (in this case
lasagna).\2\ DOE specifically requests comment on:
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\2\ For more information, visit https://www.which.co.uk/home-and-garden/kitchen/guides/how-we-test-microwaves/.
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Repeatability of various loads that may be used for
measuring the energy efficiency of microwave oven active mode cooking.
When providing data, please provide detailed description of the
characteristics of the cooking load under test;
Whether there are any artificial loads that accurately
simulate real food loads and the repeatability of test results using
those loads;
Methodologies for improving the repeatability of testing
using various food loads, for example, using multiple thermocouples to
determine an average temperature;
The number of identical tests that should be conducted for
various food loads (with results averaged) in order to produce accurate
and repeatable results; and
Any testing burdens associated with testing various food
loads.
Consumer Usage Data on Hours of Operation in Active Mode, Standby Mode,
and Off Mode Operation
EPCA requires that the energy consumption in standby mode and off
mode be integrated into the energy descriptor (which would include
active mode) for a covered product unless the current test procedures
already fully accounts for such consumption. If integration is
technically infeasible, DOE must prescribe a separate standby mode and
off mode energy use test procedure, if the latter is technically
feasible. (42 U.S.C. 6295(gg)(2)(A)) DOE conducted a separate test
procedure rulemaking and published an interim final rule amending its
test procedures for microwave ovens to provide for the measurement of
standby mode and off mode power use by microwave ovens. 76 FR 12825
(Mar. 9, 2011). In the interim final rule, DOE determined that the
absence of active mode provisions results in a de facto separate energy
use descriptor for microwave oven standby mode and off mode energy use.
If DOE adopts amendments to the microwave oven test procedure to
include provisions for measuring active mode energy use, it will
consider adopting a single metric that integrates active mode, standby
mode, and off mode energy use.
DOE is therefore interested in stakeholder feedback on developing
such an integrated energy use metric. In particular, DOE is requesting
inputs on the following:
Consumer usage data on the number of hours microwave ovens
are operated in active mode, standby mode, and off mode; and
What metric should be used to describe the integrated
energy use (i.e., annual energy use, EF, or cooking efficiency);
[[Page 65633]]
Public Participation
DOE invites all interested parties to submit in writing by November
23, 2011, comments and information on matters addressed in this notice
and on other matters relevant to DOE's consideration of a revised test
procedure for measuring the active mode energy consumption of
residential microwaves (both microwave-only and combination microwave
types).
After the close of the comment period, DOE will begin collecting
data, conducting relevant analyses, and reviewing the public comments.
These actions will be taken to aid in the development of a test
procedure NOPR for residential microwaves.
DOE considers public participation to be a very important part of
the process for developing test procedures. DOE actively encourages the
participation of the public during the comment period in each stage of
the rulemaking process. Interactions with and between members of the
public provide a balanced discussion of the issues and assist DOE in
the rulemaking process. Anyone who wishes to be added to the DOE
mailing list to receive future notices and information about this
rulemaking should contact Ms. Brenda Edwards at (202) 586-2945, or via
e-mail at Brenda.Edwards@ee.doe.gov.
Issued in Washington, DC, on October 18, 2011.
Kathleen Hogan,
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency, Energy Efficiency and
Renewable Energy.
[FR Doc. 2011-27406 Filed 10-21-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6450-01-P
