Energy Conservation Program: Test Procedures for Dehumidifiers, 5994-6016 [2015-02204]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 23 (Wednesday, February 4, 2015)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 5994-6016]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-02204]


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Proposed Rules
                                                Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________

This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of 
the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these 
notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in 
the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.

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Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 23 / Wednesday, February 4, 2015 / 
Proposed Rules

[[Page 5994]]



DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

10 CFR Parts 429 and 430

[Docket No. EERE-2014-BT-TP-0010]
RIN 1904-AC80


Energy Conservation Program: Test Procedures for Dehumidifiers

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

ACTION: Supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking.

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SUMMARY: The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) proposes to amend the test 
procedure proposals presented in a notice of proposed rulemaking 
(NOPR), published on May 21, 2014. The proposed revisions include 
modifications to the whole-home dehumidifier test setup and conduct, 
and revisions to the measurement of energy use in fan-only operation 
first proposed in the May 2014 NOPR. DOE also introduces a methodology 
to determine whole-home dehumidifier case volume, clarifies the 
equations used to calculate corrected relative humidity and capacity 
for portable and whole-home dehumidifiers, and provides additional 
technical corrections and clarifications. The additional proposals are 
to be combined with the initial proposals from May 2014.

DATES: DOE will accept comments, data, and information regarding this 
supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (SNOPR) submitted no later 
than March 6, 2015. See Section V, ``Public Participation,'' for 
details.

ADDRESSES: Any comments submitted must identify the SNOPR for Test 
Procedures for Dehumidifiers, and provide docket number EE-2014-BT-TP-
0010 and/or regulatory information number (RIN) number 1904-AC80. 
Comments may be submitted using any of the following methods:
    1. Federal eRulemaking Portal: www.regulations.gov. Follow the 
instructions for submitting comments.
    2. Email: Dehumidifier2014TP0010@ee.doe.gov. Include the docket 
number and/or RIN in the subject line of the message.
    3. Mail: Ms. Brenda Edwards, U.S. Department of Energy, Building 
Technologies Office, Mailstop EE-5B, 1000 Independence Avenue SW., 
Washington, DC 20585-0121. If possible, please submit all items on a 
CD, in which case it is not necessary to include printed copies.
    4. Hand Delivery/Courier: Ms. Brenda Edwards, U.S. Department of 
Energy, Building Technologies Office, 950 L'Enfant Plaza SW., Suite 
600, Washington, DC 20024. Telephone: (202) 586-2945. If possible, 
please submit all items on a CD, in which case it is not necessary to 
include printed copies.
    For detailed instructions on submitting comments and additional 
information on the rulemaking process, see Section V of this document 
(Public Participation).
    Docket: The docket, which includes Federal Register notices, public 
meeting attendee lists and transcripts, comments, and other supporting 
documents/materials, is available for review at www.regulations.gov. 
All documents in the docket are listed in the www.regulations.gov 
index. However, some documents listed in the index, such as those 
containing information that is exempt from public disclosure, may not 
be publicly available. A link to the docket Web page can be found at: 
https://www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/appliance_standards/rulemaking.aspx?ruleid=95. This Web page contains a link to the docket 
for this notice on the www.regulations.gov site. The 
www.regulations.gov Web page contains instructions on how to access all 
documents, including public comments, in the docket. See Section V, 
``Public Participation,'' for information on how to submit comments 
through www.regulations.gov.
    For further information on how to submit a comment or review other 
public comments and the docket, contact Ms. Brenda Edwards at (202) 
586-2945 or by email: Brenda.Edwards@ee.doe.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: 
Mr. Bryan Berringer, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy 
Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Building Technologies, EE-5B, 1000 
Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20585-0121. Telephone: (202) 
586-0371. Email: bryan.berringer@ee.doe.gov.
Mr. Peter Cochran, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of the General 
Counsel, GC-33, 1000 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20585-
0121. Telephone: (202) 586-9496. Email: peter.cochran@hq.doe.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Incorporated by Reference

    DOE intends to incorporate by reference the following industry 
standards into 10 CFR part 430:
    (1) Standard Method for Temperature Measurement, American National 
Standards Institute (ANSI)/American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, 
and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) Standard 41.1-2013 and 
Laboratory Methods of Testing Fans for Certified Aerodynamic 
Performance Rating, ANSI/Air Movement and Control Association (AMCA) 
210-07.
    Copies of ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 41.1-2013 can be obtained from the 
American National Standards Institute 25 W 43rd Street 4th Floor, New 
York, NY 10036, or by going to https://webstore.ansi.org/RecordDetail.aspx?sku=ANSI%2FASHRAE+Standard+41.1-2013.
    (2) Laboratory Methods of Testing Fans for Certified Aerodynamic 
Performance Rating, ANSI/Air Movement and Control Association (AMCA) 
210-07.
    Copies of ANSI/AMCA 210-07 can be obtained from the Air Movement 
and Control Association International, Inc. 30 West University Drive, 
Arlington Heights, IL 60004, or by going to https://www.amca.org/store/item.aspx?ItemId=81.

Table of Contents

I. Authority and Background
II. Summary of the Supplemental Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
III. Discussion
    A. Whole-Home Dehumidifier Test Setup and Testing Conditions
    1. Inlet Temperature
    2. External Static Pressure
    3. Test Duct Length
    4. Relative Humidity Instrumentation
    5. External Static Pressure Instrumentation
    B. Whole-Home Dehumidifier Case Volume Measurement
    C. Off-Cycle Mode

[[Page 5995]]

    D. Additional Technical Corrections and Clarifications
    1. Average Relative Humidity
    2. Refrigerant-Desiccant Dehumidifier Calculations
    a. Absolute Humidity
    b. Capacity
    3. Corrected Capacity and Corrected Relative Humidity Equations
    a. Corrected Capacity
    b. Corrected Relative Humidity
    4. Integrated Energy Factor Calculation
    5. Compressor Run-In
    6. Definition of ``Dehumidifier''
    7. Additional Operating Mode Definitions
IV. Procedural Issues and Regulatory Review
V. Public Participation
VI. Approval of the Office of the Secretary

I. Authority and Background

    Title III of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975 (42 
U.S.C. 6291, et seq.; ``EPCA'' or, ``the Act'') sets forth a variety of 
provisions designed to improve energy efficiency.\1\ Part B of title 
III establishes the ``Energy Conservation Program for Consumer Products 
Other Than Automobiles.'' \2\ These consumer products include 
dehumidifiers, the subject of this supplemental proposed rule. (42 
U.S.C. 6295(cc))
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    \1\ All references to EPCA refer to the statute as amended 
through the American Energy Manufacturing Technical Corrections Act 
(AEMTCA), Pub. L. 112-210 (Dec. 18, 2012).
    \2\ For editorial reasons, Part B was redesignated as Part A 
upon incorporation into the U.S. Code.
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    Under EPCA, the energy conservation program consists essentially of 
four parts: (1) testing, (2) labeling, (3) Federal energy conservation 
standards, and (4) certification and enforcement procedures. The 
testing requirements consist of test procedures that manufacturers of 
covered products must use as the basis for: (1) certifying to DOE that 
their products comply with the applicable energy conservation standards 
adopted under EPCA; and (2) making representations about the efficiency 
of those products. Similarly, DOE must use these test procedures to 
determine whether the products comply with any relevant standards 
promulgated under EPCA.

General Test Procedure Rulemaking Process

    Under 42 U.S.C. 6293, EPCA sets forth the criteria and procedures 
DOE must follow when prescribing or amending test procedures for 
covered products. EPCA provides in relevant part that any test 
procedures prescribed or amended under this section shall be reasonably 
designed to produce test results that measure energy efficiency, energy 
use or estimated annual operating cost of a covered product during a 
representative average use cycle or period of use and shall not be 
unduly burdensome to conduct. (42 U.S.C. 6293(b)(3))
    In addition, if DOE determines that a test procedure amendment is 
warranted, it must publish proposed test procedures and offer the 
public an opportunity to present oral and written comments on them. (42 
U.S.C. 6293(b)(2)) Finally, in any rulemaking to amend a test 
procedure, DOE must determine to what extent, if any, the proposed test 
procedure would alter the measured energy efficiency of any covered 
product as determined under the existing test procedure. (42 U.S.C. 
6293(e))
    DOE's test procedure for dehumidifiers is found at 10 CFR part 430, 
subpart B, appendix X (appendix X). For background on the establishment 
of the first test procedure for dehumidifiers, subsequent amendments to 
that procedure, and the rulemaking history for this supplemental notice 
of proposed rulemaking (SNOPR), please see the May 2014 NOPR. 79 FR 
29271.

II. Summary of the Supplemental Notice of Proposed Rulemaking

    Upon further analysis and review of the public comments received in 
response to the May 2014 NOPR, DOE proposes in this SNOPR the following 
additions and clarifications to its proposed dehumidifier test 
procedure: (1) various adjustments and clarifications to the whole-home 
dehumidifier test setup and conduct; (2) a method to determine whole-
home dehumidifier case volume; (3) a revision to the method for 
measuring energy use in fan-only operation; (4) a clarification to the 
relative humidity and capacity equations incorporated from American 
National Standards Institute (ANSI)/Association of Home Appliance 
Manufacturers (AHAM) DH-1-2008, ``Dehumidifiers'' (ANSI/AHAM DH-1-
2008); and (5) additional technical corrections and clarifications.
    Other than the specific amendments newly proposed in the SNOPR, DOE 
continues to propose the test procedure amendments originally included 
in the May 2014 NOPR. For the reader's convenience, DOE has reproduced 
in this SNOPR the entire body of proposed regulatory text from the May 
2014 NOPR, amended as appropriate according to these proposals. DOE's 
supporting analysis and discussion for the portions of the proposed 
regulatory text not affected by this SNOPR may be found in the May 2014 
NOPR. 79 FR 29271.

III. Discussion

A. Whole-Home Dehumidifier Test Setup and Testing Conditions

    As discussed in the May 2014 NOPR, whole-home dehumidifiers are 
intended to be installed and operated as part of a ducted air-delivery 
system. These units are designed with standard-size collars to 
interface with the home's ducting, and typically require two ducts for 
the process air stream: a supply air intake from the dehumidified space 
and an air outlet for delivery of the dehumidified air to the same 
space. Refrigerant-desiccant dehumidifiers incorporate intake and 
outlet ducts for reactivation air in addition to the process stream 
supply air intake and dehumidified air outlet. Reactivation air, as 
defined in the May 2014 NOPR, is air drawn from unconditioned space 
(e.g., outdoors, attic, or crawlspace) to remove moisture from the 
desiccant wheel of a refrigerant-desiccant dehumidifier and discharged 
to unconditioned space. 79 FR 29271, 29283.
    Based on the unique installation and operation of whole-home 
dehumidifiers, DOE proposed in the May 2014 NOPR to adopt a new test 
procedure at 10 CFR part 430, subpart B, appendix X1 (appendix X1) that 
would contain, in part, a method for testing whole-home dehumidifiers.
    Upon review of the public comments received in response to the May 
2014 NOPR and comments received during the June 2014 public meeting, 
DOE determined that further clarifications and modifications were 
necessary to ensure the whole-home dehumidifier test procedure is 
repeatable and representative of actual use, while limiting test 
burden. In the SNOPR, DOE proposes the following additions and 
modifications to the proposals described in the May 2014 NOPR for 
whole-home dehumidifiers.
1. Inlet Temperature
    As discussed in the May 2014 NOPR, DOE's analysis of weather data 
in regions associated with predominant dehumidifier usage and at times 
when dehumidification was necessary identified 65 degrees Fahrenheit 
([deg]F) as the most representative ambient dry-bulb temperature.\3\ 
Therefore, DOE

[[Page 5996]]

proposed in the May 2014 NOPR that all dehumidifier testing be 
conducted with an inlet dry-bulb temperature of 65[emsp14][deg]F. 
However, DOE acknowledged that whole-home dehumidifiers may have inlet 
air dry-bulb temperatures consistent with the thermostat setting in 
homes. Based on an analysis of average indoor temperature data from the 
2009 Residential Energy Consumption Survey (RECS), DOE proposed in the 
May 2014 NOPR a potential alternative inlet air dry-bulb temperature of 
73[emsp14][deg]F for testing whole-home dehumidifiers. 79 FR 29271, 
29279.
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    \3\ Dry-bulb temperature is an indicator of the heat content in 
air and can be measured using a thermometer or thermocouple exposed 
to air, but shielded from radiation and moisture. Wet-bulb 
temperature is the temperature of adiabatic saturation and is 
measured using a moistened thermometer or thermocouple exposed to 
the air flow. The adiabatic evaporation of water from the 
thermometer or thermocouple has a cooling effect that causes wet-
bulb temperature to be less than or equal to dry-bulb temperature. 
Relative humidity is the ratio of the partial pressure of water 
vapor to the equilibrium vapor pressure of water at the same 
temperature, and is therefore dependent upon temperature and 
pressure. Relative humidity is also related to the difference 
between the dry-bulb and wet-bulb temperatures by means of 
psychrometric functions.
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    In response to the May 2014 NOPR, Aprilaire, Inc. (Aprilaire) 
commented that the test procedure ambient conditions must represent the 
as-used conditions, and that the 80[emsp14][deg]F dry-bulb temperature 
and 60-percent relative humidity requirements of the current test 
procedure are not representative of actual use conditions. Aprilaire 
stated that, although it tests its products at ambient dry-bulb 
temperatures as low as 60[emsp14][deg]F, the alternate proposed dry-
bulb temperature test condition of 73[emsp14][deg]F is closer to the 
intended application for whole-home dehumidifiers and would be better 
than the current test condition because it better represents the normal 
use condition, allows for better comparison between whole-home 
dehumidifiers and portable dehumidifiers, and would allow building 
designers to better monitor and estimate home energy use. Aprilaire 
also noted that the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-
Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) has been trying to specify a design 
condition, and 73[emsp14][deg]F is close to the temperature that the 
organization has agreed upon. Therefore, Aprilaire stated that it 
supports DOE's proposal to test whole-home dehumidifiers at 
73[emsp14][deg]F dry-bulb temperature and 60-percent relative humidity. 
However, Aprilaire further suggested that DOE consider an ambient dry-
bulb temperature of 75[emsp14][deg]F, which is halfway between the 
proposed 73[emsp14][deg]F and the ENERGY STAR-recommended air 
conditioner cooling setpoint of 78[emsp14][deg]F. Aprilaire believes 
that a proper cooling setpoint for a home should be 78[emsp14][deg]F 
but that the average setpoint may be closer to 73[emsp14][deg]F because 
consumers tend to over-cool to remove humidity. Nonetheless, Aprilaire 
noted that with proper humidity control, higher cooling setpoints can 
be used while still maintaining comfort. (Aprilaire, No. 5 at pp. 3-4; 
Aprilaire, Public Meeting Transcript, No. 10 at pp. 41-44, 46-47) \4\
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    \4\ A notation in the form ``Aprilaire, No. 5 at pp. 3-4'' 
identifies a written comment: (1) made by Aprilaire, Inc.; (2) 
recorded in document number 5 that is filed in the docket of this 
test procedure rulemaking (Docket No. EERE-2014-BT-TP-0010) and 
available for review at www.regulations.gov; and (3) which appears 
on pages 3-4 of document number 5. A notation in the form 
``Aprilaire, Public Meeting Transcript, No. 10 at pp. 41-44, 46-47'' 
identifies an oral comment that DOE received on June 13, 2014 during 
the NOPR public meeting, was recorded in the public meeting 
transcript in the docket for this test procedure rulemaking (Docket 
No. EERE-2014-BT-TP-0010), and is maintained in the Resource Room of 
the Building Technologies Program. This particular notation refers 
to a comment (1) made by Aprilaire, Inc. during the public meeting; 
(2) recorded in document number 10, which is the public meeting 
transcript that is filed in the docket of this test procedure 
rulemaking; and (3) which appears on pages 41-44 and 46-47 of 
document number 10.
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    Therma-Stor LLC (Therma-Stor) commented that the 65[emsp14][deg]F 
test condition proposed in the May 2014 NOPR is more representative of 
a basement application than the current 80[emsp14][deg]F, but it is not 
representative of above-grade conditioned spaces. Therma-Stor stated 
that consumers in the Southeast, Gulf Coast, and Pacific Northwest 
regions may be using portable and whole-home dehumidifiers in above-
grade applications, which are better represented by an 80[emsp14][deg]F 
test condition. Therma-Stor stated that whole-home dehumidifiers 
typically receive return air from the conditioned space, and the 
proposed 65[emsp14][deg]F dry-bulb temperature is too low. Therma-Stor 
suggested that a 73[emsp14][deg]F dry-bulb temperature test condition 
may represent some whole-home dehumidifier applications, but the test 
temperature should be even higher to correspond to real-world 
applications. According to Therma-Stor, whole-home dehumidifiers 
maintain adequate humidity control at higher indoor temperatures, and 
some whole-home dehumidifiers use fresh air inlets,\5\ leading to a 
return air temperature that is higher than the indoor temperature. 
Therefore, Therma-Stor supports a standard rating test condition of 
80[emsp14][deg]F dry-bulb temperature for whole-home dehumidifiers. 
(Therma-Stor, No. 6 at pp. 3-4)
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    \5\ In the May 2014 NOPR, DOE considered testing provisions for 
fresh air inlets, and proposed that any fresh air inlet be capped 
and sealed during testing because the impact of a fresh air 
connection was not significant enough to warrant the added test 
burden of providing separate fresh air inlet flow. 79 FR 29272, 
29285. DOE maintains the same proposal in this SNOPR, and again 
invites comment on it from interested parties.
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    Appliance Standards Awareness Project (ASAP), Alliance to Save 
Energy (ASE), American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE), 
Consumers Union (CU), National Consumer Law Center (NCLC), and Natural 
Resources Defense Council (NRDC) (hereinafter the ``Joint Commenters'') 
recommended that DOE prescribe separate ambient test conditions for 
portable and whole-home dehumidifiers because the temperature of the 
intake air for whole-home dehumidifiers is likely to be close to the 
thermostat setting instead of the outdoor conditions. The Joint 
Commenters, ASAP, and NRDC agree with DOE's alternate proposal in the 
May 2014 NOPR that 73[emsp14][deg]F is a representative test condition 
to determine whole-home dehumidifier performance, although NRDC 
expressed concern that it would be difficult to then compare whole-home 
and portable dehumidifier performance. (Joint Commenters, No. 8 at p. 
4; ASAP, Public Meeting Transcript, No. 10 at p. 46; NRDC, Public 
Meeting Transcript, No. 10 at p. 45) The Joint Commenters also noted 
that because moisture removal is more difficult at lower dry-bulb 
temperatures for a given relative humidity, dehumidifiers that have 
good performance at 65[emsp14][deg]F would also perform well at 
73[emsp14][deg]F. (Joint Commenters, No. 8 at p. 4)
    In a recent field study conducted by Burke, et al., (hereinafter 
referred to as the Burke Study), whole-home dehumidifiers were metered 
at four different field locations in Wisconsin and Florida.\6\ At each 
location, inlet air temperatures and additional setup and performance 
characteristics were monitored. The Burke Study found that the average 
inlet dry-bulb temperatures during compressor operation in 
dehumidification mode for each of the four whole-home dehumidifiers 
ranged from 70.4[emsp14][deg]F to 75.1[emsp14][deg]F, with an average 
among all four sites of 73.2[emsp14][deg]F.
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    \6\ T. Burke, et al., Whole-Home Dehumidifiers: Field-Monitoring 
Study, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Report No. LBNL-6777E 
(September 2014). Available at https://isswprod.lbl.gov/library/view-docs/public/output/rpt83520.PDF
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    Although this sample was very limited, DOE notes that it 
encompasses homes in two geographical regions with substantially 
different climates, with different dehumidifier locations within the 
home. After considering the comments received and this new field data, 
DOE tentatively determined that the alternative proposal of 
73[emsp14][deg]F inlet air dry-bulb temperature is most representative 
for whole-home dehumidifiers. DOE proposes in this document that whole-
home dehumidifiers be tested with all ducted intake air at 
73[emsp14][deg]F dry-bulb temperature and 63.6[emsp14][deg]F wet-bulb 
temperature to

[[Page 5997]]

maintain a 60-percent relative humidity. DOE recognizes that the 
results for portable and whole-home dehumidifiers will thus not be 
directly comparable, but points out that the application, installation, 
and ambient conditions of the two product types are inherently 
different, and therefore it is reasonable that representative 
performance should also differ.
2. External Static Pressure
    Frictional forces and head losses due to the air flowing in the 
ducting impose an external static pressure (ESP) on a whole-home 
dehumidifier. As duct length and the number of flow restrictions in the 
air system increase, ESP increases as well. Therefore, DOE proposed in 
the May 2014 NOPR that whole-home dehumidifier testing be conducted at 
an ESP representative of typical residential installations. 79 FR 
29271, 29287. DOE reviewed several sources of information to determine 
the appropriate ESP, including the residential furnace fan 
rulemaking,\7\ whole-home dehumidifier product literature, and data 
from a residential furnace fan monitoring study conducted by the Center 
for Energy and Environment,\8\ in addition to DOE's own testing and 
analysis. DOE tentatively concluded that an ESP of 0.5 inches of water 
column (in. w.c.) would, on average, represent the ESP for a whole-home 
dehumidifier installed in a typical home. Therefore, DOE proposed in 
the May 2014 NOPR that whole-home dehumidifier testing in 
dehumidification mode be conducted with an ESP of 0.5  0.02 
in. w.c. for the process air stream of all units and for the 
reactivation air stream of refrigerant-desiccant dehumidifiers. 79 FR 
29271, 29287-88.
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    \7\ Supplemental Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for Test 
Procedures for Residential Furnace Fans, 78 FR 19606, 19618 (Apr. 2, 
2013).
    \8\ Center for Energy and Environment Comment on Energy 
Conservation Standards for Residential Furnace Fans, Docket No. 
EERE-2010-BT-STD-0011, Comment Number 22 (July 27, 2010).
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    The Joint Commenters agreed that whole-home dehumidifiers should be 
tested at an ESP of 0.5 in. w.c., aligning with the ESP in the furnace 
fans test procedure for furnace fans designed to be installed in 
systems with an internal evaporator coil. (Joint Commenters, No. 8 at 
pp. 4-5)
    Aprilaire stated that residential heating, ventilation, and air 
conditioning (HVAC) systems operate at up to 0.8 in. w.c. ESP, and that 
0.5 in. w.c. on average is likely representative of such systems. For 
whole-home dehumidifiers, however, Aprilaire commented that ESP varies 
due to the different potential configurations by which the products are 
integrated into the HVAC return and supply ducting. In addition, 
Aprilaire and Therma-Stor commented that whole-home dehumidifiers that 
utilize the higher flow rate HVAC blower will have a higher ESP than 
those dehumidifiers that operate with a lower flow rate internal fan. 
Aprilaire stated that an ESP of 0.5 in. w.c. would represent an extreme 
and unrealistic condition for whole-home dehumidifiers, and that 
testing them at this condition would require designs that would be 
inappropriate for typical installations. According to Therma-Stor, 
manufacturers would be forced to incorporate higher power, noisier 
fans. Therma-Stor further commented that it recommends its products be 
installed in a configuration that creates ESP much lower than 0.5 in. 
w.c., although the ESP in the field varies depending on the actual 
installation. Therma-Stor's whole-home dehumidifiers have duct 
connections that are designed to provide less than 0.15 in. w.c. ESP 
per 100 feet of duct. (Aprilaire, Public Meeting Transcript, No. 10 at 
pp. 72-74; Aprilaire, No. 5 at p. 4; Therma-Stor, No. 6 at p. 4)
    The Burke Study monitored the ESP during unit operation for the 
three units installed in Florida sites. Static pressure probes were 
placed in the entry and exit ducts to the unit, with no more than one 
duct elbow between the probe and the dehumidifier. The ESP was 
initially measured with the air handler both off and on (at low and 
high speed), with the dehumidifier operational. The ESP was 
subsequently measured at 1-second intervals throughout the 7-month 
metering period, and data were analyzed to determine average ESP during 
those periods when the dehumidifier compressor and blower were 
activated regardless of HVAC blower activation. A summary of these 
measurements is presented in Table III.1.

                      Table III.1--Whole-Home Dehumidifier Average External Static Pressure
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                               Average external static pressure with dehumidifier blower on (in.
                                                                             w.c.)
                                             -------------------------------------------------------------------
              Site designation                                                                    Average in
                                                Air handler   Air handler on  Air handler on   dehumidification
                                                    off        at low speed    at high speed      mode during
                                                                                                metering period
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WHD-SiteB01.................................       0.14-0.16     0.085-0.090              --               0.117
WHD-SiteB02.................................            0.32       0.26-0.27       0.22-0.23               0.283
WHD-SiteB03.................................            0.23       0.18-0.19            0.11               0.205
                                             -------------------------------------------------------------------
    Average *...............................            0.23            0.18            0.17                0.20
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Calculated using the midpoint of each range

    As previously noted, this sample is very small, but the results 
suggest that the comments characterizing 0.5 in. w.c. as an unrealistic 
upper bound for ESP may be valid. To further validate this matter, DOE 
considered the equation in the recent NOPR for the residential furnace 
fan test procedure that calculated ESP from the product of the square 
of the volumetric air flow rate (in cubic feet per minute, CFM) and a 
reference system constant (a value that represents the losses within 
the average duct system). 77 FR 28673, 28684 (May 15, 2012). Based on 
the average furnace fan ESP of 0.5 in. w.c. and air flow rate of 1,200 
CFM, DOE calculated a reference system constant of 3.47 x 
10-7 in in. w.c. per CFM. Through its review of product 
literature, DOE found that the typical volumetric air flow rate for 
whole-home dehumidifiers is approximately 300 CFM, which is 
significantly less than that for a furnace fan. Inserting this air flow 
rate value into the equation results in an ESP of 0.03 in. w.c., 
exclusive of the additional losses associated with ducting a whole-home 
dehumidifier to the home ventilation system. Based on a typical

[[Page 5998]]

installation with 10-inch diameter dehumidifier ducts, 2 elbows, and 
connections to the larger ventilation ducts for the home, DOE estimated 
a total ESP of 0.22 in. w.c. for a typical whole-home dehumidifier 
setup, which corresponds closely with the data gathered for the Burke 
Study.
    In sum, DOE's analysis for this SNOPR supports testing conditions 
for whole-home dehumidifiers at an ESP higher than 0.2 in. w.c. (the 
average in dehumidification mode from the Burke Study) but 
substantially less than the 0.5 in. w.c. proposed in the May 2014 NOPR. 
Due to the limited data available to more precisely define this value, 
DOE proposes in the SNOPR to specify ESP at 0.25 in. w.c., the nearest 
value in quarter inch increments, as an appropriate test condition for 
whole-home dehumidifiers.
3. Test Duct Length
    In the May 2014 NOPR, DOE proposed a whole-home dehumidifier ducted 
test setup with certain duct lengths and cell-type flow straighteners 
to achieve laminar air flow, and specified the placement of 
instrumentation based on numbers of duct diameters upstream of and 
downstream from the test unit. For a refrigerant-only whole-home 
dehumidifier, one duct would be attached to the process air exhaust to 
maintain the necessary ESP and would include a pitot-static traverse 
and throttling device. For a refrigerant-desiccant dehumidifier, three 
test ducts would be required (two for the process air inlet and exhaust 
and one for the reactivation air inlet), each with a flow straightener, 
pitot-static traverse, air sampling instrumentation, and throttling 
device. 79 FR 29271, 29286.
    Aprilaire commented that it would be difficult to accommodate the 
full length of ducting proposed in the May 2014 NOPR in existing test 
chambers, and estimated a cost of $30,000 to construct a new test 
chamber with air conditioning equipment or to move existing test 
chamber walls, which would be burdensome to whole-home dehumidifier 
manufacturers. Aprilaire further stated that unit performance would not 
vary greatly if a shorter length of duct were used, and noted that in 
its internal testing, it has used a 5-foot duct length that produces an 
even distribution of inlet air over the internal coils. (Aprilaire, No. 
5 at p. 4; Aprilaire, Public Meeting Transcript, No. 10 at pp. 63-64, 
79-80, 91-93)
    Therma-Stor stated that requiring whole-home dehumidifiers to be 
tested with ducts would impose an unfair testing burden on whole-home 
dehumidifier manufacturers. Therma-Stor noted that substantially larger 
test chambers are required for whole-home dehumidifiers compared with 
portable dehumidifiers, and the additional duct instruments, 
measurements, and 1-minute recording interval would require more 
capable data acquisition systems. Therma-Stor commented that preparing 
and performing the test would be much more involved than for the 
current test, and although the cost of the proposed ducts and 
accessories may be relatively low, the secondary costs of a test 
facility and staff to support the proposed test would be substantial. 
(Therma-Stor, No. 6 at p. 5)
    In light of these comments, DOE acknowledges the test burden 
associated with specifying a minimum length of 10 duct diameters for 
the instrumented ducts and considered whether this length could be 
reduced without impacting test results. DOE first calculated the duct 
lengths that would be necessary to ensure fully developed flow in the 
ducts after a component such as an inlet or elbow. For a 10-inch 
diameter duct and the expected range of air flow rates for whole-home 
dehumidifiers, DOE calculated that duct lengths of approximately 8.5-
9.5 duct diameters would be necessary, which is close to the 
requirement of 10 duct diameters proposed in the May 2014 NOPR. 
However, due to comments indicating that 10 duct diameters may be 
overly burdensome, following the publication of the May 2014 NOPR, DOE 
consulted with whole-home dehumidifier manufacturers regarding their 
internal performance testing and with whole-home dehumidifier 
installation specialists to determine an appropriate yet low-burden 
duct length for testing. These sources suggested that 3 diameters of 
duct length typically allows for adequately uniform air flow within the 
duct to ensure proper dehumidifier operation. With the inclusion of a 
flow straightener upstream in the duct, as proposed in the May 2014 
NOPR, DOE expects that the air flow would be sufficiently uniform with 
a length of 3 duct diameters upstream of the instrumentation to allow 
for repeatable measurements. According to discussion with manufacturers 
and installers, the flow does not need to be fully developed to achieve 
representative measurements. Additionally, with the information 
provided by manufacturers about the dimensions of available test 
chambers, DOE expects that the longer ducts proposed in the May 2014 
NOPR would likely be located near the walls of the test chamber, 
potentially inhibiting air flow into or out of the duct. A shorter duct 
length would allow for a larger distance between the test ducts and the 
test chamber walls, allowing for unrestricted air flow into or out of 
the test duct.
    Therefore, DOE proposes to reduce the required minimum duct lengths 
by placing the flow straightener at the entrance to the inlet ducting 
and reducing the total minimum length for all test ducts from 10 
diameters to 4.5 diameters. Under DOE's modified proposal, a minimum of 
3 duct diameters would be provided between any throttling device or 
transition section and any instrumentation measuring the air flow 
properties. See Figures 1, 2, and 3 in proposed Section 3.1.3 of 
appendix X1 of this document for specific placement of all test 
components (including the flow straightener, pitot-static traverse, 
dry-bulb temperature and relative humidity measurement devices, and 
throttling device) and illustrations of these configurations.
4. Relative Humidity Instrumentation
    In the May 2014 NOPR, DOE considered two types of instruments to 
measure the water vapor content in the air: (1) a cooled surface 
condensation hygrometer that measures dew-point temperature, which can 
be used in conjunction with dry-bulb temperature to determine relative 
humidity; and (2) an aspirating psychrometer that measures wet-bulb 
temperature. DOE proposed in the May 2014 NOPR that relative humidity 
be measured using an aspirating psychrometer because of its simplicity, 
accuracy of 1 percent, and relatively low cost. 79 FR 
29271, 29287.
    Aprilaire noted that the 1 percent and 0.1 
[deg]F accuracy of the relative humidity measurement (as determined by 
the psychrometer) and temperature sensors, respectively, are 
inconsistent because a 0.1 [deg]F accuracy for the wet-bulb 
temperature sensor correlates with a 0.44 percent accuracy 
in relative humidity. Aprilaire noted that temperature is less 
expensive to control and measure than relative humidity. (Aprilaire, 
Public Meeting Transcript, No. 10 at pp. 67-68; Aprilaire, No. 5 at p. 
3)
    Therma-Stor recommended that the whole-home dehumidifier test 
procedure use relative humidity measuring devices other than aspirating 
psychrometers that achieve similar accuracy and directly output 
relative humidity. According to Therma-Stor, these instruments may 
reduce the burden of placing the psychrometer within the duct and would 
require less frequent calibration than large

[[Page 5999]]

aspirating psychrometers. (Therma-Stor, No. 6 at p. 2)
    DOE notes that the different accuracies in relative humidity 
measurement arise because the aspirating psychrometers utilize 
thermocouples to measure both dry-bulb and wet-bulb temperatures, which 
leads the instrument to have a cumulative accuracy for relative 
humidity that is lower than the accuracy of the wet-bulb temperature 
measurement alone. However, DOE considered stakeholder input that 
certain relative humidity sensors may provide similar accuracy in 
relative humidity measurements as aspirating psychrometers, but would 
be less burdensome to implement. In a review of product specifications, 
DOE identified several solid-state relative humidity sensors currently 
available with accuracies of 1 percent at prices similar to 
or less than the price of a calibrated aspirating psychrometer, which 
DOE estimated at $1,000 in the May 2014 NOPR. 79 FR 29271, 29293. DOE 
notes that these relative humidity sensors are specifically designed to 
be mounted and used in a duct, whereas aspirating psychrometers may be 
difficult to install, calibrate, and maintain in a duct. DOE is also 
aware that certain laboratories may already be using these relative 
humidity sensors, so it does not expect that switching the relative 
humidity instrumentation from an aspirating psychrometer to a relative 
humidity sensor for in-duct measurements would significantly increase 
test burden, and may in fact reduce test burden. Based on the two 
refrigerant-desiccant dehumidifiers in DOE's test sample, which is the 
only type of dehumidifier that would require measuring relative 
humidity in the ducts, duct air velocity ranges from 500 to 650 feet 
per minute, which is similar to the minimum air velocity of 700 feet 
per minute specified in ANSI/AHAM DH-1-2008 for the aspirating 
psychrometer. Therefore DOE tentatively concludes that there is 
sufficient air flow in the duct to properly monitor the relative 
humidity conditions of the air for these units.
    Therefore, DOE proposes that refrigerant-desiccant dehumidifier 
testing be conducted with a relative humidity sensor accurate to within 
1 percent relative humidity. DOE is aware that some test 
laboratories are currently using this instrumentation, and tentatively 
concludes that, for other laboratories, the proposal to use a relative 
humidity sensor instead of an aspirating psychrometer would not add 
significant test burden because of the sensor's simplicity and 
relatively low cost. DOE expects that this proposal will likely reduce 
test burden associated with maintenance and calibration compared to the 
test setup proposed in the May 2014 NOPR.
    DOE notes that refrigerant-desiccant dehumidifier testing requires 
in-duct relative humidity sensors to allow for capacity calculations. 
Because moisture is removed by the desiccant wheel and the 
refrigeration system, the typical condensate weighing approach for 
measuring capacity is not feasible for these dehumidifiers and instead, 
the psychrometrics in the process air inlet and outlet ducts must be 
measured. However, portable and refrigerant-only whole-home 
dehumidifiers would continue to use an aspirating psychrometer to 
measure inlet air relative humidity, as proposed in the May 2014 NOPR. 
Based on the extensive industry experience in using these instruments, 
along with sampling trees, to measure ambient conditions in the absence 
of inlet ducting, DOE determined that an aspirating psychrometer most 
reliably measures representative dry-bulb and wet-bulb temperatures in 
these conditions by inducing controlled air flow over the sensing 
elements. DOE also expects that when testing these units, there are 
typically no space constraints in test chambers that would preclude the 
installation and maintenance of an aspirating psychrometer. DOE also 
notes that dehumidifiers and other similar products are currently 
tested with aspirating psychrometers and typically with sampling trees, 
and because relative humidity sensors provide neither better accuracy 
nor significant cost savings, DOE proposes to maintain the current 
approach for portable and refrigerant-only whole-home dehumidifiers to 
minimize burden.
5. External Static Pressure Instrumentation
    In the May 2014 NOPR, DOE proposed that ESP would be measured using 
pitot-static tubes and pitot-static tube traverses that conform with 
the specifications in Sections 4.2.2 and 4.3.1, respectively, of ANSI/
ASHRAE 51-07/Air Movement and Control Association International, Inc. 
(AMCA) 210-07, ``Laboratory Methods of Testing Fans for Certified 
Aerodynamic Performance Rating'' (hereinafter ``ANSI/AMCA 210''). 79 FR 
29271, 29288.
    Upon further review of ANSI/AMCA 210, DOE determined that Figure 3 
referenced in Section 4.2.2.3 shows three rows of pressure taps, each 
crossing in the center of the duct. DOE performed a search of the 
market and was unable to locate any commercially available pitot-static 
tube traverses that comply with the requirements of ANSI/AMCA 210. DOE 
also consulted with the test laboratory that conducted whole-home 
dehumidifier testing in support of the May 2014 NOPR, and was informed 
that an instrument with two perpendicular rows of pressure taps that 
cross at the center of the duct would likely be sufficient to 
accurately measure the average ESP in the duct. Therefore, DOE proposes 
in the SNOPR that two intersecting and perpendicular rows of pitot-
static tube traverses be used for whole-home dehumidifier testing.
    In the May 2014 NOPR, DOE also proposed that static pressures at 
each pitot-static tube in a traverse would be measured at the static 
pressure tap and averaged. 79 FR 29271, 29288. Upon further 
consideration, DOE determined that this requirement could be 
interpreted to mean that the individual static pressures must be 
measured and recorded at each tap, and then averaged following testing. 
However, DOE's proposed methodology only requires that the average 
static pressure among all of the taps be recorded. DOE notes that 
commercially available pitot-static tube traverses have the individual 
tubes manifolded, with a single pressure tap that would measure a 
static pressure that is the average of the static pressures at each 
tube location, facilitating measurements according to DOE's proposal. 
Accordingly, DOE proposes to clarify the pressure measurement as 
follows: ``The static pressure within the test duct shall be recorded 
as measured at the pressure tap in the manifold of the traverses that 
averages the individual static pressures at each pitot-static tube.''

B. Whole-Home Dehumidifier Case Volume Measurement

    On May 22, 2014, DOE published in the Federal Register a notice of 
public meeting that also announced the availability of the preliminary 
technical support document (79 FR 29380), which contained DOE's 
preliminary analysis for considering amended energy conservation 
standards for residential dehumidifiers. DOE proposed establishing 
product classes for whole-home dehumidifiers based on case volume: one 
for units with case volume less than or equal to 8 cubic feet, and 
another for units with case volume greater than 8 cubic feet. 
Therefore, in the SNOPR, DOE proposes methodology in appendix X1 to 
determine case volume for whole-home dehumidifiers. In particular, DOE 
proposes that whole-home dehumidifier case volume be determined based 
on the maximum

[[Page 6000]]

length of each dimension of the whole-home dehumidifier case, exclusive 
of any duct collar attachments or other external components. DOE 
proposes the following equation to determine whole-home dehumidifier 
case volume, in cubic feet:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP04FE15.183


Where:

DL is the product case length, in inches;
DW is the product case width, in inches;
DH is the product case height, in inches; and
1,728 converts cubic inches to cubic feet.

    DOE proposes to amend 10 CFR 429.36 to require that manufacturers 
include whole-home dehumidifier case volume, in cubic feet, in their 
certification reports. DOE also proposes to require that the average of 
the measured case volumes for a given basic model sample size be used 
for compliance purposes.
    For verification purposes, DOE proposes to require that the test 
facility measurement of case volume must be within 2 percent of the 
rated volume, or 0.2 cubic feet, whichever is greater. DOE notes that 
this tolerance is the same as for compact refrigerators, refrigerator-
freezers, and freezers, which have volumes similar to whole-home 
dehumidifiers, under 10 CFR 429.134. If DOE determines that a rated 
case volume is not within 2 percent of the measured case volume, or 0.2 
cubic feet, whichever is greater, the volume measured by the test 
facility shall be used to determine the energy conservation standard 
applicable to the tested model. DOE proposes to include the case volume 
verification requirements in 10 CFR 429.134, along with the proposed 
capacity verification protocol.

C. Off-Cycle Mode

    As discussed in the May 2014 NOPR, DOE is aware that certain 
dehumidifier models maintain blower operation without activation of the 
compressor after the humidity setpoint has been reached. DOE proposed 
defining this fan operation without activation of the compressor as 
``fan-only'' mode, and proposed a test procedure to measure the average 
power in this mode. Because DOE observed that the blower may operate 
continuously in fan-only mode, or may cycle on and off intermittently, 
DOE proposed monitoring the power consumption in fan-only mode for a 
minimum of 1 hour for units with continuous fan operation, or, for 
units with cyclical fan operation, for 3 or more full fan cycles for no 
less than 1 hour. This proposal was based on DOE's observation that fan 
cycle duration, although variable for certain units, was approximately 
10 minutes. 79 FR 29271, 29290-29291.
    AHAM requested clarification on whether fan-only mode would include 
fans that operate to facilitate active defrost. AHAM was concerned that 
if the test procedure includes active defrost in fan-only mode, 
manufacturers would not be able to provide active defrost capabilities, 
and dehumidifiers would have to wait for ice to fall off passively or 
melt, which would reduce consumer utility. AHAM also expressed concern 
that DOE's proposal would effectively remove fan operation with the 
compressor off, such that the consumer would no longer be able to 
control humidity as accurately and there would be a higher fluctuation 
of humidity in the room, impacting consumer utility. AHAM noted that 
for cyclic fan-only mode operation, the proposed method may work for 
products that cycle three or more times, but there are products that 
may stop cycling after only one or two cycles. For these products, AHAM 
stated that the proposed method may overstate the fan-only mode energy 
use and such products would also be impossible to test. (AHAM, No. 7 at 
p. 4)
    Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), Southern California Gas 
Company (SCG), San Diego Gas and Electric Company (SDG&E), and Southern 
California Edison (SCE) (hereinafter the ``California Investor-Owned 
Utilities (IOUs)'') commented that fan-only mode is used when the 
relative humidity setpoint has been reached to blow air to ensure the 
humidistat is monitoring changes in relative humidity or to keep air 
circulating in the room. However, the California IOUs suggested that 
fan-only mode can result in re-evaporation, thereby re-humidifying the 
space and reducing efficiency. They believe that improved control of 
fan-only mode is an energy saving measure that is currently not 
captured by the existing test procedure. (California IOUs, No. 9 at p. 
2)
    DOE notes that the proposal in the May 2014 NOPR would not preclude 
manufacturers from implementing fan-only mode operation, but would 
include the energy consumption in fan-only mode in the overall 
performance metric as a measure of representative energy use. However, 
to clarify measurement of energy consumption in periods when the 
refrigeration system has cycled off due to the humidistat, DOE proposes 
to withdraw the fan-only mode definition included in the May 2014 NOPR 
and instead modify the proposed off-cycle mode definition to encompass 
all operation when dehumidification mode has cycled off, including any 
intermittent, cyclic, or continuous fan operation. Therefore, in the 
SNOPR, DOE proposes to define off-cycle mode as a mode in which the 
dehumidifier:
    (1) Has cycled off its main moisture removal function by humidistat 
or humidity sensor;
    (2) May or may not operate its fan or blower; and
    (3) Will reactivate the main moisture removal function according to 
the humidistat or humidity sensor signal.
    Under this proposed definition, when the refrigeration system has 
cycled off because the ambient relative humidity has fallen below the 
relative humidity setpoint (but is in a condition to cycle on when the 
ambient relative humidity has risen above the relative humidity 
setpoint), the dehumidifier is in off-cycle mode. The fan or blower may 
continue to operate in off-cycle mode. Conversely, when the 
refrigeration system has cycled on because the ambient relative 
humidity has risen above the relative humidity setpoint (but will cycle 
off when the ambient relative humidity falls below the relative 
humidity setpoint), the dehumidifier is in dehumidification mode.
    In addition, although the lower ambient temperature test conditions 
may increase the likelihood of ice formation on the evaporator, 
operating the fan without the refrigeration system for purposes of 
defrosting the coil would not be considered off-cycle mode as long as 
the humidity setpoint has not been reached. Any defrost events when the 
ambient relative humidity is above the relative humidity setpoint would 
be considered part of dehumidification mode.
    DOE intends for the definitions of dehumidification and off-cycle 
mode to capture all energy used by the dehumidifier, whether the 
ambient relative humidity is either above or below the relative 
humidity setpoint, when the dehumidifier is not in inactive or off 
mode. DOE requests comments as to whether the proposed definitions of 
dehumidification mode and off-cycle mode clearly reflect this intent. 
In response to comments received, DOE may modify these definitions in 
the final rule.
    The test procedure proposed in the May 2014 NOPR did not require a 
specific test sequence between the end of dehumidification mode and the 
start of fan-only mode to minimize test burden and provide flexibility 
in testing facilities. However, commenters raised questions about which 
type of fan

[[Page 6001]]

operation should be measured and when the fan-only mode testing should 
be conducted in relation to dehumidification mode testing. To ensure 
there is sufficient condensation on the evaporator to initiate fan 
operation for any units that dry the evaporator after compressor 
operation, DOE proposes that the off-cycle mode measurement begin 
immediately following compressor operation for the dehumidification 
mode test. This would be achieved by performing the 6-hour 
dehumidification mode test, and then adjusting the unit set point above 
the ambient relative humidity to begin the off-cycle mode test 
immediately after the compressor cycles off. DOE asserts that 
conducting the off-cycle mode test subsequent to the dehumidification 
mode test would capture all energy use of the dehumidifier under 
conditions that meet the newly proposed off-cycle mode definition, 
including fan operation intended to dry the evaporator coil, sample the 
air, or circulate the air. By capturing these types of fan operation in 
the off-cycle mode, DOE expects the proposed test method to reflect 
typical dehumidifier operation in the field while limiting potential 
confusion over what operations should be measured during testing.
    Section 4.2 of Appendix X specifies that off-cycle mode testing be 
performed in accordance with ``Household electrical appliances--
Measurement of standby power,'' published by the International 
Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), publication 62301 (Edition 2.0 2011-
01) (hereinafter ``IEC Standard 62301''). However, due to the 
possibility for periods of fan operation and thus varying power levels 
during a dehumidifier's off-cycle mode, as tentatively defined in this 
SNOPR, the test method in IEC Standard 62301 may not be applicable for 
power consumption measurements in off-cycle mode. In particular, DOE 
notes that IEC Standard 62301 states that its methods are intended to 
measure power consumption of low-power modes, and not the power of 
products in active mode. In this case, dehumidifier fan power 
consumption would be considered consistent with an active mode power 
level instead of a low-power mode level. Therefore, DOE proposes that 
off-cycle mode testing be conducted in accordance with the general 
instrumentation and data recording requirements for dehumidification 
mode. With the proposed modification to the off-cycle mode test 
procedure to begin immediately following dehumidification mode testing, 
the test setup would not need to be modified, and the same 
instrumentation would be utilized for testing in both modes.
    DOE notes that although the IEC Standard 62301 test method would 
not be applicable due to fan operation, the power meter accuracy 
specified in IEC Standard 62301 would still be necessary to accurately 
measure power consumption at lower power levels in off-cycle mode 
associated with periods of no fan operation. DOE proposes that the 
power metering instrumentation during dehumidification mode comply with 
the requirements of ANSI/AHAM DH-1-2008 and during off-cycle mode with 
IEC Standard 63201. DOE is aware that power meters meeting the accuracy 
requirements of both test standards are readily available and currently 
in use in certain test laboratories. Therefore, DOE does not believe 
that these proposals would significantly increase testing burden 
associated with instrumentation. DOE requests comment on the potential 
burden associated with maintaining the accuracy requirements of both 
ANSI/AHAM DH-1-2008 and IEC Standard 62301 when performing off-cycle 
mode testing immediately following dehumidification mode.
    To determine a representative test duration for off-cycle mode, DOE 
monitored power, ambient relative humidity, and ambient dry-bulb 
temperature of several portable dehumidifiers in residential 
installations. The data encompassed multiple days of continuous 
operation. Based on this data, DOE estimates an average off-cycle 
duration of approximately 2 hours.
    In the May 2014 NOPR, DOE stated that cyclic fan operation in off-
cycle mode is typically about 10 minutes in duration. 79 FR 29291. DOE 
notes that even if a fan were to operate for only 10 minutes during the 
off-cycle to dry the evaporator coil, it would still represent a 
significant percentage of the energy consumption during that off-cycle 
mode based on the typical duration identified in DOE's limited test 
data. In response to the California IOU's comment, DOE notes that the 
proposed off-cycle mode test procedure would incorporate fan operation, 
thereby capturing energy savings associated with improved control 
schemes.
    In sum, DOE proposes that the off-cycle mode testing be conducted 
over a duration representative of the typical off-cycle. Based on the 
metered off-cycle duration, DOE proposes an off-cycle mode test 
beginning immediately after completion of the dehumidification mode 
test and ending after a period of 2 hours. The average power 
measurement for the 2-hour period would then be applied to the 1,850 
annual hours associated with off-cycle mode in the final IEF 
calculation.

D. Additional Technical Corrections and Clarifications

1. Average Relative Humidity
    In the May 2014 NOPR, DOE proposed that ANSI/AHAM DH-1-2008 be the 
basis in the proposed updated test procedure for the measurement of 
dehumidification mode energy use in dehumidifiers but with lower 
ambient temperatures (65[emsp14][deg]F dry-bulb and 56.6[emsp14][deg]F 
wet-bulb temperature) that correspond to 60-percent relative humidity. 
79 FR 29271, 29276-29283. AHAM commented that these proposed ambient 
temperatures are not within the range of Table II in ANSI/AHAM DH-1-
2008 that is used to determine relative humidity under the actual 
testing conditions. AHAM also requested that DOE clarify the 
calculations used to determine the corrected relative humidity for use 
in the capacity calculation. (AHAM, No. 7 at pp. 7)
    DOE agrees that the data in Table II in ANSI/AHAM DH-1-2008 do not 
cover the range of dry-bulb and wet-bulb temperatures that would be 
necessary to determine relative humidity at the proposed ambient test 
conditions. Therefore, DOE proposes to include in appendix X1 the 
following tables that present the relative humidity at dry-bulb and 
wet-bulb temperatures within the test tolerances at the 65 [deg]F and 
73 [deg]F dry-bulb temperature inlet air test conditions for portable 
and whole-home dehumidifiers, respectively.

[[Page 6002]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP04FE15.184

2. Refrigerant-Desiccant Dehumidifier Calculations
a. Absolute Humidity
    Upon further review of the test procedure proposed for refrigerant-
desiccant dehumidifiers in the May 2014 NOPR, DOE determined that 
clarification is needed to calculate the absolute humidity of the 
process air, which is used to calculate the amount of water removed 
from the process air stream. The proposed provisions for refrigerant-
desiccant dehumidifiers would specify recording the dry-bulb 
temperature and relative humidity in the ducts, and ambient barometric 
pressure. Based on these data, DOE proposes the following equations to 
calculate the absolute humidity of the process air in the inlet and 
exhaust ducts. The equations proposed are based on those presented in 
Section 7.3 of ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 41.6-1994 (RA 2006), ``Standard 
Method for Measurement of Moist Air Properties.''
    First, the measured dry-bulb temperature of the air at each 
sampling time is converted from [deg]F to Kelvin (K) according to the 
following equation:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP04FE15.185

Where:

TK is the calculated air dry-bulb temperature in K; and
TF is the measured dry-bulb temperature of the air in 
[deg]F.

    The water saturation pressure is then calculated at each sampling 
time as follows:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP04FE15.186

Where:

Pws is the water vapor saturation pressure in kilopascals 
(kPa); and
TK is the dry-bulb temperature of the air in K.

    The water vapor pressure (Pw) under the specific ambient 
barometric pressure at each sampling time is calculated as follows:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP04FE15.187

Where:

Pw is the water vapor pressure in kPa;
RH is the percent relative humidity; and
Pws is the water vapor saturation pressure in kPa.

    The mixing humidity ratio (HR) at each sampling time is then 
calculated as follows:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP04FE15.188

Where:

HR is the mixing humidity ratio, the mass of water per mass of dry 
air;
Pw is the water vapor pressure in kPa;
P is the ambient barometric pressure in in. Hg;
3.386 converts from in. Hg to kPa; and
0.62198 is the ratio of the molecular weight of water to the 
molecular weight of dry air.

    The specific volume (v), in cubic feet per pound of dry air, is 
used to calculate the absolute humidity. The specific volume is 
calculated at each sampling time as follows:

[[Page 6003]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP04FE15.189

Where:

v is the specific volume in cubic feet per pound of dry air;
TK is the dry-bulb temperature of the air in K;
P is the ambient barometric pressure in in. Hg; and
Pw is the water vapor pressure in kPa;
0.287055 is the specific gas constant for dry air in kPa times cubic 
meter per kg per K;
3.386 converts from in. Hg to kPa; and
16.016 converts from cubic meters per kilogram to cubic feet per 
pound.

    The absolute humidity (AH), in units of pounds of water per cubic 
foot of air, at each sampling time is then calculated as follows:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP04FE15.190

Where:

AH is the absolute humidity in pounds of water per cubic foot of 
air;
HR is the mixing humidity ratio, the mass of water per mass of dry 
air; and
[nu] is the specific volume in cubic feet per pound of dry air.
b. Capacity
    In the May 2014 NOPR, DOE proposed that the capacity of 
refrigerant-desiccant dehumidifiers be calculated by measuring the 
total amount of moisture removed from the process air. Specifically, 
the measured dry-bulb temperature and relative humidity would be used 
to determine the absolute humidity in pounds of water per cubic foot of 
dry air at both the process air inlet and process air outlet. The 
absolute humidity would then be multiplied by the process air 
volumetric flow rate, measured in CFM, to determine the process air 
inlet and outlet moisture flow rates, measured in pounds of water per 
minute. The difference between the inlet and outlet moisture flow rates 
would equal the amount of moisture the unit removes from the process 
air. 79 FR 29271, 29284.
    As part of the proposed vapor analysis approach, DOE proposed that 
the weight of water removed during the test period be calculated for 
each data point, collected at intervals no greater than 1 minute. The 
calculated water weights for each air stream at each of these data 
points would be summed for the entire test period and the total weight 
would then be used to calculate the capacity.
    DOE recognizes that this approach would require calculating the 
absolute humidity using the equations described in the previous section 
for each data point to ultimately calculate the total weight of 
moisture removed during the test period. To consider means to reduce 
this testing burden, DOE compared test results obtained by using 
individual data points to calculate absolute humidity to those obtained 
by using the average temperature, average relative humidity, and 
average barometric pressure to calculate average absolute humidity 
during the test period. DOE found that the results from both methods 
produced overall capacities that agreed within 1 percent. In addition 
to reducing test burden, the average data approach may also mitigate 
the opportunity for potential calculation errors by requiring only one 
calculation of absolute humidity per test. Thus, although DOE continues 
to propose the summation method as proposed in the May 2014 Test 
Procedure NOPR because it is the most precise, DOE seeks comment from 
interested parties on the alternative approach that would use the 
average temperature, average relative humidity, and average barometric 
pressure to calculate the average absolute humidity during the entire 
test period. Under this alternative approach, the weight of water 
collected during the test would be calculated from the average absolute 
humidity and average volumetric flow rate as follows:

W=((AHI,a x XI,a) - (AH0,a x 
X0,a)) x 360

Where:

W is the weight of water removed during the test period in pounds;
AHI,a is the average absolute humidity of the process air 
on the inlet side of the unit in pounds of water per cubic foot of 
dry air;
XI,a is the average volumetric flow rate of the process 
air on the inlet side of the unit in CFM;
AHO,a is the average absolute humidity of the process air 
on the outlet side of the unit in pounds of water per cubic foot of 
dry air;
XO,a is the average volumetric flow rate of the process 
air on the outlet side of the unit in CFM; and
360 is the number of minutes in the 6-hour test.

    DOE requests comment on whether the proposed method from the May 
2014 Test Procedure NOPR represents a significant burden over the 
averaging approach, and whether the averaging approach would accurately 
reflect potential variations in the air stream conditions throughout 
the test period.
3. Corrected Capacity and Corrected Relative Humidity Equations
    In the May 2014 NOPR, DOE proposed that product capacity be 
calculated in accordance with the test requirements specified in 
Section 7, ``Capacity Test and Energy Consumption Test,'' of ANSI/AHAM 
DH-1-2008, except that the standard test conditions would be maintained 
at 65 [deg]F  2.0 [deg]F dry-bulb temperature and 56.6 
[deg]F  1.0 [deg]F wet-bulb temperature. 79 FR 29271, 
29305. The calculations in Section 7 include adjustments for variations 
during the rating test period in the ambient temperature, relative 
humidity, and barometric pressure from the standard rating conditions.
    AHAM stated that it was not clear if and how DOE adjusted the 
capacity equation to account for the 65 [deg]F dry-bulb temperature 
condition. AHAM stated that the product capacity equation in ANSI/AHAM 
DH-1-2008 is based on 80 [deg]F and 60-percent relative humidity, and 
would require adjustment for a different nominal temperature or 
relative humidity. AHAM asked DOE to clarify whether and how it was 
proposing to adjust the capacity calculations. (AHAM, Public Meeting 
Transcript, No. 10 at p. 94; AHAM, No. 7 at p. 5; AHAM Std, No. 22 at 
p. 3)
    DOE confirms that for the May 2014 NOPR, it revised the adjusted 
capacity equation in its analysis to include the lower nominal dry-bulb 
temperature (65 [deg]F versus the current 80 [deg]F). Upon closer 
examination, however, DOE concludes that the coefficients in the 
corrected capacity equation (adjusted for variations in temperature and 
relative humidity) and the corrected relative humidity equation 
(adjusted for variations in barometric pressure) also should be revised 
as follows to be representative of the proposed dry-bulb temperature 
test conditions.
    a. Corrected Capacity
    To determine the appropriate coefficients for the corrected 
capacity equation, DOE calculated the percent change in humidity ratio 
from the standard rating conditions of 65 [deg]F dry-bulb (for portable 
dehumidifiers) or 73 [deg]F dry-bulb (for whole-home dehumidifiers) and 
60-percent relative humidity for small perturbations in either dry-bulb 
temperature or relative humidity. For the temperature adjustment 
coefficient, the dry-bulb temperature was varied within test tolerance 
while holding the relative humidity fixed. For the relative humidity 
adjustment coefficient, the wet-bulb temperature was varied within test 
tolerance while holding the dry-bulb temperature fixed, and the 
resulting variation in relative humidity was calculated. The 
coefficients themselves were calculated from linear curve fits of the 
changes in humidity ratio. From this analysis, DOE proposes that 
corrected capacity be calculated for portable and whole-home 
dehumidifiers

[[Page 6004]]

at the 65 [deg]F and 73 [deg]F dry-bulb temperature rating conditions, 
respectively, by substituting the equation included in Section 7.1.7 of 
ANSI/AHAM DH-1-2008 with:

Cr,p = Ct + 0.0352 x (65 - Tt) + 0.0169 x Ct x (60 - HC,p)

Cr,wh = Ct + 0.0344 x Ct x (73 - Tt) + 0.017 x Ct x (60 - 
HC,wh)

    Where:
    Cr,p is the portable dehumidifier product capacity in 
pints/day, corrected to standard rating conditions of 65 [deg]F dry-
bulb temperature and 60 percent relative humidity;
    Cr,wh is the whole-home dehumidifier product capacity 
in pints/day, corrected to standard rating conditions of 73 [deg]F 
dry-bulb temperature and 60 percent relative humidity;
    Ct is the product capacity determined from test data 
in pints/day;
    Tt is the average dry-bulb temperature during the 
test period in [deg]F;
    HC,p is the portable dehumidifier corrected relative 
humidity, in percent, as discussed below; and
    HC,wh is the whole-home dehumidifier corrected 
relative humidity, in percent, as also discussed below;
    0.0352 and 0.0344 are the capacity correction factors for 
variations in temperature for portable and whole-home dehumidifiers, 
respectively, in ([deg]F)-1; and
    0.0169 and 0.017 are the capacity correction factors for 
variations in relative humidity for portable and whole-home 
dehumidifiers, respectively.
    b. Corrected Relative Humidity
    DOE used a similar approach to that for corrected product capacity 
to determine the appropriate coefficients for the corrected relative 
humidity equation in Section 7.1.7 of ANSI/AHAM DH-1-2008. DOE 
calculated the linear percent change in relative humidity from the 
standard rating condition (60-percent relative humidity) for small 
perturbations in the barometric pressure. DOE proposes, therefore, that 
corrected relative humidity be calculated for portable and whole-home 
dehumidifiers at the 65 [deg]F and 73 [deg]F dry-bulb temperature 
rating conditions, respectively, by substituting the following 
equations for the corrected relative humidity equation in Section 7.1.7 
of ANSI/AHAM DH-1-2008:

Hc,p = Ht x [1 + 0.0083 x (29.921 - B)]
Hc,wh = Ht x [1 + 0.0072 x (29.921 - B)]

    Where:
    Hc,p is the portable dehumidifier average relative 
humidity from the test data, in percent, corrected to the standard 
barometric pressure of 29.921 in. mercury (Hg);
    Hc,wh is the whole-home dehumidifier average relative 
humidity from the test data, in percent, corrected to the standard 
barometric pressure of 29.921 in. Hg;
    Ht is the average relative humidity from the test 
data, in percent;
    B is the average barometric pressure during the test period in 
in. Hg; and
    0.0083 and 0.0072 are the relative humidity correction factors 
for variations in barometric pressure for portable and whole-home 
dehumidifiers, respectively, in (in. Hg)-1.
4. Integrated Energy Factor Calculation
    In the May 2014 NOPR, DOE proposed to modify the existing IEF 
equation in Section 5.2 of appendix X to incorporate the annual 
combined low-power mode energy consumption, ETLP, in kWh per 
year, and the fan-only mode energy consumption, EFM, in kWh 
per year, with the dehumidification mode energy consumption, 
EDM, in kWh as measured during the dehumidification mode 
test. The proposed IEF equation used the measured condensate collected 
during the dehumidification mode test, with no adjustments for 
variations in the ambient test conditions. 79 FR 29271, 29291-92.
    In response to the May 2014 NOPR, AHAM suggested that instead of 
using the amount of condensate measured during the test, DOE's IEF 
calculation should use a corrected capacity to account for variation in 
temperature and relative humidity. AHAM stated that the IEF equation, 
as proposed in the May 2014 NOPR, is not an accurate representation of 
the real-time test conditions in the chamber, which affect the amount 
of moisture that is removed from the air. (AHAM, No. 7 at pp. 9-10)
    DOE agrees that use of the corrected capacity would account for 
variations in test chamber temperature and relative humidity; 
therefore, DOE proposes a modified IEF equation that utilizes the 
corrected capacity.
    Because DOE proposes to remove fan-only mode and to consider 
operation in off-cycle mode, DOE also proposes to modify the IEF 
equation to remove fan-only mode annual energy consumption. DOE 
proposes an update to the definition of combined low-power mode in both 
appendix X and appendix X1 to clarify that it is the aggregate of 
available modes other than dehumidification mode. The proposed combined 
low-power mode would include contributions from off-cycle mode and 
inactive mode or off mode.
    Based on these updates, DOE proposes the following IEF calculation.
    [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP04FE15.191
    
Where:

IEF is the integrated energy factor in liters per kWh;
Cr is the corrected product capacity in pints per day;
t is the test duration in hours;
EDM is the dehumidification mode test energy consumption 
during the 6-hour dehumidification mode test in kWh;
ETLP is the annual combined low-power mode energy 
consumption in kWh per year;
6 is the hours per dehumidification mode test;
1,095 is the number of dehumidification mode annual hours;
1.04 is the density of water in pounds per pint; and
24 is the number of hours per day.
5. Compressor Run-In
    In the May 2014 NOPR, DOE noted that Section 5.5 of ANSI/AHAM DH-1-
2008 does not define the term ``run-in'' when requiring a run-in period 
be conducted prior to testing to ensure all components work properly. 
Therefore, DOE proposed in appendix X1 that a single run-in period 
during which the compressor operates would be performed before active 
mode testing, and no additional run-in period would be conducted 
between dehumidification mode testing and fan-only mode testing. 79 FR 
29271, 29291.
    In response to the proposal in the May 2014 NOPR, AHAM commented 
that for run-in, the compressor must run for 24 hours; otherwise the 
unit may not perform as it would in a consumer setting. AHAM stated 
that if the run-in is performed in a dry environment, the unit may not 
run in dehumidification mode and the compressor will not engage. 
Therefore, AHAM proposed to require that the run-in period be conducted 
inside the test chamber for a complete 24 hours for units without a 
continuous compressor on function. (AHAM, No. 7 at p. 11)
    To minimize test burden, DOE is not proposing to require that the 
24 hours run-in period be conducted in the test chamber. However, DOE 
proposes to clarify in appendix X1 that the run-in period must contain 
24 hours of continuous compressor operation. This may be achieved by 
running the test unit outside of the test chamber with the control 
setpoint below the ambient relative humidity. If the conditions outside 
of the test chamber are too dry, then the unit would need to be run-in 
in a more humid environment, which may include the test chamber.
6. Definition of ``Dehumidifier''
    In the May 2014 NOPR, DOE proposed to add clarification to 10 CFR 
430.2 that the definition of ``dehumidifier'' does not apply to 
portable air conditioners and room air conditioners. The primary 
function of

[[Page 6005]]

an air conditioner is to provide cooling by removing both sensible and 
latent heat, while a dehumidifier removes moisture (i.e., only latent 
heat). DOE notes that packaged terminal air conditioners (PTACs) are 
currently excluded from the room air conditioner definition. Because 
PTACs provide a primary function similar to the other products proposed 
to be excluded in the dehumidifier definition, DOE additionally 
proposes that PTACs be excluded in the dehumidifier definition codified 
at 10 CFR 430.2.
7. Additional Operating Mode Definitions
    Inactive mode currently means a standby mode that facilitates the 
activation of active mode by remote switch (including remote control), 
internal sensor, or timer, or that provides continuous status display. 
Because, unlike off-cycle mode, inactive mode does not initiate 
dehumidification mode when the humidity setpoint has been exceeded, DOE 
proposes to exclude the humidistat and humidity sensor from the 
``internal sensor'' mentioned in the inactive mode definition.
    Because DOE is aware that some dehumidifiers may be operated 
continuously in dehumidification mode by means of a user-selected 
option, DOE also proposes to add ``by control setting'' to the 
dehumidification mode definition as a means to activate the main 
moisture removal function.

IV. Procedural Issues and Regulatory Review

    DOE has concluded that the determinations made pursuant to the 
various procedural requirements applicable to the May 2014 NOPR, set 
forth at 79 FR 29271, 29292-95, remain unchanged for this SNOPR, except 
for the following additional analysis and determination DOE conducted 
in accordance with the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et 
seq.).
    The Regulatory Flexibility Act requires preparation of an initial 
regulatory flexibility analysis (IFRA) for any rule that by law must be 
proposed for public comment, unless the agency certifies that the rule, 
if promulgated, will not have a significant economic impact on a 
substantial number of small entities. As required by Executive Order 
13272, ``Proper Consideration of Small Entities in Agency Rulemaking,'' 
67 FR 53461 (Aug. 16, 2002), DOE published procedures and policies on 
February 19, 2003, to ensure that the potential impacts of its rules on 
small entities are properly considered during the DOE rulemaking 
process. 68 FR 7990. DOE has made its procedures and policies available 
on the Office of the General Counsel's Web site: https://energy.gov/gc/office-general-counsel.
    DOE reviewed the supplemental proposed rule under the provisions of 
the Regulatory Flexibility Act and the procedures and policies 
published on February 19, 2003. DOE's initial regulatory flexibility 
analysis is set forth in the May 2014 NOPR, with additional analysis 
below based on the proposals in this SNOPR. DOE seeks comment on its 
analysis and the economic impacts of the rule on small manufacturers. 
In the May 2014 NOPR, DOE estimated that there are five small 
businesses that manufacture dehumidifiers.
    This SNOPR proposes modifications to the proposals included in the 
May 2014 NOPR. DOE believes that the proposed modifications to whole-
home dehumidifier testing would not increase test burden and, in some 
cases, may even reduce test burden with respect to the proposals in the 
May 2014 NOPR and would therefore not increase the burden on small 
businesses. DOE investigated the following proposed modifications to 
determine the impact on small businesses.
    In the May 2014 NOPR, DOE estimated that a non-instrumented duct 
with a length of 10 duct diameters would cost approximately $1,500. In 
this SNOPR, DOE proposes to reduce the duct length from 10 duct 
diameters to 4.5 duct diameters. DOE estimates that the associated cost 
of the non-instrumented duct would decrease to about $1,000. The 
reduction in duct length provides an immediate savings in the cost of 
the test duct setup and allows manufacturers to test in significantly 
smaller test chambers, thereby reducing the overall test burden. As 
discussed in Section III.A.3 of this notice, one manufacturer estimated 
that testing in an existing chamber would avoid a cost of $30,000 for a 
new or expanded chamber.
    In this rulemaking, DOE proposes to require that ducted 
refrigerant-desiccant whole-home dehumidifier testing be conducted with 
relative humidity sensors instead of aspirating psychrometers. Based on 
preliminary market research and a review of product specifications, DOE 
identified several solid-state relative humidity sensors currently 
available with accuracies of 1 percent at prices similar to 
or less than the price of a calibrated aspirating psychrometer, which 
DOE estimated at $1,000 in the May 2014 NOPR. DOE is also aware that 
many laboratories already use relative humidity sensors, so DOE expects 
little or no change in test burden with the proposal to require 
relative humidity sensors be used for refrigerant-desiccant whole-home 
dehumidifier testing. The proposed switch to relative humidity sensors 
may actually reduce test burden because the sensors are relatively 
simple and require less maintenance compared to aspirating 
psychrometers.

V. Public Participation

Submission of Comments

    DOE will accept comments, data, and information regarding this 
SNOPR no later than the date provided in the DATES section at the 
beginning of this notice. Interested parties may submit comments using 
any of the methods described in the ADDRESSES section at the beginning 
of this SNOPR.
    Submitting comments via www.regulations.gov. The 
www.regulations.gov Web page will require you to provide your name and 
contact information. Your contact information will be viewable to DOE 
Building Technologies staff only. Your contact information will not be 
publicly viewable except for your first and last names, organization 
name (if any), and submitter representative name (if any). If your 
comment is not processed properly because of technical difficulties, 
DOE will use this information to contact you. If DOE cannot read your 
comment due to technical difficulties and cannot contact you for 
clarification, DOE may not be able to consider your comment.
    However, your contact information will be publicly viewable if you 
include it in the comment or in any documents attached to your comment. 
Any information that you do not want to be publicly viewable should not 
be included in your comment, nor in any document attached to your 
comment. Persons viewing comments will see only first and last names, 
organization names, correspondence containing comments, and any 
documents submitted with the comments.
    Do not submit to www.regulations.gov information for which 
disclosure is restricted by statute, such as trade secrets and 
commercial or financial information (hereinafter referred to as 
Confidential Business Information (CBI)). Comments submitted through 
www.regulations.gov cannot be claimed as CBI. Comments received through 
the Web site will waive any CBI claims for the information submitted. 
For information on submitting CBI, see the Confidential Business 
Information section.
    DOE processes submissions made through www.regulations.gov before 
posting. Normally, comments will be

[[Page 6006]]

posted within a few days of being submitted. However, if large volumes 
of comments are being processed simultaneously, your comment may not be 
viewable for up to several weeks. Please keep the comment tracking 
number that regulations.gov provides after you have successfully 
uploaded your comment.
    Submitting comments via email, hand delivery, or mail. Comments and 
documents submitted via email, hand delivery, or mail also will be 
posted to www.regulations.gov. If you do not want your personal contact 
information to be publicly viewable, do not include it in your comment 
or any accompanying documents. Instead, provide your contact 
information on a cover letter. Include your first and last names, email 
address, telephone number, and optional mailing address. The cover 
letter will not be publicly viewable as long as it does not include any 
comments.
    Include contact information each time you submit comments, data, 
documents, and other information to DOE. If you submit via mail or hand 
delivery/courier, please provide all items on a CD, if feasible, in 
which case it is not necessary to submit printed copies. No facsimiles 
(faxes) will be accepted.
    Comments, data, and other information submitted to DOE 
electronically should be provided in PDF (preferred), Microsoft Word or 
Excel, WordPerfect, or text (ASCII) file format. Provide documents that 
are not secured, written in English and free of any defects or viruses. 
Documents should not contain special characters or any form of 
encryption and, if possible, they should carry the electronic signature 
of the author.
    Campaign form letters. Please submit campaign form letters by the 
originating organization in batches of between 50 to 500 form letters 
per PDF or as one form letter with a list of supporters' names compiled 
into one or more PDFs. This reduces comment processing and posting 
time.
    Confidential Business Information. According to 10 CFR 1004.11, any 
person submitting information that he or she believes to be 
confidential and exempt by law from public disclosure should submit via 
email, postal mail, or hand delivery/courier two well-marked copies: 
One copy of the document marked ``confidential'' including all the 
information believed to be confidential, and one copy of the document 
marked ``non-confidential'' with the information believed to be 
confidential deleted. Submit these documents via email or on a CD, if 
feasible. DOE will make its own determination about the confidential 
status of the information and treat it according to its determination.
    Factors of interest to DOE when evaluating requests to treat 
submitted information as confidential include: (1) A description of the 
items; (2) whether and why such items are customarily treated as 
confidential within the industry; (3) whether the information is 
generally known by or available from other sources; (4) whether the 
information has previously been made available to others without 
obligation concerning its confidentiality; (5) an explanation of the 
competitive injury to the submitting person which would result from 
public disclosure; (6) when such information might lose its 
confidential character due to the passage of time; and (7) why 
disclosure of the information would be contrary to the public interest.
    It is DOE's policy that all comments may be included in the public 
docket, without change and as received, including any personal 
information provided in the comments (except information deemed to be 
exempt from public disclosure).

VI. Approval of the Office of the Secretary

    The Secretary of Energy has approved publication of this 
supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking.

List of Subjects

10 CFR Part 429

    Administrative practice and procedure, Buildings and facilities, 
Business and industry, Energy conservation, Grant programs-energy, 
Housing, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Technical 
assistance.

10 CFR Part 430

    Administrative practice and procedure, Confidential business 
information, Energy conservation, Household appliances, Imports, 
Incorporation by reference, Intergovernmental relations, Small 
businesses.

    Issued in Washington, DC, on January 27, 2015.
Kathleen B. Hogan,
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency, Energy Efficiency and 
Renewable Energy.

    For the reasons stated in the preamble, DOE proposes to amend parts 
429 and 430 of Chapter II of Title 10, Code of Federal Regulations as 
set forth below:

PART 429--CERTIFICATION, COMPLIANCE, AND ENFORCEMENT FOR CONSUMER 
PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT

0
1. The authority citation for part 429 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 42 U.S.C. 6291-6317.

0
2. Section 429.36 is amended by:
0
a. Adding paragraphs (a)(3) and (a)(4); and
0
b. Revising paragraph (b)(2).
    The additions and revision read as follows:


Sec.  429.36  Dehumidifiers.

    (a) * * *
    (3) The value of capacity of a basic model reported in accordance 
with paragraph (b)(2) of this section shall be the mean of the measured 
capacities for each tested unit of the basic model. Round the mean 
capacity value to two decimal places.
    (4) For whole-home dehumidifiers, the value of case volume of a 
basic model reported in accordance with paragraph (b)(2) of this 
section shall be the mean of the measured case volumes for each tested 
unit of the basic model. Round the mean case volume value to one 
decimal place.
    (b) * * *
    (2) Pursuant to Sec.  429.12(b)(13), a certification report shall 
include the following public product-specific information: The energy 
factor in liters per kilowatt hour (liters/kWh), capacity in pints per 
day, and for whole-home dehumidifiers, case volume in cubic feet.
0
3. Section 429.134 is amended by:
0
a. Reserving paragraph (e); and
0
b. Adding paragraph (f) to read as follows:


Sec.  429.134  Product-specific enforcement provisions.

* * * * *
    (e) [Reserved]
    (f) Dehumidifiers. (1) Verification of capacity. The capacity of 
the basic model will be measured pursuant to the test requirements of 
part 430 for each unit tested. The results of the measurement(s) will 
be averaged and compared to the value of capacity certified by the 
manufacturer. The certified capacity will be considered valid only if 
the measurement is within five percent, or 1.00 pint per day, whichever 
is greater, of the certified capacity.
    (i) If the certified capacity is found to be valid, the certified 
capacity will be used as the basis for determining the minimum energy 
factor allowed for the basic model.

[[Page 6007]]

    (ii) If the certified capacity is found to be invalid, the average 
measured capacity of the units in the sample will be used as the basis 
for determining the minimum energy factor allowed for the basic model.
    (2) Verification of whole-home dehumidifier case volume. The case 
volume of the basic model will be measured pursuant to the test 
requirements of part 430 for each unit tested. The results of the 
measurement(s) will be averaged and compared to the value of case 
volume certified by the manufacturer. The certified case volume will be 
considered valid only if the measurement is within two percent, or 0.2 
cubic feet, whichever is greater, of the certified case volume.
    (i) If the certified case volume is found to be valid, the 
certified case volume will be used as the basis for determining the 
minimum energy factor allowed for the basic model.
    (ii) If the certified case volume is found to be invalid, the 
average measured case volume of the units in the sample will be used as 
the basis for determining the minimum energy factor allowed for the 
basic model.

PART 430--ENERGY CONSERVATION PROGRAM FOR CONSUMER PRODUCTS

0
4. The authority citation for part 430 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 42 U.S.C. 6291-6309; 28 U.S.C. 2461 note.

0
5. Section 430.2 is amended by
0
a. Revising the definition of ``Dehumidifier''; and
0
b. Adding the definitions for ``Portable dehumidifier'', ``Refrigerant-
desiccant dehumidifier'', and ``Whole-home dehumidifier'' in 
alphabetical order.
    The revisions and additions read as follows:


Sec.  430.2  Definitions.

* * * * *
    Dehumidifier means a product, other than a portable air 
conditioner, room air conditioner, or packaged terminal air 
conditioner, that is a self-contained, electrically operated, and 
mechanically encased assembly consisting of--
    (1) A refrigerated surface (evaporator) that condenses moisture 
from the atmosphere;
    (2) A refrigerating system, including an electric motor;
    (3) An air-circulating fan; and
    (4) A means for collecting or disposing of the condensate.
* * * * *
    Portable dehumidifier means a dehumidifier designed to operate 
within the dehumidified space without the attachment of additional 
ducting, although means may be provided for optional duct attachment.
* * * * *
    Refrigerant-desiccant dehumidifier means a whole-home dehumidifier 
that removes moisture from the process air by means of a desiccant 
material in addition to a refrigeration system.
* * * * *
    Whole-home dehumidifier means a dehumidifier designed to be 
installed with ducting to deliver return process air to its inlet and 
to supply dehumidified process air from its outlet to one or more 
locations in the dehumidified space.
0
6. Section 430.3 is amended by:
0
a. Redesignating paragraphs (f)(10) through (f)(12) as paragraphs 
(f)(12) through (f)(14), respectively;
0
b. Redesignating paragraphs (f)(6) through (f)(9) as paragraphs (f)(7) 
through (f)(10); and
0
c. Adding new paragraphs (f)(6) and (f)(11);
    The additions read as follows:


Sec.  430.3  Materials incorporated by reference.

* * * * *
    (f) * * *
    (6) ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 41.1-2013, Standard Method for Temperature 
Measurement, ASHRAE approved January 29, 2013, ANSI approved January 
30, 2013, IBR approved for appendix X1 to subpart B.
* * * * *
    (11) ANSI/ASHRAE 51-07/ANSI/AMCA 210-07, Laboratory Methods of 
Testing Fans for Certified Aerodynamic Performance Rating, AMCA 
approved July 28, 2006, ANSI approved August 17, 2007, ASHRAE approved 
March 17, 2008, IBR approved for appendix X1 to subpart B.
* * * * *
0
7. Section 430.23 is amended by revising paragraph (z) to read as 
follows:


Sec.  430.23  Test procedures for the measurement of energy and water 
consumption.

* * * * *
    (z) Dehumidifiers. When using appendix X, the capacity, expressed 
in pints per day (pints/day), and the energy factor, expressed in 
liters per kilowatt hour (L/kWh), shall be measured in accordance with 
section 4.1 of appendix X of this subpart. When using appendix X1, the 
capacity, expressed in pints/day, for dehumidifiers other than 
refrigerant-desiccant dehumidifiers and the energy factor, expressed in 
L/kWh, shall be measured in accordance with section 4.1.1.1 of appendix 
X1 of this subpart, and the integrated energy factor, expressed in L/
kWh, shall be determined according to section 5.3 of appendix X1 to 
this subpart. When using appendix X1, the capacity, expressed in pints/
day, for refrigerant-desiccant dehumidifiers shall be measured in 
accordance with section 5.4 of appendix X1 of this subpart and the case 
volume, expressed in cubic feet, for whole-home dehumidifiers shall be 
measured in accordance with section 5.5 of appendix X1 of this subpart.
* * * * *
0
8. Appendix X to subpart B of part 430 is amended:
0
a. By revising the note after the heading;
0
b. In section 2, Definitions, by revising section 2.3, redesignating 
sections 2.4 through 2.10 as sections 2.5 through 2.11, adding new 
section 2.4, and revising newly redesignated sections 2.7 and 2.10;
0
c. In section 3, Test Apparatus and General Instructions, by revising 
section 3.1 and adding sections 3.1.1 through 3.1.4;
0
d. In section 4, Test Measurement, by revising sections 4.1, 4.2.1, and 
4.2.2; and
0
e. In section 5, Calculation of Derived Results From Test Measurements, 
by revising sections 5.1 and 5.2;
    The additions and revisions read as follows:

Appendix X to Subpart B of Part 430--Uniform Test Method for Measuring 
the Energy Consumption of Dehumidifiers

    Note: After (date 180 days after the date of publication of the 
final rule in the Federal Register), any representations made with 
respect to the energy use or efficiency of portable dehumidifiers 
must be made in accordance with the results of testing pursuant to 
this appendix.
    Until (date 180 days after the publication of the final rule in 
the Federal Register), manufacturers must either test portable 
dehumidifiers in accordance with this appendix, or the previous 
version of this appendix as it appeared in the Code of Federal 
Regulations on January 1, 2015. Any representations made with 
respect to the energy use or efficiency of such dehumidifiers must 
be in accordance with whichever version is selected. DOE notes that, 
because testing under this appendix X must be completed as of (date 
180 days after publication of the final rule in the Federal 
Register), manufacturers may wish to begin using this test procedure 
immediately.
    Alternatively, manufacturers may certify compliance with any 
amended energy conservation standards prior to the compliance date 
of those amended energy conservation standards by testing in 
accordance with appendix X1. Any

[[Page 6008]]

representations made with respect to the energy use or efficiency of 
such portable dehumidifiers must be in accordance with whichever 
version is selected.
    Any representations made on or after the compliance date of any 
amended energy conservation standards, with respect to the energy 
use or efficiency of portable or whole-home dehumidifiers, must be 
made in accordance with the results of testing pursuant to appendix 
X1.
* * * * *

2. Definitions

* * * * *
    2.3 Combined low-power mode means the aggregate of available 
modes other than dehumidification mode.
    2.4 Dehumidification mode means an active mode in which a 
dehumidifier:
    (1) Has activated the main moisture removal function according 
to the humidistat, humidity sensor signal, or control setting; and
    (2) Has either activated the refrigeration system or activated 
the fan or blower without activation of the refrigeration system.
* * * * *
    2.7 Inactive mode means a standby mode that facilitates the 
activation of active mode by remote switch (including remote 
control), internal sensor other than humidistat or humidity sensor, 
or timer, or that provides continuous status display.
* * * * *
    2.10 Product capacity for dehumidifiers means a measure of the 
ability of the dehumidifier to remove moisture from its surrounding 
atmosphere, measured in pints collected per 24 hours of operation 
under the specified ambient conditions.
* * * * *

3. Test Apparatus and General Instructions

    3.1 Active mode. The test apparatus and instructions for testing 
dehumidifiers in dehumidification mode shall conform to the 
requirements specified in Section 3, ``Definitions,'' Section 4, 
``Instrumentation,'' and Section 5, ``Test Procedure,'' of ANSI/AHAM 
DH-1 (incorporated by reference, see Sec.  430.3), with the 
following exceptions.
    3.1.1 Psychrometer placement. The psychrometer shall be placed 
perpendicular to, and 1 ft. in front of, the center of the intake 
grille. For dehumidifiers with multiple intake grilles, a separate 
sampling tree shall be placed perpendicular to, and 1 ft. in front 
of, the center of each intake grille, with the samples combined and 
connected to a single psychrometer using a minimal length of 
insulated ducting. The psychrometer shall be used to monitor inlet 
conditions of one test unit only.
    3.1.2 Condensate collection. If means are provided on the 
dehumidifier for draining condensate away from the cabinet, the 
condensate shall be collected in a substantially closed vessel to 
prevent re-evaporation and shall be placed on the weight-measuring 
instrument. If no means for draining condensate away from the 
cabinet are provided, any automatic shutoff of dehumidification mode 
operation that is activated when the collection container is full 
shall be disabled and any overflow shall be collected in a pan. The 
pan shall be covered as much as possible to prevent re-evaporation 
without impeding the collection of overflow water. Both the 
dehumidifier and the overflow pan shall be placed on the weight-
measuring instrument for direct reading of the condensate weight 
during the test. Any internal pump shall not be used to drain the 
condensate into a substantially closed vessel unless such pump 
operation is provided for by default in dehumidification mode.
    3.1.3 Control settings. If the dehumidifier has a control 
setting for continuous operation in dehumidification mode, that 
setting shall be selected. Otherwise, the controls shall be set to 
the lowest available relative humidity level and, if the 
dehumidifier has a user-adjustable fan speed, the maximum fan speed 
setting shall be selected.
    3.1.4 Recording and rounding. Record measurements at the 
resolution of the test instrumentation. Round calculated values to 
the same number of significant digits as the previous step. Round 
the final capacity, energy factor and integrated energy factor 
values to two decimal places as follows:
    (i) A fractional number at or above the midpoint between two 
consecutive decimal places shall be rounded up to the higher of the 
two decimal places; and
    (ii) A fractional number below the midpoint between two 
consecutive decimal places shall be rounded down to the lower of the 
two decimal places.

4. Test Measurement

    4.1 Active mode. Measure the energy consumption in 
dehumidification mode, EDM, expressed in kilowatt-hours 
(kWh), the energy factor, expressed in liters per kilowatt-hour (L/
kWh), and product capacity, expressed in pints per day (pints/day), 
in accordance with the test requirements specified in Section 7, 
``Capacity Test and Energy Consumption Test,'' of ANSI/AHAM DH-1 
(incorporated by reference, see Sec.  430.3).
* * * * *
    4.2.1 If the dehumidifier has an inactive mode, as defined in 
section 2.7 of this appendix, but not an off mode, as defined in 
section 2.8 of this appendix, measure and record the average 
inactive mode power of the dehumidifier, PIA, in watts. 
Otherwise, if the dehumidifier has an off mode, as defined in 
section 2.8 of this appendix, measure and record the average off 
mode power of the dehumidifier, POM, in watts.
    4.2.2 If the dehumidifier has an off-cycle mode, as defined in 
section 2.9 of this appendix, measure and record the average off-
cycle mode power of the dehumidifier, POC, in watts.

5. Calculation of Derived Results From Test Measurements

    5.1 Annual combined low-power mode energy consumption. Calculate 
the annual combined low-power mode energy consumption for 
dehumidifiers, ETLP, expressed in kilowatt-hours per 
year, according to the following:

ETLP = [(PIO x SIO) + 
(POC x SOC)] x K

Where:

PIO = PIA, dehumidifier inactive mode power, 
or POM, dehumidifier off mode power in watts, as measured 
in section 4.2.1 of this appendix.
POC = dehumidifier off-cycle mode power in watts, as 
measured in section 4.2.2 of this appendix.
SIO = 1,840.5 dehumidifier inactive mode or off mode 
annual hours.
SOC = 1,840.5 dehumidifier off-cycle mode annual hours.
K = 0.001 kWh/Wh conversion factor for watt-hours to kilowatt-hours.

    5.2 Integrated energy factor. Calculate the integrated energy 
factor, IEF, expressed in liters per kilowatt-hour, rounded to two 
decimal places, according to the following:

IEF = LW/[EDM + ((ETLP/1095) x 6)]

Where:

LW = water removed from the air during the 6-hour 
dehumidification mode test in liters, as measured in section 4.1 of 
this appendix.
EDM = energy consumption during the 6-hour 
dehumidification mode test in kilowatt-hours, as measured in section 
4.1 of this appendix.
ETLP = annual combined low-power mode energy consumption 
in kilowatt-hours per year, as calculated in section 5.1 of this 
appendix.
1,095 = dehumidification mode annual hours, used to convert 
ETLP to combined low-power mode energy consumption per 
hour of dehumidification mode.
6 = hours per dehumidification mode test, used to convert combined 
low-power mode energy consumption per hour of dehumidification mode 
for integration with dehumidification mode energy consumption.

0
9. Appendix X1 is added to subpart B of part 430 to read as follows:

Appendix X1 to Subpart B of Part 430--Uniform Test Method for Measuring 
the Energy Consumption of Dehumidifiers

    Note: Manufacturers may certify compliance with any amended 
energy conservation standards prior to the compliance date of those 
amended energy conservation standards by testing in accordance with 
this appendix. Any representations made with respect to the energy 
use or efficiency of such portable dehumidifiers must be in 
accordance with whichever version is selected.
    Any representations made on or after the compliance date of any 
amended energy conservation standards, with respect to the energy 
use or efficiency of portable or whole-home dehumidifiers, must be 
made in accordance with the results of testing pursuant to this 
appendix.

1. Scope

    This appendix covers the test requirements used to measure the 
energy performance of dehumidifiers.

2. Definitions

    2.1 ANSI/AHAM DH-1 means the test standard published by the 
American National Standards Institute and the Association of Home 
Appliance Manufacturers, titled ``Dehumidifiers,'' ANSI/AHAM DH-1-
2008 (incorporated by reference; see Sec.  430.3).

[[Page 6009]]

    2.2 ANSI/AMCA 210 means the test standard published by ANSI, the 
American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning 
Engineers, and the Air Movement and Control Association 
International, Inc., titled ``Laboratory Methods of Testing Fans for 
Aerodynamic Performance Rating,'' ANSI/ASHRAE 51-07/ANSI/AMCA 210-07 
(incorporated by reference; see Sec.  430.3).
    2.3 ANSI/ASHRAE 37 means the test standard published by ANSI and 
ASHRAE titled ``Methods of Testing for Rating Electrically Driven 
Unitary Air-Conditioning and Heat Pump Equipment,'' ANSI/ASHRAE 37-
2009 (incorporated by reference; see Sec.  430.3).
    2.4 ANSI/ASHRAE 41.1 means the test standard published by ANSI 
and ASHRAE, titled ``Standard Method for Temperature Measurement,'' 
ANSI/ASHRAE 41.1-2013 (incorporated by reference; see Sec.  430.3).
    2.5 Active mode means a mode in which a dehumidifier is 
connected to a mains power source, has been activated, and is 
performing the main functions of removing moisture from air by 
drawing moist air over a refrigerated coil using a fan or 
circulating air through activation of the fan without activation of 
the refrigeration system.
    2.6 Combined low-power mode means the aggregate of available 
modes other than dehumidification mode.
    2.7 Dehumidification mode means an active mode in which a 
dehumidifier:
    (1) Has activated the main moisture removal function according 
to the humidistat, humidity sensor signal, or control setting; and
    (2) Has either activated the refrigeration system or activated 
the fan or blower without activation of the refrigeration system.
    2.8 Energy factor for dehumidifiers means a measure of energy 
efficiency of a dehumidifier calculated by dividing the water 
removed from the air by the energy consumed, measured in liters per 
kilowatt-hour (L/kWh).
    2.9 External static pressure (ESP) means the process air outlet 
static pressure minus the process air inlet static pressure, 
measured in inches of water column (in. w.c.).
    2.10 IEC 62301 means the test standard published by the 
International Electrotechnical Commission, titled ``Household 
electrical appliances--Measurement of standby power,'' Publication 
62301 (Edition 2.0 2011-01) (incorporated by reference; see Sec.  
430.3).
    2.11 Inactive mode means a standby mode that facilitates the 
activation of active mode by remote switch (including remote 
control), internal sensor other than humidistat or humidity sensor, 
or timer, or that provides continuous status display.
    2.12 Off-cycle mode means a mode in which the dehumidifier:
    (1) Has cycled off its main moisture removal function by 
humidistat or humidity sensor;
    (2) May or may not operate its fan or blower; and
    (3) Will reactivate the main moisture removal function according 
to the humidistat or humidity sensor signal.
    2.13 Off mode means a mode in which the dehumidifier is 
connected to a mains power source and is not providing any active 
mode or standby mode function, and where the mode may persist for an 
indefinite time. An indicator that only shows the user that the 
dehumidifier is in the off position is included within the 
classification of an off mode.
    2.14 Process air means the air supplied to the dehumidifier from 
the dehumidified space and discharged to the dehumidified space 
after some of the moisture has been removed by means of the 
refrigeration system.
    2.15 Product capacity for dehumidifiers means a measure of the 
ability of the dehumidifier to remove moisture from its surrounding 
atmosphere, measured in pints collected per 24 hours of operation 
under the specified ambient conditions.
    2.16 Product case volume for whole-home dehumidifiers means a 
measure of the rectangular volume that the product case occupies, 
exclusive of any duct attachment collars or other external 
components.
    2.17 Reactivation air means the air drawn from unconditioned 
space to remove moisture from the desiccant wheel of a refrigerant-
desiccant dehumidifier and discharged to unconditioned space.
    2.18 Standby mode means any modes where the dehumidifier is 
connected to a mains power source and offers one or more of the 
following user-oriented or protective functions which may persist 
for an indefinite time:
    (1) To facilitate the activation of other modes (including 
activation or deactivation of active mode) by remote switch 
(including remote control), internal sensor, or timer;
    (2) Continuous functions, including information or status 
displays (including clocks) or sensor-based functions. A timer is a 
continuous clock function (which may or may not be associated with a 
display) that provides regular scheduled tasks (e.g., switching) and 
that operates on a continuous basis.

3. Test Apparatus and General Instructions

    3.1 Active mode.
    3.1.1 Portable dehumidifiers and whole-home dehumidifiers other 
than refrigerant-desiccant dehumidifiers. The test apparatus and 
instructions for testing in dehumidification mode and off-cycle mode 
shall conform to the requirements specified in Section 3, 
``Definitions,'' Section 4, ``Instrumentation,'' and Section 5, 
``Test Procedure,'' of ANSI/AHAM DH-1 (incorporated by reference, 
see Sec.  430.3), with the following exceptions. Note that if a 
product is able to operate as both a portable and whole-home 
dehumidifier by means of installation or removal of an optional 
ducting kit, it shall be tested and rated for both configurations.
    3.1.1.1 Testing configuration for whole-home dehumidifiers other 
than refrigerant-desiccant dehumidifiers. Test dehumidifiers, other 
than refrigerant-desiccant dehumidifiers, with ducting attached to 
the process air outlet port. The duct configuration and component 
placement must conform to the requirements specified in section 
3.1.3 of this appendix and Figure 1 or Figure 3, except that the 
flow straightener and dry-bulb temperature and relative humidity 
instruments are not required. Maintain the external static pressure 
in the process air flow and measure the external static pressure as 
specified in section 3.1.2.2.3.1 of this appendix.
    3.1.1.2 Psychrometer placement. Place the psychrometer 
perpendicular to, and 1 ft. in front of, the center of the process 
air intake grille. For dehumidifiers with multiple process air 
intake grilles, place a separate sampling tree perpendicular to, and 
1 ft. in front of, the center of each process air intake grille, 
with the samples combined and connected to a single psychrometer 
using a minimal length of insulated ducting. The psychrometer shall 
be used to monitor inlet conditions of one test unit only.
    3.1.1.3 Condensate collection. If means are provided on the 
dehumidifier for draining condensate away from the cabinet, collect 
the condensate in a substantially closed vessel to prevent re-
evaporation and place the vessel on the weight-measuring instrument. 
If no means for draining condensate away from the cabinet are 
provided, disable any automatic shutoff of dehumidification mode 
operation that is activated when the collection container is full 
and collect any overflow in a pan. Cover the pan as much as possible 
to prevent re-evaporation without impeding the collection of 
overflow water. Place both the dehumidifier and the overflow pan on 
the weight-measuring instrument for direct reading of the condensate 
weight collected during the rating test. Do not use any internal 
pump to drain the condensate into a substantially closed vessel 
unless such pump operation is provided for by default in 
dehumidification mode.
    3.1.1.4 Control settings. If the dehumidifier has a control 
setting for continuous operation in dehumidification mode, select 
that control setting. Otherwise, set the controls to the lowest 
available relative humidity level, and if the dehumidifier has a 
user-adjustable fan speed, select the maximum fan speed setting.
    3.1.1.5 Run-in period. Perform a single run-in period during 
which the compressor operates continuously for at least 24 hours 
prior to dehumidification mode testing.
    3.1.2 Refrigerant-desiccant dehumidifiers. The test apparatus 
and instructions for testing refrigerant-desiccant dehumidifiers in 
dehumidification mode shall conform to the requirements specified in 
Section 3, ``Definitions,'' Section 4, ``Instrumentation,'' and 
Section 5, ``Test Procedure,'' of ANSI/AHAM DH-1 (incorporated by 
reference, see Sec.  430.3), except as follows.
    3.1.2.1 Testing configuration. Test refrigerant-desiccant 
dehumidifiers with ducting attached to the process air inlet and 
outlet ports and the reactivation air inlet port. The duct 
configuration and components shall conform to the requirements 
specified in section 3.1.3 of this appendix and Figure 1 through 
Figure 3. Install a cell-type airflow straightener that conforms to 
the specifications in Section 5.2.1.6, ``Airflow straightener'', and 
Figure 6A, ``Flow Straightener--Cell Type'', of ANSI/AMCA 210 
(incorporated by reference, see Sec.  430.3)

[[Page 6010]]

in each duct consistent with Figure 1 through Figure 3.
    3.1.2.2 Instrumentation.
    3.1.2.2.1 Temperature. Install dry-bulb temperature sensors in a 
grid centered in the duct, with the plane of the grid perpendicular 
to the axis of the duct. Determine the number and locations of the 
sensors within the grid according to Section 5.3.5, ``Centers of 
Segments--Grids,'' of ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 41.1 (incorporated by 
reference, see Sec.  430.3).
    3.1.2.2.2 Relative humidity. Measure relative humidity with a 
duct-mounted, relative humidity sensor with an accuracy within 
1 percent relative humidity. Place the relative humidity 
sensor at the duct centerline within 1 inch of the dry-bulb 
temperature grid plane.
    3.1.2.2.3 Pressure. The pressure instruments used to measure the 
external static pressure and velocity pressures must have an 
accuracy within 0.01 in. w.c. and a resolution of no 
more than 0.01 in. w.c.
    3.1.2.2.3.1 External static pressure. Measure static pressures 
in each duct using pitot-static tube traverses that conform with the 
specifications in Section 4.3.1, ``Pitot Traverse,'' of ANSI/AMCA 
210 (incorporated by reference, see Sec.  430.3), with pitot-static 
tubes that conform with the specifications in Section 4.2.2, 
``Pitot-Static Tube,'' of ANSI/AMCA 210, except that only two 
intersecting and perpendicular rows of pitot-static tube traverses 
shall be used. Record the static pressure within the test duct as 
measured at the pressure tap in the manifold of the traverses that 
averages the individual static pressures at each pitot-static tube. 
Calculate duct pressure losses between the unit under test and the 
plane of each static pressure measurement in accordance with section 
7.5.2, ``Pressure Losses,'' of ANSI/AMCA 210. The external static 
pressure is the difference between the measured inlet and outlet 
static pressure measurements, minus the sum of the inlet and outlet 
duct pressure losses. For any port with no duct attached, use a 
static pressure of 0.00 in. w.c. with no duct pressure loss in the 
calculation of external static pressure. During dehumidification 
mode testing, the external static pressure must equal 0.25 in. w.c. 
 0.02 in. w.c.
    3.1.2.2.3.2 Velocity pressure. Measure velocity pressures using 
the same pitot traverses as used for measuring external static 
pressure, and which are specified in section 3.1.2.2.3.1 of this 
appendix. Determine velocity pressures at each pitot-static tube in 
a traverse as the difference between the pressure at the impact 
pressure tap and the pressure at the static pressure tap. Calculate 
volumetric flow rates in each duct in accordance with Section 7.3.1, 
``Velocity Traverse,'' of ANSI/AMCA 210 (incorporated by reference, 
see Sec.  430.3).
    3.1.2.2.4 Weight. No weight-measuring instruments are required.
    3.1.2.3 Control settings. If the dehumidifier has a control 
setting for continuous operation in dehumidification mode, select 
that control setting. Otherwise, set the controls to the lowest 
available relative humidity level, and if the dehumidifier has a 
user-adjustable fan speed, select the maximum fan speed setting.
    3.1.2.4  Run-in period. Perform a single run-in period during 
which the compressor operates continuously for at least 24 hours 
before dehumidification mode testing.
    3.1.3 Ducting for whole-home dehumidifiers. Cover and seal with 
tape any port designed for intake of air from outside or 
unconditioned space, other than for supplying reactivation air for 
refrigerant-desiccant dehumidifiers. Use only ducting constructed of 
galvanized mild steel and with a 10-inch diameter. Position inlet 
and outlet ducts either horizontally or vertically to accommodate 
the default dehumidifier port orientation. Install all ducts with 
the axis of the section interfacing with the dehumidifier 
perpendicular to plane of the collar to which each is attached. If 
manufacturer-recommended collars do not measure 10 inches in 
diameter, use transitional pieces to connect the ducts to the 
collars. The transitional pieces must not contain any converging 
element that forms an angle with the duct axis greater than 7.5 
degrees or a diverging element that forms an angle with the duct 
axis greater than 3.5 degrees. Install mechanical throttling devices 
in each outlet duct consistent with Figure 1 and Figure 3 to adjust 
the external static pressure and in the inlet reactivation air duct 
for a refrigerant-desiccant dehumidifier. Cover the ducts with 
thermal insulation having a minimum R value of 6 h-ft \2\-[deg]F/Btu 
(1.1 m \2\-K/W). Seal seams and edges with tape.
BILLING CODE 6450-01-P

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BILLING CODE 6450-01-C
    3.1.4 Recording and rounding. When testing either a portable 
dehumidifier or a whole-home dehumidifier, record measurements at 
the resolution of the test instrumentation. Record measurements for 
portable dehumidifiers and whole-home dehumidifiers other than 
refrigerant-desiccant dehumidifiers at intervals no greater than 10 
minutes. Record measurements for refrigerant-desiccant dehumidifiers 
at intervals no greater than 1 minute. Round off calculations to the 
same number of significant digits as the previous step. Round the 
final product capacity, energy factor and integrated energy factor 
values to two decimal places, and for whole-home dehumidifiers, 
round the final product case volume to one decimal place, as 
follows:
    (i) A fractional number at or above the midpoint between two 
consecutive decimal places shall be rounded up to the higher of the 
two decimal places; and
    (ii) A fractional number below the midpoint between two 
consecutive decimal places shall be rounded down to the lower of the 
two decimal places.
    3.2 Inactive mode and off mode.
    3.2.1 Installation requirements. For the inactive mode and off 
mode testing, install the dehumidifier in accordance with Section 5, 
Paragraph 5.2 of IEC 62301 (incorporated by reference, see Sec.  
430.3), disregarding the provisions regarding batteries and the 
determination, classification, and testing of relevant modes.
    3.2.2 Electrical energy supply.
    3.2.2.1 Electrical supply. For the inactive mode and off mode 
testing, maintain the electrical supply voltage and frequency 
indicated in Section 7.1.3, ``Standard Test Voltage,'' of ANSI/AHAM 
DH-1 (incorporated by reference, see Sec.  430.3). The electrical 
supply frequency shall be maintained 1 percent.
    3.2.2.2 Supply voltage waveform. For the inactive mode and off 
mode testing, maintain the electrical supply voltage waveform 
indicated in Section 4, Paragraph 4.3.2 of IEC 62301 (incorporated 
by reference, see Sec.  430.3).
    3.2.3 Inactive mode, off mode, and off-cycle mode wattmeter. The 
wattmeter used to measure inactive mode, off mode, and off-cycle 
mode power consumption must meet the requirements specified in 
Section 4, Paragraph 4.4 of IEC 62301 (incorporated by reference, 
see Sec.  430.3).
    3.2.4 Inactive mode and off mode ambient temperature. For 
inactive mode and off mode testing, maintain room ambient air 
temperature conditions as specified in Section 4, Paragraph 4.2 of 
IEC 62301 (incorporated by reference, see Sec.  430.3).

[[Page 6014]]

    3.3 Case dimensions for whole-home dehumidifiers. Measure case 
dimensions using equipment with a resolution of no more than 0.1 in.

4. Test Measurement

    4.1 Dehumidification mode.
    4.1.1 Portable dehumidifiers and whole-home dehumidifiers other 
than refrigerant-desiccant dehumidifiers. Establish the testing 
conditions set forth in section 3.1.1 of this appendix and measure 
the energy consumption in dehumidification mode, EDM, 
expressed in kilowatt-hours (kWh), the average relative humidity, 
Ht, using the tables provided below, and the product 
capacity, Ct, expressed in pints per day (pints/day), in 
accordance with the test requirements specified in Section 7, 
``Capacity Test and Energy Consumption Test,'' of ANSI/AHAM DH-1 
(incorporated by reference, see Sec.  430.3), except that the 
standard test conditions for portable dehumidifiers must be 
maintained at 65 [deg]F  2.0 [deg]F dry-bulb temperature 
and 56.6 [deg]F  1.0 [deg]F wet-bulb temperature, and 
for whole-home dehumidifiers must be maintained at 73 [deg]F  2.0 [deg]F dry-bulb temperature and 63.6 [deg]F  
1.0 [deg]F wet-bulb temperature. Position the psychrometer as 
specified in section 3.1.1.2 of this appendix.
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    4.1.2 Refrigerant-desiccant dehumidifiers. Establish the testing 
conditions set forth in section 3.1.2 of this appendix. Measure the 
energy consumption, EDM, expressed in kWh, in accordance 
with the test requirements specified in Section 7, ``Capacity Test 
and Energy Consumption Test,'' of ANSI/AHAM DH-1 (incorporated by 
reference, see Sec.  430.3), except that: (1) The standard test 
conditions at the air entering the process air inlet duct and the 
reactivation air inlet must be maintained at 73 [deg]F  
2.0 [deg]F dry-bulb temperature and 63.6 [deg]F  1.0 
[deg]F wet-bulb temperature; (2) the instructions for psychrometer 
placement do not apply; (3) the data recorded must include dry-bulb 
temperatures, relative humidities, static pressures, velocity 
pressures in each duct, volumetric air flow rates, and the number of 
samples in the test period; (4) the condensate collected during the 
test need not be weighed; and (5) the calculations in Section 7.2.2, 
``Energy Factor Calculation,'' of ANSI/AHAM DH-1 need not be 
performed. To perform the calculations in Section 7.1.7, 
``Calculation of Test Results,'' of ANSI/AHAM DH-1: (1) Replace 
``Condensate collected (lb)'' and ``mlb'', with the 
weight of condensate removed, W, as calculated in section 5.6 of 
this appendix; and (2) use the tables in section 4.1.1 of this 
appendix for determining average relative humidity.
    4.2 Off-cycle mode. Establish the test conditions specified in 
section 3.1.1 of this appendix, but use the wattmeter specified in 
section 3.2.3 of this appendix. Begin the off-cycle mode test period 
immediately following the dehumidification mode test period. Adjust 
the setpoint higher than the ambient relative humidity to ensure the 
product will not enter dehumidification mode and begin the test when 
the compressor cycles off due to the change in setpoint. The off-
cycle mode test period shall be 2 hours in duration, during which 
the power consumption is recorded at the same intervals as recorded 
for dehumidification mode testing. Measure and record the average 
off-cycle mode power of the dehumidifier, POC, in watts.
    4.3 Inactive and off mode. Establish the testing conditions set 
forth in section 3.2 of this appendix, ensuring that the 
dehumidifier does not enter active mode during the test. For 
dehumidifiers that take some time to enter a stable state from a 
higher power state, as discussed in Section 5, Paragraph 5.1, Note 1 
of IEC 62301 (incorporated by reference; see Sec.  430.3), allow 
sufficient time for the dehumidifier to reach the lower power state 
before proceeding with the test measurement. Follow the test 
procedure specified in Section 5, Paragraph 5.3.2 of IEC 62301 for 
testing in each possible mode as described in sections 4.3.1 and 
4.3.2 of this appendix.
    4.3.1 If the dehumidifier has an inactive mode, as defined in 
section 2.11 of this appendix, but not an off mode, as defined in 
section 2.12 of this appendix, measure and record the average 
inactive mode power of the dehumidifier, PIA, in watts.
    4.3.2 If the dehumidifier has an off mode, as defined in section 
2.12 of this appendix, measure and record the average off mode power 
of the dehumidifier, POM, in watts.
    4.4 Product case volume for whole-home dehumidifiers. Measure 
the maximum case length, DL, in inches, the maximum case 
width, DW, in inches, and the maximum height, 
DH, in inches, exclusive of any duct collar attachments 
or other external components.

5. Calculation of Derived Results From Test Measurements

    5.1 Corrected relative humidity. Calculate the average relative 
humidity, for portable and whole-home dehumidifiers, corrected for 
barometric pressure variations as:

Hc,p = Ht x [1 + 0.0083 x (29.921 - B)]
Hc,wh = Ht x [1 + 0.0072 x (29.921 -B)]

Where:
Hc,p = portable dehumidifier average relative humidity from the test 
data in percent, corrected to the standard barometric pressure of 
29.921 in. mercury (Hg);
Hc,wh = whole-home dehumidifier average relative humidity from the 
test data in percent, corrected to the standard barometric pressure 
of 29.921 in. Hg;
Ht = average relative humidity from the test data in percent; and
B = average barometric pressure during the test period in in. Hg.

    5.2 Corrected product capacity. Calculate the product capacity, 
for portable and whole-home dehumidifiers, corrected for variations 
in temperature and relative humidity as:


[[Page 6015]]


Cr,p = Ct + 0.0352 x Ct x (65 - Tt) + 0.0169 x Ct (60 - Hc,p)
Cr,wh = Ct + 0.0034 x Ct x (73 - Tt) + 0.017 x Ct x (60 - Hc,wh

Where:

Cr,p = portable dehumidifiers product capacity in pints/
day, corrected to standard rating conditions of 65 [deg]F dry-bulb 
temperature and 60 percent relative humidity;
Cr,wh = whole-home dehumidifier product capacity in 
pints/day, corrected to standard rating conditions of 73 [deg]F dry-
bulb temperature and 60 percent relative humidity;
Ct = product capacity determined from test data in pints/
day;
Tt = average dry-bulb temperature during the test period 
in [deg]F;
HC,p = portable dehumidifier corrected relative humidity 
in percent, as determined in section 5.1 of this appendix; and
HC,wh = whole-home dehumidifier corrected relative 
humidity in percent, as determined in section 5.1 of this appendix.

    5.3 Annual combined low-power mode energy consumption. Calculate 
the annual combined low-power mode energy consumption for 
dehumidifiers, ETLP, expressed in kWh per year:

ETLP = [(PIO x SIO) + 
(POC x SOC)] x K

Where:
    PIO = PIA, dehumidifier inactive mode 
power, or POM, dehumidifier off mode power in watts, as 
measured in section 4.3 of this appendix;
POC = dehumidifier off-cycle mode power in watts, as 
measured in section 4.2 of this appendix;
SIO = 1,840.5 dehumidifier inactive mode or off mode 
annual hours;
SOC = 1,840.5 dehumidifier off-cycle mode annual hours; 
and
K = 0.001 kWh/Wh conversion factor for watt-hours to kWh.

    5.4 Integrated energy factor. Calculate the integrated energy 
factor, IEF, expressed in L/kWh, rounded to two decimal places, 
according to the following:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP04FE15.196

Where:

Cr = corrected product capacity in pints per day, as 
determined in section 5.2 of this appendix;
t = test duration in hours;
LW = water removed from the air during the 6-hour 
dehumidification mode test in liters, as measured in section 4.1.1 
of this appendix;
EDM = energy consumption during the 6-hour 
dehumidification mode test in kWh, as measured in section 4.1.1 of 
this appendix;
ETLP = annual combined low-power mode energy consumption 
in kWh per year, as calculated in section 5.3 of this appendix;
1,095 = dehumidification mode annual hours, used to convert 
ETLP to combined low-power mode energy consumption per 
hour of dehumidification mode;
6 = hours per dehumidification mode test, used to convert annual 
combined low-power mode energy consumption per hour of 
dehumidification mode for integration with dehumidification mode 
energy consumption;
1.04 = the density of water in pounds per pint; and
24 = the number of hours per day.

    5.5 Absolute humidity for refrigerant-desiccant dehumidifiers. 
Calculate the absolute humidity of the air entering and leaving the 
refrigerant-desiccant dehumidifier in the process air stream, 
expressed in pounds of water per cubic foot of air, according to the 
following set of equations.
    5.5.1 Temperature in Kelvin. The air dry-bulb temperature, in 
Kelvin, is:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP04FE15.197

Where:

TF = the measured dry-bulb temperature of the air in 
[deg]F.

    5.5.2 Water saturation pressure. The water saturation pressure, 
expressed in kilopascals (kPa), is:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP04FE15.198

Where:

    TK = the calculated dry-bulb temperature of the air 
in K, calculated in section 5.5.1 of this appendix.

    5.5.3 Vapor pressure. The water vapor pressure, expressed in 
kilopascals (kPa), is:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP04FE15.199

Where:

RH = percent relative humidity during the rating test period; and
Pws = water vapor saturation pressure in kPa, calculated 
in section 5.5.2 of this appendix.
    5.5.4 Mixing humidity ratio. The mixing humidity ratio, the mass 
of water per mass of dry air, is:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP04FE15.200

Where:

Pw = water vapor pressure in kPa, calculated in section 
5.5.3 of this appendix;
P = measured ambient barometric pressure in in. Hg;
3.386 = the conversion factor from in. Hg to kPa; and
0.62198 = the ratio of the molecular weight of water to the 
molecular weight of dry air.

    5.5.5 Specific volume. The specific volume, expressed in feet 
cubed per pounds of dry air, is:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP04FE15.201

Where:

TK = dry-bulb temperature of the air in K, as calculated 
in section 5.5.1 of this appendix;
P = measured ambient barometric pressure in in. Hg;
Pw = water vapor pressure in kPa, calculated in section 
5.5.3 of this appendix;
0.287055 = the specific gas constant for dry air in kPa times cubic 
meter per kg per K;
3.386 = the conversion factor from in. Hg to kPa; and
16.016 = the conversion factor from cubic meters per kilogram to 
cubic feet per pound.
    5.5.6 Absolute humidity. The absolute humidity, expressed in 
pounds of water per cubic foot of air, is:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP04FE15.202

Where:

HR = the mixing humidity ratio, the mass of water per mass of dry 
air, as calculated in section 5.5.4 of this appendix; and
v = the specific volume in cubic feet per pound of dry air, as 
calculated in section 5.5.5 of this appendix.

    5.6 Product capacity for refrigerant-desiccant dehumidifiers. 
The weight of water removed during the test period, W, expressed in 
pounds, and capacity, Ct, expressed in pints/day, is:

[[Page 6016]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP04FE15.203

Where:

n = number of samples during the test period in section 4.1.1.2 of 
this appendix;
AHI,i = absolute humidity of the process air on the inlet 
side of the unit in pounds of water per cubic foot of dry air, as 
calculated for sample i in section 5.5.6 of this appendix;
XI,i = volumetric flow rate of the process air on the 
inlet side of the unit in cubic feet per minute, measured for sample 
i in section 4.1.1.2 of this appendix. Calculate the volumetric flow 
rate in accordance with Section 7.3, ``Fan airflow rate at test 
conditions,'' of ANSI/AMCA 210 (incorporated by reference, see Sec.  
430.3);
AHO,i = absolute humidity of the process air on the 
outlet side of the unit in pounds of water per cubic foot of dry 
air, as calculated for sample i in section 5.5.6 of this appendix;
XO,i = volumetric flow rate of the process air on the 
outlet side of the unit in cubic feet per minute, measured for 
sample i in section 4.1.1.2 of this appendix. Calculate the 
volumetric flow rate in accordance with Section 7.3, ``Fan airflow 
rate at test conditions,'' of ANSI/AMCA 210; and
t = time interval in seconds between samples, with a maximum of 60; 
and
60 = conversion from minutes to seconds.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP04FE15.204

Where:

24 = number of hours per day;
1.04 = density of water in pounds per pint; and
T = total test period time in hours.
    Then correct the product capacity, Cr,wh, according 
to section 5.2 of this appendix.
    5.7 Product case volume for whole-home dehumidifiers. The 
product case volume, V, in cubic feet, is:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP04FE15.205

Where:

DL = product case length in inches, measured in section 
4.4 of this appendix;
DW = product case width in inches, measured in section 
4.4 of this appendix;
DH = product case height in inches, measured in section 
4.4 of this appendix; and
1,728 = conversion from cubic inches to cubic feet.

[FR Doc. 2015-02204 Filed 2-3-15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6450-01-P