Energy Conservation Program: Test Procedure for Battery Chargers, 26369-26374 [2020-08852]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 86 (Monday, May 4, 2020)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 26369-26374]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-08852]


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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. 85, No. 86 / Monday, May 4, 2020 / Proposed 
Rules

[[Page 26369]]



DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

10 CFR Part 430

[EERE-2020-BT-TP-0012]


Energy Conservation Program: Test Procedure for Battery Chargers

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

ACTION: Request for information.

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SUMMARY: The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is initiating a data 
collection process through this request for information (RFI) to 
consider whether to amend DOE's test procedure for battery chargers. As 
part of this request, DOE seeks comment and data on whether there have 
been changes in product testing methodology or new products on the 
market since the last test procedure update that may necessitate 
amending the test procedure for battery chargers. To inform interested 
parties and to facilitate this process, DOE has also gathered data, 
identifying several issues described in detail in this document that 
are associated with the currently applicable test procedures on which 
DOE is interested in receiving comment. DOE welcomes written comments 
from the public on any subject within the scope of this document 
(including topics not raised in this request), as well as the 
submission of data and other relevant information.

DATES: Written comments and information will be accepted on or before 
June 3, 2020.

ADDRESSES: Interested persons are encouraged to submit comments using 
the Federal eRulemaking Portal at https://www.regulations.gov. Follow 
the instructions for submitting comments. Alternatively, interested 
persons may submit comments, identified by docket number EERE-2020-BT-
TP-0012, by any of the following methods:
    1. Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov. Follow 
the instructions for submitting comments.
    2. Email: To [email protected]. Include docket 
number EERE-2020-BT-TP-0012 in the subject line of the message.
    3. Postal Mail: Appliance and Equipment Standards Program, U.S. 
Department of Energy, Building Technologies Office, Mailstop EE-5B, 
1000 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20585-0121. Telephone: 
(202) 287-1445. If possible, please submit all items on a compact disc 
(``CD''), in which case it is not necessary to include printed copies.
    4. Hand Delivery/Courier: Appliance and Equipment Standards 
Program, U.S. Department of Energy, Building Technologies Office, 950 
L'Enfant Plaza SW, Suite 600, Washington, DC 20024. Telephone: (202) 
287-1445. If possible, please submit all items on a CD, in which case 
it is not necessary to include printed copies.
    No telefacsimilies (``faxes'') will be accepted. For detailed 
instructions on submitting comments and additional information on this 
process, see section III of this document.
    Docket: The docket for this activity, which includes Federal 
Register notices, comments, and other supporting documents/materials, 
is available for review at https://www.regulations.gov. All documents in 
the docket are listed in the https://www.regulations.gov index. However, 
some documents listed in the index, such as those containing 
information that is exempt from public disclosure, may not be publicly 
available.
    The docket web page can be found at https://www.regulations.gov/docket?D=EERE-2020-BT-TP-0012. The docket web page contains 
instructions on how to access all documents, including public comments, 
in the docket. See section III for information on how to submit 
comments through https://www.regulations.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: 
    Mr. Jeremy Dommu, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy 
Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Building Technologies Office, EE-2J, 
1000 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20585-0121. Telephone: 
(202) 586-9870. Email: [email protected].
    Mr. Michael Kido, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of the General 
Counsel, GC-33, 1000 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20585-0121. 
Telephone: (202) 586-8145. Email: [email protected].
    For further information on how to submit a comment or review other 
public comments and the docket, contact the Appliance and Equipment 
Standards Program staff at (202) 287-1445 or by email: 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Table of Contents

I. Introduction
    A. Authority and Background
    B. Rulemaking History
II. Request for Information
    A. Scope and Definitions
    1. Battery Chargers
    2. Wireless Chargers
    B. Test Procedure
    1. Battery Chargers Requiring External Low Voltage Power
    2. End of Discharge Voltage
    3. Battery Charger Usage Profile
    4. Battery Selection
    C. Other Test Procedure Topics
    1. Test Procedure Waivers
    2. Other Topics
III. Submission of Comments

I. Introduction

    Battery chargers are included among the consumer products and 
industrial equipment for which the U.S. Department of Energy (``DOE'') 
is authorized to establish and amend test procedures and energy 
conservation standards. (42 U.S.C. 6295(u)) DOE's test procedures for 
battery chargers are prescribed at title 10 of the Code of Federal 
Regulations (``CFR'') part 430, subpart B, appendix Y, Uniform Test 
Method for Measuring the Energy Consumption of Battery Chargers 
(``Appendix Y''). The following sections discuss DOE's authority to 
establish and amend test procedures for battery chargers, as well as 
relevant background information regarding DOE's consideration of test 
procedures for this product.

A. Authority and Background

    The Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975, as amended 
(``EPCA''), \1\ authorizes, among other things, DOE to regulate the 
energy efficiency of a

[[Page 26370]]

number of consumer products and certain industrial equipment. (42 
U.S.C. 6291-6317) Title III, Part B \2\ of EPCA established the Energy 
Conservation Program for Consumer Products Other Than Automobiles, 
which sets forth a variety of provisions designed to improve energy 
efficiency. These products include battery chargers, the subject of 
this Request for Information (``RFI''). (42 U.S.C. 6295(u))
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    \1\ All references to EPCA in this document refer to the statute 
as amended through America's Water Infrastructure Act of 2018, 
Public Law 115-270 (October 23, 2018).
    \2\ For editorial reasons, upon codification in the U.S. Code, 
Part B was redesignated Part A.
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    The energy conservation program under EPCA consists essentially of 
four parts: (1) Testing, (2) labeling, (3) Federal energy conservation 
standards, and (4) certification and enforcement procedures. Relevant 
provisions of EPCA specifically include definitions (42 U.S.C. 6291), 
test procedures (42 U.S.C. 6293), labeling provisions (42 U.S.C. 6294), 
energy conservation standards (42 U.S.C. 6295), and the authority to 
require information and reports from manufacturers (42 U.S.C. 6296).
    Federal energy efficiency requirements for covered products 
established under EPCA generally supersede State laws and regulations 
concerning energy conservation testing, labeling, and standards. (42 
U.S.C. 6297) DOE may, however, grant waivers of Federal preemption for 
particular State laws or regulations, in accordance with the procedures 
and other provisions of EPCA. (42 U.S.C. 6297(d))
    The Federal 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 pursuant to EPCA (42 U.S.C. 6295(s)), 
and (2) making representations about the efficiency of those consumer 
products (42 U.S.C. 6293(c)). Similarly, DOE must use these test 
procedures to determine whether the products comply with relevant 
standards promulgated under EPCA. (42 U.S.C. 6295(s))
    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 requires that any test procedures prescribed or 
amended under this section be reasonably designed to produce test 
results which 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 not be unduly burdensome to conduct. (42 
U.S.C. 6293(b)(3))
    In addition, EPCA requires that DOE amend its test procedures for 
all covered products to integrate measures of standby mode and off mode 
energy consumption into the overall energy efficiency, energy 
consumption, or other energy descriptor, taking into consideration the 
most current versions of Standards 62301 and 62087 of the International 
Electrotechnical Commission (``IEC''), unless the current test 
procedure already incorporates the standby mode and off mode energy 
consumption, or if such integration is technically infeasible. (42 
U.S.C. 6295(gg)(2)(A)) If an integrated test procedure is technically 
infeasible, DOE must prescribe separate standby mode and off mode 
energy use test procedures for the covered product, if a separate test 
is technically feasible. (Id.)
    EPCA also requires that, at least once every 7 years, DOE evaluate 
test procedures for each type of covered product, including battery 
chargers, to determine whether amended test procedures would more 
accurately or fully comply with the requirements for the test 
procedures to not be unduly burdensome to conduct and be reasonably 
designed to produce test results that reflect energy efficiency, energy 
use, and estimated operating costs during a representative average use 
cycle or period of use. (42 U.S.C. 6293(b)(1)(A)) If the Secretary 
determines, on his own behalf or in response to a petition by any 
interested person, that a test procedure should be prescribed or 
amended, the Secretary shall promptly publish in the Federal Register 
proposed test procedures and afford interested persons an opportunity 
to present oral and written data, views, and arguments with respect to 
such procedures. The comment period on a proposed rule to amend a test 
procedure shall be at least 60 days and may not exceed 270 days. In 
prescribing or amending a test procedure, the Secretary shall take into 
account such information as the Secretary determines relevant to such 
procedure, including technological developments relating to energy use 
or energy efficiency of the type (or class) of covered products 
involved. (42 U.S.C. 6293(b)(2)). If DOE determines that test procedure 
revisions are not appropriate, DOE must publish its determination not 
to amend the test procedures. DOE is publishing this RFI to collect 
data and information to inform its decision in satisfaction of the 7-
year review requirement specified in EPCA. (42 U.S.C. 6293(b)(1)(A))

B. Rulemaking History

    On December 8, 2006, in response to amendments to EPCA made by the 
Energy Policy Act of 2005 (Pub. L. 109-58 (August 8, 2005)) DOE 
published a final rule that prescribed test procedures for a variety of 
products. 71 FR 71340 (``December 2006 Final Rule''). As part of the 
December 2006 Final Rule, DOE established definitions and test 
procedures for battery chargers. Id.
    On March 27, 2009, DOE published a final rule incorporating standby 
and off mode measurements into the DOE test procedures for battery 
chargers. 74 FR 13318, 13334-13336. On June 1, 2011, DOE published a 
final rule that again amended the test procedures for battery chargers 
by inserting a new test procedure to measure the energy consumption of 
battery chargers in active mode to assist in the development of energy 
conservation standards and amending the battery charger test procedure 
to decrease the testing time of battery chargers in standby and off 
modes. 76 FR 31750 (``June 2011 Final Rule'').
    DOE again amended the battery charger test procedures in a final 
rule published on May 20, 2016. 81 FR 31827 (``May 2016 Final Rule''). 
The May 2016 Final Rule harmonized the battery charger test procedure 
with the latest version of the IEC 62301 standard by providing specific 
resolution and measurement tolerances; amended the battery selection 
criteria for multi-voltage and multi-capacity battery chargers to limit 
the number of batteries selected for testing to one; defined and 
excluded backup battery chargers embedded in continuous use devices 
from being required to be tested under the battery charger test 
procedure; allowed lead acid batteries to be conditioned prior to 
testing; added product-specific certification reporting requirements to 
10 CFR 429.39(b); and corrected several cross-reference and 
typographical errors. Id.

II. Request for Information

    As an initial matter, DOE seeks comment on whether there have been 
changes in product testing methodology or new products on the market 
since the last test procedure update that may necessitate amendments to 
the test procedure for battery chargers. Specifically, DOE seeks data 
and information pertinent to whether amended test procedures would more 
accurately or fully comply with the requirement that they be reasonably 
designed to produce results that measure energy use of battery chargers 
during a representative average use cycle or period of use and not be 
unduly burdensome to conduct. DOE also seeks information on whether an 
existing private-sector developed test procedure

[[Page 26371]]

would produce such results and should be adopted by DOE rather than DOE 
establishing its own test procedure, either entirely or by adopting 
only certain provisions of one or more private-sector developed tests.
    In the following sections, DOE has also identified a variety of 
issues on which it seeks input to aid in the development of the 
technical and economic analyses regarding whether amended test 
procedures for battery chargers would more accurately or fully comply 
with the requirements in EPCA that test procedures: (1) Be reasonably 
designed to produce test results reflecting energy use during a 
representative average use cycle or period of use of the covered 
product at issue, and (2) not be unduly burdensome to conduct. (42 
U.S.C. 6293(b)(3))
    Further, DOE issued an RFI to seek more information on whether its 
test procedures are reasonably designed, as required by EPCA, to 
produce results that measure the energy use or efficiency of a product 
during a representative average use cycle or period of use. 84 FR 9721 
(March 18, 2019). DOE seeks comment on this issue as it pertains to the 
test procedure for battery chargers.
    Additionally, DOE welcomes comments on other issues relevant to the 
conduct of this process. In particular, DOE notes that under Executive 
Order 13771, ``Reducing Regulation and Controlling Regulatory Costs,'' 
Executive Branch agencies such as DOE are directed to manage the costs 
associated with the imposition of expenditures required to comply with 
Federal regulations. See 82 FR 9339 (February 3, 2017). Consistent with 
that Executive Order, DOE encourages the public to provide input on 
measures DOE could take to lower the cost of its regulations applicable 
to battery chargers consistent with the requirements of EPCA.

A. Scope and Definitions

1. Battery Chargers
    A battery charger is a device that charges batteries for consumer 
products, including battery chargers embedded in other consumer 
products. 10 CFR 430.2. (See also 42 U.S.C. 6291(32)) Functionally, a 
battery charger is a power conversion device used to transform input 
voltage to a suitable voltage for charging batteries used to power 
consumer products, such as cell phones and digital cameras. As stated 
in the definition, they may be wholly embedded in another consumer 
product, wholly separate from another consumer product, or partially 
embedded in another consumer product.
2. Wireless Battery Chargers
    DOE established energy conservation standards for battery chargers 
in a final rule published on June 13, 2016. 81 FR 38266 (``June 2016 
Final Rule''). In the June 2016 Final Rule, DOE stated that regarding 
battery chargers with inductive connections, only those that are 
designed to operate in a wet environment are subject to standards. 81 
FR 38266, 38282. In making this determination, DOE set standards for 
the mature technology found in electric toothbrushes, while avoiding 
unintentional restrictions on the development of newer, less mature 
inductively-charged products. Id.
    The marketplace shows trends towards two types of battery chargers 
that rely on inductive (i.e., wireless) connections: charging mats (for 
cell phones, smartwatches, etc.) and ``wet environment'' products 
(e.g., battery chargers for electric toothbrushes, waterjets and 
shavers). The wet environment products require sealing to prevent 
moisture ingress and typically use a locating feature, such as a peg, 
cradle or a dock, to confine the physical engagement of the receiver 
and the transmitter. This confinement provides relatively consistent 
placement of the receiver during testing.
    Charging mats that provide a wider freedom of receiver placement 
potentially would allow for less consistency in placement for the 
purpose of testing. Differences in a receiver's position in relation to 
the transmitter can affect charging efficiency. DOE is currently 
unaware of any published industry test methods that specifically 
address the testing of wireless charging mats.
    Issue 1: DOE seeks feedback on whether DOE should define a term 
that refers to ``wet environment'' installations, and if so, how such 
terminology should be defined to clearly delineate the scope of 
wireless battery chargers that are subject to the existing battery test 
procedure and energy conservation standards.
    Issue 2: DOE seeks feedback on possible approaches to testing 
wireless battery chargers other than those designed for use in a wet 
environment (i.e., other than using locating features such as a peg or 
a cradle). In particular, DOE requests information on whether any 
industry test procedures have been developed or are being developed to 
specifically address such products.
    Issue 3: DOE requests any data on how wireless chargers are used in 
the field, particularly with regard to the placement of the receiver.

B. Test Procedure

    DOE is requesting information and data to update its understanding 
of consumer use of battery chargers. DOE's current test procedure for 
battery chargers is codified at Appendix Y and addresses standby mode, 
off mode and active mode energy use.
1. Battery Chargers Requiring External Low Voltage Power
    Some battery chargers are powered by a low-voltage direct current 
(``DC'') or alternating current (``AC'') input and typically utilize a 
wall adapter that converts 120 volt (``V'') AC to the low voltage input 
required by the battery charger. These wall adapters are part of the 
battery charger system and Section 3.1.4 of Appendix Y requires 
manufacturers to test with such the wall adapter, provided it is sold 
or recommended for use with the battery charger being tested. If the 
unit being tested is designed for operation only on DC input voltage 
and a wall adapter is neither shipped nor recommended, the unit is 
tested at 5.0 V DC for products drawing power from a computer USB port 
or the midpoint of the rated input voltage range for all other 
products, with the input voltage under both cases remaining within 
1 percent of the above specified voltage. Appendix Y, 
Section 3.1.4(c).
    The measured unit energy consumption of these latter products can 
be highly dependent on the wall adapter used during testing. Further, 
the wall adapter selected for testing may not be representative of the 
wall adapter typically paired with the battery charger in actual use.
    Issue 4: DOE seeks information on the characteristics of the wall 
adapters typically used when testing battery chargers that are not 
shipped with a wall adapter and for which a wall adapter is not 
recommended. DOE also seeks detailed technical information and data on 
the characteristics of the wall adapters typically used in the real 
world with such battery chargers including, but not limited to, input 
and output voltages, output wattage, power supply topologies, output 
connector type and the impact of these on average efficiencies.
    Issue 5: Additionally, DOE seeks comment on whether testing such 
battery chargers using a reference wall adapter would be appropriate, 
and if so, how a reference wall adapter should be defined.

[[Page 26372]]

2. End of Discharge Voltage
    The battery charger test procedure requires that prior to 
performing a charge and maintenance mode test, the battery must be 
properly discharged at a specified discharge rate until it reaches the 
appropriate end-of-discharge voltage stipulated in Table 3.3.2 of 
Appendix Y. Similarly, the energy stored in the battery after the 
charge and maintenance mode test must also be measured by discharging 
the battery again until it reaches the same end-of-discharge voltage. 
Appendix Y, Section 3.3.8. Since the publication of the May 2016 Final 
Rule, batteries with new chemistries or characteristics not covered by 
Table 3.3.2 may have been introduced in the marketplace. Requiring that 
these batteries be tested down to the end-of-discharge voltage 
prescribed in Table 3.3.2 may be inappropriate or result in a final 
value for battery energy that is not representative of its real-world 
application.
    Issue 6: DOE requests information on any new battery chemistries 
not covered by the categories listed in Table 3.3.2 of Appendix Y.
    Issue 7: DOE requests information on any aspect of a battery's 
chemistry that warrants an end-of-discharge voltage different than one 
already specified in Table 3.2.2 of Appendix Y. For example, if a new 
battery employs a lithium compound as its electrode (i.e., a lithium-
ion or lithium polymer battery) but has an end of discharge voltage 
that is substantially different from what is prescribed in Table 3.3.2, 
DOE requests information on the specific characteristics of the battery 
warranting a different end-of-discharge voltage.
3. Battery Charger Usage Profile
    The unit energy consumption (``UEC'') represents the annualized 
amount of the non-useful energy consumed by a battery charger in all 
modes of operation. Non-useful energy is all the energy consumed by a 
battery charger that is not transferred and stored in a battery as a 
result of charging; i.e., the losses. The UEC equation combines various 
performance parameters including 24-hour energy, measured battery 
energy, maintenance mode power, standby mode power, off mode power, 
charge test duration, and usage profiles. Appendix Y, Section 3.3.13. 
In order to calculate UEC, Table 3.3.3 of Appendix Y defines usage 
profiles that represent time spent in each mode of operation, specific 
to each defined product class. These usage profiles are incorporated 
into the overall UEC calculation in section 3.3.13 of Appendix Y. Table 
3.3.3 includes assigned values for time spent in active and maintenance 
mode (``ta&m''), standby mode (``tsb''), off mode 
(``toff''), number of charges per day (``n'') and threshold 
charge time. The usage profiles are based on data for a variety of 
applications and that primarily consisted of user surveys, metering 
studies, and stakeholder input that DOE considered as part of the 
rulemaking culminating in the June 2016 Final Rule. 81 FR 38287. A 
detailed breakdown of the usage profile cases used to derive Table 
3.3.3 of Appendix Y is addressed in Chapter 7 of the June 2016 Final 
Rule Technical Support Document (``TSD''). Collectively, the analyzed 
applications for which DOE has empirical usage data accounted for more 
than 80 percent of annual aggregate battery charger energy use. Where 
usage data were lacking, DOE assigned the application a generic usage 
profile, detailed in section 7.2.2 of the TSD. For most residential 
applications, DOE based the values in Table 3.3.3 on a single usage 
profile to represent all users (i.e. for other applications that have 
both residential and commercial usage, DOE developed multiple usage 
profiles to account for different users). These values can be found in 
Appendix 7A of the TSD.
    Issue 8: DOE requests information on any updates to the consumer 
usage data as represented by the usage profiles in Table 3.3.3 of 
Appendix Y, DOE is particularly interested in data specific to end-use 
device type and battery voltage, if available.
4. Battery Selection
    Appendix Y specifies battery selection criteria for testing certain 
multi-voltage and multi-capacity battery chargers.\3\ Appendix Y, Table 
3.2.1. These criteria apply to multi-voltage and multi-capacity battery 
chargers packaged or sold without a battery or packaged and sold with 
more than one battery. Specifically, Table 3.2.1 specifies that testing 
is performed using the associated battery with the highest voltage and/
or highest capacity, and if multiple batteries exist at the highest 
capacity and voltage, then the battery that results in the highest 
maintenance mode power must be used. The battery selection criteria 
result in only one set of test results, and after application of the 
sampling plan, a single represented value for each basic model of 
battery charger.
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    \3\ A ``multi-voltage charger'' is a battery charger that, by 
design, can charge a variety of batteries (or batches of batteries, 
if also a batch charger) that are of different nameplate battery 
voltages. A multi-voltage charger can also be a multi-port charger 
if it can charge two or more batteries simultaneously with 
independent voltages and/or current regulation. Appendix Y, Section 
2.18. A battery charger is considered ``multi-capacity'' if there 
are associated batteries or configurations of batteries that have 
different nameplate battery charge capacities. Appendix Y, Section 
3.2.3(c)(2).
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    Some battery chargers (e.g., lead-acid battery chargers) can charge 
numerous combinations of batteries from third-party vendors, and these 
battery chargers generally do not have a maximum battery capacity limit 
because theoretically, multiple batteries can be connected in parallel 
to a single charger. For these devices, manufacturers must certify 
their basic model by locating a battery that results in the most 
consumptive maintenance mode power such that all other combinations of 
third-party batteries will result in a UEC that is less than the 
certified value. However, finding the most consumptive combination of 
charger and battery could require a number of trials.
    Issue 9: DOE requests feedback on the current battery selection 
criteria and whether they require revision, particularly for battery 
chargers that do not ship with batteries or that can be used with 
batteries from different manufacturers by the end user. DOE requests 
information on how manufacturers are currently certifying such 
products.
    Issue 10: DOE also requests feedback on possible alternate 
approaches to testing battery chargers that do not ship with batteries 
or that can be used with batteries from different manufacturers. For 
example, one question under consideration, among others, is whether it 
would it be appropriate to test a battery charger with a reference load 
exhibiting the same characteristics as the battery designed to work 
with the charger. If this approach is appropriate, DOE also seeks 
feedback on how to model different battery chemistries using such a 
reference load.

C. Other Test Procedure Topics

1. Test Procedure Waivers
    Any interested person may seek a waiver from the test procedure 
requirements for a particular basic model of a type of covered product 
when the basic model for which the petition for waiver is submitted 
contains one or more design characteristics that: (1) Prevent testing 
according to the prescribed test procedure, or (2) cause the prescribed 
test procedures to evaluate the basic model in a manner so 
unrepresentative of its true energy consumption characteristics as to 
provide materially inaccurate comparative data. 10 CFR 430.27(a)(1).
    DOE has granted a waiver from the DOE test procedure for battery 
chargers,

[[Page 26373]]

and an extension of that waiver, for specified battery charger basic 
models incorporated into robotic vacuum cleaners.\4\ As described in 
the petition for waiver, the battery charger basic models subject to 
the Order granting the waiver have a number of settings and management 
features associated with the vacuum cleaner, not associated with the 
battery charging function, that must remain at all times. The 
Petitioner explained that it would be inappropriate to make these 
functions user-controllable, as they are integral to the function of 
the robot. 82 FR 16580, 16581 (April 5, 2017). The DOE test procedure 
for battery chargers requires that any function controlled by the user 
and not associated with the battery charging process must be switched 
off or, for functions not possible to switch off, be set to the lowest 
power-consuming mode. Appendix Y, Section 3.2.4.b. DOE determined that 
the current test procedure at Appendix Y would evaluate the battery 
charger basic models specified in the Order granting the waiver and the 
Order granting the extension in a manner so unrepresentative of its 
true energy consumption characteristics as to provide materially 
inaccurate comparatively data. See id. and 84 FR 12240, 12241 (April 1, 
2019). Pursuant to the Orders, the specified basic models must be 
tested and rated such that power to functions not associated with the 
battery charging process are disabled by isolating a terminal of the 
battery pack using isolating tape. Id.
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    \4\ Decision and Order Granting a Waiver to Dyson, Inc. From the 
Department of Energy Battery Charger Test Procedure (Case No. BC-
001) and Extension of Waiver Dyson, Inc. From the Department of 
Energy Battery Charger Test Procedure (Case No. 2018-012). See 82 FR 
16580 (April 5, 2017) and 84 FR 12240 (April 1, 2019), respectively.
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    Issue 11: DOE requests feedback on whether the test procedure 
waiver approach for battery chargers incorporated into robotic vacuum 
cleaners is generally appropriate for testing basic models with these 
features.
2. Other Topics
    In addition to the issues identified earlier in this document, DOE 
welcomes comment on any other aspect of the existing test procedures 
for battery chargers. As noted, DOE recently issued an RFI to seek more 
information on whether its test procedures are reasonably designed, as 
required by EPCA, to produce results that measure the energy use or 
efficiency of a product during a representative average use cycle or 
period of use. 84 FR 9721 (March 18, 2019). DOE seeks comment on this 
issue as it pertains to the test procedure for battery chargers.
    DOE also requests comments on whether potential amendments based on 
the issues discussed would result in a test procedure that is unduly 
burdensome to conduct, particularly in light of any new products 
entering the market since the last test procedure update. If commenters 
believe that any such potential amendments, if adopted, would result in 
a procedure that is, in fact, unduly burdensome to conduct, DOE seeks 
information on whether an existing private sector-developed test 
procedure would be more appropriate. DOE also requests comment on the 
benefits and burdens of adopting any industry/voluntary consensus-based 
or other appropriate test procedure, without modification. DOE 
incorporated IEC standard 62301, which includes additional instructions 
for measuring of standby power as well as resolution parameters for 
test equipment.
    Additionally, DOE requests comment on whether the existing test 
procedures limit a manufacturer's ability to provide additional 
features to consumers on battery chargers. DOE particularly seeks 
information on how the test procedures could be amended to reduce the 
cost of new or additional features and make it more likely that such 
features are included on battery chargers, while still meeting the 
requirements of EPCA.
    DOE also requests comments on any potential amendments to the 
existing test procedures that would address impacts on manufacturers, 
including small businesses.
    Finally, DOE published an RFI on the emerging smart technology 
appliance and equipment market. 83 FR 46886 (September 17, 2018). In 
that RFI, DOE sought information to better understand market trends and 
issues in the emerging market for appliances and commercial equipment 
that incorporate smart technology. DOE's intent in issuing the RFI was 
to ensure that DOE did not inadvertently impede such innovation in 
fulfilling its statutory obligations in setting efficiency standards 
for covered products and equipment. DOE seeks comments, data and 
information on the issues presented in the RFI as they may be 
applicable to battery chargers.

III. Submission of Comments

    DOE invites all interested parties to submit in writing by June 3, 
2020, comments and information on matters addressed in this document 
and on other matters relevant to DOE's consideration of amended test 
procedures for battery chargers. These comments and information will 
aid in the development of a test procedure NOPR for battery chargers if 
DOE determines that amended test procedures may be appropriate for 
these products.
    Submitting comments via https://www.regulations.gov. The https://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 https://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 https://www.regulations.gov cannot be claimed as CBI. Comments 
received through the website will waive any CBI claims for the 
information submitted. For information on submitting CBI, see the 
Confidential Business Information section.
    DOE processes submissions made through https://www.regulations.gov 
before posting. Normally, comments will be posted within a few days of 
being submitted. However, if large volumes of comments are being 
processed simultaneously, your comment may not be viewable for up to 
several weeks. Please keep the comment tracking number that https://www.regulations.gov provides after you have successfully uploaded your 
comment.
    Submitting comments via email, hand delivery/courier, or postal 
mail. Comments and documents submitted via email, hand delivery/
courier, or

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postal mail also will be posted to https://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 postal mail 
or hand delivery/courier, please provide all items on a CD, if 
feasible. 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.
    It is DOE's policy that all comments may be included in the public 
docket, without change and as received, including any personal 
information provided in the comments (except information deemed to be 
exempt from public disclosure).
    DOE considers public participation to be a very important part of 
the process for developing test procedures and energy conservation 
standards. DOE actively encourages the participation and interaction of 
the public during the comment period in each stage of this process. 
Interactions with and between members of the public provide a balanced 
discussion of the issues and assist DOE in the process. Anyone who 
wishes to be added to the DOE mailing list to receive future notices 
and information about this process should contact Appliance and 
Equipment Standards Program staff at (202) 287-1445 or via email at 
[email protected].

Signing Authority

    This document of the Department of Energy was signed on April 2, 
2020, by Alexander N. Fitzsimmons, Deputy Assistant Secretary for 
Energy Efficiency, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, pursuant to 
delegated authority from the Secretary of Energy. That document with 
the original signature and date is maintained by DOE. For 
administrative purposes only, and in compliance with requirements of 
the Office of the Federal Register, the undersigned DOE Federal 
Register Liaison Officer has been authorized to sign and submit the 
document in electronic format for publication, as an official document 
of the Department of Energy. This administrative process in no way 
alters the legal effect of this document upon publication in the 
Federal Register.

    Signed in Washington, DC, on April 22, 2020.
Treena V. Garrett,
Federal Register Liaison Officer, U.S. Department of Energy.
[FR Doc. 2020-08852 Filed 5-1-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6450-01-P