Energy Conservation Program: Notification of Petition for Waiver of Hussmann Corporation From the Department of Energy Walk-In Coolers and Walk-In Freezers Test Procedure and Notice of Grant of Interim Waiver, 10046-10058 [2020-29108]
Download as PDF
10046
Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 31 / Thursday, February 18, 2021 / Notices
DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
Federal Energy Regulatory
Commission
[Project No.15056–000]
jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with NOTICES
Premium Energy Holdings, LLC; Notice
of Preliminary Permit Application
Accepted for Filing and Soliciting
Comments, Motions To Intervene, and
Competing Applications
On November 19, 2020, Premium
Energy Holdings, LLC, filed an
application for a preliminary permit,
pursuant to section 4(f) of the Federal
Power Act (FPA), proposing to study the
feasibility of the Ashokan Pumped
Storage Project to be located 14 miles
west of the City of Kingston in Ulster
County, New York. The sole purpose of
a preliminary permit, if issued, is to
grant the permit holder priority to file
a license application during the permit
term. A preliminary permit does not
authorize the permit holder to perform
any land-disturbing activities or
otherwise enter upon lands or waters
owned by others without the owners’
express permission.
The proposed project would consist of
the following: (1) A new 2,618-foot-long,
212-foot-high roller-compacted concrete
dam for the upper reservoir for
alternative 1 (Stony Clove Reservoir)
with a surface area of 245 acres and a
storage capacity 22,496 acre-feet at a
surface elevation of 1,500 feet above
mean sea level (msl); (2) a new 2,736foot-long, 232-foot-high rollercompacted concrete dam for the upper
reservoir for alternative 2 (Woodland
Reservoir) with a surface area of 313
acres and a storage capacity 26,231 acrefeet at a surface elevation of 1,210 feet
msl; (3) a new 2,527-foot-long, 304-foothigh roller-compacted concrete dam for
the upper reservoir for alternative 3
(Wittenberg Reservoir) with a surface
area of 226 acres and a storage capacity
25,558 acre-feet at a surface elevation of
1,180 feet msl; (4) the existing Ashokan
Reservoir for the lower reservoir with a
surface area of 8,300 acres and a storage
capacity of 382,358 acre-feet at a surface
elevation of 585 feet msl; (5) new 13.99mile-long tunnels, shafts, and penstocks
for alternative 1 connecting the upper
and lower reservoirs; (6) new 11.58mile-long tunnels, shafts, and penstocks
for alternative 2 connecting the upper
and lower reservoirs; (7) new 3.81-milelong tunnels, shafts, and penstocks for
alternative 3 connecting the upper and
lower reservoirs; (8) a new 500-footlong, 125-foot-wide, 150-foot-high
underground reinforced-concrete
powerhouse containing five turbinegenerator units with a total rated
VerDate Sep<11>2014
17:47 Feb 17, 2021
Jkt 253001
capacity of 800 megawatts; (9) a 17.3mile-long, 230-kilovolt new
transmission line for alternatives 1 and
2 from the proposed Ashokan
switchyard to the existing Hurley
avenue substation; (10) a 12.9-mile-long,
230-kilovolt new transmission line for
alternative 3 from the proposed
Ashokan switchyard to the existing
Hurley avenue substation; and (11)
appurtenant facilities. The proposed
project would have a maximum annual
generation of 2,700 gigawatt-hours.
Applicant Contact: Victor M. Rojas,
Premium Energy Holdings, LLC, 355
South Lemon Avenue, Suite A, Walnut,
CA 91789; phone: 909–595–5314.
FERC Contact: Woohee Choi; phone:
(202) 502–6336.
Deadline for filing comments, motions
to intervene, competing applications
(without notices of intent), or notices of
intent to file competing applications: 60
days from the issuance of this notice.
Competing applications and notices of
intent must meet the requirements of 18
CFR 4.36.
The Commission strongly encourages
electronic filing. Please file comments,
motions to intervene, notices of intent,
and competing applications using the
Commission’s eFiling system at https://
ferconline.ferc.gov/eFiling.aspx.
Commenters can submit brief comments
up to 6,000 characters, without prior
registration, using the eComment system
at https://ferconline.ferc.gov/
QuickComment.aspx. You must include
your name and contact information at
the end of your comments. For
assistance, please contact FERC Online
Support. In lieu of electronic filing, you
may submit a paper copy. Submissions
sent via the U.S. Postal Service must be
addressed to: Kimberly D. Bose,
Secretary, Federal Energy Regulatory
Commission, 888 First Street NE, Room
1A, Washington, DC 20426.
Submissions sent via any other carrier
must be addressed to: Kimberly D. Bose,
Secretary, Federal Energy Regulatory
Commission, 12225 Wilkins Avenue,
Rockville, Maryland 20852. The first
page of any filing should include docket
number P–15056–000.
More information about this project,
including a copy of the application, can
be viewed or printed on the ‘‘eLibrary’’
link of the Commission’s website at
https://www.ferc.gov/docs-filing/
elibrary.asp. Enter the docket number
(P–15056) in the docket number field to
access the document. For assistance,
contact FERC Online Support.
PO 00000
Frm 00013
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
Dated: February 11, 2021.
Nathaniel J. Davis, Sr.,
Deputy Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2021–03272 Filed 2–17–21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6717–01–P
DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
[Case Number 2020–010; EERE–2020–BT–
WAV–0026]
Energy Conservation Program:
Notification of Petition for Waiver of
Hussmann Corporation From the
Department of Energy Walk-In Coolers
and Walk-In Freezers Test Procedure
and Notice of Grant of Interim Waiver
Office of Energy Efficiency and
Renewable Energy, Department of
Energy.
ACTION: Notification of petition for
waiver and grant of an interim waiver;
request for comments.
AGENCY:
This document announces
receipt of and publishes a petition for
waiver and interim waiver from
Hussmann Corporation (‘‘Hussmann’’),
which seeks a waiver for specified
carbon dioxide (‘‘CO2’’) direct
expansion unit cooler basic models from
the U.S. Department of Energy (‘‘DOE’’)
test procedure used to determine the
efficiency of walk-in cooler and walk-in
freezer refrigeration systems. DOE also
gives notice of an Interim Waiver Order
that requires Hussmann to test and rate
the specified CO2 direct expansion unit
cooler basic models in accordance with
the alternate test procedure set forth in
the Interim Waiver Order. DOE solicits
comments, data, and information
concerning Hussmann’s petition and its
suggested alternate test procedure so as
to inform DOE’s final decision on
Hussmann’s waiver request.
DATES: The Interim Waiver Order is
effective on February 18, 2021. Written
comments and information will be
accepted on or before March 22, 2021.
ADDRESSES: Interested persons are
encouraged to submit comments using
the Federal eRulemaking Portal at
https://www.regulations.gov.
Alternatively, interested persons may
submit comments, identified by case
number ‘‘2020–010’’, and Docket
number ‘‘EERE–2020–BT–WAV–0026,’’
by any of the following methods:
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://
www.regulations.gov. Follow the
instructions for submitting comments.
• Email:
HussmannWICF2020WAV0026@
ee.doe.gov. Include Case No. 2020–010
in the subject line of the message.
• Postal Mail: Appliance and
Equipment Standards Program, U.S.
SUMMARY:
E:\FR\FM\18FEN1.SGM
18FEN1
Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 31 / Thursday, February 18, 2021 / Notices
Department of Energy, Office of Energy
Efficiency and Renewable Energy,
Building Technologies Office, Mail Stop
EE–5B, Petition for Waiver Case No.
2020–010, 1000 Independence Avenue
SW, Washington, DC 20585–0121. If
possible, please submit all items on a
compact disc (‘‘CD’’), in which case it is
not necessary to include printed copies.
• Hand Delivery/Courier: Appliance
and Equipment Standards Program, U.S.
Department of Energy, Building
Technologies Office, 950 L’Enfant Plaza
SW, 6th Floor, 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 the
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section of
this document.
Docket: The docket, 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-WAV-0026. The
docket web page contains instruction on
how to access all documents, including
public comments, in the docket. See the
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section for
information on how to submit
comments through https://
www.regulations.gov.
Ms.
Lucy deButts, U.S. Department of
Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and
Renewable Energy, Building
Technologies Office, Mail Stop EE–5B,
1000 Independence Avenue SW,
Washington, DC 20585–0121. Email:
AS_Waiver_Request@ee.doe.gov.
Mr. Michael Kido, U.S. Department of
Energy, Office of the General Counsel,
Mail Stop GC–33, Forrestal Building,
1000 Independence Avenue SW,
Washington, DC 20585–0103.
Telephone: (202) 586–8145. Email:
Michael.Kido@hq.doe.gov.
jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with NOTICES
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
DOE is
publishing Hussmann’s petition for
waiver in its entirety in appendix A to
this document, pursuant to 10 CFR
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
VerDate Sep<11>2014
17:47 Feb 17, 2021
Jkt 253001
431.401(b)(1)(iv). 1 DOE invites all
interested parties to submit in writing
by March 22, 2021, comments and
information on all aspects of the
petition, including the alternate test
procedure. Pursuant to 10 CFR
431.401(d), any person submitting
written comments to DOE must also
send a copy of such comments to the
petitioner. The contact information for
the petitioner is Ronald Shebik,
ron.shebik@hussmann.com, 12999 St.
Charles Rock Road, Bridgeton, MO
63044.
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. If
this instruction is followed, 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
1 The petition did not identify any of the
information contained therein as confidential
business information.
PO 00000
Frm 00014
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
10047
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
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, in which case it is not
necessary to submit printed copies.
Faxes will not 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
E:\FR\FM\18FEN1.SGM
18FEN1
10048
Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 31 / Thursday, February 18, 2021 / Notices
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).
Case Number 2020–010
jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with NOTICES
Interim Waiver Order
I. Background and Authority
The Energy Policy and Conservation
Act, as amended (‘‘EPCA’’),2 authorizes
the U.S. Department of Energy (‘‘DOE’’)
to regulate the energy efficiency of a
number of consumer products and
certain industrial equipment (42 U.S.C.
6291–6317). Title III, Part C 3 of EPCA
(42 U.S.C. 6311–6316, as codified),
added by the National Energy
Conservation Policy Act, Public Law
95–619, sec. 441 (Nov. 9, 1978),
established the Energy Conservation
Program for Certain Industrial
Equipment, which sets forth a variety of
provisions designed to improve the
energy efficiency for certain types of
industrial equipment. Through
amendments brought about by the
Energy Independence and Security Act
of 2007, Public Law 110–140, sec. 312
(Dec. 19, 2007), this equipment includes
walk-in cooler and walk-in freezer
(collectively, ‘‘walk-in’’) refrigeration
systems, the focus of this document (42
U.S.C. 6311(1)(G)).
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 include definitions (42 U.S.C.
6311), energy conservation standards
(42 U.S.C. 6313), test procedures (42
U.S.C. 6314), labeling provisions (42
U.S.C. 6315), and the authority to
require information and reports from
manufacturers (42 U.S.C. 6316).
The Federal testing requirements
consist of test procedures that
manufacturers of covered equipment
must use as the basis for: (1) Certifying
to DOE that their equipment complies
with the applicable energy conservation
standards adopted pursuant to EPCA (42
U.S.C. 6316(a); 42 U.S.C. 6295(s)), and
(2) making representations about the
2 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
(Oct. 23, 2018).
3 For editorial reasons, upon codification in the
U.S. Code, Part C was redesignated as Part A–1.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
17:47 Feb 17, 2021
Jkt 253001
efficiency of that equipment (42 U.S.C.
6314(d)). Similarly, DOE must use these
test procedures to determine whether
the covered equipment complies with
relevant standards promulgated under
EPCA. (42 U.S.C. 6316(a); 42 U.S.C.
6295(s))
Under 42 U.S.C. 6314, EPCA sets forth
the criteria and procedures DOE is
required to follow when prescribing or
amending test procedures for covered
equipment. EPCA requires that any test
procedures prescribed or amended
under this section must be reasonably
designed to produce test results which
reflect the energy efficiency, energy use
or estimated annual operating cost of
covered equipment during a
representative average use cycle and
requires that test procedures not be
unduly burdensome to conduct (42
U.S.C. 6314(a)(2)). The test procedure
for walk-in refrigeration systems is
contained in the Code of Federal
Regulations (‘‘CFR’’) at 10 CFR part 431,
subpart R, appendix C, Uniform Test
Method for the Measurement of Net
Capacity and AWEF of Walk-In Cooler
and Walk-In Freezer Refrigeration
Systems (‘‘Appendix C’’).
Under 10 CFR 431.401, any interested
person may submit a petition for waiver
from DOE’s test procedure
requirements. DOE will grant a waiver
from the test procedure requirements if
DOE determines either that the basic
model for which the waiver was
requested contains a design
characteristic that prevents testing of the
basic model according to the prescribed
test procedures, or that the prescribed
test procedures evaluate the basic model
in a manner so unrepresentative of its
true energy consumption characteristics
as to provide materially inaccurate
comparative data. 10 CFR 431.401(f)(2).
A petitioner must include in its petition
any alternate test procedures known to
the petitioner to evaluate the
performance of the equipment type in a
manner representative of the energy
consumption characteristics of the basic
model. 10 CFR 431.401(b)(1)(iii). DOE
may grant the waiver subject to
conditions, including adherence to
alternate test procedures specified by
DOE. 10 CFR 431.401(f)(2).
As soon as practicable after the
granting of any waiver, DOE will
publish in the Federal Register a notice
of proposed rulemaking to amend its
regulations so as to eliminate any need
for the continuation of such waiver. 10
CFR 431.401(l). As soon thereafter as
practicable, DOE will publish in the
Federal Register a final rule to that
effect. Id.
The waiver process also provides that
DOE may grant an interim waiver if it
PO 00000
Frm 00015
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
appears likely that the underlying
petition for waiver will be granted and/
or if DOE determines that it would be
desirable for public policy reasons to
grant immediate relief pending a
determination on the underlying
petition for waiver. 10 CFR
431.401(e)(2). Within one year of
issuance of an interim waiver, DOE will
either: (i) Publish in the Federal
Register a determination on the petition
for waiver; or (ii) publish in the Federal
Register a new or amended test
procedure that addresses the issues
presented in the waiver. 10 CFR
431.401(h)(1).
When DOE amends the test procedure
to address the issues presented in a
waiver, the waiver will automatically
terminate on the date on which use of
that test procedure is required to
demonstrate compliance. 10 CFR
431.401(h)(2).
II. Hussmann’s Petition for Waiver and
Interim Waiver
On July 16, 2020, Hussmann filed a
petition for waiver and interim waiver
from the test procedure for walk-in
refrigeration systems set forth at 10 CFR
part 431, subpart R, appendix C
(Hussmann, No. 1 at p. 1 4). Hussmann
also included Appendix I to their
petition with clarifications and
responses to two questions posed to
Hussmann by DOE regarding their CO2
direct expansion unit cooler subject
basic models (Hussmann, No. 1 at
p. 7–8). Hussmann claims that the test
conditions described in Table 15 and
Table 16 of the Air-Conditioning,
Heating, and Refrigeration Institute
(‘‘AHRI’’) Standard 1250–2009,
Standard for Performance Rating of
Walk-In Coolers and Freezers (‘‘AHRI
1250–2009’’) (for walk-in refrigerator
unit coolers and freezer unit coolers
tested alone, respectively), as
incorporated by Appendix C with
modification, cannot be achieved by the
specified basic models and are not
consistent with operation of
Hussmann’s CO2 direct expansion unit
coolers. Hussmann stated that CO2 has
a critical temperature of 87.8 °F 5, and
4 A notation in the form ‘‘Hussmann, No.1’’
identifies a written submission: (1) Made by
Hussmann; and (2) recorded in document number
1 that is filed in the docket of this petition for
waiver (Docket No. EERE–2020–BT–WAV–0026)
and available at https://www.regulations.gov/
docket?D=EERE-2020-BT-WAV-0026.
5 The test procedure specifies the unit cooler
refrigerant inlet condition in terms of a saturation
temperature (the temperature at which it completes
the condensation process in a condenser) and the
subcooling temperature (additional reduction in
temperature lower than the specified saturation
temperature). For CO2, the critical temperature
above which there cannot exist separate liquid and
gas phases is below the saturation condition
E:\FR\FM\18FEN1.SGM
18FEN1
jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with NOTICES
Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 31 / Thursday, February 18, 2021 / Notices
thus the required liquid inlet saturation
temperature of 105 °F and the required
liquid inlet subcooling temperature of 9
°F required in DOE’s test procedure are
not achievable, and that the test
conditions should be more consistent
with typical operating conditions for a
transcritical CO2 booster system
(Hussmann, No. 1 at p.3).
The statements made by Hussmann
reference the difference in
thermodynamic properties between CO2
and other refrigerants. At modest
pressures (i.e. below the critical point),
many substances transition from a solid
to a liquid to a gas as temperature
increases. For example, a pure
substance like water transitions from
liquid to steam at a specific
temperature, e.g. 212 °F, at atmospheric
pressure. As heat is added during a
liquid to gas transition, the temperature
remains constant and the substance
coexists as both liquid and vapor.
Continuing to add heat converts more of
the liquid to vapor at a constant
temperature. The reverse occurs when
heat is removed. However, the transition
temperature depends on the pressure—
the higher the pressure, the higher the
transition temperature. This is a key
principle in refrigeration systems,
which operate at two pressure levels
associated with two temperatures. A
refrigerant absorbs heat when it is at a
low temperature and pressure,
converting to gas and cooling the
surrounding space. At high temperature
and pressure, the refrigerant transitions
to a liquid while releasing heat to the
environment. A compressor is used to
raise the low-pressure gas to a high
pressure, and a throttle (pressure
reduction device) is used to reduce the
pressure once the refrigerant has been
fully liquefied (condensed) at high
pressure.
All refrigerants have a ‘‘critical
pressure’’ and an associated ‘‘critical
temperature’’ above which liquid and
vapor phases cannot coexist. Above this
critical point, the refrigerant will be a
gas and its temperature will increase or
decrease as heat is added or removed.
For all conventional refrigerants, the
critical pressure is so high that it is
never exceeded in typical refrigeration
cycles. For example, R404A is a
common refrigerant used in refrigeration
systems that has a critical pressure of
540.8 psia 6 with an associated critical
temperature of 161.7 °F. However, CO2
behaves differently, with a critical
specified in the test procedure, hence the specified
condition cannot be achieved.
6 Absolute pressure is the pressure measured
relative to a complete vacuum; ‘‘psia’’ represents
the absolute pressure in pounds per square inch.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
17:47 Feb 17, 2021
Jkt 253001
pressure of 1,072 psia associated with a
much lower critical temperature of 87.8
°F. The refrigerant temperature must be
somewhat higher than the ambient
temperature in order to reject
refrigeration cycle heat to the ambient
environment. Ambient temperatures
greater than 87.8 °F are common and the
performance of many refrigeration and
air conditioning systems are tested
using a 95 °F ambient temperature, as
indicated by the A test condition in
AHRI 1250–2009 Section 5. At
temperatures greater than the critical
temperature, the CO2 refrigerant is in a
supercritical state (i.e. a condition with
pressure above the critical temperature)
and heat is transferred to the
environment. Since useful cooling is
provided below the critical temperature,
CO2 cycles are said to be transcritical.
The transcritical nature of CO2
generally requires more complex
refrigeration cycle design to approach
the efficiency of traditional refrigerants
(i.e., R404A, R407A, R448A, etc.) during
operation in high temperature
conditions. To increase efficiency and
prevent overheating, transcritical
booster systems introduce (or use)
multiple stages of compression and
intercooling. CO2 is cooled in the gas
cooler of a transcritical booster system,
then expands through a high-pressure
control valve and is delivered to a
subcritical-pressure flash tank. In the
flash tank, the refrigerant is in the
subcritical phase and the liquid and
vapor phases can be separated. A unit
cooler in a CO2 booster system would be
supplied with liquid refrigerant from
the flash tank via expansion valves
where the refrigerant is evaporated. The
evaporated refrigerant is subsequently
compressed up to gas cooler pressure to
complete the cycle (Hussmann, No. 5).
Hussmann also requests an interim
waiver from the existing DOE test
procedure. DOE will grant an interim
waiver if it appears likely that the
petition for waiver will be granted, and/
or if DOE determines that it would be
desirable for public policy reasons to
grant immediate relief pending a
determination of the petition for waiver.
See 10 CFR 431.401(e)(2).
Based on the assertions in the
petition, absent an interim waiver, the
prescribed test procedure is not
appropriate for Hussmann’s CO2 direct
expansion unit coolers and the test
conditions are not achievable, since CO2
refrigerant has a critical temperature of
87.8 °F and the current DOE test
procedure calls for a liquid inlet
saturation temperature of 105 °F. The
inability to achieve test conditions for
the stated basic models would result in
economic hardship from loss of sales
PO 00000
Frm 00016
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
10049
stemming from the inability of the DOE
test procedure to address the operating
conditions of Hussmann’s equipment.
III. Requested Alternate Test Procedure
EPCA requires that manufacturers use
the applicable DOE test procedures
when making representations about the
energy consumption and energy
consumption costs of covered
equipment (42 U.S.C. 6314(d)).
Consistency is important when making
representations about the energy
efficiency of equipment, including
when demonstrating compliance with
applicable DOE energy conservation
standards. Pursuant to 10 CFR 431.401,
and after consideration of public
comments on the petition, DOE may
establish in a subsequent Decision and
Order an alternate test procedure for the
basic models addressed by the Interim
Waiver Order.
Hussmann seeks to test and rate
specific CO2 direct expansion unit
cooler basic models with modifications
to the DOE test procedure. Hussmann’s
suggested approach specifies using
modified liquid inlet saturation and
liquid inlet subcooling temperatures of
38 °F and 5 °F, respectively, for both
walk-in refrigerator unit coolers and
walk-in freezer unit coolers.
Additionally, Hussmann recommends
that because the subject units are used
in transcritical CO2 booster systems, the
calculations in AHRI 1250–2009 section
7.9 should be used to determine the
Annual Walk-in Efficiency Factor
(‘‘AWEF’’) and net capacity for unit
coolers matched to parallel rack systems
as required under the DOE test
procedure. This section of AHRI 1250–
2009 is prescribed by the DOE test
procedure for determining AWEF for all
unit coolers tested alone (see 10 CFR
part 431, subpart R, appendix C, section
3.3.1). Finally, Hussmann also suggested
that AHRI 1250–2009 Table 17 (EER
[Energy Efficiency Ratio] for Remote
Commercial Refrigerated Display
Merchandisers and Storage Cabinets)
should be used to determine EER values
and power consumption for the subject
CO2 direct expansion unit cooler
systems as required under the DOE test
procedure.
IV. Interim Waiver Order
DOE has reviewed Hussmann’s
application, its suggested testing
approach, industry materials regarding
CO2 transcritical booster systems, and
Hussmann’s consumer-facing materials,
including websites and product
specification sheets for the basic models
listed in Hussmann’s petition. Based on
this review, the suggested testing
approach appears to allow for the
E:\FR\FM\18FEN1.SGM
18FEN1
10050
Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 31 / Thursday, February 18, 2021 / Notices
accurate measurement of energy
efficiency of the specified basic models,
while alleviating the testing issues
associated with Hussmann’s
implementation of walk-in cooler and
walk-in freezer testing for these basic
models. Review of the CO2 refrigeration
market confirms that the test conditions
of the testing approach suggested by
Hussmann would be representative for
operation of a unit cooler used in a
transcritical CO2 booster system. CO2
that is cooled in the gas cooler of a
transcritical booster system expands
through a high-pressure control valve
that delivers CO2 to a subcriticalpressure flash tank, where liquid and
vapor phases of the refrigerant are
separated. The liquid is then split and
the unit coolers receive the refrigerant at
the same condition, consistent with the
use of the same liquid inlet saturation
temperature for both the medium- and
low-temperature systems in Hussmann’s
suggested test approach. Calculations on
other external CO2 refrigeration system
designs in the market indicate that the
38 °F liquid unit cooler inlet saturation
temperature suggested by Hussmann is
representative of CO2 booster systems
(Hussmann, No.5). Regarding use of the
EER values in AHRI 1250–2009 Table 17
to determine the representative
compressor power consumption for CO2
unit cooler systems, research into the
performance of different configurations
of CO2 booster systems shows that
enhanced CO2 cycles (like those used in
transcritical booster systems) can match
conventional refrigerants in average
annual efficiency (Hussmann, No. 2).
The findings from this research, along
with the other collective factors
previously noted, justifies the use of the
EER values in AHRI 1250–2009 Table 17
for determining the power consumption
for CO2 booster system evaporators,
despite these EER values being initially
established for systems using
conventional refrigerants. Consequently,
DOE has determined that Hussmann’s
petition for waiver likely will be
granted. Furthermore, DOE has
determined that it is desirable for public
policy reasons to grant Hussmann
immediate relief pending a
determination of the petition for waiver.
For the reasons stated, it is ordered
that:
(1) Hussmann must test and rate the
following CO2 direct expansion unit
cooler basic models with the alternate
test procedure set forth in paragraph (2).
Basic Models for Which a Waiver is
Requested:
Manufacturer
Hussmann
Hussmann
Hussmann
Hussmann
Brand
.........
.........
.........
.........
Krack
Krack
Krack
Krack
...
...
...
...
Basic model
KRD***-***C***.
G*D***-***C***.
LHD***-***C***.
MKD***-***C***.
(2) The Hussmann basic models
identified in paragraph (1) of this
Interim Waiver Order shall be tested
according to the test procedure for walkin cooler and walk-in freezer
refrigeration systems prescribed by DOE
at 10 CFR part 431, subpart R, appendix
C (‘‘Appendix C’’), except that the liquid
inlet saturation temperature test
condition and liquid inlet subcooling
temperature test condition shall be
modified to 38 °F and 5 °F, respectively,
for both walk-in refrigerator unit coolers
and walk-in freezer unit coolers, as
detailed below. All other requirements
of Appendix C and DOE’s regulations
remain applicable.
In Appendix C, under section 3.1.
General modifications: Test Conditions
and Tolerances, revise section 3.1.5., to
read as follows:
3.1.5. Tables 15 and 16 shall be
modified to read as follows:
TABLE 15—REFRIGERATOR UNIT COOLER
Unit cooler
air entering
dry-bulb, °F
Unit cooler
air entering
relative
humidity, %
Off Cycle Fan Power .....................
35
Refrigeration Capacity Suction A ...
35
Test description
Saturated
suction
temp, °F
Liquid inlet
saturation
temp, °F
Liquid inlet
subcooling
temp, °F
<50
....................
....................
....................
Compressor Off
<50
25
38
5
Compressor On
Compressor
capacity
Test objective
Measure fan input power during
compressor off cycle.
Determine Net Refrigeration Capacity of Unit Cooler.
Note: Superheat to be set according to equipment specification in equipment or installation manual. If no superheat specification is given, a default superheat value
of 6.5 °F shall be used. The superheat setting used in the test shall be reported as part of the standard rating.
TABLE 16—FREEZER UNIT COOLER
Unit cooler
air entering
dry-bulb, °F
Unit cooler
air entering
relative
humidity, %
Off Cycle Fan Power .....................
¥10
Refrigeration Capacity Suction A ...
Defrost ...........................................
Test
description
Saturated
suction
temp, °F
Liquid inlet
saturation
temp, °F
Liquid inlet
subcooling
temp, °F
<50
....................
....................
....................
Compressor Off
¥10
<50
¥20
38
5
Compressor On
¥10
Various
....................
....................
....................
Compressor Off
Compressor
capacity
Test objective
Measure fan input power during
compressor off cycle.
Determine Net Refrigeration Capacity of Unit Cooler.
Test according to Appendix C
Section C11.
jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with NOTICES
Note: Superheat to be set according to equipment specification in equipment or installation manual. If no superheat specification is given, a default superheat value
of 6.5 °F shall be used. The superheat setting used in the test shall be reported as part of the standard rating.
(3) Representations. Hussmann may
not make representations about the
energy efficiency of a basic model listed
in paragraph (1) of this Interim Waiver
Order for compliance, marketing, or
other purposes unless the basic model
has been tested in accordance with the
provisions set forth in this alternate test
procedure and such representations
VerDate Sep<11>2014
17:47 Feb 17, 2021
Jkt 253001
fairly disclose the results of such
testing.
(4) This Interim Waiver Order shall
remain in effect according to the
provisions of 10 CFR 431.401.
(5) This Interim Waiver Order is
issued on the condition that the
statements and representations provided
by Hussmann are valid. If Hussmann
PO 00000
Frm 00017
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
makes any modifications to the controls
or configurations of a basic model
subject to this Interim Waiver Order,
such modifications will render the
waiver invalid with respect to that basic
model, and Hussmann will either be
required to use the current Federal test
method or submit a new application for
a test procedure waiver. DOE may
E:\FR\FM\18FEN1.SGM
18FEN1
Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 31 / Thursday, February 18, 2021 / Notices
jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with NOTICES
rescind or modify this waiver at any
time if it determines the factual basis
underlying the petition for the Interim
Waiver Order is incorrect, or the results
from the alternate test procedure are
unrepresentative of the basic model’s
true energy consumption characteristics.
10 CFR 431.401(k)(1). Likewise,
Hussmann may request that DOE
rescind or modify the Interim Waiver
Order if Hussmann discovers an error in
the information provided to DOE as part
of its petition, determines that the
interim waiver is no longer needed, or
for other appropriate reasons. 10 CFR
431.401(k)(2).
(6) Issuance of this Interim Waiver
Order does not release Hussmann from
the applicable requirements set forth at
10 CFR part 429.
DOE makes decisions on waivers and
interim waivers for only those basic
VerDate Sep<11>2014
17:47 Feb 17, 2021
Jkt 253001
10051
models specifically set out in the
petition, not future models that may be
manufactured by the petitioner.
Hussmann may submit a new or
amended petition for waiver and request
for grant of interim waiver, as
appropriate, for additional basic models
of CO2 direct expansion unit coolers.
Alternatively, if appropriate, Hussmann
may request that DOE extend the scope
of a waiver or an interim waiver to
include additional basic models
employing the same technology as the
basic model(s) set forth in the original
petition consistent with 10 CFR
431.401(g).
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.
Signing Authority
Signed in Washington, DC, on December
29, 2020.
Treena V. Garrett,
Federal Register Liaison Officer, U.S.
Department of Energy.
This document of the Department of
Energy was signed on December 28,
2020, by Daniel R. Simmons, Assistant
Secretary for Energy Efficiency and
PO 00000
Frm 00018
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
BILLING CODE 6450–01–P
E:\FR\FM\18FEN1.SGM
18FEN1
VerDate Sep<11>2014
Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 31 / Thursday, February 18, 2021 / Notices
17:47 Feb 17, 2021
Jkt 253001
PO 00000
Frm 00019
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4725
E:\FR\FM\18FEN1.SGM
18FEN1
EN18FE21.000
jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with NOTICES
10052
VerDate Sep<11>2014
17:47 Feb 17, 2021
Jkt 253001
PO 00000
Frm 00020
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4725
E:\FR\FM\18FEN1.SGM
18FEN1
10053
EN18FE21.001
jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with NOTICES
Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 31 / Thursday, February 18, 2021 / Notices
VerDate Sep<11>2014
Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 31 / Thursday, February 18, 2021 / Notices
17:47 Feb 17, 2021
Jkt 253001
PO 00000
Frm 00021
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4725
E:\FR\FM\18FEN1.SGM
18FEN1
EN18FE21.002
jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with NOTICES
10054
VerDate Sep<11>2014
17:47 Feb 17, 2021
Jkt 253001
PO 00000
Frm 00022
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4725
E:\FR\FM\18FEN1.SGM
18FEN1
10055
EN18FE21.003
jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with NOTICES
Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 31 / Thursday, February 18, 2021 / Notices
VerDate Sep<11>2014
Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 31 / Thursday, February 18, 2021 / Notices
17:47 Feb 17, 2021
Jkt 253001
PO 00000
Frm 00023
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4725
E:\FR\FM\18FEN1.SGM
18FEN1
EN18FE21.004
jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with NOTICES
10056
VerDate Sep<11>2014
17:47 Feb 17, 2021
Jkt 253001
PO 00000
Frm 00024
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4725
E:\FR\FM\18FEN1.SGM
18FEN1
10057
EN18FE21.005
jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with NOTICES
Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 31 / Thursday, February 18, 2021 / Notices
10058
Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 31 / Thursday, February 18, 2021 / Notices
BILLING CODE 6450–01–C
DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
Federal Energy Regulatory
Commission
[Project No. 4334–017]
jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with NOTICES
EONY Generation Limited; Notice of
Application Tendered for Filing With
The Commission and Soliciting
Additional Study Requests and
Establishing Procedural Schedule for
Relicensing and a Deadline for
Submission of Final Amendments
Take notice that the following
hydroelectric application has been filed
with the Commission and is available
for public inspection.
a. Type of Application: New Major
License.
b. Project No.: 4334–017.
c. Date filed: January 28, 2021.
d. Applicant: EONY Generation
Limited (EONY).
e. Name of Project: Philadelphia
Hydroelectric Project.
f. Location: On the Indian River, in
the Village of Philadelphia in Jefferson
County, New York. The project does not
occupy any federal land.
g. Filed Pursuant to: Federal Power
Act 16 U.S.C. 791(a)–825(r).
h. Applicant Contact: Franz Kropp,
Director, Generation, EONY, 7659
Lyonsdale Road, Lyons Falls, NY 13368;
(613) 225–0418, ext. 7498. Murray Hall,
Manager, Generation, EONY, 7659
Lyonsdale Road, Lyons Falls, NY 13368;
(613) 382–7312.
i. FERC Contact: Emily Carter at (202)
502–6512, or Emily.Carter@ferc.gov.
j. Cooperating agencies: Federal, state,
local, and tribal agencies with
jurisdiction and/or special expertise
with respect to environmental issues
that wish to cooperate in the
preparation of the environmental
VerDate Sep<11>2014
17:47 Feb 17, 2021
Jkt 253001
document should follow the
instructions for filing such requests
described in item l below. Cooperating
agencies should note the Commission’s
policy that agencies that cooperate in
the preparation of the environmental
document cannot also intervene. See 94
FERC ¶ 61,076 (2001).
k. Pursuant to section 4.32(b)(7) of 18
CFR of the Commission’s regulations, if
any resource agency, Indian Tribe, or
person believes that an additional
scientific study should be conducted in
order to form an adequate factual basis
for a complete analysis of the
application on its merit, the resource
agency, Indian Tribe, or person must file
a request for a study with the
Commission not later than 60 days from
the date of filing of the application, and
serve a copy of the request on the
applicant.
l. Deadline for filing additional study
requests and requests for cooperating
agency status: March 29, 2021.
The Commission strongly encourages
electronic filing. Please file additional
study requests and requests for
cooperating agency status using the
Commission’s eFiling system at https://
ferconline.ferc.gov/FERCOnline.aspx.
For assistance, please contact FERC
Online Support at
FERCOnlineSupport@ferc.gov, (866)
208–3676 (toll free), or (202) 502–8659
(TTY). In lieu of electronic filing, you
may submit a paper copy. Submissions
sent via the U.S. Postal Service must be
addressed to: Kimberly D. Bose,
Secretary, Federal Energy Regulatory
Commission, 888 First Street NE, Room
1A, Washington, DC 20426.
Submissions sent via any other carrier
must be addressed to: Kimberly D. Bose,
Secretary, Federal Energy Regulatory
Commission, 12225 Wilkins Avenue,
Rockville, Maryland 20852. All filings
must clearly identify the project name
and docket number on the first page:
PO 00000
Frm 00025
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
Philadelphia Hydroelectric Project (P–
4334–017).
m. The application is not ready for
environmental analysis at this time.
n. Project Description: The existing
Philadelphia Hydroelectric Project
consists of (1) a 65-acre reservoir at a
normal maximum water surface
elevation of 475.4 feet; 1 (2) two concrete
dams joined by an island and
designated as the east diversion dam,
which is 60 feet long and 2 to 3 feet high
with a crest elevation of 474.4 feet, and
topped with 1.2-foot-high flashboards,
and the west diversion dam, which has
two sections totaling approximately 30
feet long and 10.4 feet high with a crest
elevation of 475.4 feet; (3) a 45-foot-long
non-overflow section that includes a
reinforced concrete intake structure; (4)
a 377-foot-long, 9.5-foot-diameter
concrete penstock; (5) a 54.5-foot-long
by 30-foot-wide reinforced concrete
powerhouse; (6) one 3.645-megawatt
horizontal Kaplan-type turbinegenerator unit; (7) trashracks with 2.5inch clear spacing; (8) a 4,160-volt,
approximately 50-foot-long buried
transmission line; (9) a switchyard; and
(10) appurtenant facilities. The average
annual generation was 10,092,492
kilowatt-hours for the period from 2016
to 2020.
EONY currently operates the project
in run-of-river mode and discharges a
minimum flow of 20 cubic feet per
second (cfs) into the project’s 1,250-footlong bypassed reach to project aquatic
resources.
As part of the license application,
EONY filed a settlement agreement
entered into between itself, the U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service, and the New
York State Department of
Environmental Conservation. As part of
the settlement agreement, EONY
proposes to: (1) Continue to operate the
project in a run-of-river mode; (2)
1 All elevations are in National Geodetic Vertical
Datum of 1929.
E:\FR\FM\18FEN1.SGM
18FEN1
EN18FE21.006
[FR Doc. 2020–29108 Filed 2–17–21; 8:45 am]
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 31 (Thursday, February 18, 2021)]
[Notices]
[Pages 10046-10058]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-29108]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
[Case Number 2020-010; EERE-2020-BT-WAV-0026]
Energy Conservation Program: Notification of Petition for Waiver
of Hussmann Corporation From the Department of Energy Walk-In Coolers
and Walk-In Freezers Test Procedure and Notice of Grant of Interim
Waiver
AGENCY: Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Department of
Energy.
ACTION: Notification of petition for waiver and grant of an interim
waiver; request for comments.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: This document announces receipt of and publishes a petition
for waiver and interim waiver from Hussmann Corporation (``Hussmann''),
which seeks a waiver for specified carbon dioxide (``CO2'')
direct expansion unit cooler basic models from the U.S. Department of
Energy (``DOE'') test procedure used to determine the efficiency of
walk-in cooler and walk-in freezer refrigeration systems. DOE also
gives notice of an Interim Waiver Order that requires Hussmann to test
and rate the specified CO2 direct expansion unit cooler
basic models in accordance with the alternate test procedure set forth
in the Interim Waiver Order. DOE solicits comments, data, and
information concerning Hussmann's petition and its suggested alternate
test procedure so as to inform DOE's final decision on Hussmann's
waiver request.
DATES: The Interim Waiver Order is effective on February 18, 2021.
Written comments and information will be accepted on or before March
22, 2021.
ADDRESSES: Interested persons are encouraged to submit comments using
the Federal eRulemaking Portal at https://www.regulations.gov.
Alternatively, interested persons may submit comments, identified by
case number ``2020-010'', and Docket number ``EERE-2020-BT-WAV-0026,''
by any of the following methods:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov.
Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
Email: [email protected]. Include Case
No. 2020-010 in the subject line of the message.
Postal Mail: Appliance and Equipment Standards Program,
U.S.
[[Page 10047]]
Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy,
Building Technologies Office, Mail Stop EE-5B, Petition for Waiver Case
No. 2020-010, 1000 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20585-0121.
If possible, please submit all items on a compact disc (``CD''), in
which case it is not necessary to include printed copies.
Hand Delivery/Courier: Appliance and Equipment Standards
Program, U.S. Department of Energy, Building Technologies Office, 950
L'Enfant Plaza SW, 6th Floor, 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 the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section of this document.
Docket: The docket, 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-WAV-0026. The docket web page contains
instruction on how to access all documents, including public comments,
in the docket. See the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section for
information on how to submit comments through https://www.regulations.gov.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Lucy deButts, U.S. Department of
Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Building
Technologies Office, Mail Stop EE-5B, 1000 Independence Avenue SW,
Washington, DC 20585-0121. Email: [email protected].
Mr. Michael Kido, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of the General
Counsel, Mail Stop GC-33, Forrestal Building, 1000 Independence Avenue
SW, Washington, DC 20585-0103. Telephone: (202) 586-8145. Email:
[email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: DOE is publishing Hussmann's petition for
waiver in its entirety in appendix A to this document, pursuant to 10
CFR 431.401(b)(1)(iv). \1\ DOE invites all interested parties to submit
in writing by March 22, 2021, comments and information on all aspects
of the petition, including the alternate test procedure. Pursuant to 10
CFR 431.401(d), any person submitting written comments to DOE must also
send a copy of such comments to the petitioner. The contact information
for the petitioner is Ronald Shebik, [email protected], 12999 St.
Charles Rock Road, Bridgeton, MO 63044.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ The petition did not identify any of the information
contained therein as confidential business information.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
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. If this instruction is followed, 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 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, in which case it is not necessary to submit printed copies.
Faxes will not 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
[[Page 10048]]
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).
Case Number 2020-010
Interim Waiver Order
I. Background and Authority
The Energy Policy and Conservation Act, as amended (``EPCA''),\2\
authorizes the U.S. Department of Energy (``DOE'') to regulate the
energy efficiency of a number of consumer products and certain
industrial equipment (42 U.S.C. 6291-6317). Title III, Part C \3\ of
EPCA (42 U.S.C. 6311-6316, as codified), added by the National Energy
Conservation Policy Act, Public Law 95-619, sec. 441 (Nov. 9, 1978),
established the Energy Conservation Program for Certain Industrial
Equipment, which sets forth a variety of provisions designed to improve
the energy efficiency for certain types of industrial equipment.
Through amendments brought about by the Energy Independence and
Security Act of 2007, Public Law 110-140, sec. 312 (Dec. 19, 2007),
this equipment includes walk-in cooler and walk-in freezer
(collectively, ``walk-in'') refrigeration systems, the focus of this
document (42 U.S.C. 6311(1)(G)).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\2\ 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 (Oct. 23, 2018).
\3\ For editorial reasons, upon codification in the U.S. Code,
Part C was redesignated as Part A-1.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 include definitions (42 U.S.C. 6311), energy
conservation standards (42 U.S.C. 6313), test procedures (42 U.S.C.
6314), labeling provisions (42 U.S.C. 6315), and the authority to
require information and reports from manufacturers (42 U.S.C. 6316).
The Federal testing requirements consist of test procedures that
manufacturers of covered equipment must use as the basis for: (1)
Certifying to DOE that their equipment complies with the applicable
energy conservation standards adopted pursuant to EPCA (42 U.S.C.
6316(a); 42 U.S.C. 6295(s)), and (2) making representations about the
efficiency of that equipment (42 U.S.C. 6314(d)). Similarly, DOE must
use these test procedures to determine whether the covered equipment
complies with relevant standards promulgated under EPCA. (42 U.S.C.
6316(a); 42 U.S.C. 6295(s))
Under 42 U.S.C. 6314, EPCA sets forth the criteria and procedures
DOE is required to follow when prescribing or amending test procedures
for covered equipment. EPCA requires that any test procedures
prescribed or amended under this section must be reasonably designed to
produce test results which reflect the energy efficiency, energy use or
estimated annual operating cost of covered equipment during a
representative average use cycle and requires that test procedures not
be unduly burdensome to conduct (42 U.S.C. 6314(a)(2)). The test
procedure for walk-in refrigeration systems is contained in the Code of
Federal Regulations (``CFR'') at 10 CFR part 431, subpart R, appendix
C, Uniform Test Method for the Measurement of Net Capacity and AWEF of
Walk-In Cooler and Walk-In Freezer Refrigeration Systems (``Appendix
C'').
Under 10 CFR 431.401, any interested person may submit a petition
for waiver from DOE's test procedure requirements. DOE will grant a
waiver from the test procedure requirements if DOE determines either
that the basic model for which the waiver was requested contains a
design characteristic that prevents testing of the basic model
according to the prescribed test procedures, or that the prescribed
test procedures evaluate the basic model in a manner so
unrepresentative of its true energy consumption characteristics as to
provide materially inaccurate comparative data. 10 CFR 431.401(f)(2). A
petitioner must include in its petition any alternate test procedures
known to the petitioner to evaluate the performance of the equipment
type in a manner representative of the energy consumption
characteristics of the basic model. 10 CFR 431.401(b)(1)(iii). DOE may
grant the waiver subject to conditions, including adherence to
alternate test procedures specified by DOE. 10 CFR 431.401(f)(2).
As soon as practicable after the granting of any waiver, DOE will
publish in the Federal Register a notice of proposed rulemaking to
amend its regulations so as to eliminate any need for the continuation
of such waiver. 10 CFR 431.401(l). As soon thereafter as practicable,
DOE will publish in the Federal Register a final rule to that effect.
Id.
The waiver process also provides that DOE may grant an interim
waiver if it appears likely that the underlying petition for waiver
will be granted and/or if DOE determines that it would be desirable for
public policy reasons to grant immediate relief pending a determination
on the underlying petition for waiver. 10 CFR 431.401(e)(2). Within one
year of issuance of an interim waiver, DOE will either: (i) Publish in
the Federal Register a determination on the petition for waiver; or
(ii) publish in the Federal Register a new or amended test procedure
that addresses the issues presented in the waiver. 10 CFR
431.401(h)(1).
When DOE amends the test procedure to address the issues presented
in a waiver, the waiver will automatically terminate on the date on
which use of that test procedure is required to demonstrate compliance.
10 CFR 431.401(h)(2).
II. Hussmann's Petition for Waiver and Interim Waiver
On July 16, 2020, Hussmann filed a petition for waiver and interim
waiver from the test procedure for walk-in refrigeration systems set
forth at 10 CFR part 431, subpart R, appendix C (Hussmann, No. 1 at p.
1 \4\). Hussmann also included Appendix I to their petition with
clarifications and responses to two questions posed to Hussmann by DOE
regarding their CO2 direct expansion unit cooler subject
basic models (Hussmann, No. 1 at p. 7-8). Hussmann claims that the test
conditions described in Table 15 and Table 16 of the Air-Conditioning,
Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (``AHRI'') Standard 1250-2009,
Standard for Performance Rating of Walk-In Coolers and Freezers (``AHRI
1250-2009'') (for walk-in refrigerator unit coolers and freezer unit
coolers tested alone, respectively), as incorporated by Appendix C with
modification, cannot be achieved by the specified basic models and are
not consistent with operation of Hussmann's CO2 direct
expansion unit coolers. Hussmann stated that CO2 has a
critical temperature of 87.8 [deg]F \5\, and
[[Page 10049]]
thus the required liquid inlet saturation temperature of 105 [deg]F and
the required liquid inlet subcooling temperature of 9 [deg]F required
in DOE's test procedure are not achievable, and that the test
conditions should be more consistent with typical operating conditions
for a transcritical CO2 booster system (Hussmann, No. 1 at
p.3).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\4\ A notation in the form ``Hussmann, No.1'' identifies a
written submission: (1) Made by Hussmann; and (2) recorded in
document number 1 that is filed in the docket of this petition for
waiver (Docket No. EERE-2020-BT-WAV-0026) and available at https://www.regulations.gov/docket?D=EERE-2020-BT-WAV-0026.
\5\ The test procedure specifies the unit cooler refrigerant
inlet condition in terms of a saturation temperature (the
temperature at which it completes the condensation process in a
condenser) and the subcooling temperature (additional reduction in
temperature lower than the specified saturation temperature). For
CO2, the critical temperature above which there cannot
exist separate liquid and gas phases is below the saturation
condition specified in the test procedure, hence the specified
condition cannot be achieved.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
The statements made by Hussmann reference the difference in
thermodynamic properties between CO2 and other refrigerants.
At modest pressures (i.e. below the critical point), many substances
transition from a solid to a liquid to a gas as temperature increases.
For example, a pure substance like water transitions from liquid to
steam at a specific temperature, e.g. 212 [deg]F, at atmospheric
pressure. As heat is added during a liquid to gas transition, the
temperature remains constant and the substance coexists as both liquid
and vapor. Continuing to add heat converts more of the liquid to vapor
at a constant temperature. The reverse occurs when heat is removed.
However, the transition temperature depends on the pressure--the higher
the pressure, the higher the transition temperature. This is a key
principle in refrigeration systems, which operate at two pressure
levels associated with two temperatures. A refrigerant absorbs heat
when it is at a low temperature and pressure, converting to gas and
cooling the surrounding space. At high temperature and pressure, the
refrigerant transitions to a liquid while releasing heat to the
environment. A compressor is used to raise the low-pressure gas to a
high pressure, and a throttle (pressure reduction device) is used to
reduce the pressure once the refrigerant has been fully liquefied
(condensed) at high pressure.
All refrigerants have a ``critical pressure'' and an associated
``critical temperature'' above which liquid and vapor phases cannot
coexist. Above this critical point, the refrigerant will be a gas and
its temperature will increase or decrease as heat is added or removed.
For all conventional refrigerants, the critical pressure is so high
that it is never exceeded in typical refrigeration cycles. For example,
R404A is a common refrigerant used in refrigeration systems that has a
critical pressure of 540.8 psia \6\ with an associated critical
temperature of 161.7 [deg]F. However, CO2 behaves
differently, with a critical pressure of 1,072 psia associated with a
much lower critical temperature of 87.8 [deg]F. The refrigerant
temperature must be somewhat higher than the ambient temperature in
order to reject refrigeration cycle heat to the ambient environment.
Ambient temperatures greater than 87.8 [deg]F are common and the
performance of many refrigeration and air conditioning systems are
tested using a 95 [deg]F ambient temperature, as indicated by the A
test condition in AHRI 1250-2009 Section 5. At temperatures greater
than the critical temperature, the CO2 refrigerant is in a
supercritical state (i.e. a condition with pressure above the critical
temperature) and heat is transferred to the environment. Since useful
cooling is provided below the critical temperature, CO2
cycles are said to be transcritical.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\6\ Absolute pressure is the pressure measured relative to a
complete vacuum; ``psia'' represents the absolute pressure in pounds
per square inch.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
The transcritical nature of CO2 generally requires more
complex refrigeration cycle design to approach the efficiency of
traditional refrigerants (i.e., R404A, R407A, R448A, etc.) during
operation in high temperature conditions. To increase efficiency and
prevent overheating, transcritical booster systems introduce (or use)
multiple stages of compression and intercooling. CO2 is
cooled in the gas cooler of a transcritical booster system, then
expands through a high-pressure control valve and is delivered to a
subcritical-pressure flash tank. In the flash tank, the refrigerant is
in the subcritical phase and the liquid and vapor phases can be
separated. A unit cooler in a CO2 booster system would be
supplied with liquid refrigerant from the flash tank via expansion
valves where the refrigerant is evaporated. The evaporated refrigerant
is subsequently compressed up to gas cooler pressure to complete the
cycle (Hussmann, No. 5).
Hussmann also requests an interim waiver from the existing DOE test
procedure. DOE will grant an interim waiver if it appears likely that
the petition for waiver will be granted, and/or if DOE determines that
it would be desirable for public policy reasons to grant immediate
relief pending a determination of the petition for waiver. See 10 CFR
431.401(e)(2).
Based on the assertions in the petition, absent an interim waiver,
the prescribed test procedure is not appropriate for Hussmann's
CO2 direct expansion unit coolers and the test conditions
are not achievable, since CO2 refrigerant has a critical
temperature of 87.8 [deg]F and the current DOE test procedure calls for
a liquid inlet saturation temperature of 105 [deg]F. The inability to
achieve test conditions for the stated basic models would result in
economic hardship from loss of sales stemming from the inability of the
DOE test procedure to address the operating conditions of Hussmann's
equipment.
III. Requested Alternate Test Procedure
EPCA requires that manufacturers use the applicable DOE test
procedures when making representations about the energy consumption and
energy consumption costs of covered equipment (42 U.S.C. 6314(d)).
Consistency is important when making representations about the energy
efficiency of equipment, including when demonstrating compliance with
applicable DOE energy conservation standards. Pursuant to 10 CFR
431.401, and after consideration of public comments on the petition,
DOE may establish in a subsequent Decision and Order an alternate test
procedure for the basic models addressed by the Interim Waiver Order.
Hussmann seeks to test and rate specific CO2 direct
expansion unit cooler basic models with modifications to the DOE test
procedure. Hussmann's suggested approach specifies using modified
liquid inlet saturation and liquid inlet subcooling temperatures of 38
[deg]F and 5 [deg]F, respectively, for both walk-in refrigerator unit
coolers and walk-in freezer unit coolers. Additionally, Hussmann
recommends that because the subject units are used in transcritical
CO2 booster systems, the calculations in AHRI 1250-2009
section 7.9 should be used to determine the Annual Walk-in Efficiency
Factor (``AWEF'') and net capacity for unit coolers matched to parallel
rack systems as required under the DOE test procedure. This section of
AHRI 1250-2009 is prescribed by the DOE test procedure for determining
AWEF for all unit coolers tested alone (see 10 CFR part 431, subpart R,
appendix C, section 3.3.1). Finally, Hussmann also suggested that AHRI
1250-2009 Table 17 (EER [Energy Efficiency Ratio] for Remote Commercial
Refrigerated Display Merchandisers and Storage Cabinets) should be used
to determine EER values and power consumption for the subject
CO2 direct expansion unit cooler systems as required under
the DOE test procedure.
IV. Interim Waiver Order
DOE has reviewed Hussmann's application, its suggested testing
approach, industry materials regarding CO2 transcritical
booster systems, and Hussmann's consumer-facing materials, including
websites and product specification sheets for the basic models listed
in Hussmann's petition. Based on this review, the suggested testing
approach appears to allow for the
[[Page 10050]]
accurate measurement of energy efficiency of the specified basic
models, while alleviating the testing issues associated with Hussmann's
implementation of walk-in cooler and walk-in freezer testing for these
basic models. Review of the CO2 refrigeration market
confirms that the test conditions of the testing approach suggested by
Hussmann would be representative for operation of a unit cooler used in
a transcritical CO2 booster system. CO2 that is
cooled in the gas cooler of a transcritical booster system expands
through a high-pressure control valve that delivers CO2 to a
subcritical-pressure flash tank, where liquid and vapor phases of the
refrigerant are separated. The liquid is then split and the unit
coolers receive the refrigerant at the same condition, consistent with
the use of the same liquid inlet saturation temperature for both the
medium- and low-temperature systems in Hussmann's suggested test
approach. Calculations on other external CO2 refrigeration
system designs in the market indicate that the 38 [deg]F liquid unit
cooler inlet saturation temperature suggested by Hussmann is
representative of CO2 booster systems (Hussmann, No.5).
Regarding use of the EER values in AHRI 1250-2009 Table 17 to determine
the representative compressor power consumption for CO2 unit
cooler systems, research into the performance of different
configurations of CO2 booster systems shows that enhanced
CO2 cycles (like those used in transcritical booster
systems) can match conventional refrigerants in average annual
efficiency (Hussmann, No. 2). The findings from this research, along
with the other collective factors previously noted, justifies the use
of the EER values in AHRI 1250-2009 Table 17 for determining the power
consumption for CO2 booster system evaporators, despite
these EER values being initially established for systems using
conventional refrigerants. Consequently, DOE has determined that
Hussmann's petition for waiver likely will be granted. Furthermore, DOE
has determined that it is desirable for public policy reasons to grant
Hussmann immediate relief pending a determination of the petition for
waiver.
For the reasons stated, it is ordered that:
(1) Hussmann must test and rate the following CO2 direct
expansion unit cooler basic models with the alternate test procedure
set forth in paragraph (2).
Basic Models for Which a Waiver is Requested:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Manufacturer Brand Basic model
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hussmann........................ Krack............. KRD***-***C***.
Hussmann........................ Krack............. G*D***-***C***.
Hussmann........................ Krack............. LHD***-***C***.
Hussmann........................ Krack............. MKD***-***C***.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(2) The Hussmann basic models identified in paragraph (1) of this
Interim Waiver Order shall be tested according to the test procedure
for walk-in cooler and walk-in freezer refrigeration systems prescribed
by DOE at 10 CFR part 431, subpart R, appendix C (``Appendix C''),
except that the liquid inlet saturation temperature test condition and
liquid inlet subcooling temperature test condition shall be modified to
38 [deg]F and 5 [deg]F, respectively, for both walk-in refrigerator
unit coolers and walk-in freezer unit coolers, as detailed below. All
other requirements of Appendix C and DOE's regulations remain
applicable.
In Appendix C, under section 3.1. General modifications: Test
Conditions and Tolerances, revise section 3.1.5., to read as follows:
3.1.5. Tables 15 and 16 shall be modified to read as follows:
Table 15--Refrigerator Unit Cooler
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unit cooler Unit cooler Liquid Liquid
air air Saturated inlet inlet
Test description entering entering suction saturation subcooling Compressor capacity Test objective
dry-bulb, relative temp, temp, temp,
[deg]F humidity, % [deg]F [deg]F [deg]F
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Off Cycle Fan Power.................. 35 <50 ........... ........... ........... Compressor Off......... Measure fan input power
during compressor off
cycle.
Refrigeration Capacity Suction A..... 35 <50 25 38 5 Compressor On.......... Determine Net
Refrigeration Capacity
of Unit Cooler.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note: Superheat to be set according to equipment specification in equipment or installation manual. If no superheat specification is given, a default
superheat value of 6.5 [deg]F shall be used. The superheat setting used in the test shall be reported as part of the standard rating.
Table 16--Freezer Unit Cooler
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unit cooler Unit cooler Liquid Liquid
air air Saturated inlet inlet
Test description entering entering suction saturation subcooling Compressor capacity Test objective
dry-bulb, relative temp, temp, temp,
[deg]F humidity, % [deg]F [deg]F [deg]F
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Off Cycle Fan Power.................. -10 <50 ........... ........... ........... Compressor Off......... Measure fan input power
during compressor off
cycle.
Refrigeration Capacity Suction A..... -10 <50 -20 38 5 Compressor On.......... Determine Net
Refrigeration Capacity
of Unit Cooler.
Defrost.............................. -10 Various ........... ........... ........... Compressor Off......... Test according to
Appendix C Section
C11.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note: Superheat to be set according to equipment specification in equipment or installation manual. If no superheat specification is given, a default
superheat value of 6.5 [deg]F shall be used. The superheat setting used in the test shall be reported as part of the standard rating.
(3) Representations. Hussmann may not make representations about
the energy efficiency of a basic model listed in paragraph (1) of this
Interim Waiver Order for compliance, marketing, or other purposes
unless the basic model has been tested in accordance with the
provisions set forth in this alternate test procedure and such
representations fairly disclose the results of such testing.
(4) This Interim Waiver Order shall remain in effect according to
the provisions of 10 CFR 431.401.
(5) This Interim Waiver Order is issued on the condition that the
statements and representations provided by Hussmann are valid. If
Hussmann makes any modifications to the controls or configurations of a
basic model subject to this Interim Waiver Order, such modifications
will render the waiver invalid with respect to that basic model, and
Hussmann will either be required to use the current Federal test method
or submit a new application for a test procedure waiver. DOE may
[[Page 10051]]
rescind or modify this waiver at any time if it determines the factual
basis underlying the petition for the Interim Waiver Order is
incorrect, or the results from the alternate test procedure are
unrepresentative of the basic model's true energy consumption
characteristics. 10 CFR 431.401(k)(1). Likewise, Hussmann may request
that DOE rescind or modify the Interim Waiver Order if Hussmann
discovers an error in the information provided to DOE as part of its
petition, determines that the interim waiver is no longer needed, or
for other appropriate reasons. 10 CFR 431.401(k)(2).
(6) Issuance of this Interim Waiver Order does not release Hussmann
from the applicable requirements set forth at 10 CFR part 429.
DOE makes decisions on waivers and interim waivers for only those
basic models specifically set out in the petition, not future models
that may be manufactured by the petitioner. Hussmann may submit a new
or amended petition for waiver and request for grant of interim waiver,
as appropriate, for additional basic models of CO2 direct
expansion unit coolers. Alternatively, if appropriate, Hussmann may
request that DOE extend the scope of a waiver or an interim waiver to
include additional basic models employing the same technology as the
basic model(s) set forth in the original petition consistent with 10
CFR 431.401(g).
Signing Authority
This document of the Department of Energy was signed on December
28, 2020, by Daniel R. Simmons, Assistant Secretary for 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 December 29, 2020.
Treena V. Garrett,
Federal Register Liaison Officer, U.S. Department of Energy.
BILLING CODE 6450-01-P
[[Page 10052]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN18FE21.000
[[Page 10053]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN18FE21.001
[[Page 10054]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN18FE21.002
[[Page 10055]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN18FE21.003
[[Page 10056]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN18FE21.004
[[Page 10057]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN18FE21.005
[[Page 10058]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN18FE21.006
[FR Doc. 2020-29108 Filed 2-17-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6450-01-C