Energy Conservation Program: Test Procedure for Portable Air Conditioners, 20044-20053 [2021-07818]
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 72 / Friday, April 16, 2021 / Proposed Rules
A 60-day comment period is provided
to allow interested persons to respond
to this proposal. All written comments
timely received will be considered
before a final determination is made on
this matter.
List of Subjects in 7 CFR Part 985
Marketing agreements, Oils and fats,
Reporting and recordkeeping
requirements, Spearmint oil.
For the reasons set forth in the
preamble, the Agriculture Marketing
Services proposes to amend 7 CFR part
985 as follows:
PART 985—MARKETING ORDER
REGULATING THE HANDLING OF
SPEARMINT OIL PRODUCED IN THE
FAR WEST
1. The authority citation for 7 CFR
part 985 continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: 7 U.S.C. 601–674.
2. Section 985.236 is added to read as
follows:
■
§ 985.236 Salable quantities and allotment
percentages—2021–2022 marketing year.
The salable quantity and allotment
percentage for each class of spearmint
oil during the marketing year beginning
on June 1, 2021, shall be as follows:
(a) Class 1 (Scotch) oil—a salable
quantity of 846,684 pounds and an
allotment percentage of 38 percent.
(b) Class 3 (Native) oil—a salable
quantity of 938,397 pounds and an
allotment percentage of 37 percent.
Bruce Summers,
Administrator, Agricultural Marketing
Service.
[FR Doc. 2021–07829 Filed 4–15–21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE P
DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
10 CFR Part 430
[EERE–2020–BT–TP–0029]
RIN 1904–AF03
Energy Conservation Program: Test
Procedure for Portable Air
Conditioners
Office of Energy Efficiency and
Renewable Energy, Department of
Energy.
ACTION: Request for information.
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AGENCY:
The U.S. Department of
Energy (‘‘DOE’’) is undertaking the
preliminary stages of a rulemaking to
consider amendments to the test
procedure for portable air conditioners
(‘‘ACs’’). Through this request for
SUMMARY:
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information (‘‘RFI’’), DOE seeks data
and information regarding issues
pertinent to whether amended test
procedures would more accurately or
fully comply with the requirement that
the test procedure produces results that
measure energy use during a
representative average use cycle or
period of use for the product without
being unduly burdensome to conduct,
or reduce testing burden. DOE
welcomes written comments from the
public on any subject within the scope
of this document (including topics not
raised in this RFI), as well as the
submission of data and other relevant
information.
DATES: Written comments and
information are requested and will be
accepted on or before May 17, 2021.
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–0029, by
any of the following methods:
1. Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://
www.regulations.gov. Follow the
instructions for submitting comments.
2. Email: to PortableAC2020TP0029@
ee.doe.gov. Include docket number
EERE–2020–BT–TP–0029 in the subject
line of the message.
No telefacsimiles (‘‘faxes’’) will be
accepted. For detailed instructions on
submitting comments and additional
information on this process, see section
III of this document.
Although DOE has routinely accepted
public comment submissions through a
variety of mechanisms, including postal
mail and hand delivery/courier, the
Department has found it necessary to
make temporary modifications to the
comment submission process in light of
the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. DOE is
currently suspending receipt of public
comments via postal mail and hand
delivery/courier. If a commenter finds
that this change poses an undue
hardship, please contact Appliance
Standards Program staff at (202) 586–
1445 to discuss the need for alternative
arrangements. Once the Covid-19
pandemic health emergency is resolved,
DOE anticipates resuming all of its
regular options for public comment
submission, including postal mail and
hand delivery/courier.
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
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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-0029. 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.
Bryan Berringer, U.S. Department of
Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and
Renewable Energy, Building
Technologies Office, EE–5B, 1000
Independence Avenue SW, Washington,
DC 20585–0121. Telephone: (202) 586–
0371. Email:
ApplianceStandardsQuestions@
ee.doe.gov.
Ms. Sarah Butler, U.S. Department of
Energy, Office of the General Counsel,
GC–33, 1000 Independence Avenue SW,
Washington, DC 20585–0121.
Telephone: (202) 586–1777. Email:
Sarah.Butler@hq.doe.gov.
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:
ApplianceStandardsQuestions@
ee.doe.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Table of Contents
I. Introduction
A. Authority and Background
B. Rulemaking History
II. Request for Information
A. Scope and Definitions
B. Test Procedure
1. Updates to Industry Standards
2. Test Harmonization
3. Energy Use Measurements
4. Representative Average Period of Use
5. Test Burden
6. Convection Coefficient
7. Infiltration Air and Duct Heat Transfer
8. Case Heat Transfer
9. Heating Mode
10. Network Connectivity
11. Fan-Only Mode
12. Part-Load Performance and Load-Based
Testing
13. Dehumidification Mode
14. Spot Coolers
C. Test Procedure Waivers
III. Submission of Comments
I. Introduction
DOE’s test procedures for portable
ACs are prescribed in the Code of
Federal Regulations (‘‘CFR’’) at Title 10
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of the CFR part 430, subpart B,
appendix CC (‘‘appendix CC’’). The
following sections discuss DOE’s
authority to establish and amend test
procedures for portable ACs, 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, as amended (‘‘EPCA’’),1 authorizes
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 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. In addition
to specifying a list of covered products,
EPCA enables the Secretary of Energy to
classify additional types of consumer
products as covered products under
EPCA. (42 U.S.C. 6292(a)(20)) In a final
determination of coverage published in
the Federal Register on April 18, 2016,
DOE classified portable ACs as covered
products under EPCA. 81 FR 22514.
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))
EPCA also requires that, at least once
every 7 years, DOE review test
procedures for all type of covered
products, including portable ACs, to
determine whether amended test
procedures would more accurately or
fully comply with the requirements for
the test procedures 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 and to not be unduly
burdensome to conduct. (42 U.S.C.
6293(b)(1)(A)) If the Secretary
determines, on her 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. (42 U.S.C. 6293(b)(2))
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. Id. If DOE
determines that test procedure revisions
are not appropriate, DOE must publish
its determination not to amend the test
procedures. (42 U.S.C. 6293(b)(1)(A))
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.
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’’),3 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.)
B. Rulemaking History
On November 5, 2020, DOE published
an early assessment review RFI in
which it sought data and information
pertinent to whether amended test
procedures would (1) more accurately or
fully comply with the requirement that
the test procedure produces results that
measure energy use during a
representative average use cycle or
period of use for the product without
being unduly burdensome to conduct,
or (2) reduce testing burden. 85 FR
70508 (‘‘November 2020 RFI’’). DOE
received comments in response to the
November 2020 RFI from the interested
parties listed in Table I.1.
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TABLE I.1—WRITTEN COMMENTS RECEIVED IN RESPONSE TO NOVEMBER 2020 RFI
Organization(s)
Reference in this RFI
Organization type
Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers .....................................................................
California Investor-Owned Utilities .........................................................................................
Appliance Standards Awareness Project & Consumer Federation of America .....................
AHAM .............................
California IOUs ..............
Joint Commenters ..........
Trade Association.
Utility.
Efficiency Organizations.
1 All references to EPCA in this document refer
to the statute as amended through the Energy Act
of 2020, Public Law 116–260 (Dec. 27, 2020).
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2 For editorial reasons, upon codification in the
U.S. Code, Part B was redesignated Part A.
3 IEC Standard 62301, ‘‘Household electrical
appliances—Measurement of standby power’’; IEC
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Standard 62087, ‘‘Methods of measurement for the
power consumption of audio, video and related
equipment’’
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TABLE I.1—WRITTEN COMMENTS RECEIVED IN RESPONSE TO NOVEMBER 2020 RFI—Continued
Organization(s)
Reference in this RFI
Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance .....................................................................................
NEEA .............................
Based on DOE’s review of the test
procedure for portable ACs and the
comments received, as discussed in the
following sections, DOE has determined
it is appropriate to continue the test
procedure rulemaking after the early
assessment process. See 10 CFR part 430
subpart C appendix A section 8(b).
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II. Request for Information
In the following sections, DOE has
identified a variety of issues on which
it seeks input to determine whether, and
if so how, an amended test procedure
for portable ACs would (1) more
accurately or fully comply with the
requirements in EPCA that test
procedures be reasonably designed to
produce test results which reflect energy
use during a representative average use
cycle or period of use, without being
unduly burdensome to conduct (42
U.S.C. 6293(b)(3)); or (2) reduce testing
burden.
Additionally, DOE welcomes
comments on any aspect of the existing
test procedures for portable ACs that
may not specifically be identified in this
document.
A. Scope and Definitions
In a coverage determination published
on April 18, 2016, DOE established the
definition of a ‘‘portable air
conditioner’’ as a portable encased
assembly, other than a packaged
terminal air conditioner, room air
conditioner, or dehumidifier, that
delivers cooled, conditioned air to an
enclosed space, and is powered by
single-phase electric current. 81 FR
22514, 22519–22520; see also 10 CFR
430.2. The definition also states that a
portable AC includes a source of
refrigeration and may include additional
means for air circulation and heating.
Id.
In a final rule published on June 1,
2016, DOE established definitions for
two portable AC configurations: ‘‘singleduct portable air conditioner’’ and
‘‘dual-duct portable air conditioner.’’ 81
FR 35241, 35245–35246 (‘‘June 2016
Final Rule’’). A ‘‘single-duct portable air
conditioner’’ is a portable AC that draws
all of the condenser inlet air from the
conditioned space without the means of
a duct, and discharges the condenser
outlet air outside the conditioned space
through a single duct attached to an
adjustable window bracket. 10 CFR
430.2. A ‘‘dual-duct portable air
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conditioner’’ is a portable AC that draws
some or all of the condenser inlet air
from outside the conditioned space
through a duct attached to an adjustable
window bracket, may draw additional
condenser inlet air from the conditioned
space, and discharges the condenser
outlet air outside the conditioned space
by means of a separate duct attached to
an adjustable window bracket. Id.
Issue 1: DOE seeks comment on
whether the current definitions of
‘‘portable air condition,’’ ‘‘single-duct
portable air conditioner,’’ and ‘‘dualduct portable air conditioner’’ require
amendment, and if so, how the terms
should be defined.
Issue 2: DOE requests comment on
whether the existing equipment
definitions specified in 10 CFR 430.2 for
portable ACs require amendments to
distinguish further between single-duct
and dual-duct units, or to address any
unique configurations that are not
clearly addressed in the existing
definitions. If amendments are
recommended, DOE seeks information
on what identifying characteristics may
be included in potential amended or
new definitions.
B. Test Procedure
Portable ACs are tested in accordance
with appendix CC, which incorporates
by reference American National
Standard Institute (‘‘ANSI’’)/Association
of Home Appliance Manufacturers
(‘‘AHAM’’) PAC–1–2015 ‘‘Portable Air
Conditioners’’ (‘‘ANSI/AHAM PAC–1–
2015’’), ANSI/American Society of
Heating, Refrigerating and AirConditioning Engineers (‘‘ASHRAE’’)
Standard 37–2009 ‘‘Methods of Testing
for Rating Electrically Driven Unitary
Air-Conditioning and Heat Pump
Equipment’’ (‘‘ANSI/ASHRAE Standard
37–2009’’), and IEC Standard 62301
‘‘Household electrical appliances—
Measurement of standby power’’
(Edition 2.0 2011–01) (‘‘IEC Standard
62301’’), with modifications. Regarding
dual-duct portable ACs, the DOE test
procedure specifies provisions in
addition to ANSI/AHAM PAC–1–2015.
Specifically, the DOE test procedure
specifies an additional test condition for
dual-duct portable ACs (83 degrees
Fahrenheit (‘‘°F’’) dry-bulb and 67.5 °F
wet-bulb outdoor temperature) and
additionally accounts for duct heat
transfer, infiltration air heat transfer,
and off-cycle mode energy use. See
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Organization type
Efficiency Organization.
Sections 4.1; 4.1.1; 4.1.; and 4.2 of
appendix CC. ANSI/AHAM PAC–1–
2015 does not have similar provisions.
Appendix CC also includes instructions
regarding tested configurations, duct
setup, inlet test conditions, condensate
removal, unit placement, duct
temperature measurements, and control
settings. See Sections 3.1.1; 3.1.1.1;
3.1.1.2; 3.1.1.3; 3.1.1.4; 3.1.1.6; and 3.1.2
of appendix CC.
Under the current test procedure, a
unit’s seasonally adjusted cooling
capacity (‘‘SACC’’), in British thermal
units per hour (‘‘Btu/h’’), is calculated
as a weighted average of the adjusted
cooling capacity measured at two
representative operating conditions. The
adjusted cooling capacity is the
measured indoor room cooling capacity
while operating in cooling mode under
the specified test conditions, adjusted
based on the measured and calculated
duct and infiltration air heat transfer.
See Sections 4.1; 4.1.1; 4.1.2; 5.1; and
5.2 of appendix CC. The combined
energy efficiency ratio (‘‘CEER’’)
represents the efficiency of the unit, in
Btu per watt-hours (‘‘Btu/Wh’’), based
on the adjusted cooling capacity at the
two operating conditions; the annual
energy consumption in cooling mode,
off-cycle mode, and inactive or off
mode; and the number of cooling mode
hours per year; with weighting factors
applied for the two operating
conditions. See Sections 4.2; 4.3; 5.3;
and 5.4 of appendix CC.
1. Updates to Industry Standards
As discussed, appendix CC references
ANSI/AHAM PAC–1–2015, an industry
test procedure for portable ACs, with
modifications. In the November 2020
RFI, DOE sought comment on the
availability of industry-accepted
consensus-based test procedures for
measuring the energy use of portable
ACs that could be adopted without
modification and more accurately or
fully comply with the requirement that
the test procedure produces results that
measure energy use during a
representative average use cycle for the
product, and not be unduly burdensome
to conduct. 85 FR 70508, 70511.
AHAM stated its intent to revise
ANSI/AHAM PAC–1–2015,
incorporating the waivers that DOE had
granted, or at the time was considering,
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under its existing test procedure.4
AHAM urged DOE to adopt the updated
ANSI/AHAM PAC–1 test procedure
once finalized. AHAM further stated it
will provide status updates to DOE as
both the ANSI/AHAM PAC–1 revision
and DOE test procedure assessment
proceed, and welcomed DOE to
participate in the ANSI/AHAM PAC–1
revision efforts. (AHAM, No. 2 at pp.
2–3) 5
Issue 3: DOE requests input on any
other industry standards relevant to
portable ACs that should be considered
in assessing amendments to the existing
DOE test procedure for portable ACs.
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2. Test Harmonization
The Joint Commenters encouraged
DOE to align the portable AC and room
AC test procedures to allow consumers
to be able to compare the efficiency
ratings of the two products, which they
stated can often be used for the same
applications. The Joint Commenters
stated that the current test procedures
do not provide a fair comparison
between portable ACs and room ACs,
asserting that the efficiency ratings of
portable ACs are inflated relative to
those of room ACs due to the differences
in test conditions between the two
procedures. The Joint Commenters
stated that future harmonized loadbased test procedures for portable ACs
and room ACs based on performance at
multiple outdoor conditions would
better represent how all units perform in
the field. (Joint Commenters, No. 4 at
pp. 1–2)
NEEA similarly urged DOE to align
the test procedures for portable ACs and
room ACs to ensure comparability of
efficiency and capacity ratings across
both products. According to NEEA,
room ACs and portable ACs are similar
products that are both likely to be used
as supplemental cooling sources either
for consumers that do not have central
cooling systems or when those
centralized systems are not sufficient to
meet the cooling needs of a specific
space. (NEEA, No. 5 at p. 1) According
to NEEA, differences between the two
4 The existing portable AC test procedure waiver
granted to LG Electronics USA, Inc. is available at
https://www.regulations.gov/docket/EERE-2018-BTWAV-0007. Since AHAM’s comment, DOE has also
granted an interim waiver to GD Midea Air
Conditioning Equipment Co. LTD., available at
https://www.regulations.gov/docket/EERE-2020-BTWAV-0023. Test procedure waivers are discussed
further in section II.C.
5 A notation in the form ‘‘AHAM, No. 2 at pp. 2–
3’’ identifies a written comment: (1) Made by the
Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers; (2)
recorded in document number 2 that is filed in the
docket of this test procedure rulemaking (Docket
No. EERE–2020–BT–TP–0029) and available for
review at https://www.regulations.gov; and (3) which
appears on pages 2–3 of document number 2.
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test procedures lead to incomparability
between the two AC types and may
potentially mislead consumers with
higher ratings for portable ACs. NEEA
recommended that both products be
rated using a seasonal metric at the
same test conditions, and that DOE
adopt load-based test procedure for both
products. NEEA stated that using a loadbased test is the best way to fully
account for the effectiveness of controls,
cycling effects, and variable speed
performance of both portable ACs and
room ACs, and would better reflect real
world performance. (NEEA, No. 5 at pp.
1–2)
The California IOUs encouraged DOE
to align the portable AC, room AC, and
central air conditioner/heat pump
(‘‘central AC/HP’’) test procedures to
allow consumers to more readily
compare performance across these
categories. The California IOUs further
claimed that room ACs and portable
ACs provide largely the same consumer
utility as central ACs/HPs of similar
capacity, with the only significant
differences being the method of
installation and ease in relocation,
respectively. (California IOUs, No. 3 at
pp. 1, 3–4)
Both NEEA and the California IOUs,
referenced DOE’s statement in the June
2016 Final Rule in which DOE stated
that comparative ratings between room
ACs and portable ACs are desirable and
that DOE would consider whether rating
conditions representative of room AC
usage should be adjusted when it
conducts a rulemaking for its room AC
test procedures. (NEEA, No. 5 at pp. 1–
2; California IOUs, No. 3 at pp. 1, 3–4)
DOE recognizes that portable ACs,
room ACs, and central ACs all provide
cooling; however, there are significant
differences in how these products are
installed, used, and provide cooling.
Central ACs are fixed appliances,
installed year-round, built into homes,
and controlled by a central thermostat to
maintain a relatively constant
temperature throughout the conditioned
space. In contrast, room ACs and
portable ACs are installed, often
seasonally, in a single room; operate
based on an internal thermostat when
turned on, typically only during the
cooling season; and may be readily
turned off when the room is not
occupied. Furthermore, room ACs and
portable ACs differ from each other in
that they have different installation
means, and induce different amounts of
outdoor air infiltration heat and other
unwanted heat transfer to the
conditioned space (i.e., portable ACs are
located entirely within the conditioned
space along with the hot exhaust duct,
and the window mounting bracket
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20047
typically has little to no insulation; in
contrast to room ACs, which often ship
with insulated side-curtains or other
insulating installation materials).
Regarding capacity and efficiency
comparisons, based on recent standards
rulemaking analyses and market
research, DOE expects that portable AC
capacity ranges from 2,500 to 10,000
Btu/h and CEER ranges from 4 to 8 Btu/
Wh, both of which are significantly
lower than the current typical range of
capacity and CEER for room ACs,
ranging from 5,000 to 35,000 Btu/h and
9 to 15 Btu/Wh, respectively.
The test procedures for room ACs,
portable ACs, and central ACs were
developed based on the best available
usage data and information regarding
representative conditions at that time. In
considering amendments to the DOE
test procedure for portable ACs, DOE
welcomes feedback and data regarding
the representative operating conditions,
setpoints, and annual operating hours
and installation time for portable ACs.
Issue 4: DOE requests further
information and usage data regarding
setpoints, operating conditions, seasonal
use, and installation time for portable
ACs.
3. Energy Use Measurements
The current DOE test procedure for
portable ACs provides a measure of
power consumption and energy use
under various operating modes (cooling
mode, off-cycle mode, standby mode,
inactive mode, and off mode) and duct
configurations (single-duct and dualduct). In the November 2020 RFI, DOE
sought comment on whether existing
test procedure requirements (e.g.,
instrumentation, testing configurations/
specifications, calculation
methodologies) accurately measure
energy use without adding undue
burden to the test procedure. 85 FR
70508, 70510.
DOE received no comments on this
topic in response to the November 2020
RFI. Throughout this RFI, DOE seeks
further comment on specific topics
relevant to instrumentation, testing
configurations and specifications, and
calculation methodologies that may
improve the existing test to more
accurately measure energy use without
adding undue burden to the test
procedure.
4. Representative Average Period of Use
a. Operational Modes
The current DOE test procedure for
portable ACs measures energy use
during a representative average period
of use. The measured energy
performance includes energy use
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associated with cooling mode and offcycle mode during the cooling season,
and inactive mode and off mode energy
use for the entire year.
In cooling mode, a portable AC
activates the main cooling function in
response to a signal from the thermostat
or temperature sensor, which includes
activating the refrigeration system or
activating the fan or blower without the
use of the refrigeration system. Section
2.4 of appendix CC.
In off-cycle mode, a portable AC: (1)
Has cycled off its main cooling or
heating function via thermostat or
temperature sensor signal; (2) may or
may not operate its blower or fan; and
(3) will reactivate the main function
according to the thermostat or
temperature sensor signal. Section 2.7 of
appendix CC.
Inactive mode is a standby mode that
facilitates the activation of an active
mode or off-cycle mode via remote
switch (including remote control),
internal sensor, or timer, or that
provides continuous status display.
Section 2.6 of appendix CC.
In off mode, the portable AC is
connected to a mains power source and
is not providing any active, off-cycle, or
standby mode function, and where the
mode may persist for an indefinite time.
An indicator that only shows the user
that the portable AC is in the off
position is included within the
classification of an off mode. See
Section 2.8 of appendix CC.
Issue 5: DOE seeks comment
regarding whether any of the currently
considered modes in the DOE test
procedure should no longer be
addressed, or whether any
representative modes that are not
currently considered should be
addressed in future test procedure
amendments.
Issue 6: DOE seeks comment
regarding whether the performance and
energy use for the operational modes
discussed above are appropriately
addressed and captured in the DOE test
procedure.
b. Hours of Operation
To determine the energy use during a
representative period of use, the test
procedure assigns the following hours of
operation for each mode: 750 hours for
cooling mode, 880 hours for off-cycle
mode, and 1,355 hours for inactive or
off mode. Section 5.3 of appendix CC.
In the absence of sufficient consumer
usage data specific to portable ACs, DOE
established these operating hours in the
June 2016 Final Rule, derived from the
most relevant data available
representative of overall consumer use,
which at that time were for room ACs.
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DOE adjusted the room AC usage data
to reflect portable ACs usage; for
example, inactive mode and off mode
estimates outside of the cooling season
were adjusted, given that portable ACs
are more likely to be unplugged outside
of the cooling season as compared to
room ACs that are less portable.6 81 FR
35241, 35258–35259.
In response to the November 2020
RFI, AHAM reiterated its prior
opposition to reliance on room AC data
during the previous test procedure
rulemaking to determine annual
operating hours for portable ACs,
suggesting that while portable ACs and
room ACs may be similar in some ways,
usage of the products differs. AHAM
recommended that DOE refrain from
using room AC data to support
rulemaking activity for portable ACs in
the future, unless there is evidence that
the room AC data are a sufficient
surrogate for portable AC operating
hours. (AHAM, No. 2 at p. 2) It is
generally DOE’s practice to rely on the
most relevant and current data available
at the time of the analysis to identify
appropriate operating hours. At this
time, DOE is unaware of any portable
AC usage data sufficient to characterize
representative consumer usage, and
notes that no such data or data sources
have been provided by commenters to
date.
Issue 7: DOE requests data regarding
annual operating hours for all
representative modes of operation for
portable ACs.
c. Configurations
In addition to addressing different
operating modes, the portable AC test
procedure in appendix CC addresses
two configurations of portable ACs:
Dual-duct and single-duct. As
described, dual-duct portable ACs draw
some or all of their condenser inlet air
from outside the conditioned space
through a duct attached to an adjustable
window bracket (and may draw
additional condenser inlet air from the
conditioned space) and discharge the
condenser outlet air outside the
conditioned space by means of a
separate duct attached to an adjustable
window bracket. 10 CFR 430.2. Dualduct units use two parallel airflow
paths. With the first airflow path, air
from the conditioned space (i.e.,
indoors) is drawn into the unit, passes
6 Further information regarding the development
of the operating hours is provided in the February
25, 2015 notice of proposed rulemaking and
November 27, 2015 supplemental notice of
proposed rulemaking, available at https://
www.regulations.gov/docket/EERE-2014-BT-TP0014-0009 and https://www.regulations.gov/docket/
EERE-2014-BT-TP-0014-0021, respectively.
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over a cold heat exchanger (i.e., the
evaporator), and is discharged back into
the room. With the second airflow path,
air from outdoors (possibly with
additional air from indoors) is drawn
into the unit, passes over a hot heat
exchanger (i.e., the condenser), and is
discharged back outdoors. In this type of
system, the heat that is removed from
the indoor airflow path is essentially
transferred to the outdoor airflow path
and discharged outdoors. The
temperature of the air flowing across the
condenser significantly affects a
portable AC’s cooling capacity. Because
the air passing across the condenser is
drawn from outdoors, and outdoor air
temperatures vary during portable AC
use, the cooling capacity of a dual-duct
unit is significantly affected by changes
in outdoor air temperatures. Given the
impact of outdoor air temperature on
overall cooling performance and
efficiency, Appendix CC requires dualduct units to be tested at two different
‘‘test conditions’’ in the test chamber
that supplies the condenser inlet air,
representing two different outdoor
temperatures: 95 °F and 83 °F. See
Section 4.1 of appendix CC. Under both
test conditions, the test chamber in
which the unit is installed is maintained
at a temperature of 80 °F and the unit is
operated at full load. Id.
Single-duct portable ACs draw all of
their condenser inlet air from the
conditioned space without the means of
a duct, and discharge the condenser
outlet air outside the conditioned space
through a single duct attached to an
adjustable window bracket. 10 CFR
430.2. Single-duct units also use two
parallel airflow paths; however, in
contrast to dual-duct units, the
condenser airflow path draws air only
from inside the conditioned space rather
than from outside. This air is drawn into
the unit through air grates in the unit’s
chassis, passes over the condenser, and
is discharged to the outdoors through
the single duct. Because the inlet air is
drawn from indoors (as opposed to
outdoors, as with dual-duct units), and
because the indoor air temperature
remains steady during operation, a
single test condition is specified for
single-duct portable ACs. Appendix CC
specifies a temperature of 80 °F in the
test chamber in which the unit is
installed (corresponding to the specified
indoor air temperature). Section 4.1 of
appendix CC. As with the dual-duct
unit tests, the single-duct unit is
operated at full load throughout the
duration of the test.
Appendix CC currently requires that
portable ACs able to operate as both a
single-duct and dual-duct portable AC,
as distributed in commerce by the
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manufacturer, must be tested and rated
for both duct configurations. Section
3.1.1 of appendix CC.
In response to the November 2020
RFI, NEEA recommended that DOE
maintain the requirement that a portable
AC able to operate in both duct
configurations as distributed in
commerce be tested and rated in both
configurations. According to NEEA, the
single-duct configuration typically
results in infiltration air because
condenser air is pulled from the room
and rejected outside, resulting in a net
airflow out of the space, which
increases energy use and reduces
capacity. NEEA recommended that if
products can be operated in a singleduct configuration, they should
continue to be tested in that
configuration. (NEEA, No. 5 at pp. 3–4)
Issue 8: DOE requests feedback
regarding single-duct and dual-duct
portable AC test requirements and any
other relevant considerations to ensure
that the test procedures produce
representative results for both
configurations, including products that
operate in both configurations, as
distributed in commerce by the
manufacturer.
5. Test Burden
In the November 2020 RFI, DOE
sought comment on whether any
modifications to the DOE test procedure
could reduce the test burden and costs
while still allowing for accurate
determinations of energy use during a
representative average use cycle. 85 FR
70508, 70510–70511.
AHAM stated its concern that
changing the test procedure in any
significant way would increase burden,
as technicians would need to be
retrained and retesting could be
necessary. AHAM stated that any
further modifications would
unnecessarily complicate what it
described as an already complex test
procedure. (AHAM, No. 2 at p. 2)
Issue 9: DOE requests further
comment on potential for adjustments to
the DOE test procedure that may
improve repeatability, reproducibility,
or representativeness, and how such
adjustments would impact test burden.
Issue 10: DOE requests comment on
whether any aspects of the DOE test
procedure could be adjusted to reduce
test burden while not impacting the
repeatability, reproducibility, or
representativeness of the test procedure.
6. Infiltration Air, Duct Heat Transfer,
and Case Heat Transfer
The portable AC test procedure
accounts for the effects of heat transfer
from two sources: (1) Infiltration of
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outdoor air into the conditioned space
(i.e., ‘‘infiltration air’’) and (2) heat
leakage through the duct surface to the
conditioned space (i.e., ‘‘duct heat
transfer’’). Heat transfer from infiltration
air is calculated using the nominal test
chamber and the condenser inlet air
(outdoor) rating conditions specified for
Test Configuration 3, Conditions A and
B (the test configuration for dual-duct
units). See Sections 4.1 and 4.1.2 of
appendix CC. Duct heat transfer is
accounted for from the duct surface to
the conditioned space; duct heat
transfer for each duct is determined
from the average duct surface
temperature as measured by four
equally-spaced thermocouples adhered
to the side along the length of the
condenser exhaust duct for single-duct
units, and the condenser inlet and
exhaust ducts for dual-duct units.
Section 4.1.1 of appendix CC. In the
June 2016 Final Rule, DOE considered
the effects of heat transfer through the
outer chassis of the portable AC to the
conditions space (i.e., ‘‘case heat
transfer’’), but determined to not
include provisions accounting for case
heat transfer in the portable AC test
procedure, on the basis that case heat
transfer has a minimal impact on
cooling capacity and that including
measurement of it would substantively
increase the test burden. 81 FR 35241,
35254–35255.
NEEA recommended that DOE
continue to incorporate the energy
impacts of infiltration air and duct heat
transfer in the portable AC test
procedure, stating that both can have
significant effects on capacity and
efficiency and therefore are currently
appropriately accounted for in the test
procedure. (NEEA, No. 5 at pp. 2–3)
Duct heat transfer is calculated using
a convection heat transfer coefficient
along with duct surface temperature
measurements and the calculated duct
surface area. See Section 4.1.1 of
appendix CC. In the June 2016 Final
Rule, DOE reviewed previously
presented test data 7 and concluded that
the most representative value of the
convection heat transfer coefficient is 3
British thermal units per hour per
square foot per degree Fahrenheit (‘‘Btu/
h-ft2-°F’’). 81 FR 35241, 35253–35254.
DOE is interested in any further
available data regarding portable AC
duct convection heat transfer
7 DOE reviewed test data from four single-duct
and two dual-duct portable ACs with duct
convection coefficients ranging from 1.70 to 5.26
Btu/h-ft2-°F, as originally presented in a
supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking
published November 27, 2015. 80 FR 74020.
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coefficients that may supplement the
previously considered data set.
Issue 11: DOE requests any available
information or data on portable AC
infiltration air, duct heat transfer, or
case heat transfer that may improve the
representativeness, repeatability, or
reproducibility of the test procedure.
Issue 12: DOE requests input on any
industry test procedures that measure
case heat transfer, estimates of test
burden required to measure it, and data
quantifying its impact on cooling
capacity and efficiency.
Issue 13: DOE requests input on any
less burdensome approaches to address
case heat transfer than previously
considered in the June 2016 Final Rule.
Issue 14: DOE requests feedback on
the impacts of case material and case
design on case heat transfer, and
whether certain materials or designs
soon to be implemented in units on the
market would result in significantly
different case heat transfer than current
designs.
Issue 15: DOE requests data and
feedback on any additional available
data regarding a duct convection heat
transfer coefficient, and whether the
current convection heat transfer
coefficient of 3 Btu/h-ft2-°F remains
representative for portable ACs in their
typical installation and use
environments.
7. Heating Mode
Heating mode is an active mode in
which a portable AC has activated the
main heating function in response to the
thermostat or temperature sensor signal,
including activating a resistance heater,
the refrigeration system with a reverse
refrigerant flow valve, or the fan or
blower without activation of the
resistance heater or refrigeration system.
In the June 2016 Final Rule, DOE
determined not to establish a heating
mode efficiency metric. DOE noted that
although some portable ACs offer an
‘‘auto mode’’ that allows for both
cooling and heating mode operation
depending upon the ambient
temperature, available data suggest that
portable ACs are not used for heating
purposes for a substantial amount of
time. 81 FR 35241, 35257.
Issue 16: DOE seeks usage data on
portable AC heating mode and whether
it accounts for a significant portion of
portable AC annual energy use.
8. Network Connectivity
Network connectivity implemented in
portable ACs can enable functions such
as providing real-time room temperature
conditions or receiving commands via a
remote user interface such as a
smartphone. DOE has observed that
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network connectivity typically operates
continuously in the background while
the portable AC performs other
functions. In response to the November
2020 RFI, the Joint Commenters stated
that portable ACs with connected
functionality are now widely available
and encouraged DOE to incorporate a
measurement of the standby power
when a portable AC with network
functions is connected to a network.
(Joint Commenters, No. 4 at p. 2) DOE
recognizes that portable ACs with
network functions are now readily
available on the market in the United
States, and welcomes further feedback
on the relative impact of such
functionality on overall energy
consumption and performance.
Issue 17: DOE requests further
comment and data on the prevalence of
network connectivity in portable ACs
available on the market currently or in
the near future.
Issue 18: DOE requests available data
quantifying the power consumption and
usage time associated with network
functionality in portable ACs.
Issue 19: DOE requests information
regarding the capabilities and attributes
enabled by network connectivity (e.g.,
energy savings, demand response,
convenience features).
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9. Air Circulation Mode
DOE considers air circulation mode as
a consumer initiated active mode in
which a portable AC has activated only
the blower or fan and the compressor is
off. In the June 2016 Final Rule, DOE
determined it would not measure or
allocate annual operating hours to air
circulation mode due to lack of usage
information for this consumer-initiated
air circulation feature. 81 FR 35241,
35257. In response to the November
2020 RFI, NEEA and the California IOUs
recommended that DOE incorporate into
a revised test procedure the energy use
in what they described as ‘‘fan-only
mode,’’ in which the fan is operating but
the compressor is not. They referenced
a portable AC field metering study
conducted by Lawrence Berkeley
National Laboratory (‘‘LBNL’’) in 2014 8
which found that 39 percent of active
mode time was spent in fan-only mode,
with the remaining active mode time
spent in cooling mode, during which
both the compressor and fan are
operating. NEEA and the California
IOUs stated that this was consistent
across residential and commercial
applications. (NEEA, No. 5 at pp. 3–4;
8 ‘‘Using Field-Metered Data to Quantify Annual
Energy Use of Portable Air Conditioners,’’ T. Burke
et al., Environmental Energy Technologies Division,
LBNL, December 2014.
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California IOUs, No. 3 at pp. 4–6) The
California IOUs further stated that
average power use for different units in
fan-only mode ranged from 5 to 20
percent of the average power use in
cooling mode. (California IOUs, No. 3 at
pp. 4–6) Considering that, as reported,
fan-only mode represents 39 percent of
the portable AC operating time, and
considering the variability in fan-only
mode power consumption demonstrated
in this study, NEEA and the California
IOUs encouraged DOE to explore
including fan-only mode energy use in
the portable AC test procedure. (NEEA,
No. 5 at pp. 3–4; California IOUs, No.
3 at pp. 4–6)
Based on the descriptions of ‘‘fan-only
mode’’ in the comments, and a review
of the field metering study referenced,
DOE expects that the annual usage
hours and energy consumption of fan
operation referenced in comments could
include operation in both off-cycle
mode, which is currently addressed in
appendix CC, and the user-initiated air
circulation mode. DOE seeks further
clarification and distinction from
commenters regarding operating hours
and energy consumption for the userinitiated air-circulation mode, which is
not currently addressed in appendix CC.
Issue 20: DOE seeks additional
information and data on the consumerinitiated air circulation mode and other
consumer-initiated modes during which
the fan operates without the compressor
(e.g., the characteristics of those
operational mode(s), annual operation,
prevalence in models as a consumer
mode, effectiveness, etc.).
10. Part-Load Performance
a. Cycling Losses
Historically, portable ACs have been
designed using a single-speed
compressor, which operates at full
cooling capacity while the compressor
is on. To match the cooling load of the
space, which in most cases is less than
the full cooling power of the
compressor, a single-speed compressor
cycles on and off. This cycling behavior
introduces inefficiencies due to the
surge in power draw at the beginning of
each ‘‘on’’ cycle, before the compressor
reaches steady-state performance. These
inefficiencies are referred to as cycling
losses and are apparent only in singlespeed portable ACs, not variable-speed
ACs as variable-speed compressors run
continuously, adjusting their speeds as
required.
The California IOUs asserted that
testing single-speed portable ACs
without accounting for cycling losses is
not representative of an average-use
cycle, particularly when comparing to
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variable-speed units. The California
IOUs stated that there is an increasing
prevalence of variable-speed equipment
in the marketplace, and recommended
that DOE revise the test procedure to
allow accurate comparison of
performance for single-speed and
variable-speed portable ACs by
accounting for single-speed portable AC
compressor cycling at part-load
conditions. The California IOUs further
stated that such a revision would also
address the same issue underlying
recent portable AC waivers (as
discussed in section II.C of this RFI).
The California IOUs noted that DOE’s
test procedure for central ACs accounts
for single-speed efficiency losses at partload conditions and further cited a 2014
report conducted by Burke et al.9 in
which operating times for cooling mode
(compressor on), fan-only mode, and
off/standby mode were monitored. The
California IOUs specifically highlighted
the prevalence of single-speed
compressor cycling in this report.
(California IOUs, No. 3 at pp. 2–3)
Cycling losses associated with singlespeed compressors are not accounted for
in the current test procedure. DOE
recognizes that such losses are not
present for variable-speed portable ACs.
In a Decision and Order granting a
waiver to LG Electronics USA, Inc.
(‘‘LG’’) on June 2, 2020, DOE addressed
the cycling of a single-speed compressor
as part of a ‘‘performance adjustment
factor’’ required for LG’s variable-speed
portable ACs. 85 FR 33643 (Case No.
2018–004, ‘‘LG Waiver’’). As established
in the LG Waiver, the performance
adjustment factor represents the average
performance improvement of the
variable-speed model relative to a
theoretical comparable single-duct
single-speed model, resulting from the
variable-speed unit avoiding cycling
losses associated with the lower
temperature test condition. 85 FR
33643, 33646. In a notice of interim
waiver granted to GD Midea Air
Conditioning Equipment Co. LTD.
(‘‘Midea’’) on April 6, 2021, DOE
similarly requires use of a performance
adjustment factor for the specified
Midea combined-duct dual-duct
variable-speed portable ACs. 86 FR
17803 (Case No. 2020–006, ‘‘Midea
Waiver’’).
Issue 21: DOE requests further
information and data on efficiency
losses associated with single-speed
compressor cycling at part-load
conditions.
9 ‘‘Using Field-Metered Data to Quantify Annual
Energy Use of Portable Air Conditioners,’’ T. Burke
et al., Environmental Energy Technologies Division,
LBNL, December 2014.
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Issue 22: DOE requests comment on
the incorporation of the current waiver
approach to determine variable-speed
portable AC efficiency, based on the
performance improvement relative to a
single-speed portable AC resulting from
elimination of cycling losses.
b. Load-Based Testing
The current test procedure prescribed
by ANSI/AHAM PAC–1–2015 measures
cooling capacity and EER based on an
air enthalpy approach that measures the
air flow rate, dry-bulb temperature, and
water vapor content of air at the inlet
and outlet of the portable AC when it is
installed in a test chamber at specified
indoor ambient conditions and the
ducts are connected to a second
chamber at specified outdoor ambient
conditions. A load-based test either
fixes or varies the amount of heat added
to the indoor test room by the
reconditioning equipment, while the
indoor test room temperature is
permitted to change and is controlled by
the test unit according to its thermostat
setting.
The California IOUs, Joint
Commenters, and NEEA recommended
that DOE shift to a load-based test to
account for part-load portable AC
performance. (California IOUs, No. 3 at
p. 2; Joint Commenters, No. 4 at p. 1;
NEEA, No. 5 at p. 2) The Joint
Commenters stated that, while the test
procedure waiver granted to LG
provides a method for crediting the
potential energy savings associated with
variable-speed compressors, it does not
reflect how variable-speed units actually
operate in the field. California IOUs, the
Joint Commenters, and NEEA stated that
a load-based test would capture not only
the benefits of variable-speed
compressors, but also other important
factors that affect efficiency
performance, including cycling losses
and control strategies for both singlespeed and variable-speed units.
(California IOUs, No. 3 at p. 2; Joint
Commenters, No. 4 at p. 1; NEEA, No.
5 at p. 2) According to NEEA, a loadbased test would fully account for the
effectiveness of controls, cycling effects,
and variable-speed performance of both
portable ACs and room ACs, which
would better reflect real world
performance. NEEA recommended that
DOE adopt load-based test procedure for
both portable ACs and room ACs.
(NEEA, No. 5 at p. 2)
The California IOUs stated that
should DOE switch to a load-based test
with multiple test conditions and a
combined seasonal metric, reporting of
full-load capacity and power
consumption should still be required.
According to the California IOUs,
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knowing power consumption and
efficiency at full load is essential to both
consumers and utilities in hot-dry
climates. The California IOUs further
asserted that due to the prevalence of
peak-load pricing, full-load performance
is often a better indication of consumer
annual energy cost than a part-load
metric. (California IOUs, No. 3 at p. 4)
DOE recognizes the challenges
associated with implementing loadbased testing in the portable AC test
procedure. As discussed in the recent
final rule for room AC test procedures,
DOE expects that a load-based test
would reduce repeatability and
reproducibility due to limitations in
current test chamber capabilities,
namely the lack of specificity in
industry standards regarding chamber
dimensions and reconditioning
equipment characteristics, which would
negatively impact the representativeness
of the results and potentially be unduly
burdensome. 86 FR 16446, 16466
(March 29, 2021). DOE continues to seek
comment and information on the
feasibility and applicability of loadbased testing for portable ACs.
Issue 23: DOE requests further
comment and data on industry
standards for portable ACs or other
products that use load-based tests.
Issue 24: DOE requests comment on
commercial laboratory capabilities
regarding potential portable AC loadbased testing.
Issue 25: DOE requests comment
regarding the repeatability and
reproducibility of any load-based testing
for portable ACs.
11. Dehumidification Mode
NEEA stated that based on its review
of a major retailer’s website most
portable ACs provide a
dehumidification feature. Given the
predominance of this feature, NEEA
recommended that DOE further
investigate its usage and consider
including dehumidification mode in an
updated test procedure. (NEEA, No. 5 at
pp. 3–4)
Issue 26: DOE seeks usage data on
dehumidification features available on
portable ACs, including prevalence in
units on the market, annual operating
hours, and energy consumption
associated with this mode.
12. Spot Coolers
NEEA commented that ‘‘spot coolers’’
are not currently covered by the
portable AC test procedure. NEEA stated
that these products do not provide net
cooling, but rather move heat from one
area to another in a space (i.e., they
reject condenser air to the cooled space).
NEEA stated that some portable AC
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products may meet this description of a
spot cooler, and recommended that DOE
continue to monitor the market to
ensure that market characterization of a
product as a ‘‘spot cooler’’ is not
utilized as a means to circumvent
portable AC standards. (NEEA, No. 5 at
pp. 3–4)
Issue 27: DOE seeks information
regarding the availability of any portable
ACs that provide cooling in a similar
manner to single-duct and dual-duct
portable ACs but do not meet either of
the definitions for a single-duct or dualduct portable AC at 10 CFR 430.2.
C. 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 one test procedure
waiver and one test procedure interim
waiver for the current portable AC test
procedure. As discussed, DOE granted
LG a test procedure waiver from
specified portions of the DOE test
procedure for determining the energy
efficiency of listed portable AC basic
models, under which LG is required to
test and rate the listed basic models of
its portable ACs in accordance with the
alternate test procedure specified in the
Decision and Order.10 85 FR 33643,
33647 (June 2, 2020). LG asserted that
the current DOE test procedure for
single-duct portable ACs does not take
into account the specific performance
and efficiency benefits associated with
the specified basic models, which are
single-duct variable-speed portable ACs
under part-load conditions. Id. In
granting the LG Waiver, DOE
determined that the alternate test
procedure in the Decision and Order
produces efficiency results for variablespeed portable ACs which are
comparable with the results for singlespeed units. Id. The alternate test
procedure accomplishes this by
adjusting the efficiency rating of the
variable-speed portable AC by the
amount the variable-speed unit would
outperform a theoretical comparable
10 See
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single-speed unit in a representative
period of use. Id.
On July 16, 2020, DOE received a
petition for waiver and application for
interim waiver from Midea, consistent
with the approach used for variablespeed compressors in the waiver
granted to LG, with modifications to
account for dual-duct units
incorporating Midea’s combined-duct
technology. 11 Midea stated the current
test procedure prevents the testing of its
combined-duct technology because the
condenser inlet and outlet air streams
are incorporated into the same structure.
(Midea Petition, EERE–2020–BT–WAV–
0023 No. 2 at pp. 4–5) Midea further
stated that, since the airflow both into
and out of the condenser must be
measured simultaneously, modifications
are needed to adapt Midea’s combinedduct technology to DOE’s test procedure
and standard airflow measurement
apparatuses. (Midea Petition, EERE–
2020–BT–WAV–0023 No. 2 at p. 5)
Midea stated the DOE test procedure
does not take into account a specially
designed adapter that is needed for
measuring the airflows. (Id.) DOE
granted Midea an interim waiver on
April 6, 2021, under which Midea is
required to test and rate the listed basic
models of its portable ACs in
accordance with the alternate test
procedure specified in the interim
waiver. This alternate test procedure
adjusts the efficiency rating of Midea’s
variable-speed portable ACs in a manner
similar to that of the alternate test
procedure in the LG Waiver, with
provisions to allow testing of the
combined-duct technology. 86 FR
17803.
In response to the November 2020
RFI, AHAM stated that updates to the
test procedure are necessary to address
new technologies that cannot be
adequately tested under the existing test
procedure and have been addressed
through waivers. AHAM stated that any
changes should be limited to
incorporating existing waivers into the
test procedure. (AHAM, No. 2 at p. 2)
The California IOUs noted that DOE has
granted a waiver to this test procedure
and that there is an outstanding waiver
request open. The California IOUs
encouraged DOE to move forward with
a rulemaking to eliminate the need for
continuation of the waiver. (California
IOUs, No. 3 at p. 1)
The California IOUs stated that fixedspeed testing of variable-speed
equipment may not be representative of
11 The Midea Petition for Waiver from Portable
Air Conditioners Test Procedures (EERE–2020–BT–
WAV–0023) is available at https://
www.regulations.gov/docket/EERE-2020-BT-WAV0023.
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field performance when the speed of the
compressor during the test is not
determined solely by the onboard
controls. The California IOUs
encouraged DOE to review its comments
on the room AC test procedure notice of
proposed rulemaking (‘‘NOPR’’) 12 and
consider provisions to ensure that the
measured performance for variablespeed portable ACs is representative of
the performance expected with built-in
controls. (California IOUs, No. 3 at p. 4)
Issue 28: DOE requests market data on
the prevalence of variable-speed
portable ACs on the market now and in
the future, and seeks comment on any
recommended amendments to improve
the alternate test procedure granted to
LG.
Issue 29: DOE requests comment on
how the use of fixed speeds during
testing represents expected field
performance under built-in controls.
Issue 30: DOE requests information on
new technologies and designs (e.g.,
combined-duct configurations) to
inform the test procedure development.
III. Submission of Comments
DOE invites all interested parties to
submit in writing by the date specified
under the DATES heading, comments and
information on matters addressed in this
RFI and on other matters relevant to
DOE’s consideration of amended test
procedures for portable ACs. These
comments and information will aid in
the development of a test procedure
NOPR for portable ACs 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
12 Documents related to the room AC test
procedure rulemaking are available at https://
www.regulations.gov/docket/EERE-2017-BT-TP0012.
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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.
Following this instruction, 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.
Comments and documents submitted
via email 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. 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,
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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 to
PortableAC2020TP0029@ee.doe.gov
with 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. 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
ApplianceStandardsQuestions@
ee.doe.gov.
Signing Authority
This document of the Department of
Energy was signed on April 9, 2021, by
Kelly Speakes-Backman, Principal
Deputy Assistant Secretary and Acting
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
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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 13,
2021.
Treena V. Garrett,
Federal Register Liaison Officer, U.S.
Department of Energy.
[FR Doc. 2021–07818 Filed 4–15–21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6450–01–P
DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
10 CFR Part 430
[EERE–2019–BT–TP–0003]
RIN 1904–AE30
Energy Conservation Program: Test
Procedure for Direct Heating
Equipment
Office of Energy Efficiency and
Renewable Energy, Department of
Energy.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
and request for comment.
AGENCY:
The U.S. Department of
Energy (DOE) proposes to amend the
test procedure for direct heating
equipment (DHE) to incorporate by
reference the most recent versions of the
industry consensus test standards
currently referenced in the Federal test
procedure. DOE also proposes to update
definitions regarding unvented heaters,
account for multiple operational modes,
specify the allowable measurement error
for oil pressure, specify the use of
manufacturer values for gas supply
pressure in certain circumstances,
reduce the number of thermocouples
required in the thermocouple grid for
models with small flues, and clarify
instructions for calculations regarding
condensate mass measurements. DOE
welcomes written comment from the
public on any subject within the scope
of this document (including topics not
raised in this proposal), as well as
submission of data and other relevant
information.
DATES: Comments: DOE will accept
comments, data, and information
regarding this notice of proposed
rulemaking (NOPR) on or before June
30, 2021. See section V, ‘‘Public
Participation,’’ for details.
Meeting: DOE will hold a webinar on
Friday, June 4th, 2021 from 9:00 a.m. to
4:00 p.m. See section V, ‘‘Public
Participation,’’ for webinar registration
SUMMARY:
PO 00000
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20053
information, participant instructions,
and information about the capabilities
available to webinar participants.
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 by email to the
following address: DHE2019TP0003@
ee.doe.gov. Include and docket number
EERE–2019–BT–TP–0003 and/or RIN
number 1904–AE30 in the subject line
of the message. Submit electronic
comments in WordPerfect, Microsoft
Word, PDF, or ASCII file format, and
avoid the use of special characters or
any form of encryption.
Although DOE has routinely accepted
public comment submissions through a
variety of mechanisms, including postal
mail and hand delivery/courier, the
Department has found it necessary to
make temporary modifications to the
comment submission process in light of
the ongoing Covid–19 pandemic. DOE is
currently suspending receipt of public
comments via postal mail and hand
delivery/courier. If a commenter finds
that this change poses an undue
hardship, please contact Appliance
Standards Program staff at (202) 586–
1445 to discuss the need for alternative
arrangements. Once the Covid–19
pandemic health emergency is resolved,
DOE anticipates resuming all of its
regular options for public comment
submission, including postal mail and
hand delivery/courier.
No telefacsimilies (faxes) will be
accepted. For detailed instructions on
submitting comments and additional
information on the rulemaking process,
see section V of this document (Public
Participation).
Docket: The docket, which includes
Federal Register notices, webinar
attendee lists and transcripts,
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-2019-BT-TP-0003. The
docket web page contains instructions
on how to access all documents,
including public comments, in the
docket. See section V (Public
Participation) for information on how to
submit comments through https://
www.regulations.gov.
E:\FR\FM\16APP1.SGM
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 72 (Friday, April 16, 2021)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 20044-20053]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-07818]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
10 CFR Part 430
[EERE-2020-BT-TP-0029]
RIN 1904-AF03
Energy Conservation Program: Test Procedure for Portable Air
Conditioners
AGENCY: Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Department of
Energy.
ACTION: Request for information.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The U.S. Department of Energy (``DOE'') is undertaking the
preliminary stages of a rulemaking to consider amendments to the test
procedure for portable air conditioners (``ACs''). Through this request
for information (``RFI''), DOE seeks data and information regarding
issues pertinent to whether amended test procedures would more
accurately or fully comply with the requirement that the test procedure
produces results that measure energy use during a representative
average use cycle or period of use for the product without being unduly
burdensome to conduct, or reduce testing burden. DOE welcomes written
comments from the public on any subject within the scope of this
document (including topics not raised in this RFI), as well as the
submission of data and other relevant information.
DATES: Written comments and information are requested and will be
accepted on or before May 17, 2021.
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-0029, 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-0029 in the subject line of the message.
No telefacsimiles (``faxes'') will be accepted. For detailed
instructions on submitting comments and additional information on this
process, see section III of this document.
Although DOE has routinely accepted public comment submissions
through a variety of mechanisms, including postal mail and hand
delivery/courier, the Department has found it necessary to make
temporary modifications to the comment submission process in light of
the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. DOE is currently suspending receipt of
public comments via postal mail and hand delivery/courier. If a
commenter finds that this change poses an undue hardship, please
contact Appliance Standards Program staff at (202) 586-1445 to discuss
the need for alternative arrangements. Once the Covid-19 pandemic
health emergency is resolved, DOE anticipates resuming all of its
regular options for public comment submission, including postal mail
and hand delivery/courier.
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-0029. 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. Bryan Berringer, U.S. Department
of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Building
Technologies Office, EE-5B, 1000 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC
20585-0121. Telephone: (202) 586-0371. Email:
[email protected].
Ms. Sarah Butler, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of the General
Counsel, GC-33, 1000 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20585-0121.
Telephone: (202) 586-1777. 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
B. Test Procedure
1. Updates to Industry Standards
2. Test Harmonization
3. Energy Use Measurements
4. Representative Average Period of Use
5. Test Burden
6. Convection Coefficient
7. Infiltration Air and Duct Heat Transfer
8. Case Heat Transfer
9. Heating Mode
10. Network Connectivity
11. Fan-Only Mode
12. Part-Load Performance and Load-Based Testing
13. Dehumidification Mode
14. Spot Coolers
C. Test Procedure Waivers
III. Submission of Comments
I. Introduction
DOE's test procedures for portable ACs are prescribed in the Code
of Federal Regulations (``CFR'') at Title 10
[[Page 20045]]
of the CFR part 430, subpart B, appendix CC (``appendix CC''). The
following sections discuss DOE's authority to establish and amend test
procedures for portable ACs, 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, as amended (``EPCA''),\1\
authorizes 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 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. In
addition to specifying a list of covered products, EPCA enables the
Secretary of Energy to classify additional types of consumer products
as covered products under EPCA. (42 U.S.C. 6292(a)(20)) In a final
determination of coverage published in the Federal Register on April
18, 2016, DOE classified portable ACs as covered products under EPCA.
81 FR 22514.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ All references to EPCA in this document refer to the statute
as amended through the Energy Act of 2020, Public Law 116-260 (Dec.
27, 2020).
\2\ For editorial reasons, upon codification in the U.S. Code,
Part B was redesignated Part A.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
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))
EPCA also requires that, at least once every 7 years, DOE review
test procedures for all type of covered products, including portable
ACs, to determine whether amended test procedures would more accurately
or fully comply with the requirements for the test procedures 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 and to not be unduly
burdensome to conduct. (42 U.S.C. 6293(b)(1)(A)) If the Secretary
determines, on her 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. (42
U.S.C. 6293(b)(2)) 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. Id. If DOE determines that
test procedure revisions are not appropriate, DOE must publish its
determination not to amend the test procedures. (42 U.S.C.
6293(b)(1)(A)) 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.
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''),\3\ 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.)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\3\ IEC Standard 62301, ``Household electrical appliances--
Measurement of standby power''; IEC Standard 62087, ``Methods of
measurement for the power consumption of audio, video and related
equipment''
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
B. Rulemaking History
On November 5, 2020, DOE published an early assessment review RFI
in which it sought data and information pertinent to whether amended
test procedures would (1) more accurately or fully comply with the
requirement that the test procedure produces results that measure
energy use during a representative average use cycle or period of use
for the product without being unduly burdensome to conduct, or (2)
reduce testing burden. 85 FR 70508 (``November 2020 RFI''). DOE
received comments in response to the November 2020 RFI from the
interested parties listed in Table I.1.
Table I.1--Written Comments Received in Response to November 2020 RFI
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Organization(s) Reference in this RFI Organization type
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Association of Home Appliance AHAM................................. Trade Association.
Manufacturers.
California Investor-Owned Utilities California IOUs...................... Utility.
Appliance Standards Awareness Joint Commenters..................... Efficiency Organizations.
Project & Consumer Federation of
America.
[[Page 20046]]
Northwest Energy Efficiency NEEA................................. Efficiency Organization.
Alliance.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Based on DOE's review of the test procedure for portable ACs and
the comments received, as discussed in the following sections, DOE has
determined it is appropriate to continue the test procedure rulemaking
after the early assessment process. See 10 CFR part 430 subpart C
appendix A section 8(b).
II. Request for Information
In the following sections, DOE has identified a variety of issues
on which it seeks input to determine whether, and if so how, an amended
test procedure for portable ACs would (1) more accurately or fully
comply with the requirements in EPCA that test procedures be reasonably
designed to produce test results which reflect energy use during a
representative average use cycle or period of use, without being unduly
burdensome to conduct (42 U.S.C. 6293(b)(3)); or (2) reduce testing
burden.
Additionally, DOE welcomes comments on any aspect of the existing
test procedures for portable ACs that may not specifically be
identified in this document.
A. Scope and Definitions
In a coverage determination published on April 18, 2016, DOE
established the definition of a ``portable air conditioner'' as a
portable encased assembly, other than a packaged terminal air
conditioner, room air conditioner, or dehumidifier, that delivers
cooled, conditioned air to an enclosed space, and is powered by single-
phase electric current. 81 FR 22514, 22519-22520; see also 10 CFR
430.2. The definition also states that a portable AC includes a source
of refrigeration and may include additional means for air circulation
and heating. Id.
In a final rule published on June 1, 2016, DOE established
definitions for two portable AC configurations: ``single-duct portable
air conditioner'' and ``dual-duct portable air conditioner.'' 81 FR
35241, 35245-35246 (``June 2016 Final Rule''). A ``single-duct portable
air conditioner'' is a portable AC that draws all of the condenser
inlet air from the conditioned space without the means of a duct, and
discharges the condenser outlet air outside the conditioned space
through a single duct attached to an adjustable window bracket. 10 CFR
430.2. A ``dual-duct portable air conditioner'' is a portable AC that
draws some or all of the condenser inlet air from outside the
conditioned space through a duct attached to an adjustable window
bracket, may draw additional condenser inlet air from the conditioned
space, and discharges the condenser outlet air outside the conditioned
space by means of a separate duct attached to an adjustable window
bracket. Id.
Issue 1: DOE seeks comment on whether the current definitions of
``portable air condition,'' ``single-duct portable air conditioner,''
and ``dual-duct portable air conditioner'' require amendment, and if
so, how the terms should be defined.
Issue 2: DOE requests comment on whether the existing equipment
definitions specified in 10 CFR 430.2 for portable ACs require
amendments to distinguish further between single-duct and dual-duct
units, or to address any unique configurations that are not clearly
addressed in the existing definitions. If amendments are recommended,
DOE seeks information on what identifying characteristics may be
included in potential amended or new definitions.
B. Test Procedure
Portable ACs are tested in accordance with appendix CC, which
incorporates by reference American National Standard Institute
(``ANSI'')/Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (``AHAM'') PAC-
1-2015 ``Portable Air Conditioners'' (``ANSI/AHAM PAC-1-2015''), ANSI/
American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning
Engineers (``ASHRAE'') Standard 37-2009 ``Methods of Testing for Rating
Electrically Driven Unitary Air-Conditioning and Heat Pump Equipment''
(``ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 37-2009''), and IEC Standard 62301 ``Household
electrical appliances--Measurement of standby power'' (Edition 2.0
2011-01) (``IEC Standard 62301''), with modifications. Regarding dual-
duct portable ACs, the DOE test procedure specifies provisions in
addition to ANSI/AHAM PAC-1-2015. Specifically, the DOE test procedure
specifies an additional test condition for dual-duct portable ACs (83
degrees Fahrenheit (``[deg]F'') dry-bulb and 67.5 [deg]F wet-bulb
outdoor temperature) and additionally accounts for duct heat transfer,
infiltration air heat transfer, and off-cycle mode energy use. See
Sections 4.1; 4.1.1; 4.1.; and 4.2 of appendix CC. ANSI/AHAM PAC-1-2015
does not have similar provisions. Appendix CC also includes
instructions regarding tested configurations, duct setup, inlet test
conditions, condensate removal, unit placement, duct temperature
measurements, and control settings. See Sections 3.1.1; 3.1.1.1;
3.1.1.2; 3.1.1.3; 3.1.1.4; 3.1.1.6; and 3.1.2 of appendix CC.
Under the current test procedure, a unit's seasonally adjusted
cooling capacity (``SACC''), in British thermal units per hour (``Btu/
h''), is calculated as a weighted average of the adjusted cooling
capacity measured at two representative operating conditions. The
adjusted cooling capacity is the measured indoor room cooling capacity
while operating in cooling mode under the specified test conditions,
adjusted based on the measured and calculated duct and infiltration air
heat transfer. See Sections 4.1; 4.1.1; 4.1.2; 5.1; and 5.2 of appendix
CC. The combined energy efficiency ratio (``CEER'') represents the
efficiency of the unit, in Btu per watt-hours (``Btu/Wh''), based on
the adjusted cooling capacity at the two operating conditions; the
annual energy consumption in cooling mode, off-cycle mode, and inactive
or off mode; and the number of cooling mode hours per year; with
weighting factors applied for the two operating conditions. See
Sections 4.2; 4.3; 5.3; and 5.4 of appendix CC.
1. Updates to Industry Standards
As discussed, appendix CC references ANSI/AHAM PAC-1-2015, an
industry test procedure for portable ACs, with modifications. In the
November 2020 RFI, DOE sought comment on the availability of industry-
accepted consensus-based test procedures for measuring the energy use
of portable ACs that could be adopted without modification and more
accurately or fully comply with the requirement that the test procedure
produces results that measure energy use during a representative
average use cycle for the product, and not be unduly burdensome to
conduct. 85 FR 70508, 70511.
AHAM stated its intent to revise ANSI/AHAM PAC-1-2015,
incorporating the waivers that DOE had granted, or at the time was
considering,
[[Page 20047]]
under its existing test procedure.\4\ AHAM urged DOE to adopt the
updated ANSI/AHAM PAC-1 test procedure once finalized. AHAM further
stated it will provide status updates to DOE as both the ANSI/AHAM PAC-
1 revision and DOE test procedure assessment proceed, and welcomed DOE
to participate in the ANSI/AHAM PAC-1 revision efforts. (AHAM, No. 2 at
pp. 2-3) \5\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\4\ The existing portable AC test procedure waiver granted to LG
Electronics USA, Inc. is available at https://www.regulations.gov/docket/EERE-2018-BT-WAV-0007. Since AHAM's comment, DOE has also
granted an interim waiver to GD Midea Air Conditioning Equipment Co.
LTD., available at https://www.regulations.gov/docket/EERE-2020-BT-WAV-0023. Test procedure waivers are discussed further in section
II.C.
\5\ A notation in the form ``AHAM, No. 2 at pp. 2-3'' identifies
a written comment: (1) Made by the Association of Home Appliance
Manufacturers; (2) recorded in document number 2 that is filed in
the docket of this test procedure rulemaking (Docket No. EERE-2020-
BT-TP-0029) and available for review at https://www.regulations.gov;
and (3) which appears on pages 2-3 of document number 2.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Issue 3: DOE requests input on any other industry standards
relevant to portable ACs that should be considered in assessing
amendments to the existing DOE test procedure for portable ACs.
2. Test Harmonization
The Joint Commenters encouraged DOE to align the portable AC and
room AC test procedures to allow consumers to be able to compare the
efficiency ratings of the two products, which they stated can often be
used for the same applications. The Joint Commenters stated that the
current test procedures do not provide a fair comparison between
portable ACs and room ACs, asserting that the efficiency ratings of
portable ACs are inflated relative to those of room ACs due to the
differences in test conditions between the two procedures. The Joint
Commenters stated that future harmonized load-based test procedures for
portable ACs and room ACs based on performance at multiple outdoor
conditions would better represent how all units perform in the field.
(Joint Commenters, No. 4 at pp. 1-2)
NEEA similarly urged DOE to align the test procedures for portable
ACs and room ACs to ensure comparability of efficiency and capacity
ratings across both products. According to NEEA, room ACs and portable
ACs are similar products that are both likely to be used as
supplemental cooling sources either for consumers that do not have
central cooling systems or when those centralized systems are not
sufficient to meet the cooling needs of a specific space. (NEEA, No. 5
at p. 1) According to NEEA, differences between the two test procedures
lead to incomparability between the two AC types and may potentially
mislead consumers with higher ratings for portable ACs. NEEA
recommended that both products be rated using a seasonal metric at the
same test conditions, and that DOE adopt load-based test procedure for
both products. NEEA stated that using a load-based test is the best way
to fully account for the effectiveness of controls, cycling effects,
and variable speed performance of both portable ACs and room ACs, and
would better reflect real world performance. (NEEA, No. 5 at pp. 1-2)
The California IOUs encouraged DOE to align the portable AC, room
AC, and central air conditioner/heat pump (``central AC/HP'') test
procedures to allow consumers to more readily compare performance
across these categories. The California IOUs further claimed that room
ACs and portable ACs provide largely the same consumer utility as
central ACs/HPs of similar capacity, with the only significant
differences being the method of installation and ease in relocation,
respectively. (California IOUs, No. 3 at pp. 1, 3-4)
Both NEEA and the California IOUs, referenced DOE's statement in
the June 2016 Final Rule in which DOE stated that comparative ratings
between room ACs and portable ACs are desirable and that DOE would
consider whether rating conditions representative of room AC usage
should be adjusted when it conducts a rulemaking for its room AC test
procedures. (NEEA, No. 5 at pp. 1-2; California IOUs, No. 3 at pp. 1,
3-4)
DOE recognizes that portable ACs, room ACs, and central ACs all
provide cooling; however, there are significant differences in how
these products are installed, used, and provide cooling. Central ACs
are fixed appliances, installed year-round, built into homes, and
controlled by a central thermostat to maintain a relatively constant
temperature throughout the conditioned space. In contrast, room ACs and
portable ACs are installed, often seasonally, in a single room; operate
based on an internal thermostat when turned on, typically only during
the cooling season; and may be readily turned off when the room is not
occupied. Furthermore, room ACs and portable ACs differ from each other
in that they have different installation means, and induce different
amounts of outdoor air infiltration heat and other unwanted heat
transfer to the conditioned space (i.e., portable ACs are located
entirely within the conditioned space along with the hot exhaust duct,
and the window mounting bracket typically has little to no insulation;
in contrast to room ACs, which often ship with insulated side-curtains
or other insulating installation materials). Regarding capacity and
efficiency comparisons, based on recent standards rulemaking analyses
and market research, DOE expects that portable AC capacity ranges from
2,500 to 10,000 Btu/h and CEER ranges from 4 to 8 Btu/Wh, both of which
are significantly lower than the current typical range of capacity and
CEER for room ACs, ranging from 5,000 to 35,000 Btu/h and 9 to 15 Btu/
Wh, respectively.
The test procedures for room ACs, portable ACs, and central ACs
were developed based on the best available usage data and information
regarding representative conditions at that time. In considering
amendments to the DOE test procedure for portable ACs, DOE welcomes
feedback and data regarding the representative operating conditions,
setpoints, and annual operating hours and installation time for
portable ACs.
Issue 4: DOE requests further information and usage data regarding
setpoints, operating conditions, seasonal use, and installation time
for portable ACs.
3. Energy Use Measurements
The current DOE test procedure for portable ACs provides a measure
of power consumption and energy use under various operating modes
(cooling mode, off-cycle mode, standby mode, inactive mode, and off
mode) and duct configurations (single-duct and dual-duct). In the
November 2020 RFI, DOE sought comment on whether existing test
procedure requirements (e.g., instrumentation, testing configurations/
specifications, calculation methodologies) accurately measure energy
use without adding undue burden to the test procedure. 85 FR 70508,
70510.
DOE received no comments on this topic in response to the November
2020 RFI. Throughout this RFI, DOE seeks further comment on specific
topics relevant to instrumentation, testing configurations and
specifications, and calculation methodologies that may improve the
existing test to more accurately measure energy use without adding
undue burden to the test procedure.
4. Representative Average Period of Use
a. Operational Modes
The current DOE test procedure for portable ACs measures energy use
during a representative average period of use. The measured energy
performance includes energy use
[[Page 20048]]
associated with cooling mode and off-cycle mode during the cooling
season, and inactive mode and off mode energy use for the entire year.
In cooling mode, a portable AC activates the main cooling function
in response to a signal from the thermostat or temperature sensor,
which includes activating the refrigeration system or activating the
fan or blower without the use of the refrigeration system. Section 2.4
of appendix CC.
In off-cycle mode, a portable AC: (1) Has cycled off its main
cooling or heating function via thermostat or temperature sensor
signal; (2) may or may not operate its blower or fan; and (3) will
reactivate the main function according to the thermostat or temperature
sensor signal. Section 2.7 of appendix CC.
Inactive mode is a standby mode that facilitates the activation of
an active mode or off-cycle mode via remote switch (including remote
control), internal sensor, or timer, or that provides continuous status
display. Section 2.6 of appendix CC.
In off mode, the portable AC is connected to a mains power source
and is not providing any active, off-cycle, or standby mode function,
and where the mode may persist for an indefinite time. An indicator
that only shows the user that the portable AC is in the off position is
included within the classification of an off mode. See Section 2.8 of
appendix CC.
Issue 5: DOE seeks comment regarding whether any of the currently
considered modes in the DOE test procedure should no longer be
addressed, or whether any representative modes that are not currently
considered should be addressed in future test procedure amendments.
Issue 6: DOE seeks comment regarding whether the performance and
energy use for the operational modes discussed above are appropriately
addressed and captured in the DOE test procedure.
b. Hours of Operation
To determine the energy use during a representative period of use,
the test procedure assigns the following hours of operation for each
mode: 750 hours for cooling mode, 880 hours for off-cycle mode, and
1,355 hours for inactive or off mode. Section 5.3 of appendix CC. In
the absence of sufficient consumer usage data specific to portable ACs,
DOE established these operating hours in the June 2016 Final Rule,
derived from the most relevant data available representative of overall
consumer use, which at that time were for room ACs. DOE adjusted the
room AC usage data to reflect portable ACs usage; for example, inactive
mode and off mode estimates outside of the cooling season were
adjusted, given that portable ACs are more likely to be unplugged
outside of the cooling season as compared to room ACs that are less
portable.\6\ 81 FR 35241, 35258-35259.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\6\ Further information regarding the development of the
operating hours is provided in the February 25, 2015 notice of
proposed rulemaking and November 27, 2015 supplemental notice of
proposed rulemaking, available at https://www.regulations.gov/docket/EERE-2014-BT-TP-0014-0009 and https://www.regulations.gov/docket/EERE-2014-BT-TP-0014-0021, respectively.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
In response to the November 2020 RFI, AHAM reiterated its prior
opposition to reliance on room AC data during the previous test
procedure rulemaking to determine annual operating hours for portable
ACs, suggesting that while portable ACs and room ACs may be similar in
some ways, usage of the products differs. AHAM recommended that DOE
refrain from using room AC data to support rulemaking activity for
portable ACs in the future, unless there is evidence that the room AC
data are a sufficient surrogate for portable AC operating hours. (AHAM,
No. 2 at p. 2) It is generally DOE's practice to rely on the most
relevant and current data available at the time of the analysis to
identify appropriate operating hours. At this time, DOE is unaware of
any portable AC usage data sufficient to characterize representative
consumer usage, and notes that no such data or data sources have been
provided by commenters to date.
Issue 7: DOE requests data regarding annual operating hours for all
representative modes of operation for portable ACs.
c. Configurations
In addition to addressing different operating modes, the portable
AC test procedure in appendix CC addresses two configurations of
portable ACs: Dual-duct and single-duct. As described, dual-duct
portable ACs draw some or all of their condenser inlet air from outside
the conditioned space through a duct attached to an adjustable window
bracket (and may draw additional condenser inlet air from the
conditioned space) and discharge the condenser outlet air outside the
conditioned space by means of a separate duct attached to an adjustable
window bracket. 10 CFR 430.2. Dual-duct units use two parallel airflow
paths. With the first airflow path, air from the conditioned space
(i.e., indoors) is drawn into the unit, passes over a cold heat
exchanger (i.e., the evaporator), and is discharged back into the room.
With the second airflow path, air from outdoors (possibly with
additional air from indoors) is drawn into the unit, passes over a hot
heat exchanger (i.e., the condenser), and is discharged back outdoors.
In this type of system, the heat that is removed from the indoor
airflow path is essentially transferred to the outdoor airflow path and
discharged outdoors. The temperature of the air flowing across the
condenser significantly affects a portable AC's cooling capacity.
Because the air passing across the condenser is drawn from outdoors,
and outdoor air temperatures vary during portable AC use, the cooling
capacity of a dual-duct unit is significantly affected by changes in
outdoor air temperatures. Given the impact of outdoor air temperature
on overall cooling performance and efficiency, Appendix CC requires
dual-duct units to be tested at two different ``test conditions'' in
the test chamber that supplies the condenser inlet air, representing
two different outdoor temperatures: 95 [deg]F and 83 [deg]F. See
Section 4.1 of appendix CC. Under both test conditions, the test
chamber in which the unit is installed is maintained at a temperature
of 80 [deg]F and the unit is operated at full load. Id.
Single-duct portable ACs draw all of their condenser inlet air from
the conditioned space without the means of a duct, and discharge the
condenser outlet air outside the conditioned space through a single
duct attached to an adjustable window bracket. 10 CFR 430.2. Single-
duct units also use two parallel airflow paths; however, in contrast to
dual-duct units, the condenser airflow path draws air only from inside
the conditioned space rather than from outside. This air is drawn into
the unit through air grates in the unit's chassis, passes over the
condenser, and is discharged to the outdoors through the single duct.
Because the inlet air is drawn from indoors (as opposed to outdoors, as
with dual-duct units), and because the indoor air temperature remains
steady during operation, a single test condition is specified for
single-duct portable ACs. Appendix CC specifies a temperature of 80
[deg]F in the test chamber in which the unit is installed
(corresponding to the specified indoor air temperature). Section 4.1 of
appendix CC. As with the dual-duct unit tests, the single-duct unit is
operated at full load throughout the duration of the test.
Appendix CC currently requires that portable ACs able to operate as
both a single-duct and dual-duct portable AC, as distributed in
commerce by the
[[Page 20049]]
manufacturer, must be tested and rated for both duct configurations.
Section 3.1.1 of appendix CC.
In response to the November 2020 RFI, NEEA recommended that DOE
maintain the requirement that a portable AC able to operate in both
duct configurations as distributed in commerce be tested and rated in
both configurations. According to NEEA, the single-duct configuration
typically results in infiltration air because condenser air is pulled
from the room and rejected outside, resulting in a net airflow out of
the space, which increases energy use and reduces capacity. NEEA
recommended that if products can be operated in a single-duct
configuration, they should continue to be tested in that configuration.
(NEEA, No. 5 at pp. 3-4)
Issue 8: DOE requests feedback regarding single-duct and dual-duct
portable AC test requirements and any other relevant considerations to
ensure that the test procedures produce representative results for both
configurations, including products that operate in both configurations,
as distributed in commerce by the manufacturer.
5. Test Burden
In the November 2020 RFI, DOE sought comment on whether any
modifications to the DOE test procedure could reduce the test burden
and costs while still allowing for accurate determinations of energy
use during a representative average use cycle. 85 FR 70508, 70510-
70511.
AHAM stated its concern that changing the test procedure in any
significant way would increase burden, as technicians would need to be
retrained and retesting could be necessary. AHAM stated that any
further modifications would unnecessarily complicate what it described
as an already complex test procedure. (AHAM, No. 2 at p. 2)
Issue 9: DOE requests further comment on potential for adjustments
to the DOE test procedure that may improve repeatability,
reproducibility, or representativeness, and how such adjustments would
impact test burden.
Issue 10: DOE requests comment on whether any aspects of the DOE
test procedure could be adjusted to reduce test burden while not
impacting the repeatability, reproducibility, or representativeness of
the test procedure.
6. Infiltration Air, Duct Heat Transfer, and Case Heat Transfer
The portable AC test procedure accounts for the effects of heat
transfer from two sources: (1) Infiltration of outdoor air into the
conditioned space (i.e., ``infiltration air'') and (2) heat leakage
through the duct surface to the conditioned space (i.e., ``duct heat
transfer''). Heat transfer from infiltration air is calculated using
the nominal test chamber and the condenser inlet air (outdoor) rating
conditions specified for Test Configuration 3, Conditions A and B (the
test configuration for dual-duct units). See Sections 4.1 and 4.1.2 of
appendix CC. Duct heat transfer is accounted for from the duct surface
to the conditioned space; duct heat transfer for each duct is
determined from the average duct surface temperature as measured by
four equally-spaced thermocouples adhered to the side along the length
of the condenser exhaust duct for single-duct units, and the condenser
inlet and exhaust ducts for dual-duct units. Section 4.1.1 of appendix
CC. In the June 2016 Final Rule, DOE considered the effects of heat
transfer through the outer chassis of the portable AC to the conditions
space (i.e., ``case heat transfer''), but determined to not include
provisions accounting for case heat transfer in the portable AC test
procedure, on the basis that case heat transfer has a minimal impact on
cooling capacity and that including measurement of it would
substantively increase the test burden. 81 FR 35241, 35254-35255.
NEEA recommended that DOE continue to incorporate the energy
impacts of infiltration air and duct heat transfer in the portable AC
test procedure, stating that both can have significant effects on
capacity and efficiency and therefore are currently appropriately
accounted for in the test procedure. (NEEA, No. 5 at pp. 2-3)
Duct heat transfer is calculated using a convection heat transfer
coefficient along with duct surface temperature measurements and the
calculated duct surface area. See Section 4.1.1 of appendix CC. In the
June 2016 Final Rule, DOE reviewed previously presented test data \7\
and concluded that the most representative value of the convection heat
transfer coefficient is 3 British thermal units per hour per square
foot per degree Fahrenheit (``Btu/h-ft\2\-[deg]F''). 81 FR 35241,
35253-35254. DOE is interested in any further available data regarding
portable AC duct convection heat transfer coefficients that may
supplement the previously considered data set.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\7\ DOE reviewed test data from four single-duct and two dual-
duct portable ACs with duct convection coefficients ranging from
1.70 to 5.26 Btu/h-ft\2\-[deg]F, as originally presented in a
supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking published November 27,
2015. 80 FR 74020.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Issue 11: DOE requests any available information or data on
portable AC infiltration air, duct heat transfer, or case heat transfer
that may improve the representativeness, repeatability, or
reproducibility of the test procedure.
Issue 12: DOE requests input on any industry test procedures that
measure case heat transfer, estimates of test burden required to
measure it, and data quantifying its impact on cooling capacity and
efficiency.
Issue 13: DOE requests input on any less burdensome approaches to
address case heat transfer than previously considered in the June 2016
Final Rule.
Issue 14: DOE requests feedback on the impacts of case material and
case design on case heat transfer, and whether certain materials or
designs soon to be implemented in units on the market would result in
significantly different case heat transfer than current designs.
Issue 15: DOE requests data and feedback on any additional
available data regarding a duct convection heat transfer coefficient,
and whether the current convection heat transfer coefficient of 3 Btu/
h-ft\2\-[deg]F remains representative for portable ACs in their typical
installation and use environments.
7. Heating Mode
Heating mode is an active mode in which a portable AC has activated
the main heating function in response to the thermostat or temperature
sensor signal, including activating a resistance heater, the
refrigeration system with a reverse refrigerant flow valve, or the fan
or blower without activation of the resistance heater or refrigeration
system. In the June 2016 Final Rule, DOE determined not to establish a
heating mode efficiency metric. DOE noted that although some portable
ACs offer an ``auto mode'' that allows for both cooling and heating
mode operation depending upon the ambient temperature, available data
suggest that portable ACs are not used for heating purposes for a
substantial amount of time. 81 FR 35241, 35257.
Issue 16: DOE seeks usage data on portable AC heating mode and
whether it accounts for a significant portion of portable AC annual
energy use.
8. Network Connectivity
Network connectivity implemented in portable ACs can enable
functions such as providing real-time room temperature conditions or
receiving commands via a remote user interface such as a smartphone.
DOE has observed that
[[Page 20050]]
network connectivity typically operates continuously in the background
while the portable AC performs other functions. In response to the
November 2020 RFI, the Joint Commenters stated that portable ACs with
connected functionality are now widely available and encouraged DOE to
incorporate a measurement of the standby power when a portable AC with
network functions is connected to a network. (Joint Commenters, No. 4
at p. 2) DOE recognizes that portable ACs with network functions are
now readily available on the market in the United States, and welcomes
further feedback on the relative impact of such functionality on
overall energy consumption and performance.
Issue 17: DOE requests further comment and data on the prevalence
of network connectivity in portable ACs available on the market
currently or in the near future.
Issue 18: DOE requests available data quantifying the power
consumption and usage time associated with network functionality in
portable ACs.
Issue 19: DOE requests information regarding the capabilities and
attributes enabled by network connectivity (e.g., energy savings,
demand response, convenience features).
9. Air Circulation Mode
DOE considers air circulation mode as a consumer initiated active
mode in which a portable AC has activated only the blower or fan and
the compressor is off. In the June 2016 Final Rule, DOE determined it
would not measure or allocate annual operating hours to air circulation
mode due to lack of usage information for this consumer-initiated air
circulation feature. 81 FR 35241, 35257. In response to the November
2020 RFI, NEEA and the California IOUs recommended that DOE incorporate
into a revised test procedure the energy use in what they described as
``fan-only mode,'' in which the fan is operating but the compressor is
not. They referenced a portable AC field metering study conducted by
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (``LBNL'') in 2014 \8\ which
found that 39 percent of active mode time was spent in fan-only mode,
with the remaining active mode time spent in cooling mode, during which
both the compressor and fan are operating. NEEA and the California IOUs
stated that this was consistent across residential and commercial
applications. (NEEA, No. 5 at pp. 3-4; California IOUs, No. 3 at pp. 4-
6) The California IOUs further stated that average power use for
different units in fan-only mode ranged from 5 to 20 percent of the
average power use in cooling mode. (California IOUs, No. 3 at pp. 4-6)
Considering that, as reported, fan-only mode represents 39 percent of
the portable AC operating time, and considering the variability in fan-
only mode power consumption demonstrated in this study, NEEA and the
California IOUs encouraged DOE to explore including fan-only mode
energy use in the portable AC test procedure. (NEEA, No. 5 at pp. 3-4;
California IOUs, No. 3 at pp. 4-6)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\8\ ``Using Field-Metered Data to Quantify Annual Energy Use of
Portable Air Conditioners,'' T. Burke et al., Environmental Energy
Technologies Division, LBNL, December 2014.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Based on the descriptions of ``fan-only mode'' in the comments, and
a review of the field metering study referenced, DOE expects that the
annual usage hours and energy consumption of fan operation referenced
in comments could include operation in both off-cycle mode, which is
currently addressed in appendix CC, and the user-initiated air
circulation mode. DOE seeks further clarification and distinction from
commenters regarding operating hours and energy consumption for the
user-initiated air-circulation mode, which is not currently addressed
in appendix CC.
Issue 20: DOE seeks additional information and data on the
consumer-initiated air circulation mode and other consumer-initiated
modes during which the fan operates without the compressor (e.g., the
characteristics of those operational mode(s), annual operation,
prevalence in models as a consumer mode, effectiveness, etc.).
10. Part-Load Performance
a. Cycling Losses
Historically, portable ACs have been designed using a single-speed
compressor, which operates at full cooling capacity while the
compressor is on. To match the cooling load of the space, which in most
cases is less than the full cooling power of the compressor, a single-
speed compressor cycles on and off. This cycling behavior introduces
inefficiencies due to the surge in power draw at the beginning of each
``on'' cycle, before the compressor reaches steady-state performance.
These inefficiencies are referred to as cycling losses and are apparent
only in single-speed portable ACs, not variable-speed ACs as variable-
speed compressors run continuously, adjusting their speeds as required.
The California IOUs asserted that testing single-speed portable ACs
without accounting for cycling losses is not representative of an
average-use cycle, particularly when comparing to variable-speed units.
The California IOUs stated that there is an increasing prevalence of
variable-speed equipment in the marketplace, and recommended that DOE
revise the test procedure to allow accurate comparison of performance
for single-speed and variable-speed portable ACs by accounting for
single-speed portable AC compressor cycling at part-load conditions.
The California IOUs further stated that such a revision would also
address the same issue underlying recent portable AC waivers (as
discussed in section II.C of this RFI). The California IOUs noted that
DOE's test procedure for central ACs accounts for single-speed
efficiency losses at part-load conditions and further cited a 2014
report conducted by Burke et al.\9\ in which operating times for
cooling mode (compressor on), fan-only mode, and off/standby mode were
monitored. The California IOUs specifically highlighted the prevalence
of single-speed compressor cycling in this report. (California IOUs,
No. 3 at pp. 2-3)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\9\ ``Using Field-Metered Data to Quantify Annual Energy Use of
Portable Air Conditioners,'' T. Burke et al., Environmental Energy
Technologies Division, LBNL, December 2014.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cycling losses associated with single-speed compressors are not
accounted for in the current test procedure. DOE recognizes that such
losses are not present for variable-speed portable ACs. In a Decision
and Order granting a waiver to LG Electronics USA, Inc. (``LG'') on
June 2, 2020, DOE addressed the cycling of a single-speed compressor as
part of a ``performance adjustment factor'' required for LG's variable-
speed portable ACs. 85 FR 33643 (Case No. 2018-004, ``LG Waiver''). As
established in the LG Waiver, the performance adjustment factor
represents the average performance improvement of the variable-speed
model relative to a theoretical comparable single-duct single-speed
model, resulting from the variable-speed unit avoiding cycling losses
associated with the lower temperature test condition. 85 FR 33643,
33646. In a notice of interim waiver granted to GD Midea Air
Conditioning Equipment Co. LTD. (``Midea'') on April 6, 2021, DOE
similarly requires use of a performance adjustment factor for the
specified Midea combined-duct dual-duct variable-speed portable ACs. 86
FR 17803 (Case No. 2020-006, ``Midea Waiver'').
Issue 21: DOE requests further information and data on efficiency
losses associated with single-speed compressor cycling at part-load
conditions.
[[Page 20051]]
Issue 22: DOE requests comment on the incorporation of the current
waiver approach to determine variable-speed portable AC efficiency,
based on the performance improvement relative to a single-speed
portable AC resulting from elimination of cycling losses.
b. Load-Based Testing
The current test procedure prescribed by ANSI/AHAM PAC-1-2015
measures cooling capacity and EER based on an air enthalpy approach
that measures the air flow rate, dry-bulb temperature, and water vapor
content of air at the inlet and outlet of the portable AC when it is
installed in a test chamber at specified indoor ambient conditions and
the ducts are connected to a second chamber at specified outdoor
ambient conditions. A load-based test either fixes or varies the amount
of heat added to the indoor test room by the reconditioning equipment,
while the indoor test room temperature is permitted to change and is
controlled by the test unit according to its thermostat setting.
The California IOUs, Joint Commenters, and NEEA recommended that
DOE shift to a load-based test to account for part-load portable AC
performance. (California IOUs, No. 3 at p. 2; Joint Commenters, No. 4
at p. 1; NEEA, No. 5 at p. 2) The Joint Commenters stated that, while
the test procedure waiver granted to LG provides a method for crediting
the potential energy savings associated with variable-speed
compressors, it does not reflect how variable-speed units actually
operate in the field. California IOUs, the Joint Commenters, and NEEA
stated that a load-based test would capture not only the benefits of
variable-speed compressors, but also other important factors that
affect efficiency performance, including cycling losses and control
strategies for both single-speed and variable-speed units. (California
IOUs, No. 3 at p. 2; Joint Commenters, No. 4 at p. 1; NEEA, No. 5 at p.
2) According to NEEA, a load-based test would fully account for the
effectiveness of controls, cycling effects, and variable-speed
performance of both portable ACs and room ACs, which would better
reflect real world performance. NEEA recommended that DOE adopt load-
based test procedure for both portable ACs and room ACs. (NEEA, No. 5
at p. 2)
The California IOUs stated that should DOE switch to a load-based
test with multiple test conditions and a combined seasonal metric,
reporting of full-load capacity and power consumption should still be
required. According to the California IOUs, knowing power consumption
and efficiency at full load is essential to both consumers and
utilities in hot-dry climates. The California IOUs further asserted
that due to the prevalence of peak-load pricing, full-load performance
is often a better indication of consumer annual energy cost than a
part-load metric. (California IOUs, No. 3 at p. 4)
DOE recognizes the challenges associated with implementing load-
based testing in the portable AC test procedure. As discussed in the
recent final rule for room AC test procedures, DOE expects that a load-
based test would reduce repeatability and reproducibility due to
limitations in current test chamber capabilities, namely the lack of
specificity in industry standards regarding chamber dimensions and
reconditioning equipment characteristics, which would negatively impact
the representativeness of the results and potentially be unduly
burdensome. 86 FR 16446, 16466 (March 29, 2021). DOE continues to seek
comment and information on the feasibility and applicability of load-
based testing for portable ACs.
Issue 23: DOE requests further comment and data on industry
standards for portable ACs or other products that use load-based tests.
Issue 24: DOE requests comment on commercial laboratory
capabilities regarding potential portable AC load-based testing.
Issue 25: DOE requests comment regarding the repeatability and
reproducibility of any load-based testing for portable ACs.
11. Dehumidification Mode
NEEA stated that based on its review of a major retailer's website
most portable ACs provide a dehumidification feature. Given the
predominance of this feature, NEEA recommended that DOE further
investigate its usage and consider including dehumidification mode in
an updated test procedure. (NEEA, No. 5 at pp. 3-4)
Issue 26: DOE seeks usage data on dehumidification features
available on portable ACs, including prevalence in units on the market,
annual operating hours, and energy consumption associated with this
mode.
12. Spot Coolers
NEEA commented that ``spot coolers'' are not currently covered by
the portable AC test procedure. NEEA stated that these products do not
provide net cooling, but rather move heat from one area to another in a
space (i.e., they reject condenser air to the cooled space). NEEA
stated that some portable AC products may meet this description of a
spot cooler, and recommended that DOE continue to monitor the market to
ensure that market characterization of a product as a ``spot cooler''
is not utilized as a means to circumvent portable AC standards. (NEEA,
No. 5 at pp. 3-4)
Issue 27: DOE seeks information regarding the availability of any
portable ACs that provide cooling in a similar manner to single-duct
and dual-duct portable ACs but do not meet either of the definitions
for a single-duct or dual-duct portable AC at 10 CFR 430.2.
C. 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 one test procedure waiver and one test procedure
interim waiver for the current portable AC test procedure. As
discussed, DOE granted LG a test procedure waiver from specified
portions of the DOE test procedure for determining the energy
efficiency of listed portable AC basic models, under which LG is
required to test and rate the listed basic models of its portable ACs
in accordance with the alternate test procedure specified in the
Decision and Order.\10\ 85 FR 33643, 33647 (June 2, 2020). LG asserted
that the current DOE test procedure for single-duct portable ACs does
not take into account the specific performance and efficiency benefits
associated with the specified basic models, which are single-duct
variable-speed portable ACs under part-load conditions. Id. In granting
the LG Waiver, DOE determined that the alternate test procedure in the
Decision and Order produces efficiency results for variable-speed
portable ACs which are comparable with the results for single-speed
units. Id. The alternate test procedure accomplishes this by adjusting
the efficiency rating of the variable-speed portable AC by the amount
the variable-speed unit would outperform a theoretical comparable
[[Page 20052]]
single-speed unit in a representative period of use. Id.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\10\ See Case No. 2018-004.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
On July 16, 2020, DOE received a petition for waiver and
application for interim waiver from Midea, consistent with the approach
used for variable-speed compressors in the waiver granted to LG, with
modifications to account for dual-duct units incorporating Midea's
combined-duct technology. \11\ Midea stated the current test procedure
prevents the testing of its combined-duct technology because the
condenser inlet and outlet air streams are incorporated into the same
structure. (Midea Petition, EERE-2020-BT-WAV-0023 No. 2 at pp. 4-5)
Midea further stated that, since the airflow both into and out of the
condenser must be measured simultaneously, modifications are needed to
adapt Midea's combined-duct technology to DOE's test procedure and
standard airflow measurement apparatuses. (Midea Petition, EERE-2020-
BT-WAV-0023 No. 2 at p. 5) Midea stated the DOE test procedure does not
take into account a specially designed adapter that is needed for
measuring the airflows. (Id.) DOE granted Midea an interim waiver on
April 6, 2021, under which Midea is required to test and rate the
listed basic models of its portable ACs in accordance with the
alternate test procedure specified in the interim waiver. This
alternate test procedure adjusts the efficiency rating of Midea's
variable-speed portable ACs in a manner similar to that of the
alternate test procedure in the LG Waiver, with provisions to allow
testing of the combined-duct technology. 86 FR 17803.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\11\ The Midea Petition for Waiver from Portable Air
Conditioners Test Procedures (EERE-2020-BT-WAV-0023) is available at
https://www.regulations.gov/docket/EERE-2020-BT-WAV-0023.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
In response to the November 2020 RFI, AHAM stated that updates to
the test procedure are necessary to address new technologies that
cannot be adequately tested under the existing test procedure and have
been addressed through waivers. AHAM stated that any changes should be
limited to incorporating existing waivers into the test procedure.
(AHAM, No. 2 at p. 2) The California IOUs noted that DOE has granted a
waiver to this test procedure and that there is an outstanding waiver
request open. The California IOUs encouraged DOE to move forward with a
rulemaking to eliminate the need for continuation of the waiver.
(California IOUs, No. 3 at p. 1)
The California IOUs stated that fixed-speed testing of variable-
speed equipment may not be representative of field performance when the
speed of the compressor during the test is not determined solely by the
onboard controls. The California IOUs encouraged DOE to review its
comments on the room AC test procedure notice of proposed rulemaking
(``NOPR'') \12\ and consider provisions to ensure that the measured
performance for variable-speed portable ACs is representative of the
performance expected with built-in controls. (California IOUs, No. 3 at
p. 4)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\12\ Documents related to the room AC test procedure rulemaking
are available at https://www.regulations.gov/docket/EERE-2017-BT-TP-0012.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Issue 28: DOE requests market data on the prevalence of variable-
speed portable ACs on the market now and in the future, and seeks
comment on any recommended amendments to improve the alternate test
procedure granted to LG.
Issue 29: DOE requests comment on how the use of fixed speeds
during testing represents expected field performance under built-in
controls.
Issue 30: DOE requests information on new technologies and designs
(e.g., combined-duct configurations) to inform the test procedure
development.
III. Submission of Comments
DOE invites all interested parties to submit in writing by the date
specified under the DATES heading, comments and information on matters
addressed in this RFI and on other matters relevant to DOE's
consideration of amended test procedures for portable ACs. These
comments and information will aid in the development of a test
procedure NOPR for portable ACs 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. Following this instruction, 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. Comments and documents submitted via
email 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. 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,
[[Page 20053]]
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 to [email protected] with 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. 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 9,
2021, by Kelly Speakes-Backman, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary
and Acting 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 April 13, 2021.
Treena V. Garrett,
Federal Register Liaison Officer, U.S. Department of Energy.
[FR Doc. 2021-07818 Filed 4-15-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6450-01-P
