Energy Conservation Program: Decision and Order Granting a Waiver to Air Innovations From the Department of Energy Walk-in Coolers and Walk-in Freezers Test Procedure, 23702-23708 [2021-09272]
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BASIC MODELS ON WHICH THE WAIVER IS BEING REQUESTED—Continued
Brand name
Wine
Wine
Wine
Wine
Wine
Wine
Wine
Wine
Mate
Mate
Mate
Mate
Mate
Mate
Mate
Mate
Basic model No.
.......................................
.......................................
.......................................
.......................................
.......................................
.......................................
.......................................
.......................................
Wine Mate .......................................
Wine Mate .......................................
Wine Mate .......................................
Wine Mate .......................................
Self-contained WM–4510HZD.
Self-contained WM–6510HZD.
Self-contained WM–8510HZD.
Self-packaged WM–4500DS.
Self-packaged WM–6500DS.
Self-packaged WM–8500DS.
Self-packaged WM–12030DS.
Split WM–2500SSA, WM–2500SSD, WM–2500SSH, WM–2500SSL, WM–2500SSI, WM–2500SSO, WM–
2500SSR, WM–2500SSV and WM–2500SSW.
Split WM–4500SSA, WM–4500SSD, WM–4500SSH, WM–4500SSL, WM–4500SSI, WM–4500SSO, WM–
4500SSR, WM–4500 SSS, WM–4500SSV and WM–4500SSW.
Split WM–6500SSA, WM–6500SSD, WM–6500SSH, WM–6500SSL, WM–6500SSR and WM–6500SSV.
Split WM–8500SSA, WM–8500 SSD, WM–8500SSH, WM–8500SSL and WM–8500SSS.
Split WM–12000 SSA, WM–12000SSD, WM–12000SSH and WM–12000SSS.
MAXIMUM EXTERNAL STATIC PRESSURE DROP FOR SELF-CONTAINED
DUCTED COOLING UNITS
Duct size
(diameter in
inches)
Model No.
WM–4500DS .......
WM–6500DS .......
WM–8500DS .......
WM–12030DS .....
WM–4510HZD .....
WM–6510HZD .....
WM–8510HZD .....
Maximum
external static
pressure drop
(in-water)
8
10
10
10
8
10
10
0.13
0.07
0.15
0.18
0.13
0.07
0.15
MAXIMUM EXTERNAL STATIC PRESSURE DROP FOR SPLIT DUCTED
COOLING UNITS
Duct size
(diameter in
inches)
Model No.
WM–2500SSH .....
WM–4500SSH .....
WM–6500SSH .....
WM–8500SSH .....
WM–12000SSH ...
Maximum
external static
pressure drop
(in-water)
8
8
10
10
10
0.05
0.13
0.07
0.15
0.18
Specific Requirements Sought to be Waived
Vinotemp International is petitioning for a
waiver to exempt both Self-contained and
Split walk-in wine cellar cooling systems
from being tested to the current test
procedure. The prescribed test procedure is
not appropriate for these products for the
reasons stated previously.
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List of Manufacturers of All Other Basic
Models Marketing in the United States and
Known to the Petitioner to Incorporate
Similar Design Characteristics
Manufacturer: Vinotemp
Manufacturer: CellarPro
Manufacturer: WhisperKOOL
1—Correction factor 0.55 to calculate the
AWEF to adjust for average usage (see
Appendix A to Subpart B of 10 CFR part 430
for reference)
2—One load to calculate AWEF
3—Evaporator entering dry-bulb 55 °F for
both Self-contained and Split cooling
systems
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4—Evaporator air entering relative
humidity 55% for both Self-contained and
Split cooling systems
5—Condenser air entering dry-bulb 90 °F
for both indoor and outdoor cooling systems
Success of the Application for Waiver
It will ensure that manufacturers of Selfcontained and Split walk-in wine cellar
cooling systems can continue to participate
in the market.
What Economic Hardship and/or
Competitive Disadvantage are Likely to
Result Absent a Favorable Determination on
the Application for Waiver
Economic hardship will be loss of sales
due to not meeting the DOE energy
conservation standards set forth in 10 CFR
431.306 if the existing products were altered
in order to test per current requirements set
forth in 10 CFR 431.304 and AHRI 1250–
2019, it would add significant cost and
increase energy consumption.
Conclusion
Vinotemp International Corp. seeks a
Waiver from DOE’s current test method for
the measurement of energy consumption of
walk-in wine cellar Self-contained and Split
cooling systems.
/s/ Alvin Patrick,
VP of Operation
[FR Doc. 2021–09337 Filed 5–3–21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6450–01–P
DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
[Case Number 2019–010; EERE–2019–BT–
WAV–0029]
Energy Conservation Program:
Decision and Order Granting a Waiver
to Air Innovations From the
Department of Energy Walk-in Coolers
and Walk-in Freezers Test Procedure
Office of Energy Efficiency and
Renewable Energy, Department of
Energy.
ACTION: Notification of decision and
order.
AGENCY:
The U.S. Department of
Energy (‘‘DOE’’) gives notification of a
SUMMARY:
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Decision and Order (Case Number
2019–010) that grants to Air Innovations
a waiver from specified portions of the
DOE test procedure for determining the
energy efficiency of specified walk-in
wine cellar refrigeration systems. Due to
the design of Air Innovations’ specific
basic models of walk-in wine cellar
refrigeration systems, the current test
procedure evaluates such models in a
manner that is unrepresentative of their
energy use. Air Innovations is required
to test and rate the specified basic
models of its walk-in cellar refrigeration
systems in accordance with the alternate
test procedure set forth in the Decision
and Order.
DATES: The Decision and Order is
effective on May 4, 2021. The Decision
and Order will terminate upon the
compliance date of any future
amendment to the test procedure for
walk-in coolers and walk-in freezers
located at title 10 of the Code of Federal
Regulations (‘‘CFR’’), part 431, subpart
R, appendix C that addresses the issues
presented in this waiver. At such time,
Air Innovations must use the relevant
test procedure for this product for any
testing to demonstrate compliance with
the applicable standards, and any other
representations of energy use.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Ms. Lucy deButts, 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. Email: AS_Waiver_
Requests@ee.doe.gov.
Mr. Michael Kido, U.S. Department of
Energy, Office of the General Counsel,
Mail Stop GC–33, Forrestal Building,
1000 Independence Avenue SW,
Washington, DC 20585–0103.
Telephone: (202) 586–8145. Email:
Michael.Kido@hq.doe.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In
accordance with section 431.401(f)(2) of
Title 10 of the Code of Federal
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Regulations (‘‘CFR’’) (10 CFR
431.401(f)(2)), DOE gives notification of
the issuance of its Decision and Order
as set forth below. The Decision and
Order grants Air Innovations a waiver
from the applicable test procedure at 10
CFR part 431, subpart R, appendix C for
specified basic models of walk-in cooler
refrigeration systems, and provides that
Air Innovations must test and rate such
walk-in cooler refrigeration systems
using the alternate test procedure
specified in the Decision and Order. Air
Innovations’ representations concerning
the energy efficiency of the specified
basic models must be based on testing
according to the provisions and
restrictions in the alternate test
procedure set forth in the Decision and
Order, and the representations must
fairly disclose the test results.
Distributors, retailers, and private
labelers are held to the same
requirements when making
representations regarding the energy
efficiency of these products. (42 U.S.C.
6314(d))
Consistent with 10 CFR 431.401(j),
not later than July 6, 2021, any
manufacturer currently distributing in
commerce in the United States products
employing a technology or characteristic
that results in the same need for a
waiver from the applicable test
procedure must submit a petition for
waiver. Manufacturers not currently
distributing such products in commerce
in the United States must petition for
and be granted a waiver prior to the
distribution in commerce of those
products in the United States.
Manufacturers may also submit a
request for interim waiver pursuant to
the requirements of 10 CFR 431.401. (10
CFR 431.401(j))
Case #2019–010
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Decision and Order
I. Background and Authority
The Energy Policy and Conservation
Act, as amended (‘‘EPCA’’),1 authorizes
the U.S. Department of Energy (‘‘DOE’’)
to regulate the energy efficiency of a
number of consumer products and
certain industrial equipment. (42 U.S.C.
6291–6317) Title III, Part C 2 of EPCA
established the Energy Conservation
Program for Certain Industrial
Equipment, which sets forth a variety of
provisions designed to improve the
energy efficiency for certain types of
industrial equipment. This equipment
includes walk-in coolers and walk-in
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 C was redesignated as Part A–1.
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freezers (collectively, ‘‘walk-ins’’), the
focus of this document. (42 U.S.C.
6311(1)(G))
The energy conservation program
under EPCA consists essentially of four
parts: (1) Testing, (2) labeling, (3)
Federal energy conservation standards,
and (4) certification and enforcement
procedures. Relevant provisions of
EPCA include definitions (42 U.S.C.
6311), test procedures (42 U.S.C. 6314),
labeling provisions (42 U.S.C. 6315),
energy conservation standards (42
U.S.C. 6313), and the authority to
require information and reports from
manufacturers (42 U.S.C. 6316; 42
U.S.C. 6299).
The Federal testing requirements
consist of test procedures that
manufacturers of covered equipment
must use as the basis for: (1) Certifying
to DOE that their equipment complies
with the applicable energy conservation
standards adopted pursuant to EPCA (42
U.S.C. 6316(a); 42 U.S.C. 6295(s)), and
(2) making representations about the
efficiency of that equipment (42 U.S.C.
6314(d)). Similarly, DOE must use these
test procedures to determine whether
the equipment complies with relevant
standards promulgated under EPCA. (42
U.S.C. 6316(a); 42 U.S.C. 6295(s))
Under 42 U.S.C. 6314, EPCA sets forth
the criteria and procedures DOE is
required to follow when prescribing or
amending test procedures for covered
walk-ins. EPCA requires that any test
procedures prescribed or amended
under this section must be reasonably
designed to produce test results which
reflect energy efficiency, energy use or
estimated annual operating cost of walkins during a representative average use
cycle and requires that test procedures
not be unduly burdensome to conduct.
(42 U.S.C.6314(a)(2)) The test procedure
for walk-ins is set forth in the Code of
Federal Regulations (‘‘CFR’’) at 10 CFR
part 431, subpart R, appendix C,
Uniform Test Method for the
Measurement of Net Capacity and
AWEF of Walk-in Cooler and Walk-in
Freezer Refrigeration Systems
(‘‘Appendix C’’).
Any interested person may submit a
petition for waiver from DOE’s test
procedure requirements. 10 CFR
431.401(a)(1). DOE will grant a waiver
from the test procedure requirements if
DOE determines either that the basic
model for which the waiver was
requested contains a design
characteristic that prevents testing of the
basic model according to the prescribed
test procedures, or that the prescribed
test procedures evaluate the basic model
in a manner so unrepresentative of its
true energy consumption characteristics
as to provide materially inaccurate
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comparative data. 10 CFR 431.401(f)(2).
DOE may grant the waiver subject to
conditions, including adherence to
alternate test procedures. Id.
As soon as practicable after the
granting of any waiver, DOE will
publish in the Federal Register a notice
of proposed rulemaking to amend its
regulations so as to eliminate any need
for the continuation of such waiver. 10
CFR 431.401(l). As soon thereafter as
practicable, DOE will publish in the
Federal Register a final rule to that
effect. Id. When DOE amends the test
procedure to address the issues
presented in a waiver, the waiver will
automatically terminate on the date on
which use of that test procedure is
required to demonstrate compliance. 10
CFR 431.401(h)((3).
II. Air Innovations’ Petition for Waiver:
Assertions and Determinations
On September 23, 2019, Air
Innovations submitted a petition for an
interim waiver from the DOE test
procedure applicable to walk-ins set
forth in Appendix C. (Air Innovations,
No. 1 at p. 1 3) The waiver process under
10 CFR 431.401 requires that a petition
for interim waiver must reference the
related petition for waiver. (10 CFR
431.401(b)(2)) Air Innovations
confirmed in a May 21, 2020 email that
the petition should also be considered
as a petition for waiver. (Air
Innovations, No. 4) Air Innovations
stated that the specified basic models of
walk-in cooler refrigeration systems are
intended to operate at a temperature
range of 45 to 65 °F and 50 to 70 percent
relative humidity (‘‘RH’’), rather than
the 35 °F with less than 50 percent RH
test conditions prescribed by the test
procedure for walk-in cooler
applications. Air Innovations stated that
the units operate at temperature and
relative humidity ranges optimized for
long-term storage of wine, reflecting
conditions in natural caves, and that
they are usually located in airconditioned spaces. Air Innovations
asserted that testing at 35 °F would be
unrepresentative of the true energy
consumption characteristics of the
specified units and that operation at this
temperature may damage the specified
units. On October 19, 2020, Air
Innovations submitted an updated
petition for waiver and interim waiver
stating that all basic models listed in the
petition for waiver and interim waiver
cannot be operated at a temperature less
3 A notation in the form ‘‘Air Innovations, No. 1’’
identifies a written submission: (1) Made by Air
Innovations; and (2) recorded in document number
1 that is filed in the docket of this petition for
waiver (Docket No. EERE–2019–BT–WAV–0029)
and available at https://www.regulations.gov.
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than 45 °F and provided DOE with
maximum external static pressure
values for specified ducted selfcontained and ducted split system basic
models.4 (Air Innovations, No. 6)
On January 12, 2021, DOE published
a notification announcing its receipt of
the petition for waiver and granted Air
Innovations an interim waiver. 86 FR
2403 (‘‘Notification of Petition for
Waiver’’). In the Notification of Petition
for Waiver, DOE noted that the throughthe-wall (TTW018) and ducted selfcontained (D025, D050, D088, and
D200) basic models of walk-in
refrigeration systems identified in Air
Innovations’ waiver petition are singlepackage systems. Although not
explicitly identified by Air Innovations,
DOE recognized that because of their
single-package design, these basic
models have insufficient space within
the units and insufficient lengths of
liquid line and evaporator outlet line for
the dual mass flow meters (i.e., two
independent meters) and the dual
temperature and pressure measurements
(i.e., two independent sets of
measurement equipment with separate
temperature and pressure sensors)
required by the test procedure’s
refrigerant enthalpy method. 86 FR
2403, 2405. AHRI 1250–2009
(‘‘Standard for Performance Rating of
Walk-in Coolers and Freezers’’ 5)—the
industry testing standard on which
DOE’s test procedure is based—does not
include specific provisions for testing
single-package systems, and testing
these basic models using the refrigerant
enthalpy method as required by
Appendix C would require extensive
additional piping to route the pipes out
of the system—where the components
could be installed—and then back in.
This additional piping would impact
unit performance, would likely be
inconsistent between test labs, and
would result in unrepresentative test
values for the unit under test. AHRI has
published a revised version of the test
standard that provides provisions for
single-package systems without
requiring extensive additional piping
(AHRI 1250–2020, 2020 Standard for
4 The October 19, 2020 update was consistent
with a letter from the Air-Conditioning, Heating,
and Refrigeration Institute (‘‘AHRI’’) recommending
that a 45 °F minimum temperature be used for
testing wine cellar cooling systems, and that testing
be conducted at an external static pressure (‘‘ESP’’)
value equal to 50 percent of the maximum ESP to
be specified by manufacturers for each basic model.
The AHRI letter is available at Docket No. EERE2019–BT–WAV–0029–0005. The ESP values from
Air Innovations were submitted as confidential
business information and are redacted from the
publicly-available version of the company’s
submission.
5 This also includes the related Errata sheet
published by AHRI, dated December 2015.
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Performance Rating of Walk-in Coolers
and Freezers).
In the Notification of Petition for
Waiver, DOE established an alternate
test procedure that was a modified
version of the alternate test procedure
suggested by Air Innovations. 86 FR
2403, 2406–2407. Specifically, the
required alternate test procedure
establishes unit cooler air inlet
conditions of 55 °F and 55 percent RH,
specifies primary and secondary
capacity measurement methods for
single-package systems, requires testing
at 50 percent of maximum external
static pressure for ducted units, and
defines wine cellar box load and
evaporator cycle periods for calculation
of Annual Walk-in Energy Factor
(‘‘AWEF’’) for the specified basic
models of walk-in cooler refrigeration
systems. Id. DOE solicited comments
from interested parties on all aspects of
the petition and the modified alternate
test procedure. Id.
DOE received one comment, which
was submitted by the Pacific Gas and
Electric Company, San Diego Gas and
Electric, and Southern California Edison
(collectively, ‘‘the CA IOUs’’).6 The CA
IOUs recommended that DOE consider
changes to the walk-in cooler and walkin freezer labeling requirements and to
the definitions applicable to walk-in
cooler refrigeration systems in order to
differentiate between walk-in cooler
refrigeration systems and walk-in cooler
refrigeration systems that are wine
cooler systems. The CA IOUs stated that
the current labeling requirements would
classify a wine cellar walk-in cooler as
a standard walk-in cooler, despite the
difference in testing requirements. The
CA IOUs suggested that manufacturer
materials should be required to report
use of an alternate test procedure. The
CA IOUs stated that otherwise, there
may be confusion in the market. (CA
IOUs, No 12 at pp. 1–2)
The current definition and labeling
requirements for walk-in coolers do not
distinguish between walk-in cooler
refrigeration systems generally and
walk-in cooler refrigeration systems for
wine cellars. As discussed, Air
Innovations stated that the subject units
are unable to operate at a temperature
less than 45 °F. Because of the inability
to operate at lower temperatures and the
specific application to wine cellars,
there is unlikely to be confusion in the
market between the subject units and
other walk-in cooler refrigeration
systems.
In addition, the CA IOUs reiterated
comments that they submitted in
response to a notice of proposed
rulemaking regarding testing provisions
for hot gas defrost in the walk-in cooler
test procedure (85 FR 60724; September
28, 2020).7 Specifically, the CA IOUs
recommended that DOE address several
open test procedure waivers (including
those for walk-in wine cellars) and
recommendations from the 2015
Appliance Standards and Rulemaking
Federal Advisory Committee working
group related to improving the
representativeness of the test procedure.
In accordance with 10 CFR 431.401,
this Decision and Order addresses the
petition for waiver submitted by Air
Innovations and is limited to the basic
models specified in the Order. As
stated, as soon as practicable after the
granting of this and any waiver, DOE
will publish in the Federal Register a
notice of proposed rulemaking to amend
its regulations so as to eliminate any
need for the continuation of such
waiver. 10 CFR 431.401(l).
For the reasons explained here and in
the Notification of Petition for Waiver,
absent a waiver the basic models
identified by Air Innovations in its
petition cannot be tested and rated for
energy consumption on a basis
representative of their true energy
consumption characteristics. As noted
above, the alternate test procedure
prescribed in the Interim Waiver
modified Air Innovations’ suggested
alternate test procedure by including
ESP provisions for certain systems that
can be installed with (1) ducted
evaporator air, (2) with or without
ducted evaporator air, (3) ducted
condenser air, or (4) with or without
ducted condenser air. For such systems,
testing is conducted at 50 percent of the
maximum ESP specified by the
manufacturer, subject to a tolerance of
–0.00/+0.05 inches of water column
(‘‘in. wc.’’). (Air Innovations, No. 5).
Selection of a representative ESP
equal to half the maximum ESP is based
on the expectation that most
installations will require less than the
maximum allowable duct length. In the
absence of field data, DOE expects that
a range of duct lengths from the
minimal length to the maximum
allowable length would be used; thus,
half of the maximum ESP would be
representative of most installations.
Additionally, if the basic model
provides multiple condenser or fan-coil
(unit cooler) fan speed settings, the
speed setting used is as instructed in the
unit’s installation instructions.
However, if the installation instructions
do not specify a fan speed setting for
6 Comments available in Docket No. EERE–2019–
BT–WAV–0029 at https://www.regulations.gov.
7 Comments available in Docket No. EERE–2020–
BT–TP–0016–0004 at https://www.regulations.gov.
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ducted installation, systems that can be
installed with ducts would be tested
with the highest available fan speed.
The ESP is set for testing either by
symmetrically restricting the outlet duct
or, if using the indoor air enthalpy
method, by adjusting the airflow
measurement apparatus blower.
The alternate test procedure also
describes the requirements for
measuring ESP consistent with the
provisions provided in AHRI 1250–2020
when using the indoor air enthalpy
method with unit coolers.
Additionally, the alternate test
procedure requires that specified basic
models that are split systems must be
tested as matched pairs. According to
Air Innovations’ petition, the walk-in
refrigeration system basic models that
are split-systems are sold as full systems
(i.e., matched pairs) rather than as
individual unit cooler and condensing
unit components. This Order provides
no direction regarding refrigerant line
connection operating conditions, and as
such is inapplicable to testing the basic
models as individual components.
Consequently, this Order addresses only
matched-pair testing of the specified
basic models that are split-systems.
For the reasons explained in the
Notification of Petition for Waiver, the
Order does not include a 0.55 correction
factor in the alternate test procedure as
suggested by Air Innovations. 86 FR
2403, 2407–2408. The company had
observed that the test procedure in
appendix A to subpart B of 10 CFR part
430 (‘‘Appendix A’’), which applies to
miscellaneous refrigeration products,
includes such a factor to account for the
difference in use and loading patterns of
coolers (e.g., self-contained wine chiller
cabinets) as compared to other
residential refrigeration products, and
sought to include such a factor as part
of its petition. As explained in the
Notice of Petition for Waiver, the
closed-door conditions on which the
miscellaneous refrigeration correction
factor is based are not present in the test
procedure for walk-in cooler
refrigeration systems, and the referenced
AHRI 1250–2009 provisions assume a
load factor of 50 percent, consistent
with Appendix C. Id. As a result,
applying the 0.55 correction factor as
suggested by Air Innovations is not
appropriate for the specified basic
models.
DOE is requiring that Air Innovations
test and rate specified walk-in wine
cellar refrigeration system basic models
according to the alternate test procedure
specified in this Decision and Order.
This alternate procedure is a modified
version of the one suggested by Air
Innovations. The alternate test
procedure required under this Order is
the same alternate test procedure
prescribed in the Interim Waiver Order.
This Decision and Order applies only
to the basic models listed and does not
extend to any other basic models. DOE
evaluates and grants waivers for only
those basic models specifically set out
in the petition, not future models that
may be manufactured by the petitioner.
Air Innovations may request that DOE
extend the scope of this waiver to
include additional basic models that
employ the same technology as those
listed in this waiver. 10 CFR 431.401(g).
Air Innovations may also submit
another petition for waiver from the test
procedure for additional basic models
that employ a different technology and
meet the criteria for test procedure
waivers. 10 CFR 431.401(a)(1).
DOE notes that it may modify or
rescind the waiver at any time upon
DOE’s determination that the factual
basis underlying the petition for waiver
is incorrect, or upon a determination
that the results from the alternate test
procedure are unrepresentative of the
basic models’ true energy consumption
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Appendix C and DOE’s other relevant
regulations remain applicable.
In Appendix C to Subpart R, revise
section 3.1.1 (which specifies
modifications to AHRI 1250–2009
(incorporated by reference; see
§ 431.303)) to read:
3.1.1. In Table 1, Instrumentation
Accuracy, refrigerant temperature
measurements shall have an accuracy of
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III. Order
After careful consideration of all the
material that was submitted by Air
Innovations, the various public-facing
materials (e.g., marketing materials,
product specification sheets, and
installation manuals) for the units
identified in the petition, information
provided by Air Innovations and other
wine cellar walk-in refrigeration system
manufacturers in meetings with DOE,
and the comment received, in this
matter, it is ordered that:
(1) Air Innovations must, as of the
date of publication of this Order in the
Federal Register, test and rate the
following Air Innovations-branded wine
cellar walk-in cooler refrigeration
system basic models with the alternate
test procedure as set forth in paragraph
(2):
Ducted selfcontained
Through-the-wall
(2) The alternate test procedure for the
Air Innovations basic models listed in
paragraph (1) of this Order is the test
procedure for Walk-in Cooler
Refrigeration Systems prescribed by
DOE at 10 CFR part 431, subpart R,
appendix C, (‘‘Appendix C to Subpart
R’’) with the modifications provided
below. All other requirements of
characteristics. 10 CFR 431.401(k)(1).
Likewise, Air Innovations may request
that DOE rescind or modify the waiver
if the company discovers an error in the
information provided to DOE as part of
its petition, determines that the waiver
is no longer needed, or for other
appropriate reasons. 10 CFR
431.401(k)(2).
As set forth previously, the test
procedure specified in this Decision and
Order is not the same as the test
procedure offered by Air Innovations. If
Air Innovations believes that the
alternate test method it suggested
provides representative results and is
less burdensome than the test method
required by this Decision and Order, Air
Innovations may submit a request for
modification under 10 CFR
431.401(k)(2) that addresses the
concerns that DOE has specified with
that procedure. Air Innovations may
also submit another less burdensome
alternative test procedure not expressly
considered in this notification under the
same provision.
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
D025
D050
D088
D0200
Ducted
split system
DS025
DS050
DS088
DS200
Ductless
split system
SS018
CS025
CS050
±0.5 °F for unit cooler in/out.
Measurements used to determine
temperature or water vapor content of
the air (i.e., wet bulb or dew point) shall
be accurate to within ±0.25 °F; all other
temperature measurements shall be
accurate to within ±1.0 °F.
In Appendix C to Subpart R, revise
section 3.1.4 (which specifies
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modifications to AHRI 1250–2009) and
add modifications of AHRI 1250–2009
Tables 3 and 4 to read:
3.1.4. In Tables 3 and 4 of AHRI
1250–2009, Section 5, the Condenser
Air Entering Wet-Bulb Temperature
requirement applies only to singlepackaged dedicated systems. Tables 3
and 4 shall be modified to read:
TABLE 3—FIXED CAPACITY MATCHED REFRIGERATOR SYSTEM AND SINGLE-PACKAGED DEDICATED SYSTEM, CONDENSING
UNIT LOCATED INDOOR
Unit cooler
air entering
relative
humidity, % 1
Unit cooler
air entering
dry-bulb, °F
Test description
Condenser air
entering
dry-bulb, °F
Maximum
condenser
air entering
wet-bulb, °F
Compressor status
Test objective
Measure fan input wattage.2
Determine Net Refrigeration Capacity of
Unit Cooler, input
power, and EER at
Rating Condition.
Evaporator Fan Power ...................................
55
55
........................
........................
....................................
Refrigeration Capacity ....................................
55
55
90
3 65
Compressor On .........
Notes:
1. The test condition tolerance (maximum permissible variation of the average value of the measurement from the specified test condition) for relative humidity is
3%.
2. Measure fan input wattage either by measuring total system power when the compressor and condenser are turned off or by separately submetering the evaporator fan.
3. Maximum allowable value for Single-Packaged Systems that do not use evaporative Dedicated Condensing Units, where all or part of the equipment is located in
the outdoor room.
TABLE 4—FIXED CAPACITY MATCHED REFRIGERATOR SYSTEM AND SINGLE-PACKAGED DEDICATED SYSTEM, CONDENSING
UNIT LOCATED OUTDOOR
Test description
Unit cooler
air entering
dry-bulb, °F
Unit cooler
air entering
relative
humidity, % 1
Condenser air
entering
dry-bulb, °F
Maximum
condenser
air entering
wet-bulb, °F
Compressor status
Test objective
Evaporator Fan Power .......
Refrigeration Capacity A ....
55
55
55
55
........................
95
........................
3 68
....................................
Compressor On .........
Refrigeration Capacity B ....
55
55
59
3 46
Compressor On .........
Refrigeration Capacity C ....
55
55
35
3 29
Compressor On .........
Measure fan input wattage 2.
Determine Net Refrigeration Capacity
Unit Cooler, input power, and EER
Rating Condition.
Determine Net Refrigeration Capacity
Unit Cooler and system input power
moderate condition.
Determine Net Refrigeration Capacity
Unit Cooler and system input power
cold condition.
of
at
of
at
of
at
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Notes:
1. The test condition tolerance (maximum permissible variation of the average value of the measurement from the specified test condition) for relative humidity is
3%.
2. Measure fan input wattage either by measuring total system power when the compressor and condenser are turned off or by separately submetering the evaporator fan.
3. Maximum allowable value for Single-Packaged Dedicated Systems that do not use evaporative Dedicated Condensing Units, where all or part of the equipment
is located in the outdoor room.
In Appendix C to Subpart R,
following section 3.2.5 (instructions
regarding modifications to AHRI 1250–
2009), add sections 3.2.6 and 3.2.7 to
read:
3.2.6 The purpose in section C1 of
appendix C is modified by extending it
to include Single-Packaged Dedicated
Systems.
3.2.7 For general test conditions and
data recording (appendix C, section C7),
the test acceptance criteria in Table 2
and the data to be recorded in Table C2
apply to the Dual Instrumentation and
Calibrated Box methods of test.
In Appendix C to Subpart R, revise
section 3.3 to read:
3.3. Matched systems, singlepackaged dedicated systems, and unit
coolers tested alone: Test any split
system wine cellar walk-in refrigeration
system as a matched pair. Any
condensing unit or unit cooler
component must be matched with a
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corresponding counterpart for testing.
Use the test method in AHRI 1250–2009
(incorporated by reference; see
§ 431.303), appendix C as the method of
test for matched refrigeration systems,
single-packaged dedicated systems, or
unit coolers tested alone, with the
following modifications:
*
*
*
*
*
In Appendix C to Subpart R, revise
sections 3.3.3 through 3.3.3.2 to read:
3.3.3 Evaporator fan power.
3.3.3.1 The unit cooler fan power
consumption shall be measured in
accordance with the requirements in
Section C3.5 of AHRI 1250–2009. This
measurement shall be made with the fan
operating at full speed, either measuring
unit cooler or total system power input
upon the completion of the steady state
test when the compressors and
condenser fan of the walk-in system is
turned off, or by submetered
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measurement of the evaporator fan
power during the steady state test.
Section C3.5 of AHRI 1250–2009 is
revised to read:
Unit Cooler Fan Power Measurement.
The following shall be measured and
recorded during a fan power test.
EFcomp,on Total electrical power input
to fan motor(s) of Unit Cooler, W
FS Fan speed (s), rpm
N Number of motors
Pb Barometric pressure, in. Hg
Tdb Dry-bulb temperature of air at
inlet, °F
Twb Wet-bulb temperature of air at
inlet, °F
V Voltage of each phase, V
For a given motor winding
configuration, the total power input
shall be measured at the highest
nameplated voltage. For three-phase
power, voltage imbalance shall be no
more than 2%.
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3.3.3.2 Evaporator fan power for the
off-cycle is equal to the on-cycle
evaporator fan power with a run time of
ten percent of the off-cycle time.
EFcomp,off = 0.1 × EFomp,on
In Appendix C to Subpart R,
following section 3.3.7.2, add new
sections 3.3.8, 3.3.9, and 3.3.10 to read:
3.3.8. Measure power and capacity of
single-packaged dedicated systems as
described in sections C4.1.2 and C9 of
AHRI 1250–2020. The third and fourth
sentences of Section C9.1.1.1 of AHRI
1250–2020 (‘‘Entering air is to be
sufficiently dry as to not produce frost
on the Unit Cooler coil. Therefore, only
sensible capacity measured by dry bulb
change shall be used to calculate
capacity.’’) shall not apply.
3.3.9. For systems with ducted
evaporator air, or that can be installed
with or without ducted evaporator air:
Connect ductwork on both the inlet and
outlet connections and determine
external static pressure as described in
ASHRAE 37–2009, sections 6.4 and 6.5.
Use pressure measurement
instrumentation as described in
ASHRAE 37–2009 section 5.3.2. Test at
the fan speed specified in manufacturer
installation instructions—if there is
more than one fan speed setting and the
installation instructions do not specify
which speed to use, test at the highest
speed. Conduct tests with the external
static pressure equal to 50 percent of the
maximum external static pressure
allowed by the manufacturer for system
installation within a tolerance of ¥0.00/
+0.05 in. wc. If testing with the indoor
air enthalpy method, adjust the airflow
measurement apparatus fan to set the
external static pressure—otherwise, set
the external static pressure by
symmetrically restricting the outlet of
the test duct. In case of conflict, these
requirements for setting evaporator
airflow take precedence over airflow
values specified in manufacturer
installation instructions or product
literature.
3.3.10. For systems with ducted
condenser air, or that can be installed
with or without ducted condenser air:
Connect ductwork on both the inlet and
outlet connections and determine
external static pressure as described in
ASHRAE 37–2009, sections 6.4 and 6.5.
Use pressure measurement
instrumentation as described in
ASHRAE 37–2009 section 5.3.2. Test at
the fan speed specified in manufacturer
installation instructions—if there is
more than one fan speed setting and the
installation instructions do not specify
which speed to use, test at the highest
speed. Conduct tests with the external
static pressure equal to 50 percent of the
BL
= 0.5 · c'/ss(90 °F)
LF
=q
23707
maximum external static pressure
allowed by the manufacturer for system
installation within a tolerance of ¥
0.00/+0.05 in. wc. If testing with the
outdoor enthalpy method, adjust the
airflow measurement apparatus fan to
set the external static pressure—
otherwise, set the external static
pressure by symmetrically restricting
the outlet of the test duct. In case of
conflict, these requirements for setting
condenser airflow take precedence over
airflow values specified in manufacturer
installation instructions or product
literature. If testing using the outdoor air
enthalpy method, the requirements of
section 8.6 of ASHRAE 37–2009 are not
applicable.
In Appendix C to Subpart R, revise
section 3.3.6 (which specifies
modifications to AHRI 1250–2009) to
read:
3.3.6. AWEF is calculated on the basis
that walk-in box load is equal to half of
the system net capacity, without
variation according to high and low load
periods and without variation with
outdoor air temperature for outdoor
refrigeration systems, and the test must
be done as a matched or single-package
refrigeration system, as follows:
For Indoor Condensing Units:
BILLING CODE 6450–01–P
BL+ 3.412 · EFcomp,off
'F
55 (90 °F) + 3.412 · E comp,off
BL
AWEF
=£
55
(90 °F) · LF
+ EFcomp,off · (l
LF)
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17:13 May 03, 2021
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E:\FR\FM\04MYN1.SGM
04MYN1
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For Outdoor Condensing Units:
23708
Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 84 / Tuesday, May 4, 2021 / Notices
BL
LF ( tj )
= O.S · q
= .
55
(9S °F)
BL+ 3.412 · EFcomp,off
q55 (tj)
AWEF
+
.
3.412 · EFcomp,off
= LJ=1BL(tj)
"f.j= 1 E(tj)
BL(tj) = BL· nj
khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES
Where:
BLis the non-equipment-related box load
LF is the load factor
And other symbols are as defined in AHRI
1250–2009.
(3) Representations. Air Innovations
may not make representations about the
efficiency of a basic model listed in
paragraph (1) of this Order for
compliance, marketing, or other
purposes unless the basic model has
been tested in accordance with the
provisions set forth above and such
representations fairly disclose the
results of such testing.
(4) This waiver shall remain in effect
according to the provisions of 10 CFR
431.401.
(5) This Order is issued on the
condition that the statements,
representations, and information
provided by Air Innovations are valid.
If Air Innovations makes any
modifications to the controls or
configurations of a basic model subject
to this Order, such modifications will
render the waiver invalid with respect
to that basic model, and Air Innovations
will either be required to use the current
Federal test method or submit a new
application for a test procedure waiver.
DOE may rescind or modify this waiver
at any time if it determines the factual
basis underlying the petition for waiver
is incorrect, or the results from the
alternate test procedure are
unrepresentative of a basic model’s true
energy consumption characteristics. 10
CFR 431.401(k)(1). Likewise, Air
Innovations may request that DOE
rescind or modify the waiver if Air
Innovations discovers an error in the
information provided to DOE as part of
its petition, determines that the waiver
is no longer needed, or for other
appropriate reasons. 10 CFR
431.401(k)(2).
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(6) Air Innovations remains obligated
to fulfill any applicable requirements set
forth at 10 CFR part 429.
DOE makes decisions on waivers and
interim waivers for only those basic
models specifically set out in the
petition, not future models that may be
manufactured by the petitioner. Air
Innovations may submit a new or
amended petition for waiver and request
for grant of interim waiver, as
appropriate, for additional basic models
of Walk-in Cooler Refrigeration Systems.
Alternatively, if appropriate, Air
Innovations may request that DOE
extend the scope of a waiver or an
interim waiver to include additional
basic models employing the same
technology as the basic model(s) set
forth in the original petition consistent
with 10 CFR 431.401(g).
Signed in Washington, DC, on April 28,
2021.
Treena V. Garrett,
Federal Register Liaison Officer, U.S.
Department of Energy.
Signing Authority
The staff of the Federal Energy
Regulatory Commission (FERC or
Commission) will prepare an
environmental document that will
discuss the environmental impacts of
the CP2 LNG and CP Express Project
involving construction and operation of
facilities by Venture Global CP2 LNG,
LLC (CP2 LNG) and Venture Global CP
Express, LLC (CP Express) in Jasper and
Newton Counties, Texas and Calcasieu
and Cameron Parishes, Louisiana. The
Commission will use this environmental
document in its decision-making
process to determine whether the
project is in the public interest.
This notice announces the opening of
the scoping process the Commission
will use to gather input from the public
and interested agencies regarding the
project. As part of the National
Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)
review process, the Commission takes
into account concerns the public may
have about proposals and the
environmental impacts that could result
This document of the Department of
Energy was signed on April 27, 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.
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[FR Doc. 2021–09272 Filed 5–3–21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6450–01–P
DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
Federal Energy Regulatory
Commission
[Docket No. PF21–1–000]
Venture Global CP2 LNG, LLC; Venture
Global CP Express, LLC; Notice of
Scoping Period Requesting Comments
on Environmental Issues for the
Planned CP2 LNG and CP Express
Project and Notice of Public Scoping
Sessions
E:\FR\FM\04MYN1.SGM
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EN04MY21.001</GPH>
BILLING CODE 6450–01–C
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 84 (Tuesday, May 4, 2021)]
[Notices]
[Pages 23702-23708]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-09272]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
[Case Number 2019-010; EERE-2019-BT-WAV-0029]
Energy Conservation Program: Decision and Order Granting a Waiver
to Air Innovations From the Department of Energy Walk-in Coolers and
Walk-in Freezers Test Procedure
AGENCY: Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Department of
Energy.
ACTION: Notification of decision and order.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The U.S. Department of Energy (``DOE'') gives notification of
a Decision and Order (Case Number 2019-010) that grants to Air
Innovations a waiver from specified portions of the DOE test procedure
for determining the energy efficiency of specified walk-in wine cellar
refrigeration systems. Due to the design of Air Innovations' specific
basic models of walk-in wine cellar refrigeration systems, the current
test procedure evaluates such models in a manner that is
unrepresentative of their energy use. Air Innovations is required to
test and rate the specified basic models of its walk-in cellar
refrigeration systems in accordance with the alternate test procedure
set forth in the Decision and Order.
DATES: The Decision and Order is effective on May 4, 2021. The Decision
and Order will terminate upon the compliance date of any future
amendment to the test procedure for walk-in coolers and walk-in
freezers located at title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations
(``CFR''), part 431, subpart R, appendix C that addresses the issues
presented in this waiver. At such time, Air Innovations must use the
relevant test procedure for this product for any testing to demonstrate
compliance with the applicable standards, and any other representations
of energy use.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Ms. Lucy deButts, 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. Email:
[email protected].
Mr. Michael Kido, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of the General
Counsel, Mail Stop GC-33, Forrestal Building, 1000 Independence Avenue
SW, Washington, DC 20585-0103. Telephone: (202) 586-8145. Email:
[email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In accordance with section 431.401(f)(2) of
Title 10 of the Code of Federal
[[Page 23703]]
Regulations (``CFR'') (10 CFR 431.401(f)(2)), DOE gives notification of
the issuance of its Decision and Order as set forth below. The Decision
and Order grants Air Innovations a waiver from the applicable test
procedure at 10 CFR part 431, subpart R, appendix C for specified basic
models of walk-in cooler refrigeration systems, and provides that Air
Innovations must test and rate such walk-in cooler refrigeration
systems using the alternate test procedure specified in the Decision
and Order. Air Innovations' representations concerning the energy
efficiency of the specified basic models must be based on testing
according to the provisions and restrictions in the alternate test
procedure set forth in the Decision and Order, and the representations
must fairly disclose the test results. Distributors, retailers, and
private labelers are held to the same requirements when making
representations regarding the energy efficiency of these products. (42
U.S.C. 6314(d))
Consistent with 10 CFR 431.401(j), not later than July 6, 2021, any
manufacturer currently distributing in commerce in the United States
products employing a technology or characteristic that results in the
same need for a waiver from the applicable test procedure must submit a
petition for waiver. Manufacturers not currently distributing such
products in commerce in the United States must petition for and be
granted a waiver prior to the distribution in commerce of those
products in the United States. Manufacturers may also submit a request
for interim waiver pursuant to the requirements of 10 CFR 431.401. (10
CFR 431.401(j))
Case #2019-010
Decision and Order
I. Background and Authority
The Energy Policy and Conservation Act, as amended (``EPCA''),\1\
authorizes the U.S. Department of Energy (``DOE'') to regulate the
energy efficiency of a number of consumer products and certain
industrial equipment. (42 U.S.C. 6291-6317) Title III, Part C \2\ of
EPCA established the Energy Conservation Program for Certain Industrial
Equipment, which sets forth a variety of provisions designed to improve
the energy efficiency for certain types of industrial equipment. This
equipment includes walk-in coolers and walk-in freezers (collectively,
``walk-ins''), the focus of this document. (42 U.S.C. 6311(1)(G))
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\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 C was redesignated as Part A-1.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
The energy conservation program under EPCA consists essentially of
four parts: (1) Testing, (2) labeling, (3) Federal energy conservation
standards, and (4) certification and enforcement procedures. Relevant
provisions of EPCA include definitions (42 U.S.C. 6311), test
procedures (42 U.S.C. 6314), labeling provisions (42 U.S.C. 6315),
energy conservation standards (42 U.S.C. 6313), and the authority to
require information and reports from manufacturers (42 U.S.C. 6316; 42
U.S.C. 6299).
The Federal testing requirements consist of test procedures that
manufacturers of covered equipment must use as the basis for: (1)
Certifying to DOE that their equipment complies with the applicable
energy conservation standards adopted pursuant to EPCA (42 U.S.C.
6316(a); 42 U.S.C. 6295(s)), and (2) making representations about the
efficiency of that equipment (42 U.S.C. 6314(d)). Similarly, DOE must
use these test procedures to determine whether the equipment complies
with relevant standards promulgated under EPCA. (42 U.S.C. 6316(a); 42
U.S.C. 6295(s))
Under 42 U.S.C. 6314, EPCA sets forth the criteria and procedures
DOE is required to follow when prescribing or amending test procedures
for covered walk-ins. EPCA requires that any test procedures prescribed
or amended under this section must be reasonably designed to produce
test results which reflect energy efficiency, energy use or estimated
annual operating cost of walk-ins during a representative average use
cycle and requires that test procedures not be unduly burdensome to
conduct. (42 U.S.C.6314(a)(2)) The test procedure for walk-ins is set
forth in the Code of Federal Regulations (``CFR'') at 10 CFR part 431,
subpart R, appendix C, Uniform Test Method for the Measurement of Net
Capacity and AWEF of Walk-in Cooler and Walk-in Freezer Refrigeration
Systems (``Appendix C'').
Any interested person may submit a petition for waiver from DOE's
test procedure requirements. 10 CFR 431.401(a)(1). DOE will grant a
waiver from the test procedure requirements if DOE determines either
that the basic model for which the waiver was requested contains a
design characteristic that prevents testing of the basic model
according to the prescribed test procedures, or that the prescribed
test procedures evaluate the basic model in a manner so
unrepresentative of its true energy consumption characteristics as to
provide materially inaccurate comparative data. 10 CFR 431.401(f)(2).
DOE may grant the waiver subject to conditions, including adherence to
alternate test procedures. Id.
As soon as practicable after the granting of any waiver, DOE will
publish in the Federal Register a notice of proposed rulemaking to
amend its regulations so as to eliminate any need for the continuation
of such waiver. 10 CFR 431.401(l). As soon thereafter as practicable,
DOE will publish in the Federal Register a final rule to that effect.
Id. When DOE amends the test procedure to address the issues presented
in a waiver, the waiver will automatically terminate on the date on
which use of that test procedure is required to demonstrate compliance.
10 CFR 431.401(h)((3).
II. Air Innovations' Petition for Waiver: Assertions and Determinations
On September 23, 2019, Air Innovations submitted a petition for an
interim waiver from the DOE test procedure applicable to walk-ins set
forth in Appendix C. (Air Innovations, No. 1 at p. 1 \3\) The waiver
process under 10 CFR 431.401 requires that a petition for interim
waiver must reference the related petition for waiver. (10 CFR
431.401(b)(2)) Air Innovations confirmed in a May 21, 2020 email that
the petition should also be considered as a petition for waiver. (Air
Innovations, No. 4) Air Innovations stated that the specified basic
models of walk-in cooler refrigeration systems are intended to operate
at a temperature range of 45 to 65 [deg]F and 50 to 70 percent relative
humidity (``RH''), rather than the 35 [deg]F with less than 50 percent
RH test conditions prescribed by the test procedure for walk-in cooler
applications. Air Innovations stated that the units operate at
temperature and relative humidity ranges optimized for long-term
storage of wine, reflecting conditions in natural caves, and that they
are usually located in air-conditioned spaces. Air Innovations asserted
that testing at 35 [deg]F would be unrepresentative of the true energy
consumption characteristics of the specified units and that operation
at this temperature may damage the specified units. On October 19,
2020, Air Innovations submitted an updated petition for waiver and
interim waiver stating that all basic models listed in the petition for
waiver and interim waiver cannot be operated at a temperature less
[[Page 23704]]
than 45 [deg]F and provided DOE with maximum external static pressure
values for specified ducted self-contained and ducted split system
basic models.\4\ (Air Innovations, No. 6)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\3\ A notation in the form ``Air Innovations, No. 1'' identifies
a written submission: (1) Made by Air Innovations; and (2) recorded
in document number 1 that is filed in the docket of this petition
for waiver (Docket No. EERE-2019-BT-WAV-0029) and available at
https://www.regulations.gov.
\4\ The October 19, 2020 update was consistent with a letter
from the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute
(``AHRI'') recommending that a 45 [deg]F minimum temperature be used
for testing wine cellar cooling systems, and that testing be
conducted at an external static pressure (``ESP'') value equal to 50
percent of the maximum ESP to be specified by manufacturers for each
basic model. The AHRI letter is available at Docket No. EERE- 2019-
BT-WAV-0029-0005. The ESP values from Air Innovations were submitted
as confidential business information and are redacted from the
publicly-available version of the company's submission.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
On January 12, 2021, DOE published a notification announcing its
receipt of the petition for waiver and granted Air Innovations an
interim waiver. 86 FR 2403 (``Notification of Petition for Waiver'').
In the Notification of Petition for Waiver, DOE noted that the through-
the-wall (TTW018) and ducted self-contained (D025, D050, D088, and
D200) basic models of walk-in refrigeration systems identified in Air
Innovations' waiver petition are single-package systems. Although not
explicitly identified by Air Innovations, DOE recognized that because
of their single-package design, these basic models have insufficient
space within the units and insufficient lengths of liquid line and
evaporator outlet line for the dual mass flow meters (i.e., two
independent meters) and the dual temperature and pressure measurements
(i.e., two independent sets of measurement equipment with separate
temperature and pressure sensors) required by the test procedure's
refrigerant enthalpy method. 86 FR 2403, 2405. AHRI 1250-2009
(``Standard for Performance Rating of Walk-in Coolers and Freezers''
\5\)--the industry testing standard on which DOE's test procedure is
based--does not include specific provisions for testing single-package
systems, and testing these basic models using the refrigerant enthalpy
method as required by Appendix C would require extensive additional
piping to route the pipes out of the system--where the components could
be installed--and then back in. This additional piping would impact
unit performance, would likely be inconsistent between test labs, and
would result in unrepresentative test values for the unit under test.
AHRI has published a revised version of the test standard that provides
provisions for single-package systems without requiring extensive
additional piping (AHRI 1250-2020, 2020 Standard for Performance Rating
of Walk-in Coolers and Freezers).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\5\ This also includes the related Errata sheet published by
AHRI, dated December 2015.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
In the Notification of Petition for Waiver, DOE established an
alternate test procedure that was a modified version of the alternate
test procedure suggested by Air Innovations. 86 FR 2403, 2406-2407.
Specifically, the required alternate test procedure establishes unit
cooler air inlet conditions of 55 [deg]F and 55 percent RH, specifies
primary and secondary capacity measurement methods for single-package
systems, requires testing at 50 percent of maximum external static
pressure for ducted units, and defines wine cellar box load and
evaporator cycle periods for calculation of Annual Walk-in Energy
Factor (``AWEF'') for the specified basic models of walk-in cooler
refrigeration systems. Id. DOE solicited comments from interested
parties on all aspects of the petition and the modified alternate test
procedure. Id.
DOE received one comment, which was submitted by the Pacific Gas
and Electric Company, San Diego Gas and Electric, and Southern
California Edison (collectively, ``the CA IOUs'').\6\ The CA IOUs
recommended that DOE consider changes to the walk-in cooler and walk-in
freezer labeling requirements and to the definitions applicable to
walk-in cooler refrigeration systems in order to differentiate between
walk-in cooler refrigeration systems and walk-in cooler refrigeration
systems that are wine cooler systems. The CA IOUs stated that the
current labeling requirements would classify a wine cellar walk-in
cooler as a standard walk-in cooler, despite the difference in testing
requirements. The CA IOUs suggested that manufacturer materials should
be required to report use of an alternate test procedure. The CA IOUs
stated that otherwise, there may be confusion in the market. (CA IOUs,
No 12 at pp. 1-2)
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\6\ Comments available in Docket No. EERE-2019-BT-WAV-0029 at
https://www.regulations.gov.
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The current definition and labeling requirements for walk-in
coolers do not distinguish between walk-in cooler refrigeration systems
generally and walk-in cooler refrigeration systems for wine cellars. As
discussed, Air Innovations stated that the subject units are unable to
operate at a temperature less than 45 [deg]F. Because of the inability
to operate at lower temperatures and the specific application to wine
cellars, there is unlikely to be confusion in the market between the
subject units and other walk-in cooler refrigeration systems.
In addition, the CA IOUs reiterated comments that they submitted in
response to a notice of proposed rulemaking regarding testing
provisions for hot gas defrost in the walk-in cooler test procedure (85
FR 60724; September 28, 2020).\7\ Specifically, the CA IOUs recommended
that DOE address several open test procedure waivers (including those
for walk-in wine cellars) and recommendations from the 2015 Appliance
Standards and Rulemaking Federal Advisory Committee working group
related to improving the representativeness of the test procedure.
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\7\ Comments available in Docket No. EERE-2020-BT-TP-0016-0004
at https://www.regulations.gov.
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In accordance with 10 CFR 431.401, this Decision and Order
addresses the petition for waiver submitted by Air Innovations and is
limited to the basic models specified in the Order. As stated, as soon
as practicable after the granting of this and any waiver, DOE will
publish in the Federal Register a notice of proposed rulemaking to
amend its regulations so as to eliminate any need for the continuation
of such waiver. 10 CFR 431.401(l).
For the reasons explained here and in the Notification of Petition
for Waiver, absent a waiver the basic models identified by Air
Innovations in its petition cannot be tested and rated for energy
consumption on a basis representative of their true energy consumption
characteristics. As noted above, the alternate test procedure
prescribed in the Interim Waiver modified Air Innovations' suggested
alternate test procedure by including ESP provisions for certain
systems that can be installed with (1) ducted evaporator air, (2) with
or without ducted evaporator air, (3) ducted condenser air, or (4) with
or without ducted condenser air. For such systems, testing is conducted
at 50 percent of the maximum ESP specified by the manufacturer, subject
to a tolerance of -0.00/+0.05 inches of water column (``in. wc.'').
(Air Innovations, No. 5).
Selection of a representative ESP equal to half the maximum ESP is
based on the expectation that most installations will require less than
the maximum allowable duct length. In the absence of field data, DOE
expects that a range of duct lengths from the minimal length to the
maximum allowable length would be used; thus, half of the maximum ESP
would be representative of most installations.
Additionally, if the basic model provides multiple condenser or
fan-coil (unit cooler) fan speed settings, the speed setting used is as
instructed in the unit's installation instructions. However, if the
installation instructions do not specify a fan speed setting for
[[Page 23705]]
ducted installation, systems that can be installed with ducts would be
tested with the highest available fan speed. The ESP is set for testing
either by symmetrically restricting the outlet duct or, if using the
indoor air enthalpy method, by adjusting the airflow measurement
apparatus blower.
The alternate test procedure also describes the requirements for
measuring ESP consistent with the provisions provided in AHRI 1250-2020
when using the indoor air enthalpy method with unit coolers.
Additionally, the alternate test procedure requires that specified
basic models that are split systems must be tested as matched pairs.
According to Air Innovations' petition, the walk-in refrigeration
system basic models that are split-systems are sold as full systems
(i.e., matched pairs) rather than as individual unit cooler and
condensing unit components. This Order provides no direction regarding
refrigerant line connection operating conditions, and as such is
inapplicable to testing the basic models as individual components.
Consequently, this Order addresses only matched-pair testing of the
specified basic models that are split-systems.
For the reasons explained in the Notification of Petition for
Waiver, the Order does not include a 0.55 correction factor in the
alternate test procedure as suggested by Air Innovations. 86 FR 2403,
2407-2408. The company had observed that the test procedure in appendix
A to subpart B of 10 CFR part 430 (``Appendix A''), which applies to
miscellaneous refrigeration products, includes such a factor to account
for the difference in use and loading patterns of coolers (e.g., self-
contained wine chiller cabinets) as compared to other residential
refrigeration products, and sought to include such a factor as part of
its petition. As explained in the Notice of Petition for Waiver, the
closed-door conditions on which the miscellaneous refrigeration
correction factor is based are not present in the test procedure for
walk-in cooler refrigeration systems, and the referenced AHRI 1250-2009
provisions assume a load factor of 50 percent, consistent with Appendix
C. Id. As a result, applying the 0.55 correction factor as suggested by
Air Innovations is not appropriate for the specified basic models.
DOE is requiring that Air Innovations test and rate specified walk-
in wine cellar refrigeration system basic models according to the
alternate test procedure specified in this Decision and Order. This
alternate procedure is a modified version of the one suggested by Air
Innovations. The alternate test procedure required under this Order is
the same alternate test procedure prescribed in the Interim Waiver
Order.
This Decision and Order applies only to the basic models listed and
does not extend to any other basic models. DOE evaluates and grants
waivers for only those basic models specifically set out in the
petition, not future models that may be manufactured by the petitioner.
Air Innovations may request that DOE extend the scope of this waiver to
include additional basic models that employ the same technology as
those listed in this waiver. 10 CFR 431.401(g). Air Innovations may
also submit another petition for waiver from the test procedure for
additional basic models that employ a different technology and meet the
criteria for test procedure waivers. 10 CFR 431.401(a)(1).
DOE notes that it may modify or rescind the waiver at any time upon
DOE's determination that the factual basis underlying the petition for
waiver is incorrect, or upon a determination that the results from the
alternate test procedure are unrepresentative of the basic models' true
energy consumption characteristics. 10 CFR 431.401(k)(1). Likewise, Air
Innovations may request that DOE rescind or modify the waiver if the
company discovers an error in the information provided to DOE as part
of its petition, determines that the waiver is no longer needed, or for
other appropriate reasons. 10 CFR 431.401(k)(2).
As set forth previously, the test procedure specified in this
Decision and Order is not the same as the test procedure offered by Air
Innovations. If Air Innovations believes that the alternate test method
it suggested provides representative results and is less burdensome
than the test method required by this Decision and Order, Air
Innovations may submit a request for modification under 10 CFR
431.401(k)(2) that addresses the concerns that DOE has specified with
that procedure. Air Innovations may also submit another less burdensome
alternative test procedure not expressly considered in this
notification under the same provision.
III. Order
After careful consideration of all the material that was submitted
by Air Innovations, the various public-facing materials (e.g.,
marketing materials, product specification sheets, and installation
manuals) for the units identified in the petition, information provided
by Air Innovations and other wine cellar walk-in refrigeration system
manufacturers in meetings with DOE, and the comment received, in this
matter, it is ordered that:
(1) Air Innovations must, as of the date of publication of this
Order in the Federal Register, test and rate the following Air
Innovations-branded wine cellar walk-in cooler refrigeration system
basic models with the alternate test procedure as set forth in
paragraph (2):
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ducted self- Ducted split Ductless split
Through-the-wall contained system system
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TTW018.......................................................... D025 DS025 SS018
D050 DS050 CS025
D088 DS088 CS050
D0200 DS200
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(2) The alternate test procedure for the Air Innovations basic
models listed in paragraph (1) of this Order is the test procedure for
Walk-in Cooler Refrigeration Systems prescribed by DOE at 10 CFR part
431, subpart R, appendix C, (``Appendix C to Subpart R'') with the
modifications provided below. All other requirements of Appendix C and
DOE's other relevant regulations remain applicable.
In Appendix C to Subpart R, revise section 3.1.1 (which specifies
modifications to AHRI 1250-2009 (incorporated by reference; see Sec.
431.303)) to read:
3.1.1. In Table 1, Instrumentation Accuracy, refrigerant
temperature measurements shall have an accuracy of 0.5
[deg]F for unit cooler in/out. Measurements used to determine
temperature or water vapor content of the air (i.e., wet bulb or dew
point) shall be accurate to within 0.25 [deg]F; all other
temperature measurements shall be accurate to within 1.0
[deg]F.
In Appendix C to Subpart R, revise section 3.1.4 (which specifies
[[Page 23706]]
modifications to AHRI 1250-2009) and add modifications of AHRI 1250-
2009 Tables 3 and 4 to read:
3.1.4. In Tables 3 and 4 of AHRI 1250-2009, Section 5, the
Condenser Air Entering Wet-Bulb Temperature requirement applies only to
single-packaged dedicated systems. Tables 3 and 4 shall be modified to
read:
Table 3--Fixed Capacity Matched Refrigerator System and Single-Packaged Dedicated System, Condensing Unit Located Indoor
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unit cooler
Unit cooler air entering Condenser air Maximum
Test description air entering relative entering dry- condenser air Compressor status Test objective
dry-bulb, humidity, % bulb, [deg]F entering wet-
[deg]F \1\ bulb, [deg]F
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Evaporator Fan Power........... 55 55 .............. .............. .......................... Measure fan input
wattage.\2\
Refrigeration Capacity......... 55 55 90 \3\ 65 Compressor On............. Determine Net Refrigeration
Capacity of Unit Cooler,
input power, and EER at
Rating Condition.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notes:
1. The test condition tolerance (maximum permissible variation of the average value of the measurement from the specified test condition) for relative
humidity is 3%.
2. Measure fan input wattage either by measuring total system power when the compressor and condenser are turned off or by separately submetering the
evaporator fan.
3. Maximum allowable value for Single-Packaged Systems that do not use evaporative Dedicated Condensing Units, where all or part of the equipment is
located in the outdoor room.
Table 4--Fixed Capacity Matched Refrigerator System and Single-Packaged Dedicated System, Condensing Unit Located Outdoor
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unit cooler
Unit cooler air entering Condenser air Maximum
Test description air entering relative entering dry- condenser air Compressor status Test objective
dry-bulb, humidity, % bulb, [deg]F entering wet-
[deg]F \1\ bulb, [deg]F
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Evaporator Fan Power.............. 55 55 .............. .............. ............................. Measure fan input
wattage \2\.
Refrigeration Capacity A.......... 55 55 95 \3\ 68 Compressor On................ Determine Net
Refrigeration
Capacity of Unit
Cooler, input power,
and EER at Rating
Condition.
Refrigeration Capacity B.......... 55 55 59 \3\ 46 Compressor On................ Determine Net
Refrigeration
Capacity of Unit
Cooler and system
input power at
moderate condition.
Refrigeration Capacity C.......... 55 55 35 \3\ 29 Compressor On................ Determine Net
Refrigeration
Capacity of Unit
Cooler and system
input power at cold
condition.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notes:
1. The test condition tolerance (maximum permissible variation of the average value of the measurement from the specified test condition) for relative
humidity is 3%.
2. Measure fan input wattage either by measuring total system power when the compressor and condenser are turned off or by separately submetering the
evaporator fan.
3. Maximum allowable value for Single-Packaged Dedicated Systems that do not use evaporative Dedicated Condensing Units, where all or part of the
equipment is located in the outdoor room.
In Appendix C to Subpart R, following section 3.2.5 (instructions
regarding modifications to AHRI 1250-2009), add sections 3.2.6 and
3.2.7 to read:
3.2.6 The purpose in section C1 of appendix C is modified by
extending it to include Single-Packaged Dedicated Systems.
3.2.7 For general test conditions and data recording (appendix C,
section C7), the test acceptance criteria in Table 2 and the data to be
recorded in Table C2 apply to the Dual Instrumentation and Calibrated
Box methods of test.
In Appendix C to Subpart R, revise section 3.3 to read:
3.3. Matched systems, single-packaged dedicated systems, and unit
coolers tested alone: Test any split system wine cellar walk-in
refrigeration system as a matched pair. Any condensing unit or unit
cooler component must be matched with a corresponding counterpart for
testing. Use the test method in AHRI 1250-2009 (incorporated by
reference; see Sec. 431.303), appendix C as the method of test for
matched refrigeration systems, single-packaged dedicated systems, or
unit coolers tested alone, with the following modifications:
* * * * *
In Appendix C to Subpart R, revise sections 3.3.3 through 3.3.3.2
to read:
3.3.3 Evaporator fan power.
3.3.3.1 The unit cooler fan power consumption shall be measured in
accordance with the requirements in Section C3.5 of AHRI 1250-2009.
This measurement shall be made with the fan operating at full speed,
either measuring unit cooler or total system power input upon the
completion of the steady state test when the compressors and condenser
fan of the walk-in system is turned off, or by submetered measurement
of the evaporator fan power during the steady state test.
Section C3.5 of AHRI 1250-2009 is revised to read:
Unit Cooler Fan Power Measurement. The following shall be measured
and recorded during a fan power test.
EFcomp,on Total electrical power input to fan motor(s) of
Unit Cooler, W
FS Fan speed (s), rpm
N Number of motors
Pb Barometric pressure, in. Hg
Tdb Dry-bulb temperature of air at inlet, [deg]F
Twb Wet-bulb temperature of air at inlet, [deg]F
V Voltage of each phase, V
For a given motor winding configuration, the total power input
shall be measured at the highest nameplated voltage. For three-phase
power, voltage imbalance shall be no more than 2%.
[[Page 23707]]
3.3.3.2 Evaporator fan power for the off-cycle is equal to the on-
cycle evaporator fan power with a run time of ten percent of the off-
cycle time.
EFcomp,off = 0.1 x EFomp,on
In Appendix C to Subpart R, following section 3.3.7.2, add new
sections 3.3.8, 3.3.9, and 3.3.10 to read:
3.3.8. Measure power and capacity of single-packaged dedicated
systems as described in sections C4.1.2 and C9 of AHRI 1250-2020. The
third and fourth sentences of Section C9.1.1.1 of AHRI 1250-2020
(``Entering air is to be sufficiently dry as to not produce frost on
the Unit Cooler coil. Therefore, only sensible capacity measured by dry
bulb change shall be used to calculate capacity.'') shall not apply.
3.3.9. For systems with ducted evaporator air, or that can be
installed with or without ducted evaporator air: Connect ductwork on
both the inlet and outlet connections and determine external static
pressure as described in ASHRAE 37-2009, sections 6.4 and 6.5. Use
pressure measurement instrumentation as described in ASHRAE 37-2009
section 5.3.2. Test at the fan speed specified in manufacturer
installation instructions--if there is more than one fan speed setting
and the installation instructions do not specify which speed to use,
test at the highest speed. Conduct tests with the external static
pressure equal to 50 percent of the maximum external static pressure
allowed by the manufacturer for system installation within a tolerance
of -0.00/+0.05 in. wc. If testing with the indoor air enthalpy method,
adjust the airflow measurement apparatus fan to set the external static
pressure--otherwise, set the external static pressure by symmetrically
restricting the outlet of the test duct. In case of conflict, these
requirements for setting evaporator airflow take precedence over
airflow values specified in manufacturer installation instructions or
product literature.
3.3.10. For systems with ducted condenser air, or that can be
installed with or without ducted condenser air: Connect ductwork on
both the inlet and outlet connections and determine external static
pressure as described in ASHRAE 37-2009, sections 6.4 and 6.5. Use
pressure measurement instrumentation as described in ASHRAE 37-2009
section 5.3.2. Test at the fan speed specified in manufacturer
installation instructions--if there is more than one fan speed setting
and the installation instructions do not specify which speed to use,
test at the highest speed. Conduct tests with the external static
pressure equal to 50 percent of the maximum external static pressure
allowed by the manufacturer for system installation within a tolerance
of - 0.00/+0.05 in. wc. If testing with the outdoor enthalpy method,
adjust the airflow measurement apparatus fan to set the external static
pressure--otherwise, set the external static pressure by symmetrically
restricting the outlet of the test duct. In case of conflict, these
requirements for setting condenser airflow take precedence over airflow
values specified in manufacturer installation instructions or product
literature. If testing using the outdoor air enthalpy method, the
requirements of section 8.6 of ASHRAE 37-2009 are not applicable.
In Appendix C to Subpart R, revise section 3.3.6 (which specifies
modifications to AHRI 1250-2009) to read:
3.3.6. AWEF is calculated on the basis that walk-in box load is
equal to half of the system net capacity, without variation according
to high and low load periods and without variation with outdoor air
temperature for outdoor refrigeration systems, and the test must be
done as a matched or single-package refrigeration system, as follows:
For Indoor Condensing Units:
BILLING CODE 6450-01-P
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN04MY21.000
For Outdoor Condensing Units:
[[Page 23708]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN04MY21.001
BILLING CODE 6450-01-C
Where:
BLis the non-equipment-related box load
LF is the load factor
And other symbols are as defined in AHRI 1250-2009.
(3) Representations. Air Innovations may not make representations
about the efficiency of a basic model listed in paragraph (1) of this
Order for compliance, marketing, or other purposes unless the basic
model has been tested in accordance with the provisions set forth above
and such representations fairly disclose the results of such testing.
(4) This waiver shall remain in effect according to the provisions
of 10 CFR 431.401.
(5) This Order is issued on the condition that the statements,
representations, and information provided by Air Innovations are valid.
If Air Innovations makes any modifications to the controls or
configurations of a basic model subject to this Order, such
modifications will render the waiver invalid with respect to that basic
model, and Air Innovations will either be required to use the current
Federal test method or submit a new application for a test procedure
waiver. DOE may rescind or modify this waiver at any time if it
determines the factual basis underlying the petition for waiver is
incorrect, or the results from the alternate test procedure are
unrepresentative of a basic model's true energy consumption
characteristics. 10 CFR 431.401(k)(1). Likewise, Air Innovations may
request that DOE rescind or modify the waiver if Air Innovations
discovers an error in the information provided to DOE as part of its
petition, determines that the waiver is no longer needed, or for other
appropriate reasons. 10 CFR 431.401(k)(2).
(6) Air Innovations remains obligated to fulfill any applicable
requirements set forth at 10 CFR part 429.
DOE makes decisions on waivers and interim waivers for only those
basic models specifically set out in the petition, not future models
that may be manufactured by the petitioner. Air Innovations may submit
a new or amended petition for waiver and request for grant of interim
waiver, as appropriate, for additional basic models of Walk-in Cooler
Refrigeration Systems. Alternatively, if appropriate, Air Innovations
may request that DOE extend the scope of a waiver or an interim waiver
to include additional basic models employing the same technology as the
basic model(s) set forth in the original petition consistent with 10
CFR 431.401(g).
Signing Authority
This document of the Department of Energy was signed on April 27,
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 28, 2021.
Treena V. Garrett,
Federal Register Liaison Officer, U.S. Department of Energy.
[FR Doc. 2021-09272 Filed 5-3-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6450-01-P
