Energy Conservation Program: Notification of Petition for Waiver of Vinotemp International Corp. From the Department of Energy Walk-in Coolers and Walk-in Freezers Test Procedure and Notification of Grant of Interim Waiver, 23692-23702 [2021-09337]
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sounds and video recording of pinniped
behavior. Visual monitoring, before and
after launches, is a scan of the haulout
beaches to count pinnipeds over a wider
field of view than can be captured by a
stationary video camera. This is
typically done over a 15–30 minute
period. Visual monitoring is conducted
while the equipment is being set up and
broken down for video and acoustic
monitoring. Video monitoring is
conducted by recording continuously
from a minimum of two hours before the
event to approximately one hour after
the event. These video and audio
records will be used to document
pinniped responses to the launches.
D Acoustic Monitoring—Acoustical
recordings will be obtained during each
monitored launch. These recordings
will be suitable for quantitative analysis
of the levels and characteristics of the
received launch sounds.
D Reporting—A technical report will
be submitted to the NMFS’ Office of
Protected Resources within 90 days
from the date the IHA expires. This
report will provide full documentation
of methods, results, and interpretation
pertaining to all monitoring tasks for
launches activities at SNI that are
covered under this IHA.
Preliminary Determinations
The Navy proposes target and missile
launch activities identical to those
covered in the previous IHAs. The
methods of taking and effects of the
action resulting in Level B harassment
only remains the same as what was
previously analyzed. When issuing the
previous IHAs, NMFS found the Navy’s
target and missile launch activities
would have a negligible impact to
species or stocks’ rates of recruitment
and survival. This proposed IHA also
carries over identical required
mitigation, monitoring, and reporting
measures as required under the previous
IHAs. NMFS has preliminarily
concluded that there is no new
information suggesting that our analysis
or findings should change from those
reached for the previous IHAs. Based on
the analysis in the previous IHAs, the
likely effects of the specified activity on
marine mammals and their habitat, as
well as the previous monitoring results
at SNI, NMFS likewise finds that the
total marine mammal take from this
proposed activity will have a negligible
impact on all affected marine mammal
species or stocks.
Based on the information contained
here and in the referenced documents,
NMFS has preliminarily determined the
following: (1) The required mitigation
measures will effect the least practicable
impact on marine mammal species or
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stocks and their habitat; (2) the
proposed authorized takes will have a
negligible impact on the affected marine
mammal species or stocks; and (3) the
Navy’s activities will not have an
unmitigable adverse impact on taking
for subsistence purposes as no relevant
subsistence uses of marine mammals are
implicated by this action, and (4)
appropriate monitoring and reporting
requirements are included.
DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
Endangered Species Act (ESA)
AGENCY:
Section 7(a)(2) of the Endangered
Species Act of 1973 (ESA: 16 U.S.C.
1531 et seq.) requires that each Federal
agency insure that any action it
authorizes, funds, or carries out is not
likely to jeopardize the continued
existence of any endangered or
threatened species or result in the
destruction or adverse modification of
designated critical habitat. No
incidental take of ESA-listed species is
authorized or expected to result from
this activity. Therefore, formal
consultation under section 7 of the ESA
was not required for this action.
Proposed Authorization
As a result of these preliminary
determinations, NMFS proposes to issue
an IHA to the Navy for conducting target
and missile launches on SNI, effective
from June 12, 2021 through June 11,
2022, provided the previously
mentioned mitigation, monitoring, and
reporting requirements are incorporated.
A draft of the proposed IHA can be
found at https://
www.fisheries.noaa.gov/permit/
incidental-take-authorizations-undermarine-mammal-protection-act.
Request for Public Comments
Dated: April 29, 2021.
Catherine Marzin,
Acting Director, Office of Protected Resources,
National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2021–09376 Filed 5–3–21; 8:45 am]
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Energy Conservation Program:
Notification of Petition for Waiver of
Vinotemp International Corp. From the
Department of Energy Walk-in Coolers
and Walk-in Freezers Test Procedure
and Notification of Grant of Interim
Waiver
Office of Energy Efficiency and
Renewable Energy, Department of
Energy.
ACTION: Notification of petition for
waiver and grant of an interim waiver;
request for comments.
This document announces
receipt of and publishes a petition for
waiver and interim waiver from
Vinotemp International Corp.
(‘‘Vinotemp’’), which seeks a waiver for
specified walk-in cooler refrigeration
system basic models from the U.S.
Department of Energy (‘‘DOE’’) test
procedure used to determine the
efficiency and energy consumption of
walk-in coolers and walk-in freezers.
DOE also gives notice of an Interim
Waiver Order that requires Vinotemp to
test and rate the specified walk-in cooler
refrigeration system basic models in
accordance with the alternate test
procedure set forth in the Interim
Waiver Order, which modifies the
alternate test procedure suggested by
Vinotemp. DOE solicits comments, data,
and information concerning Vinotemp’s
petition, its suggested alternate test
procedure, and the alternate test
procedure specified in the Interim
Waiver Order so as to inform DOE’s
final decision on Vinotemp’s waiver
request.
SUMMARY:
The Interim Waiver Order is
effective on May 4, 2021. Written
comments and information are
requested and will be accepted on or
before June 3, 2021.
ADDRESSES: Interested persons are
encouraged to submit comments using
the Federal eRulemaking Portal at
https://www.regulations.gov.
Alternatively, interested persons may
submit comments, identified by docket
number EERE–2020–BT–WAV–0022, by
any of the following methods:
1. Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://
www.regulations.gov. Follow the
instructions for submitting comments.
2. Email: to Vinotemp2020WAV0022@
ee.doe.gov. Include docket number
EERE–2020–BT–WAV–0022 in the
subject line of the message.
No telefacsimiles (‘‘faxes’’) will be
accepted. For detailed instructions on
DATES:
We request comment on our analyses
(included in both this document and the
referenced documents supporting the
previous IHAs), the proposed
authorization, and any other aspect of
this notice of proposed IHA for the
proposed target and missile launch
activities on SNI. Please include with
your comments any supporting data or
literature citations to help inform our
final decision on the request for MMPA
authorization.
BILLING CODE 3510–22–P
[Case Number 2020–005; EERE–2020–BT–
WAV–0022]
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submitting comments and additional
information on this process, see the
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section of
this document.
Although DOE has routinely accepted
public comment submissions through a
variety of mechanisms, including the
Federal eRulemaking Portal, email,
postal mail, or 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, 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/
EERE-2020-BT-WAV-0022. The docket
web page contains instruction on how to
access all documents, including public
comments, in the docket. See the
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section for
information on how to submit
comments through https://
www.regulations.gov.
Ms.
Lucy deButts, U.S. Department of
Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and
Renewable Energy, Building
Technologies Office, Mailstop EE–5B,
1000 Independence Avenue SW,
Washington, DC 20585–0121. Email:
AS_Waiver_Request@ee.doe.gov.
Mr. Michael Kido, U.S. Department of
Energy, Office of the General Counsel,
Mail Stop GC–33, Forrestal Building,
1000 Independence Avenue SW,
Washington, DC 20585–0103.
Telephone: (202) 586–8145. Email:
Michael.Kido@hq.doe.gov@
hq.doe.gov.
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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
DOE is
publishing Vinotemp’s petition for
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
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waiver in its entirety,1 pursuant to 10
CFR 431.401(b)(1)(iv).2 DOE invites all
interested parties to submit in writing
by June 3, 2021, comments and
information on all aspects of the
petition, including the alternate test
procedure. Pursuant to 10 CFR
431.401(d), any person submitting
written comments to DOE must also
send a copy of such comments to the
petitioner. The contact information for
the petitioner is: Mr. Alvin Patrick,
apatrick@vinotemp.com, 732 S
Racetrack Road Henderson, NV 89015.
Submitting comments via https://
www.regulations.gov. The https://
www.regulations.gov web page will
require you to provide your name and
contact information. Your contact
information will be viewable to DOE
Building Technologies staff only. Your
contact information will not be publicly
viewable except for your first and last
names, organization name (if any), and
submitter representative name (if any).
If your comment is not processed
properly because of technical
difficulties, DOE will use this
information to contact you. If DOE
cannot read your comment due to
technical difficulties and cannot contact
you for clarification, DOE may not be
able to consider your comment.
However, your contact information
will be publicly viewable if you include
it in the comment or in any documents
attached to your comment. Any
information that you do not want to be
publicly viewable should not be
included in your comment, nor in any
document attached to your comment. If
this instruction is followed, persons
viewing comments will see only first
and last names, organization names,
correspondence containing comments,
and any documents submitted with the
comments.
Do not submit to https://
www.regulations.gov information for
which disclosure is restricted by statute,
such as trade secrets and commercial or
financial information (hereinafter
referred to as Confidential Business
Information (‘‘CBI’’)). Comments
submitted through https://
www.regulations.gov cannot be claimed
1 On December 11, 2020, DOE published an
amendment to 10 CFR 431.401 regarding the
processing of petitions for an interim waiver, which
became effective beginning January 11, 2021. The
subject petition was received prior to the effective
date of that amendment and therefore is being
processed pursuant to the regulation in effect at the
time of receipt. References to 10 CFR 430.27 in this
notification refer to the 10 CFR 431.401 in the 10
CFR parts 200 to 499 edition revised as of January
1, 2021.
2 The petition did not identify any of the
information contained therein as confidential
business information.
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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 in 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,
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 two wellmarked 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’’
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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).
Case Number 2020–005
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Interim Waiver Order
I. Background and Authority
The Energy Policy and Conservation
Act, as amended (‘‘EPCA’’),3 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 4 of EPCA,
added by the National Energy
Conservation Policy Act, Public Law
95–619, sec. 441 (Nov. 9, 1978),
established the Energy Conservation
Program for Certain Industrial
Equipment, which sets forth a variety of
provisions designed to improve the
energy efficiency for certain types of
industrial equipment. Through
amendments brought about by the
Energy Independence and Security Act
of 2007, Public Law 110–140, sec. 312
(Dec. 19, 2007), this equipment includes
walk-in coolers and walk-in freezers, the
subject of this Interim Waiver Order. (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(a); 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
3 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).
4 For editorial reasons, upon codification in the
U.S. Code, Part C was redesignated as Part A–1.
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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
equipment. EPCA requires that any test
procedures prescribed or amended
under this section must be reasonably
designed to produce test results which
reflect the energy efficiency, energy use
or estimated annual operating cost of
covered products and equipment during
a representative average use cycle and
requires that test procedures not be
unduly burdensome to conduct. (42
U.S.C. 6314(a)(2)) The test procedure
used to determine the net capacity and
annual walk-in energy factor (‘‘AWEF’’)
of walk-in cooler and walk-in freezer
refrigeration systems is contained in the
Code of Federal Regulations (‘‘CFR’’) at
10 CFR part 431, subpart R, appendix C,
Uniform Test Method for the
Measurement of Net Capacity and
AWEF of Walk-in Cooler and Walk-in
Freezer Refrigeration Systems
(‘‘Appendix C’’).
Under 10 CFR 431.401,5 any
interested person may submit a petition
for waiver from DOE’s test procedure
requirements. DOE will grant a waiver
from the test procedure requirements if
DOE determines either that the basic
model for which the waiver was
requested contains a design
characteristic that prevents testing of the
basic model according to the prescribed
test procedures, or that the prescribed
test procedures evaluate the basic model
in a manner so unrepresentative of its
true energy consumption characteristics
as to provide materially inaccurate
comparative data. See 10 CFR
431.401(f)(2). A petitioner must include
in its petition any alternate test
procedures known to the petitioner to
evaluate the performance of the
equipment type in a manner
representative of its energy
consumption characteristics of the basic
model. See 10 CFR 431.401(b)(1)(iii).
DOE may grant the waiver subject to
conditions, including adherence to
5 On December 11, 2020, DOE amended 10 CFR
431.401 regarding the processing of petitions for an
interim waiver that became effective on January 11,
2021. The subject petition was received prior to the
effective date of that amendment and therefore is
being processed pursuant to the regulation in effect
at the time of receipt. Accordingly, all references to
10 CFR 430.27 in this notification refer to the 10
CFR 431.401 in the 10 CFR parts 200 to 499 edition
revised as of January 1, 2021, prior to when the
aforementioned amendments became effective.
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alternate test procedures. See 10 CFR
431.401(f)(2).
As soon as practicable after the
granting of any waiver, DOE will
publish in the Federal Register a notice
of proposed rulemaking to amend its
regulations so as to eliminate any need
for the continuation of such waiver. See
10 CFR 431.401(1). As soon thereafter as
practicable, DOE will publish in the
Federal Register a final rule to that
effect. Id.
The waiver process also provides that
DOE may grant an interim waiver if it
appears likely that the underlying
petition for waiver will be granted and/
or if DOE determines that it would be
desirable for public policy reasons to
grant immediate relief pending a
determination on the underlying
petition for waiver. See 10 CFR
431.401(e)(2). Within one year of
issuance of an interim waiver, DOE will
either: (i) Publish in the Federal
Register a determination on the petition
for waiver; or (ii) publish in the Federal
Register a new or amended test
procedure that addresses the issues
presented in the waiver. 10 CFR
431.401(h)(1).
When DOE amends the test procedure
to address the issues presented in a
waiver, the waiver will automatically
terminate on the date on which use of
that test procedure is required to
demonstrate compliance. 10 CFR
431.401(h)(2).
II. Vinotemp’s Petition for Waiver and
Application for Interim Waiver
DOE received an email, docketed on
June 29, 2020, in which Vinotemp
submitted a petition for interim waiver
from the test procedure for walk-in
cooler and walk-in freezer refrigeration
systems set forth at Appendix C
(Vinotemp, No. 1).6 By letter docketed
on December 10, 2020, Vinotemp
submitted a petition for waiver for
certain basic models of wine cellar
cooling systems to supplement their
original interim waiver request
(Vinotemp, No. 3). This version also
explicitly stated that none of the basic
models could operate below 45 °F and
provided tested external static pressure
values for the subject basic models.
Vinotemp included additional basic
models and clarified specified
maximum external static pressure
values (rather than tested values) for the
specified basic models in an updated
6 A notation in the form ‘‘Vinotemp, No. 1’’
identifies a written submission: (1) Made by
Vinotemp; and (2) recorded in document number 1
that is filed in the docket of this petition for waiver
(Docket No. EERE–2020–BT–WAV–0022) and
available at https://www.regulations.gov.
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petition for interim waiver, received on
March 11, 2021 (Vinotemp, No. 10).
The primary assertion in the petition,
absent an interim waiver, is that the
prescribed test procedure would
evaluate the specified basic models in a
manner so unrepresentative of their true
energy consumption as to provide
materially inaccurate comparative data.
As presented in Vinotemp’s petition, the
specified basic models of walk-in cooler
refrigeration systems operate at a
temperature range of 45–65 °F; higher
than that of a typical walk-in cooler
refrigeration system. Thus, the 35 °F
temperature specified in the DOE test
procedure for medium-temperature
walk-in refrigeration systems would
result in the prescribed test procedures
evaluating the specified basic models in
a manner so unrepresentative of their
true energy consumption characteristics
as to provide materially inaccurate
comparative data. Vinotemp also states
that the specified basic models are
‘‘wine cellar cooling systems’’ that
operate at temperature and relative
humidity ranges optimized for the longterm storage of wine and are usually
located in air-conditioned spaces.
Vinotemp contends that because of
these characteristics, wine cellar walkin refrigeration systems differ in their
walk-in box temperature setpoint, walkin box relative humidity, low/high load
split,7 and compressor efficiency from
other walk-in cooler refrigeration
systems.
Vinotemp states that the specified
basic models are designed to provide a
cold environment at a temperature range
between 45–65 °F with 50–70 percent
relative humidity (‘‘RH’’), and typically
are kept at 55 °F and 50–70 percent RH
rather than the 35 °F and <50 percent
RH test condition prescribed by the DOE
test procedure. Vinotemp states that the
refrigeration systems are designed solely
for the purpose of long-term wine
storage to mimic the temperature and
humidity of natural caves. Vinotemp
also asserts that wine cellars are
optimized to operate within such
temperature and relative humidity
ranges that they cannot operate at the
35 °F air temperature condition.
7 The DOE test procedure incorporates by
reference Air-Conditioning, Heating, and
Refrigeration Institute (‘‘AHRI’’) Test Standard
1250–2009, ‘‘Standard for Performance Rating of
Walk-in Coolers and Freezers’’ (including Errata
sheet dated December 2015) (‘‘AHRI 1250–2009’’).
Section 6 of that standard defines walk-in box
thermal loads as a function of refrigeration system
net capacity for both high-load and low-load
periods. The waiver petition asserts that wine
cellars do not have distinct high and low load
periods, and that the box load levels in the test
standard are not representative for wine cellar
refrigeration systems.
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Although not specifically addressed in
Vinotemp’s request for waiver, DOE
notes that operating a wine cellar at the
35 °F condition would adversely
mechanically alter the intended
performance of the system, which
would include icing of the evaporator
coil that could potentially damage the
compressor, and would not result in an
accurate representation of the
performance of the cooling unit.
Additionally, the ‘‘Self-contained’’
and ‘‘Self-packaged’’ basic models of
walk-in refrigeration systems identified
in Vinotemp’s waiver petition are
single-package systems. Although not
explicitly identified by Vinotemp, DOE
recognizes that because of their singlepackage 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 and the dual temperature
and pressure measurements required by
the test procedure’s refrigerant enthalpy
method. AHRI 1250–2009 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 can
be installed, and then to route them
back in to enable the system to operate
during testing.8 This additional piping
would impact unit performance, likely
be inconsistent between test labs, and
result in unrepresentative test values for
the unit under test. AHRI has published
a revised version of the test standard
that provides provisions for singlepackage systems without requiring
extensive additional piping (AHRI
1250–2020, 2020 Standard for
Performance Rating of Walk-in Coolers
and Freezers). As discussed below, the
interim waiver alternative test
procedure presented for comment in
this notification adopts the new test
methods included in AHRI 1250–2020
for single-package units.
DOE has received multiple waiver
and interim waiver requests from wine
cellar manufacturers regarding the
8 In a waiver granted to Store It Cold for certain
models of single-package units, DOE acknowledged
a similar issue in which the additional piping
necessary to install the required testing components
would affect performance of the units, rendering the
results unrepresentative. See 84 FR 39286 (Aug. 9,
2019). In the case of the waiver granted to Store It
Cold, the refrigerant enthalpy method yielded
inaccurate data for the specified basic models
compared to the basic models’ true performance
characteristics because of the additional piping
required to attach the testing components required
by the refrigerant enthalpy test. The same issues are
present for the specified basic Self-contained and
Self-packaged single-package basic models included
in Vinotemp’s waiver petition.
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23695
limitations of Appendix C. In light of
these requests, DOE met with both AHRI
and the wine cellar walk-in refrigeration
system manufacturers to develop a
consistent and representative alternate
test procedure that would be relevant to
each waiver request. Ultimately, AHRI
sent a letter to DOE on August 18, 2020,
summarizing the industry’s position on
several issues (‘‘AHRI August 2020
Letter’’).9 This letter documents
industry support for specific wine cellar
walk-in refrigeration system test
procedure requirements, allowing the
provisions to apply only to refrigeration
systems with a minimum operating
temperature of 45 °F, since wine cellar
system controls and unit design
specifications prevent these walk-ins
from reaching a temperature below
45 °F. A provision for testing walk-in
wine cellar refrigeration systems at an
external static pressure (‘‘ESP’’) 10 of 50
percent of the maximum ESP to be
specified by manufacturers for each
basic model (AHRI August 2020 Letter)
is also included.
Vinotemp submitted an updated
petition for waiver and interim waiver
docketed on December 10, 2020
(Vinotemp, No. 3). The updated petition
states that all basic models listed in the
petition for waiver and interim waiver
have a minimum operating temperature
of 45 °F and provides ESP test values for
specified ducted self-contained and
ducted split-system basic models. At
DOE’s request, Vinotemp provided an
updated petition for interim waiver on
March 11, 2021 (Vinotemp, No. 10) that
included the maximum ESP values for
additional models and a statement
identifying that the ESP values provided
for all of the specified basic models are
maximum ESP values.
Vinotemp requests an interim waiver
from the existing DOE test procedure.
DOE will grant an interim waiver if it
appears likely that the petition for
waiver will be granted, and/or if DOE
determines that it would be desirable for
public policy reasons to grant
immediate relief pending a
determination of the petition for waiver.
See 10 CFR 431.401(e)(2).
III. Requested Alternate Test Procedure
EPCA requires that manufacturers use
the applicable DOE test procedures
9 DOE’s meetings with Vinotemp and other wine
cellar refrigeration systems manufacturers were
conducted consistent with the Department’s ex
parte meeting guidance (74 FR 52795; October 14,
2009). The AHRI August 2020 letter memorializes
this communication and is provided in Docket No.
EERE- 2020–BT–WAV–0022–0002.
10 External static pressure is the sum of all the
pressure resisting the fans. In this case, this is
chiefly the resistance generated by the air moving
through ductwork.
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when making representations about the
energy consumption and energy
consumption costs of covered
equipment. (42 U.S.C. 6314(d)).
Consistency is important when making
representations about the energy
efficiency of products and equipment,
including when demonstrating
compliance with applicable DOE energy
conservation standards. Pursuant to its
regulations at 10 CFR 431.401, and after
consideration of public comments on
the petition, DOE may establish in a
subsequent Decision and Order an
alternate test procedure for the basic
models addressed by the Interim Waiver
Order.
Vinotemp seeks to use an approach
that would test and rate specific wine
cellar walk-in refrigeration system basic
models. The company’s suggested
approach specifies using an air-return
temperature of 55 °F, as opposed to the
35 °F requirement prescribed in the
current DOE test procedure. Vinotemp
also suggests using an air-return relative
humidity of 55 percent, as opposed to
<50 percent RH as prescribed in the
current DOE test procedure.
Additionally, Vinotemp suggests using a
condenser air temperature of 90 °F for
both indoor and outdoor systems, rather
than the DOE test procedure-prescribed
temperatures of 90 °F for indoor
condenser systems and 95 °F for outdoor
condenser systems.11 Finally, Vinotemp
requests that a correction factor of 0.55
be applied to the final AWEF
calculation to account for the different
usage of the specified basic models as
compared to walk-in cooler refrigeration
systems generally. Vinotemp cited the
use of such a correction factor for
coolers 12 and combination cooler
refrigeration products under DOE’s test
procedure for miscellaneous
refrigeration products at 10 CFR part
430, subpart B, appendix A.
khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES
IV. Interim Waiver Order
DOE has reviewed Vinotemp’s
application, its suggested testing
approach, representations of the
specified basic models on the website
for the Wine Mate brand, related
product catalogs, and information
provided by Vinotemp and other wine
cellar walk-in refrigeration system
11 AHRI 1250–2009 Section 5 identifies the
condenser air entering dry-bulb temperature for
indoor condensing unit testing as 90 °F and for
outdoor units as a series of tests at 95 °F, 59 °F, and
35 °F.
12 A cooler is a cabinet, used with one or more
doors, that has a source of refrigeration capable of
operating on single-phase, alternating current and is
capable of maintaining compartment temperatures
either: (1) No lower than 39 °F (3.9 °C); or (2) In a
range that extends no lower than 37 °F (2.8 °C) but
at least as high as 60 °F (15.6 °C). 10 CFR 430.2.
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manufacturers in meetings with DOE.
Based on this review, DOE is granting
an interim waiver that requires testing
with a modified version of the testing
approach suggested by Vinotemp.
The modified testing approach would
apply to the models specified in
Vinotemp’s waiver petition that include
two categories of WICF refrigeration
systems, i.e., single package and split
(matched) systems. The ‘‘Self-packaged’’
and ‘‘Self-contained’’ systems as
identified in the waiver petition are
single-package systems. The basic
models that are self-contained systems
(‘‘HZD’’ model numbers) are designed
for installation through the wall of a
wine cellar, while the basic models that
are ducted self-contained systems (‘‘DS’’
model numbers) are designed to be
installed remotely from the wine cellar
and provide cooling by circulating air
through ducts from the wine cellar to
the unit and back. The ‘‘Split’’ basic
models as identified in the waiver
petition are split (matched) systems, in
which refrigerant circulates between the
‘‘evaporator unit’’ (unit cooler) portion
of the unit and the ‘‘condensing unit’’ of
the system. The refrigerant cools the
wine cellar air in the evaporator unit,
while the condensing unit rejects heat
from the refrigeration system in a
remote location, often outside. The
evaporator unit of the ducted split
systems (‘‘SSH’’ model numbers)
circulates air through ducts from the
wine cellar to the evaporator unit and
back to provide cooling, while the
evaporator unit of the ductless split
systems (those with ‘‘SSA,’’ ‘‘SSD,’’
‘‘SSS,’’ ‘‘SSI,’’ ‘‘SSO,’’ ‘‘SSL,’’ ‘‘SSR,’’
and ‘‘SSV’’ model numbers) is installed
either partially or entirely in the wine
cellar, allowing direct cooling. The
capacity of the specified basic models
ranges from 2,500 Btu/h to 12,000 Btu/
h for the specified operating conditions
for each of the models.13
DOE considers the operating
temperature range of the specified basic
models to be integral to its analysis of
whether such models require a test
procedure waiver. Grant of the interim
waiver and its alternative test procedure
to the specified basic models listed in
the petition is based upon Vinotemp’s
representation that the operating range
for the basic models listed in the interim
waiver does not extend below 45 °F.
13 The operating condition for all specified
models is 55 °F cellar temperature. All models
except the HZD models specify a 90 °F condensing
ambient temperature. Relative humidity for all basic
models and condensing ambient temperature for the
HZD basic models are not specified. An example of
a specified model with capacity information based
on these conditions can be found at https://
www.vinotemp.com/wine-mate-6500ssh-splitcentral-ducted-wine-cooling-system.
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The alternate test procedure specified
in the Interim Waiver Order requires
testing the specified basic models
according to Appendix C with the
following changes. The required
alternate test procedure specifies an air
entering dry-bulb temperature of 55 °F
and a relative humidity of 55 percent.
The alternate test procedure also
specifies that the capacity measurement
for the specified basic models that are
single-package systems (i.e., the selfcontained systems) be conducted using
a primary and a secondary capacity
measurement method as specified in
AHRI 1250–2020, using two of the
following: The indoor air enthalpy
method; the outdoor air enthalpy
method; the compressor calibration
method; the indoor room calorimeter
method; the outdoor room calorimeter
method; or the balanced ambient room
calorimeter method.
The required alternate test procedure
also includes the following additional
modifications to Vinotemp’s suggested
approach: For 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, testing
would be conducted at 50 percent of the
maximum ESP, consistent with the
AHRI August 2020 Letter
recommendations, subject to a tolerance
of –0.00/+0.05 in. wc.14 DOE
understands that maximum ESP is
generally not published in available
literature such as installation
instructions, but manufacturers do
generally specify the size and maximum
length of ductwork that is acceptable for
any given unit in such literature. The
duct specifications determine what ESP
would be imposed on the unit in field
operation.15 The provision of allowable
duct dimensions is more convenient for
installers than maximum ESP, since it
relieves the installer from having to
perform duct pressure drop calculations
to determine ESP. DOE independently
calculated the maximum pressure drop
over a range of common duct roughness
values 16 using duct lengths and
14 Inches of water column (‘‘in. wc’’) is a unit of
pressure conventionally used for measurement of
pressure differentials.
15 The duct material, length, diameter, shape, and
configuration are used to calculate the ESP
generated in the duct, along with the temperature
and flow rate of the air passing through the duct.
The conditions during normal operation that result
in a maximum ESP are used to calculate the
reported maximum ESP values, which are
dependent on individual unit design and represent
manufacturer-recommended installation and use.
16 Calculations were conducted over an absolute
roughness range of 1.0–4.6 mm for flexible duct as
defined in pages 1–2 of an OSTI Journal Article on
pressure loss in flexible HVAC ducts at https://
www.osti.gov/servlets/purl/836654 (Docket No.
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khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES
diameters published in Vinotemp’s
installation manuals.17 DOE’s
calculations show reasonable agreement
with the maximum ESP values provided
by Vinotemp for the specified basic
models. Given that the number and
degree of duct bends and duct type will
vary by installation, DOE found the
maximum ESP values provided by
Vinotemp to be sufficiently
representative.
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,
DOE believes that half of the maximum
ESP would be representative of most
installations. For basic models with
condensing or evaporator units that are
not designed for the ducting of air, this
design characteristic must be clearly
stated.
Additionally, if there are multiple
condenser or evaporator unit fan speed
settings, the speed setting used would
be as instructed in the unit’s installation
instructions. However, if the installation
instructions do not specify a fan speed
setting for ducted installation, systems
that can be installed with ducts would
be tested with the highest available fan
speed. The ESP would be set for testing
either by symmetrically restricting the
outlet duct 18 or, if using the indoor air
enthalpy method, by adjusting the
airflow measurement apparatus blower.
The alternate test procedure also
describes the requirements for
measurement of ESP consistent with
provisions provided in AHRI 1250–2020
when using the indoor air enthalpy
method with unit coolers.
Additionally, the alternate test
procedure indicates that specified basic
models that are split systems must be
tested as matched pairs. According to
Vinotemp’s 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 condenser
components. This Interim Waiver Order
provides no direction regarding
refrigerant line connection operating
EERE–2020–BT–WAV–0022–0005) and available at
https://www.regulations.gov.
17 Duct lengths and diameters can be found in
Vinotemp’s installation manuals at https://
www.regulations.gov Docket No. EERE–2020–BT–
WAV–0022–0006, Docket No. EERE–2020–BT–
WAV–0022–0007, and Docket No. EERE–2020–BT–
WAV–0022–0008.
18 This approach is used for testing of furnace
fans, as described in Section 8.6.1.1 of 10 CFR part
430, appendix AA to subpart B.
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17:13 May 03, 2021
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conditions, and as such is inapplicable
to testing the basic models as individual
components. Consequently, the Interim
Waiver Order addresses only matchedpair testing of the specified basic
models that are split-systems.
Contrary to Vinotemp’s request, DOE
is not modifying the condenser air
entering dry bulb temperature for
outdoor condensers. Vinotemp had
suggested a 90 °F condenser air entering
dry bulb temperature in its waiver
request; however, the company did not
provide technical justification for this
request. The DOE test procedure
currently requires a condenser air
entering dry bulb temperature of 90 °F
for condensing units located indoors
(see Table 3, AHRI 1250–2009, ‘‘Fixed
Capacity Matched Refrigeration System,
Condensing Unit located Indoors’’) and
condenser air entering dry bulb
temperatures of 95 °F, 59 °F, and 35 °F
for condensing units located outdoors
(see Table 4, AHRI 1250–2009, ‘‘Fixed
Capacity Matched Refrigerator System,
Condensing Unit Located Outdoors’’).
Vinotemp notes that wine cellars are
usually located in air-conditioned
spaces; however, the company’s wine
cellar refrigeration systems are available
for both indoor and outdoor use. To
ensure that the test procedure remains
relevant to outdoor units, DOE has
determined that outdoor wine cellar
refrigeration units must be tested at
95 °F, 59 °F, and 35 °F, consistent with
the current DOE test procedure.
DOE notes that, despite the request
from Vinotemp, it is also not including
a 0.55 correction factor in the alternate
test procedure required by the Interim
Waiver Order. The company had
observed that the test procedure in
appendix A to subpart B of 10 CFR part
430 (‘‘Appendix A’’), 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 a factor as part of its petition.
Coolers, like other residential
refrigeration products, are tested in a
90 °F room without door openings
(section 2.1.1 of Appendix A). The
intent of the energy test procedure for
residential refrigeration products is to
simulate operation in typical room
conditions (72 °F) with door openings
by testing at 90 °F ambient temperature
without door openings. 10 CFR
430.23(ff)(7). In section 5.2.1.1 of
Appendix A, a correction factor of 0.55
is applied to the measured energy
consumption of coolers so that
measuring energy consumption at 90 °F
ambient temperature without door
openings provides test results that are
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23697
representative of consumer usage at
72 °F ambient temperature with door
openings. Specifically, the 0.55
correction factor reflects that (1) closeddoor operation of self-contained coolers
in typical 72 °F room conditions results
in an average energy consumption 0.46
times the value measured at the 90 °F
ambient temperature specified by the
test procedure; and (2) expected door
openings of a self-contained wine
chiller would add an additional 20%
thermal load. Multiplying 0.46 by 1.2
results in the overall correction factor of
0.55. See 81 FR 46768, 46782 (July 18,
2016) (final rule for miscellaneous
refrigeration products).
In contrast, these same 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.
The WICF test procedure does not
provide for closed-door testing at
elevated ambient temperatures as the
test procedure for residential
refrigeration products does because
walk-ins are tested and rated by
component, with a walk-in refrigeration
system tested and rated separately from
a walk-in enclosure (panels and doors).
See 76 FR 21580 (April 15, 2011). Walkin refrigeration load is set by using a
representative ratio of box load to
capacity (see discussion below). As a
result, applying the 0.55 correction
factor as suggested by Vinotemp is not
appropriate for the specified basic
models.
Further, Vinotemp asserted that the
suggested 0.55 correction factor was to
address the differences in average usage
of the specified basic models as
compared to walk-in cooler refrigeration
systems more generally. AHRI 1250–
2009 accounts for percent run time in
the AWEF calculation by setting walkin box load equal to specific fractions of
refrigeration system net capacity—the
fractions are defined based on whether
the refrigeration system is for cooler or
freezer applications, and whether it is
designed for indoor or outdoor
installation (see sections 6.2 (applicable
to coolers) and 6.3 (applicable to
freezers) of AHRI 1250–2009). The
alternate test procedure provided by this
interim waiver requires calculating
AWEF based on setting the walk-in box
load equal to half of the refrigeration
system net capacity, without variation
according to high and low load periods
and without variation with outdoor air
temperature for outdoor refrigeration
systems. Setting the walk-in box load
equal to half the refrigeration system net
capacity results in a refrigeration system
run time fraction slightly above 50
percent, which is in the range suggested
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by Vinotemp as being representative for
the specified basic models. As
previously discussed, walk-in energy
consumption is determined by
component, with separate test
procedures for walk-in refrigeration
systems, doors, and panels. Section 6 of
AHRI 1250–2009 provides equations for
determining refrigeration box load as a
function of refrigeration system
capacity. Using these equations with an
assumed load factor of 50 percent
maintains consistency with Appendix C
while providing an appropriate load
fraction for wine cellar refrigeration
systems. Accordingly, DOE has declined
to adopt a correction factor for the
equipment at issue.
Based on DOE’s review of Vinotemp’s
petition, the required alternate test
procedure laid out in the Interim Waiver
Order appears to allow for the accurate
measurement of energy efficiency of the
specified basic models, while alleviating
the testing issues associated with
Vinotemp’s implementation of wine
cellar walk-in refrigeration system
testing for these basic models.
Consequently, DOE has determined that
Vinotemp’s petition for waiver will
likely be granted. Furthermore, DOE has
determined that it is desirable for public
policy reasons to grant Vinotemp
immediate relief pending a
determination of the petition for waiver.
For the reasons stated, it is Ordered
that:
(1) Vinotemp International Corp. must
test and rate the following Wine Matebranded wine cellar walk-in
refrigeration system basic models with
the alternate test procedure set forth in
paragraph (2).
VINOTEMP BASIC MODELS
Brand name
khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES
Wine
Wine
Wine
Wine
Wine
Wine
Wine
Wine
Wine
Wine
Wine
Wine
Wine
Wine
Wine
Wine
Wine
Wine
Wine
Wine
Wine
Wine
Wine
Wine
Wine
Wine
Wine
Wine
Wine
Wine
Wine
Wine
Wine
Wine
Wine
Wine
Wine
Wine
Wine
Wine
Wine
Wine
Wine
Wine
Wine
Mate
Mate
Mate
Mate
Mate
Mate
Mate
Mate
Mate
Mate
Mate
Mate
Mate
Mate
Mate
Mate
Mate
Mate
Mate
Mate
Mate
Mate
Mate
Mate
Mate
Mate
Mate
Mate
Mate
Mate
Mate
Mate
Mate
Mate
Mate
Mate
Mate
Mate
Mate
Mate
Mate
Mate
Mate
Mate
Mate
.................................................................................
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(2) The alternate test procedure for the
Vinotemp basic models identified in
paragraph (1) of this Interim Waiver
Order is the test procedure for Walk-in
Cooler Refrigeration Systems prescribed
by DOE at 10 CFR part 431, subpart R,
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Jkt 253001
Configuration
Basic model No.
Single-Packaged .......................................................................
Single-Packaged .......................................................................
Single-Packaged .......................................................................
Single-Packaged .......................................................................
Single-Packaged .......................................................................
Single-Packaged .......................................................................
Single-Packaged .......................................................................
Single-Packaged .......................................................................
Single-Packaged .......................................................................
Single-Packaged .......................................................................
Single-Packaged .......................................................................
Matched ....................................................................................
Matched ....................................................................................
Matched ....................................................................................
Matched ....................................................................................
Matched ....................................................................................
Matched ....................................................................................
Matched ....................................................................................
Matched ....................................................................................
Matched ....................................................................................
Matched ....................................................................................
Matched ....................................................................................
Matched ....................................................................................
Matched ....................................................................................
Matched ....................................................................................
Matched ....................................................................................
Matched ....................................................................................
Matched ....................................................................................
Matched ....................................................................................
Matched ....................................................................................
Matched ....................................................................................
Matched ....................................................................................
Matched ....................................................................................
Matched ....................................................................................
Matched ....................................................................................
Matched ....................................................................................
Matched ....................................................................................
Matched ....................................................................................
Matched ....................................................................................
Matched ....................................................................................
Matched ....................................................................................
Matched ....................................................................................
Matched ....................................................................................
Matched ....................................................................................
Matched ....................................................................................
WM–2500HZD.
WM–4500HZD.
WM–6500HZD.
WM–8500HZD.
WM–4510HZD.
WM–6510HZD.
WM–8510HZD.
WM–4500DS.
WM–6500DS.
WM–8500DS.
WM–12030DS.
WM–2500SSA.
WM–2500SSD.
WM–2500SSH.
WM–2500SSL.
WM–2500SSI.
WM–2500SSO.
WM–2500SSR.
WM–2500SSV.
WM–2500SSW.
WM–4500SSA.
WM–4500SSD.
WM–4500SSH.
WM–4500SSL.
WM–4500SSI.
WM–4500SSO.
WM–4500SSR.
WM–4500SSS.
WM–4500SSV.
WM–4500SSW.
WM–6500SSA.
WM–6500SSD.
WM–6500SSH.
WM–6500SSL.
WM–6500SSR.
WM–6500SSV.
WM–8500SSA.
WM–8500SSD.
WM–8500SSH.
WM–8500SSL.
WM–8500SSS.
WM–12000SSA.
WM–12000SSD.
WM–12000SSH.
WM–12000SSS.
appendix C (‘‘Appendix C to Subpart
R’’), except as detailed below. All other
requirements of Appendix C to Subpart
R, and DOE’s regulations remain
applicable.
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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:
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3.1.1. In Table 1, Instrumentation
Accuracy, refrigerant temperature
measurements shall have an accuracy of
±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.
add modifications of AHRI 1250–2009
Tables 3 and 4 to read:
In Appendix C to Subpart R, revise
section 3.1.4 (which specifies
modifications to AHRI 1250–2009) and
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
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
55
55
55
55
........................
90
........................
3 65
...............................
Compressor On ....
Measure fan input wattage.2
Determine Net Refrigeration Capacity of Unit
Cooler, input power, and EER at Rating Condition.
Evaporator Fan Power ..
Refrigeration Capacity ..
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 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 of Unit
Cooler, input power, and EER at Rating Condition.
Determine Net Refrigeration Capacity of Unit
Cooler and system input power at moderate
condition.
Determine Net Refrigeration Capacity of Unit
Cooler and system input power at cold condition.
Test description
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:
khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES
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 walkin refrigeration system as a matched pair.
Any condensing unit or unit cooler
component must be matched with a
corresponding counterpart for testing. Use
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17:13 May 03, 2021
Jkt 253001
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 measurement of
the evaporator fan power during the steady
state test.
PO 00000
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Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
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 threephase power, voltage imbalance shall be no
more than 2%.
3.3.3.2 Evaporator fan power for the offcycle 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 × EFcomp,on
E:\FR\FM\04MYN1.SGM
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 84 / Tuesday, May 4, 2021 / Notices
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
BL
= 0.5 · ({
LF
= q. (90
55
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:
(90 °F)
BL+ 3.412 · EFcomp,off
0
55
AWEF
F
)
+
•
3.412 · EFcomp,off
BL
= .
•
0
E55 (90 F) · LF
+ EFcomp,off · (1 -
LF)
For Outdoor Condensing Units:
BL
LF ( tj )
= 0.5 · ({
= .
55
(95 °F)
BL+ 3.412 · EFcomp,off
q55 (tj)
AWEF
+
.
3.412 · EFcomp,off
= LJ=1BL(tj)
"f.j= 1 E(tj)
VerDate Sep<11>2014
17:13 May 03, 2021
Jkt 253001
Order for compliance, marketing, or
other purposes unless that basic model
has been tested in accordance with the
provisions set forth above and such
PO 00000
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Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
representations fairly disclose the
results of such testing.
E:\FR\FM\04MYN1.SGM
04MYN1
EN04MY21.003</GPH>
(3) Representations. Vinotemp may
not make representations about the
efficiency of a basic model listed in
paragraph (1) of this Interim Waiver
= BL· nj
EN04MY21.002</GPH>
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BL(tj)
Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 84 / Tuesday, May 4, 2021 / Notices
(4) This interim waiver shall remain
in effect according to the provisions of
10 CFR 431.401.
(5) This Interim Waiver Order is
issued on the condition that the
statements and representations provided
by Vinotemp are valid. If Vinotemp
makes any modifications to the controls
or configurations of a basic model
subject to this Interim Waiver Order,
such modifications will render the
waiver invalid with respect to that basic
model, and Vinotemp 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 the Interim
Waiver Order 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, Vinotemp
may request that DOE rescind or modify
the Interim Waiver Order if Vinotemp
discovers an error in the information
provided to DOE as part of its petition,
determines that the interim waiver is no
longer needed, or for other appropriate
reasons. 10 CFR 431.401(k)(2).
(6) Issuance of this Interim Waiver
Order does not release Vinotemp from
the certification 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.
Vinotemp 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, Vinotemp
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).
khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES
Signing Authority
This document of the Department of
Energy was signed on April 28, 2021, by
Kelly J. 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 29,
2021.
Treena V. Garrett,
Federal Register Liaison Officer, U.S.
Department of Energy.
Application for Waiver of Walk-in Wine
Cellar Cooling Systems
Vinotemp International Corp. is requesting
for Waiver from a DOE test procedure
pursuant to provisions described in 10 CFR
431.401 for the following products on the
grounds that ‘‘either the basic model contains
one or more design characteristics that
prevent testing of the basic model according
to the prescribed test procedures or 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.’’
DOE uniform test method for the
measurement of energy consumption of walkin coolers and walk-in freezers described in
10 CFR 431.304 adopts the test standard set
forth in AHRI 1250–2019. Our walk-in wine
cellar cooling systems meet the definition of
walk-in cooler refrigeration systems.
The design characteristics constituting the
grounds for the Waiver Application:
Self-Contained Cooling Systems for Walk-in
Wine Cellars (refer to single-packaged walkin cooler refrigeration systems in AHRI
1250–2019)
• Self-contained cooling systems are
designed to provide cold environment
between 45∼65 °F and maintain relative
humidity within the range of 50∼70% for
properly insulated and sized wine cellars.
• These temperature and relative humidity
ranges are optimized for long term storage of
wine like that in natural caves.
• These cooling systems are all-in-one
ready for use and no more refrigerant piping
is required in the field.
• These cooling systems are factory-built,
critically charged and tested, and only
require through-the wall installation on walkin wine cellars in the field.
• These systems are available as indoor or
outdoor uses with automatic off-cycle air
defrost.
• Wine cellars are usually located in airconditioned spaces.
Split Cooling Systems for Walk-in Wine
Cellars (refer to matched-pair walk-in cooler
refrigeration systems in AHRI 1250–2019)
• Split cooling systems are designed to
provide cold environment between 45∼55 °F
and maintain relative humidity range within
50∼70% for properly insulated wine cellars.
• These temperature and relative humidity
ranges are optimized for long term storage of
wine like that in natural caves.
• These cooling systems consist of a
remote condensing unit and an evaporator
unit, which are connected by a liquid line
and an insulated suction line.
• These systems must be charged properly
with refrigerant in the field.
• These systems are available as indoor or
outdoor uses with automatic off-cycle air
defrost.
• Wine cellars are usually located in airconditioned spaces.
• As opposed to utilize large compressors,
large surface area coils, multiple fans, and
large volumes of refrigerant, these systems
employ fractional compressors and automatic
expansion valves to maintain 50∼70%
relative humidity.
AHRI 1250–2019 defines the test
conditions of walk-in cooler refrigeration
systems 35 °F air temperature with <50%
relative humidity. However, in fact wine
cellar cooling systems are designed to supply
55 °F (45 to 65 °F) air temperature and
maintain >50% (50 to 70%) relative
humidity. Wine cellar cooling systems are
optimized to operate within such
temperature and relative humidity ranges
that they can’t operate at 35 °Fair
temperature.
Wine cellars don’t have high and low load
periods, so the AWEF calculation described
in 10 CFR 431.304 and AHRI 1250–2019
doesn’t match the applications of wine cellar
cooling systems.
The compressors used in wine cellar
cooling systems are predominately fractional
horsepower, which are inherently less
efficient than larger compressors used in
walk-in cooler refrigeration systems.
Therefore, we do not believe there is
technology on the market that will provide
the needed energy efficiency in wine cellar
cooling systems to meet the minimum AWEF
value for commercial walk-in cooler
refrigeration systems set forth in 10 CFR
431.306.
None of the basic models listed can operate
below 45 °F.
BASIC MODELS ON WHICH THE WAIVER IS BEING REQUESTED
Brand name
Wine
Wine
Wine
Wine
Mate
Mate
Mate
Mate
Basic model No.
.......................................
.......................................
.......................................
.......................................
VerDate Sep<11>2014
17:13 May 03, 2021
Self-contained
Self-contained
Self-contained
Self-contained
Jkt 253001
PO 00000
WM–2500HZD.
WM–4500HZD.
WM–6500HZD.
WM–8500HZD.
Frm 00032
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 84 / Tuesday, May 4, 2021 / Notices
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.
khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES
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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Jkt 253001
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:
PO 00000
Frm 00033
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
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
E:\FR\FM\04MYN1.SGM
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 84 (Tuesday, May 4, 2021)]
[Notices]
[Pages 23692-23702]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-09337]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
[Case Number 2020-005; EERE-2020-BT-WAV-0022]
Energy Conservation Program: Notification of Petition for Waiver
of Vinotemp International Corp. From the Department of Energy Walk-in
Coolers and Walk-in Freezers Test Procedure and Notification of Grant
of Interim Waiver
AGENCY: Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Department of
Energy.
ACTION: Notification of petition for waiver and grant of an interim
waiver; request for comments.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: This document announces receipt of and publishes a petition
for waiver and interim waiver from Vinotemp International Corp.
(``Vinotemp''), which seeks a waiver for specified walk-in cooler
refrigeration system basic models from the U.S. Department of Energy
(``DOE'') test procedure used to determine the efficiency and energy
consumption of walk-in coolers and walk-in freezers. DOE also gives
notice of an Interim Waiver Order that requires Vinotemp to test and
rate the specified walk-in cooler refrigeration system basic models in
accordance with the alternate test procedure set forth in the Interim
Waiver Order, which modifies the alternate test procedure suggested by
Vinotemp. DOE solicits comments, data, and information concerning
Vinotemp's petition, its suggested alternate test procedure, and the
alternate test procedure specified in the Interim Waiver Order so as to
inform DOE's final decision on Vinotemp's waiver request.
DATES: The Interim Waiver Order is effective on May 4, 2021. Written
comments and information are requested and will be accepted on or
before June 3, 2021.
ADDRESSES: Interested persons are encouraged to submit comments using
the Federal eRulemaking Portal at https://www.regulations.gov.
Alternatively, interested persons may submit comments, identified by
docket number EERE-2020-BT-WAV-0022, 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-WAV-0022 in the subject line of the message.
No telefacsimiles (``faxes'') will be accepted. For detailed
instructions on
[[Page 23693]]
submitting comments and additional information on this process, see the
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section of this document.
Although DOE has routinely accepted public comment submissions
through a variety of mechanisms, including the Federal eRulemaking
Portal, email, postal mail, or 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, 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/EERE-2020-BT-WAV-0022. The docket web page contains instruction
on how to access all documents, including public comments, in the
docket. See the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section for information on
how to submit comments through https://www.regulations.gov.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Lucy deButts, U.S. Department of
Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Building
Technologies Office, Mailstop 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]@hq.doe.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: DOE is publishing Vinotemp's petition for
waiver in its entirety,\1\ pursuant to 10 CFR 431.401(b)(1)(iv).\2\ DOE
invites all interested parties to submit in writing by June 3, 2021,
comments and information on all aspects of the petition, including the
alternate test procedure. Pursuant to 10 CFR 431.401(d), any person
submitting written comments to DOE must also send a copy of such
comments to the petitioner. The contact information for the petitioner
is: Mr. Alvin Patrick, [email protected], 732 S Racetrack Road
Henderson, NV 89015.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ On December 11, 2020, DOE published an amendment to 10 CFR
431.401 regarding the processing of petitions for an interim waiver,
which became effective beginning January 11, 2021. The subject
petition was received prior to the effective date of that amendment
and therefore is being processed pursuant to the regulation in
effect at the time of receipt. References to 10 CFR 430.27 in this
notification refer to the 10 CFR 431.401 in the 10 CFR parts 200 to
499 edition revised as of January 1, 2021.
\2\ The petition did not identify any of the information
contained therein as confidential business information.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submitting comments via https://www.regulations.gov. The https://www.regulations.gov web page will require you to provide your name and
contact information. Your contact information will be viewable to DOE
Building Technologies staff only. Your contact information will not be
publicly viewable except for your first and last names, organization
name (if any), and submitter representative name (if any). If your
comment is not processed properly because of technical difficulties,
DOE will use this information to contact you. If DOE cannot read your
comment due to technical difficulties and cannot contact you for
clarification, DOE may not be able to consider your comment.
However, your contact information will be publicly viewable if you
include it in the comment or in any documents attached to your comment.
Any information that you do not want to be publicly viewable should not
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provide your contact information in a cover letter. Include your first
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Include contact information each time you submit comments, data,
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Documents should not contain special characters or any form of
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into one or more PDFs. This reduces comment processing and posting
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Confidential Business Information. According to 10 CFR 1004.11, any
person submitting information that he or she believes to be
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and one copy of the document marked ``non-confidential''
[[Page 23694]]
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).
Case Number 2020-005
Interim Waiver Order
I. Background and Authority
The Energy Policy and Conservation Act, as amended (``EPCA''),\3\
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 \4\ of
EPCA, added by the National Energy Conservation Policy Act, Public Law
95-619, sec. 441 (Nov. 9, 1978), established the Energy Conservation
Program for Certain Industrial Equipment, which sets forth a variety of
provisions designed to improve the energy efficiency for certain types
of industrial equipment. Through amendments brought about by the Energy
Independence and Security Act of 2007, Public Law 110-140, sec. 312
(Dec. 19, 2007), this equipment includes walk-in coolers and walk-in
freezers, the subject of this Interim Waiver Order. (42 U.S.C.
6311(1)(G))
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\3\ 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).
\4\ For editorial reasons, upon codification in the U.S. Code,
Part C was redesignated as Part A-1.
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The energy conservation program under EPCA consists essentially of
four parts: (1) Testing, (2) labeling, (3) Federal energy conservation
standards, and (4) certification and enforcement procedures. Relevant
provisions of EPCA 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(a);
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 equipment. EPCA requires that any test procedures
prescribed or amended under this section must be reasonably designed to
produce test results which reflect the energy efficiency, energy use or
estimated annual operating cost of covered products and equipment
during a representative average use cycle and requires that test
procedures not be unduly burdensome to conduct. (42 U.S.C. 6314(a)(2))
The test procedure used to determine the net capacity and annual walk-
in energy factor (``AWEF'') of walk-in cooler and walk-in freezer
refrigeration systems is contained in the Code of Federal Regulations
(``CFR'') at 10 CFR part 431, subpart R, appendix C, Uniform Test
Method for the Measurement of Net Capacity and AWEF of Walk-in Cooler
and Walk-in Freezer Refrigeration Systems (``Appendix C'').
Under 10 CFR 431.401,\5\ any interested person may submit a
petition for waiver from DOE's test procedure requirements. DOE will
grant a waiver from the test procedure requirements if DOE determines
either that the basic model for which the waiver was requested contains
a design characteristic that prevents testing of the basic model
according to the prescribed test procedures, or that the prescribed
test procedures evaluate the basic model in a manner so
unrepresentative of its true energy consumption characteristics as to
provide materially inaccurate comparative data. See 10 CFR
431.401(f)(2). A petitioner must include in its petition any alternate
test procedures known to the petitioner to evaluate the performance of
the equipment type in a manner representative of its energy consumption
characteristics of the basic model. See 10 CFR 431.401(b)(1)(iii). DOE
may grant the waiver subject to conditions, including adherence to
alternate test procedures. See 10 CFR 431.401(f)(2).
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\5\ On December 11, 2020, DOE amended 10 CFR 431.401 regarding
the processing of petitions for an interim waiver that became
effective on January 11, 2021. The subject petition was received
prior to the effective date of that amendment and therefore is being
processed pursuant to the regulation in effect at the time of
receipt. Accordingly, all references to 10 CFR 430.27 in this
notification refer to the 10 CFR 431.401 in the 10 CFR parts 200 to
499 edition revised as of January 1, 2021, prior to when the
aforementioned amendments became effective.
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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. See 10 CFR 431.401(1). As soon thereafter as
practicable, DOE will publish in the Federal Register a final rule to
that effect. Id.
The waiver process also provides that DOE may grant an interim
waiver if it appears likely that the underlying petition for waiver
will be granted and/or if DOE determines that it would be desirable for
public policy reasons to grant immediate relief pending a determination
on the underlying petition for waiver. See 10 CFR 431.401(e)(2). Within
one year of issuance of an interim waiver, DOE will either: (i) Publish
in the Federal Register a determination on the petition for waiver; or
(ii) publish in the Federal Register a new or amended test procedure
that addresses the issues presented in the waiver. 10 CFR
431.401(h)(1).
When DOE amends the test procedure to address the issues presented
in a waiver, the waiver will automatically terminate on the date on
which use of that test procedure is required to demonstrate compliance.
10 CFR 431.401(h)(2).
II. Vinotemp's Petition for Waiver and Application for Interim Waiver
DOE received an email, docketed on June 29, 2020, in which Vinotemp
submitted a petition for interim waiver from the test procedure for
walk-in cooler and walk-in freezer refrigeration systems set forth at
Appendix C (Vinotemp, No. 1).\6\ By letter docketed on December 10,
2020, Vinotemp submitted a petition for waiver for certain basic models
of wine cellar cooling systems to supplement their original interim
waiver request (Vinotemp, No. 3). This version also explicitly stated
that none of the basic models could operate below 45 [deg]F and
provided tested external static pressure values for the subject basic
models. Vinotemp included additional basic models and clarified
specified maximum external static pressure values (rather than tested
values) for the specified basic models in an updated
[[Page 23695]]
petition for interim waiver, received on March 11, 2021 (Vinotemp, No.
10).
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\6\ A notation in the form ``Vinotemp, No. 1'' identifies a
written submission: (1) Made by Vinotemp; and (2) recorded in
document number 1 that is filed in the docket of this petition for
waiver (Docket No. EERE-2020-BT-WAV-0022) and available at https://www.regulations.gov.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
The primary assertion in the petition, absent an interim waiver, is
that the prescribed test procedure would evaluate the specified basic
models in a manner so unrepresentative of their true energy consumption
as to provide materially inaccurate comparative data. As presented in
Vinotemp's petition, the specified basic models of walk-in cooler
refrigeration systems operate at a temperature range of 45-65 [deg]F;
higher than that of a typical walk-in cooler refrigeration system.
Thus, the 35 [deg]F temperature specified in the DOE test procedure for
medium-temperature walk-in refrigeration systems would result in the
prescribed test procedures evaluating the specified basic models in a
manner so unrepresentative of their true energy consumption
characteristics as to provide materially inaccurate comparative data.
Vinotemp also states that the specified basic models are ``wine cellar
cooling systems'' that operate at temperature and relative humidity
ranges optimized for the long-term storage of wine and are usually
located in air-conditioned spaces. Vinotemp contends that because of
these characteristics, wine cellar walk-in refrigeration systems differ
in their walk-in box temperature setpoint, walk-in box relative
humidity, low/high load split,\7\ and compressor efficiency from other
walk-in cooler refrigeration systems.
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\7\ The DOE test procedure incorporates by reference Air-
Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (``AHRI'') Test
Standard 1250-2009, ``Standard for Performance Rating of Walk-in
Coolers and Freezers'' (including Errata sheet dated December 2015)
(``AHRI 1250-2009''). Section 6 of that standard defines walk-in box
thermal loads as a function of refrigeration system net capacity for
both high-load and low-load periods. The waiver petition asserts
that wine cellars do not have distinct high and low load periods,
and that the box load levels in the test standard are not
representative for wine cellar refrigeration systems.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vinotemp states that the specified basic models are designed to
provide a cold environment at a temperature range between 45-65 [deg]F
with 50-70 percent relative humidity (``RH''), and typically are kept
at 55 [deg]F and 50-70 percent RH rather than the 35 [deg]F and <50
percent RH test condition prescribed by the DOE test procedure.
Vinotemp states that the refrigeration systems are designed solely for
the purpose of long-term wine storage to mimic the temperature and
humidity of natural caves. Vinotemp also asserts that wine cellars are
optimized to operate within such temperature and relative humidity
ranges that they cannot operate at the 35 [deg]F air temperature
condition. Although not specifically addressed in Vinotemp's request
for waiver, DOE notes that operating a wine cellar at the 35 [deg]F
condition would adversely mechanically alter the intended performance
of the system, which would include icing of the evaporator coil that
could potentially damage the compressor, and would not result in an
accurate representation of the performance of the cooling unit.
Additionally, the ``Self-contained'' and ``Self-packaged'' basic
models of walk-in refrigeration systems identified in Vinotemp's waiver
petition are single-package systems. Although not explicitly identified
by Vinotemp, DOE recognizes 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 and the dual temperature and pressure
measurements required by the test procedure's refrigerant enthalpy
method. AHRI 1250-2009 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 can be installed, and then to route them back in to
enable the system to operate during testing.\8\ This additional piping
would impact unit performance, likely be inconsistent between test
labs, and 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). As discussed
below, the interim waiver alternative test procedure presented for
comment in this notification adopts the new test methods included in
AHRI 1250-2020 for single-package units.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\8\ In a waiver granted to Store It Cold for certain models of
single-package units, DOE acknowledged a similar issue in which the
additional piping necessary to install the required testing
components would affect performance of the units, rendering the
results unrepresentative. See 84 FR 39286 (Aug. 9, 2019). In the
case of the waiver granted to Store It Cold, the refrigerant
enthalpy method yielded inaccurate data for the specified basic
models compared to the basic models' true performance
characteristics because of the additional piping required to attach
the testing components required by the refrigerant enthalpy test.
The same issues are present for the specified basic Self-contained
and Self-packaged single-package basic models included in Vinotemp's
waiver petition.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
DOE has received multiple waiver and interim waiver requests from
wine cellar manufacturers regarding the limitations of Appendix C. In
light of these requests, DOE met with both AHRI and the wine cellar
walk-in refrigeration system manufacturers to develop a consistent and
representative alternate test procedure that would be relevant to each
waiver request. Ultimately, AHRI sent a letter to DOE on August 18,
2020, summarizing the industry's position on several issues (``AHRI
August 2020 Letter'').\9\ This letter documents industry support for
specific wine cellar walk-in refrigeration system test procedure
requirements, allowing the provisions to apply only to refrigeration
systems with a minimum operating temperature of 45 [deg]F, since wine
cellar system controls and unit design specifications prevent these
walk-ins from reaching a temperature below 45 [deg]F. A provision for
testing walk-in wine cellar refrigeration systems at an external static
pressure (``ESP'') \10\ of 50 percent of the maximum ESP to be
specified by manufacturers for each basic model (AHRI August 2020
Letter) is also included.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\9\ DOE's meetings with Vinotemp and other wine cellar
refrigeration systems manufacturers were conducted consistent with
the Department's ex parte meeting guidance (74 FR 52795; October 14,
2009). The AHRI August 2020 letter memorializes this communication
and is provided in Docket No. EERE- 2020-BT-WAV-0022-0002.
\10\ External static pressure is the sum of all the pressure
resisting the fans. In this case, this is chiefly the resistance
generated by the air moving through ductwork.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vinotemp submitted an updated petition for waiver and interim
waiver docketed on December 10, 2020 (Vinotemp, No. 3). The updated
petition states that all basic models listed in the petition for waiver
and interim waiver have a minimum operating temperature of 45 [deg]F
and provides ESP test values for specified ducted self-contained and
ducted split-system basic models. At DOE's request, Vinotemp provided
an updated petition for interim waiver on March 11, 2021 (Vinotemp, No.
10) that included the maximum ESP values for additional models and a
statement identifying that the ESP values provided for all of the
specified basic models are maximum ESP values.
Vinotemp requests an interim waiver from the existing DOE test
procedure. DOE will grant an interim waiver if it appears likely that
the petition for waiver will be granted, and/or if DOE determines that
it would be desirable for public policy reasons to grant immediate
relief pending a determination of the petition for waiver. See 10 CFR
431.401(e)(2).
III. Requested Alternate Test Procedure
EPCA requires that manufacturers use the applicable DOE test
procedures
[[Page 23696]]
when making representations about the energy consumption and energy
consumption costs of covered equipment. (42 U.S.C. 6314(d)).
Consistency is important when making representations about the energy
efficiency of products and equipment, including when demonstrating
compliance with applicable DOE energy conservation standards. Pursuant
to its regulations at 10 CFR 431.401, and after consideration of public
comments on the petition, DOE may establish in a subsequent Decision
and Order an alternate test procedure for the basic models addressed by
the Interim Waiver Order.
Vinotemp seeks to use an approach that would test and rate specific
wine cellar walk-in refrigeration system basic models. The company's
suggested approach specifies using an air-return temperature of 55
[deg]F, as opposed to the 35 [deg]F requirement prescribed in the
current DOE test procedure. Vinotemp also suggests using an air-return
relative humidity of 55 percent, as opposed to <50 percent RH as
prescribed in the current DOE test procedure. Additionally, Vinotemp
suggests using a condenser air temperature of 90 [deg]F for both indoor
and outdoor systems, rather than the DOE test procedure-prescribed
temperatures of 90 [deg]F for indoor condenser systems and 95 [deg]F
for outdoor condenser systems.\11\ Finally, Vinotemp requests that a
correction factor of 0.55 be applied to the final AWEF calculation to
account for the different usage of the specified basic models as
compared to walk-in cooler refrigeration systems generally. Vinotemp
cited the use of such a correction factor for coolers \12\ and
combination cooler refrigeration products under DOE's test procedure
for miscellaneous refrigeration products at 10 CFR part 430, subpart B,
appendix A.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\11\ AHRI 1250-2009 Section 5 identifies the condenser air
entering dry-bulb temperature for indoor condensing unit testing as
90 [deg]F and for outdoor units as a series of tests at 95 [deg]F,
59 [deg]F, and 35 [deg]F.
\12\ A cooler is a cabinet, used with one or more doors, that
has a source of refrigeration capable of operating on single-phase,
alternating current and is capable of maintaining compartment
temperatures either: (1) No lower than 39 [deg]F (3.9 [deg]C); or
(2) In a range that extends no lower than 37 [deg]F (2.8 [deg]C) but
at least as high as 60 [deg]F (15.6 [deg]C). 10 CFR 430.2.
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IV. Interim Waiver Order
DOE has reviewed Vinotemp's application, its suggested testing
approach, representations of the specified basic models on the website
for the Wine Mate brand, related product catalogs, and information
provided by Vinotemp and other wine cellar walk-in refrigeration system
manufacturers in meetings with DOE. Based on this review, DOE is
granting an interim waiver that requires testing with a modified
version of the testing approach suggested by Vinotemp.
The modified testing approach would apply to the models specified
in Vinotemp's waiver petition that include two categories of WICF
refrigeration systems, i.e., single package and split (matched)
systems. The ``Self-packaged'' and ``Self-contained'' systems as
identified in the waiver petition are single-package systems. The basic
models that are self-contained systems (``HZD'' model numbers) are
designed for installation through the wall of a wine cellar, while the
basic models that are ducted self-contained systems (``DS'' model
numbers) are designed to be installed remotely from the wine cellar and
provide cooling by circulating air through ducts from the wine cellar
to the unit and back. The ``Split'' basic models as identified in the
waiver petition are split (matched) systems, in which refrigerant
circulates between the ``evaporator unit'' (unit cooler) portion of the
unit and the ``condensing unit'' of the system. The refrigerant cools
the wine cellar air in the evaporator unit, while the condensing unit
rejects heat from the refrigeration system in a remote location, often
outside. The evaporator unit of the ducted split systems (``SSH'' model
numbers) circulates air through ducts from the wine cellar to the
evaporator unit and back to provide cooling, while the evaporator unit
of the ductless split systems (those with ``SSA,'' ``SSD,'' ``SSS,''
``SSI,'' ``SSO,'' ``SSL,'' ``SSR,'' and ``SSV'' model numbers) is
installed either partially or entirely in the wine cellar, allowing
direct cooling. The capacity of the specified basic models ranges from
2,500 Btu/h to 12,000 Btu/h for the specified operating conditions for
each of the models.\13\
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\13\ The operating condition for all specified models is 55
[deg]F cellar temperature. All models except the HZD models specify
a 90 [deg]F condensing ambient temperature. Relative humidity for
all basic models and condensing ambient temperature for the HZD
basic models are not specified. An example of a specified model with
capacity information based on these conditions can be found at
https://www.vinotemp.com/wine-mate-6500ssh-split-central-ducted-wine-cooling-system.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
DOE considers the operating temperature range of the specified
basic models to be integral to its analysis of whether such models
require a test procedure waiver. Grant of the interim waiver and its
alternative test procedure to the specified basic models listed in the
petition is based upon Vinotemp's representation that the operating
range for the basic models listed in the interim waiver does not extend
below 45 [deg]F.
The alternate test procedure specified in the Interim Waiver Order
requires testing the specified basic models according to Appendix C
with the following changes. The required alternate test procedure
specifies an air entering dry-bulb temperature of 55 [deg]F and a
relative humidity of 55 percent. The alternate test procedure also
specifies that the capacity measurement for the specified basic models
that are single-package systems (i.e., the self-contained systems) be
conducted using a primary and a secondary capacity measurement method
as specified in AHRI 1250-2020, using two of the following: The indoor
air enthalpy method; the outdoor air enthalpy method; the compressor
calibration method; the indoor room calorimeter method; the outdoor
room calorimeter method; or the balanced ambient room calorimeter
method.
The required alternate test procedure also includes the following
additional modifications to Vinotemp's suggested approach: For 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, testing would be conducted at 50 percent
of the maximum ESP, consistent with the AHRI August 2020 Letter
recommendations, subject to a tolerance of -0.00/+0.05 in. wc.\14\ DOE
understands that maximum ESP is generally not published in available
literature such as installation instructions, but manufacturers do
generally specify the size and maximum length of ductwork that is
acceptable for any given unit in such literature. The duct
specifications determine what ESP would be imposed on the unit in field
operation.\15\ The provision of allowable duct dimensions is more
convenient for installers than maximum ESP, since it relieves the
installer from having to perform duct pressure drop calculations to
determine ESP. DOE independently calculated the maximum pressure drop
over a range of common duct roughness values \16\ using duct lengths
and
[[Page 23697]]
diameters published in Vinotemp's installation manuals.\17\ DOE's
calculations show reasonable agreement with the maximum ESP values
provided by Vinotemp for the specified basic models. Given that the
number and degree of duct bends and duct type will vary by
installation, DOE found the maximum ESP values provided by Vinotemp to
be sufficiently representative.
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\14\ Inches of water column (``in. wc'') is a unit of pressure
conventionally used for measurement of pressure differentials.
\15\ The duct material, length, diameter, shape, and
configuration are used to calculate the ESP generated in the duct,
along with the temperature and flow rate of the air passing through
the duct. The conditions during normal operation that result in a
maximum ESP are used to calculate the reported maximum ESP values,
which are dependent on individual unit design and represent
manufacturer-recommended installation and use.
\16\ Calculations were conducted over an absolute roughness
range of 1.0-4.6 mm for flexible duct as defined in pages 1-2 of an
OSTI Journal Article on pressure loss in flexible HVAC ducts at
https://www.osti.gov/servlets/purl/836654 (Docket No. EERE-2020-BT-
WAV-0022-0005) and available at https://www.regulations.gov.
\17\ Duct lengths and diameters can be found in Vinotemp's
installation manuals at https://www.regulations.gov Docket No. EERE-
2020-BT-WAV-0022-0006, Docket No. EERE-2020-BT-WAV-0022-0007, and
Docket No. EERE-2020-BT-WAV-0022-0008.
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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, DOE believes that half of
the maximum ESP would be representative of most installations. For
basic models with condensing or evaporator units that are not designed
for the ducting of air, this design characteristic must be clearly
stated.
Additionally, if there are multiple condenser or evaporator unit
fan speed settings, the speed setting used would be as instructed in
the unit's installation instructions. However, if the installation
instructions do not specify a fan speed setting for ducted
installation, systems that can be installed with ducts would be tested
with the highest available fan speed. The ESP would be set for testing
either by symmetrically restricting the outlet duct \18\ or, if using
the indoor air enthalpy method, by adjusting the airflow measurement
apparatus blower.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\18\ This approach is used for testing of furnace fans, as
described in Section 8.6.1.1 of 10 CFR part 430, appendix AA to
subpart B.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
The alternate test procedure also describes the requirements for
measurement of ESP consistent with provisions provided in AHRI 1250-
2020 when using the indoor air enthalpy method with unit coolers.
Additionally, the alternate test procedure indicates that specified
basic models that are split systems must be tested as matched pairs.
According to Vinotemp's 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 condenser
components. This Interim Waiver Order provides no direction regarding
refrigerant line connection operating conditions, and as such is
inapplicable to testing the basic models as individual components.
Consequently, the Interim Waiver Order addresses only matched-pair
testing of the specified basic models that are split-systems.
Contrary to Vinotemp's request, DOE is not modifying the condenser
air entering dry bulb temperature for outdoor condensers. Vinotemp had
suggested a 90 [deg]F condenser air entering dry bulb temperature in
its waiver request; however, the company did not provide technical
justification for this request. The DOE test procedure currently
requires a condenser air entering dry bulb temperature of 90 [deg]F for
condensing units located indoors (see Table 3, AHRI 1250-2009, ``Fixed
Capacity Matched Refrigeration System, Condensing Unit located
Indoors'') and condenser air entering dry bulb temperatures of 95
[deg]F, 59 [deg]F, and 35 [deg]F for condensing units located outdoors
(see Table 4, AHRI 1250-2009, ``Fixed Capacity Matched Refrigerator
System, Condensing Unit Located Outdoors''). Vinotemp notes that wine
cellars are usually located in air-conditioned spaces; however, the
company's wine cellar refrigeration systems are available for both
indoor and outdoor use. To ensure that the test procedure remains
relevant to outdoor units, DOE has determined that outdoor wine cellar
refrigeration units must be tested at 95 [deg]F, 59 [deg]F, and 35
[deg]F, consistent with the current DOE test procedure.
DOE notes that, despite the request from Vinotemp, it is also not
including a 0.55 correction factor in the alternate test procedure
required by the Interim Waiver Order. The company had observed that the
test procedure in appendix A to subpart B of 10 CFR part 430
(``Appendix A''), 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 a factor as part of its petition.
Coolers, like other residential refrigeration products, are tested in a
90 [deg]F room without door openings (section 2.1.1 of Appendix A). The
intent of the energy test procedure for residential refrigeration
products is to simulate operation in typical room conditions (72
[deg]F) with door openings by testing at 90 [deg]F ambient temperature
without door openings. 10 CFR 430.23(ff)(7). In section 5.2.1.1 of
Appendix A, a correction factor of 0.55 is applied to the measured
energy consumption of coolers so that measuring energy consumption at
90 [deg]F ambient temperature without door openings provides test
results that are representative of consumer usage at 72 [deg]F ambient
temperature with door openings. Specifically, the 0.55 correction
factor reflects that (1) closed-door operation of self-contained
coolers in typical 72 [deg]F room conditions results in an average
energy consumption 0.46 times the value measured at the 90 [deg]F
ambient temperature specified by the test procedure; and (2) expected
door openings of a self-contained wine chiller would add an additional
20% thermal load. Multiplying 0.46 by 1.2 results in the overall
correction factor of 0.55. See 81 FR 46768, 46782 (July 18, 2016)
(final rule for miscellaneous refrigeration products).
In contrast, these same 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. The
WICF test procedure does not provide for closed-door testing at
elevated ambient temperatures as the test procedure for residential
refrigeration products does because walk-ins are tested and rated by
component, with a walk-in refrigeration system tested and rated
separately from a walk-in enclosure (panels and doors). See 76 FR 21580
(April 15, 2011). Walk-in refrigeration load is set by using a
representative ratio of box load to capacity (see discussion below). As
a result, applying the 0.55 correction factor as suggested by Vinotemp
is not appropriate for the specified basic models.
Further, Vinotemp asserted that the suggested 0.55 correction
factor was to address the differences in average usage of the specified
basic models as compared to walk-in cooler refrigeration systems more
generally. AHRI 1250-2009 accounts for percent run time in the AWEF
calculation by setting walk-in box load equal to specific fractions of
refrigeration system net capacity--the fractions are defined based on
whether the refrigeration system is for cooler or freezer applications,
and whether it is designed for indoor or outdoor installation (see
sections 6.2 (applicable to coolers) and 6.3 (applicable to freezers)
of AHRI 1250-2009). The alternate test procedure provided by this
interim waiver requires calculating AWEF based on setting the walk-in
box load equal to half of the refrigeration system net capacity,
without variation according to high and low load periods and without
variation with outdoor air temperature for outdoor refrigeration
systems. Setting the walk-in box load equal to half the refrigeration
system net capacity results in a refrigeration system run time fraction
slightly above 50 percent, which is in the range suggested
[[Page 23698]]
by Vinotemp as being representative for the specified basic models. As
previously discussed, walk-in energy consumption is determined by
component, with separate test procedures for walk-in refrigeration
systems, doors, and panels. Section 6 of AHRI 1250-2009 provides
equations for determining refrigeration box load as a function of
refrigeration system capacity. Using these equations with an assumed
load factor of 50 percent maintains consistency with Appendix C while
providing an appropriate load fraction for wine cellar refrigeration
systems. Accordingly, DOE has declined to adopt a correction factor for
the equipment at issue.
Based on DOE's review of Vinotemp's petition, the required
alternate test procedure laid out in the Interim Waiver Order appears
to allow for the accurate measurement of energy efficiency of the
specified basic models, while alleviating the testing issues associated
with Vinotemp's implementation of wine cellar walk-in refrigeration
system testing for these basic models. Consequently, DOE has determined
that Vinotemp's petition for waiver will likely be granted.
Furthermore, DOE has determined that it is desirable for public policy
reasons to grant Vinotemp immediate relief pending a determination of
the petition for waiver.
For the reasons stated, it is Ordered that:
(1) Vinotemp International Corp. must test and rate the following
Wine Mate-branded wine cellar walk-in refrigeration system basic models
with the alternate test procedure set forth in paragraph (2).
Vinotemp Basic Models
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Brand name Configuration Basic model No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wine Mate..................... Single-Packaged.. WM-2500HZD.
Wine Mate..................... Single-Packaged.. WM-4500HZD.
Wine Mate..................... Single-Packaged.. WM-6500HZD.
Wine Mate..................... Single-Packaged.. WM-8500HZD.
Wine Mate..................... Single-Packaged.. WM-4510HZD.
Wine Mate..................... Single-Packaged.. WM-6510HZD.
Wine Mate..................... Single-Packaged.. WM-8510HZD.
Wine Mate..................... Single-Packaged.. WM-4500DS.
Wine Mate..................... Single-Packaged.. WM-6500DS.
Wine Mate..................... Single-Packaged.. WM-8500DS.
Wine Mate..................... Single-Packaged.. WM-12030DS.
Wine Mate..................... Matched.......... WM-2500SSA.
Wine Mate..................... Matched.......... WM-2500SSD.
Wine Mate..................... Matched.......... WM-2500SSH.
Wine Mate..................... Matched.......... WM-2500SSL.
Wine Mate..................... Matched.......... WM-2500SSI.
Wine Mate..................... Matched.......... WM-2500SSO.
Wine Mate..................... Matched.......... WM-2500SSR.
Wine Mate..................... Matched.......... WM-2500SSV.
Wine Mate..................... Matched.......... WM-2500SSW.
Wine Mate..................... Matched.......... WM-4500SSA.
Wine Mate..................... Matched.......... WM-4500SSD.
Wine Mate..................... Matched.......... WM-4500SSH.
Wine Mate..................... Matched.......... WM-4500SSL.
Wine Mate..................... Matched.......... WM-4500SSI.
Wine Mate..................... Matched.......... WM-4500SSO.
Wine Mate..................... Matched.......... WM-4500SSR.
Wine Mate..................... Matched.......... WM-4500SSS.
Wine Mate..................... Matched.......... WM-4500SSV.
Wine Mate..................... Matched.......... WM-4500SSW.
Wine Mate..................... Matched.......... WM-6500SSA.
Wine Mate..................... Matched.......... WM-6500SSD.
Wine Mate..................... Matched.......... WM-6500SSH.
Wine Mate..................... Matched.......... WM-6500SSL.
Wine Mate..................... Matched.......... WM-6500SSR.
Wine Mate..................... Matched.......... WM-6500SSV.
Wine Mate..................... Matched.......... WM-8500SSA.
Wine Mate..................... Matched.......... WM-8500SSD.
Wine Mate..................... Matched.......... WM-8500SSH.
Wine Mate..................... Matched.......... WM-8500SSL.
Wine Mate..................... Matched.......... WM-8500SSS.
Wine Mate..................... Matched.......... WM-12000SSA.
Wine Mate..................... Matched.......... WM-12000SSD.
Wine Mate..................... Matched.......... WM-12000SSH.
Wine Mate..................... Matched.......... WM-12000SSS.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(2) The alternate test procedure for the Vinotemp basic models
identified in paragraph (1) of this Interim Waiver 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''),
except as detailed below. All other requirements of Appendix C to
Subpart R, and DOE's 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:
[[Page 23699]]
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
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%.
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 EFcomp,on
[[Page 23700]]
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:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN04MY21.002
For Outdoor Condensing Units:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN04MY21.003
(3) Representations. Vinotemp may not make representations about
the efficiency of a basic model listed in paragraph (1) of this Interim
Waiver Order for compliance, marketing, or other purposes unless that
basic model has been tested in accordance with the provisions set forth
above and such representations fairly disclose the results of such
testing.
[[Page 23701]]
(4) This interim waiver shall remain in effect according to the
provisions of 10 CFR 431.401.
(5) This Interim Waiver Order is issued on the condition that the
statements and representations provided by Vinotemp are valid. If
Vinotemp makes any modifications to the controls or configurations of a
basic model subject to this Interim Waiver Order, such modifications
will render the waiver invalid with respect to that basic model, and
Vinotemp 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 the Interim Waiver Order 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, Vinotemp may request
that DOE rescind or modify the Interim Waiver Order if Vinotemp
discovers an error in the information provided to DOE as part of its
petition, determines that the interim waiver is no longer needed, or
for other appropriate reasons. 10 CFR 431.401(k)(2).
(6) Issuance of this Interim Waiver Order does not release Vinotemp
from the certification 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. Vinotemp 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, Vinotemp 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 28,
2021, by Kelly J. 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 29, 2021.
Treena V. Garrett,
Federal Register Liaison Officer, U.S. Department of Energy.
Application for Waiver of Walk-in Wine Cellar Cooling Systems
Vinotemp International Corp. is requesting for Waiver from a DOE
test procedure pursuant to provisions described in 10 CFR 431.401
for the following products on the grounds that ``either the basic
model contains one or more design characteristics that prevent
testing of the basic model according to the prescribed test
procedures or 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.''
DOE uniform test method for the measurement of energy
consumption of walk-in coolers and walk-in freezers described in 10
CFR 431.304 adopts the test standard set forth in AHRI 1250-2019.
Our walk-in wine cellar cooling systems meet the definition of walk-
in cooler refrigeration systems.
The design characteristics constituting the grounds for the
Waiver Application:
Self-Contained Cooling Systems for Walk-in Wine Cellars (refer to
single-packaged walk-in cooler refrigeration systems in AHRI 1250-2019)
Self-contained cooling systems are designed to provide
cold environment between 45~65 [deg]F and maintain relative humidity
within the range of 50~70% for properly insulated and sized wine
cellars.
These temperature and relative humidity ranges are
optimized for long term storage of wine like that in natural caves.
These cooling systems are all-in-one ready for use and
no more refrigerant piping is required in the field.
These cooling systems are factory-built, critically
charged and tested, and only require through-the wall installation
on walk-in wine cellars in the field.
These systems are available as indoor or outdoor uses
with automatic off-cycle air defrost.
Wine cellars are usually located in air-conditioned
spaces.
Split Cooling Systems for Walk-in Wine Cellars (refer to matched-pair
walk-in cooler refrigeration systems in AHRI 1250-2019)
Split cooling systems are designed to provide cold
environment between 45~55 [deg]F and maintain relative humidity
range within 50~70% for properly insulated wine cellars.
These temperature and relative humidity ranges are
optimized for long term storage of wine like that in natural caves.
These cooling systems consist of a remote condensing
unit and an evaporator unit, which are connected by a liquid line
and an insulated suction line.
These systems must be charged properly with refrigerant
in the field.
These systems are available as indoor or outdoor uses
with automatic off-cycle air defrost.
Wine cellars are usually located in air-conditioned
spaces.
As opposed to utilize large compressors, large surface
area coils, multiple fans, and large volumes of refrigerant, these
systems employ fractional compressors and automatic expansion valves
to maintain 50~70% relative humidity.
AHRI 1250-2019 defines the test conditions of walk-in cooler
refrigeration systems 35 [deg]F air temperature with <50% relative
humidity. However, in fact wine cellar cooling systems are designed
to supply 55 [deg]F (45 to 65 [deg]F) air temperature and maintain
>50% (50 to 70%) relative humidity. Wine cellar cooling systems are
optimized to operate within such temperature and relative humidity
ranges that they can't operate at 35 [deg]Fair temperature.
Wine cellars don't have high and low load periods, so the AWEF
calculation described in 10 CFR 431.304 and AHRI 1250-2019 doesn't
match the applications of wine cellar cooling systems.
The compressors used in wine cellar cooling systems are
predominately fractional horsepower, which are inherently less
efficient than larger compressors used in walk-in cooler
refrigeration systems.
Therefore, we do not believe there is technology on the market
that will provide the needed energy efficiency in wine cellar
cooling systems to meet the minimum AWEF value for commercial walk-
in cooler refrigeration systems set forth in 10 CFR 431.306.
None of the basic models listed can operate below 45 [deg]F.
Basic Models on Which the Waiver Is Being Requested
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Brand name Basic model No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wine Mate......................... Self-contained WM-2500HZD.
Wine Mate......................... Self-contained WM-4500HZD.
Wine Mate......................... Self-contained WM-6500HZD.
Wine Mate......................... Self-contained WM-8500HZD.
[[Page 23702]]
Wine Mate......................... Self-contained WM-4510HZD.
Wine Mate......................... Self-contained WM-6510HZD.
Wine Mate......................... Self-contained WM-8510HZD.
Wine Mate......................... Self-packaged WM-4500DS.
Wine Mate......................... Self-packaged WM-6500DS.
Wine Mate......................... Self-packaged WM-8500DS.
Wine Mate......................... Self-packaged WM-12030DS.
Wine Mate......................... Split WM-2500SSA, WM-2500SSD, WM-
2500SSH, WM-2500SSL, WM-2500SSI, WM-
2500SSO, WM-2500SSR, WM-2500SSV and
WM-2500SSW.
Wine Mate......................... Split WM-4500SSA, WM-4500SSD, WM-
4500SSH, WM-4500SSL, WM-4500SSI, WM-
4500SSO, WM-4500SSR, WM-4500 SSS,
WM-4500SSV and WM-4500SSW.
Wine Mate......................... Split WM-6500SSA, WM-6500SSD, WM-
6500SSH, WM-6500SSL, WM-6500SSR and
WM-6500SSV.
Wine Mate......................... Split WM-8500SSA, WM-8500 SSD, WM-
8500SSH, WM-8500SSL and WM-8500SSS.
Wine Mate......................... Split WM-12000 SSA, WM-12000SSD, WM-
12000SSH and WM-12000SSS.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maximum External Static Pressure Drop for Self-Contained Ducted Cooling
Units
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maximum
Duct size external
Model No. (diameter in static
inches) pressure drop
(in-water)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
WM-4500DS............................... 8 0.13
WM-6500DS............................... 10 0.07
WM-8500DS............................... 10 0.15
WM-12030DS.............................. 10 0.18
WM-4510HZD.............................. 8 0.13
WM-6510HZD.............................. 10 0.07
WM-8510HZD.............................. 10 0.15
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maximum External Static Pressure Drop for Split Ducted Cooling Units
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maximum
Duct size external
Model No. (diameter in static
inches) pressure drop
(in-water)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
WM-2500SSH.............................. 8 0.05
WM-4500SSH.............................. 8 0.13
WM-6500SSH.............................. 10 0.07
WM-8500SSH.............................. 10 0.15
WM-12000SSH............................. 10 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.
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 [deg]F for both Self-
contained and Split cooling systems
4--Evaporator air entering relative humidity 55% for both Self-
contained and Split cooling systems
5--Condenser air entering dry-bulb 90 [deg]F for both indoor and
outdoor cooling systems
Success of the Application for Waiver
It will ensure that manufacturers of Self-contained 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
