Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for Consumer Products; Early Assessment Review; Ceiling Fans, 24538-24546 [2021-09703]
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 87 / Friday, May 7, 2021 / Proposed Rules
DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
10 CFR Part 430
[EERE–2021–BT–STD–0011]
RIN 1904–AE99
Energy Conservation Program: Energy
Conservation Standards for Consumer
Products; Early Assessment Review;
Ceiling Fans
Office of Energy Efficiency and
Renewable Energy, Department of
Energy.
ACTION: Request for information.
AGENCY:
The U.S. Department of
Energy (‘‘DOE’’) is undertaking an early
assessment review for amended energy
conservation standards for ceiling fans
to determine whether to amend
applicable energy conservation
standards for this product. Specifically,
through this request for information
(‘‘RFI’’), DOE seeks data and
information to evaluate whether
amended energy conservation standards
would result in significant savings of
energy; be technologically feasible; and
be economically justified. DOE
welcomes written comments from the
public on any subject within the scope
of this document (including those topics
not specifically raised in this RFI), as
well as the submission of data and other
relevant information concerning this
early assessment review.
DATES: Written comments and
information are requested and will be
accepted on or before June 7, 2021.
ADDRESSES: Interested persons are
encouraged to submit comments using
the Federal eRulemaking Portal at
https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the
instructions for submitting comments.
Alternatively, interested persons may
submit comments, by email to the
following address:
CeilingFans2021STD0011@ee.doe.gov.
Include ‘‘Ceiling Fans Early Assessment
Energy Conservation Standard RFI’’ and
docket number EERE–2021–BT–STD–
0011 and/or RIN number 1904–AE99 in
the subject line of the message. Submit
electronic comments in WordPerfect,
Microsoft Word, PDF, or ASCII file
format, and avoid the use of special
character or any form of encryption.
Although DOE has routinely accepted
public comment submissions through a
variety of mechanisms, including postal
mail and hand delivery/courier, the
Department has found it necessary to
make temporary modifications to the
comment submission process in light of
the ongoing Covid–19 pandemic. DOE is
currently accepting only electronic
submissions at this time. If a commenter
SUMMARY:
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finds that this change poses an undue
hardship, please contact Appliance
Standards Program staff at (202) 586–
1445 to discuss the need for alternative
arrangements. Once the Covid-19
pandemic health emergency is resolved,
DOE anticipates resuming all of its
regular options for public comment
submission, including postal mail and
hand delivery/courier.
No telefacsimilies (faxes) will be
accepted. For detailed instructions on
submitting comments and additional
information on this process, see section
III of this document.
Docket: The docket for this activity,
which includes Federal Register
notices, comments, and other
supporting documents/materials, is
available for review at https://
www.regulations.gov. All documents in
the docket are listed in the https://
www.regulations.gov index. However,
some documents listed in the index,
such as those containing information
that is exempt from public disclosure,
may not be publicly available.
The docket web page can be found at:
https://www.regulations.gov/#!
docketDetail;D=EERE-2021-BT-STD0011. The docket web page contains
instructions on how to access all
documents, including public comments,
in the docket. See section III for
information on how to submit
comments through https://
www.regulations.gov.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Mr. Jeremy Dommu, U.S. Department
of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency
and Renewable Energy, Building
Technologies Office, EE–5B, 1000
Independence Avenue SW, Washington,
DC 20585–0121. Telephone: (202) 586–
9870. Email: ApplianceStandards
Questions@ee.doe.gov.
Ms. Amelia Whiting, U.S. Department
of Energy, Office of the General Counsel,
GC–33, 1000 Independence Avenue SW,
Washington, DC 20585–0121.
Telephone: (202) 586–2588. Email:
amelia.whiting@hq.doe.gov.
For further information on how to
submit a comment or review other
public comments and the docket,
contact the Appliance and Equipment
Standards Program staff at (202) 287–
1445 or by email: ApplianceStandards
Questions@ee.doe.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Table of Contents
I. Introduction
A. Authority
B. Rulemaking History
II. Request for Information
A. Scope
B. Significant Savings of Energy
1. Energy Use Analysis
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2. Shipments
C. Technological Feasibility
1. Technology Options
2. Screening of Technology Options
3. Representative Ceiling Fan Blade Span
4. Baseline Efficiency Levels
5. Standby Energy Consumption Metric
D. Economic Justification
1. Cost Analysis
2. Markups Analysis
3. Life-Cycle Cost and Payback Period
Analysis
4. Net Present Value
III. Submission of Comments
I. Introduction
DOE has established an early
assessment review process to conduct a
more focused analysis to evaluate, based
on statutory criteria, whether a new or
amended energy conservation standard
is warranted. Based on the information
received in response to the RFI and
DOE’s own analysis, DOE will
determine whether to proceed with a
rulemaking for a new or amended
energy conservation standard. If DOE
makes an initial determination that a
new or amended energy conservation
standard would satisfy the applicable
statutory criteria or DOE’s analysis is
inconclusive, DOE would undertake the
preliminary stages of a rulemaking to
issue a new or amended energy
conservation standard. If DOE makes an
initial determination based upon
available evidence that a new or
amended energy conservation standard
would not meet the applicable statutory
criteria, DOE would engage in notice
and comment rulemaking before issuing
a final determination that new or
amended energy conservation standards
are not warranted.
A. Authority
The Energy Policy and Conservation
Act, as amended (‘‘EPCA’’),1 among
other things, authorizes DOE to regulate
the energy efficiency of a number of
consumer products and certain
industrial equipment. (42 U.S.C. 6291–
6317) Title III, Part B 2 of EPCA
established the Energy Conservation
Program for Consumer Products Other
Than Automobiles. These products
include ceiling fans, the subject of this
document. (42 U.S.C. 6291(49); 42
U.S.C. 6293(b)(16)(A)(i) and (B); and 42
U.S.C. 6295(ff))
Under EPCA, DOE’s energy
conservation program consists
essentially of four parts: (1) Testing, (2)
labeling, (3) Federal energy conservation
standards, and (4) certification and
1 All references to EPCA in this document refer
to the statute as amended through the Energy Act
of 2020, Public Law 116–260 (Dec. 27, 2020).
2 For editorial reasons, upon codification in the
U.S. Code, Part B was redesignated Part A.
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enforcement procedures. Relevant
provisions of EPCA include definitions
(42 U.S.C. 6291), test procedures (42
U.S.C. 6293), labeling provisions (42
U.S.C. 6294), energy conservation
standards (42 U.S.C. 6295), and the
authority to require information and
reports from manufacturers (42 U.S.C.
6296).
Federal energy efficiency
requirements for covered products
established under EPCA generally
supersede State laws and regulations
concerning energy conservation testing,
labeling, and standards. (42 U.S.C.
6297(a)–(c)) DOE may, however, grant
waivers of Federal preemption in
limited instances for particular State
laws or regulations, in accordance with
the procedures and other provisions set
forth under 42 U.S.C. 6297(d).
DOE must follow specific statutory
criteria for prescribing new or amended
standards for covered products. EPCA
requires that any new or amended
energy conservation standard prescribed
by the Secretary of Energy (‘‘Secretary’’)
be designed to achieve the maximum
improvement in energy or water
efficiency that is technologically
feasible and economically justified. (42
U.S.C. 6295(o)(2)(A)) The Secretary may
not prescribe an amended or new
standard that will not result in
significant conservation of energy, or is
not technologically feasible or
economically justified. (42 U.S.C.
6295(o)(3))
EPCA also requires that, not later than
6 years after the issuance of any final
rule establishing or amending a
standard, DOE evaluate the energy
conservation standards for each type of
covered product, including those at
issue here, and publish either a
notification of determination that the
standards do not need to be amended,
or a NOPR that includes new proposed
energy conservation standards
(proceeding to a final rule, as
appropriate). (42 U.S.C. 6295(m)(1))
DOE is publishing this RFI in
accordance with the 6-year lookback
requirement.
B. Rulemaking History
In a final rule published on October
18, 2005, DOE codified design standards
prescribed by EPCA for ceiling fans. 70
FR 60407, 60413. These standards are
set forth in DOE’s regulations at title 10
of the Code of Federal Regulations
(‘‘CFR’’) section 430.32(s), and require
all ceiling fans manufactured on or after
January 1, 2007, to have (1) fan speed
controls separate from any lighting
controls; (2) adjustable speed controls
(either more than one speed or variable
speed); and (3) the capability for reverse
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action (other than fans sold for
industrial or outdoor application or
where safety would be an issue)). (42
U.S.C. 6295(ff)(1)(A))
In a final rule published January 19,
2017, DOE established energy
conservation standards for ceiling fans,
which are expressed as the minimum
allowable efficiency in terms of cubic
feet per minute per watt (‘‘CFM/W’’), as
a function of ceiling fan diameter in
inches. These standards were to apply
to all covered ceiling manufactured in,
or imported into, the United States on
and after January 21, 2020. 82 FR 6826,
6827 (‘‘January 2017 Final Rule’’).
The Energy Act of 2020 (Pub. L. 116–
260), which was signed into law on
December 27, 2020, amended
performance standards for largediameter ceiling fans.3 (42 U.S.C.
6295(ff)(6)(C)(i), as codified) Pursuant to
the Energy Act of 2020, large-diameter
ceiling fans are subject to standards in
terms of the Ceiling Fan Efficiency
Index (‘‘CFEI’’) metric, with one
standard based on operation of the fan
at high speed and a second standard
based on operation of the fan at 40
percent speed or the nearest speed that
is not less than 40 percent speed. (42
U.S.C. 6295(ff)(6)(C)(i), as codified)
The current energy conservation
standards are located in 10 CFR
430.32(s). The currently applicable DOE
test procedures for ceiling fans appear at
10 CFR part 430, subpart B, appendix U,
Uniform Test Method for Measuring the
Energy Consumption of Ceiling Fans
(‘‘Appendix U’’). Sampling and
certification requirements for ceiling
fans are set forth at 10 CFR 429.32.
II. Request for Information
DOE is publishing this RFI to collect
data and information during the early
assessment review to inform its
decision, consistent with its obligations
under EPCA, as to whether the
Department should proceed with an
energy conservation standards
rulemaking. Below DOE has identified
certain topics for which information and
data are requested to assist in the
evaluation of the potential for amended
energy conservation standards. DOE
also welcomes comments on other
issues relevant to its early assessment
that may not specifically be identified in
this document.
A. Scope
EPCA defines a ‘‘ceiling fan’’ as ‘‘a
nonportable device that is suspended
from a ceiling for circulating air via the
3 A large-diameter ceiling fan is a ceiling fan that
is greater than seven feet in diameter. 10 CFR part
430 subpart B appendix U section 1.14.
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rotation of fan blades.’’ (42 U.S.C.
6291(49)) DOE has established seven
product classes for ceiling fans: Highly
decorative, belt-driven, very smalldiameter, hugger, standard, high-speed
small-diameter, and large-diameter fans.
82 FR 6826, 6836 Belt-driven and highly
decorative ceiling fans are not presently
subject to performance standards. 10
CFR 430.32(s)(2)(ii)(C) and (E). DOE also
has not established performance
standards for centrifugal ceiling fans,
oscillating ceiling fans, or ceiling fans
whose blades’ plane of rotation cannot
be within 45 degrees of horizontal fans.
10 CFR 430.32(s)(2)(ii)(A), (B), and (D).
The five product classes subject to
performance standards are delineated by
fan diameter, blade thickness, and
blade-to-ceiling distance. Those product
classes are: High-speed small-diameter
(‘‘HSSD’’), hugger, large-diameter
(‘‘LDCF’’), standard, and very-smalldiameter (‘‘VSD’’) as defined in 10 CFR
part 430, subpart B, appendix U.
Issue 1: DOE requests comment and
data that would allow DOE to evaluate
whether energy conservation standards
would be technically feasible and
economically justified for belt-driven
ceiling fans. Specifically, DOE requests
comment on the number of models of
belt-driven ceiling fans available, the
number of shipments, and the
technology options that might be
incorporated to improve energy
efficiency.
Issue 2: DOE seeks information
regarding any other new product classes
it should consider for inclusion in its
analysis. DOE also requests relevant
data detailing the corresponding
impacts on energy use that would justify
separate product classes (i.e.,
explanation for why the presence of
these performance-related features
would increase or decrease energy
consumption).
B. Significant Savings of Energy
In the January 2017 Final Rule, DOE
established an energy conservation
standard for ceiling fans that is expected
to result in 2.01 quadrillion British
thermal units (‘‘quads’’) of full fuel
cycle (FFC) energy savings over a 30year period. 82 FR 6826, 6828.
Additionally, in the January 2017 Final
Rule, DOE estimated that an energy
conservation standard established at an
energy use level equivalent to that
achieved using the maximum available
technology (‘‘max-tech’’) relative to the
selected energy use level would have
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resulted in 1.73 additional quads of FFC
energy savings.4 82 FR 6826, 6874.
While DOE’s request for information
is not limited to the following issues,
DOE is particularly interested in
comment, information, and data on the
following topics to inform whether
potential amended energy conservation
standards would result in a significant
savings of energy.
1. Energy Use Analysis
As part of the rulemaking process,
DOE conducts an energy use analysis to
identify how products are used by
consumers, and thereby determine the
energy savings potential of energy
efficiency improvements. DOE bases the
energy consumption of ceiling fans on
their rated power usage as determined
by the DOE test procedure and as
provided from the engineering analysis.
The energy use analysis is meant to
represent typical energy consumption in
the field.
For the January 2017 Final Rule, DOE
combined the ceiling fan power ratings
from the engineering analysis with
estimates of the distribution of annual
operating hours in field operating
conditions. DOE assumed that all
standard, hugger, and VSD ceiling fans
with brushless direct current (‘‘DC’’)
motors and 7 percent of those fans with
alternating current (‘‘AC’’) motors
(which were estimated to have a remote
control) have standby power
consumption. For such ceiling fans,
DOE assumed a power usage of 0.7
watts and that all hours of the year not
in active mode were in standby mode.
82 FR 6826, 6846.
For HSSD and large-diameter ceiling
fans, DOE assumed 12 hours per day, on
average, of active mode operation. DOE
assumed that HSSD ceiling fans spend
approximately 10 percent of the time at
high and 10 percent at low speeds, with
the remaining 80 percent of the time
spent at medium speed. 82 FR 6826,
6847. For LDCFs, DOE assumed an
equal proportion of time spent at each
of the speeds tested according to the
DOE test procedure for ceiling fans. 81
FR 48619, 48632–48633. As with
standard, hugger, and VSD ceiling fans,
DOE estimated hours of operation in
standby mode for HSSD and LDCFs as
the number of hours not spent in active
mode. DOE assumed HSSD ceiling fans
with DC motors had standby power
consumption of 0.7 watts. For LDCFs,
DOE assumed a standby power
consumption of 7 watts, regardless of
motor type. 82 FR 6826, 6847. For
details on the energy use analysis, see
chapter 7 of the January 2017 Final Rule
Technical Support Document (‘‘2017 CF
ECS TSD’’).5
Issue 3: DOE requests comment and
data on the assumptions used in the
January 2017 Final Rule regarding the
daily operating hours and the
proportion of time spent at each speed
setting for ceiling fans, specifically
HSSD and LDCFs.
Issue 4: DOE requests data and
feedback on the fraction of standard,
hugger, and VSD ceiling fans with
remote controls, and therefore standby
power consumption.
Issue 5: DOE requests comment on
whether any of the smart technologies
available on the market would impact
the efficiency of ceiling fans as
measured by DOE’s test procedure at 10
CFR part 430, subpart B, appendix U.
Specifically, DOE seeks comment on
whether smart technologies improve the
efficiency of ceiling fans or impact the
number of operating hours in each
mode. DOE additionally requests data
regarding the comparative energy use of
fans with and without smart technology.
2. Shipments
DOE develops shipments forecasts of
ceiling fans to calculate the national
impacts of potential amended energy
conservation standards on energy
consumption, net present value
(‘‘NPV’’), and future manufacturer cash
flows. DOE shipments projections are
based on available historical data
broken out by product class and
efficiency. Current sales estimates allow
for a more accurate model that captures
recent trends in the market.
For the January 2017 Final Rule, DOE
relied on various sources for estimating
historical shipments data for ceiling
fans. For standard, hugger, and VSD
ceiling fans, DOE used data from
Appliance magazine’s Statistical Review
from 1991–2006, data from ENERGY
STAR Annual Reports from 2003–2013,
and data purchased from NPD Research
group from 2007–2011. DOE
disaggregated shipments between
standard, hugger, and VSD product
classes based on the relative fraction of
model counts found online and in-store
and feedback from manufacturers. DOE
was unable to find historical shipments
data for HSSD and LDCFs; therefore,
DOE primarily relied on manufacturer
feedback and available model counts
online to estimate shipments. 82 FR
6826, 6853. For details on the shipments
methodology used in the previous
rulemaking, see chapter 9 of the 2017
CF ECS TSD. Table II.1 shows estimated
annual shipments by product class from
2016 to 2020.
TABLE II.1—ANNUAL SHIPMENTS FOR CEILING FANS
[Thousand units]
Year
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
Standard
.....................................................................................
.....................................................................................
.....................................................................................
.....................................................................................
.....................................................................................
Hugger
9,718
10,015
10,232
10,296
10,258
VSD
9,216
9,499
9,704
9,765
9,729
HSSD
76
78
80
81
82
LDCF
540
554
564
571
542
Issue 6: DOE requests historical
ceiling fan shipments data for each
product class listed in section II.A and
seeks feedback on how the annual
shipments estimates shown in Table II.1
compare to the actual shipments in
those years. If disaggregated shipments
data are not available at the product
class level, DOE requests shipments
data at any broader available category
(e.g., residential vs. commercial and
industrial sectors).
C. Technological Feasibility
4 DOE determined this amount by subtracting the
FFC energy from TSL 5 (max-tech) from the FFC
energy from TSL 4 (current standard); 3.74¥2.01 =
1.73 quads.
5 The 2017 CF ECS TSD can be found here:
https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=EERE2012-BT-STD-0045-0149.
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11
12
14
15
15
During the January 2017 Final Rule,
DOE considered a number of
technologies for reducing ceiling fan
energy consumption. 82 FR 6826, 6837–
6838. DOE is interested in
understanding any technology
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improvements relative to ceiling fans
since the previous energy standards
rulemaking. Additionally, DOE is
interested in any changes to the
technologies it evaluated in preparation
for the January 2017 Final Rule that may
affect whether DOE could propose a
‘‘no-new-standards’’ determination,
such as an insignificant increase in the
range of efficiencies and performance
characteristics of these technology
options. DOE also seeks comment on
whether there are any other technology
options that DOE should consider in its
analysis.
While DOE’s request for information
is not limited to the following issues,
DOE is particularly interested in
comment, information, and data on the
following.
1. Technology Options
In analyzing the feasibility of
potential new or amended energy
conservation standards, DOE uses
information about existing and past
technology options and prototype
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designs to help identify technologies
that manufacturers could use to meet
and/or exceed a given set of energy
conservation standards under
consideration. A complete list of the
options considered in the January 2017
Final Rule appears in Table II.2. Table
II.3 lists additional technology options
that DOE may consider in a future
ceiling fan energy conservation
standards rulemaking that were not
considered in the January 2017 Final
Rule.
TABLE II.2—TECHNOLOGY OPTIONS FOR CEILING FANS CONSIDERED IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE JANUARY 2017 FINAL
RULE
Technology option
Description
Fan optimization ..............................
This represents increasing the efficiency of a fan by adjusting existing fan design features. These adjustments could include changing blade pitch, fine-tuning motor RPM, and/or changing internal motor characteristics.
More Efficient Motors:
Larger direct drive singlephase induction motors.
Three-phase induction motors
Brushless DC Motor ................
Geared Brushless DC motor in
LDCFs.
Gearless Brushless DC motor
in LDCFs.
Premium AC motor in LDCFs ..
More Efficient Blades:
Curved Blades .........................
Airfoil Blades ............................
Twisted Blades ........................
Blade attachments ...................
Beveled Blades ........................
Alternative Blade Materials ......
Ceiling Fan Control Sensors:
Occupancy Sensors .................
Wind and Temperature Sensors.
This represents increasing the mass and/or choosing steel with better energy efficiency characteristics for
the stator and rotor stack, improving the lamination design, increasing the cross section and/or length of
the copper wiring inside the motor.
Three-phase induction motors have lower thermal energy losses than typical single-phase motors typically
found in residential line-power applications. They also have a more even torque on the rotor resulting in
a more efficient rotation and less motor ‘‘hum.’’ In residential applications, an electronic drive would be
necessary to convert single-phase power into three-phase.
In residential applications, brushless DC motors typically consist of a permanent magnet synchronous AC
motor that is driven by a multi-pole electronic drive system. Similar to DC motors, brushless DC motors
typically achieve better efficiency that standard AC motors because they have no rotor energy losses.
Fans with brushless DC geared motors have fan blades attached to the motor via a geared mechanism.
A brushless DC motor drives the fan blades directly without the use of a geared mechanism, avoiding
drive efficiency losses associated with the gearbox.
Premium AC motors are NEMA Premium® motors that are highly energy efficient electric motors. A motor
can be marketed as a NEMA Premium motor if it meets or exceeds a set of minimum full-load efficiency
levels.6 Such NEMA motors are available in integral horsepower capacities (i.e., 1 hp+).
Curved blades are blades for which the centerline of the blade cross section is cambered. Curved blades
generally have uniform thickness and no significant internal volume.
Airfoil blades use curved surfaces to improve aerodynamics, but the thickness is not uniform, and the top
and bottom surfaces do not follow the same path from leading edge to trailing edge. Airfoil blades typically do not operate as efficiently in reverse, potentially impacting consumer utility on models where reverse flow was an option.
Twisted blades reduce aerodynamic drag and improve efficiency by decreasing the blade pitch or twist
from where the blade attaches to the motor casing to the blade tip.
Blade attachments refer to upswept blade tips or other components that can be fastened to a fan blade to
potentially increase airflow or reduce drag.
Beveled blades are typically beveled at the blade edges from the motor casing to the blade tip. Beveled
fan blades are more aerodynamic than traditional fan blades.
Use of alternative materials could enable more complex and efficient blade shapes (plywood vs MDF vs injection molded resin, for example).
Occupancy sensors use technologies that detect the presence of people through movement, body heat, or
other means. Ceiling fans with an occupancy sensor could power down if they sense that a room is unoccupied.
Wind and temperature sensors detect temperature changes in the surrounding space, or potential wind
speed reductions below certain thresholds. Ceiling fans could potentially adjust fan speed based on the
wind and temperature in the space the ceiling fan is located when coupled with these sensors.
6 NEMA Premium Motors Information Page:
https://www.nema.org/Policy/Energy/Efficiency/
Pages/NEMA-Premium-Motors.aspx.
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TABLE II.3—POTENTIAL NEW TECHNOLOGY OPTIONS FOR CEILING FANS
Technology option
Permanent Magnet DC
(Brushed DC Motors).
Description
Motor
Self-Balancing Systems ..................
Permanent magnets are located on the motor stator with brushes contacting a commutator on the rotor.
These are more efficient than AC motors but require more maintenance than AC motors since the
brushes wear out.
Some fans advertise a self-balancing system that prevents wobbling of the fan blades. The advertised benefits include reduction in noise and improvements in blade aerodynamics. An improvement in blade
aerodynamics is generally expected to reduce energy fan consumption.
While DOE’s compliance certification
database does not currently have
manufacturers report efficiency, DOE’s
market research, along with public
databases like the California Energy
Commissions (‘‘CEC’’) Modern
Appliance Efficiency Database System
and the Energy Star Certified Ceiling
Fans Database, indicate that many
ceiling fans on the market exceed DOE’s
maximum-technologically (‘‘max-tech’’)
feasible designs presented in the
January 2017 Final Rule.
Issue 7: DOE seeks information on the
technologies listed in Table II.2 of this
document regarding their applicability
to the current market and how these
technologies may impact the efficiency
of ceiling fans as measured according to
the DOE test procedure. DOE also seeks
information on how these technologies
may have changed since they were
considered in the January 2017 Final
Rule analysis. Specifically, DOE seeks
information on the range of efficiencies
or performance characteristics that are
currently available for each technology
option as well as the impact of each on
availability of ceiling fan features or
consumer utility.
Issue 8: DOE seeks information on the
technologies listed in Table II.3 of this
document regarding their market
adoption, costs, and any concerns with
incorporating them into products (e.g.,
impacts on consumer utility, potential
safety concerns, manufacturing/
production/implementation issues, etc.).
Further, DOE seeks comment on other
technology options not listed in Table
II.3 of this document that it should
consider for inclusion in its analysis
and if these technologies may impact
product feature availability or consumer
utility.
Issue 9: As DOE assesses the
technologies listed in Table II.2 and
Table II.3 of this document for LDCFs,
DOE seeks information about the
relationship between the CFM/W and
the CFEI metric. Specifically, DOE
requests comment about whether the
technologies that improve the efficiency
in terms of CFM/W also improve
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efficiency in terms of CFEI. Further,
DOE seeks airflow and power usage data
at high speed and at 40 percent speed
(or the nearest speed that is not less
than 40 percent speed) for LDCFs
currently on the market.
Issue 10: DOE seeks feedback on what
additional design options are
incorporated in the commercially
available products that exceed DOE’s
max-tech. Specifically, DOE requests
comment on the fans present in the CEC
Modern Appliance Efficiency Database
System and the Energy Star Certified
Ceiling Fans Database that exceed DOE’s
previous max-tech efficiency levels and
whether this increase is due to new
technology options that would represent
a new max-tech model or a sacrifice of
consumer utility.
Issue 11: DOE requests feedback on
whether, and if so how, manufacturers
would incorporate the technology
options listed in Table II.2 and Table
II.3 of this document to increase energy
efficiency in ceiling fans beyond the
baseline. This includes information on
the order in which manufacturers would
incorporate the different technologies to
incrementally improve the efficiencies
of products from the baseline through
the max-tech designs (and beyond maxtech designs where possible). As part of
this request, DOE seeks information as
to whether there are limitations on the
use of certain combinations of design
options. DOE also requests feedback on
whether the increased energy efficiency
would lead to other design changes that
would not occur otherwise. DOE is also
interested in information regarding any
potential impact of design options on a
manufacturer’s ability to incorporate
additional functions or attributes in
response to consumer demand.
Issue 12: DOE requests comment on
whether certain design options may not
be applicable to (or are incompatible
with) specific product classes.
2. Screening of Technology Options
The purpose of the screening analysis
is to evaluate the technologies that
improve equipment efficiency to
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determine which technologies will be
eliminated from further consideration
and which will be passed to the
engineering analysis for further
consideration. DOE determines whether
to eliminate certain technology options
from further consideration based on
technological feasibility; practicability
to manufacture, install, and service;
adverse impacts on product utility or
product availability; adverse impacts on
health or safety; and unique-pathway
proprietary technologies. 10 CFR part
430, subpart C, appendix A, 6(c)(3) and
7(b).
Technology options identified in the
technology assessment are evaluated
against these criteria using DOE
analyses and inputs from interested
parties (e.g., manufacturers, trade
organizations, and energy efficiency
advocates). Technologies that pass
through the screening analysis are
referred to as ‘‘design options’’ in the
engineering analysis. Technology
options that fail to meet one or more of
the five criteria are eliminated from
consideration.
Table II.4 summarizes the technology
options that DOE screened out in the
January 2017 Final Rule, and the
applicable screening criteria. Most
technologies were eliminated because of
significant adverse impacts on the
utility of the equipment to a
considerable number of consumer
subgroups. 82 FR 6826, 6837–6839.
Three-phase induction motors were not
considered as a design option for
standard, hugger, VSD, and HSSD fans,
primarily because three-phase power is
extremely uncommon in residential
applications. Large direct-drive singlephase induction motors were screened
out for HSSD and LDCF because HSSD
manufacturers indicated that HSSD
ceiling fans already use the most
efficient size of AC induction motors,
while LDCF manufacturers stated that
increasing the size of the motor in a
LDCF will not improve energy
efficiency. See chapter 4 of the 2017 CF
ECS TSD.
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TABLE II.4—PREVIOUSLY SCREENED OUT TECHNOLOGY OPTIONS FROM THE JANUARY 2017 FINAL RULE *
Screening criteria
(X = Basis for screening out)
Screened
technology
option
Three-phase induction motors (Standard, hugger, and
HSSD ceiling fans) .........................................................
Beveled blades ..................................................................
Twisted blades ...................................................................
Blade attachments .............................................................
Alternative blade materials ................................................
Occupancy, wind, and temperature sensors .....................
Single-phase direct-drive induction motors (Large diameter ceiling fans) ...............................................................
Technological
feasibility
Practicability
to manufacture,
install, and
service
Adverse
impact on
product
utility
Adverse
impacts on
health and
safety
Uniquepathway
proprietary
technologies
X
........................
........................
........................
........................
........................
............................
............................
............................
............................
............................
............................
........................
X
X
X
X
X
......................
......................
......................
......................
......................
......................
........................
........................
........................
........................
........................
........................
X
............................
........................
......................
........................
* Affected equipment classes are listed in the parenthetical.
Issue 13: DOE requests feedback on
what impact, if any, the five screening
criteria described in this section would
have on each of the technology options
listed in Table II.2 and Table II.3 of this
document with respect to ceiling fans.
Similarly, DOE seeks information
regarding how these same criteria would
affect any other technology options not
already identified in this document with
respect to their potential use in ceiling
fans.
Issue 14: DOE requests comment on
which technology options are specific to
air flow, as measured by the DOE test
procedure. DOE is interested in which
technology options, if any, provide both
consumer comfort and improved energy
efficiency. As such, DOE also requests
data on consumer buying patterns and
whether or not consumers have specific
requests regarding blade shape and
material, fan hub size and shape, and
other aspects of the design.
3. Representative Ceiling Fan Blade
Span
Ceiling fans are sold with a range of
diameters or blade spans. It is
impractical to conduct a detailed
engineering analysis on every possible
blade span. As such, for the January
2017 Final Rule, DOE identified
representative sizes for each ceiling fan
product class to use as the basis for its
engineering analysis. 82 FR 6826, 6852.
The representative unit sizes evaluated
to support the January 2017 Final Rule
are presented in Table II.5.
TABLE II.5—REPRESENTATIVE CEILING
FAN DIAMETERS/BLADE SPANS USED
IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE JANUARY 2017 FINAL RULE—Continued
Representative
unit sizes
(blade span)
Product class
Standard ....................................
Hugger .......................................
HSSD ........................................
LDCF .........................................
16-inch
44-inch
52-inch
60-inch
44-inch
52-inch
36-inch
56-inch
8-foot
12-foot
20-foot
Issue 15: DOE requests feedback on
whether the representative blade spans
listed in Table II.5 of this document are
representative for the respective ceiling
fan product classes. If the blade spans
listed in Table II.5 of this document are
not representative for a given product
class, DOE seeks data and supporting
information on what blade spans are
representative for each product class.
Specifically, DOE is interested in
information about any units that would
have a significantly different costefficiency curve from the representative
units. For example, if certain technology
options are not feasible for a given blade
span or would significantly increase
costs for blade spans above or below the
representative units.
4. Baseline Efficiency Levels
For each established product class,
TABLE II.5—REPRESENTATIVE CEILING DOE selects a baseline model as a
FAN DIAMETERS/BLADE SPANS USED reference point against which any
IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE JANU- changes resulting from new or amended
energy conservation standards can be
ARY 2017 FINAL RULE
measured. The baseline model in each
product class represents the
Representative
Product class
unit sizes
characteristics of common or typical
(blade span)
products in that class. Typically, a
VSD ...........................................
13-inch baseline model is one that meets the
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current minimum energy conservation
standards and provides basic consumer
utility. Consistent with this analytical
approach, DOE expects to consider the
current minimum energy conservations
standards (which went into effect on
January 1, 2020) to establish the
baseline efficiency levels for each
product class. The current standards for
each product class are based on CFM/
W for small-diameter fans and on CFEI
for LDCFs. The current standards for
ceiling fans are found at 10 CFR
430.32(s).
Issue 16: DOE requests feedback on
whether using the current established
energy conservation standards for
ceiling fans are appropriate baseline
efficiency levels for DOE to apply to
each product class in evaluating
whether to amend the current energy
conservation standards for these
products. If the current energy
conservation efficiency levels are not
appropriate for use as baseline
efficiency levels, DOE requests
proposals for alternate baseline
efficiency levels, supported by
appropriate market and technical data.
Issue 17: DOE requests feedback on
the appropriate baseline efficiency
levels for any potential product classes
that are not currently in place or for any
contemplated combined product
classes, as discussed in section II.A of
this document. For potential new
product classes, DOE requests energy
use data to characterize the baseline
efficiency level.
5. Standby Energy Consumption Metric
As stated, LDCFs are no longer subject
to the minimum efficiency requirements
in terms of the CFM/W metric as
established in the January 2017 Final
Rule, (42 U.S.C. 6295(ff)(6)(C)(i)(I), as
codified) instead, LDCFs are subject to
standards in terms of the CFEI metric.
(42 U.S.C. 6295(ff)(6)(C)(i)(II), as
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codified) LDCFs are subject to two
separate standards: One at operation of
the fan at high speed and the other at
operation of the fan at 40 percent speed
or the nearest speed that is not less than
40 percent speed (‘‘40 percent speed’’).
Id. CFEI is calculated according to
ANSI/AMCA 208–18, which in turn
references ANSI/AMCA 230–15, the
industry test standard for circulating
fans (which is already incorporated by
reference as the test standard for testing
LDCFs in Appendix U). (42 U.S.C.
6295(ff)(6)(C)(ii), as codified)
The previously applicable CFM/W
metric incorporates active mode at
multiple speeds, standby mode, and off
mode into a single metric. Since CFEI
does not capture standby mode or off
mode, DOE may need to develop a
separate standby mode metric for
LDCFs. The test procedure for
measuring standby power consumption
is specified in Appendix U.
Issue 18: As discussed in section B.1
of this RFI, the 2017 CF ECS Final Rule
assumed 7 watts for standby operation
of LDCFs. DOE requests data on standby
power consumption for LDCFs. DOE
further requests comment on any
technology options that increase or
decrease standby energy consumption.
Finally, DOE requests comment on any
impacts a standby energy consumption
standard might have on operation and
function of a LDCF.
D. Economic Justification
In determining whether a proposed
energy conservation standard is
economically justified, DOE analyzes,
among other things, the potential
economic impact on consumers,
manufacturers, and the Nation. As
discussed in more detail below, DOE is
interested in whether there are
economic barriers to the adoption of
more-stringent energy conservation
standards and if there are any other
aspects of its economic justification
analysis from the January 2017 Final
Rule that may indicate whether a more-
stringent energy conservation standard
would be economically justified or cost
effective.
1. Cost Analysis
For the January 2017 Final Rule, DOE
used a combination of physical and
catalog teardowns for the cost
assessment to build ‘‘bottom up’’
manufacturing cost assessments of
different models of ceiling fans. 82 FR
6826, 6841–6842; see chapter 5 of the
2017 CF ECS TSD. DOE initially
identified a representative sample of
baseline efficiency models and more
efficient models that incorporate design
options DOE was considering. DOE then
utilized physical and catalog teardowns
to generate a bill of materials for the
baseline efficiency models. DOE relied
on technology pairs, where a similarly
constructed ceiling fan incorporates a
new technology option that allows it to
achieve greater efficiency, to evaluate
the cost increase associated with
technology options that increase
efficiency. See section 5.2 of the 2017
CF ECS TSD.
DOE is aware that features are
available for ceiling fans that may not
have been as widely available at the
time of the last energy conservation
standards analysis. One such example
could be the increased prevalence of
‘‘smart’’ ceiling fans that have wireless
connectivity. These fans may have new
components that impact the overall cost
of the fan.
Issue 19: DOE requests comment on
whether there have been substantial
changes in the ceiling fan market that
would impact the results of the cost
analysis. Specifically, DOE is interested
in whether and how the costs estimated
for design options in the January 2017
Final Rule have changed since the time
of that analysis due to the increased use
of components such as remotes and
sensors for smart phone connection.
2. Markups Analysis
DOE derives consumer prices by
applying markups to the MSP. In
deriving markups, DOE determines the
major distribution channels for product
sales, the markup associated with each
party in each distribution channel, and
the existence and magnitude of
differences between markups for
baseline products (‘‘baseline markups’’)
and higher-efficiency products
(‘‘incremental markups’’). The identified
distribution channels (i.e., how the
products are distributed from the
manufacturer to the consumer), and
estimated relative sales volumes
through each channel are used in
generating end-user price inputs for the
life-cycle cost (‘‘LCC’’) and payback
period (‘‘PBP’’) analyses and the
national impact analysis.
In the January 2017 Final Rule, DOE
considered two major categories of
ceiling fans to derive their distribution
channels. The first category,
corresponding mainly to the residential
sector, was comprised of standard,
hugger and VSD ceiling fans. The other
category included LDCFs and HSSD
ceilings fans, which are typically
installed in commercial and industrial
applications. For standard, hugger and
VSD ceiling fans, DOE identified four
distribution channels and estimated
their market shares for 2019 based on
manufacturer interviews, as shown in
Table II.6. For the commercial and
industrial sectors, DOE considered a
distribution channel in which the
consumer receives the product from the
manufacturer through an external
dealer/conventional dealer or an inhouse manufacturer dealer.7 82 FR
6826, 6845. Furthermore, a review of the
market indicates that consumers are
increasingly purchasing ceiling fans
through online channels, which DOE
did not explicitly consider in the
January 2017 Final Rule. DOE is
therefore interested in the magnitude
and impact of online sales to the ceiling
fans markups analysis.
TABLE II.6—DISTRIBUTION CHANNELS FOR STANDARD, HUGGER AND VSD CEILING FANS
Market
share in
2019
(%)
Distribution channel
Manufacturer → Home Improvement Center → Consumer ...............................................................................................................
Manufacturer/Home Improvement Center (in-store label) → Consumer ............................................................................................
Manufacturer → Wholesaler → Contractor → Consumer ...................................................................................................................
Manufacturer → Showroom → Consumer ..........................................................................................................................................
7 For both cases, DOE assumed the same markup
for in-house dealers and external dealers.
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Issue 20: DOE requests feedback on
whether the distribution channels and
underlying assumptions used in the
January 2017 Final Rule are still
applicable, as well as data to update its
markups analysis for ceiling fans.
Issue 21: DOE requests data and
feedback on the magnitude and impact
of online sales to the ceiling fans
distribution channels. DOE also seeks
input on whether the markups for
online sales are significantly different
from ceiling fans sold through
conventional distribution channels.
3. Life-Cycle Cost and Payback Period
Analysis
DOE conducts the LCC and PBP
analysis to evaluate the economic effects
of potential energy conservation
standards for ceiling fans on individual
consumers. For any given efficiency
level, DOE measures the PBP and the
change in LCC relative to an estimated
baseline level. The LCC is the total
consumer expense over the life of the
equipment, consisting of purchase,
installation, and operating costs
(expenses for energy use, maintenance,
and repair). Inputs to the calculation of
total installed cost include the cost of
the equipment—which includes MSPs,
distribution channel markups, and sales
taxes—and installation costs. Inputs to
the calculation of operating expenses
include annual energy consumption,
energy prices and price projections,
repair and maintenance costs,
equipment lifetimes, discount rates, and
the year that compliance with new and
amended standards is required.
a. DC Motor Market Share and
Efficiency Trends
DOE measures savings of potential
standards relative to a ‘‘no-newstandards’’ case that reflects conditions
without new and/or amended standards
and uses current efficiency market
shares to characterize the ‘‘no-newstandards’’ case product efficiency
distribution. By accounting for
consumers who already purchase more
efficient ceiling fans, DOE avoids
overstating the potential benefits from
potential standards. Online ceiling fan
data collection performed in support of
the January 2017 Final Rule suggested
that approximately 10 percent of
standard and hugger ceiling fan models
listed online in 2015 had DC motors.
More recent data collection shows that
approximately 14 percent of standard
and hugger ceiling fan models listed
online have DC motors, suggesting a
trend toward DC motors. Since DC
motors are generally more efficient than
AC motors, standard and hugger ceiling
fans with DC motors are expected to be
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more efficient than those with AC
motors.
Issue 22: DOE requests feedback and
data on the current market share of DC
motor ceiling fans for each product
class. DOE also requests feedback and
data that would help characterize any
shifts to higher efficiency technologies
for each ceiling fan product class.
b. Installation Costs
In the January 2017 Final Rule, DOE
assumed that installation costs were the
same regardless of efficiency level for a
given product class. 82 FR 6826, 6848.
DOE is not aware of any data that
suggest the cost of installation changes
as a function of efficiency for ceiling
fans. DOE therefore assumed that
installation costs are the same regardless
of efficiency level and do not impact the
LCC or PBP. As a result, DOE did not
include installation costs in the LCC
and PBP analysis.
Issue 23: DOE requests feedback and
data on whether any market or
technology changes since the January
2017 Final Rule would indicate that
installation costs vary by efficiency
level. More specifically, DOE is
interested in if and how installation
costs are affected by ceiling fans with
the specific technology options listed in
Table II.2 and Table II.3 of this
document.
c. Repair and Maintenance Costs
In the January 2017 Final Rule, DOE
assumed that maintenance costs are the
same for any given product class,
regardless of efficiency level and
therefore do not impact the LCC or PBP
analyses. DOE included a purchaser
repair cost for 6.5 percent of ceiling fans
with brushless DC motors (primarily
due to their electronic components)
based on an estimate from a ceiling fan
technical expert, and no repair cost for
AC motor fans. 82 FR 6826, 6850. This
6.5 percent repair rate is incremental
over the assumed repair rate of ceiling
fans with AC motors. The repair cost
was $1,000 for LDCFs and $150 for all
other product classes. All repair costs
were assessed at half of the product
lifetime.
Issue 24: DOE requests information
and data on the frequency of repair and
repair costs by product class for the
technology options listed in Table II.2
and Table II.3 of this document. DOE
particularly requests information and
data to inform the assumption from the
January 2017 Final Rule that ceiling fans
with DC motors require repair at a
higher frequency than ceiling fans with
AC motors. While DOE is interested in
information regarding each of the listed
technology options, DOE is also
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24545
interested in whether consumers simply
replace the products when they fail as
opposed to repairing them.
d. Lifetimes
In the January 2017 Final Rule, DOE
used historical shipments data and age
distributions from installed stock data of
standard and hugger ceiling fans to
model ceiling fan lifetimes using a
Weibull function having a mean of 13.8
years for all product classes. 82 FR
6826, 6851.
Issue 25: DOE requests feedback and
data on the expected lifetimes of ceiling
fans. In particular, DOE is interested in
data that indicate if and how lifetimes
differ by product class, as well as data
on the expected lifetimes of VSD, HSSD,
and large-diameter ceiling fans.
4. Net Present Value
To develop the national NPV from
potential standards, DOE calculates
annual energy expenditures and annual
equipment expenditures for the no-newstandards case and the standards case.
The discounted difference between
energy bill savings and increased
equipment expenditures in each year is
the NPV.
For the January 2017 Final Rule, DOE
applied a price decline trend for ceiling
fans with brushless DC motors. Given
the absence of historical price data and
cumulative shipments for brushless DC
motors, DOE assumed that it is the
circuitry and electronic controls
associated with brushless DC motors
that would be affected by price trends
driven by the larger electronics
industry. As a result, DOE adopted an
annual price decline rate of 6 percent
applied to the incremental cost
associated with a brushless DC motor
(i.e., the cost difference between the
ceiling fan with a brushless DC motor
and the ceiling fan at the lower
efficiency level). 82 FR 6826, 6854.
Issue 26: DOE requests feedback and
any relevant data that could inform its
price trend methodology for ceiling
fans. Specifically, DOE is interested in
data indicating how the price of ceiling
fans with DC motors has changed since
the January 2017 Final Rule.
III. Submission of Comments
DOE invites all interested parties to
submit in writing by the date under the
DATES heading, comments and
information on matters addressed in this
notification and on other matters
relevant to DOE’s early assessment of
whether more-stringent energy
conservation standards are not
warranted for ceiling fans.
Submitting comments via https://
www.regulations.gov. The https://
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www.regulations.gov web page requires
you to provide your name and contact
information. Your contact information
will be viewable to DOE Building
Technologies staff only. Your contact
information will not be publicly
viewable except for your first and last
names, organization name (if any), and
submitter representative name (if any).
If your comment is not processed
properly because of technical
difficulties, DOE will use this
information to contact you. If DOE
cannot read your comment due to
technical difficulties and cannot contact
you for clarification, DOE may not be
able to consider your comment.
However, your contact information
will be publicly viewable if you include
it in the comment or in any documents
attached to your comment. Any
information that you do not want to be
publicly viewable should not be
included in your comment, nor in any
document attached to your comment. If
this instruction is followed, persons
viewing comments will see only first
and last names, organization names,
correspondence containing comments,
and any documents submitted with the
comments.
Do not submit to https://
www.regulations.gov information for
which disclosure is restricted by statute,
such as trade secrets and commercial or
financial information (hereinafter
referred to as Confidential Business
Information (CBI)). Comments
submitted through https://
www.regulations.gov cannot be claimed
as CBI. Comments received through the
website will waive any CBI claims for
the information submitted. For
information on submitting CBI, see the
Confidential Business Information
section.
DOE processes submissions made
through https://www.regulations.gov
before posting. Normally, comments
will be posted within a few days of
being submitted. However, if large
volumes of comments are being
processed simultaneously, your
comment may not be viewable for up to
several weeks. Please keep the comment
tracking number that https://
www.regulations.gov provides after you
have successfully uploaded your
comment.
Submitting comments via email.
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
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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.
Pursuant 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 well-marked
copies: One copy of the document
marked ‘‘confidential’’ including all the
information believed to be confidential,
and one copy of the document marked
‘‘non-confidential’’ with the information
believed to be confidential deleted. DOE
will make its own determination about
the confidential status of the
information and treat it according to its
determination.
It is DOE’s policy that all comments
may be included in the public docket,
without change and as received,
including any personal information
provided in the comments (except
information deemed to be exempt from
public disclosure).
DOE considers public participation to
be a very important part of the process
for developing test procedures and
energy conservation standards. DOE
actively encourages the participation
and interaction of the public during the
comment period in each stage of this
process. Interactions with and between
members of the public provide a
balanced discussion of the issues and
assist DOE in the process. Anyone who
wishes to be added to the DOE mailing
list to receive future notices and
information about this process should
contact Appliance and Equipment
Standards Program staff at (202) 287–
PO 00000
Frm 00034
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1445 or via email at Appliance
StandardsQuestions@ee.doe.gov.
Signing Authority
This document of the Department of
Energy was signed on May 2, 2021, by
Kelly Speakes-Backman, Principal
Deputy Assistant Secretary and Acting
Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency
and Renewable Energy, pursuant to
delegated authority from the Secretary
of Energy. That document with the
original signature and date is
maintained by DOE. For administrative
purposes only, and in compliance with
requirements of the Office of the Federal
Register, the undersigned DOE Federal
Register Liaison Officer has been
authorized to sign and submit the
document in electronic format for
publication, as an official document of
the Department of Energy. This
administrative process in no way alters
the legal effect of this document upon
publication in the Federal Register.
Signed in Washington, DC, on May 4, 2021.
Treena V. Garrett,
Federal Register Liaison Officer, U.S.
Department of Energy.
[FR Doc. 2021–09703 Filed 5–6–21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6450–01–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2021–0156; Project
Identifier AD–2020–01594–T]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Gulfstream
Aerospace Corporation Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
The FAA proposes to adopt a
new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain Gulfstream Aerospace
Corporation (Gulfstream) Model GVII–
G500 airplanes. This proposed AD
results from flap yoke fittings with
design features that cause decreased
fatigue life. This proposed AD would
require replacing the flap inboard and
outboard yoke fitting assemblies and
establishing a 20,000 flight cycle life
limit for the fittings. The FAA is
proposing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products.
DATES: The FAA must receive comments
on this proposed AD by June 21, 2021.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments,
using the procedures found in 14 CFR
SUMMARY:
E:\FR\FM\07MYP1.SGM
07MYP1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 87 (Friday, May 7, 2021)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 24538-24546]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-09703]
[[Page 24538]]
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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
10 CFR Part 430
[EERE-2021-BT-STD-0011]
RIN 1904-AE99
Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for
Consumer Products; Early Assessment Review; Ceiling Fans
AGENCY: Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Department of
Energy.
ACTION: Request for information.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The U.S. Department of Energy (``DOE'') is undertaking an
early assessment review for amended energy conservation standards for
ceiling fans to determine whether to amend applicable energy
conservation standards for this product. Specifically, through this
request for information (``RFI''), DOE seeks data and information to
evaluate whether amended energy conservation standards would result in
significant savings of energy; be technologically feasible; and be
economically justified. DOE welcomes written comments from the public
on any subject within the scope of this document (including those
topics not specifically raised in this RFI), as well as the submission
of data and other relevant information concerning this early assessment
review.
DATES: Written comments and information are requested and will be
accepted on or before June 7, 2021.
ADDRESSES: Interested persons are encouraged to submit comments using
the Federal eRulemaking Portal at https://www.regulations.gov. Follow
the instructions for submitting comments. Alternatively, interested
persons may submit comments, by email to the following address:
[email protected]. Include ``Ceiling Fans Early
Assessment Energy Conservation Standard RFI'' and docket number EERE-
2021-BT-STD-0011 and/or RIN number 1904-AE99 in the subject line of the
message. Submit electronic comments in WordPerfect, Microsoft Word,
PDF, or ASCII file format, and avoid the use of special character or
any form of encryption.
Although DOE has routinely accepted public comment submissions
through a variety of mechanisms, including postal mail and hand
delivery/courier, the Department has found it necessary to make
temporary modifications to the comment submission process in light of
the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. DOE is currently accepting only
electronic submissions at this time. If a commenter finds that this
change poses an undue hardship, please contact Appliance Standards
Program staff at (202) 586-1445 to discuss the need for alternative
arrangements. Once the Covid-19 pandemic health emergency is resolved,
DOE anticipates resuming all of its regular options for public comment
submission, including postal mail and hand delivery/courier.
No telefacsimilies (faxes) will be accepted. For detailed
instructions on submitting comments and additional information on this
process, see section III of this document.
Docket: The docket for this activity, which includes Federal
Register notices, comments, and other supporting documents/materials,
is available for review at https://www.regulations.gov. All documents in
the docket are listed in the https://www.regulations.gov index. However,
some documents listed in the index, such as those containing
information that is exempt from public disclosure, may not be publicly
available.
The docket web page can be found at: https://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=EERE-2021-BT-STD-0011. The docket web page contains
instructions on how to access all documents, including public comments,
in the docket. See section III for information on how to submit
comments through https://www.regulations.gov.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Mr. Jeremy Dommu, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy
Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Building Technologies Office, EE-5B,
1000 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20585-0121. Telephone:
(202) 586-9870. Email: [email protected].
Ms. Amelia Whiting, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of the
General Counsel, GC-33, 1000 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC
20585-0121. Telephone: (202) 586-2588. Email:
[email protected].
For further information on how to submit a comment or review other
public comments and the docket, contact the Appliance and Equipment
Standards Program staff at (202) 287-1445 or by email:
[email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Table of Contents
I. Introduction
A. Authority
B. Rulemaking History
II. Request for Information
A. Scope
B. Significant Savings of Energy
1. Energy Use Analysis
2. Shipments
C. Technological Feasibility
1. Technology Options
2. Screening of Technology Options
3. Representative Ceiling Fan Blade Span
4. Baseline Efficiency Levels
5. Standby Energy Consumption Metric
D. Economic Justification
1. Cost Analysis
2. Markups Analysis
3. Life-Cycle Cost and Payback Period Analysis
4. Net Present Value
III. Submission of Comments
I. Introduction
DOE has established an early assessment review process to conduct a
more focused analysis to evaluate, based on statutory criteria, whether
a new or amended energy conservation standard is warranted. Based on
the information received in response to the RFI and DOE's own analysis,
DOE will determine whether to proceed with a rulemaking for a new or
amended energy conservation standard. If DOE makes an initial
determination that a new or amended energy conservation standard would
satisfy the applicable statutory criteria or DOE's analysis is
inconclusive, DOE would undertake the preliminary stages of a
rulemaking to issue a new or amended energy conservation standard. If
DOE makes an initial determination based upon available evidence that a
new or amended energy conservation standard would not meet the
applicable statutory criteria, DOE would engage in notice and comment
rulemaking before issuing a final determination that new or amended
energy conservation standards are not warranted.
A. Authority
The Energy Policy and Conservation Act, as amended (``EPCA''),\1\
among other things, authorizes DOE to regulate the energy efficiency of
a number of consumer products and certain industrial equipment. (42
U.S.C. 6291-6317) Title III, Part B \2\ of EPCA established the Energy
Conservation Program for Consumer Products Other Than Automobiles.
These products include ceiling fans, the subject of this document. (42
U.S.C. 6291(49); 42 U.S.C. 6293(b)(16)(A)(i) and (B); and 42 U.S.C.
6295(ff))
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\1\ All references to EPCA in this document refer to the statute
as amended through the Energy Act of 2020, Public Law 116-260 (Dec.
27, 2020).
\2\ For editorial reasons, upon codification in the U.S. Code,
Part B was redesignated Part A.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Under EPCA, DOE's energy conservation program consists essentially
of four parts: (1) Testing, (2) labeling, (3) Federal energy
conservation standards, and (4) certification and
[[Page 24539]]
enforcement procedures. Relevant provisions of EPCA include definitions
(42 U.S.C. 6291), test procedures (42 U.S.C. 6293), labeling provisions
(42 U.S.C. 6294), energy conservation standards (42 U.S.C. 6295), and
the authority to require information and reports from manufacturers (42
U.S.C. 6296).
Federal energy efficiency requirements for covered products
established under EPCA generally supersede State laws and regulations
concerning energy conservation testing, labeling, and standards. (42
U.S.C. 6297(a)-(c)) DOE may, however, grant waivers of Federal
preemption in limited instances for particular State laws or
regulations, in accordance with the procedures and other provisions set
forth under 42 U.S.C. 6297(d).
DOE must follow specific statutory criteria for prescribing new or
amended standards for covered products. EPCA requires that any new or
amended energy conservation standard prescribed by the Secretary of
Energy (``Secretary'') be designed to achieve the maximum improvement
in energy or water efficiency that is technologically feasible and
economically justified. (42 U.S.C. 6295(o)(2)(A)) The Secretary may not
prescribe an amended or new standard that will not result in
significant conservation of energy, or is not technologically feasible
or economically justified. (42 U.S.C. 6295(o)(3))
EPCA also requires that, not later than 6 years after the issuance
of any final rule establishing or amending a standard, DOE evaluate the
energy conservation standards for each type of covered product,
including those at issue here, and publish either a notification of
determination that the standards do not need to be amended, or a NOPR
that includes new proposed energy conservation standards (proceeding to
a final rule, as appropriate). (42 U.S.C. 6295(m)(1)) DOE is publishing
this RFI in accordance with the 6-year lookback requirement.
B. Rulemaking History
In a final rule published on October 18, 2005, DOE codified design
standards prescribed by EPCA for ceiling fans. 70 FR 60407, 60413.
These standards are set forth in DOE's regulations at title 10 of the
Code of Federal Regulations (``CFR'') section 430.32(s), and require
all ceiling fans manufactured on or after January 1, 2007, to have (1)
fan speed controls separate from any lighting controls; (2) adjustable
speed controls (either more than one speed or variable speed); and (3)
the capability for reverse action (other than fans sold for industrial
or outdoor application or where safety would be an issue)). (42 U.S.C.
6295(ff)(1)(A))
In a final rule published January 19, 2017, DOE established energy
conservation standards for ceiling fans, which are expressed as the
minimum allowable efficiency in terms of cubic feet per minute per watt
(``CFM/W''), as a function of ceiling fan diameter in inches. These
standards were to apply to all covered ceiling manufactured in, or
imported into, the United States on and after January 21, 2020. 82 FR
6826, 6827 (``January 2017 Final Rule'').
The Energy Act of 2020 (Pub. L. 116-260), which was signed into law
on December 27, 2020, amended performance standards for large-diameter
ceiling fans.\3\ (42 U.S.C. 6295(ff)(6)(C)(i), as codified) Pursuant to
the Energy Act of 2020, large-diameter ceiling fans are subject to
standards in terms of the Ceiling Fan Efficiency Index (``CFEI'')
metric, with one standard based on operation of the fan at high speed
and a second standard based on operation of the fan at 40 percent speed
or the nearest speed that is not less than 40 percent speed. (42 U.S.C.
6295(ff)(6)(C)(i), as codified)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\3\ A large-diameter ceiling fan is a ceiling fan that is
greater than seven feet in diameter. 10 CFR part 430 subpart B
appendix U section 1.14.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
The current energy conservation standards are located in 10 CFR
430.32(s). The currently applicable DOE test procedures for ceiling
fans appear at 10 CFR part 430, subpart B, appendix U, Uniform Test
Method for Measuring the Energy Consumption of Ceiling Fans (``Appendix
U''). Sampling and certification requirements for ceiling fans are set
forth at 10 CFR 429.32.
II. Request for Information
DOE is publishing this RFI to collect data and information during
the early assessment review to inform its decision, consistent with its
obligations under EPCA, as to whether the Department should proceed
with an energy conservation standards rulemaking. Below DOE has
identified certain topics for which information and data are requested
to assist in the evaluation of the potential for amended energy
conservation standards. DOE also welcomes comments on other issues
relevant to its early assessment that may not specifically be
identified in this document.
A. Scope
EPCA defines a ``ceiling fan'' as ``a nonportable device that is
suspended from a ceiling for circulating air via the rotation of fan
blades.'' (42 U.S.C. 6291(49)) DOE has established seven product
classes for ceiling fans: Highly decorative, belt-driven, very small-
diameter, hugger, standard, high-speed small-diameter, and large-
diameter fans. 82 FR 6826, 6836 Belt-driven and highly decorative
ceiling fans are not presently subject to performance standards. 10 CFR
430.32(s)(2)(ii)(C) and (E). DOE also has not established performance
standards for centrifugal ceiling fans, oscillating ceiling fans, or
ceiling fans whose blades' plane of rotation cannot be within 45
degrees of horizontal fans. 10 CFR 430.32(s)(2)(ii)(A), (B), and (D).
The five product classes subject to performance standards are
delineated by fan diameter, blade thickness, and blade-to-ceiling
distance. Those product classes are: High-speed small-diameter
(``HSSD''), hugger, large-diameter (``LDCF''), standard, and very-
small-diameter (``VSD'') as defined in 10 CFR part 430, subpart B,
appendix U.
Issue 1: DOE requests comment and data that would allow DOE to
evaluate whether energy conservation standards would be technically
feasible and economically justified for belt-driven ceiling fans.
Specifically, DOE requests comment on the number of models of belt-
driven ceiling fans available, the number of shipments, and the
technology options that might be incorporated to improve energy
efficiency.
Issue 2: DOE seeks information regarding any other new product
classes it should consider for inclusion in its analysis. DOE also
requests relevant data detailing the corresponding impacts on energy
use that would justify separate product classes (i.e., explanation for
why the presence of these performance-related features would increase
or decrease energy consumption).
B. Significant Savings of Energy
In the January 2017 Final Rule, DOE established an energy
conservation standard for ceiling fans that is expected to result in
2.01 quadrillion British thermal units (``quads'') of full fuel cycle
(FFC) energy savings over a 30-year period. 82 FR 6826, 6828.
Additionally, in the January 2017 Final Rule, DOE estimated that an
energy conservation standard established at an energy use level
equivalent to that achieved using the maximum available technology
(``max-tech'') relative to the selected energy use level would have
[[Page 24540]]
resulted in 1.73 additional quads of FFC energy savings.\4\ 82 FR 6826,
6874.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\4\ DOE determined this amount by subtracting the FFC energy
from TSL 5 (max-tech) from the FFC energy from TSL 4 (current
standard); 3.74-2.01 = 1.73 quads.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
While DOE's request for information is not limited to the following
issues, DOE is particularly interested in comment, information, and
data on the following topics to inform whether potential amended energy
conservation standards would result in a significant savings of energy.
1. Energy Use Analysis
As part of the rulemaking process, DOE conducts an energy use
analysis to identify how products are used by consumers, and thereby
determine the energy savings potential of energy efficiency
improvements. DOE bases the energy consumption of ceiling fans on their
rated power usage as determined by the DOE test procedure and as
provided from the engineering analysis. The energy use analysis is
meant to represent typical energy consumption in the field.
For the January 2017 Final Rule, DOE combined the ceiling fan power
ratings from the engineering analysis with estimates of the
distribution of annual operating hours in field operating conditions.
DOE assumed that all standard, hugger, and VSD ceiling fans with
brushless direct current (``DC'') motors and 7 percent of those fans
with alternating current (``AC'') motors (which were estimated to have
a remote control) have standby power consumption. For such ceiling
fans, DOE assumed a power usage of 0.7 watts and that all hours of the
year not in active mode were in standby mode. 82 FR 6826, 6846.
For HSSD and large-diameter ceiling fans, DOE assumed 12 hours per
day, on average, of active mode operation. DOE assumed that HSSD
ceiling fans spend approximately 10 percent of the time at high and 10
percent at low speeds, with the remaining 80 percent of the time spent
at medium speed. 82 FR 6826, 6847. For LDCFs, DOE assumed an equal
proportion of time spent at each of the speeds tested according to the
DOE test procedure for ceiling fans. 81 FR 48619, 48632-48633. As with
standard, hugger, and VSD ceiling fans, DOE estimated hours of
operation in standby mode for HSSD and LDCFs as the number of hours not
spent in active mode. DOE assumed HSSD ceiling fans with DC motors had
standby power consumption of 0.7 watts. For LDCFs, DOE assumed a
standby power consumption of 7 watts, regardless of motor type. 82 FR
6826, 6847. For details on the energy use analysis, see chapter 7 of
the January 2017 Final Rule Technical Support Document (``2017 CF ECS
TSD'').\5\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\5\ The 2017 CF ECS TSD can be found here: https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=EERE-2012-BT-STD-0045-0149.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Issue 3: DOE requests comment and data on the assumptions used in
the January 2017 Final Rule regarding the daily operating hours and the
proportion of time spent at each speed setting for ceiling fans,
specifically HSSD and LDCFs.
Issue 4: DOE requests data and feedback on the fraction of
standard, hugger, and VSD ceiling fans with remote controls, and
therefore standby power consumption.
Issue 5: DOE requests comment on whether any of the smart
technologies available on the market would impact the efficiency of
ceiling fans as measured by DOE's test procedure at 10 CFR part 430,
subpart B, appendix U. Specifically, DOE seeks comment on whether smart
technologies improve the efficiency of ceiling fans or impact the
number of operating hours in each mode. DOE additionally requests data
regarding the comparative energy use of fans with and without smart
technology.
2. Shipments
DOE develops shipments forecasts of ceiling fans to calculate the
national impacts of potential amended energy conservation standards on
energy consumption, net present value (``NPV''), and future
manufacturer cash flows. DOE shipments projections are based on
available historical data broken out by product class and efficiency.
Current sales estimates allow for a more accurate model that captures
recent trends in the market.
For the January 2017 Final Rule, DOE relied on various sources for
estimating historical shipments data for ceiling fans. For standard,
hugger, and VSD ceiling fans, DOE used data from Appliance magazine's
Statistical Review from 1991-2006, data from ENERGY STAR Annual Reports
from 2003-2013, and data purchased from NPD Research group from 2007-
2011. DOE disaggregated shipments between standard, hugger, and VSD
product classes based on the relative fraction of model counts found
online and in-store and feedback from manufacturers. DOE was unable to
find historical shipments data for HSSD and LDCFs; therefore, DOE
primarily relied on manufacturer feedback and available model counts
online to estimate shipments. 82 FR 6826, 6853. For details on the
shipments methodology used in the previous rulemaking, see chapter 9 of
the 2017 CF ECS TSD. Table II.1 shows estimated annual shipments by
product class from 2016 to 2020.
Table II.1--Annual Shipments for Ceiling Fans
[Thousand units]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Year Standard Hugger VSD HSSD LDCF
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2016............................ 9,718 9,216 76 540 11
2017............................ 10,015 9,499 78 554 12
2018............................ 10,232 9,704 80 564 14
2019............................ 10,296 9,765 81 571 15
2020............................ 10,258 9,729 82 542 15
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Issue 6: DOE requests historical ceiling fan shipments data for
each product class listed in section II.A and seeks feedback on how the
annual shipments estimates shown in Table II.1 compare to the actual
shipments in those years. If disaggregated shipments data are not
available at the product class level, DOE requests shipments data at
any broader available category (e.g., residential vs. commercial and
industrial sectors).
C. Technological Feasibility
During the January 2017 Final Rule, DOE considered a number of
technologies for reducing ceiling fan energy consumption. 82 FR 6826,
6837-6838. DOE is interested in understanding any technology
[[Page 24541]]
improvements relative to ceiling fans since the previous energy
standards rulemaking. Additionally, DOE is interested in any changes to
the technologies it evaluated in preparation for the January 2017 Final
Rule that may affect whether DOE could propose a ``no-new-standards''
determination, such as an insignificant increase in the range of
efficiencies and performance characteristics of these technology
options. DOE also seeks comment on whether there are any other
technology options that DOE should consider in its analysis.
While DOE's request for information is not limited to the following
issues, DOE is particularly interested in comment, information, and
data on the following.
1. Technology Options
In analyzing the feasibility of potential new or amended energy
conservation standards, DOE uses information about existing and past
technology options and prototype designs to help identify technologies
that manufacturers could use to meet and/or exceed a given set of
energy conservation standards under consideration. A complete list of
the options considered in the January 2017 Final Rule appears in Table
II.2. Table II.3 lists additional technology options that DOE may
consider in a future ceiling fan energy conservation standards
rulemaking that were not considered in the January 2017 Final Rule.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\6\ NEMA Premium Motors Information Page: https://www.nema.org/Policy/Energy/Efficiency/Pages/NEMA-Premium-Motors.aspx.
Table II.2--Technology Options for Ceiling Fans Considered in the
Development of the January 2017 Final Rule
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Technology option Description
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fan optimization.................. This represents increasing the
efficiency of a fan by adjusting
existing fan design features. These
adjustments could include changing
blade pitch, fine-tuning motor RPM,
and/or changing internal motor
characteristics.
More Efficient Motors:
Larger direct drive single- This represents increasing the mass
phase induction motors. and/or choosing steel with better
energy efficiency characteristics
for the stator and rotor stack,
improving the lamination design,
increasing the cross section and/or
length of the copper wiring inside
the motor.
Three-phase induction motors.. Three-phase induction motors have
lower thermal energy losses than
typical single-phase motors
typically found in residential line-
power applications. They also have
a more even torque on the rotor
resulting in a more efficient
rotation and less motor ``hum.'' In
residential applications, an
electronic drive would be necessary
to convert single-phase power into
three-phase.
Brushless DC Motor............ In residential applications,
brushless DC motors typically
consist of a permanent magnet
synchronous AC motor that is driven
by a multi-pole electronic drive
system. Similar to DC motors,
brushless DC motors typically
achieve better efficiency that
standard AC motors because they
have no rotor energy losses.
Geared Brushless DC motor in Fans with brushless DC geared motors
LDCFs. have fan blades attached to the
motor via a geared mechanism.
Gearless Brushless DC motor in A brushless DC motor drives the fan
LDCFs. blades directly without the use of
a geared mechanism, avoiding drive
efficiency losses associated with
the gearbox.
Premium AC motor in LDCFs..... Premium AC motors are NEMA
Premium[supreg] motors that are
highly energy efficient electric
motors. A motor can be marketed as
a NEMA Premium motor if it meets or
exceeds a set of minimum full-load
efficiency levels.\6\ Such NEMA
motors are available in integral
horsepower capacities (i.e., 1
hp+).
More Efficient Blades:
Curved Blades................. Curved blades are blades for which
the centerline of the blade cross
section is cambered. Curved blades
generally have uniform thickness
and no significant internal volume.
Airfoil Blades................ Airfoil blades use curved surfaces
to improve aerodynamics, but the
thickness is not uniform, and the
top and bottom surfaces do not
follow the same path from leading
edge to trailing edge. Airfoil
blades typically do not operate as
efficiently in reverse, potentially
impacting consumer utility on
models where reverse flow was an
option.
Twisted Blades................ Twisted blades reduce aerodynamic
drag and improve efficiency by
decreasing the blade pitch or twist
from where the blade attaches to
the motor casing to the blade tip.
Blade attachments............. Blade attachments refer to upswept
blade tips or other components that
can be fastened to a fan blade to
potentially increase airflow or
reduce drag.
Beveled Blades................ Beveled blades are typically beveled
at the blade edges from the motor
casing to the blade tip. Beveled
fan blades are more aerodynamic
than traditional fan blades.
Alternative Blade Materials... Use of alternative materials could
enable more complex and efficient
blade shapes (plywood vs MDF vs
injection molded resin, for
example).
Ceiling Fan Control Sensors:
Occupancy Sensors............. Occupancy sensors use technologies
that detect the presence of people
through movement, body heat, or
other means. Ceiling fans with an
occupancy sensor could power down
if they sense that a room is
unoccupied.
Wind and Temperature Sensors.. Wind and temperature sensors detect
temperature changes in the
surrounding space, or potential
wind speed reductions below certain
thresholds. Ceiling fans could
potentially adjust fan speed based
on the wind and temperature in the
space the ceiling fan is located
when coupled with these sensors.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 24542]]
Table II.3--Potential New Technology Options for Ceiling Fans
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Technology option Description
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Permanent Magnet DC Motor (Brushed Permanent magnets are located on the
DC Motors). motor stator with brushes
contacting a commutator on the
rotor. These are more efficient
than AC motors but require more
maintenance than AC motors since
the brushes wear out.
Self-Balancing Systems............ Some fans advertise a self-balancing
system that prevents wobbling of
the fan blades. The advertised
benefits include reduction in noise
and improvements in blade
aerodynamics. An improvement in
blade aerodynamics is generally
expected to reduce energy fan
consumption.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
While DOE's compliance certification database does not currently
have manufacturers report efficiency, DOE's market research, along with
public databases like the California Energy Commissions (``CEC'')
Modern Appliance Efficiency Database System and the Energy Star
Certified Ceiling Fans Database, indicate that many ceiling fans on the
market exceed DOE's maximum-technologically (``max-tech'') feasible
designs presented in the January 2017 Final Rule.
Issue 7: DOE seeks information on the technologies listed in Table
II.2 of this document regarding their applicability to the current
market and how these technologies may impact the efficiency of ceiling
fans as measured according to the DOE test procedure. DOE also seeks
information on how these technologies may have changed since they were
considered in the January 2017 Final Rule analysis. Specifically, DOE
seeks information on the range of efficiencies or performance
characteristics that are currently available for each technology option
as well as the impact of each on availability of ceiling fan features
or consumer utility.
Issue 8: DOE seeks information on the technologies listed in Table
II.3 of this document regarding their market adoption, costs, and any
concerns with incorporating them into products (e.g., impacts on
consumer utility, potential safety concerns, manufacturing/production/
implementation issues, etc.). Further, DOE seeks comment on other
technology options not listed in Table II.3 of this document that it
should consider for inclusion in its analysis and if these technologies
may impact product feature availability or consumer utility.
Issue 9: As DOE assesses the technologies listed in Table II.2 and
Table II.3 of this document for LDCFs, DOE seeks information about the
relationship between the CFM/W and the CFEI metric. Specifically, DOE
requests comment about whether the technologies that improve the
efficiency in terms of CFM/W also improve efficiency in terms of CFEI.
Further, DOE seeks airflow and power usage data at high speed and at 40
percent speed (or the nearest speed that is not less than 40 percent
speed) for LDCFs currently on the market.
Issue 10: DOE seeks feedback on what additional design options are
incorporated in the commercially available products that exceed DOE's
max-tech. Specifically, DOE requests comment on the fans present in the
CEC Modern Appliance Efficiency Database System and the Energy Star
Certified Ceiling Fans Database that exceed DOE's previous max-tech
efficiency levels and whether this increase is due to new technology
options that would represent a new max-tech model or a sacrifice of
consumer utility.
Issue 11: DOE requests feedback on whether, and if so how,
manufacturers would incorporate the technology options listed in Table
II.2 and Table II.3 of this document to increase energy efficiency in
ceiling fans beyond the baseline. This includes information on the
order in which manufacturers would incorporate the different
technologies to incrementally improve the efficiencies of products from
the baseline through the max-tech designs (and beyond max-tech designs
where possible). As part of this request, DOE seeks information as to
whether there are limitations on the use of certain combinations of
design options. DOE also requests feedback on whether the increased
energy efficiency would lead to other design changes that would not
occur otherwise. DOE is also interested in information regarding any
potential impact of design options on a manufacturer's ability to
incorporate additional functions or attributes in response to consumer
demand.
Issue 12: DOE requests comment on whether certain design options
may not be applicable to (or are incompatible with) specific product
classes.
2. Screening of Technology Options
The purpose of the screening analysis is to evaluate the
technologies that improve equipment efficiency to determine which
technologies will be eliminated from further consideration and which
will be passed to the engineering analysis for further consideration.
DOE determines whether to eliminate certain technology options from
further consideration based on technological feasibility;
practicability to manufacture, install, and service; adverse impacts on
product utility or product availability; adverse impacts on health or
safety; and unique-pathway proprietary technologies. 10 CFR part 430,
subpart C, appendix A, 6(c)(3) and 7(b).
Technology options identified in the technology assessment are
evaluated against these criteria using DOE analyses and inputs from
interested parties (e.g., manufacturers, trade organizations, and
energy efficiency advocates). Technologies that pass through the
screening analysis are referred to as ``design options'' in the
engineering analysis. Technology options that fail to meet one or more
of the five criteria are eliminated from consideration.
Table II.4 summarizes the technology options that DOE screened out
in the January 2017 Final Rule, and the applicable screening criteria.
Most technologies were eliminated because of significant adverse
impacts on the utility of the equipment to a considerable number of
consumer subgroups. 82 FR 6826, 6837-6839. Three-phase induction motors
were not considered as a design option for standard, hugger, VSD, and
HSSD fans, primarily because three-phase power is extremely uncommon in
residential applications. Large direct-drive single-phase induction
motors were screened out for HSSD and LDCF because HSSD manufacturers
indicated that HSSD ceiling fans already use the most efficient size of
AC induction motors, while LDCF manufacturers stated that increasing
the size of the motor in a LDCF will not improve energy efficiency. See
chapter 4 of the 2017 CF ECS TSD.
[[Page 24543]]
Table II.4--Previously Screened Out Technology Options From the January 2017 Final Rule *
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Screening criteria (X = Basis for screening out)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Practicability to Adverse
Technological manufacture, Adverse impact impacts on Unique- pathway
Screened technology option feasibility install, and on product health and proprietary
service utility safety technologies
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Three-phase induction motors (Standard, hugger, and HSSD ceiling X ................. ............... .............. ...............
fans)............................................................
Beveled blades.................................................... ............... ................. X .............. ...............
Twisted blades.................................................... ............... ................. X .............. ...............
Blade attachments................................................. ............... ................. X .............. ...............
Alternative blade materials....................................... ............... ................. X .............. ...............
Occupancy, wind, and temperature sensors.......................... ............... ................. X .............. ...............
Single-phase direct-drive induction motors (Large diameter ceiling X ................. ............... .............. ...............
fans)............................................................
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Affected equipment classes are listed in the parenthetical.
Issue 13: DOE requests feedback on what impact, if any, the five
screening criteria described in this section would have on each of the
technology options listed in Table II.2 and Table II.3 of this document
with respect to ceiling fans. Similarly, DOE seeks information
regarding how these same criteria would affect any other technology
options not already identified in this document with respect to their
potential use in ceiling fans.
Issue 14: DOE requests comment on which technology options are
specific to air flow, as measured by the DOE test procedure. DOE is
interested in which technology options, if any, provide both consumer
comfort and improved energy efficiency. As such, DOE also requests data
on consumer buying patterns and whether or not consumers have specific
requests regarding blade shape and material, fan hub size and shape,
and other aspects of the design.
3. Representative Ceiling Fan Blade Span
Ceiling fans are sold with a range of diameters or blade spans. It
is impractical to conduct a detailed engineering analysis on every
possible blade span. As such, for the January 2017 Final Rule, DOE
identified representative sizes for each ceiling fan product class to
use as the basis for its engineering analysis. 82 FR 6826, 6852. The
representative unit sizes evaluated to support the January 2017 Final
Rule are presented in Table II.5.
Table II.5--Representative Ceiling Fan Diameters/Blade Spans Used in the
Development of the January 2017 Final Rule
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Representative
Product class unit sizes (blade
span)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
VSD.................................................. 13-inch
16-inch
Standard............................................. 44-inch
52-inch
60-inch
Hugger............................................... 44-inch
52-inch
HSSD................................................. 36-inch
56-inch
LDCF................................................. 8-foot
12-foot
20-foot
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Issue 15: DOE requests feedback on whether the representative blade
spans listed in Table II.5 of this document are representative for the
respective ceiling fan product classes. If the blade spans listed in
Table II.5 of this document are not representative for a given product
class, DOE seeks data and supporting information on what blade spans
are representative for each product class. Specifically, DOE is
interested in information about any units that would have a
significantly different cost-efficiency curve from the representative
units. For example, if certain technology options are not feasible for
a given blade span or would significantly increase costs for blade
spans above or below the representative units.
4. Baseline Efficiency Levels
For each established product class, DOE selects a baseline model as
a reference point against which any changes resulting from new or
amended energy conservation standards can be measured. The baseline
model in each product class represents the characteristics of common or
typical products in that class. Typically, a baseline model is one that
meets the current minimum energy conservation standards and provides
basic consumer utility. Consistent with this analytical approach, DOE
expects to consider the current minimum energy conservations standards
(which went into effect on January 1, 2020) to establish the baseline
efficiency levels for each product class. The current standards for
each product class are based on CFM/W for small-diameter fans and on
CFEI for LDCFs. The current standards for ceiling fans are found at 10
CFR 430.32(s).
Issue 16: DOE requests feedback on whether using the current
established energy conservation standards for ceiling fans are
appropriate baseline efficiency levels for DOE to apply to each product
class in evaluating whether to amend the current energy conservation
standards for these products. If the current energy conservation
efficiency levels are not appropriate for use as baseline efficiency
levels, DOE requests proposals for alternate baseline efficiency
levels, supported by appropriate market and technical data.
Issue 17: DOE requests feedback on the appropriate baseline
efficiency levels for any potential product classes that are not
currently in place or for any contemplated combined product classes, as
discussed in section II.A of this document. For potential new product
classes, DOE requests energy use data to characterize the baseline
efficiency level.
5. Standby Energy Consumption Metric
As stated, LDCFs are no longer subject to the minimum efficiency
requirements in terms of the CFM/W metric as established in the January
2017 Final Rule, (42 U.S.C. 6295(ff)(6)(C)(i)(I), as codified) instead,
LDCFs are subject to standards in terms of the CFEI metric. (42 U.S.C.
6295(ff)(6)(C)(i)(II), as
[[Page 24544]]
codified) LDCFs are subject to two separate standards: One at operation
of the fan at high speed and the other at operation of the fan at 40
percent speed or the nearest speed that is not less than 40 percent
speed (``40 percent speed''). Id. CFEI is calculated according to ANSI/
AMCA 208-18, which in turn references ANSI/AMCA 230-15, the industry
test standard for circulating fans (which is already incorporated by
reference as the test standard for testing LDCFs in Appendix U). (42
U.S.C. 6295(ff)(6)(C)(ii), as codified)
The previously applicable CFM/W metric incorporates active mode at
multiple speeds, standby mode, and off mode into a single metric. Since
CFEI does not capture standby mode or off mode, DOE may need to develop
a separate standby mode metric for LDCFs. The test procedure for
measuring standby power consumption is specified in Appendix U.
Issue 18: As discussed in section B.1 of this RFI, the 2017 CF ECS
Final Rule assumed 7 watts for standby operation of LDCFs. DOE requests
data on standby power consumption for LDCFs. DOE further requests
comment on any technology options that increase or decrease standby
energy consumption. Finally, DOE requests comment on any impacts a
standby energy consumption standard might have on operation and
function of a LDCF.
D. Economic Justification
In determining whether a proposed energy conservation standard is
economically justified, DOE analyzes, among other things, the potential
economic impact on consumers, manufacturers, and the Nation. As
discussed in more detail below, DOE is interested in whether there are
economic barriers to the adoption of more-stringent energy conservation
standards and if there are any other aspects of its economic
justification analysis from the January 2017 Final Rule that may
indicate whether a more-stringent energy conservation standard would be
economically justified or cost effective.
1. Cost Analysis
For the January 2017 Final Rule, DOE used a combination of physical
and catalog teardowns for the cost assessment to build ``bottom up''
manufacturing cost assessments of different models of ceiling fans. 82
FR 6826, 6841-6842; see chapter 5 of the 2017 CF ECS TSD. DOE initially
identified a representative sample of baseline efficiency models and
more efficient models that incorporate design options DOE was
considering. DOE then utilized physical and catalog teardowns to
generate a bill of materials for the baseline efficiency models. DOE
relied on technology pairs, where a similarly constructed ceiling fan
incorporates a new technology option that allows it to achieve greater
efficiency, to evaluate the cost increase associated with technology
options that increase efficiency. See section 5.2 of the 2017 CF ECS
TSD.
DOE is aware that features are available for ceiling fans that may
not have been as widely available at the time of the last energy
conservation standards analysis. One such example could be the
increased prevalence of ``smart'' ceiling fans that have wireless
connectivity. These fans may have new components that impact the
overall cost of the fan.
Issue 19: DOE requests comment on whether there have been
substantial changes in the ceiling fan market that would impact the
results of the cost analysis. Specifically, DOE is interested in
whether and how the costs estimated for design options in the January
2017 Final Rule have changed since the time of that analysis due to the
increased use of components such as remotes and sensors for smart phone
connection.
2. Markups Analysis
DOE derives consumer prices by applying markups to the MSP. In
deriving markups, DOE determines the major distribution channels for
product sales, the markup associated with each party in each
distribution channel, and the existence and magnitude of differences
between markups for baseline products (``baseline markups'') and
higher-efficiency products (``incremental markups''). The identified
distribution channels (i.e., how the products are distributed from the
manufacturer to the consumer), and estimated relative sales volumes
through each channel are used in generating end-user price inputs for
the life-cycle cost (``LCC'') and payback period (``PBP'') analyses and
the national impact analysis.
In the January 2017 Final Rule, DOE considered two major categories
of ceiling fans to derive their distribution channels. The first
category, corresponding mainly to the residential sector, was comprised
of standard, hugger and VSD ceiling fans. The other category included
LDCFs and HSSD ceilings fans, which are typically installed in
commercial and industrial applications. For standard, hugger and VSD
ceiling fans, DOE identified four distribution channels and estimated
their market shares for 2019 based on manufacturer interviews, as shown
in Table II.6. For the commercial and industrial sectors, DOE
considered a distribution channel in which the consumer receives the
product from the manufacturer through an external dealer/conventional
dealer or an in-house manufacturer dealer.\7\ 82 FR 6826, 6845.
Furthermore, a review of the market indicates that consumers are
increasingly purchasing ceiling fans through online channels, which DOE
did not explicitly consider in the January 2017 Final Rule. DOE is
therefore interested in the magnitude and impact of online sales to the
ceiling fans markups analysis.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\7\ For both cases, DOE assumed the same markup for in-house
dealers and external dealers.
Table II.6--Distribution Channels for Standard, Hugger and VSD Ceiling
Fans
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Market share
Distribution channel in 2019 (%)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Manufacturer [rarr] Home Improvement Center [rarr] 12.9
Consumer...............................................
Manufacturer/Home Improvement Center (in-store label) 61.6
[rarr] Consumer........................................
Manufacturer [rarr] Wholesaler [rarr] Contractor [rarr] 18.0
Consumer...............................................
Manufacturer [rarr] Showroom [rarr] Consumer............ 7.5
------------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 24545]]
Issue 20: DOE requests feedback on whether the distribution
channels and underlying assumptions used in the January 2017 Final Rule
are still applicable, as well as data to update its markups analysis
for ceiling fans.
Issue 21: DOE requests data and feedback on the magnitude and
impact of online sales to the ceiling fans distribution channels. DOE
also seeks input on whether the markups for online sales are
significantly different from ceiling fans sold through conventional
distribution channels.
3. Life-Cycle Cost and Payback Period Analysis
DOE conducts the LCC and PBP analysis to evaluate the economic
effects of potential energy conservation standards for ceiling fans on
individual consumers. For any given efficiency level, DOE measures the
PBP and the change in LCC relative to an estimated baseline level. The
LCC is the total consumer expense over the life of the equipment,
consisting of purchase, installation, and operating costs (expenses for
energy use, maintenance, and repair). Inputs to the calculation of
total installed cost include the cost of the equipment--which includes
MSPs, distribution channel markups, and sales taxes--and installation
costs. Inputs to the calculation of operating expenses include annual
energy consumption, energy prices and price projections, repair and
maintenance costs, equipment lifetimes, discount rates, and the year
that compliance with new and amended standards is required.
a. DC Motor Market Share and Efficiency Trends
DOE measures savings of potential standards relative to a ``no-new-
standards'' case that reflects conditions without new and/or amended
standards and uses current efficiency market shares to characterize the
``no-new-standards'' case product efficiency distribution. By
accounting for consumers who already purchase more efficient ceiling
fans, DOE avoids overstating the potential benefits from potential
standards. Online ceiling fan data collection performed in support of
the January 2017 Final Rule suggested that approximately 10 percent of
standard and hugger ceiling fan models listed online in 2015 had DC
motors. More recent data collection shows that approximately 14 percent
of standard and hugger ceiling fan models listed online have DC motors,
suggesting a trend toward DC motors. Since DC motors are generally more
efficient than AC motors, standard and hugger ceiling fans with DC
motors are expected to be more efficient than those with AC motors.
Issue 22: DOE requests feedback and data on the current market
share of DC motor ceiling fans for each product class. DOE also
requests feedback and data that would help characterize any shifts to
higher efficiency technologies for each ceiling fan product class.
b. Installation Costs
In the January 2017 Final Rule, DOE assumed that installation costs
were the same regardless of efficiency level for a given product class.
82 FR 6826, 6848. DOE is not aware of any data that suggest the cost of
installation changes as a function of efficiency for ceiling fans. DOE
therefore assumed that installation costs are the same regardless of
efficiency level and do not impact the LCC or PBP. As a result, DOE did
not include installation costs in the LCC and PBP analysis.
Issue 23: DOE requests feedback and data on whether any market or
technology changes since the January 2017 Final Rule would indicate
that installation costs vary by efficiency level. More specifically,
DOE is interested in if and how installation costs are affected by
ceiling fans with the specific technology options listed in Table II.2
and Table II.3 of this document.
c. Repair and Maintenance Costs
In the January 2017 Final Rule, DOE assumed that maintenance costs
are the same for any given product class, regardless of efficiency
level and therefore do not impact the LCC or PBP analyses. DOE included
a purchaser repair cost for 6.5 percent of ceiling fans with brushless
DC motors (primarily due to their electronic components) based on an
estimate from a ceiling fan technical expert, and no repair cost for AC
motor fans. 82 FR 6826, 6850. This 6.5 percent repair rate is
incremental over the assumed repair rate of ceiling fans with AC
motors. The repair cost was $1,000 for LDCFs and $150 for all other
product classes. All repair costs were assessed at half of the product
lifetime.
Issue 24: DOE requests information and data on the frequency of
repair and repair costs by product class for the technology options
listed in Table II.2 and Table II.3 of this document. DOE particularly
requests information and data to inform the assumption from the January
2017 Final Rule that ceiling fans with DC motors require repair at a
higher frequency than ceiling fans with AC motors. While DOE is
interested in information regarding each of the listed technology
options, DOE is also interested in whether consumers simply replace the
products when they fail as opposed to repairing them.
d. Lifetimes
In the January 2017 Final Rule, DOE used historical shipments data
and age distributions from installed stock data of standard and hugger
ceiling fans to model ceiling fan lifetimes using a Weibull function
having a mean of 13.8 years for all product classes. 82 FR 6826, 6851.
Issue 25: DOE requests feedback and data on the expected lifetimes
of ceiling fans. In particular, DOE is interested in data that indicate
if and how lifetimes differ by product class, as well as data on the
expected lifetimes of VSD, HSSD, and large-diameter ceiling fans.
4. Net Present Value
To develop the national NPV from potential standards, DOE
calculates annual energy expenditures and annual equipment expenditures
for the no-new-standards case and the standards case. The discounted
difference between energy bill savings and increased equipment
expenditures in each year is the NPV.
For the January 2017 Final Rule, DOE applied a price decline trend
for ceiling fans with brushless DC motors. Given the absence of
historical price data and cumulative shipments for brushless DC motors,
DOE assumed that it is the circuitry and electronic controls associated
with brushless DC motors that would be affected by price trends driven
by the larger electronics industry. As a result, DOE adopted an annual
price decline rate of 6 percent applied to the incremental cost
associated with a brushless DC motor (i.e., the cost difference between
the ceiling fan with a brushless DC motor and the ceiling fan at the
lower efficiency level). 82 FR 6826, 6854.
Issue 26: DOE requests feedback and any relevant data that could
inform its price trend methodology for ceiling fans. Specifically, DOE
is interested in data indicating how the price of ceiling fans with DC
motors has changed since the January 2017 Final Rule.
III. Submission of Comments
DOE invites all interested parties to submit in writing by the date
under the DATES heading, comments and information on matters addressed
in this notification and on other matters relevant to DOE's early
assessment of whether more-stringent energy conservation standards are
not warranted for ceiling fans.
Submitting comments via https://www.regulations.gov. The https://
[[Page 24546]]
www.regulations.gov web page requires you to provide your name and
contact information. Your contact information will be viewable to DOE
Building Technologies staff only. Your contact information will not be
publicly viewable except for your first and last names, organization
name (if any), and submitter representative name (if any). If your
comment is not processed properly because of technical difficulties,
DOE will use this information to contact you. If DOE cannot read your
comment due to technical difficulties and cannot contact you for
clarification, DOE may not be able to consider your comment.
However, your contact information will be publicly viewable if you
include it in the comment or in any documents attached to your comment.
Any information that you do not want to be publicly viewable should not
be included in your comment, nor in any document attached to your
comment. If this instruction is followed, persons viewing comments will
see only first and last names, organization names, correspondence
containing comments, and any documents submitted with the comments.
Do not submit to https://www.regulations.gov information for which
disclosure is restricted by statute, such as trade secrets and
commercial or financial information (hereinafter referred to as
Confidential Business Information (CBI)). Comments submitted through
https://www.regulations.gov cannot be claimed as CBI. Comments received
through the website will waive any CBI claims for the information
submitted. For information on submitting CBI, see the Confidential
Business Information section.
DOE processes submissions made through https://www.regulations.gov
before posting. Normally, comments will be posted within a few days of
being submitted. However, if large volumes of comments are being
processed simultaneously, your comment may not be viewable for up to
several weeks. Please keep the comment tracking number that https://www.regulations.gov provides after you have successfully uploaded your
comment.
Submitting comments via email. 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. Pursuant 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 well-marked copies: One copy of the document marked
``confidential'' including all the information believed to be
confidential, and one copy of the document marked ``non-confidential''
with the information believed to be confidential deleted. DOE will make
its own determination about the confidential status of the information
and treat it according to its determination.
It is DOE's policy that all comments may be included in the public
docket, without change and as received, including any personal
information provided in the comments (except information deemed to be
exempt from public disclosure).
DOE considers public participation to be a very important part of
the process for developing test procedures and energy conservation
standards. DOE actively encourages the participation and interaction of
the public during the comment period in each stage of this process.
Interactions with and between members of the public provide a balanced
discussion of the issues and assist DOE in the process. Anyone who
wishes to be added to the DOE mailing list to receive future notices
and information about this process should contact Appliance and
Equipment Standards Program staff at (202) 287-1445 or via email at
[email protected].
Signing Authority
This document of the Department of Energy was signed on May 2,
2021, by Kelly Speakes-Backman, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary
and Acting Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable
Energy, pursuant to delegated authority from the Secretary of Energy.
That document with the original signature and date is maintained by
DOE. For administrative purposes only, and in compliance with
requirements of the Office of the Federal Register, the undersigned DOE
Federal Register Liaison Officer has been authorized to sign and submit
the document in electronic format for publication, as an official
document of the Department of Energy. This administrative process in no
way alters the legal effect of this document upon publication in the
Federal Register.
Signed in Washington, DC, on May 4, 2021.
Treena V. Garrett,
Federal Register Liaison Officer, U.S. Department of Energy.
[FR Doc. 2021-09703 Filed 5-6-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6450-01-P
