Energy Conservation Program: Test Procedures for Certain Commercial and Industrial Equipment; Early Assessment Review: Refrigerated Bottled or Canned Beverage Vending Machines, 27054-27062 [2021-10448]
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27054
Proposed Rules
Federal Register
Vol. 86, No. 95
Wednesday, May 19, 2021
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER
contains notices to the public of the proposed
issuance of rules and regulations. The
purpose of these notices is to give interested
persons an opportunity to participate in the
rule making prior to the adoption of the final
rules.
DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
10 CFR Part 431
[EERE–2021–BT–TP–0007]
RIN 1904–AE67
Energy Conservation Program: Test
Procedures for Certain Commercial
and Industrial Equipment; Early
Assessment Review: Refrigerated
Bottled or Canned Beverage Vending
Machines
Office of Energy Efficiency and
Renewable Energy, Department of
Energy.
ACTION: Request for information.
AGENCY:
The U.S. Department of
Energy (‘‘DOE’’ or ‘‘the Department’’) is
undertaking an early assessment review
to determine whether amendments are
warranted for the test procedure for
refrigerated bottled or canned beverage
vending machines (‘‘BVMs’’). DOE has
identified certain issues associated with
the currently applicable test procedure
on which DOE is interested in receiving
comment. The issues outlined in this
document mainly concern updates to
industry standards, test setup and
conditions, product rating temperature,
energy consumption calculations,
operating modes, alternate refrigerants,
and connected functions. DOE
welcomes written comments from the
public on any subject within the scope
of this document, including topics not
raised in this request for information
(‘‘RFI’’).
SUMMARY:
Written comments and
information are requested and will be
accepted on or before June 18, 2021.
ADDRESSES: Interested persons are
encouraged to submit comments using
the Federal eRulemaking Portal at
https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the
instructions for submitting comments.
Alternatively, interested persons may
submit comments, identified by docket
number EERE–2021–BT–TP–0007 and/
or RIN 1904–AE67, by any of the
following methods:
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DATES:
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1. Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://
www.regulations.gov. Follow the
instructions for submitting comments.
2. Email: to BVM2021TP0007@
ee.doe.gov. Include docket number
EERE–2021–BT–TP–0007 and/or RIN
1904–AE67 in the subject line of the
message.
No telefacsimilies (‘‘faxes’’) will be
accepted. For detailed instructions on
submitting comments and additional
information on this process, see section
III of this document (Submission of
Comments).
Although DOE has routinely accepted
public comment submissions through a
variety of mechanisms, including postal
mail and hand delivery/courier, the
Department has found it necessary to
make temporary modifications to the
comment submission process in light of
the ongoing Covid–19 pandemic. DOE is
currently suspending receipt of public
comments via postal mail and hand
delivery/courier. If a commenter finds
that this change poses an undue
hardship, please contact Appliance
Standards Program staff at (202) 586–
1445 to discuss the need for alternative
arrangements. Once the Covid–19
pandemic health emergency is resolved,
DOE anticipates resuming all of its
regular options for public comment
submission, including postal mail and
hand delivery/courier.
Docket: The docket for this activity,
which includes Federal Register
notices, comments, and other
supporting documents/materials, is
available for review at https://
www.regulations.gov. All documents in
the docket are listed in the https://
www.regulations.gov index. However,
some documents listed in the index,
such as those containing information
that is exempt from public disclosure,
may not be publicly available.
The docket web page can be found at
https://www.regulations.gov/docket/
EERE-2021-BT-TP-0007. The docket
web page contains instructions on how
to access all documents, including
public comments, in the docket. See
section III of this document for
information on how to submit
comments through https://
www.regulations.gov.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr.
Stephanie Johnson, U.S. Department of
Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and
Renewable Energy, Building
Technologies Office, EE–5B, 1000
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Independence Avenue SW, Washington,
DC 20585–0121. Telephone: (202) 287–
1943. Email: ApplianceStandards
Questions@ee.doe.gov.
Ms. Sarah Butler, U.S. Department of
Energy, Office of the General Counsel,
GC–33, 1000 Independence Avenue SW,
Washington, DC 20585–0121.
Telephone: (202) 586–1777. Email:
Sarah.Butler@Hq.Doe.Gov.
For further information on how to
submit a comment or review other
public comments and the docket,
contact the Appliance and Equipment
Standards Program staff at (202) 287–
1445 or by email:
ApplianceStandardsQuestions@
ee.doe.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Table of Contents
I. Introduction
A. Authority
B. Rulemaking History
II. Request for Information
A. Scope and Definitions
B. Test Procedure
1. Updates to Industry Standards
2. Ambient Test Conditions
3. Test Procedure for Combination BVMs
4. Characteristics of the Standard
Product
5. Lowest Application Product
Temperature
6. Payment Mechanisms
7. Low Power Modes
8. Reloading and Recovery Period
9. Alternate Refrigerants
10. Connected Functions
III. Submission of Comments
I. Introduction
DOE established an early assessment
review process to conduct a more
focused analysis that would allow DOE
to determine, based on statutory criteria,
whether an amended test procedure is
warranted. Title 10 of the Code of
Federal Regulations (‘‘CFR’’) part 430
subpart C appendix A section 8(a). This
RFI requests information and data
regarding whether an amended test
procedure would more accurately and
fully comply with the requirement that
the test procedure produce results that
measure energy use during a
representative average use cycle for the
product, and not be unduly burdensome
to conduct. To inform interested parties
and to facilitate this process, DOE has
identified several issues associated with
the currently applicable test procedures
on which DOE is interested in receiving
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 95 / Wednesday, May 19, 2021 / Proposed Rules
comment. Based on the information
received in response to the early
assessment RFI and DOE’s own analysis,
DOE will determine whether to proceed
with a rulemaking for an amended test
procedure.
If DOE makes an initial determination
that an amended test procedure would
more accurately or fully comply with
statutory requirements, or DOE’s
analysis is inconclusive, DOE would
undertake a rulemaking to issue an
amended test procedure. If DOE makes
an initial determination based upon
available evidence that an amended test
procedure would not meet the
applicable statutory criteria, DOE would
engage in notice and comment
rulemaking before issuing a final
determination that an amended test
procedure is not warranted.
A. Authority
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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 BVMs, the subject of this
document. (42 U.S.C. 6295(v)) 3
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
enforcement procedures. Relevant
provisions of EPCA include definitions
(42 U.S.C. 6291), test procedures (42
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.
3 Because Congress included BVMs in Part A of
Title III of EPCA, the consumer product provisions
of Part A (rather than the industrial equipment
provisions of Part A–1) apply to BVMs. DOE placed
the regulatory requirements specific to BVMs in 10
CFR part 431, ‘‘Energy Efficiency Program for
Certain Commercial and Industrial Equipment’’ as
a matter of administrative convenience based on
their type and will refer to BVMs as ‘‘equipment’’
throughout this document because of their
placement in 10 CFR part 431. Despite the
placement of BVMs in 10 CFR part 431, the relevant
provisions of Title A of EPCA and 10 CFR part 430,
which are applicable to all product types specified
in Title A of EPCA, are applicable to BVMs. See 74
FR 44914, 44917 (Aug. 31, 2009) and 80 FR 45758,
45759 (Jul. 31, 2015). The regulatory provisions of
10 CFR 430.33 and 430.34 and subparts D and E of
10 CFR part 430 are applicable to BVMs. Because
the procedures in Parts 430 and 431 for petitioning
DOE for obtaining a test procedure waiver are
substantively the same (79 FR 26591, 26601 (May
9, 2014)), the regulations for applying for a test
procedure waiver for BVMs are those found at 10
CFR 431.401 rather than those found at 430.27.
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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).
Federal testing requirements consist
of test procedures that manufacturers of
covered products must use as the basis
for: (1) Certifying to DOE that their
equipment complies with the applicable
energy conservation standards adopted
pursuant to EPCA (42 U.S.C. 6295(s)),
and (2) making representations about
the efficiency of that equipment (42
U.S.C. 6293(c)). Similarly, DOE must
use these test procedures to determine
whether the product complies with
relevant standards promulgated under
EPCA. (42 U.S.C. 6295(s))
Under 42 U.S.C. 6293, EPCA sets forth
the criteria and procedures DOE must
follow when prescribing or amending
test procedures for covered products.
EPCA requires that any test procedures
prescribed or amended under this
section be reasonably designed to
produce test results which measure
energy efficiency, energy use or
estimated annual operating cost of a
covered product during a representative
average use cycle or period of use and
not be unduly burdensome to conduct.
(42 U.S.C. 6293(b)(3))
If DOE determines that a test
procedure amendment is warranted, it
must publish proposed test procedures
and offer the public an opportunity to
present oral and written comments on
them. (42 U.S.C. 6293(b)(2))
In addition, EPCA requires that DOE
amend its test procedures for all covered
products to integrate measures of
standby mode and off mode energy
consumption into the overall energy
efficiency, energy consumption, or other
energy descriptor, taking into
consideration the most current versions
of Standards 62301 and 62087 of the
International Electrotechnical
Commission (‘‘IEC’’), unless the current
test procedure already incorporates the
standby mode and off mode energy
consumption, or if such integration is
technically infeasible. (42 U.S.C.
6295(gg)(2)(A)) If an integrated test
procedure is technically infeasible, DOE
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must prescribe separate standby mode
and off mode energy use test procedures
for the covered product, if a separate
test is technically feasible. (Id.)
EPCA also requires that, at least once
every 7 years, DOE evaluate test
procedures for each type of covered
product, including BVMs, to determine
whether amended test procedures
would more accurately or fully comply
with the requirements for the test
procedures to not be unduly
burdensome to conduct and be
reasonably designed to produce test
results that reflect energy efficiency,
energy use, and estimated operating
costs during a representative average
use cycle. (42 U.S.C. 6293(b)(1)(A)) If
DOE determines, on its own behalf or in
response to a petition by any interested
person, that a test procedure should be
prescribed or amended, DOE shall
promptly publish in the Federal
Register proposed test procedures and
afford interested persons an opportunity
to present oral and written data, views,
and arguments with respect to such
procedures. The comment period on a
proposed rule to amend a test procedure
shall be at least 60 days and may not
exceed 270 days. In prescribing or
amending a test procedure, DOE shall
take into account such information as
DOE determines relevant to such
procedure, including technological
developments relating to energy use or
energy efficiency of the type (or class)
of covered product involved. (42 U.S.C.
6293(b)(2)) If DOE determines that test
procedure revisions are not appropriate,
DOE must publish its determination not
to amend the test procedures. DOE is
publishing this RFI to collect data and
information to inform its decision to
satisfy the 7-year-lookback review
requirement.
B. Rulemaking History
On July 31, 2015, DOE published a
test procedure final rule (the ‘‘July 2015
Final Rule’’) that referenced updated
industry test methods, improved clarity
of the procedure, accounted for new
equipment features, and reorganized the
test procedure in 10 CFR part 431,
subpart Q, appendix A (‘‘Appendix A’’)
and 10 CFR part 431, subpart Q,
Appendix B (‘‘Appendix B’’). The test
procedure at Appendix B accounts for
additional BVM operating modes and is
mandatory for demonstrating
compliance with the energy
conservation standards in 10 CFR
431.296(b), which are required for
BVMs manufactured on or after January
8, 2019. 80 FR 45758; See also 81 FR
1028 (January 8, 2016). The specific
amendments in the July 2015 Final Rule
included, for both Appendix A and
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Appendix B: (1) Updating the
referenced test method to ANSI/
ASHRAE Standard 32.1–2010,’’Methods
of Testing for Rating Vending Machines
for Sealed Beverages,’’ (‘‘ANSI/ASHRAE
Standard 32.1–2010’’), (2) incorporating
amendments to clarify several
ambiguities in ANSI/ASHRAE Standard
32.1–2010, (3) eliminating the
requirement to test at the 90-degree
Fahrenheit (‘‘°F’’) ambient test
condition, (4) clarifying the test
procedure for combination vending
machines, (5) clarifying the
requirements for loading of BVMs under
the DOE test procedure, (6) specifying
the characteristics of a standard test
package, (7) clarifying the average nextto-vend beverage temperature test
condition, (8) specifying placement of
thermocouples during the DOE test
procedure, (9) establishing provisions
for testing at the lowest application
product temperature, (10) clarifying the
treatment of certain accessories during
the DOE test procedure, and (11)
clarifying the certification and reporting
requirements for covered BVMs. 80 FR
45758, 45760. The July 2015 Final Rule
also incorporated amendments in
Appendix B to account for the impact of
low-power modes on the measured
daily energy consumption (‘‘DEC’’) of
BVMs. Id.
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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
amended test procedure rulemaking,
and if so, to assist in the development
of proposed amendments. Accordingly,
in the following sections, DOE has
identified specific issues on which it
seeks input to aid in its analysis of
whether an amended test procedure for
BVMs would more accurately or fully
comply with the requirement that the
test procedure produces results that
measure energy use during a
representative average use cycle for the
product, and not be unduly burdensome
to conduct. (42 U.S.C. 6293(b)(3)) DOE
also welcomes comments on other
issues relevant to its early assessment
that may not specifically be identified in
this document.
A. Scope and Definitions
BVMs are commercial refrigerators (as
defined at 10 CFR 431.62) that cool
bottled or canned beverages and
dispense the bottled or canned
beverages on payment. 10 CFR 431.292.
The defined equipment classes for
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BVMs include Class A, Class B,
Combination A, and Combination B.
Class A means a BVM that is not a
combination vending machine and in
which 25 percent or more of the surface
area on the front side of the beverage
vending machine is transparent.
Class B means a BVM that is not
considered to be Class A and is not a
combination vending machine.
Combination A means a combination
vending machine where 25 percent or
more of the surface area on the front
side of the beverage vending machine is
transparent.4
Combination B means a combination
vending machine that is not considered
to be Combination A.
Combination vending machine means
a BVM containing two or more
compartments separated by a solid
partition, that may or may not share a
product delivery chute, in which at least
one compartment is designed to be
refrigerated, as demonstrated by the
presence of temperature controls, and at
least one compartment is not. 10 CFR
431.292.
Issue 1: DOE requests comment on
whether the existing BVM and
equipment class definitions require any
further clarification. For example, DOE
does not include a definition for the
term ‘‘dispense’’ within the BVM
definition. DOE requests information on
whether it should define ‘‘dispense’’ to
better differentiate between BVMs and
other commercial refrigerators as
defined in 10 CFR 431.62, and if so,
DOE requests comment on what
definition would be appropriate.
Issue 2: DOE requests comment on
whether the current definition for
combination vending machine
adequately differentiates between fully
refrigerated BVMs and BVMs designed
to have both refrigerated and nonrefrigerated compartments. For example,
DOE seeks feedback on whether the
presence of additional features (e.g.,
refrigerated airflow as indicated by the
presence of air ducts or air deflectors)
should be included in the definition of
combination vending machine to
determine whether a compartment is
refrigerated. DOE also requests comment
on whether the term ‘‘solid partition’’ in
the definition of combination vending
machine needs further specificity, and if
so, what should be stated to further
specify the term.
4 As provided in 10 CFR 429.134(j)(2), the
determination of percent transparent surface does
not include the surface area surrounding any
compartments that are not designed to be
refrigerated (as demonstrated by the presence of
temperature controls), whether or not it is
transparent.
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Issue 3: DOE requests comment on
whether any additional changes or
clarifications are needed to the existing
BVM equipment class definitions.
Issue 4: DOE requests information on
whether any additional BVM categories
exist within the current equipment
classes that would require separate or
additional test provisions. If such
equipment is identified, DOE requests
comment on how the scope of the
existing test procedure should be
expanded to include these machines
and whether additional test procedures
would be needed to provide
representative test results of such
equipment.
B. Test Procedure
DOE’s current test procedure in
Appendix B incorporates by reference
ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 32.1–2010 and
provides additional instructions and
methods to address test setup, conduct,
and calculations. The test procedure
generally requires measuring BVM
performance under stable conditions
over a 24-hour test period, allowing the
BVM to be in accessory low power
mode for the final 6 hours of the test
period,5 if applicable. Section 2.2.3 and
2.2.4 of Appendix B. A default payment
mechanism energy consumption value
is added to the primary rated energy
consumption per day.6 Section 2.2.5.1
of Appendix B. If the BVM has
refrigeration low power mode,7 the
measured energy consumption is
reduced by a fixed percentage.8 Section
2.3.2 of Appendix B. The test procedure
also includes provisions for determining
5 ‘‘Accessory low power mode’’ means a state in
which a beverage vending machine’s lighting and/
or other energy-using systems are in low power
mode, but that is not a refrigeration low power
mode. Functions that may constitute an accessory
low power mode may include, for example,
dimming or turning off lights, but does not include
adjustment of the refrigeration system to elevate the
temperature of the refrigerated compartment(s).
Section 1.2, Appendix B.
6 Section 2.2.5.1 of Appendix B defines a default
payment mechanism energy consumption of 0.20
kWh/day.
7 ‘‘Refrigeration low power mode’’ means a state
in which a beverage vending machine’s
refrigeration system is in low power mode because
of elevation of the temperature of the refrigerated
compartment(s). To qualify as low power mode, the
unit must satisfy the requirements described in
section 2.3.2.1 of Appendix B. Section 1.2,
Appendix B.
8 Section 2.3.2 of Appendix B specifies that for
BVMs with a refrigeration low power mode,
multiply the value determined in section 2.3.1 of
Appendix B (which represents the sum of the
default payment mechanism energy consumption
value and the primary rated energy consumption
per day) by 0.97 to determine the daily energy
consumption of the unit tested. Section 2.3.2.1 of
Appendix B provides a validation test method to
verify the existence of a refrigeration low power
mode.
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refrigerated volume and vendible
capacity. Section 3 of Appendix B.
1. Updates to Industry Standards
As discussed, DOE’s BVM test
procedure in Appendix B incorporates
by reference ANSI/ASHRAE Standard
32.1–2010, which was the most current
version of the industry standard
available at the time of the July 2015
Final Rule. DOE specifically references
section 3, ‘‘Definitions’’; section 4,
‘‘Instruments’’; section 5, ‘‘Vendible
Capacity’’; section 6, ‘‘Test Conditions’’;
section 7.1, ‘‘Test Procedures—General
Requirements’’; and section 7.2, ‘‘Energy
Consumption Test’’ of ANSI/ASHRAE
Standard 32.1–2010. Appendix B
includes some exceptions to these
references, and in cases of conflict
between Appendix B language and the
requirements of ANSI/ASHRAE
Standard 32.1–2010, the language in
Appendix B takes precedence. See
section 1 of Appendix B.
At the time of the July 2015 Final
Rule analysis, DOE was aware of
ongoing industry meetings to consider
updates to ASHRAE Standard 32.1. DOE
participated in those industry meetings
and, to the extent possible, sought to
align its test procedure with the
expected updates to ASHRAE Standard
32.1. 80 FR 45758, 45762.
On February 2, 2017, ANSI and
ASHRAE approved the latest version of
Standard 32.1, ANSI/ASHRAE Standard
32.1–2017, ‘‘Methods of Testing for
Rating Vending Machines for Sealed
Beverages,’’ (‘‘ANSI/ASHRAE Standard
32.1–2017’’).
Many of the revisions included in
ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 32.1–2017
harmonize the industry standard with
the existing DOE test procedure.
However, some substantive differences
between DOE’s test procedure at
Appendix B and ANSI/ASHRAE
Standard 32.1–2017 remain, notably the
following:
(1) Section 2.2.4 of Appendix B
contains provisions for testing accessory
low power mode, and section 2.3.2 of
Appendix B accounts for refrigeration
low power mode; whereas ANSI/
ASHRAE Standard 32.1–2017 contains
no such provisions (and specifically
prohibits operation in low-power mode
during testing, per section 7.2.2.6.2).
(2) Section 2.1.3 of Appendix B
provides instructions for testing BVMs
that are not capable of maintaining an
integrated average temperature of 36 °F
± 1 °F during the 24-hour test period;
whereas ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 32.1–
2017 contains no such provisions. See
section II.B.5 for additional discussion
of lowest application product
temperatures.
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(3) Section 2.2.1.4 of Appendix B
specifies a ‘‘standard product’’
consisting of standard 12-ounce
aluminum beverage cans filled with a
liquid with a density of 1.0 grams per
milliliter (‘‘g/mL’’) ± 0.1 g/mL at 36 °F;
whereas ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 32.1–
2017 specifies using a 33 percent
propylene glycol/67 percent water
solution. See section II.B.4 for
additional discussion of standard
product characteristics.
(4) Section 2.2.5.1 of Appendix B
provides instructions for payment
mechanisms that cannot be
disconnected during testing (if the
payment mechanism is not removed,
Appendix B requires it to be in place
but de-energized, or set to the lowest
energy consuming state if it cannot be
de-energized) and specifies a default
payment mechanism energy
consumption of 0.20 kWh/day; whereas
ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 32.1–2017
contains no such provisions. See section
II.B.6 for additional discussion of
payment mechanisms.
(5) Section 2.2.3 of Appendix B
requires energy management systems to
be disabled and energy-saving features
that cannot be disabled to be set to their
most energy-consuming settings;
whereas ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 32.1–
2017 also requires that energy
management systems be disabled, but
does not address other energy-saving
features that cannot be disabled.
(6) Sections 2.2.5.2 through 2.2.5.10 of
Appendix B provide additional setup
instructions regarding certain
equipment accessories (i.e., internal
lighting; external customer display
signs, lights, and digital screens; antisweat or other electric resistance
heaters; condensate pan heaters and
pumps; illuminated temperature
displays; condensate filters; security
covers; general purpose outlets; and
crankcase heaters and other electric
resistance heaters for cold weather);
whereas ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 32.1–
2017 provides instructions for only a
subset of these accessories (i.e., video
screens and lighting).
(7) Section 2.2.2 of Appendix B
prohibits routing thermocouple wires
and other measuring equipment through
the dispensing door; whereas ANSI/
ASHRAE Standard 32.1–2017 contains
no such prohibition (only that they be
installed in a manner that does not
affect energy performance).
(8) Section 2.3.3 of Appendix B
provides rounding instructions on
energy consumption results; whereas
ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 32.1–2017
contains no such rounding instructions.
(9) ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 32.1–
2017 provides an additional recovery
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test (to determine the product
temperature recovery time of the BVM
when loaded with product at a certain
temperature) and a vend test (to
determine how much cold product a
BVM will deliver when bottles, cans, or
other sealed packages are vended at a
rate of two per minute, 3 hours after a
half-full machine is refilled with
product at a specified beverage
temperature); whereas Appendix B
contains no such tests. These tests
assess product temperature recovery
and vending performance but do not
factor into the energy use measurement.
Issue 5: DOE requests comment on
whether it should update its test
procedure to incorporate by reference
ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 32.1–2017.
Issue 6: DOE requests comment on
whether any of the updates included in
ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 32.1–2017
would affect measured energy
consumption of BVMs, and if so, how.
Specifically, DOE requests comment on
the impact of any such changes to the
representativeness of the measurements
and the associated impact to test
burden.
Issue 7: DOE also requests comment
on the identified differences between
the current DOE test procedure and
ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 32.1–2017,
including comment on which approach
is more appropriate for testing BVMs,
and why.
Issue 8: DOE requests comment on
any known deficiencies in ANSI/
ASHRAE Standard 32.1–2017 that DOE
may consider addressing in any future
amendments to the BVM test procedure.
2. Ambient Test Conditions
Section 2.1.2 of Appendix B requires
testing and rating BVM performance in
a 75 °F ambient temperature with a 45
percent relative humidity. Prior to the
July 2015 Final Rule, the DOE test
procedure incorporated by reference
ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 32.1–2004,
which included two ambient test
conditions: 75 °F with a 45 percent
relative humidity and 90 °F with a 65
percent relative humidity. However,
compliance with DOE’s energy
conservation standard was determined
based on performance at only the 75 °F
with a 45 percent relative humidity test
condition. In the July 2015 Final Rule,
DOE removed the requirement to
conduct testing at the 90 °F with a 65
percent relative humidity test condition.
80 FR 45758, 45764–45765.
During the rulemaking leading to the
July 2015 Final Rule, DOE estimated
that 18 percent of Class B and
Combination B BVMs are installed
outdoors. 80 FR 45758, 45765. DOE
determined that, although these BVMs
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would experience different ambient
conditions than in the test procedure, it
would not be feasible to test at all the
conditions BVMs may experience in the
field. Id. DOE determined that the 75 °F
with a 45 percent relative humidity test
condition provides a reasonable and
comparable representation of energy
performance for all BVMs. Id. In ANSI/
ASHRAE Standard 32.1–2017, the 90 °F
with a 65 percent relative humidity test
condition for the energy consumption
test was removed, and the standard
designated the 75 °F with a 45 percent
relative humidity test condition as the
singular test condition.
If certain BVMs are specifically
designed to operate in unique ambient
conditions (i.e., are intended for use
only in the unique condition and are not
optionally installed indoors, as are most
BVMs), testing at a different ambient
condition may better represent actual
average energy use in the field.
Issue 9: DOE requests comment
regarding specification of a single test
condition of 75 °F with a 45 percent
relative humidity. Specifically, DOE
requests data on the number of BVMs
that operate outdoors or in other unique
environments, and the associated
ambient conditions for those
environments.
Issue 10: Additionally, DOE seeks
information on how to identify and
define outdoor BVMs that could be
considered for additional or different
test conditions. For example, DOE
requests comment on whether BVMs
that operate outdoors or in other unique
environments have design
characteristics that impact the measured
energy consumption at a test condition
of 75 °F with a 45 percent relative
humidity. DOE requests comment on
and data for the appropriate test
methods to represent their energy
consumption during average use (or if
the existing test at 75 °F with a 45
percent relative humidity is
representative), as well as the costs
associated with those methods.
3. Test Procedure for Combination
BVMs
As described in section II.A, DOE
defines ‘‘combination vending
machine’’ as a BVM containing two or
more compartments separated by a solid
partition, that may or may not share a
product delivery chute, in which at least
one compartment is designed to be
refrigerated, as demonstrated by the
presence of temperature controls, and at
least one compartment is not. 10 CFR
431.292. Section 2.2.1.3 of Appendix B
specifies that the non-refrigerated
compartments of combination BVMs
must not be loaded with any standard
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products or other vendible merchandise
during testing. Sections 7.2.2.2 and
7.2.2.7 of ANSI/ASHRAE Standard
32.1–2017 require combination BVMs
not to be loaded with any standard
products, test packages, or other
vendible merchandise in the nonrefrigerated compartments, but that the
non-refrigerated compartments be
lighted as in normal operation.
The thermal mass of any items loaded
into the non-refrigerated compartments
(or lack of thermal mass for an unloaded
compartment) of combination BVMs
may affect the measured DEC.
Additionally, the thermal mass of any
merchandise stored in the nonrefrigerated compartments can vary
significantly depending on the type of
merchandise loaded into the
combination BVM. The current
approach of requiring no load in the
non-refrigerated compartments
addresses the potential variability
associated with this thermal load;
however, DOE seeks feedback on
whether requiring some load in the nonrefrigerated compartments may better
represent the average energy use of
combination BVMs.
Issue 11: DOE requests comment on
the typical thermal mass of merchandise
loaded into the non-refrigerated
compartments of combination BVMs
and the potential impact of such a load
on tested energy consumption.
4. Characteristics of the Standard
Product
Section 2.2.1.4 of Appendix B
specifies the standard products to be
used for testing, which include the
following: 12-ounce aluminum beverage
cans filled with a liquid with a density
of 1.0 grams per milliliter (‘‘g/mL’’) ±0.1
g/mL at 36 °F; or, for product storage
racks that are not capable of vending 12ounce cans, but are capable of vending
20-ounce bottles, 20-ounce plastic
bottles filled with a liquid with a
density of 1.0 g/mL ±0.1 g/mL at 36 °F;
or, for product storage racks that are not
capable of vending 12-ounce cans or 20ounce bottles, the packaging and
contents specified by the manufacturer
in product literature as the standard
product (i.e., the specific merchandise
the refrigerated bottled or canned
beverage vending machine is designed
to vend). In the July 2015 Final Rule,
DOE discussed the possibility of
considering other standard products,
including slimline cans, milk cartons,
aseptic packs, pouches, and energy
drinks. 80 FR 45758, 45768. However,
DOE determined that the standard
product for BVMs not capable of
vending 12-ounce cans or 20-ounce
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bottles is the product specified by the
manufacturer in product literature. Id.
Vendible product types other than 12ounce cans or 20-ounce bottles may now
be used more frequently than at the time
of the analysis leading to the July 2015
Final Rule. DOE may consider adding
descriptions of such refrigerated
beverage containers and contents if they
are commonly used and have
characteristics that can be defined for
use across BVM manufacturers (i.e., the
standard product as described would
not be applicable to only one BVM
manufacturer).
Additionally, DOE is aware of certain
BVMs that are marketed to vend both
beverages and food, but do not contain
a solid partition that separates the
shelves or compartments intended for
refrigerated bottled or canned beverages
from those intended for other
merchandise. Without a solid partition,
these BVM models would not meet the
definition of combination vending
machine and would instead be
classified as either Class A or Class B
BVMs. If the non-beverage shelves of
these BVMs are not capable of vending
12-ounce cans or 20-ounce bottles, the
standard product for testing must be the
packaging and contents specified by the
manufacturer in product literature as
the standard product per section 2.2.1.4
or Appendix B. DOE seeks information
on whether to specify additional
instructions for loading and measuring
temperatures of such non-beverage
packages to reduce test variability.
Issue 12: DOE requests comment on
whether the currently defined standard
products (i.e., the products comprising
the BVM test load) are representative of
average BVM use.
Issue 13: DOE seeks feedback on
whether any additional products should
be defined as standard products for
BVMs that are not capable of vending
12-ounce cans or 20-ounce bottles to
limit variability in testing. If so, DOE
requests data and information on the
extent to which BVMs currently vend
such products and the extent to which
BVMs are stocked exclusively with such
products (and no other non-standard
products).
Issue 14: DOE also requests detailed
descriptions of such products, including
typical dimensions, materials, and
contents, and any data showing whether
different standard products affect
measured energy use.
Issue 15: DOE requests feedback on
the appropriate loading requirements for
refrigerated shelves of BVMs that are
designed to dispense merchandise other
than bottled or canned beverages,
including non-beverage merchandise. If
these shelves should be loaded, DOE
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requests feedback on the applicability of
the standard product instructions
specified in section 2.2.1.4 of Appendix
B for these shelves and on the sensor
placement instructions specified in
section 2.2.2 of Appendix B.
As discussed in section II.B.1, section
7.1.5.1 of ANSI/ASHRAE Standard
32.1–2017 requires the beverage
temperature test packages to be filled
with a 33 percent propylene glycol/67
percent water solution. ANSI/ASHRAE
Standard 32.1–2017 does not specify
whether these glycol/water percentages
are based on weight or volume. Section
5.1 of ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 32.1–
2017 also specifies that standard sealed
beverages are 12-ounce cans, 20-ounce
bottles, or the sealed beverage specified
by the manufacturer. Section 5.1 does
not provide any other reference to the
liquid in the containers.
Issue 16: DOE requests comment on
whether the standard products or
standard test packages as defined in
Appendix B sections 2.2.1.4 and 2.2.1.5,
respectively, require any further
specifications. For example, in lieu of
the existing density specifications, DOE
seeks feedback on whether it should
specify the contents of the test
containers (e.g., the 33 percent
propylene glycol/67 percent water
solution (and whether these percentages
are based on weight or volume) as
specified in section 7.1.5.1 of ANSI/
ASHRAE Standard 32.1–2017).
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5. Lowest Application Product
Temperature
Section 2.1.1 of Appendix B requires
that the integrated average temperature
(‘‘IAT’’) of the BVM be 36 °F ± 1 °F over
the test period. For BVMs that are
designed to operate at temperatures
higher than 36 °F and are not capable of
maintaining an IAT at 36 °F ± 1 °F for
testing, section 2.1.3 of Appendix B
requires testing such equipment at its
lowest application product temperature,
defined as the lowest IAT the BVM is
capable of maintaining at stable
conditions.
In the July 2015 Final Rule, DOE
stated that it would monitor its
certification data and would take any
necessary corrective actions if a
significant portion of models are
certified under the lowest application
product temperature provisions. 80 FR
45758, 45773–45774. For any BVM
tested and rated using the lowest
application product temperature
provisions in Appendix B, DOE requires
that manufacturers include the
temperature in their certification
reports. 10 CFR 429.52(b)(2)(ii). DOE’s
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compliance certification database 9 lists
all BVM models certified to DOE,
including the lowest application
product temperature used for rating
each model, if applicable. Of the 137
individual models included in the
compliance certification database, 12
individual models (4 basic models) from
one manufacturer are rated at lowest
application product temperatures
between 37.9 °F and 41.3 °F.10 Models
had previously been certified to DOE
(and are not included in the current
DOE compliance certification database)
as being rated at a lowest application
product temperature below the 36 ± 1 °F
IAT range required in the DOE test
procedure. For example, models from
one manufacturer were previously rated
at an IAT of 32 °F (indicating that those
BVMs could not operate as warm as 36
± 1 °F).
Issue 17: DOE requests comment on
whether the lowest application product
temperature provisions are appropriate
for testing BVMs not capable of
maintaining IAT of 36 °F ± 1 °F. If not,
DOE requests comment on what test
procedures would better represent
energy consumption during average use
for such equipment, including, for
example, whether Appendix B should
include additional IATs for rating
BVMs.
Issue 18: DOE further requests
comment on whether Appendix B
should include additional instructions
for testing those BVMs capable of
maintaining temperatures only below
the 36 °F ± 1 °F range (e.g., testing such
BVMs at the highest thermostat setting).
6. Payment Mechanisms
Section 2.2.5.1 of Appendix B
requires testing BVMs with no payment
mechanism in place, the payment
mechanism in-place but de-energized,
or the payment mechanism in place but
set to the lowest energy consuming
state, if it cannot be de-energized. A
default payment mechanism energy
consumption value of 0.20 kilowatthours per day (‘‘kWh/day’’) is added to
the primary rated energy consumption
per day, according to section 2.3 of
Appendix B. In section 7.1.2.2. of ANSI/
ASHRAE Standard 32.1–2017, payment
mechanisms are required to be
disconnected during testing.
DOE established the 0.20 kWh/day
value based on a weighted average
energy consumption of 25 different
payment mechanisms available at the
time of the July 2015 Final Rule. These
9 Available at https://www.regulations.doe.gov/
certification-data/CCMS-4-Refrigerated_Bottled_or_
Canned_Beverage_Vending_Machines.html.
10 Compliance certification database data as
accessed on February 6, 2021.
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included 11 coin mechanisms, 11 bill
validators, and 3 credit card readers. 80
FR 45758, 45777.
Since the publication of the July 2015
Final Rule, the prevalence of different
payment mechanisms for BVMs may
have shifted. For example, credit card
readers may be more common in the
field compared to coin mechanisms or
bill validators, or BVMs may
incorporate all types of payment
mechanisms. Based on the July 2015
Final Rule data, credit card readers had
the highest daily energy consumption. If
such a shift has occurred in the market,
an amended payment mechanism
energy adder may provide results that
are more representative of average
energy use. Additionally, if BVMs as
sold or shipped now typically include
payment mechanisms, a direct test of
energy consumption rather than a fixed
energy use adder may be more
representative of average energy use.
Issue 19: DOE requests comment on
whether BVMs are typically sold and
shipped with payment mechanisms in
place. If not, DOE requests information
on the types of payment mechanisms
typically installed on BVMs and their
associated energy use.
Issue 20: DOE seeks feedback on
whether the current 0.20 kWh/day
energy use assigned to payment
mechanisms is representative of the
current BVM market.
7. Low Power Modes
Appendix B incorporates definitions
and test requirements for two types of
low power modes 11 (i.e., accessory low
power mode and refrigeration low
power mode). Section 7.2.2.6.2 of ANSI/
ASHRAE Standard 32.1–2017 requires
that low power modes not be allowed to
operate during testing.
In the July 2015 Final Rule, DOE
acknowledged that the two types of low
power modes incorporated into the test
procedure (accessory low power mode
and refrigeration low power mode) may
not address all forms of low power
modes available in the BVM market.
DOE identified ‘‘learning-based’’ energy
management controls that use historic
sales and traffic data to predict times of
high and low traffic; however, DOE did
not propose a test procedure for such
controls, as it would be difficult to
develop a repeatable test procedure to
evaluate the energy savings of such
11 ‘‘Low power mode’’ means a state in which a
beverage vending machine’s lighting, refrigeration,
and/or other energy-using systems are automatically
adjusted (without user intervention) such that they
consume less energy than they consume in an
active vending environment. Section 1.2, Appendix
B.
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controls during a 24-hour test in a
laboratory. 80 FR 45758, 45786.
Issue 21: DOE requests comment on
the availability of additional low power
modes for BVMs, including any
‘‘learning-based’’ energy management
controls. If such modes are available,
DOE seeks data and information on the
typical operating times and associated
energy consumptions of BVMs in these
modes.
Issue 22: DOE also seeks feedback on
whether a test procedure to account for
operation in these low power modes
would better reflect the representative
average energy use of BVMs, and if so,
what would be the appropriate test
methods as well as the associated test
burden and costs.
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a. Accessory Low Power Mode
Section 1.2 of Appendix B defines
accessory low power mode as a state in
which a BVM’s lighting and/or other
energy-using systems are in low power
mode, but that is not a refrigeration low
power mode. Functions that may
constitute an accessory low power mode
may include, for example, dimming or
turning off lights, but does not include
adjustment of the refrigeration system to
elevate the temperature of the
refrigerated compartment(s). Section
2.2.4 of Appendix B states that
accessory low power mode may be
engaged for the final 6 hours of the 24hour test period and requires that the
BVM be operated in the lowest energyconsuming lighting and control settings
for testing this mode. Section 2.2.4 also
requires that any automatic activation of
refrigeration low power modes be
prevented during the accessory low
power mode test period.
The 24-hour test procedure starts after
a BVM achieves stabilization as
determined in vending mode. Because
the test period ends with 6 hours of
operation in accessory low power mode,
when the mode is engaged for testing,
the BVM would end the test in a
different operating state than at the start
of the test. Although the refrigeration
system and cabinet temperatures would
likely not change with operation in an
accessory low power mode (because
accessory low power mode does not
include adjustment of the refrigeration
system to elevate the temperature of the
refrigerated compartment), some
transient recovery period may be
required for a BVM to return to stable
operation in vending mode after
operating in accessory low power mode
for 6 hours. If such a recovery period
exists, testing the accessory low power
mode during the middle of the 24-hour
test period may be more representative
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by capturing any transition periods
between operating modes.
Issue 23: DOE requests comment on
whether BVMs require any recovery
period following operation in accessory
low power mode to return to stable
operation in vending mode. If so, DOE
requests test data indicating the effect of
such operating periods and seeks
feedback on whether the accessory low
power mode test period should occur at
some other point during the 24-hour test
period.
Issue 24: Additionally, DOE requests
information regarding testing the
accessory low power mode during a
period other than at the end of the 24hour test period, specifically on any
potential drawbacks or test burdens that
may result.
In the July 2015 Final Rule, DOE
stated that BVMs may employ a variety
of control strategies and control a
variety of different components in
accessory low power mode. 80 FR
45758, 45785. DOE established testing
under the settings representing the
maximum energy savings to avoid
potential repeatability issues associated
with identifying appropriate test control
settings for BVMs with various types of
accessory low power modes. Id.
Issue 25: DOE requests comment on
the typical average duration a BVM
operates in accessory low power mode
per day, if applicable.
Issue 26: DOE also seeks information
on the control settings users apply for
accessory low power mode in the field
(i.e., whether the lowest energy
consumption settings for lighting and
controls are representative of average
use in accessory low power mode).
Issue 27: DOE also requests comment
on whether multiple accessory low
power mode test settings may be
appropriate for BVMs offering various
control settings.
b. Refrigeration Low Power Mode
Section 1.2 of Appendix B defines
refrigeration low power mode as a state
in which a BVM’s refrigeration system
is in low power mode because of
elevation of the temperature of the
refrigerated compartment(s). Section
2.3.2.1 of Appendix B includes
provisions for confirming the presence
of a refrigeration low power mode,
either through an increase in average
next-to-vend beverage temperature or
lack of compressor operation. Unlike
accessory low power mode, Appendix B
does not include a direct test of
refrigeration low power mode. Instead,
BVMs with refrigeration low power
mode receive a 3-percent reduction in
DEC as measured. Section 2.3.2 of
Appendix B.
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In the July 2015 Final Rule, DOE
determined that a 3-percent energy
reduction was more appropriate than a
physical test of refrigeration low power
mode because refrigeration low power
modes are extremely variable in their
control strategies and operation and
may require instructions from the
manufacturer to accommodate specific
provisions of a physical test. DOE stated
that a physical test would reduce
consistency and repeatability and would
make the method impractical to
implement. 80 FR 45758, 45785.
DOE established the 3-percent credit
for refrigeration low power mode by
testing several BVMs with this mode.12
DOE noted in the July 2015 Final Rule
that this value is an average that is
representative of the common types of
refrigeration low power modes available
in the marketplace. 80 FR 45758, 45786.
Issue 28: DOE requests comment on
whether any amendments are needed to
either the definition of refrigeration low
power mode or the corresponding
refrigeration low power mode validation
test method.
Issue 29: DOE seeks feedback on
whether any BVM operating modes exist
that should be considered a refrigeration
low power mode but cannot meet the
current definition or validation test
method (e.g., operating modes with little
or no increase in refrigerated
compartment temperature with some
amount of compressor operation).
Issue 30: DOE requests comment on
the current approach of applying a 3percent energy reduction for any BVMs
determined to have a refrigeration low
power mode. Specifically, DOE requests
comment on whether a physical test to
account for actual unit energy reduction
associated with refrigeration low power
mode is feasible, or whether any test
method for such an approach currently
exists, and on the burden associated
with running such a test.
Issue 31: DOE requests comment on
whether the 3-percent energy reduction
is appropriate for BVMs with
refrigeration low power mode. DOE
seeks data on BVM operation in
refrigeration low power mode, including
the amount of time spent in such a
mode and the associated energy
consumption.
8. Reloading and Recovery Period
As stated in Section II.B.1, ANSI/
ASHRAE Standard 32.1–2017 provides
an additional recovery test (to determine
the product temperature recovery time
12 DOE described the method for determining the
3-percent credit in detail in the notice of proposed
rulemaking that preceded the July 2015 Final Rule.
79 FR 46908, 46925–46926 (Aug. 11, 2014).
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of the BVM when loaded with product
at a certain temperature), whereas
Appendix B contains no such test. This
recovery test assesses product
temperature recovery performance of
the BVM but does not include a
measurement of the corresponding
energy consumption. Table 2 in ANSI/
ASHRAE Standard 32.1–2017 lists the
reloaded sealed-beverage temperature,
90 °F, and the final instantaneous
average next-to-vend beverage
temperature, 40 °F, for the recovery test.
Additionally, Table 4 in ANSI/ASHRAE
Standard 32.1–2017 lists the door open
durations, between 10 and 20 minutes,
required during the recovery test while
reloading the BVM.
The existing DOE test procedure
considers BVM performance only
during stable operation (including any
operation in accessory low power
mode). During typical use, BVMs are
regularly opened and restocked with
warmer beverages. Accounting for BVM
energy use during restocking periods
and the subsequent product temperature
recovery periods may better represent
the actual energy use of BVMs during
normal operation.
Issue 32: DOE requests comment and
supporting data on whether BVM
restocking and the subsequent product
temperature recovery represent a
significant energy consumption for
BVMs relative to the existing test
procedure.
Issue 33: DOE requests comment and
supporting data regarding the
applicability of the recovery test
described in ANSI/ASHRAE Standard
32.1–2017 for measuring the energy
consumption associated with restocking
and product temperature recovery.
Issue 34: DOE requests comment and
supporting data on the frequency and
duration of door openings required to
reload BVMs.
9. Alternate Refrigerants
In an April 10, 2015 final rule, the
Environmental Protection Agency listed
propane (R–290), isobutane (R–600a),
and the hydrocarbon blend R–441A as
acceptable refrigerants for use in BVMs,
subject to a 150-gram charge limit per
refrigeration circuit and other safety
measures to address flammability. 80 FR
19454, 19491. Due to the flammability
of these refrigerants, BVMs using
hydrocarbon refrigerants may need to
implement additional controls and
components to mitigate the risk of
ignition from any potential refrigerant
leaks. The need for such controls also
may vary depending on the intended
installation location for BVMs.
DOE is interested in understanding
what additional components and
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controls manufacturers may need to add
to their equipment to transition to
alternative refrigerants, including
propane, and whether the test procedure
requires any updates to account for any
corresponding energy use. DOE’s
expectation is that such controls would
always be active and would not require
specific test procedure instructions;
however, DOE requests information on
whether multiple control settings are
available for these components, and if
so, what would be the representative
test settings.
Issue 35: DOE requests comment on
what additional components and
controls manufacturers may need to add
to their equipment when designing
BVMs with alternative refrigerants and
on the typical settings used for such
components and controls, if multiple
settings are available. DOE requests
comment on whether any test procedure
modifications are necessary to account
for the energy consumption associated
with these components and controls and
any corresponding impact on testing
burden.
10. Connected Functions
The current DOE test procedure for
BVMs does not include test
requirements specifically for connected
or smart features. Section 2.2.5 of
Appendix B generally requires all
components necessary to provide
sufficient functionality for cooling and
vending products in field installations
(i.e., product inventory, temperature
management, product merchandising
(including, e.g., lighting or signage),
product selection, and product transport
and delivery) to be in place during
testing and set to the maximum energyconsuming setting if manually
adjustable. Other components not
necessary for such functionality are deenergized or set to their lowest energy
consuming state.
Issue 36: DOE requests comment on
the prevalence of connected functions
in BVMs. DOE seeks information on
what BVM functions are associated with
these connected modes, how often they
are used, and their corresponding
impacts on energy use.
Issue 37: DOE also requests comment
on whether the existing DOE test
procedure instructions for accessories in
section 2.2.5 of Appendix B adequately
address test settings for connected
functions in BVMs.
III. Submission of Comments
DOE invites all interested parties to
submit in writing by the date specified
in the DATES heading, comments and
information on matters addressed in this
RFI and on other matters relevant to
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DOE’s early assessment of whether an
amended test procedure for BVMs is
warranted and if so, what such
amendments should be considered.
Submitting comments via https://
www.regulations.gov. The https://
www.regulations.gov web page will
require you to provide your name and
contact information. Your contact
information will be viewable to DOE
Building Technologies staff only. Your
contact information will not be publicly
viewable except for your first and last
names, organization name (if any), and
submitter representative name (if any).
If your comment is not processed
properly because of technical
difficulties, DOE will use this
information to contact you. If DOE
cannot read your comment due to
technical difficulties and cannot contact
you for clarification, DOE may not be
able to consider your comment.
However, your contact information
will be publicly viewable if you include
it in the comment or in any documents
attached to your comment. Any
information that you do not want to be
publicly viewable should not be
included in your comment, nor in any
document attached to your comment.
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
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Submitting comments via email.
Comments and documents submitted
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your personal contact information to be
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 95 / Wednesday, May 19, 2021 / Proposed Rules
khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with PROPOSALS
publicly viewable, do not include it in
your comment or any accompanying
documents. Instead, provide your
contact information on a cover letter.
Include your first and last names, email
address, telephone number, and
optional mailing address. The cover
letter will not be publicly viewable as
long as it does not include any
comments.
Include contact information each time
you submit comments, data, documents,
and other information to DOE. No
facsimiles (faxes) will 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
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:14 May 18, 2021
Jkt 253001
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.
Submit these documents via email. 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
PO 00000
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contact Appliance and Equipment
Standards Program staff at (202) 287–
1445 or via email at
ApplianceStandardsQuestions@
ee.doe.gov.
Signing Authority
This document of the Department of
Energy was signed on May 12, 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 13,
2021.
Treena V. Garrett,
Federal Register Liaison Officer, U.S.
Department of Energy.
[FR Doc. 2021–10448 Filed 5–18–21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6450–01–P
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 95 (Wednesday, May 19, 2021)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 27054-27062]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-10448]
========================================================================
Proposed Rules
Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of
the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these
notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in
the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.
========================================================================
Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 95 / Wednesday, May 19, 2021 /
Proposed Rules
[[Page 27054]]
DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
10 CFR Part 431
[EERE-2021-BT-TP-0007]
RIN 1904-AE67
Energy Conservation Program: Test Procedures for Certain
Commercial and Industrial Equipment; Early Assessment Review:
Refrigerated Bottled or Canned Beverage Vending Machines
AGENCY: Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Department of
Energy.
ACTION: Request for information.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The U.S. Department of Energy (``DOE'' or ``the Department'')
is undertaking an early assessment review to determine whether
amendments are warranted for the test procedure for refrigerated
bottled or canned beverage vending machines (``BVMs''). DOE has
identified certain issues associated with the currently applicable test
procedure on which DOE is interested in receiving comment. The issues
outlined in this document mainly concern updates to industry standards,
test setup and conditions, product rating temperature, energy
consumption calculations, operating modes, alternate refrigerants, and
connected functions. DOE welcomes written comments from the public on
any subject within the scope of this document, including topics not
raised in this request for information (``RFI'').
DATES: Written comments and information are requested and will be
accepted on or before June 18, 2021.
ADDRESSES: Interested persons are encouraged to submit comments using
the Federal eRulemaking Portal at https://www.regulations.gov. Follow
the instructions for submitting comments. Alternatively, interested
persons may submit comments, identified by docket number EERE-2021-BT-
TP-0007 and/or RIN 1904-AE67, by any of the following methods:
1. Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov. Follow
the instructions for submitting comments.
2. Email: to [email protected]. Include docket number EERE-
2021-BT-TP-0007 and/or RIN 1904-AE67 in the subject line of the
message.
No telefacsimilies (``faxes'') will be accepted. For detailed
instructions on submitting comments and additional information on this
process, see section III of this document (Submission of Comments).
Although DOE has routinely accepted public comment submissions
through a variety of mechanisms, including postal mail and hand
delivery/courier, the Department has found it necessary to make
temporary modifications to the comment submission process in light of
the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. DOE is currently suspending receipt of
public comments via postal mail and hand delivery/courier. If a
commenter finds that this change poses an undue hardship, please
contact Appliance Standards Program staff at (202) 586-1445 to discuss
the need for alternative arrangements. Once the Covid-19 pandemic
health emergency is resolved, DOE anticipates resuming all of its
regular options for public comment submission, including postal mail
and hand delivery/courier.
Docket: The docket for this activity, which includes Federal
Register notices, comments, and other supporting documents/materials,
is available for review at https://www.regulations.gov. All documents in
the docket are listed in the https://www.regulations.gov index. However,
some documents listed in the index, such as those containing
information that is exempt from public disclosure, may not be publicly
available.
The docket web page can be found at https://www.regulations.gov/docket/EERE-2021-BT-TP-0007. The docket web page contains instructions
on how to access all documents, including public comments, in the
docket. See section III of this document for information on how to
submit comments through https://www.regulations.gov.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Stephanie Johnson, 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) 287-1943. Email:
[email protected].
Ms. Sarah Butler, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of the General
Counsel, GC-33, 1000 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20585-0121.
Telephone: (202) 586-1777. Email: [email protected].
For further information on how to submit a comment or review other
public comments and the docket, contact the Appliance and Equipment
Standards Program staff at (202) 287-1445 or by email:
[email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Table of Contents
I. Introduction
A. Authority
B. Rulemaking History
II. Request for Information
A. Scope and Definitions
B. Test Procedure
1. Updates to Industry Standards
2. Ambient Test Conditions
3. Test Procedure for Combination BVMs
4. Characteristics of the Standard Product
5. Lowest Application Product Temperature
6. Payment Mechanisms
7. Low Power Modes
8. Reloading and Recovery Period
9. Alternate Refrigerants
10. Connected Functions
III. Submission of Comments
I. Introduction
DOE established an early assessment review process to conduct a
more focused analysis that would allow DOE to determine, based on
statutory criteria, whether an amended test procedure is warranted.
Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations (``CFR'') part 430 subpart
C appendix A section 8(a). This RFI requests information and data
regarding whether an amended test procedure would more accurately and
fully comply with the requirement that the test procedure produce
results that measure energy use during a representative average use
cycle for the product, and not be unduly burdensome to conduct. To
inform interested parties and to facilitate this process, DOE has
identified several issues associated with the currently applicable test
procedures on which DOE is interested in receiving
[[Page 27055]]
comment. Based on the information received in response to the early
assessment RFI and DOE's own analysis, DOE will determine whether to
proceed with a rulemaking for an amended test procedure.
If DOE makes an initial determination that an amended test
procedure would more accurately or fully comply with statutory
requirements, or DOE's analysis is inconclusive, DOE would undertake a
rulemaking to issue an amended test procedure. If DOE makes an initial
determination based upon available evidence that an amended test
procedure would not meet the applicable statutory criteria, DOE would
engage in notice and comment rulemaking before issuing a final
determination that an amended test procedure is 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 BVMs, the subject of this document. (42 U.S.C.
6295(v)) \3\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\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.
\3\ Because Congress included BVMs in Part A of Title III of
EPCA, the consumer product provisions of Part A (rather than the
industrial equipment provisions of Part A-1) apply to BVMs. DOE
placed the regulatory requirements specific to BVMs in 10 CFR part
431, ``Energy Efficiency Program for Certain Commercial and
Industrial Equipment'' as a matter of administrative convenience
based on their type and will refer to BVMs as ``equipment''
throughout this document because of their placement in 10 CFR part
431. Despite the placement of BVMs in 10 CFR part 431, the relevant
provisions of Title A of EPCA and 10 CFR part 430, which are
applicable to all product types specified in Title A of EPCA, are
applicable to BVMs. See 74 FR 44914, 44917 (Aug. 31, 2009) and 80 FR
45758, 45759 (Jul. 31, 2015). The regulatory provisions of 10 CFR
430.33 and 430.34 and subparts D and E of 10 CFR part 430 are
applicable to BVMs. Because the procedures in Parts 430 and 431 for
petitioning DOE for obtaining a test procedure waiver are
substantively the same (79 FR 26591, 26601 (May 9, 2014)), the
regulations for applying for a test procedure waiver for BVMs are
those found at 10 CFR 431.401 rather than those found at 430.27.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 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).
Federal testing requirements consist of test procedures that
manufacturers of covered products must use as the basis for: (1)
Certifying to DOE that their equipment complies with the applicable
energy conservation standards adopted pursuant to EPCA (42 U.S.C.
6295(s)), and (2) making representations about the efficiency of that
equipment (42 U.S.C. 6293(c)). Similarly, DOE must use these test
procedures to determine whether the product complies with relevant
standards promulgated under EPCA. (42 U.S.C. 6295(s))
Under 42 U.S.C. 6293, EPCA sets forth the criteria and procedures
DOE must follow when prescribing or amending test procedures for
covered products. EPCA requires that any test procedures prescribed or
amended under this section be reasonably designed to produce test
results which measure energy efficiency, energy use or estimated annual
operating cost of a covered product during a representative average use
cycle or period of use and not be unduly burdensome to conduct. (42
U.S.C. 6293(b)(3))
If DOE determines that a test procedure amendment is warranted, it
must publish proposed test procedures and offer the public an
opportunity to present oral and written comments on them. (42 U.S.C.
6293(b)(2))
In addition, EPCA requires that DOE amend its test procedures for
all covered products to integrate measures of standby mode and off mode
energy consumption into the overall energy efficiency, energy
consumption, or other energy descriptor, taking into consideration the
most current versions of Standards 62301 and 62087 of the International
Electrotechnical Commission (``IEC''), unless the current test
procedure already incorporates the standby mode and off mode energy
consumption, or if such integration is technically infeasible. (42
U.S.C. 6295(gg)(2)(A)) If an integrated test procedure is technically
infeasible, DOE must prescribe separate standby mode and off mode
energy use test procedures for the covered product, if a separate test
is technically feasible. (Id.)
EPCA also requires that, at least once every 7 years, DOE evaluate
test procedures for each type of covered product, including BVMs, to
determine whether amended test procedures would more accurately or
fully comply with the requirements for the test procedures to not be
unduly burdensome to conduct and be reasonably designed to produce test
results that reflect energy efficiency, energy use, and estimated
operating costs during a representative average use cycle. (42 U.S.C.
6293(b)(1)(A)) If DOE determines, on its own behalf or in response to a
petition by any interested person, that a test procedure should be
prescribed or amended, DOE shall promptly publish in the Federal
Register proposed test procedures and afford interested persons an
opportunity to present oral and written data, views, and arguments with
respect to such procedures. The comment period on a proposed rule to
amend a test procedure shall be at least 60 days and may not exceed 270
days. In prescribing or amending a test procedure, DOE shall take into
account such information as DOE determines relevant to such procedure,
including technological developments relating to energy use or energy
efficiency of the type (or class) of covered product involved. (42
U.S.C. 6293(b)(2)) If DOE determines that test procedure revisions are
not appropriate, DOE must publish its determination not to amend the
test procedures. DOE is publishing this RFI to collect data and
information to inform its decision to satisfy the 7-year-lookback
review requirement.
B. Rulemaking History
On July 31, 2015, DOE published a test procedure final rule (the
``July 2015 Final Rule'') that referenced updated industry test
methods, improved clarity of the procedure, accounted for new equipment
features, and reorganized the test procedure in 10 CFR part 431,
subpart Q, appendix A (``Appendix A'') and 10 CFR part 431, subpart Q,
Appendix B (``Appendix B''). The test procedure at Appendix B accounts
for additional BVM operating modes and is mandatory for demonstrating
compliance with the energy conservation standards in 10 CFR 431.296(b),
which are required for BVMs manufactured on or after January 8, 2019.
80 FR 45758; See also 81 FR 1028 (January 8, 2016). The specific
amendments in the July 2015 Final Rule included, for both Appendix A
and
[[Page 27056]]
Appendix B: (1) Updating the referenced test method to ANSI/ASHRAE
Standard 32.1-2010,''Methods of Testing for Rating Vending Machines for
Sealed Beverages,'' (``ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 32.1-2010''), (2)
incorporating amendments to clarify several ambiguities in ANSI/ASHRAE
Standard 32.1-2010, (3) eliminating the requirement to test at the 90-
degree Fahrenheit (``[deg]F'') ambient test condition, (4) clarifying
the test procedure for combination vending machines, (5) clarifying the
requirements for loading of BVMs under the DOE test procedure, (6)
specifying the characteristics of a standard test package, (7)
clarifying the average next-to-vend beverage temperature test
condition, (8) specifying placement of thermocouples during the DOE
test procedure, (9) establishing provisions for testing at the lowest
application product temperature, (10) clarifying the treatment of
certain accessories during the DOE test procedure, and (11) clarifying
the certification and reporting requirements for covered BVMs. 80 FR
45758, 45760. The July 2015 Final Rule also incorporated amendments in
Appendix B to account for the impact of low-power modes on the measured
daily energy consumption (``DEC'') of BVMs. Id.
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 amended test procedure rulemaking, and if so, to assist in the
development of proposed amendments. Accordingly, in the following
sections, DOE has identified specific issues on which it seeks input to
aid in its analysis of whether an amended test procedure for BVMs would
more accurately or fully comply with the requirement that the test
procedure produces results that measure energy use during a
representative average use cycle for the product, and not be unduly
burdensome to conduct. (42 U.S.C. 6293(b)(3)) DOE also welcomes
comments on other issues relevant to its early assessment that may not
specifically be identified in this document.
A. Scope and Definitions
BVMs are commercial refrigerators (as defined at 10 CFR 431.62)
that cool bottled or canned beverages and dispense the bottled or
canned beverages on payment. 10 CFR 431.292. The defined equipment
classes for BVMs include Class A, Class B, Combination A, and
Combination B.
Class A means a BVM that is not a combination vending machine and
in which 25 percent or more of the surface area on the front side of
the beverage vending machine is transparent.
Class B means a BVM that is not considered to be Class A and is not
a combination vending machine.
Combination A means a combination vending machine where 25 percent
or more of the surface area on the front side of the beverage vending
machine is transparent.\4\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\4\ As provided in 10 CFR 429.134(j)(2), the determination of
percent transparent surface does not include the surface area
surrounding any compartments that are not designed to be
refrigerated (as demonstrated by the presence of temperature
controls), whether or not it is transparent.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Combination B means a combination vending machine that is not
considered to be Combination A.
Combination vending machine means a BVM containing two or more
compartments separated by a solid partition, that may or may not share
a product delivery chute, in which at least one compartment is designed
to be refrigerated, as demonstrated by the presence of temperature
controls, and at least one compartment is not. 10 CFR 431.292.
Issue 1: DOE requests comment on whether the existing BVM and
equipment class definitions require any further clarification. For
example, DOE does not include a definition for the term ``dispense''
within the BVM definition. DOE requests information on whether it
should define ``dispense'' to better differentiate between BVMs and
other commercial refrigerators as defined in 10 CFR 431.62, and if so,
DOE requests comment on what definition would be appropriate.
Issue 2: DOE requests comment on whether the current definition for
combination vending machine adequately differentiates between fully
refrigerated BVMs and BVMs designed to have both refrigerated and non-
refrigerated compartments. For example, DOE seeks feedback on whether
the presence of additional features (e.g., refrigerated airflow as
indicated by the presence of air ducts or air deflectors) should be
included in the definition of combination vending machine to determine
whether a compartment is refrigerated. DOE also requests comment on
whether the term ``solid partition'' in the definition of combination
vending machine needs further specificity, and if so, what should be
stated to further specify the term.
Issue 3: DOE requests comment on whether any additional changes or
clarifications are needed to the existing BVM equipment class
definitions.
Issue 4: DOE requests information on whether any additional BVM
categories exist within the current equipment classes that would
require separate or additional test provisions. If such equipment is
identified, DOE requests comment on how the scope of the existing test
procedure should be expanded to include these machines and whether
additional test procedures would be needed to provide representative
test results of such equipment.
B. Test Procedure
DOE's current test procedure in Appendix B incorporates by
reference ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 32.1-2010 and provides additional
instructions and methods to address test setup, conduct, and
calculations. The test procedure generally requires measuring BVM
performance under stable conditions over a 24-hour test period,
allowing the BVM to be in accessory low power mode for the final 6
hours of the test period,\5\ if applicable. Section 2.2.3 and 2.2.4 of
Appendix B. A default payment mechanism energy consumption value is
added to the primary rated energy consumption per day.\6\ Section
2.2.5.1 of Appendix B. If the BVM has refrigeration low power mode,\7\
the measured energy consumption is reduced by a fixed percentage.\8\
Section 2.3.2 of Appendix B. The test procedure also includes
provisions for determining
[[Page 27057]]
refrigerated volume and vendible capacity. Section 3 of Appendix B.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\5\ ``Accessory low power mode'' means a state in which a
beverage vending machine's lighting and/or other energy-using
systems are in low power mode, but that is not a refrigeration low
power mode. Functions that may constitute an accessory low power
mode may include, for example, dimming or turning off lights, but
does not include adjustment of the refrigeration system to elevate
the temperature of the refrigerated compartment(s). Section 1.2,
Appendix B.
\6\ Section 2.2.5.1 of Appendix B defines a default payment
mechanism energy consumption of 0.20 kWh/day.
\7\ ``Refrigeration low power mode'' means a state in which a
beverage vending machine's refrigeration system is in low power mode
because of elevation of the temperature of the refrigerated
compartment(s). To qualify as low power mode, the unit must satisfy
the requirements described in section 2.3.2.1 of Appendix B. Section
1.2, Appendix B.
\8\ Section 2.3.2 of Appendix B specifies that for BVMs with a
refrigeration low power mode, multiply the value determined in
section 2.3.1 of Appendix B (which represents the sum of the default
payment mechanism energy consumption value and the primary rated
energy consumption per day) by 0.97 to determine the daily energy
consumption of the unit tested. Section 2.3.2.1 of Appendix B
provides a validation test method to verify the existence of a
refrigeration low power mode.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Updates to Industry Standards
As discussed, DOE's BVM test procedure in Appendix B incorporates
by reference ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 32.1-2010, which was the most current
version of the industry standard available at the time of the July 2015
Final Rule. DOE specifically references section 3, ``Definitions'';
section 4, ``Instruments''; section 5, ``Vendible Capacity''; section
6, ``Test Conditions''; section 7.1, ``Test Procedures--General
Requirements''; and section 7.2, ``Energy Consumption Test'' of ANSI/
ASHRAE Standard 32.1-2010. Appendix B includes some exceptions to these
references, and in cases of conflict between Appendix B language and
the requirements of ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 32.1-2010, the language in
Appendix B takes precedence. See section 1 of Appendix B.
At the time of the July 2015 Final Rule analysis, DOE was aware of
ongoing industry meetings to consider updates to ASHRAE Standard 32.1.
DOE participated in those industry meetings and, to the extent
possible, sought to align its test procedure with the expected updates
to ASHRAE Standard 32.1. 80 FR 45758, 45762.
On February 2, 2017, ANSI and ASHRAE approved the latest version of
Standard 32.1, ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 32.1-2017, ``Methods of Testing for
Rating Vending Machines for Sealed Beverages,'' (``ANSI/ASHRAE Standard
32.1-2017'').
Many of the revisions included in ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 32.1-2017
harmonize the industry standard with the existing DOE test procedure.
However, some substantive differences between DOE's test procedure at
Appendix B and ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 32.1-2017 remain, notably the
following:
(1) Section 2.2.4 of Appendix B contains provisions for testing
accessory low power mode, and section 2.3.2 of Appendix B accounts for
refrigeration low power mode; whereas ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 32.1-2017
contains no such provisions (and specifically prohibits operation in
low-power mode during testing, per section 7.2.2.6.2).
(2) Section 2.1.3 of Appendix B provides instructions for testing
BVMs that are not capable of maintaining an integrated average
temperature of 36 [deg]F 1 [deg]F during the 24-hour test
period; whereas ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 32.1-2017 contains no such
provisions. See section II.B.5 for additional discussion of lowest
application product temperatures.
(3) Section 2.2.1.4 of Appendix B specifies a ``standard product''
consisting of standard 12-ounce aluminum beverage cans filled with a
liquid with a density of 1.0 grams per milliliter (``g/mL'') 0.1 g/mL at 36 [deg]F; whereas ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 32.1-2017
specifies using a 33 percent propylene glycol/67 percent water
solution. See section II.B.4 for additional discussion of standard
product characteristics.
(4) Section 2.2.5.1 of Appendix B provides instructions for payment
mechanisms that cannot be disconnected during testing (if the payment
mechanism is not removed, Appendix B requires it to be in place but de-
energized, or set to the lowest energy consuming state if it cannot be
de-energized) and specifies a default payment mechanism energy
consumption of 0.20 kWh/day; whereas ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 32.1-2017
contains no such provisions. See section II.B.6 for additional
discussion of payment mechanisms.
(5) Section 2.2.3 of Appendix B requires energy management systems
to be disabled and energy-saving features that cannot be disabled to be
set to their most energy-consuming settings; whereas ANSI/ASHRAE
Standard 32.1-2017 also requires that energy management systems be
disabled, but does not address other energy-saving features that cannot
be disabled.
(6) Sections 2.2.5.2 through 2.2.5.10 of Appendix B provide
additional setup instructions regarding certain equipment accessories
(i.e., internal lighting; external customer display signs, lights, and
digital screens; anti-sweat or other electric resistance heaters;
condensate pan heaters and pumps; illuminated temperature displays;
condensate filters; security covers; general purpose outlets; and
crankcase heaters and other electric resistance heaters for cold
weather); whereas ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 32.1-2017 provides instructions
for only a subset of these accessories (i.e., video screens and
lighting).
(7) Section 2.2.2 of Appendix B prohibits routing thermocouple
wires and other measuring equipment through the dispensing door;
whereas ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 32.1-2017 contains no such prohibition
(only that they be installed in a manner that does not affect energy
performance).
(8) Section 2.3.3 of Appendix B provides rounding instructions on
energy consumption results; whereas ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 32.1-2017
contains no such rounding instructions.
(9) ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 32.1-2017 provides an additional recovery
test (to determine the product temperature recovery time of the BVM
when loaded with product at a certain temperature) and a vend test (to
determine how much cold product a BVM will deliver when bottles, cans,
or other sealed packages are vended at a rate of two per minute, 3
hours after a half-full machine is refilled with product at a specified
beverage temperature); whereas Appendix B contains no such tests. These
tests assess product temperature recovery and vending performance but
do not factor into the energy use measurement.
Issue 5: DOE requests comment on whether it should update its test
procedure to incorporate by reference ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 32.1-2017.
Issue 6: DOE requests comment on whether any of the updates
included in ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 32.1-2017 would affect measured energy
consumption of BVMs, and if so, how. Specifically, DOE requests comment
on the impact of any such changes to the representativeness of the
measurements and the associated impact to test burden.
Issue 7: DOE also requests comment on the identified differences
between the current DOE test procedure and ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 32.1-
2017, including comment on which approach is more appropriate for
testing BVMs, and why.
Issue 8: DOE requests comment on any known deficiencies in ANSI/
ASHRAE Standard 32.1-2017 that DOE may consider addressing in any
future amendments to the BVM test procedure.
2. Ambient Test Conditions
Section 2.1.2 of Appendix B requires testing and rating BVM
performance in a 75 [deg]F ambient temperature with a 45 percent
relative humidity. Prior to the July 2015 Final Rule, the DOE test
procedure incorporated by reference ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 32.1-2004,
which included two ambient test conditions: 75 [deg]F with a 45 percent
relative humidity and 90 [deg]F with a 65 percent relative humidity.
However, compliance with DOE's energy conservation standard was
determined based on performance at only the 75 [deg]F with a 45 percent
relative humidity test condition. In the July 2015 Final Rule, DOE
removed the requirement to conduct testing at the 90 [deg]F with a 65
percent relative humidity test condition. 80 FR 45758, 45764-45765.
During the rulemaking leading to the July 2015 Final Rule, DOE
estimated that 18 percent of Class B and Combination B BVMs are
installed outdoors. 80 FR 45758, 45765. DOE determined that, although
these BVMs
[[Page 27058]]
would experience different ambient conditions than in the test
procedure, it would not be feasible to test at all the conditions BVMs
may experience in the field. Id. DOE determined that the 75 [deg]F with
a 45 percent relative humidity test condition provides a reasonable and
comparable representation of energy performance for all BVMs. Id. In
ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 32.1-2017, the 90 [deg]F with a 65 percent
relative humidity test condition for the energy consumption test was
removed, and the standard designated the 75 [deg]F with a 45 percent
relative humidity test condition as the singular test condition.
If certain BVMs are specifically designed to operate in unique
ambient conditions (i.e., are intended for use only in the unique
condition and are not optionally installed indoors, as are most BVMs),
testing at a different ambient condition may better represent actual
average energy use in the field.
Issue 9: DOE requests comment regarding specification of a single
test condition of 75 [deg]F with a 45 percent relative humidity.
Specifically, DOE requests data on the number of BVMs that operate
outdoors or in other unique environments, and the associated ambient
conditions for those environments.
Issue 10: Additionally, DOE seeks information on how to identify
and define outdoor BVMs that could be considered for additional or
different test conditions. For example, DOE requests comment on whether
BVMs that operate outdoors or in other unique environments have design
characteristics that impact the measured energy consumption at a test
condition of 75 [deg]F with a 45 percent relative humidity. DOE
requests comment on and data for the appropriate test methods to
represent their energy consumption during average use (or if the
existing test at 75 [deg]F with a 45 percent relative humidity is
representative), as well as the costs associated with those methods.
3. Test Procedure for Combination BVMs
As described in section II.A, DOE defines ``combination vending
machine'' as a BVM containing two or more compartments separated by a
solid partition, that may or may not share a product delivery chute, in
which at least one compartment is designed to be refrigerated, as
demonstrated by the presence of temperature controls, and at least one
compartment is not. 10 CFR 431.292. Section 2.2.1.3 of Appendix B
specifies that the non-refrigerated compartments of combination BVMs
must not be loaded with any standard products or other vendible
merchandise during testing. Sections 7.2.2.2 and 7.2.2.7 of ANSI/ASHRAE
Standard 32.1-2017 require combination BVMs not to be loaded with any
standard products, test packages, or other vendible merchandise in the
non-refrigerated compartments, but that the non-refrigerated
compartments be lighted as in normal operation.
The thermal mass of any items loaded into the non-refrigerated
compartments (or lack of thermal mass for an unloaded compartment) of
combination BVMs may affect the measured DEC. Additionally, the thermal
mass of any merchandise stored in the non-refrigerated compartments can
vary significantly depending on the type of merchandise loaded into the
combination BVM. The current approach of requiring no load in the non-
refrigerated compartments addresses the potential variability
associated with this thermal load; however, DOE seeks feedback on
whether requiring some load in the non-refrigerated compartments may
better represent the average energy use of combination BVMs.
Issue 11: DOE requests comment on the typical thermal mass of
merchandise loaded into the non-refrigerated compartments of
combination BVMs and the potential impact of such a load on tested
energy consumption.
4. Characteristics of the Standard Product
Section 2.2.1.4 of Appendix B specifies the standard products to be
used for testing, which include the following: 12-ounce aluminum
beverage cans filled with a liquid with a density of 1.0 grams per
milliliter (``g/mL'') 0.1 g/mL at 36 [deg]F; or, for
product storage racks that are not capable of vending 12-ounce cans,
but are capable of vending 20-ounce bottles, 20-ounce plastic bottles
filled with a liquid with a density of 1.0 g/mL 0.1 g/mL at
36 [deg]F; or, for product storage racks that are not capable of
vending 12-ounce cans or 20-ounce bottles, the packaging and contents
specified by the manufacturer in product literature as the standard
product (i.e., the specific merchandise the refrigerated bottled or
canned beverage vending machine is designed to vend). In the July 2015
Final Rule, DOE discussed the possibility of considering other standard
products, including slimline cans, milk cartons, aseptic packs,
pouches, and energy drinks. 80 FR 45758, 45768. However, DOE determined
that the standard product for BVMs not capable of vending 12-ounce cans
or 20-ounce bottles is the product specified by the manufacturer in
product literature. Id.
Vendible product types other than 12-ounce cans or 20-ounce bottles
may now be used more frequently than at the time of the analysis
leading to the July 2015 Final Rule. DOE may consider adding
descriptions of such refrigerated beverage containers and contents if
they are commonly used and have characteristics that can be defined for
use across BVM manufacturers (i.e., the standard product as described
would not be applicable to only one BVM manufacturer).
Additionally, DOE is aware of certain BVMs that are marketed to
vend both beverages and food, but do not contain a solid partition that
separates the shelves or compartments intended for refrigerated bottled
or canned beverages from those intended for other merchandise. Without
a solid partition, these BVM models would not meet the definition of
combination vending machine and would instead be classified as either
Class A or Class B BVMs. If the non-beverage shelves of these BVMs are
not capable of vending 12-ounce cans or 20-ounce bottles, the standard
product for testing must be the packaging and contents specified by the
manufacturer in product literature as the standard product per section
2.2.1.4 or Appendix B. DOE seeks information on whether to specify
additional instructions for loading and measuring temperatures of such
non-beverage packages to reduce test variability.
Issue 12: DOE requests comment on whether the currently defined
standard products (i.e., the products comprising the BVM test load) are
representative of average BVM use.
Issue 13: DOE seeks feedback on whether any additional products
should be defined as standard products for BVMs that are not capable of
vending 12-ounce cans or 20-ounce bottles to limit variability in
testing. If so, DOE requests data and information on the extent to
which BVMs currently vend such products and the extent to which BVMs
are stocked exclusively with such products (and no other non-standard
products).
Issue 14: DOE also requests detailed descriptions of such products,
including typical dimensions, materials, and contents, and any data
showing whether different standard products affect measured energy use.
Issue 15: DOE requests feedback on the appropriate loading
requirements for refrigerated shelves of BVMs that are designed to
dispense merchandise other than bottled or canned beverages, including
non-beverage merchandise. If these shelves should be loaded, DOE
[[Page 27059]]
requests feedback on the applicability of the standard product
instructions specified in section 2.2.1.4 of Appendix B for these
shelves and on the sensor placement instructions specified in section
2.2.2 of Appendix B.
As discussed in section II.B.1, section 7.1.5.1 of ANSI/ASHRAE
Standard 32.1-2017 requires the beverage temperature test packages to
be filled with a 33 percent propylene glycol/67 percent water solution.
ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 32.1-2017 does not specify whether these glycol/
water percentages are based on weight or volume. Section 5.1 of ANSI/
ASHRAE Standard 32.1-2017 also specifies that standard sealed beverages
are 12-ounce cans, 20-ounce bottles, or the sealed beverage specified
by the manufacturer. Section 5.1 does not provide any other reference
to the liquid in the containers.
Issue 16: DOE requests comment on whether the standard products or
standard test packages as defined in Appendix B sections 2.2.1.4 and
2.2.1.5, respectively, require any further specifications. For example,
in lieu of the existing density specifications, DOE seeks feedback on
whether it should specify the contents of the test containers (e.g.,
the 33 percent propylene glycol/67 percent water solution (and whether
these percentages are based on weight or volume) as specified in
section 7.1.5.1 of ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 32.1-2017).
5. Lowest Application Product Temperature
Section 2.1.1 of Appendix B requires that the integrated average
temperature (``IAT'') of the BVM be 36 [deg]F 1 [deg]F
over the test period. For BVMs that are designed to operate at
temperatures higher than 36 [deg]F and are not capable of maintaining
an IAT at 36 [deg]F 1 [deg]F for testing, section 2.1.3 of
Appendix B requires testing such equipment at its lowest application
product temperature, defined as the lowest IAT the BVM is capable of
maintaining at stable conditions.
In the July 2015 Final Rule, DOE stated that it would monitor its
certification data and would take any necessary corrective actions if a
significant portion of models are certified under the lowest
application product temperature provisions. 80 FR 45758, 45773-45774.
For any BVM tested and rated using the lowest application product
temperature provisions in Appendix B, DOE requires that manufacturers
include the temperature in their certification reports. 10 CFR
429.52(b)(2)(ii). DOE's compliance certification database \9\ lists all
BVM models certified to DOE, including the lowest application product
temperature used for rating each model, if applicable. Of the 137
individual models included in the compliance certification database, 12
individual models (4 basic models) from one manufacturer are rated at
lowest application product temperatures between 37.9 [deg]F and 41.3
[deg]F.\10\ Models had previously been certified to DOE (and are not
included in the current DOE compliance certification database) as being
rated at a lowest application product temperature below the 36 1 [deg]F IAT range required in the DOE test procedure. For
example, models from one manufacturer were previously rated at an IAT
of 32 [deg]F (indicating that those BVMs could not operate as warm as
36 1 [deg]F).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\9\ Available at https://www.regulations.doe.gov/certification-data/CCMS-4-Refrigerated_Bottled_or_Canned_Beverage_Vending_Machines.html.
\10\ Compliance certification database data as accessed on
February 6, 2021.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Issue 17: DOE requests comment on whether the lowest application
product temperature provisions are appropriate for testing BVMs not
capable of maintaining IAT of 36 [deg]F 1 [deg]F. If not,
DOE requests comment on what test procedures would better represent
energy consumption during average use for such equipment, including,
for example, whether Appendix B should include additional IATs for
rating BVMs.
Issue 18: DOE further requests comment on whether Appendix B should
include additional instructions for testing those BVMs capable of
maintaining temperatures only below the 36 [deg]F 1 [deg]F
range (e.g., testing such BVMs at the highest thermostat setting).
6. Payment Mechanisms
Section 2.2.5.1 of Appendix B requires testing BVMs with no payment
mechanism in place, the payment mechanism in-place but de-energized, or
the payment mechanism in place but set to the lowest energy consuming
state, if it cannot be de-energized. A default payment mechanism energy
consumption value of 0.20 kilowatt-hours per day (``kWh/day'') is added
to the primary rated energy consumption per day, according to section
2.3 of Appendix B. In section 7.1.2.2. of ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 32.1-
2017, payment mechanisms are required to be disconnected during
testing.
DOE established the 0.20 kWh/day value based on a weighted average
energy consumption of 25 different payment mechanisms available at the
time of the July 2015 Final Rule. These included 11 coin mechanisms, 11
bill validators, and 3 credit card readers. 80 FR 45758, 45777.
Since the publication of the July 2015 Final Rule, the prevalence
of different payment mechanisms for BVMs may have shifted. For example,
credit card readers may be more common in the field compared to coin
mechanisms or bill validators, or BVMs may incorporate all types of
payment mechanisms. Based on the July 2015 Final Rule data, credit card
readers had the highest daily energy consumption. If such a shift has
occurred in the market, an amended payment mechanism energy adder may
provide results that are more representative of average energy use.
Additionally, if BVMs as sold or shipped now typically include payment
mechanisms, a direct test of energy consumption rather than a fixed
energy use adder may be more representative of average energy use.
Issue 19: DOE requests comment on whether BVMs are typically sold
and shipped with payment mechanisms in place. If not, DOE requests
information on the types of payment mechanisms typically installed on
BVMs and their associated energy use.
Issue 20: DOE seeks feedback on whether the current 0.20 kWh/day
energy use assigned to payment mechanisms is representative of the
current BVM market.
7. Low Power Modes
Appendix B incorporates definitions and test requirements for two
types of low power modes \11\ (i.e., accessory low power mode and
refrigeration low power mode). Section 7.2.2.6.2 of ANSI/ASHRAE
Standard 32.1-2017 requires that low power modes not be allowed to
operate during testing.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\11\ ``Low power mode'' means a state in which a beverage
vending machine's lighting, refrigeration, and/or other energy-using
systems are automatically adjusted (without user intervention) such
that they consume less energy than they consume in an active vending
environment. Section 1.2, Appendix B.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
In the July 2015 Final Rule, DOE acknowledged that the two types of
low power modes incorporated into the test procedure (accessory low
power mode and refrigeration low power mode) may not address all forms
of low power modes available in the BVM market. DOE identified
``learning-based'' energy management controls that use historic sales
and traffic data to predict times of high and low traffic; however, DOE
did not propose a test procedure for such controls, as it would be
difficult to develop a repeatable test procedure to evaluate the energy
savings of such
[[Page 27060]]
controls during a 24-hour test in a laboratory. 80 FR 45758, 45786.
Issue 21: DOE requests comment on the availability of additional
low power modes for BVMs, including any ``learning-based'' energy
management controls. If such modes are available, DOE seeks data and
information on the typical operating times and associated energy
consumptions of BVMs in these modes.
Issue 22: DOE also seeks feedback on whether a test procedure to
account for operation in these low power modes would better reflect the
representative average energy use of BVMs, and if so, what would be the
appropriate test methods as well as the associated test burden and
costs.
a. Accessory Low Power Mode
Section 1.2 of Appendix B defines accessory low power mode as a
state in which a BVM's lighting and/or other energy-using systems are
in low power mode, but that is not a refrigeration low power mode.
Functions that may constitute an accessory low power mode may include,
for example, dimming or turning off lights, but does not include
adjustment of the refrigeration system to elevate the temperature of
the refrigerated compartment(s). Section 2.2.4 of Appendix B states
that accessory low power mode may be engaged for the final 6 hours of
the 24-hour test period and requires that the BVM be operated in the
lowest energy-consuming lighting and control settings for testing this
mode. Section 2.2.4 also requires that any automatic activation of
refrigeration low power modes be prevented during the accessory low
power mode test period.
The 24-hour test procedure starts after a BVM achieves
stabilization as determined in vending mode. Because the test period
ends with 6 hours of operation in accessory low power mode, when the
mode is engaged for testing, the BVM would end the test in a different
operating state than at the start of the test. Although the
refrigeration system and cabinet temperatures would likely not change
with operation in an accessory low power mode (because accessory low
power mode does not include adjustment of the refrigeration system to
elevate the temperature of the refrigerated compartment), some
transient recovery period may be required for a BVM to return to stable
operation in vending mode after operating in accessory low power mode
for 6 hours. If such a recovery period exists, testing the accessory
low power mode during the middle of the 24-hour test period may be more
representative by capturing any transition periods between operating
modes.
Issue 23: DOE requests comment on whether BVMs require any recovery
period following operation in accessory low power mode to return to
stable operation in vending mode. If so, DOE requests test data
indicating the effect of such operating periods and seeks feedback on
whether the accessory low power mode test period should occur at some
other point during the 24-hour test period.
Issue 24: Additionally, DOE requests information regarding testing
the accessory low power mode during a period other than at the end of
the 24-hour test period, specifically on any potential drawbacks or
test burdens that may result.
In the July 2015 Final Rule, DOE stated that BVMs may employ a
variety of control strategies and control a variety of different
components in accessory low power mode. 80 FR 45758, 45785. DOE
established testing under the settings representing the maximum energy
savings to avoid potential repeatability issues associated with
identifying appropriate test control settings for BVMs with various
types of accessory low power modes. Id.
Issue 25: DOE requests comment on the typical average duration a
BVM operates in accessory low power mode per day, if applicable.
Issue 26: DOE also seeks information on the control settings users
apply for accessory low power mode in the field (i.e., whether the
lowest energy consumption settings for lighting and controls are
representative of average use in accessory low power mode).
Issue 27: DOE also requests comment on whether multiple accessory
low power mode test settings may be appropriate for BVMs offering
various control settings.
b. Refrigeration Low Power Mode
Section 1.2 of Appendix B defines refrigeration low power mode as a
state in which a BVM's refrigeration system is in low power mode
because of elevation of the temperature of the refrigerated
compartment(s). Section 2.3.2.1 of Appendix B includes provisions for
confirming the presence of a refrigeration low power mode, either
through an increase in average next-to-vend beverage temperature or
lack of compressor operation. Unlike accessory low power mode, Appendix
B does not include a direct test of refrigeration low power mode.
Instead, BVMs with refrigeration low power mode receive a 3-percent
reduction in DEC as measured. Section 2.3.2 of Appendix B.
In the July 2015 Final Rule, DOE determined that a 3-percent energy
reduction was more appropriate than a physical test of refrigeration
low power mode because refrigeration low power modes are extremely
variable in their control strategies and operation and may require
instructions from the manufacturer to accommodate specific provisions
of a physical test. DOE stated that a physical test would reduce
consistency and repeatability and would make the method impractical to
implement. 80 FR 45758, 45785.
DOE established the 3-percent credit for refrigeration low power
mode by testing several BVMs with this mode.\12\ DOE noted in the July
2015 Final Rule that this value is an average that is representative of
the common types of refrigeration low power modes available in the
marketplace. 80 FR 45758, 45786.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\12\ DOE described the method for determining the 3-percent
credit in detail in the notice of proposed rulemaking that preceded
the July 2015 Final Rule. 79 FR 46908, 46925-46926 (Aug. 11, 2014).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Issue 28: DOE requests comment on whether any amendments are needed
to either the definition of refrigeration low power mode or the
corresponding refrigeration low power mode validation test method.
Issue 29: DOE seeks feedback on whether any BVM operating modes
exist that should be considered a refrigeration low power mode but
cannot meet the current definition or validation test method (e.g.,
operating modes with little or no increase in refrigerated compartment
temperature with some amount of compressor operation).
Issue 30: DOE requests comment on the current approach of applying
a 3-percent energy reduction for any BVMs determined to have a
refrigeration low power mode. Specifically, DOE requests comment on
whether a physical test to account for actual unit energy reduction
associated with refrigeration low power mode is feasible, or whether
any test method for such an approach currently exists, and on the
burden associated with running such a test.
Issue 31: DOE requests comment on whether the 3-percent energy
reduction is appropriate for BVMs with refrigeration low power mode.
DOE seeks data on BVM operation in refrigeration low power mode,
including the amount of time spent in such a mode and the associated
energy consumption.
8. Reloading and Recovery Period
As stated in Section II.B.1, ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 32.1-2017
provides an additional recovery test (to determine the product
temperature recovery time
[[Page 27061]]
of the BVM when loaded with product at a certain temperature), whereas
Appendix B contains no such test. This recovery test assesses product
temperature recovery performance of the BVM but does not include a
measurement of the corresponding energy consumption. Table 2 in ANSI/
ASHRAE Standard 32.1-2017 lists the reloaded sealed-beverage
temperature, 90 [deg]F, and the final instantaneous average next-to-
vend beverage temperature, 40 [deg]F, for the recovery test.
Additionally, Table 4 in ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 32.1-2017 lists the door
open durations, between 10 and 20 minutes, required during the recovery
test while reloading the BVM.
The existing DOE test procedure considers BVM performance only
during stable operation (including any operation in accessory low power
mode). During typical use, BVMs are regularly opened and restocked with
warmer beverages. Accounting for BVM energy use during restocking
periods and the subsequent product temperature recovery periods may
better represent the actual energy use of BVMs during normal operation.
Issue 32: DOE requests comment and supporting data on whether BVM
restocking and the subsequent product temperature recovery represent a
significant energy consumption for BVMs relative to the existing test
procedure.
Issue 33: DOE requests comment and supporting data regarding the
applicability of the recovery test described in ANSI/ASHRAE Standard
32.1-2017 for measuring the energy consumption associated with
restocking and product temperature recovery.
Issue 34: DOE requests comment and supporting data on the frequency
and duration of door openings required to reload BVMs.
9. Alternate Refrigerants
In an April 10, 2015 final rule, the Environmental Protection
Agency listed propane (R-290), isobutane (R-600a), and the hydrocarbon
blend R-441A as acceptable refrigerants for use in BVMs, subject to a
150-gram charge limit per refrigeration circuit and other safety
measures to address flammability. 80 FR 19454, 19491. Due to the
flammability of these refrigerants, BVMs using hydrocarbon refrigerants
may need to implement additional controls and components to mitigate
the risk of ignition from any potential refrigerant leaks. The need for
such controls also may vary depending on the intended installation
location for BVMs.
DOE is interested in understanding what additional components and
controls manufacturers may need to add to their equipment to transition
to alternative refrigerants, including propane, and whether the test
procedure requires any updates to account for any corresponding energy
use. DOE's expectation is that such controls would always be active and
would not require specific test procedure instructions; however, DOE
requests information on whether multiple control settings are available
for these components, and if so, what would be the representative test
settings.
Issue 35: DOE requests comment on what additional components and
controls manufacturers may need to add to their equipment when
designing BVMs with alternative refrigerants and on the typical
settings used for such components and controls, if multiple settings
are available. DOE requests comment on whether any test procedure
modifications are necessary to account for the energy consumption
associated with these components and controls and any corresponding
impact on testing burden.
10. Connected Functions
The current DOE test procedure for BVMs does not include test
requirements specifically for connected or smart features. Section
2.2.5 of Appendix B generally requires all components necessary to
provide sufficient functionality for cooling and vending products in
field installations (i.e., product inventory, temperature management,
product merchandising (including, e.g., lighting or signage), product
selection, and product transport and delivery) to be in place during
testing and set to the maximum energy-consuming setting if manually
adjustable. Other components not necessary for such functionality are
de-energized or set to their lowest energy consuming state.
Issue 36: DOE requests comment on the prevalence of connected
functions in BVMs. DOE seeks information on what BVM functions are
associated with these connected modes, how often they are used, and
their corresponding impacts on energy use.
Issue 37: DOE also requests comment on whether the existing DOE
test procedure instructions for accessories in section 2.2.5 of
Appendix B adequately address test settings for connected functions in
BVMs.
III. Submission of Comments
DOE invites all interested parties to submit in writing by the date
specified in the DATES heading, comments and information on matters
addressed in this RFI and on other matters relevant to DOE's early
assessment of whether an amended test procedure for BVMs is warranted
and if so, what such amendments should be considered.
Submitting comments via https://www.regulations.gov. The https://www.regulations.gov web page will require you to provide your name and
contact information. Your contact information will be viewable to DOE
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However, your contact information will be publicly viewable if you
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Any information that you do not want to be publicly viewable should not
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Do not submit to https://www.regulations.gov information for which
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Confidential Business Information (``CBI'')). Comments submitted
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DOE processes submissions made through https://www.regulations.gov
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Submitting comments via email. Comments and documents submitted via
email will be posted to https://www.regulations.gov. If you do not want
your personal contact information to be
[[Page 27062]]
publicly viewable, do not include it in your comment or any
accompanying documents. Instead, provide your contact information on a
cover letter. Include your first and last names, email address,
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Include contact information each time you submit comments, data,
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Comments, data, and other information submitted to DOE
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Documents should not contain special characters or any form of
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Campaign form letters. Please submit campaign form letters by the
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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
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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 12,
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 13, 2021.
Treena V. Garrett,
Federal Register Liaison Officer, U.S. Department of Energy.
[FR Doc. 2021-10448 Filed 5-18-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6450-01-P
