Energy Conservation Program: Test Procedures for Fans and Blowers, 54412-54416 [2021-21387]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 188 (Friday, October 1, 2021)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 54412-54416]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-21387]


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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

10 CFR Parts 429 and 431

[EERE-2021-BT-TP-0021]


Energy Conservation Program: Test Procedures for Fans and Blowers

AGENCY: Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Department of 
Energy.

ACTION: Request for information.

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SUMMARY: The U.S. Department of Energy (``DOE'') is undertaking the 
preliminary stages of a rulemaking to consider potential test 
procedures for fans and blowers, including air circulating fan heads. 
Through this request for information (``RFI''), DOE seeks data and 
information regarding issues pertinent to whether new test procedures 
would accurately and fully comply with the requirement that a test 
procedure measures energy use during a representative average use cycle 
for the equipment without being unduly burdensome to conduct. DOE 
welcomes written comments from the public on any subject within the 
scope of this document (including topics not raised in this RFI), as 
well as the submission of data and other relevant information.

DATES: Written comments and information are requested and will be 
accepted on or before November 1, 2021.

ADDRESSES: Interested persons are encouraged to submit comments using 
the Federal eRulemaking Portal at www.regulations.gov. Follow the 
instructions for submitting comments. Alternatively, interested persons 
may submit comments, identified by docket number EERE-2021-BT-TP-0021, 
by any of the following methods:
    1. Federal eRulemaking Portal: www.regulations.gov. Follow the 
instructions for submitting comments.
    2. Email: to [email protected]. Include docket 
number EERE-2021-BT-TP-0021 in the subject line of the message.
    No telefacsimiles (``faxes'') will be accepted. For detailed 
instructions on submitting comments and additional information on this 
process, see section III of this document.
    Although DOE has routinely accepted public comment submissions 
through a variety of mechanisms, including the Federal eRulemaking 
Portal, email, postal mail, or hand delivery/courier, the Department 
has found it necessary to make temporary modifications to the comment 
submission process in light of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. DOE is 
currently suspending receipt of public comments via postal mail and 
hand delivery/courier. If a commenter finds that this change poses an 
undue hardship, please contact Appliance Standards Program staff at 
(202) 586-1445 to discuss the need for alternative arrangements. Once 
the Covid-19 pandemic health emergency is resolved, DOE anticipates 
resuming all of its regular options for public comment submission, 
including postal mail and hand delivery/courier.
    Docket: The docket for this activity, which includes Federal 
Register notices, comments, and other supporting documents/materials, 
is available for review at www.regulations.gov. All documents in the 
docket are listed in the 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: www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/appliance_standards/product.aspx/productid/65. The docket web 
page contains instructions on how to access all documents, including 
public comments, in the docket. See section III for information on how 
to submit comments through www.regulations.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: 
    Mr. Jeremy Dommu, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy 
Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Building Technologies Office, EE-5B, 
1000 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20585-0121. Telephone: 
(202) 586-9870. Email: [email protected].
    Ms. Amelia Whiting, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of the 
General Counsel, GC-33, 1000 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 
20585-0121. Telephone: (202) 586-2588. Email: 
[email protected].
    For further information on how to submit a comment or review other 
public comments and the docket, contact the Appliance and Equipment 
Standards Program staff at (202) 287-1445 or by email: 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Table of Contents

I. Introduction
    A. Authority and Background
    B. Rulemaking History
II. Request for Information
    A. Scope and Definitions
    1. Definition
    2. Scope
    B. Test Procedure
    1. Industry Standards
    2. Metric
    3. Sampling
III. Submission of Comments

I. Introduction

    On August 19, 2021, DOE published a final determination that fans 
and blowers are covered equipment for the purpose of the ``Energy 
Conservation Program for Certain Industrial Equipment'' under the 
Energy Policy and Conservation Act, as amended (``EPCA''),\1\ (42 
U.S.C. 6311-6317 as codified). 86 FR 46579. There are currently no DOE 
test procedures for fans and blowers, including air circulating fan 
heads. The following

[[Page 54413]]

sections discuss DOE's authority to establish test procedures for fans 
and blowers, including air circulating fan heads (``ACFHs''), as well 
as relevant background information regarding DOE's consideration of 
potential test procedures for this equipment.
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    \1\ All references to EPCA in this document refer to the statute 
as amended through the Energy Act of 2020, Public Law 116-260 (Dec. 
27, 2020).
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A. Authority and Background

    EPCA 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 C \2\ of EPCA, added by Public Law 95-619, Title 
IV, section 441(a) (42 U.S.C. 6311-6317, as codified), established the 
Energy Conservation Program for Certain Industrial Equipment, which 
sets forth a variety of provisions designed to improve energy 
efficiency of certain commercial and industrial equipment (hereafter 
referred to as ``covered equipment''). The purpose of Part A-1 is to 
improve the efficiency of electric motors and pumps and certain other 
industrial equipment in order to conserve the energy resources of the 
Nation. (42 U.S.C. 6312(a))
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    \2\ For editorial reasons, upon codification in the U.S. Code, 
Part C was redesignated Part A-1 and hereafter referred to as Part 
A-1.
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    EPCA specifies a list of equipment that constitutes covered 
equipment.\3\ EPCA also provides that ``covered equipment'' includes 
any other type of industrial equipment for which the Secretary of 
Energy (``Secretary'') determines inclusion is necessary to carry out 
the purpose of Part A-1. (42 U.S.C. 6311(1)(L); 42 U.S.C. 6312(b)) EPCA 
specifies the types of equipment that can be classified as industrial 
equipment. (42 U.S.C. 6311(2)(B). This equipment includes fans and 
blowers. (42 U.S.C. 6311(2)(B)(ii) and (iii)). Industrial equipment 
must be of a type that consumes, or is designed to consume, energy in 
operation; is distributed in commerce for industrial or commercial use 
\4\; and is not a covered product as defined in 42 U.S.C. 6291(a)(2) of 
EPCA other than a component of a covered product with respect to which 
there is in effect a determination under section 6312(c). (42 U.S.C. 
6311(2)(A)).
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    \3\ ``Covered equipment'' means one of the following types of 
industrial equipment: Electric motors and pumps; small commercial 
package air conditioning and heating equipment; large commercial 
package air conditioning and heating equipment; very large 
commercial package air conditioning and heating equipment; 
commercial refrigerators, freezers, and refrigerator-freezers; 
automatic commercial ice makers; walk-in coolers and walk-in 
freezers; commercial clothes washers; packaged terminal air-
conditioners and packaged terminal heat pumps; warm air furnaces and 
packaged boilers; and storage water heaters, instantaneous water 
heaters, and unfired hot water storage tanks. (42 U.S.C. 6311(1)(A)-
(K))
    \4\ DOE notes that distribution for residential use does not 
preclude coverage as covered equipment so long as the equipment is 
of a type that is also distributed in commerce for industrial and 
commercial use.
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    On August 19, 2021, DOE determined that the inclusion of fans and 
blowers as covered equipment was necessary to carry out the purpose of 
Part A-1 and classified fans and blowers as covered equipment. 86 FR 
46579.
    The energy conservation program under EPCA consists essentially of 
four parts: (1) Testing, (2) labeling, (3) Federal energy conservation 
standards, and (4) certification and enforcement procedures. Relevant 
provisions of EPCA include definitions (42 U.S.C. 6311), test 
procedures (42 U.S.C. 6314), labeling provisions (42 U.S.C. 6315), 
energy conservation standards (42 U.S.C. 6313), and the authority to 
require information and reports from manufacturers (42 U.S.C. 6316).
    Federal energy efficiency requirements for covered equipment 
established under EPCA generally supersede State laws and regulations 
concerning energy conservation testing, labeling, and standards. (42 
U.S.C. 6316(a) and (b); 42 U.S.C. 6297). DOE may, however, grant 
waivers of Federal preemption for particular State laws or regulations, 
in accordance with the procedures and other provisions of EPCA. (42 
U.S.C. 6316(b)(2)(D)).
    The Federal testing requirements consist of test procedures that 
manufacturers of covered equipment must use as the basis for: (1) 
Certifying to DOE that their equipment complies with the applicable 
energy conservation standards adopted pursuant to EPCA (42 U.S.C. 
6316(a); 42 U.S.C. 6295(s)), and (2) making representations about the 
efficiency of that equipment (42 U.S.C. 6314(d)). Similarly, DOE must 
use these test procedures to determine whether the equipment complies 
with relevant standards promulgated under EPCA.\5\ (42 U.S.C. 6316(a); 
42 U.S.C. 6295(s))
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    \5\ There are currently no energy conservation standards for 
fans and blowers.
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    Under 42 U.S.C. 6314, EPCA sets forth the criteria and procedures 
DOE must follow when prescribing or amending test procedures for 
covered equipment. EPCA requires that any test procedures prescribed or 
amended under this section must be reasonably designed to produce test 
results which reflect energy efficiency, energy use or estimated annual 
operating cost of a given type of covered equipment during a 
representative average use cycle and requires that test procedures not 
be unduly burdensome to conduct. (42 U.S.C. 6314(a)(2))
    Before prescribing any final test procedures under this section, 
the Secretary must publish proposed test procedures in the Federal 
Register, and afford interested persons an opportunity (of not less 
than 45 days' duration) to present oral and written data, views, and 
arguments on the proposed test procedures. (42 U.S.C. 6314(b))

B. Rulemaking History

    As noted, on August 19, 2021, DOE published in the Federal Register 
a final coverage determination classifying fans and blowers as covered 
equipment (``August 2021 Final Coverage Determination''). 86 FR 46579. 
DOE established that the term ``blower'' is interchangeable with the 
term ``fan''. 86 FR 46579, 46583. DOE also defined a fan or blower as 
``a rotary bladed machine used to convert electrical or mechanical 
power to air power, with an energy output limited to 25 kilojoule (kJ)/
kilogram (kg) of air. It consists of an impeller, a shaft and bearings 
and/or driver to support the impeller, as well as a structure or 
housing. A fan or blower may include a transmission, driver, and/or 
motor controller.'' 86 FR 46579, 46590; See 10 CFR 431.172. Further, 
DOE determined that fans and blowers are industrial equipment as 
specified by EPCA and classified fans and blowers as covered 
equipment.\6\ The definition of ``industrial equipment'' explicitly 
excludes covered products, other than a component of a covered product. 
(42 U.S.C. 6311(2)(A)(iii)). Therefore, the definition of ``fan and 
blower'' does not apply to ceiling fans or furnace fans, both covered 
products defined at 10 CFR 430.2. 86 FR 46579, 46584-46585.
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    \6\ ``Industrial equipment'' is any article of specifically 
listed equipment that is of a type, which (1) in operation consumes, 
or is designed to consume, energy; (2) to any significant extent, is 
distributed in commerce for industrial or commercial use; (3) is not 
a ``covered product,'' and (4) for which the Secretary has 
determined coverage is necessary to carry out the purpose of Part A-
1. (42 U.S.C. 6311(2)(A); 42 U.S.C. 6312(b))
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    To date DOE has not proposed test procedures or energy conservation 
standards for fans and blowers. Prior to the August 2021 Final Coverage 
Determination, on January 10, 2020, DOE received a petition from AMCA, 
Air Conditioning Contractors of America, and Sheet Metal & Air 
Conditioning Contractors of America (``the Petitioners'') requesting 
that DOE establish test procedures for certain categories of commercial 
and industrial fans based on an upcoming industry test method, AMCA 
214.\7\ DOE published a

[[Page 54414]]

notice of petition and request for public comment (``April 2020 Notice 
of Petition''). 85 FR 22677, 22677-22678 (April 23, 2020).
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    \7\ At the time of the petition, AMCA 214-21 was available as a 
draft version (AMCA 214).
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    To date, DOE has not proposed test procedures or energy 
conservation standards for fans and blowers, including ACFHs. DOE has 
identified a number of issues specific to potential test procedures for 
ACFHs that may benefit from public input.

II. Request for Information

    In the following sections, DOE has identified a variety of issues 
on which it seeks input to determine whether, and if so how, potential 
test procedures for fans and blowers, including ACFHs, would (1) comply 
with the requirements in EPCA that test procedures be reasonably 
designed to produce test results which reflect energy use during a 
representative average use cycle, and (2) not be unduly burdensome to 
conduct (42 U.S.C. 6314(a)(2)). Additionally, DOE welcomes comments on 
any aspect related to the potential test procedures for fans and 
blowers, including ACFHs that may not specifically be identified in 
this document.

A. Fans and Blowers

    Although EPCA lists fans and blowers as types of industrial 
equipment, these terms are not defined. (See 42 U.S.C. 6311(2)(B)(ii) 
and (B)(iii)) As noted, DOE has established a definition for 
``fans''.\8\ As industrial equipment, this equipment excludes ceiling 
fans and furnace fans, both covered products defined at 10 CFR 430.2. 
(See 10 CFR 431.171) In the August 2021 Notice of Final Coverage 
Determination, DOE determined that the definition appropriately covered 
fans and blowers that are industrial equipment as specified by EPCA. 86 
FR 46579, 46585. DOE is publishing this RFI to provide for additional 
public comment on issues specific to potential test procedures for fans 
and blowers, including air circulating fan heads, following the final 
coverage determination i.e., the August 2021 Notice of Final Coverage 
Determination.
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    \8\ ``A fan (or blower) means a rotary bladed machine used to 
convert electrical or mechanical power to air power, with an energy 
output limited to 25 kilojoule (kJ) per kilogram (kg) of air. It 
consists of an impeller, a shaft and bearings and/or driver to 
support the impeller, as well as a structure or housing. A fan (or 
blower) may include a transmission, driver, and/or motor 
controller.'' (10 CFR 431.172)
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B. Scope and Definitions for ACFHs

1. Definition
    ACFHs that are the subject of this RFI are designed to provide 
concentrated directional airflow and consist of a motor, impeller and 
guard for mounting on a pedestal, wall mount bracket, ceiling mount 
bracket, I-beam bracket or other mounting means. ACFHs are different 
from ceiling fans, which are designed to circulate air rather than 
provide concentrated directional airflow. As a result, ACFHs have lower 
diameter-to-maximum operating speed ratio (expressed in inches per 
revolutions per minute (``in/RPM'')) than ceiling fans.
    As previously noted, fans and blowers are defined at 10 CFR 
431.172. DOE does not currently define air circulating fans heads. The 
American National Standards Institute (``ANSI'')/Air Movement and 
Control Association International, Inc. (``AMCA'') Standard 230-15, 
``Laboratory Methods of Testing Air Circulating Fans for Rating and 
Certification'' (``AMCA 230-15'') \9\ is the industry test procedure 
for air circulating fans, which include ACFHs.\10\ Section 5.1 of AMCA 
230-15 defines an ``air circulating fan'' as ``a non-ducted fan used 
for the general circulation of air within a confined space''. It 
further classifies ACFHs as a category of air circulating fans and is 
defined in Section 5.1.1 of AMCA 230-15 as follows: ``an assembly 
consisting of a motor, impeller and guard for mounting on a pedestal 
having a base and column, wall mount bracket, ceiling mount bracket, I-
beam bracket or other commonly accepted mounting means.''
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    \9\ AMCA 230-15 was approved by ANSI on October 16, 2015.
    \10\ In addition to ACFHs, AMCA 230-15 defines four other 
categories of air circulating fans: (1) Ceiling fans (the subject of 
a separate DOE rulemaking as discussed in this document); (2) 
personnel coolers (``a fan used in shops, factories, etc. Generally 
supplied with wheels or casters on the housing or frame to aid in 
portability, and with motor and impeller enclosed in a common guard 
and shroud''); (3) box fans (``a fan used in an office or 
residential application and having the motor and impeller enclosed 
in an approximately square box frame having a handle''); and (4) 
table fans (``a fan intended for use on a desk, table or countertop. 
The fan may also be provided with the means for mounting to a 
wall''). See Sections 5.1.2 through 5.1.5 of AMCA 230-15.
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    ANSI/AMCA Standard 214-21, ``Test Procedure for Calculating Fan 
Energy Index for Commercial and Industrial Fans and Blowers'' (``AMCA 
214-21'') \11\ defines a ``circulating fan'' as ``a fan that is not a 
ceiling fan that is used to move air within a space that has no 
provision for connection to ducting or separation of the fan inlet from 
its outlet. The fan is designed to be used for the general circulation 
of air''. (See Section 3.15 of AMCA 214-21) AMCA 214-21 does not define 
ACFHs.
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    \11\ AMCA 214-21 was approved by ANSI on March 1, 2021.
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    DOE reviewed the existing definitions of ACFHs, air circulating 
fan, and circulating fan, and marketing material for this 
equipment,\12\ and determined that certain ACFHs are designed for use 
in commercial and industrial applications and meet the definition of 
fans and blowers as they are rotary bladed machines that convert 
electrical power to air power, have an energy output limited to 25 kJ/
kg and consist of an impeller, a shaft and bearings and, as well as a 
structure or housing. When establishing the proposed definitions to 
support any potential test procedure for ACFHs, DOE will consider 
whether existing definitions in industry standards can be used. DOE is 
reviewing AMCA 214-21, and AMCA 230-15 and is interested in collecting 
additional information that would help in establishing definitions.
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    \12\ See for example: www.industrialfansdirect.com/collections/air-circulator-fans/air-circulator-fan-heads-and-mounts; 
www.grainger.com/category/hvac-and-refrigeration/cooling-fans/industrial-cooling-fans/industrial-fan-heads.
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    Issue 1: DOE seeks input and comments on the definition of air 
circulating fan and ACFH as specified in AMCA 230-15. If these 
definitions are not appropriate, DOE seeks input on how they should be 
amended and why. Specifically, DOE seeks feedback on whether the 
definition of ACFH should also specify a maximum value of diameter-to-
maximum operating speed ratio (e.g., 0.06 in/RPM) to distinguish ACFHs 
from ceiling fans.
    Issue 2: DOE requests comments on whether it should consider 
limiting the definition of ACFHs based on the fan's electrical input 
power, or any other characteristic that would allow identifying ACFHs 
that are to any significant extent distributed in commerce for 
industrial or commercial use. DOE seeks information to support any 
recommendation to limit the definition of ACFHs based on fan electrical 
input power or any other characteristics.
    Issue 3: DOE requests comments on whether it should consider test 
procedures for additional categories of air circulating fans other than 
ACFHs, specifically, personnel coolers, box fans, or table fans that 
meet the definition of ``fan and blower''.
2. Scope
    When establishing the proposed scope of any potential test 
procedure, DOE

[[Page 54415]]

may consider whether to specify additional design characteristics 
(e.g., fan impeller blade tip diameter) to identify ACFHs that would be 
in the scope of any potential test procedures.
    Issue 4: DOE requests comments on whether it should consider 
limiting the scope of any potential test procedure for ACFHs based on 
the fan's impeller blade tip diameter, or any other physical design 
characteristic. DOE seeks information to support any potential 
exclusions from the scope of potential test procedures.

C. Test Procedure for ACFHs

    As noted, there are currently no DOE test procedures for ACFHs.
1. Industry Standards
    DOE's established practice is to adopt industry standards as DOE 
test procedures unless such methodology would be unduly burdensome to 
conduct or would not produce test results that reflect the energy 
efficiency, energy use, water use (as specified in EPCA) or estimated 
operating costs of that product during a representative average use 
cycle. 10 CFR 431.4; 10 CFR part 430 subpart C appendix A section 8(c). 
In cases where the industry standard does not meet EPCA statutory 
criteria for test procedures, DOE will make modifications through the 
rulemaking process to these standards as the DOE test procedure.
    AMCA 214-21 provides methods to establish the fan electrical input 
power (``FEP'') in kilowatts (``kW'') and fan energy index \13\ 
(``FEI'') for various categories of fans, either by: (1) The 
measurement of the electrical input power to the fan (i.e., a ``wire-
to-air'' test); or by (2) the measurement of the fan shaft power and 
the application of calculation algorithms to reflect additional motor, 
transmission, or control energy use. AMCA 214-21 references AMCA 230-15 
\14\ as the industry test procedure to follow when conducting 
performance measurements on air circulating fans, including ACFHs.
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    \13\ The FEI of a fan at a given operating point is a 
dimensionless index defined as the FEP (kW) of a theoretical 
reference fan described in Section 5 of AMCA 214-21, divided by the 
actual FEP (kW) of the fan at the same operating point as described 
in Section 6 of AMCA 241-21. See section 4 of AMCA 214-21.
    \14\ AMCA 230-15 provides methods for conducting laboratory 
tests to determine the performance characteristics of circulating 
fans including the FEP in Watts (``W''), speed in RPM, pressure in 
inch of mercury, airflow in cfm, thrust in pound force (lbf), 
efficacy in cfm/W, and overall efficiency in lbf/W.
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    Issue 5: DOE seeks feedback on whether AMCA 214-21 and AMCA 230-15 
would be appropriate for adoption in a potential Federal test procedure 
for ACFHs. If using AMCA 214-21 and AMCA 230-15 is not appropriate, DOE 
seeks input on how AMCA 214-21 and AMCA 230-15 should be amended and 
why, and on any other industry test standard that would be more 
appropriate.
    Issue 6: DOE seeks information and data to assist in evaluating the 
repeatability and reproducibility of AMCA 214-21 and AMCA 230-15 as 
applied to ACFHs. DOE seeks input on whether any changes to AMCA 214-21 
and AMCA 230-15 are needed to increase its repeatability and 
reproducibility.
    Issue 7: DOE seeks information on whether changes to AMCA 214-21 
and AMCA 230-15 are needed to allow for representative energy 
efficiency ratings for ACFHs, and whether such changes would increase 
test burden.
2. Metric
    AMCA 214-21 provides uniform methods to determine the FEP and FEI 
of a fan at a given duty point.\15\ As explained, FEP describes the 
electrical input power of a fan in kilowatts. AMCA 214-21 defines FEI 
as the ratio of the electrical input power of a reference fan to the 
electrical input power of the actual fan for which the FEI is 
calculated, both established at the same duty point. FEI is a 
dimensionless index designed to facilitate the evaluation of a fan's 
performance against a reference fan. Section 5 of AMCA 214-21 provides 
the equations necessary to calculate the reference fan electrical input 
power as a function of airflow and pressure.
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    \15\ A duty point is characterized by a given airflow and 
pressure and has a corresponding operating speed. AMCA 214 provides 
methods to establish the FEP and FEI at any duty point within the 
operating range of the fan.
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    AMCA 230-15 provides methods to determine the FEP of air 
circulating fans (including ACFHs) as well as efficacy (i.e., amount of 
flow per unit of electrical input power produced in cubic feet per 
minute per watt (``cfm/W'')) and overall efficiency (i.e., amount of 
thrust per unit of electrical input power produced in pound-force per 
watt (``lbf/W'')).
    DOE is reviewing the metrics in AMCA 214-21 and AMCA 230-15 and is 
interested in collecting additional information that would help 
evaluate use of these metrics in a Federal test procedure.
    Issue 8: DOE requests comment on whether the FEP metric (obtained 
in accordance with AMCA 214-21) is appropriate for adoption in the 
Federal test procedure for ACFHs, and on whether any changes are 
necessary to allow for more representative energy efficiency ratings, 
and whether these changes would increase test burden. If the metrics on 
AMCA 214-21 are not appropriate, DOE seeks input on how the metrics 
should be amended and why, and on any other metrics that would be more 
appropriate. Specifically, DOE requests comment on whether it should 
consider other performance metrics as measured by AMCA 230-15, such as 
efficacy and overall efficiency.
3. Sampling
    DOE provides sampling provisions for determining represented values 
of energy use or efficiency of a covered product or equipment. See 
generally 10 CFR part 429 and 10 CFR part 431. These sampling 
provisions provide uniform statistical methods that require testing a 
sample of units that is large enough to account for reasonable 
manufacturing variability among individual units of a basic model, or 
variability in the test methodology, such that the test results for the 
overall sample will be reasonably representative of the efficiency of 
that basic model.
    The basic model concept allows manufacturers to group like models 
for the purpose of DOE's certification requirements, thereby reducing 
the burden placed on manufacturers by streamlining the amount of 
testing they must do to rate the energy use or efficiency of their 
product. DOE's current regulations provide equipment-specific basic 
model definitions, which typically state that models within the same 
basic model group have ``essentially identical'' energy or water use 
characteristics.\16\
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    \16\ See 10 CFR 431.12, 431.62, 431.82, 431.102, 431.132, 
431.152, 431.202, 431.222, 431.242, 431.262, 431.292, 431.302, 
431.322, 431.442, and 431.462.
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    The general sampling requirement currently applicable to all 
covered products and equipment provides that a sample of sufficient 
size must be randomly selected and tested and that, unless otherwise 
specified, a minimum of two units must be tested to certify a basic 
model. 10 CFR 429.11. This minimum is implicit in the requirement to 
calculate a mean--an average--which requires at least two values. 
Manufacturers can increase their sample size to narrow the margin of 
error.
    Issue 9: DOE seeks information on whether the statistical sampling 
plans used for other commercial and industrial equipment at 10 CFR part 
429

[[Page 54416]]

would be appropriate for ACFHs. If not, DOE requests information and 
data to explain why not, and what changes would be appropriate.

III. Submission of Comments

    DOE invites all interested parties to submit in writing by the date 
specified under the DATES heading, comments and information on matters 
addressed in this RFI and on other matters relevant to DOE's 
consideration of amended test procedures for fans and blowers. These 
comments and information will aid in the development of a test 
procedure NOPR for fans and blowers if DOE determines that test 
procedures may be appropriate for this equipment.
    Submitting comments via www.regulations.gov. The 
www.regulations.gov web page will require you to provide your name and 
contact information. Your contact information will be viewable to DOE 
Building Technologies staff only. Your contact information will not be 
publicly viewable except for your first and last names, organization 
name (if any), and submitter representative name (if any). If your 
comment is not processed properly because of technical difficulties, 
DOE will use this information to contact you. If DOE cannot read your 
comment due to technical difficulties and cannot contact you for 
clarification, DOE may not be able to consider your comment.
    However, your contact information will be publicly viewable if you 
include it in the comment or in any documents attached to your comment. 
Any information that you do not want to be publicly viewable should not 
be included in your comment, nor in any document attached to your 
comment. Following this instruction, persons viewing comments will see 
only first and last names, organization names, correspondence 
containing comments, and any documents submitted with the comments.
    Do not submit to 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 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 www.regulations.gov before 
posting. Normally, comments will be posted within a few days of being 
submitted. However, if large volumes of comments are being processed 
simultaneously, your comment may not be viewable for up to several 
weeks. Please keep the comment tracking number that www.regulations.gov 
provides after you have successfully uploaded your comment.
    Submitting comments via email. Comments and documents submitted via 
email also will be posted to www.regulations.gov. If you do not want 
your personal contact information to be publicly viewable, do not 
include it in your comment or any accompanying documents. Instead, 
provide your contact information on a cover letter. Include your first 
and last names, email address, telephone number, and optional mailing 
address. The cover letter will not be publicly viewable as long as it 
does not include any comments.
    Include contact information each time you submit comments, data, 
documents, and other information to DOE. Faxes will not be accepted.
    Comments, data, and other information submitted to DOE 
electronically should be provided in PDF (preferred), Microsoft Word or 
Excel, WordPerfect, or text (ASCII) file format. Provide documents that 
are not secured, written in English and free of any defects or viruses. 
Documents should not contain special characters or any form of 
encryption and, if possible, they should carry the electronic signature 
of the author.
    Campaign form letters. Please submit campaign form letters by the 
originating organization in batches of between 50 to 500 form letters 
per PDF or as one form letter with a list of supporters' names compiled 
into one or more PDFs. This reduces comment processing and posting 
time.
    Confidential Business Information. According to 10 CFR 1004.11, any 
person submitting information that he or she believes to be 
confidential and exempt by law from public disclosure should submit via 
email two well-marked copies: One copy of the document marked 
confidential including all the information believed to be confidential, 
and one copy of the document marked ``non-confidential'' with the 
information believed to be confidential deleted. DOE will make its own 
determination about the confidential status of the information and 
treat it according to its determination.
    It is DOE's policy that all comments may be included in the public 
docket, without change and as received, including any personal 
information provided in the comments (except information deemed to be 
exempt from public disclosure).
    DOE considers public participation to be a very important part of 
the process for developing test procedures and energy conservation 
standards. DOE actively encourages the participation and interaction of 
the public during the comment period in each stage of this process. 
Interactions with and between members of the public provide a balanced 
discussion of the issues and assist DOE in the process. Anyone who 
wishes to be added to the DOE mailing list to receive future notices 
and information about this process should contact Appliance and 
Equipment Standards Program staff at (202) 287-1445 or via email at 
[email protected].

Signing Authority

    This document of the Department of Energy was signed on September 
27, 2021, by Kelly Speakes-Backman, Principal Deputy Assistant 
Secretary and Acting Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and 
Renewable Energy, pursuant to delegated authority from the Secretary of 
Energy. That document with the original signature and date is 
maintained by DOE. For administrative purposes only, and in compliance 
with requirements of the Office of the Federal Register, the 
undersigned DOE Federal Register Liaison Officer has been authorized to 
sign and submit the document in electronic format for publication, as 
an official document of the Department of Energy. This administrative 
process in no way alters the legal effect of this document upon 
publication in the Federal Register.

    Signed in Washington, DC, on September 28, 2021.
Treena V. Garrett,
Federal Register Liaison Officer, U.S. Department of Energy.
[FR Doc. 2021-21387 Filed 9-30-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6450-01-P