[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 94 (Tuesday, May 15, 2012)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 28673-28702]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-10993]
[[Page 28673]]
Vol. 77
Tuesday,
No. 94
May 15, 2012
Part II
Department of Energy
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10 CFR Parts 429 and 430
Energy Conservation Program for Consumer Products: Test Procedures for
Residential Furnace Fans; Proposed Rule
Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 94 / Tuesday, May 15, 2012 / Proposed
Rules
[[Page 28674]]
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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
10 CFR Parts 429 and 430
[Docket No. EERE-2010-BT-TP-0010]
RIN 1904-AC21
Energy Conservation Program for Consumer Products: Test
Procedures for Residential Furnace Fans
AGENCY: Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Department of
Energy.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking and announcement of public
meeting.
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SUMMARY: The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) proposes to establish test
procedures for residential products that use electricity for purposes
of circulating air through duct work, hereafter referred to as
``furnace fans.'' Specifically, this notice proposes to establish a
test method for measuring the airflow performance and electrical
consumption of these products. Concurrently, DOE is undertaking an
energy conservation standards rulemaking to address the electrical
energy used by these products for circulating air. Once these energy
conservation standards are promulgated, the adopted test procedures
will be used to determine compliance with the standards. DOE is also
announcing a public meeting to discuss and receive comments on issues
presented in this test procedure rulemaking.
DATES: Meeting: DOE will hold a public meeting on Friday, June 15,
2012, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., in Washington, DC. The meeting will also
be broadcast as a webinar. See section V, ``Public Participation,'' for
webinar information, participant instructions, and information about
the capabilities available to webinar participants.
Comments: DOE will accept comments, data, and information regarding
this notice of proposed rulemaking (NOPR) before and after the public
meeting, but no later than July 30, 2012. For details, see section V,
``Public Participation,'' of this NOPR.
ADDRESSES: The public meeting will be held at the U.S. Department of
Energy, Forrestal Building, Room 8E-089 1000 Independence Avenue SW.,
Washington, DC 20585. To attend, please notify Ms. Brenda Edwards at
(202) 586-2945. Please note that foreign nationals visiting DOE
Headquarters are subject to advance security screening procedures. Any
foreign national wishing to participate in the meeting should advise
DOE as soon as possible by contacting Ms. Edwards at the phone number
above to initiate the necessary procedures. Please also note that any
person wishing to bring a laptop computer into the Forrestal Building
will be required to obtain a property pass. Visitors should avoid
bringing laptops, or allow an extra 45 minutes. Persons may also attend
the public meeting via webinar. For more information, refer to section
V, ``Public Participation,'' of this NOPR.
Any comments submitted must identify the NOPR on Test Procedures
for Residential Furnace Fans, and provide docket number EERE-2010-BT-
TP-0010 and/or regulatory information number (RIN) number 1904-AC21.
Comments may be submitted using any of the following methods:
1. Federal eRulemaking Portal: www.regulations.gov. Follow the
instructions for submitting comments.
2. Email: FurnFans-2010-TP-0010@ee.doe.gov Include docket number
EERE-2010-BT-TP-0010 and RIN 1904-AC21 in the subject line of the
message.
3. Mail: Ms. Brenda Edwards, U.S. Department of Energy, Building
Technologies Program, Mailstop EE-2J, 1000 Independence Avenue SW.,
Washington, DC 20585-0121. If possible, please submit all items on a
compact disc (CD), in which case it is not necessary to include printed
copies.
4. Hand Delivery/Courier: Ms. Brenda Edwards, U.S. Department of
Energy, Building Technologies Program, 950 L'Enfant Plaza SW., Suite
600, Washington, DC 20024. Telephone: (202) 586-2945. If possible,
please submit all items on a CD, in which case it is not necessary to
include printed copies.
No telefacsimilies (faxes) will be accepted. For detailed
instructions on submitting comments and additional information on the
rulemaking process, see section V of this document (Public
Participation).
Docket: The docket is available for review at www.regulations.gov,
including Federal Register notices, public meeting attendee lists and
transcripts, comments, and other supporting documents/materials. All
documents in the docket are listed in the www.regulations.gov index.
However, not all documents listed in the index may be publicly
available, such as information that is exempt from public disclosure.
A link to the docket web page can be found at: http://www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/appliance_standards/residential/furnace_fans.html. This web page contains a link to the docket for
this notice on the www.regulations.gov site. The www.regulations.gov
web page contains simple instructions on how to access all documents,
including public comments, in the docket. See section V, ``Public
Participation,'' for information on how to submit comments through
www.regulations.gov.
For further information on how to submit a comment, review other
public comments and the docket, or participate in the public meeting,
contact Ms. Brenda Edwards at (202) 586-2945 or by email:
Brenda.Edwards@ee.doe.gov.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Mr. Mohammed Khan, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy
Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Building Technologies Program, EE-2J,
1000 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20585-0121. Telephone:
(202) 586-7892. Email: Mohammed.Khan@ee.doe.gov.
Mr. Eric Stas, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of the General
Counsel, GC-71, 1000 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20585-
0121. Telephone: (202) 586-9507. Email: Eric.Stas@hq.doe.gov.
For information on how to submit or review public comments, contact
Ms. Brenda Edwards, U.S. Department of Energy, Building Technologies
Program, EE-2J, 1000 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20585-
0121. Telephone: (202) 586-2945. Email: Brenda.Edwards@ee.doe.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Table of Contents
I. Authority and Background
II. Summary of the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
III. Discussion
A. Scope
B. Definitions
C. Reference Standard
D. Rating Metric
E. Reference System
F. Performance Curves
1. Number of Airflow-Control Settings
2. Number of Determinations
G. Standby Mode and Off Mode Energy Consumption
1. Residential Furnaces and Central Air Conditioner Products
2. Hydronic Air Handlers
H. Methodology for Deriving the Fan Efficiency Rating
I. Sampling Plans and Certification Report Requirements for
Residential Furnace Fans
IV. Procedural Issues and Regulatory Review
A. Review Under Executive Order 12866
B. Review Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act
C. Review Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995
D. Review Under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969
E. Review Under Executive Order 13132
F. Review Under Executive Order 12988
G. Review Under the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995
[[Page 28675]]
H. Review Under the Treasury and General Government
Appropriations Act, 1999
I. Review Under Executive Order 12630
J. Review Under Treasury and General Government Appropriations
Act, 2001
K. Review Under Executive Order 13211
L. Review Under Section 32 of the Federal Energy Administration
Act of 1974
V. Public Participation
A. Attendance at Public Meeting
B. Procedure for Submitting Requests to Speak and Prepared
General Statements for Distribution
C. Conduct of Public Meeting
D. Submission of Comments
E. Issues on Which DOE Seeks Comment
1. Airflow-Control Setting Function Designations
2. Operating Hour Values for Calculating the Fan Efficiency
Rating
3. Reference System ESP Values
4. Multiple Reference System Method
5. Standby Mode and Off Mode Electrical Energy Consumption for
Furnace Fans Used in Hydronic Air Handlers
6. Controlling ECM Motors for Testing
7. Test Setup
8. External Static Pressure
9. Ambient Pressure Conditions
10. Sampling Plan Procedures and Certification Report
Requirements
VI. Approval of the Office of the Secretary
I. Authority and Background
Title III, Part B \1\ of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act of
1975 (EPCA or the Act), Public Law 94-163 (42 U.S.C. 6291-6309, as
codified) sets forth a variety of provisions designed to improve energy
efficiency and established the Energy Conservation Program for Consumer
Products Other Than Automobiles, a program covering most major
household appliances.\2\ These include products that use electricity
for the purposes of circulating air through duct work, hereinafter
referred to as ``residential furnace fans'' or simply ``furnace fans,''
the subject of today's notice. (42 U.S.C. 6295(f)(4)(D)).
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\1\ For editorial reasons, upon codification in the U.S. Code,
Part B was redesignated Part A.
\2\ All references to EPCA in this rulemaking refer to the
statute as amended through the Energy Independence and Security Act
of 2007, Public Law 110-140.
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Under the Act, this program consists essentially of four parts: (1)
Testing; (2) labeling; (3) Federal energy conservation standards; and
(4) certification and enforcement procedures. The testing requirements
consist of test procedures that manufacturers of covered products must
use as the basis for certifying to DOE that their products comply with
the applicable energy conservation standards adopted pursuant to EPCA
and for making representations about the efficiency of those products.
(42 U.S.C. 6293(c); 42 U.S.C. 6295(s)). Similarly, DOE must use these
test procedures in any enforcement action to determine whether covered
products comply with these energy conservation standards. (42 U.S.C.
6295(s)).
General Test Procedure Rulemaking Process
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 provides in relevant part that any test
procedures prescribed or amended under this section shall 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 shall
not be unduly burdensome to conduct. (42 U.S.C. 6293(b)(3)). In
addition, 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)). Finally, in any rulemaking to amend a test
procedure, DOE must determine to what extent, if any, the proposed test
procedure would alter the measured energy efficiency of a covered
product as determined under the existing test procedure. (42 U.S.C.
6293(e)(1)). If DOE determines that the amended test procedure would
alter the measured efficiency of a covered product, DOE must amend the
applicable energy conservation standard accordingly. (42 U.S.C.
6293(e)(2)).
On December 19, 2007, the Energy Independence and Security Act of
2007 (EISA 2007), Public Law 110-140, was enacted. The EISA 2007
amendments to EPCA, in relevant part, require DOE to amend the test
procedures for all covered products to include measures of standby mode
and off mode energy consumption.\3\ Specifically, section 310 of EISA
2007 provides definitions of ``standby mode'' and ``off mode'' (42
U.S.C. 6295(gg)(1)(B)). The statute requires integration of such energy
consumption into the overall energy efficiency, energy consumption, or
other energy descriptor for each covered product, unless the Secretary
determines that: (1) The current test procedures for a covered product
already fully account for and incorporate the standby mode and off mode
energy consumption of the covered product; or (2) such an integrated
test procedure is technically infeasible for a particular covered
product, in which case the Secretary shall prescribe a separate standby
mode and off mode energy use test procedure for the covered product, if
technically feasible. (42 U.S.C. 6295(gg)(2)(A)). Under the statutory
provisions adopted by EISA 2007, any such amendment must consider the
most current versions of the International Electrotechnical Commission
(IEC) Standard 62301, Household electrical appliances--Measurement of
standby power, and IEC Standard 62087, Methods of measurement for the
power consumption of audio, video, and related equipment.\4\
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\3\ Given EISA 2007's focus on comprehensively addressing
standby mode and off mode energy consumption and in order to
conserve limited resources, DOE believes it is appropriate to
address these issues in this new test procedure, rather than needing
to wait for a subsequent rulemaking to ``amend'' the test procedure.
\4\ EISA 2007 directs DOE to also consider IEC Standard 62087
when amended its test procedures to include standby mode and off
mode energy consumption. See 42 U.S.C. 6295(gg)(2)(A). However, IEC
Standard 62087 addresses the methods of measuring the power
consumption of audio, video, and related equipment. Accordingly, the
narrow scope of this particular IEC standard reduces its relevance
to today's proposal.
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Pursuant to EPCA under 42 U.S.C. 6295(f)(4)(D), DOE is currently
conducting a rulemaking to consider new energy conservation standards
for furnace fans. EPCA directs DOE to establish test procedures in
conjunction with new or amended energy conservation standards,
including furnace fans. (42 U.S.C. 6295(o)(3)(A). To fulfill these
requirements, DOE is simultaneously initiating a test procedure
rulemaking for furnace fans. DOE intends for the test procedure to
include: (1) An annual electrical energy consumption metric normalized
by total annual operating hours and airflow capacity in the maximum
airflow-control setting; and (2) the methods necessary to measure the
performance of the covered products. The metric will also account for
the electrical energy consumption in standby mode and off mode for
furnace fans used in heating ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC)
products for which consumption in those modes is not already fully
accounted for in other DOE rulemakings. Manufacturers will be required
to use these methods and this metric for the purposes of verifying
compliance with the new energy conservation standards when they take
effect.
DOE does not currently have a test procedure for furnace fans. On
June 3, 2010, DOE published a Notice of Public Meeting and Availability
of the Framework Document to initiate the energy conservation standard
rulemaking for furnace fans. 75 FR 31323. DOE posted the furnace fans
[[Page 28676]]
framework document, hereinafter referred to as the June 2010 framework
document, to its Web site. In the June 2010 framework document, DOE
requested feedback from interested parties on many issues related to
test methods for evaluating the electrical energy consumption of
furnace fans. DOE held the framework public meeting on June 18, 2010.
DOE originally scheduled the framework comment period to close on July
6, 2010. However, due to the large number and broad scope of questions
and issues raised in the June 2010 framework document (and during the
public meeting), DOE subsequently published a notice in the Federal
Register reopening the comment period from July 15, 2010 until July 27,
2010, to allow additional time for interested parties to submit
comments. 75 FR 41102 (July 15, 2010).
II. Summary of the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
In this notice of proposed rulemaking, DOE proposes to establish a
test method for measuring the electrical energy consumption of furnace
fans, as well as airflow performance (which has a direct effect on
efficiency), and the standby mode and off mode energy consumption of
such fans. DOE intends for the proposed test procedure to be broadly
applicable to electrically-powered devices used in residential central
HVAC systems for the purposes of circulating air through duct work
(i.e., furnace fans). Furnace fans include, but are not limited to, the
air distribution fans used in weatherized and non-weatherized gas
furnaces, oil furnaces, electric furnaces, modular blowers, and
hydronic air handlers. The proposed test procedure is not intended to
be applicable to any non-ducted products, such as whole-house
ventilation systems without duct work, central air-conditioning (CAC)
condensing unit fans, room fans, and furnace draft inducer fans.
Pursuant to EPCA, DOE must establish these test procedures in order
to allow for the development of energy conservation standards that will
address the electrical consumption of these products. (42 U.S.C.
6295(o)(3)(A)) As further required by EPCA, the NOPR also includes
proposed methods for measuring the standby mode and off mode electrical
energy consumption for furnace fans used in HVAC products, to the
extent that electrical energy consumption in these modes is not already
covered (i.e., the NOPR proposes standby mode and off mode test methods
for hydronic air handlers). (42 U.S.C. 6295(gg)(2)(A)) DOE proposes to
integrate measurements for standby mode and off mode electrical energy
consumption with the active mode energy consumption in the proposed
metric for hydronic air handlers. DOE's proposed approach to these test
procedure issues is summarized below and addressed in further detail
later in this notice.
To rate the electrical efficiency of furnace fans (active mode
energy consumption), DOE proposes to incorporate by reference into the
test procedure specific provisions from American National Standards
Institute (ANSI)/Air Movement and Control Association International,
Inc. (AMCA) 210-07 [bond] ANSI/American Society of Heating,
Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) 51-07, Laboratory
Methods of Testing Fans for Certified Aerodynamic Performance Rating,
hereinafter referred to as ``ANSI/AMCA 210-07.'' The specific
provisions DOE proposes to include from ANSI/AMCA 210-07 are
definitions, test setup and equipment, test conditions, and procedures
for measuring airflow and external static pressure. In addition to
these provisions, DOE proposes provisions for measuring electrical
energy consumption using an electrical power meter. DOE also proposes
to specify the methods for measuring standby mode and off mode energy
consumption from the DOE residential furnaces test procedure to measure
energy consumption in these modes for hydronic air handlers. (10 CFR
part 430, subpart B, appendix N, section 8.0) In addition, DOE proposes
calculations to derive the rating metric (i.e., fan efficiency rating)
based on the measured values.
DOE proposes to use as the furnace fan efficiency rating metric the
``estimated annual electrical energy consumption'' normalized by: (a)
The total number of annual operating hours, and (b) the airflow in the
maximum airflow-control setting in standard cubic feet per minute.
Standard cubic feet per minute (scfm) is a measure of airflow corrected
for predetermined standard air conditions. The estimated annual
electrical energy consumption, as proposed, is a weighted average of
the input power (in Watts) measured separately for multiple airflow-
control settings at different external static pressures (ESPs). These
ESPs are determined by a reference system that represents national
average duct work system characteristics. The airflow-control settings
proposed to be rated correspond to operation in cooling mode, heating
mode, and constant-circulation mode. Table II.1 illustrates the
airflow-control settings that will be rated for various product types.
Table II.1--Proposed Rated Airflow-control Settings by Product Type
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Rated airflow-control Rated airflow-control Rated airflow-control
Product type setting 1 setting 2 setting 3
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Single-stage Heating.............. Default constant- Default heat......... Maximum.
circulation.
Multi-stage or Modulating Heating. Default constant- Default low heat..... Maximum.
circulation.
Heating-only...................... Default constant- None................. Maximum.
circulation.
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For products with single-stage heating, the three proposed rating
airflow-control settings are the maximum setting, the default heating
setting, and the default constant-circulation setting. For products
with multi-stage heating or modulating heating, the proposed rating
airflow-control settings are the maximum setting, the default low
heating setting, and the default constant-circulation setting. For
products that are not designed to be paired with an evaporator coil,
hereinafter referred to as ``heating-only products,'' the proposed
rating airflow-control settings are the maximum airflow-control setting
(expected to be the default heat airflow-control setting) and the
default constant-circulation setting. The lowest default airflow-
control setting is used to represent constant circulation if a
constant-circulation setting is not specified. DOE proposes to weight
the Watt measurements using designated annual operating hours for each
function (i.e., cooling, heating, and constant circulation) that are
intended to represent national average operation. The specified
operating hours for the heating mode for multi-stage heating or
modulating heating products are modified to account for variation in
[[Page 28677]]
time spent in this mode associated with turndown of heating output.
DOE also proposes to establish methods for measuring the standby
mode and off mode electrical energy consumption of furnace fans for
which consumption in these modes is not already covered by existing
standards or currently proposed amendments to those standards (i.e.,
the NOPR proposes standby mode and off mode test methods for hydronic
air handlers). EPCA requires that DOE integrate into the energy
conservation standard the energy use associated with standby mode and
off mode, unless the current standard already accounts for standby mode
and off mode energy consumption or integration is not technically
feasible. In the latter case, EPCA requires that DOE prescribe a
separate efficiency standard to address standby mode and off mode
energy use, unless that is not feasible. (42 U.S.C. 6295(gg)(3)) DOE
efficiency metrics for furnaces already fully account for the energy
use associated with the standby mode and off mode of their furnace
fans. (10 CFR part 430, subpart B, appendix N, section 8.0) On
September 13, 2011, DOE published a NOPR in the Federal Register
proposing to update the DOE test procedure for furnaces through
incorporation by reference of the latest edition of the relevant
industry standard, specifically IEC Standard 62301 (Second Edition). 76
FR 56339. For central air conditioners (CAC), DOE has proposed such
metrics in a notice of proposed rulemaking. 75 FR 31224, 31270 (June 2,
2010). Subsequently, DOE published two supplemental notices of proposed
rulemaking (SNOPR). DOE published the first SNOPR on April 1, 2011 (76
FR 18105) and the second SNOPR on October 24, 2011 (76 FR 65616).
Hence, including standby mode and off mode energy use in the furnace
fan efficiency metric for these HVAC products would not be appropriate,
because it is already fully addressed. Products for which standby mode
and off mode energy use is already accounted elsewhere include
weatherized and non-weatherized gas furnaces, oil furnaces, electric
furnaces, and modular blowers. However, test procedures that include
measurement of furnace fan standby mode and off mode energy consumption
have been neither established nor proposed for hydronic air handlers,
so DOE proposes to do so in this rulemaking.
III. Discussion
A. Scope
Under 42 U.S.C. 6295(f)(4)(D), EPCA directs DOE to consider and
prescribe standards for electricity used for purposes of circulating
air through duct work. Although the title of this statutory section
refers to ``furnaces and boilers,'' this particular provision was
written using notably broader language than the other provisions within
the same section. Consequently, in the June 2010 framework document for
the energy conservation standards rulemaking, DOE tentatively
interpreted this relevant statutory language to allow DOE to cover the
electricity used by any electrically-powered device used in
residential, central HVAC systems for the purpose of circulating air
through duct work. 75 FR 31323 (June 3, 2010).
Ultimately, the scope of applicability of the proposed test
procedure will be determined by the scope of coverage of the energy
conservation standards rulemaking for furnace fans. Therefore, DOE
proposes a scope of applicability for this notice that is broad enough
to cover the products currently under consideration for the energy
conservation standards rulemaking, including single-phase,
electrically-powered devices that circulate air through duct work in
HVAC systems with heating input capacities less than 225,000 Btu per
hour, cooling capacities less than 65,000 Btu per hour, and airflow
capacities less than 3,000 cfm. These specifications are consistent
with the DOE definitions for residential ``furnace'' and ``central air
conditioner'' (10 CFR 430.2), and the airflow typically required to
provide these levels of heating and cooling. DOE proposes to exclude
from the scope of applicability of the test procedure any non-ducted
products, such as whole-house ventilation systems without duct work,
CAC condensing unit fans, room fans, and furnace draft inducer fans
because these products do not circulate air through duct work. DOE
believes this proposed scope of applicability is broad enough to
anticipate the scope of coverage of the energy conservation standard.
B. Definitions
DOE proposes to incorporate by reference in section 2 of Appendix
AA to Subpart B of Part 430, all definitions in section 3.1 of ANSI/
AMCA 210-07. DOE also proposes to include in section 2 of Appendix AA
to Subpart B of Part 430 the additional and modified definitions listed
below:
Active mode means any mode in which the HVAC product is
connected to the power source and circulating air through duct work.
Airflow-control settings are differing ranges of airflow
that a fan motor is programmed or wired to achieve in a single control
system configuration (i.e., without manual adjustments) often
designated for performing a specific HVAC function (e.g., cooling,
heating, or constant circulation).
ANSI/AMCA 210-07 means the test standard published by
ANSI/AMCA 210-07 [bond] ANSI/ASHRAE 51-07 titled ``Laboratory Methods
of Testing Fans for Certified Aerodynamic Performance Rating.''
Default airflow-control settings are the airflow-control
settings that can be achieved in the factory-set control system
configuration (i.e., without manual adjustment other than interaction
with a user-operable control such as a thermostat).
External static pressure means the difference between the
fan total pressure at the air outlet and the total pressure at the air
inlet less velocity pressure at the air outlet of an HVAC product
containing a furnace fan when operating and installed in accordance
with the manufacturer's instructions. External static pressure does not
include the pressure drop across appurtenances internal to the HVAC
product.
Hydronic air handler means a furnace designed to supply
heat through a system of ducts with air as the heating medium, in which
heat is generated by hot water flowing through a hydronic heating coil
and the heated air is circulated by means of a fan or blower.
Off mode means the mode during which the HVAC product is
not powered.
Residential furnace fan means an electrically-powered
device used in residential central heating, ventilation, and air-
conditioning (HVAC) systems for the purpose of circulating air through
duct work.
Seasonal off switch means the switch on the HVAC product
that, when activated, results in a measurable change in energy
consumption between the standby and off modes.
Standby mode means the mode during which the HVAC product
is connected to the power source and the furnace fan is not activated.
C. Reference Standard
In the June 2010 framework document for the furnace fans energy
conservation standards rulemaking, DOE requested interested-party
comments on the methods specified in the December 2009 draft version of
Canadian Standard CSA C823, Performance Standard for Air Handlers in
Residential Space Conditioning Systems, which references ANSI/AMCA 210-
07 and ANSI/ASHRAE Std 37-2005, Methods of Testing for Rating
Electrically Driven Unitary Air-Conditioning and Heat
[[Page 28678]]
Pump Equipment. The December 2009 draft CSA C823 test procedure
specifies use of the methods described in the aforementioned industry
standards to measure the electrical power consumption of a furnace fan
at specific operating points in each of a furnace fan's available
airflow-control settings. The December 2009 draft of CSA C823 includes
a rating metric with units of kWh that is called the annual electricity
consumption rating (AECR). This rating is a time-weighted sum of the
energy use measurements.
Rheem and the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration
Institute (AHRI) stated that ANSI/AMCA 210-07 is a well-known and
widely-used reference test procedure (Rheem, No. 29 at pp. 4-5; AHRI,
No. 20 at pp. 3-4). Rheem recommended that DOE use ANSI/AMCA 210-07 as
its reference test procedure (Rheem, No. 29 at pp. 4-5). AHRI proposed
basing the standard on ANSI/AHRI Standard 210-240-2008, but conceded
that this test method might increase burden because it is different
from the way furnaces are currently tested (AHRI, No. 20 at p. 5).
Ingersoll Rand suggested that DOE use the methods specified in DOE's
existing residential furnace test procedure codified in 10 CFR part
430, subpart B, appendix N, because the test procedures referenced in
CSA C823 (i.e., ANSI/AMCA 210-07) would add test burden by requiring
additional test measurements and an alternate test set-up. (Ingersoll
Rand, No. 12 at p. 1)
After carefully considering these comments, DOE is proposing to
incorporate by reference ANSI/AMCA 210-07. DOE believes that ANSI/AMCA
210-07 is an appropriate reference standard because it is a well-known
and widely-used industry standard for measuring fan performance. DOE is
aware that manufacturers use ANSI/AMCA 210-07 to generate the airflow
performance data tables that they publish in product specification
sheets. These tables include measurements of airflow (and sometimes
electrical consumption) at various ESPs across a wide range. These
tables and comments from interested parties indicate that manufacturers
already possess or have access to test facilities suitable for ANSI/
AMCA 210-07 testing. DOE also expects that manufacturers are practiced
in or at least familiar with the methods necessary to take these
measurements. AHRI stated that manufacturers currently perform furnace
fan tests according to ANSI/AMCA 210-07 to generate airflow data for
intended application of products (AHRI, No. 21 at pp. 3, 4). For these
reasons, DOE does not expect that these methods would be overly
burdensome to manufacturers. In addition, ANSI/AMCA 210-07 is more
suitable for measuring airflow and electrical consumption across a
range of ESPs and in multiple airflow-control settings; in contrast,
the DOE residential furnace test procedure and ANSI/AHRI 210-240-2008
specify methods for measuring these parameters in a single airflow-
control setting per heating stage as long as a minimum ESP has been
achieved. The benefits of measuring performance in multiple airflow-
control settings is discussed in detail in section III.F.1 While the
ESP values specified in the DOE residential furnace test procedure and
ANSI/AHRI 210-240-2008 are appropriate for rating furnaces, they are
inconsistent with the values determined to be appropriate for rating
furnace fan electrical performance, as proposed in this notice. A
detailed discussion of the ESP values proposed in this notice compared
to the suggested methods is provided in section III.E.
DOE proposes to incorporate by reference most aspects of ANSI/AMCA
210-07, except for specifications related to measuring rotational
speed, beam load, torque, and mechanical measurement of input power.
Specifically, DOE proposes to incorporate by reference the following
provisions from ANSI/AMCA 210-07:
Definitions, units of measure, and symbols (section 3);
Instruments and methods of measurement (sections 4.1
through 4.3 and 4.6), excluding those for mechanical measurement of fan
input power and motor calibration (section 4.4) and rotational speed
(section 4.5);
Test setup and equipment provisions (section 5) and
observation and conduct of test guidelines (section 6), excluding test
data to be recorded for rotational speed (N), beam load (F), or torque
(T);
Calculations (sections 7.1 through 7.7 and section 7.9),
excluding calculations for fan power input or fan efficiency (sections
7.7 and 7.8); and
Report and results of test requirements (section 8).
In addition to the methods incorporated by reference from ANSI/AMCA
210-07, DOE proposes to include specification of the range and
increments of ESPs at which determinations are to be made. ANSI/AMCA
210-07 defines a ``determination'' as a complete set of measurements
for a particular point of operation for a fan. For this notice, a
complete set of measurements at a particular point of operation
includes airflow, electrical consumption, and ESP.
DOE also proposes to include provisions for using an electrical
meter to measure electrical energy consumption at each determination to
replace the mechanical methods specified in section 4.4 of ANSI/AMCA
210-07. The proposed provisions are necessary because measuring
electrical energy consumption using electrical power meters is a more
widely used method by manufacturers of HVAC products. In addition, the
voltage requirements in ANSI/AMCA 210-07 are specified in relation to
the results of its specified motor calibration procedure (section
4.4.1.1), which DOE is not proposing to adopt in this notice. The
proposed voltage requirements are consistent with those included in the
DOE test procedures for residential furnaces and central air
conditioners and heat pumps and are, therefore, also widely used by
HVAC product manufacturers. DOE proposes to specify the use of an
electrical meter with a certified accuracy of 1 percent of
observed readings to measure the electrical input power consumption of
the HVAC product in which the furnace fan is incorporated at each
determination. In addition, DOE proposes to specify that the electrical
power supplied to the HVAC product be maintained within 1 percent of
the nameplate voltage of the HVAC product. If a dual voltage is used
for nameplate voltage, DOE proposes that the electrical supply be
maintained within 1 percent of the higher voltage.
D. Rating Metric
In the June 2010 framework document, DOE requested comment to aid
in determining an appropriate metric for rating furnace fan
performance. Specifically, DOE identified two possible metrics: (1) the
annual electrical energy consumption rating (AECR), as specified in the
December 2009 draft version of Canadian Standard Association (CSA)
C823, Performance Standard for Air Handlers in Residential Space
Conditioning Systems, and (2) the blower power measurement (BE), as
specified in the current DOE test procedure for residential furnaces
codified in 10 CFR part 430, subpart B, appendix N. AECR uses operating
hour multipliers based on climate, consumer behavior assumptions, and
product characteristics (e.g., multi-stage or modulating heating and
cooling capability) to weight electrical consumption measurements in
all possible airflow-control settings in order to estimate the annual
electrical energy consumption of furnace fans, reported in kilowatt
hours (kWh). BE is a
[[Page 28679]]
measurement of the steady-state power consumption of furnace fans in
watts (W) at a minimum ESP determined by fuel type and input capacity.
Several interested parties stated that using an annualized energy
consumption rating metric, such as AECR, is inappropriate for rating
furnace fan performance. The American Council for an Energy-Efficient
Economy (ACEEE) commented that it is not sure that fans can be rated
both simply and meaningfully using a single certifiable number, like
AECR, because of the diversity of expected furnace fan electricity
consumption levels, depending on house size, duct restrictions, local
climate, whether the unit is run in full-time ``circulate'' mode, and
myriad other factors. (ACEEE, No. 19 at p. 2) Ingersoll Rand stated
that adopting a rule that estimates the annualized energy usage would
be confusing and misleading to consumers, as operating hours vary
greatly across the country and from house to house. (Ingersoll Rand,
No. 25 at p. 1) AHRI commented that an annual electrical energy
consumption metric is not appropriate because of variations in climate,
usage patterns, and installation. (AHRI, No. 21 at p. 3) Rheem
expressed a similar view, that a less complicated, less specific, and
less technically detailed energy descriptor would be a more powerful
tool to guide HVAC professionals and consumers in the selection of
energy-efficient equipment for specific climates, installations, and
use patterns (Rheem, No. 29 at p. 1).
Many interested parties stated that cubic feet per minute per watt
(cfm/W), or a similar efficiency metric should be used to rate furnace
fan performance. The Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnership (NEEP)
recommended that the efficiency metric be based on cfm/W or watts per
cubic feet per minute (W/cfm). According to NEEP, this approach would
avoid making the calculation overly complicated and potentially watered
down with conditional assumptions, which contribute to a very difficult
and, potentially, misleading metric to use for comparison. (NEEP, No.
16 at p. 3) Ingersoll Rand stated that the use of the single
descriptor, cfm/W, provides the most direct way to compare furnace fan
performance regardless of geography and how closely the furnace is
sized to the house load. (Ingersoll Rand, No. 25 at p. 1) The Northwest
Energy Efficiency Alliance (NEEA) recommended use of an air-delivery
efficiency metric, such as cfm/W, to avoid the expectedly large
standard deviation of actual energy use values around the rating value,
which would be misleading for most installations. (NEEA, No. 9 at p. 2)
Regal Beloit and the American Gas Association (AGA) also expressed
support for the use of a rating metric expressed in cfm/W or W/cfm.
(Regal Beloit, No. 32 at p. 3 and AGA, No. 7 at p. 101)
Interested parties also suggested a number of alternative metrics.
AHRI and certain manufacturers, including Rheem, Nordyne, and Lennox,
suggested that DOE use ``e,'' a dimensionless descriptor that expresses
the electrical consumption of a furnace, including electrical
components other than the furnace fan, as a percentage of its total
(electrical and fuel) energy consumption. The ``e'' metric is a
function of the average annual auxiliary electrical energy consumption,
Eae. Eae is a well-known industry metric that is
specified in the current DOE test procedure for residential furnaces.
The ``e'' metric is currently used to determine furnace eligibility for
Federal tax credits. (AHRI, No. 21 at p. 4, Rheem, No. 29 at p. 3;
Nordyne, No. 31 at p. 2; and Lennox, No. 23 at p. 2) AHRI also
recommended that DOE use ``eb.'' The ``eb''
metric is a ratio of the electrical energy consumed by the furnace fan
to the total fuel and electrical energy consumed by the furnace. The
ratio is similar to the ``e'' metric but differs in that the numerator
only accounts for the electrical energy consumed by the furnace fan and
not the total electrical consumption of the furnace. (AHRI No. 34 at
pp. 1-3) Regal Beloit, a fan motor manufacturer, suggested that DOE use
air horsepower (Air HP) to rate furnace fans. Air HP is the theoretical
power required to deliver a specified quantity of air under a specified
pressure condition and can be characterized as a function of the
airflow, static pressure, and a constant. Regal Beloit did not provide
details about the value or nature of the constant. (Regal Beloit, No.
32 at p. 3) Nordyne suggested that DOE use the air mover efficiency
ratio (AMER) if ``e'' is not used. AMER is the ratio of the heating
output capacity and the power consumed by the furnace fan. For AMER,
Nordyne recommended that power be measured at a rating point defined by
an airflow that is 0.175 times the output capacity on the lowest speed
tap that would yield that airflow at 0.5 in.w.c. (Nordyne, No. 31 at p.
2) ACEEE recommended that DOE require furnace fan efficiency to be
reported using three different energy consumption values that
correspond to three different application classes: (1) Continuous
circulation; (2) hot climate; and (3) average-to-cold climate (heating-
dominated air handler energy use). (ACEEE, No. 19 at p. 3)
In order to determine an appropriate metric for furnace fan
efficiency to propose in this notice, DOE carefully considered the
suggestions and other points raised in public comments, and conducted
additional research, as explained below. One tentative conclusion that
DOE reached is that a furnace fan efficiency metric must capture
operation at multiple key operating points. DOE's investigation of
furnace fan performance data indicates that input power can drop
dramatically as airflow is reduced. In addition, different furnace fans
exhibit very different behavior with respect to their range of
achievable airflows and the corresponding reduction in power input as
airflow is reduced. DOE expects that examination of a furnace fan at a
single operating point would not likely provide a full representation
of energy use of a furnace fan in a typical installation. Therefore,
DOE is proposing a metric that evaluates the furnace fan operation at
multiple key operating points, as suggested by ACEEE. DOE proposes that
the energy use in these modes is combined into a single metric,
however, because DOE cannot set energy conservation standards based on
multiple metrics.\5\ The incorporation of multiple operating points in
evaluation of furnace fan efficiency would ensure that the operating
characteristics throughout the expected operating range are accounted
for in the efficiency metric, and would, thus, rate at higher
efficiency a furnace fan with the potential for airflow-control setting
reduction and with greater reduction in input power as airflow is
reduced.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\5\ EPCA defines ``energy conservation standard'' as a
performance standard which prescribes a minimum level of energy
efficiency or a maximum quantity of energy use for a covered
product. (42 U.S.C. 6291(6)(A)) This definition does not allow
prescription of multiple minimum levels of energy efficiency or
maximum quantities of energy use, as would be required if multiple
efficiency metrics were prescribed by the test procedure for energy
conservation standards compliance purposes.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Another tentative conclusion which DOE reached was that, consistent
with comments received from interested parties, a metric in units of
watts per cfm at specified ESPs would provide a useful metric for
interested parties to compare and evaluate furnace fan performance. DOE
finds that interested parties are familiar with discussing fan
efficiency in terms of watts per 1000 cfm, as this is how fan
performance is estimated in the alternative rating method for coil-only
CAC products. Accordingly, in DOE's proposed metric (discussed below),
the average power
[[Page 28680]]
input is normalized by maximum airflow (in cfm), to allow for
comparison across HVAC products of different capacities.
Finally, DOE tentatively concluded that it would not be possible
for a furnace fan efficiency metric to capture all aspects of field
operation. Several interested parties pointed out the dependence of
furnace fan operating hours in the field on a wide range of factors
such as climate, house size, duct characteristics, etc., as discussed
above. However, the field performance of many products is dependent on
the range of field installation and operating conditions. For example,
the integrated combined energy efficiency ratio (CEER) for room air
conditioners is based on active mode operation for 750 hours in outdoor
temperature conditions of 95 [deg]F dry bulb temperature and 75 [deg]F
wet bulb temperature.\6\ A product's rating provides an indication of
energy use in a typical installation, but actual field energy use may
vary. The annual operating hours for the proposed fan efficiency
metric, which allow calculation of typical annual energy use, are
intended to be representative of typical national average hours, and
they allow determination of annualized performance over a typical
annual cycle.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\6\ ``Wet bulb temperature'' is the temperature measured by a
thermometer having its bulb cooled by a wet ``sock.'' The
measurement gives an indication of the relative humidity of the
surrounding air. For 95 [deg]F dry bulb and 75 [deg]F wet bulb
temperatures at sea level under standard barometric pressure, the
relative humidity is 40 percent.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
In light of the parameters discussed above, DOE proposes to use a
new rating metric called the ``fan efficiency rating'' (FER). FER is
not included in the aforementioned industry standards, but is derived
from data collected using the methods specified in ANSI/AMCA 210-07.
The proposed FER is the estimated annual electrical consumption
normalized by total operating hours and the airflow measured in the
maximum airflow-control setting at a specified ESP. The proposed
estimate of annual electrical consumption is a weighted average of
Watts measured separately for multiple airflow-control settings at
different ESPs. These ESPs are determined by a reference system curve,
which is developed using a specified airflow-control setting and ESP.
This reference system curve is intended to represent typical duct work
systems used for circulation of air. DOE determined the reference
system criteria specified in this notice through analysis of measured
ESP field data. Section III.E discusses in greater detail the reference
system concept proposed in this notice.
The airflow-control settings in which determinations are specified
to be made depend on the number of heating stages that the HVAC product
has and whether the HVAC product is designed to be used for cooling.
Two-stage and modulating controls allow HVAC products to meet heating
load requirements more precisely. When low heating load conditions
exist, a two-stage or modulating HVAC product can operate at a reduced
input rate for an extended period of burner on-time to meet the reduced
heating load. For products with single-stage heating, the three
proposed rating airflow-control settings are the maximum setting, the
default heating setting, and the default constant-circulation setting.
For products with multi-stage or modulating heating, the proposed
rating airflow-control settings are the maximum setting, the default
low-heating setting, and the default constant-circulation setting. For
heating-only products (i.e., HVAC products not designed to be paired
with an external cooling coil), the proposed rating airflow-control
settings are the maximum airflow-control setting (expected to be the
default heating airflow-control setting) and the default constant-
circulation setting. The lowest default airflow-control setting is used
to represent constant-circulation if a constant circulation setting is
not specified.
DOE understands that furnace fans typically have three or more
airflow-control settings which are designated for specific functions.
DOE is also aware that some furnace fans have more than one airflow-
control setting designated for heating and/or cooling in multi-stage or
modulating products. DOE requests comments on whether rating furnace
fans using multiple but fewer than the total number of available
airflow-control settings is appropriate, including multi-stage
products. DOE expects that furnace fan factory settings typically
designate the highest default airflow settings for cooling, median
default airflow settings for heating, and the lowest default airflow
settings for constant circulation. DOE also requests comments on the
proposed assumptions for factory set airflow-control setting
designations for specific functions. (See Issue 1 under ``Issues on
Which DOE Seeks Comment'' in section V.E of this NOPR.)
DOE proposes to weight the input power at the operating points of
the proposed rating airflow-control settings using estimates of the
annual operating hours that the furnace fan spends performing each of
the functions typically designated for each airflow-control setting.
The proposed average annual operating hours for furnace fans take into
account differences in climate and constant-circulation operation. DOE
recognizes that furnace fan annual operating hours vary significantly
by region, but DOE believes the proposed values provide a reasonable
estimate of average national annual operating hours by function. The
following paragraphs include a detailed description of the approach and
sources used to derive the proposed operating hour values, which are
included in Table III.2.
DOE proposes to specify one set of annual operating hours for
products with single-stage heating and another for products with multi-
stage or modulating heating. This proposed rule specifies use of the
default low-heating setting to rate multi-stage or modulating furnaces
because DOE expects that these furnaces spend most of their heating
operating time in the low-heating mode. In addition, as compared to
single-stage furnaces, multi-stage and modulating furnaces also spend
more total time operating in heating mode, due to the reduced heat
output for the low-heating mode. Consequently, the proposed heating
mode hours used to calculate annual energy use in the metric are
calculated based on the reduced heat output, as described below. DOE
does not propose to account for multi-stage cooling because the
presence and capacity of low-stage cooling is dependent on the cooling
system with which the furnace fan HVAC products are paired. DOE found
in its review of publicly-available product literature that detailed
characteristics of the cooling system are not provided in the product
literature for furnace fan HVAC products. In addition, multi-stage
heating is not necessarily associated with multi-stage cooling
capability (e.g., multi-stage cooling equipment is much less common
than multi-stage heating equipment).
For products with single-stage heating, national average annual
heating operating hours are calculated using the following formula:
[[Page 28681]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15MY12.000
Where:
HHss = estimated annual furnace heating hours for products with
single-stage heating, in hours;
y = ratio of blower on-time to average burner on-time;
WFheat = heating weather adjustment factor; and
HEAnnual = average annual heating energy use, in MMBtu/year; and
Qin = average input heating capacity, in MMBtu/hour.
The inputs to this equation are determined as follows. The ratio of
blower on-time to average burner on-time is derived from manufacturer
default blower delay settings for non-weatherized gas furnace models
found in the 2007 Furnace Database \7\ from DOE's 2007 Furnace and
Boiler Final Rule. 72 FR 65136 (Nov. 19, 2007). Using these data, the
median values are 2 minutes for blower off-delay and 0.5 minutes for
blower on-delay. The average burner on-time per cycle is 3.87 minutes
for single-stage furnaces with fan delay based on DOE's furnace test
procedure.\8\ Therefore, ratio of blower on-time to average burner on-
time, y, is estimated to be 1.39.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\7\ The 2007 Furnace Database (Available at: http://www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/appliance_standards/residential/fb_fr_analysis.html.)
\8\ 10 CFR part 430, subpart B, Appendix N.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
The average annual heating energy use is derived using the average
Energy Information Administration's (EIA) RECS 2005 \9\ heating energy
use data for households with a gas or oil-fired furnace.\10\ The
average heating energy use, HEAnnual, in 2005 from these
data is 49.8 MMBtu/year. Because heating energy use varies every year
due to climate variations and because 2005 was a warmer than average
year, an average weather factor, WFheat, was applied to this
value. To calculate the average weather factor, DOE used annual
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) heating degree
day (HDD) per Census Division.\11\ To represent average conditions, DOE
used the 30-year annual average HDD from 1981-2010 and compared it to
2005 HDD (weighting both sets of data by the number of households with
a gas and oil-fired furnace in RECS 2005 found in each Census
Division). The resulting average weather factor is 1.04. This factor
(1.04) is then multiplied times average 2005 heating energy use (49.8
MMBtu/year) to yield 51.6 MMBtu/year average heating energy use. The
average input capacity is calculated to be 86.3 kBtu/hour based on gas
furnace 2001 gas furnace shipment data by input capacity bins \12\ and
number of models in the 2010 AHRI directory \13\ for non-weatherized
gas furnaces.\14\ Using these values, DOE calculates the average annual
heating operating hours to be 830 hours per year.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\9\ U.S. Department of Energy: Energy Information
Administration, Residential Energy Consumption Survey (RECS), Public
use data files (2005) (Last accessed Sept. 2011.) (Available at:
http://www.eia.doe.gov/emeu/recs/recspubuse05/pubuse05.html).
\10\ Electric furnaces are excluded because they are mostly
associated with heat pumps, and average input capacity data for
electric furnaces is scarce. Also, RECS does not provide information
to distinguish which households have hydronic air-handlers.
Potentially adding electric furnaces and hydronic equipment might
slightly lower BOH, since this equipment tends to be located in
warmer climates.
\11\ National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
National Data Center Climate Data Online: HDD Data by Census
Division (Last accessed Sept. 5, 2011) (Available at: http://www7.ncdc.noaa.gov/CDO/CDODivisionalSelect.jsp).
\12\ GAMA, GAMA Shipment Data by Input Capacity Bins (2002)
(Provided to DOE for the 2007 Furnace and Boiler Standards
rulemaking) (EERE-2006-STD-0102-0056).
\13\ Air Conditioning Heating and Refrigeration Institute
(AHRI), Consumer's Directory of Certified Efficiency Ratings for
Heating and Water Heating Equipment (AHRI Directory February 2010)
(Last accessed September 2011).
\14\ It is assumed that the input capacity proxy value is very
close to the average value for all gas and oil-fired furnaces
(especially since non-weatherized gas furnaces represent more than
80 percent of all gas and oil furnaces).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
DOE proposes to account for the differences in operation between
single-stage and multi-stage or modulating units in its estimated
annual heating operating hours. When heating a residential building, a
certain amount of heat is required to reach a desired indoor
temperature in that given building. The heat output of the HVAC product
installed in that building is the rate at which the product provides
that heat. The lower the heating output capacity of the installed HVAC
product in that building, the longer that HVAC product must operate to
provide the necessary heat to reach a desired temperature rise. For
products with multi-stage or modulating heating, DOE is aware that
heating operation hours are distributed between two or more heating
operating modes that have different output capacities, referred to as
``stages.'' DOE finds that product literature refers to multi-stage/
modulating heating as a comfort feature characterized by long run-times
in the low-heat setting, which can account for 90 percent or more of
heating operation time. As a result, DOE recognizes that total heating
operating hours for multi-stage and modulating furnace fans will likely
be higher than for single-stage furnace fans in a given installation,
because the HVAC product will be operating at its lower output capacity
for a majority of these hours. Therefore, for the purposes of this test
procedure, DOE proposes to rate multi-stage and modulating furnace fans
using input power in the default low-heating stage only. The increase
in heating operating hours, and ultimately the energy consumed for
heating, in multi-stage and modulating furnace fans is determined by
the ratio of high-output heating capacity to low-output heating
capacity. DOE proposes to use the following equation to determine
average annual heating operating hours for multi-stage and modulating
furnace fans:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15MY12.001
Where:
HHm = estimated annual furnace fan heating hours for
products with multi-stage or modulating heating, in hours; and
830 = estimated annual heating hours for products with single-stage
heating;
HCR = heating capacity ratio (output capacity in lowest heat mode
divided by output capacity in highest heat mode).
Because fans can also be used to circulate cool air through duct
work, DOE is also proposing calculations intended to capture energy use
for that purpose. DOE estimates national average cooling operating
hours using the following formula:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15MY12.002
[[Page 28682]]
Where:
CH = estimated annual furnace fan cooling operating hours;
yC = ratio of blower on-time to average compressor on-
time;
WFcool = cooling weather adjustment factor; and
CEAnnual = average annual cooling energy use, in kWh/year;
SEER = seasonal energy efficiency ratio; and
Qin = average cooling capacity, in Btu/hour.
Most furnace fans come with a cooling blower-on and blower-off
delay feature. To account for this feature, DOE estimated the ratio of
blower on-time to average compressor on-time based on manufacturer
default blower delay settings listed in publically-available product
literature for non-weatherized gas furnace models. DOE found that the
median values are 45 seconds for blower off-delay and 2 seconds for
blower on-delay. The average compressor on-time per cycle is 6 minutes
for single-stage central air conditioners based on DOE's central air
conditioner test procedure (10 CFR part 430, subpart B, Appendix M).
Therefore, DOE estimates the ratio of blower on-time to average
compressor on-time, yC, to be 1.12.
The average cooling energy use is derived using the average EIA's
RECS 2005 \15\ cooling energy use data for households with both a
central air conditioner and either a gas or oil-fired furnace.\16\ The
average annual cooling energy use, CEAnnual, in 2005 from
these data is 2025 kWh/year. Because cooling energy use varies every
year due to climate and because 2005 was a warmer-than-average year, an
average weather factor was applied to this value. To calculate the
average weather factor, DOE used annual NOAA cooling degree day (CDD)
per Census Division.\17\ To represent average conditions, DOE used the
30-year annual average CDD from 1981-2010 and compared it to 2005 CDD
(weighting both sets of data by the number of households with both a
central air conditioner and either a gas or oil-fired furnace in RECS
2005 found in each Census Division). The resulting average cooling
weather factor, WFcool, is 0.89. This factor (0.89) is then
multiplied times average 2005 cooling energy use (2025 kWh/year) to
come up with 1794 kWh/year average cooling energy use adjusted for
weather. The average seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) in the
U.S. stock in 2005 is estimated to be 11.06 based on Annual Energy
Outlook (AEO) 2008 data for central air-conditioner efficiency.\18\ The
average cooling capacity in the U.S. stock in 2005 is estimated to be
34,884 Btu/h based on 2007-2010 AHRI shipments data.\19\ Using these
values, the average annual furnace fan cooling operating hours is
estimated to be 637 hours. For the purposes of the test procedure, this
number is rounded to 640 hours.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\15\ U.S. Department of Energy: Energy Information
Administration, Residential Energy Consumption Survey (RECS), Public
use data files (2005) (Last accessed Sept. 2011). (Available at:
http://www.eia.doe.gov/emeu/recs/recspubuse05/pubuse05.html).
\16\ Similar to the heating operating hours calculation,
electric furnaces and hydronic air-handlers are not included. The
data include both heat pump and non-heat pump central air-
conditioners.
\17\ National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
NNDC Climate Data Online: CDD Data by Census Division (Last accessed
Sept. 5, 2011) (Available at: www7.ncdc.noaa.gov/CDO/CDODivisionalSelect.jsp).
\18\ Energy Information Administration, Annual Energy Outlook
2008 with Projections to 2030, Report No. DOE/EIA-0383 (2008)
(Available at: http://www.eia.doe.gov/oiaf/aeo/).
\19\ Air Conditioning Heating and Refrigeration Institute
(AHRI), Monthly Shipment Statistics: 2007-2010 (Available at: http://www.ahrinet.org/monthly+shipments.aspx).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
The average annual constant-circulation hours are based on data
from surveys. The first survey was conducted by researchers in
Wisconsin in 2003.\20\ The second survey was conducted by the Center
for Energy and the Environment (CEE) in Minnesota, the results of which
were provided by CEE in a written comment that is included in the
docket for the furnace fan energy conservation standard (Docket Number
EERE-2010-BT-STD-0011), which can be viewed as described in the Docket
section at the beginning of this notice. (CEE, No. 22 at pp. 1-3) DOE
combined both studies and derived average annual furnace fan constant-
circulation operating hours for each survey, as shown in Table III.1.
DOE did not use these data directly, however, because it believes they
are not representative of consumer practices for the U.S. as a whole.
In Wisconsin and Minnesota, many homes have low air infiltration, and
there is a high awareness of indoor air quality issues, which leads to
significant use of continuous ventilation. To develop U.S. average
values, DOE modified the data from the surveys using information from
manufacturer product literature and consideration of climate conditions
in other regions.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\20\ Piggs, S. 2003. Central Electricity Use by New Furnaces: A
Wisconsin Field Study. (URL: http://www.doa.state.wi.us/docview.asp?docid=1812).
Table III.1--Results From Constant-Circulation Use Studies and Estimated Constant-Circulation Hours
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Combined data from National National
studies weighted Assumed weighted
How often is continuous fan used? -------------------------- average average average
Number of Percentage percentage of number of number of
households (%) consumers (%) hours hours
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
No continuous fan........................... 69 68 89 0 0
Year-round.................................. 14 14 5 7290 365
During heating season....................... 4 4 1 1097 16
During cooling season....................... 4 4 1 541 8
Other (some continuous fan)................. 10 10 4 365 13
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Total................................... 101 100 100 ........... 401
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DOE assumed a value for average number of constant-circulation
hours for each survey response. For ``no constant circulation''
responses, DOE assumed zero annual furnace fan constant-circulation
hours. For ``year-round'' responses, DOE assumed 7,290 average annual
furnace fan constant-circulation hours, which DOE calculated by
subtracting furnace fan heating and cooling operating hours for single-
stage furnace fans (830 and 640, as estimated above) from the total
annual hours (8,760). For ``during heating season'' responses, DOE
assumed 1,097 hours, which is half of the quantity of heating season
operating hours less furnace fan heating operating hours. More
specifically, DOE calculated this value by subtracting furnace fan
heating operating hours (830, as estimated
[[Page 28683]]
above) from the total heating season operating hours (5,216) \21\ and
multiplying by 25 percent to account for the consumers that use fan
constant-circulation only during part of the heating season. For
``during cooling season'' responses, DOE assumed 541 hours. DOE
calculated this value by subtracting furnace fan cooling operating
hours (640, as estimated above) from the total cooling season hours
(2,805) \22\ and multiplying by 25 percent to account for the consumers
that use fan constant-circulation only during part of the cooling
season. For other or ``some constant circulation'' responses, DOE
assumed 365 hours, which is 5 percent of year-round operation.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\21\ Based on June 2, 2010 Test Procedure NOPR for Residential
Central Air Conditioners and Heat Pumps. 75 FR 31224, 31270.
\22\ Id.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Table III.1 also shows the estimated weighted average national
fraction of consumers and derived annual constant-circulation hours. To
derive the annual constant-circulation hours, DOE assumed that on
average, the combined data from the Wisconsin/Minnesota studies
overestimate the fraction of consumers that use constant-circulation by
50 percent in the North and South Hot Dry region and by 90 percent in
the South Hot Humid region.\23\ Using EIA's RECS 2005 data, DOE
estimated that 65 percent of furnace fans are located in the North and
South Hot Dry region, while the remaining 35 percent are located in the
South Hot Humid region.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\23\ The regions are described in June 27, 2011 Direct Final
Rule for Residential Furnaces, Central Air Conditioners and Heat
Pumps. 76 FR 37408.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
As shown in Table III.1, the weighted average annual constant-
circulation hours is 401 hours, rounded to 400 hours for the purposes
of this test procedure.
For hydronic air handlers, DOE proposes to use a variation of FER
that integrates standby mode and off mode electrical energy consumption
with active mode electrical energy consumption. This variation of FER
will be referred to as the integrated fan efficiency rating (IFER). The
proposed standby mode hours are the remainder of annual hours not
designated for cooling, heating, constant circulation, or off mode.
Therefore:
SBH = 8760 - HH - CCH - CH - OH
Where:
SBH = annual furnace fan standby mode operating hours;
8760 = number of hours in a year;
HH = annual furnace fan heating operating hours;
CCH = annual furnace fan constant-circulation hours;
CH = annual furnace fan cooling operating hours; and
OH = annual furnace fan off mode operating hours.
DOE proposes a value of zero for hydronic air handler off mode
operating hours because DOE expects that hydronic air handlers are not
typically equipped with a seasonal off switch or that consumers will
not turn off power to the hydronic air handler. Consideration of
standby mode and off mode is discussed in more detail in section III.G.
Table III.2 shows the proposed furnace fan annual operating hours by
mode, as estimated according to the methods detailed above.
Table III.2--Proposed Furnace Fan Annual Operating Hours by Mode
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating mode Variable Single-stage (hours) Multi-stage (hours)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Heating mode......................... HH..................... 830.................... 830/HCR.
Circulation mode..................... CCH.................... 400.................... 400.
Cooling mode......................... CH..................... 640.................... 640.
Off mode (if applicable)............. OH..................... 0...................... 0.
Standby mode (if applicable)......... SBH.................... 8760-HH-CCH-CH-OH...... 8760-HH-CCH-CH-OH.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DOE is aware that climate conditions vary across the United States.
DOE seeks comment on the appropriate values and methods for estimating
these values for weighting fan efficiency in each rated airflow-control
setting. DOE also seeks comment on how these operating hours may vary
for multi-stage products. (See Issue 2 under ``Issues on Which DOE
Seeks Comment'' in section V.E of this NOPR.)
DOE believes the AECR metric specified by CSA C823 is less
appropriate than FER, because AECR is more burdensome without providing
any additional useful information. AECR is more burdensome because it
requires as many as 26 more determinations for the proposed range of
ESP (0.1 in.w.c. to 0.75 in.w.c.). The number of determinations
proposed to be specified for FER is discussed in detail in section
III.F.2. In contrast to the proposed metric, DOE believes the approach
suggested by ACEEE is also less appropriate, because DOE cannot set
standards based on multiple metrics, as explained above. Furthermore,
DOE believes the metric variations based on the current DOE furnace
test procedure (i.e., BE, e, and eb) are less appropriate
than FER, because they are based on measurements at one operating point
for units with single-stage heating or measurements at two operating
points for units with multi-stage or modulating heating. These metrics
do not account for operation in cooling or constant-circulation modes.
As stated previously, DOE anticipates that a rating metric based on a
single operating point would not provide a good indication of the
variation of typical annual energy use exhibited by the range of
available furnace fan products. The issue of the appropriate number of
airflow-control settings for rating furnace fans is discussed further
in section III.F.1. In addition, DOE believes the BE, ``e,'' and
``eb'' metrics are inappropriate because they are measured
at ESPs that are not representative of field conditions. DOE believes
Air HP, as it is described by Regal Beloit, is an important concept
when considering the efficiency of fans and blowers. However, Air HP
does not include a measurement of electrical consumption, which is a
necessary part of a test procedure supporting an energy conservation
standard. DOE believes AMER would be less appropriate than FER, because
it is based on furnace output capacity instead of air delivery. DOE
expects that AMER would reward furnaces that have higher output
capacities, regardless of whether any improvement in fan efficiency
would result. For these reasons, DOE is proposing FER as the most
appropriate metric for rating furnace fan performance.
E. Reference System
In the June 2010 framework document, DOE sought comment on the
appropriate reference system for the purposes of rating furnace fan
performance. 75 FR 31323 (June 3,
[[Page 28684]]
2010). DOE proposes to specify a reference system, which provides a
standardized set of airflow characteristics to model duct work. The
energy use of a furnace fan depends heavily on the duct work system
through which it circulates air, but duct work characteristics vary
between installations and are outside the control of manufacturers of
residential HVAC products. Use of a reference system for rating furnace
fans allows for consistent comparison across HVAC products.
Furthermore, the reference system provides a basis for estimating the
airflow, ESP, and electrical consumption of the fan in the rating
airflow-control settings and, therefore, for different furnace fan
functions (i.e., cooling, heating, constant-circulation).
To circulate air through duct work, a furnace fan motor rotates an
impeller, which increases the velocity of an airstream. As a result,
the airstream gains kinetic energy. This kinetic energy is converted to
a static pressure increase when the air slows downstream of the
impeller blades. This static pressure created by the fan must be enough
to overcome the pressure losses the airstream will experience
throughout the duct work, and to a smaller degree, within the HVAC
product itself, to provide sufficient delivery of conditioned air to
the residence. Pressure losses are the result of directional changes in
the duct work, friction between the moving air and surfaces of the duct
work, and possible appurtenances in the airflow path. (In layman's
terms, the conditioned air slows and eventually would stop the further
it travels from the fan. However, in effective systems, continued
action of the furnace fan overcomes such resistance and provides
conditioned air to the intended space.) Therefore, the geometry of any
HVAC component that obstructs the airflow path, the length of the duct
work path, and number and nature of direction changes in the ductwork
of a given system contribute to the pressure losses of the system. In
most duct systems, the static pressure required to move the air is
approximately equal to the square of the airflow rate. The duct static
pressure is the ESP, which can be represented as follows:
ESP = Kref x Q\2\
Where:
ESP = external static pressure in inches water column (in.w.c.);
Kref = a constant that characterizes the reference
system; and
Q = airflow in cfm.
A reference system is defined by specifying an airflow-control
setting and a standardized ESP to determine values for Q and ESP. Once
these values are known, K, which characterizes the reference system,
can be calculated. The quadratic relationship described above is
assumed for the duct work system to relate ESP to airflow in different
airflow-control settings.
In the June 2010 framework document, DOE requested comment on a
definition of the reference system based on a standardized ESP of 0.5
in.w.c. for the default heating airflow-control setting. For the
framework document, DOE identified this reference system definition so
as to be consistent with the reference system specified in the December
2009 draft of CSA C823.
Rheem recommended testing at an external static pressure of 0.2 in.
w. c. in the default heating speed, and Morrison made the same point.
(Rheem, No. 7 at p. 76; Morrison, No. 7 at p. 77) Mortex stated that
0.3 in. w.c. in cooling mode is used to test coil-only units and that
similar criteria would be appropriate for furnace fans. (Mortex, No. 7
at p. 86) Ingersoll Rand stated that the default heating mode speed
does not match up with any other conditions under which furnaces are
already tested. Ingersoll Rand added that default heating speeds are
typically lower than cooling speeds, which would result in better
ratings when compared to air conditioners. (Ingersoll Rand, No. 7 at p.
79) Rheem commented that it expects ducting is designed for the highest
airflow, which is typically the cooling mode, so specifying a heating
speed for the reference system can be problematic, because it could
result in extrapolating operating points for higher airflow-control
settings that are beyond the manufacturer-recommended operating points.
(Rheem, No. 7 at pp. 74-75)
Many interested parties stated that the ESP at which furnace fans
are rated should reflect the ESP that furnace fans will face in the
field. The National Resources Defense Council (NRDC), ACEEE, Center for
Energy and Environment (CEE), NEEP, and Adjuvant Consulting all stated
that an ESP of at least 0.5 in.w.c. should be used because it would
best reflect actual field conditions. (ACEEE, No. 19 at p. 2; NRDC, No.
28 at p. 4; NEEP, No. 16 at pp. 3-4; Adjuvant Consulting, No. 7 at p.
80; CEE, No. 22 at p. 1) Pacific Gas and Electric Company asserted that
the ESPs at which furnace fans are tested should be higher than those
at which furnaces are currently rated in order to mirror the ESPs of
systems in the field. (Pacific Gas and Electric Company, No. 7 at p.
81) CEE measured the ESP in 81 homes and found that the average was
0.55 in.w.c. in heating mode. (CEE, No. 22 at p. 1)
Not all interested parties agreed with setting the reference ESP at
0.5 in.w.c. AHRI and Morrison stated that DOE should utilize the
methods outlined in ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 103, Method of Testing for
Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency of Residential Central Furnaces and
Boilers (i.e., the reference standard for DOE's residential furnaces
test procedure), for determining ESP rating points as a function of
capacity, and the commenters further stated that 0.5 in.w.c. in the
default heating airflow setting is too high to conduct testing. (AHRI,
No. 20 at p. 5; Morrison, No. 26 at p. 4) Rheem recommended that the
ESP used for rating furnace fans reflect the ESP that is recommended by
manufacturers for appropriate operation of their products. Rheem added
that specifying the rating criteria to mimic field conditions is not
appropriate, because poor installation practices and misinformed
consumer demands are pushing products outside the range of recommended
operation. Rheem further stated that setting a standard based on these
practices would perpetuate and escalate the misuse of the products,
thereby increasing energy consumption. (Rheem, No. 7 at p. 91)
Morrison, NEEA, Rheem, and AHRI remarked that the ESP in the furnace
fan test procedure should reflect the methods in the existing DOE test
procedures for residential furnaces and central air conditioners to
reduce manufacturer testing burden and to maintain consistency. (NEEA,
No. 11 at p. 3; Morrison, No. 26 at p. 3; Rheem, No. 29 at pp. 4-5;
Rheem, No. 7 at p. 54; AHRI, No. 20 at pp. 3-4)
DOE proposes to use an ESP value that is consistent, to the extent
possible, with known field conditions. DOE expects this approach would
result in ratings that are most representative of field energy use. DOE
also expects that the use of manufacturer-recommended ESPs might
overestimate furnace fan efficiency, because the ESP of field-installed
HVAC systems typically exceeds the ESP recommended by manufacturers.
Like manufacturers, DOE is also concerned about the energy use impact
of installations with high static pressures. However, DOE does not
expect that a reduction in average field ESPs that approaches the
manufacturer-recommended levels is likely to occur, because installing
new, larger, and more-efficient ducts in existing homes is generally
cost-prohibitive. DOE is concerned that a metric based on a low, albeit
desirable, static pressure level would not best represent furnace fan
efficiency. Also, DOE is concerned that
[[Page 28685]]
a metric based on a low static pressure may lead to excessive energy
use by furnace fan designs which do not achieve high efficiency levels
when operating at the higher, real-world static pressures. Adapting the
efficiency metric to the real-world conditions better facilitates
meaningful comparisons of furnace fans operating under these
conditions.
In addition, DOE does not agree with contentions from Morrison,
NEEA, Rheem, and AHRI that defining the reference system using an ESP
value other than those already specified in associated DOE test
procedures would be overly burdensome. Based on DOE's review of
publicly-available product literature, airflow performance data is
already measured and listed by manufacturers at ESPs that exceed those
specified in the DOE test procedures for residential furnaces and
central air conditioners. The ESPs specified in the residential central
air conditioner test procedure at 10 CFR part 430, subpart B, Appendix
M range from 0.1 to 0.2 in.w.c. for conventional split systems. The
ESPs specified in the furnace test procedure at 10 CFR part 430,
subpart B, Appendix N range from 0.12 to 0.58 in.w.c., depending on the
fuel source and rated input capacity of the furnace. In contrast, most
of the publicly-available product specification sheets that DOE
reviewed include airflow performance data up to 1 in.w.c.
DOE gathered field data from available studies and research reports
to determine an appropriate ESP value to propose for the reference
system. DOE compiled over 1300 field ESP measurements from several
studies that included furnace fans in single-family and manufactured
homes in different regions of the country. DOE has included a list of
citations for these studies in the docket for this rulemaking. A link
to the docket Web page can be found at: http://www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/appliance_standards/residential/furnace_fans.html. This Web
page contains a link to the docket for this notice on the
www.regulations.gov site. The www.regulations.gov Web page contains
simple instructions on how to access all documents, including public
comments, in the docket. The docket number for this rulemaking is EERE-
2010-BT-TP-0010.
Data across studies were not consistent because some included
external evaporator coil and/or filter pressure drops in their ESP
measurements, whereas others did not. So that DOE could compare the
data, DOE calculated adjusted ESP values for each study to derive one
value that included the measured/estimated evaporator coil pressure
drop and one that did not for each residence. All values included a
measured or estimated filter pressure drop. Three of the aforementioned
studies included filter and coil pressure drop data that DOE used to
estimate average filter and coil pressure drops for these
adjustments.\24\ DOE found that on average, the pressure drop measured
for the evaporator coil was 0.20 in.w.c., and the pressure drop for the
filter was 0.21 in.w.c.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\24\ Piggs, S. 2008. Central Air Conditioning in Wisconsin: A
Compilation of Recent Field Research. Energy Center of Wisconsin.
(Two studies reported 2005 and 2007) (URL: http://www.ecw.org/resource_detail.php?resultid=289); and Wilcox, B.J. Proctor, R.
Chitwood, and K. Nittler. 2006. Furnace Fan Watt Draw and Air Flow
in Cooling and Air Distribution Modes. 2008 California Building
Energy Efficiency Standards. (URL: http://www.energy.ca.gov/title24/2008standards/prerulemaking/documents/2006-07-12_workshop/reviewdocs/FAN_WATT_DRAW_AND_AIR_FLOW.pdf.)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Table III.3 includes the weighted average ``with-coil'' and
``without-coil'' ESP results for single-family homes and manufactured
homes.
Table III.3--Summary of Adjusted Field ESP Data
------------------------------------------------------------------------
With coil ESP Without coil ESP
Household type (in.w.c.) (in.w.c.)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Single-family Home.............. 0.73 0.52
Manufactured Home............... 0.37 0.17
------------------------------------------------------------------------
DOE identified four installation types with unique reference system
ESP considerations:
Heating-only units;
Units with an internal evaporator coil;
Units designed to be paired with an evaporator coil; and
Manufactured home units.
DOE proposes to treat these types of units as follows. DOE is aware
that some hydronic air handlers are not designed to provide cooling.
DOE has identified these as heating-only products. DOE proposes to
specify a lower reference system ESP for these products, because they
do not experience the additional pressure drop of circulating air past
an evaporator coil.
DOE has identified weatherized gas furnaces as units with an
internal evaporator coil. DOE proposes to specify a reference system
ESP for these products that does not include the pressure drop of
circulating air past an evaporator coil because FER already accounts
for internal losses.
DOE is aware that non-weatherized gas furnaces, oil-fired furnaces,
electric furnaces, modular blowers, and some hydronic air handlers are
designed to accommodate an evaporator coil for cooling. DOE has
identified these products as products not originally supplied with an
evaporator coil but designed to be paired with an evaporator coil in
the field. DOE proposes a higher reference system ESP for these
products to ensure their FER accounts for the pressure drop of
circulating air past an evaporator coil.
DOE proposes to use a different reference system ESP for
manufactured home products to account for the space constraints and
installation requirements that are unique to the manufactured home
market.
DOE recognizes that units designed to be paired with an evaporator
coil and manufactured home products are not always paired with
evaporator coils, even though they are designed for this option. Using
EIA's RECS 2005 data, DOE estimated the fraction of furnace
installations paired with an evaporator coil in the field. DOE
determined that 72.9 percent of single-family households with a non-
weatherized gas or oil-fired furnace had central air-conditioners
(i.e., are paired with an evaporator coil).\25\ DOE determined that
50.2 percent of manufactured home households with a non-weatherized gas
or oil-fired furnace had central air-conditioners. For manufactured
homes and units designed to be paired with an evaporator coil in
single-family homes,
[[Page 28686]]
DOE used these percentages to weight the with-coil and without-coil ESP
values (see Table III.3) to derive the proposed reference system ESP
value. DOE proposes to specify the reference system values, as
reflected in Table III.4 for each installation type. The proposed
values are rounded to the nearest 0.05 in.w.c. DOE seeks comment on its
proposed reference system ESP values. DOE also welcomes additional
field data. In addition, DOE seeks comment on whether the specified
reference system ESP should be dependent on capacity. (See Issue 3
under ``Issues on Which DOE Seeks Comment'' in section V.E of this
NOPR.)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\25\ For simplicity, electric furnaces are excluded since they
are mostly associated with heat pumps. Also, RECS does not provide
information to distinguish which households have hydronic air-
handlers. Adding electric furnaces and hydronic equipment will
increase the fraction of households with central air-conditioners,
since this equipment tends to be located in warmer climates.
Table III.4--Proposed Reference System ESP Values for All Furnace Fan
Installation Types
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Weighted average ESP
Installation type (in. w.c.)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Heating-only units............................. 0.50
Units with an internal evaporator coil......... 0.50
Units designed to be paired with an evaporator 0.65
coil..........................................
Manufactured home \26\......................... 0.30.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
DOE proposes to use the maximum airflow-control setting to define
the reference system for each installation type. DOE is aware that
furnace fan control schemes typically include airflow-control settings,
each often designated for specific functions (e.g., cooling, heating,
and constant circulation). DOE found that the maximum airflow-control
setting is often factory set for cooling operation or for high or
default heating for heating-only units that do not have a cooling
setting. DOE has tentatively concluded that specifying the maximum
airflow-control setting for the reference system would preclude the
need to extrapolate performance data outside the desired range of
operation, which might be necessary if DOE selected an airflow-control
setting other than the maximum. Extrapolating performance outside the
recommended and tested range is less desirable than interpolation
because extrapolation will not account for dramatic changes in furnace
fan performance that may occur beyond a certain ESP threshold. In
addition, comments from interested parties indicate that, unlike in
Canada, U.S. HVAC systems and components (including furnace fans) are
often designed for cooling operation (i.e., maximum required airflow).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\26\ Manufactured home external static pressure is much smaller
due to the fact there is no return air duct work in manufactured
homes. Also, the United States Department of Housing and Urban
Development (HUD) requirements stipulate that the duct work for
cooling should be set at 0.3 in. w.c.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
DOE found that field ESP values vary compared to manufacturer-
recommended ESP values and considered the use of multiple reference
systems. This notice refers to the December 2009 draft version of CSA
C823, because that was the version that was referenced in the June 2010
furnace fan framework document. For the reasons discussed in section
III.C, DOE is not proposing to use CSA C823 as a reference standard for
this notice. However, DOE is aware that for the final version of CSA
C823, CSA considered specifying multiple reference systems to account
for differences in ESP and ultimately, fan performance at manufacturer-
recommended operating conditions and typical, poor field operating
conditions. Rheem supported the use of two reference system curves if
the rating must include the effects of incorrect and potentially unsafe
installation practices that occur in the field in spite of the
manufacturers' installation instructions. Rheem suggested that these
two curves should be based on a static pressure of 0.3 in.w.c. and 0.6
in.w.c. in the default heating airflow-control setting. (Rheem, No. 29
at p. 6)
DOE proposes to use only one reference system curve for each
installation type, as described above because for the reasons discussed
previously, DOE cannot set standards based on multiple metrics. In
addition, DOE investigated the use of a combined metric based on
multiple reference system curves. For a subset of fans, DOE averaged an
FER based on a high reference system ESP value and an FER based on a
low reference system ESP value by increasing and decreasing the
proposed ESP values by 0.15 in.w.c. For example, the resulting high and
low reference system ESP values for this investigation for furnace fan
products that are designed to be paired with evaporator coils (i.e.,
non-weatherized gas furnaces, oil-fired furnaces, electric furnaces,
some hydronic air-handlers, and modular blowers) were 0.8 in.w.c. and
0.5 in.w.c., respectively. These values are higher than those suggested
by Rheem because they are specified for the maximum airflow-control
setting, which is expected to be higher than the default heating
airflow-control setting. Using the reference system equation described
above and assuming that default heating airflow is in the range of 80
percent to 90 percent of the maximum airflow, the high and low
reference system ESP values for the default heating airflow-control
setting used for this comparison are roughly equivalent to those
suggested by Rheem. DOE found that the combined, multiple reference
system FER values varied on average by less than 2 percent with a
standard deviation of 2 percent compared to the proposed, single
reference system FER and did not alter the ranking of furnace fans by
efficiency. Therefore, DOE believes the use of multiple reference
system curves is unnecessary. DOE requests comment on whether a
multiple reference system rating approach would provide a better
indication of the overall performance. (See Issue 4 under ``Issues on
Which DOE Seeks Comment'' in section V.E of this NOPR.)
F. Performance Curves
1. Number of Airflow-Control Settings
In the June 2010 framework document, DOE requested feedback on the
appropriate number of measurements (i.e., determinations) needed to
characterize the performance of a furnace fan, which is dependent in
part on the number of airflow-control settings used to rate the furnace
fan.\27\ Installed furnace fans can have as many as five or more
airflow-control settings. In a given HVAC system, energy consumption of
the furnace fan increases as airflow increases. Therefore, airflow-
control settings have varying energy use profiles. As mentioned, DOE
finds that airflow-control settings are each often designated for a
specific function, such as cooling, heating, or constant circulation.
In addition, the relative
[[Page 28687]]
efficiency of certain furnace fan technologies varies with airflow-
control setting. The extent to which energy consumption across a
furnace fan's operating range is accounted is determined by the number
of airflow-control settings used to rate the furnace fan.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\27\ See Issue 10 on page 11 of the June 2010 framework
document. DOE posted the framework document to the DOE Web site,
which can be accessed at this link: http://www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/appliance_standards/residential/furnace_fans_framework.html.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Comments from interested parties indicate that some are in favor of
a metric that accounts for fan electrical consumption while operating
in a single airflow-control setting, while others are in favor of a
metric that accounts for operation in multiple airflow-control
settings. AHRI and certain manufacturers, including Rheem, Nordyne, and
Lennox, suggested that DOE should use ``e,'' which is based on the
measured electrical energy consumption of the fan at a single operating
point. (AHRI, No. 21 at p. 4; Rheem, No. 29 at p. 3; Nordyne, No. 31 at
p. 2; and Lennox, No. 23 at p. 2) Ingersoll Rand added that it
questions whether more than one test point per airflow-control setting
and whether more airflow-control settings than there are heat stages
(with possible consideration of an additional point for cooling) is
necessary to rate furnace fans, given that they perform quite
predictably in accordance with well-established ``fan laws.''
(Ingersoll Rand, No. 25 at p. 1) Johnson Controls stated that
electrically-commutated motors (ECM) have an efficiency advantage over
permanent split capacitor (PSC) motors at low or partial-load
conditions but not necessarily at higher/maximum-load conditions.
(Johnson Controls, No. 7 at p. 145) In contrast, ACEEE remarked that
DOE should not use a single annual energy consumption metric, but
instead, the minimum efficiency standard should be based on the power
for circulation, heating, and cooling modes weighted by average annual
operating hours in each mode. (ACEEE, No. 30 at p. 3) NEEP recommended
that DOE use a rating system based on two or three fan speeds to
capture the efficiency of fans that use ECM motors. (NEEP, No. 16 at p.
3)
After considering available information and public comments on this
issue, DOE has tentatively concluded that a metric based on
measurements in multiple airflow-control settings would be appropriate
to account for furnace fan energy consumption across its entire
operating range. DOE recognizes that furnace fans are used not just for
circulating air through duct work during heating operation, but also
for circulating air during cooling and constant-circulation operation.
As mentioned previously, DOE understands that higher airflow-control
settings are factory set for cooling operation. Therefore, DOE expects
that the electrical energy consumption of a furnace fan is generally
higher while performing the cooling function. Consequently, DOE expects
that using a metric based on a single measurement in an airflow-control
setting designated for heating could result in an incomplete assessment
of overall performance. DOE further recognizes that the potential for
significant power reduction occurs when the fan is operating in its
lowest airflow-control setting, which DOE finds is typically factory
set for constant-circulation. This significant power reduction is
consistent with the theory that fan input power is proportional to the
cube of the airflow. Consequently, a ``snapshot approach'' which
specifies only a single airflow-control setting may not be
representative of the product's average use. However, some fan
technologies may not reduce power input in this fashion. DOE is
concerned that rating furnace fan performance at a single airflow-
control setting would incentivize manufacturers to design fans
optimized to perform efficiently at the selected rating airflow-control
setting but that are not efficient over the broad range of field
operating conditions. DOE expects that a rating metric that includes
measurements at multiple airflow-control settings would help ensure
that the rating metric captures the efficiency advantages of using
motor technologies that maintain higher efficiencies over a broad range
of operating conditions. DOE is aware that other technologies, such as
improved impeller designs, may also improve efficiency in some, but not
all, of the expected range of operation.
For the reasons above, DOE proposes that FER be based on
measurements taken in multiple airflow-control settings, which have
been selected to represent the main product functions that have varied
energy usage profiles. For products with single-stage heating, the
three proposed rating airflow-control settings would be the maximum
setting, the default heating setting, and the default constant-
circulation setting. For products with multi-stage heating or
modulating heating, the proposed rating airflow-control settings would
be the maximum setting, the default low-heating setting, and the
default constant-circulation setting. For heating-only products, the
proposed rating airflow-control settings would be the default heating
setting and the default constant-circulation setting. The lowest
default airflow-control setting would be used to represent constant
circulation, for units in which a constant-circulation setting is not
specified. The default low-heat setting would be the airflow-control
setting used to circulate air when the HVAC product is operating at its
lowest nominal heating input capacity. DOE believes that using the FER
metric would ensure that the operating characteristics of all of the
relevant airflow-control settings are accounted for in the efficiency
metric, and it would, thus, rate at higher efficiency a furnace fan
that does reduce power more consistently with the theoretical cubic
relationship. In selecting the multiple airflow-control settings
discussed above, it is noted that DOE is aware that some furnace fans
are designed to have more than three airflow-control settings. DOE
compared ratings that use measurements in two, three, and five airflow-
control settings and found that a metric that uses measurements in
three (or two for heating-only products) of the available airflow-
control settings appropriately captures the efficiency advantages of
using more-efficient technologies while minimizing burden on
manufacturers.
2. Number of Determinations
In the June 2010 framework document, DOE sought comment on the
appropriate total number of determinations that DOE should specify that
manufacturers make in each airflow-control setting to develop
performance curves without being overly burdensome.\28\ As defined in
ANSI/AMCA 210-07 and incorporated by reference in this notice, a
determination is a complete set of measurements for a particular point
of operation of a fan. For the purposes of this test procedure, a
complete set of measurements includes measurements of airflow,
electrical consumption, and external static pressure. The total number
of determinations per performance curve depends on the ESP range and
measurement increments specified in the test procedure.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\28\ See Issue 10 on page 11 of the June 2010 framework
document. DOE posted the framework document to the DOE Web site,
which can be accessed at this link: http://www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/appliance_standards/residential/furnace_fans_framework.html.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
As described above in section III.D, the proposed active mode
metric incorporates furnace fan input power at multiple operating
points, which are determined by the intersections of the performance
curves (i.e., airflow-ESP relationship) of the rating airflow-control
settings and a specified reference system curve. Determinations are not
necessarily measured at the operating points, because reproducing
[[Page 28688]]
the exact ESP and airflow of the operating points during testing is
extremely burdensome. Instead, a series of determinations are made for
each rating airflow-control setting that bracket the operating point
for that setting. Separate best-fit curves for the determination test
results are developed in which airflow and input power are equal to
second order polynomial of ESP.\29\ These curves estimate the
relationship between airflow and electrical consumption to ESP within
the range of ESP specified for each product in this notice. When
evaluating FER, the performance curve for the airflow-control setting
and the reference curve constant, Kref, are used to
determine the operating point ESP. Subsequently, the power input curve
for the airflow-control setting is used to calculate the input power
for each operating point. The input power values are used in the FER
calculations. The methodology for calculating FER is described in more
detail in section III.H. The issues addressed in this section are: (a)
The number of determinations required to develop the airflow and power
input curves for each airflow-control setting, and (b) the range of
ESPs over which these determinations must be made.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\29\ In other words, Q = A x ESP\2\ + B x ESP + C and input
power E = X x ESP\2\ + Y x ESP + Z. The coefficients A, B, and C
which provide the best fit to the data for flow are determined, as
are the coefficients X, Y, and Z with provide the best fit to the
data for input power.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rheem commented that the maximum ESP for PSC motors is typically
0.7 in.w.c. and that the maximum ESP for ECM motors is documented up to
1 in.w.c. (Rheem, No. 29 at p. 4) Ingersoll Rand expressed a similar
view, stating that the maximum reported testing data are taken at about
1 in.w.c. ESP for ECM motors and 0.8 in.w.c. for PSC motors. (Ingersoll
Rand, No. 7 at p. 67)
Many interested parties commented that fewer determinations are
necessary than are specified in the December 2009 draft version of CSA
C823. The December 2009 draft of CSA C823 required measurements at
increments of at least 0.1 in.w.c. for the desired range of operation,
so under that approach, a furnace fan with 5 airflow-control settings
and a range of operation from 0 to 1 in.w.c. would require 50
determinations. ACEEE recommended that manufacturers be required to
certify the smallest set of data required to build performance maps for
intended applications. ACEEE added that few measurements would need to
be certified. (ACEEE, No. 19 at p. 4) Rheem stated that, theoretically,
only three points are required to develop a performance curve. Rheem
also stated that it is important to get the high and low points correct
to avoid extrapolation. (Rheem, No. 7 at p. 67) Ingersoll Rand, NRDC,
Johnson Controls, and AHRI recommended that determinations be made in
0.2 in.w.c. increments. (Ingersoll Rand, No. 7 at pp. 65-66; NRDC, No.
28 at p. 4; Johnson, No. 7 at pp. 67-69; and AHRI, No. 20 at p. 5)
Regal Beloit recommended that DOE rate furnace fans at ESPs from 0.5
in.w.c. to 1.4 in.w.c. at 0.1 in.w.c. increments. Regal Beloit added
that there must be multiple static points to help define the operating
range of the blower with 0.5 in.w.c. maximum difference between points.
(Regal Beloit, No. 32 at p. 2)
DOE agrees that the total number of determinations resulting from
measuring at 0.1 in.w.c. increments would be unnecessary to derive
reasonably accurate ratings for furnace fans. In seeking to determine
the appropriate number of measurements, DOE explored three
determination methods by generating FER values using airflow and
electrical consumption measurement data from testing and publically-
available product literature at: (1) 0.1 in.w.c. increments; (2) 0.2
in.w.c. increments; and (3) the minimum, mid-point, and maximum ESP.
The test data and product-literature data were measured according to
ANSI/AMCA 210-07, and the methodology used to derive the FER values is
described in detail in section III.H. DOE analyzed measurements for 15
furnace fans used in various product types, including non-weatherized
condensing and non-condensing gas furnaces, weatherized gas furnaces,
oil-fired furnaces, electric furnaces, hydronic air handlers, and
modular blowers. DOE found that the FER changes by an average of less
than 1 percent (with a standard deviation of 3 percent) when using the
3-point determination method, as compared to the 0.1 in.w.c. increment
method. Similar differences resulted for the 0.2 in.w.c. increment
determination method, as compared to the 0.1 in.w.c. increment method.
DOE expects that the FER differences between the 0.1 in.w.c. and 3-
point determination methods are small enough that using the 3-point
determination method would still result in reasonably accurate ratings
and rankings of furnace fan efficiency. Therefore, DOE proposes to
specify that 3 determinations be made for each rating airflow-control
setting. DOE proposes to specify determinations at: (1) 0.1 in.w.c.;
(2) an ESP equal to the applicable reference system ESP divided by 2;
and (3) an ESP between the applicable reference system ESP and 0.1
in.w.c. above that reference system ESP.
G. Standby Mode and Off Mode Energy Consumption
EPCA, as amended by EISA 2007, requires that any final rule for a
new or amended energy conservation standard adopted after July 1, 2010,
must address standby mode and off mode energy use pursuant to 42 U.S.C.
6295(o). (42 U.S.C. 6295(gg)(3)) Thus, the statute implicitly directs
DOE, when developing new test procedures to support new energy
conservation standards, to account for standby mode and off mode energy
consumption. EISA 2007 also requires that such energy consumption be
integrated into the overall energy efficiency, energy consumption, or
other energy descriptor, unless the current test procedure already
accounts for standby mode and off mode energy use. If an integrated
test procedure is technically infeasible, DOE must prescribe a separate
standby mode and off mode test procedure for the covered product, if
technically feasible. (42 U.S.C. 6295(gg)(2)(A)) Accordingly, DOE must
address the standby mode and off mode energy use of residential furnace
fans in this test procedure. However, DOE has already incorporated
standby mode and off mode energy use in the test procedures (or
proposed test procedures) for several of the products to which this
test procedure rulemaking is applicable.
Table III.5 summarizes the test procedure rulemaking vehicles
through which DOE is addressing standby mode and off mode energy
consumption for the various types of products which circulate air
through duct work.
[[Page 28689]]
Table III.5--Rulemaking Activities Addressing Furnace Fan Standby Mode
and Off Mode Energy Consumption
------------------------------------------------------------------------
DOE Rulemaking
HVAC Products Status activity
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gas Furnaces......... Addressed in Codified
Oil-fired Furnaces... separate Furnaces Test
Electric Furnaces.... rulemaking. Procedure October
20, 2010 final rule
(75 FR 64621) (10
CFR part 430,
subpart B, appendix
N, section 8.0).
September
13, 2011 NOPR (76 FR
56339).
Modular Blowers...... Addressed in Codified CAC
Weatherized Gas separate Test Procedure
Furnace. rulemaking. October 22, 2007
final rule (72 FR
59906). (10 CFR part
430, subpart B,
appendix M).
June 2, 2010
NOPR (75 FR 31224).
April 1,
2011 SNOPR (76 FR
18105).
October 24,
2011 SNOPR (76 FR
65616).
Hydronic Air Handlers Addressed in N/A.
current
rulemaking.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Residential Furnaces and Central Air Conditioner Products
Measurement of standby mode and off mode energy use for non-
weatherized gas furnaces, oil-fired furnaces, and electric furnaces is
already prescribed in the furnace test procedure (10 CFR part 430,
subpart B, appendix N, section 8.0). In a September 13, 2011 NOPR, DOE
proposed amendments to the furnaces test procedure related to standby
mode and off mode. 76 FR 56339. DOE proposed coverage of standby mode
and off mode energy use for modular blowers and weatherized gas
furnaces in a June 2, 2010 NOPR. 75 FR 31224. DOE subsequently
published one SNOPR on April 1, 2011 and another on October 24, 2011
regarding standby mode and off mode test procedures for these products.
76 FR 18105; 76 FR 65616. Furnace fans are integrated in the electrical
systems of the HVAC products in which they are used and controlled by
the main control board. Therefore, there is no standby mode and off
mode energy use associated with furnace fans used in the aforementioned
products that would not already be measured by the established or
proposed test procedures associated with these products. Hence, given
that the standby mode and off mode energy consumption of these types of
furnace fans either has been or is in the process of being fully
addressed, there is no need for DOE to adopt additional test procedure
provisions for these modes in this rulemaking.
2. Hydronic Air Handlers
There are no current DOE test procedures for measurement of
electrical energy use in hydronic air handlers nor is there an ongoing
rulemaking for which such test procedures have been proposed. Hence,
the standby mode and off mode energy use for furnace fans that are
incorporated into these products must be considered in this rulemaking.
DOE proposes to incorporate in this notice test methods to measure the
standby mode and off mode energy of hydronic air handlers that are
identical to those specified in the DOE test procedure for residential
furnaces and boilers (10 CFR part 430, subpart B, appendix N, section
8.0). On September 13, 2011, DOE published a NOPR to update the DOE
test procedure for furnaces through incorporation by reference of the
latest edition of the relevant industry standard, specifically IEC
Standard 62301 (Second Edition). 75 FR 56339. DOE proposes to also
adopt the updates proposed in the September 2011 furnaces test
procedure NOPR for measurement of standby mode and off mode energy of
furnace fans incorporated in hydronic air handlers. DOE believes these
methods are appropriate, because both furnaces and hydronic air
handlers are used primarily in central heating applications, and DOE
expects that the electrical systems (i.e., electrical components and
controls) of hydronic air handlers are similar to the electrical
systems of furnaces. DOE proposes to integrate the steady-state standby
mode and off mode electrical energy consumption measurements for
hydronic air handlers, ESB and EOFF, into the
active mode metric for these furnace fans, as required by EPCA. DOE
proposes to weight the standby mode and off mode measurements by the
representative hours proposed for these modes. The hours associated
with these modes are discussed in section III.D. Similar to furnaces,
DOE expects that hydronic air handlers are not typically equipped with
a seasonal off switch or that consumers would not turn off power to the
hydronic air handler. Therefore, DOE expects that EOFF and
the estimated annual off mode operating hours, HO, would effectively be
equal to zero. The integrated metric for hydronic air handlers is
described in more detail in section III.H. DOE seeks comment on whether
the methods for measuring standby mode and off mode energy consumption
specified in the DOE test procedure for residential furnaces and
boilers are appropriate for hydronic air handlers. DOE notes that this
integration of standby mode and off mode hours is proposed only for
hydronic air handlers, since, as discussed above, the energy use of
these modes is already addressed in other established or proposed
metrics for the other furnace fan products covered by this rulemaking.
DOE further seeks comment on whether hydronic air handlers are
typically equipped with a seasonal off switch or if consumers would
turn off power to the hydronic air handler. If so, DOE also requests
comment on the expected off mode electrical energy consumption, the
number of hours that should be allocated to standby mode and the number
that should be allocated to off mode, as well as data to support these
allocations.
H. Methodology for Deriving the Fan Efficiency Rating
First, three determinations (i.e., measurements of airflow and
electrical consumption at a measured ESP) will be made for each rating
airflow-control setting according to the methods proposed in this
notice and incorporated by reference and modified from ANSI/AMCA 210-
07. DOE proposes to specify determinations at: (1) 0.1 in.w.c.; (2) an
ESP equal to the applicable reference system ESP divided by 2; and (3)
an ESP between the applicable reference system ESP and 0.1 in.w.c.
above that reference system ESP. DOE proposes the following
calculations to derive FER using these measured values. First, fit
separate quadratic curves to the airflow and ESP measurements of the
determinations for each rating airflow-control setting to derive a
performance curve (relates airflow to ESP). The best-fit relationship
would minimize the sum of the squares
[[Page 28690]]
of the differences between the measured and calculated airflow rates of
the three determinations. The derived quadratic performance curves
should express airflow as a function of ESP in the following form:
Q i= aiESP2 + biESP +
ci
Where:
Qi = airflow in cfm for rating airflow-control setting i;
ESP = external static pressure in in.w.c.; and
ai,bi,ci = quadratic coefficients
for rating airflow-control setting i.
Next, calculate the reference system airflow using the quadratic
performance curve derived for the maximum airflow-control setting and
the appropriate reference system ESP, ESPref, for the
product (see Table III.4). Using this maximum airflow, Qmax,
determine the reference system curve coefficient, Kref, as
follows:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15MY12.005
Where:
Kref = a constant that characterizes the reference
system;
ESPref = specified reference system external static
pressure in in.w.c.; and
Qmax = airflow in maximum airflow control setting at
ESPref, in cfm.
The intersections of the reference system curve and the performance
curves of each rating airflow-control setting are the expected
operating points for the furnace fan in ducting with the
characteristics of the reference system. Determine the airflows of the
operating points in the other (non-maximum) rating airflow-control
settings by identifying at which airflows the reference system curve
intersects each performance curve. Do this by solving separately for
each control setting the set of two equations representing the
reference system curve and performance curve. To calculate the ESPs of
the operating points, use the previously calculated airflows and the
reference system equation.
Electrical consumption at the operating points is determined using
curve fits for power input derived from the power measurements made for
the rating airflow-control settings. Fit a separate quadratic curve to
the electrical consumption and ESP measurements made for each airflow-
control setting to derive an equation providing electrical consumption
as a function of ESP for each rating airflow-control setting in the
following form:
Ei[middot]XiESPs+YiESP +
Zi
Where:
Ei = electrical consumption in watts for rating airflow-
control setting i;
ESP = external static pressure in in.w.c.; and
xi,yi,zi = quadratic coefficients
for rating airflow-control setting i.
Input the previously calculated ESPs of the operating points into
the electrical consumption curve to derive the expected electrical
consumption at the operating point for each rating airflow-control
setting. Use these electrical consumption measurements to calculate
FER.
A general form of the FER equation is as follows:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15MY12.007
Where:
FER = fan efficiency rating in watts/1000 cfm;
CH = annual furnace fan cooling operating hours;
Emax = electrical consumption at maximum airflow-control
setting operating point;
HH = annual furnace fan heating operating hours;
Eheat = electrical consumption at the default heating
airflow-control setting operating point for units with single-stage
heating or the default low-heating airflow control setting operating
point for units with multi-stage heating;
CCH = annual furnace fan constant circulation hours;
Ecirc = electrical consumption at the default constant-
circulation airflow-control setting operating point (or lowest
default airflow-control setting operating point if a default
constant-circulation airflow-control setting is not specified);
SBH = annual furnace fan standby mode operating hours;
ESB = electrical consumption in standby mode;
OH = annual furnace fan off mode operating hours;
EOFF = electrical consumption in off mode;
Qmax = airflow at maximum airflow-control setting
operating point; and
1000 = constant to put metric in terms of watts/1000 cfm, which is
consistent with industry practice.
There are a number of variations of the FER equation depending on
the product type. For furnace fans used in HVAC products other than
hydronic air handlers, standby mode and off mode electrical energy
consumption is not integrated in the FER calculation, because such
energy consumption is captured in other test procedure provisions. The
standby mode and off mode variables (i.e., SBH, ESB, OH, and
EOFF) are eliminated from the above equation as a result.
For furnace fans used in hydronic air handlers, electrical energy
consumption in standby mode and off mode is integrated in the FER
metric. DOE proposes to designate the hydronic air handler variation of
the FER metric as integrated fan efficiency rating (IFER). Section
III.G includes a detailed discussion addressing standby mode and off
mode electrical energy consumption. For hydronic air handlers that are
used in both heating and cooling applications, all terms shown in the
above equation are used in the calculation. For hydronic air handlers
that are not used in cooling applications, the cooling mode energy
consumption is excluded from the equation. For single-stage, heating-
only products, Eheat equals Emax. For multi-
stage, heating-only products, the reference system is still defined by
the maximum airflow-control setting (expected to be the default high-
heat setting), but Eheat is the electrical consumption in
the default low-heat airflow control setting. For non-hydronic air
handler products (i.e., weatherized and non-weatherized gas furnaces,
oil-fired furnaces, electric furnaces, and modular blowers), the
standby mode energy consumption is excluded from the calculation,
because electrical energy consumption in this mode is already fully
accounted for in other established or proposed DOE test procedures, as
described in Table III.5.
Table III.6 presents the proposed values for the operating hour
variables in the above FER equations.
Table III.6--Proposed Operating Hour Values for Calculating FER
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating mode Variable Single-stage (hours) Multi-stage (hours)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Heating mode......................... HH..................... 830.................... 830/HCR.
[[Page 28691]]
Circulation mode..................... CCH.................... 400.................... 400.
Cooling mode......................... CH..................... 640.................... 640.
Off mode (if applicable)............. OH..................... 0...................... 0.
Standby (if applicable).............. SBH.................... 8760-HH-CCH-CH-OH...... 8760-HH-CCH-CH-OH.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I. Sampling Plans and Certification Report Requirements for Residential
Furnace Fans
DOE provides sampling plans for all covered products. The purpose
of these sampling plans is to provide uniform statistical quality for
the various test procedure representations of energy consumption and
energy efficiency for each covered product. These sampling plans apply
to all aspects of the EPCA program for consumer products, including
public representations, labeling, and energy conservation standards. 10
CFR 429.11 DOE proposes that the existing sampling plans used for
furnaces be adopted and applied to measures of energy consumption for
furnace fans, with some exceptions as noted in the discussion below.
For purposes of certification testing, the determination that a
basic model complies with the applicable energy conservation standard
must be based on testing conducted using DOE's test procedures and the
sampling procedures, which are found at 10 CFR 429.18 for residential
furnaces. The sampling procedures provide that ``a sample of sufficient
size shall be randomly selected and tested to ensure [compliance].'' A
minimum of two units must be tested to certify a basic model as
compliant. This minimum is implicit in the requirement to calculate a
mean--an average--which requires at least two values. Under no
circumstances is a sample size of one (1) authorized. Manufacturers may
need to test more than two samples depending on the variability of
their sample. Therefore, the sample size can be an important element
when evaluating the compliance of a basic model.
DOE uses statistically meaningful sampling procedures for selecting
test specimens of residential products, which would require the
manufacturer to select a sample at random from a production line and,
after each unit or group of units is tested, either accept the sample
or continue sampling and testing additional units until a rating
determination can be made. DOE did not propose a specific sample size
for each product because the sample size is determined by the validity
of the sample and how the mean compares to the standard, factors which
cannot be determined in advance.
In this notice, DOE proposes to create a provision at 10 CFR 429.55
for furnace fan certification. This section would include sampling
procedures and certification report requirements for furnace fans. DOE
proposes that 10 CFR 429.55 adopt, for furnace fans, the same
statistical sampling procedures that are applicable to residential
furnaces, which are contained in 10 CFR 429.18. DOE proposes that these
statistical sampling procedures be applied to covered products
addressed by the test procedures in this NOPR. DOE believes product
variability and measurement repeatability associated with the
electrical energy consumption measurements proposed for rating
residential furnace fans are similar to the variability and measurement
repeatability associated with electrical energy consumption measurement
required for residential furnaces. Hence, DOE believes that the
existing statistical sampling procedures for furnace measures of energy
consumption and efficiency are appropriate for the corresponding
measures for furnace fans.
Although the statistical sampling procedures would be the same for
furnaces and furnace fans, DOE proposes to create the new section
429.55 within 10 CFR part 429, because certification reporting
requirements for furnace fans will be different than those specified
for furnaces. DOE proposes that this section specify reporting of the
general certification report requirements within 10 CFR 429.12, as well
as the following additional information in certification reports for
furnace fans:
Residential furnace fans used in HVAC products other than
hydronic air-handlers: The fan efficiency rating (FER) in watts per
thousand cubic feet per minute (W/cfm); the maximum airflow capacity at
the reference system external static pressure (ESP) in cubic feet per
minute (cfm); whether the HVAC product has multi-stage or modulating
heating, and if so, the maximum and minimum output heat capacities in
British thermal units per hour (Btu/h); and whether the HVAC product is
designated for use in manufactured homes.
Residential furnace fans used in hydronic air-handlers:
The integrated fan efficiency rating (IFER) in watts per thousand cubic
feet per minute (W/cfm); the maximum airflow capacity at the reference
system ESP in cubic feet per minute (cfm); whether the HVAC product has
multi-stage or modulating heating, and if so, the maximum and minimum
output heat capacities in British thermal units per hour (Btu/h); and
whether the HVAC product is designated for use in manufactured homes.
DOE requests comment on whether the sampling plan specified in 10
CFR 429.18 for residential furnaces is appropriate for residential
furnace fans. DOE also requests comment on whether the proposed
certification report requirements are appropriate. (See Issue 10 under
``Issues on Which DOE Seeks Comment'' in section V.E of this NOPR.)
IV. Procedural Issues and Regulatory Review
A. Review Under Executive Order 12866
The Office of Management and Budget has determined that test
procedure rulemakings do not constitute ``significant regulatory
actions'' under section 3(f) of Executive Order 12866, ``Regulatory
Planning and Review,'' 58 FR 51735 (Oct. 4, 1993). Accordingly, this
action was not subject to review under the Executive Order by the
Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) in the Office of
Management and Budget (OMB).
B. Review Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act
The Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) requires
preparation of an initial regulatory flexibility analysis (IFRA) for
any rule that by law must be proposed for public comment and a final
regulatory flexibility analysis (FRFA) for any such rule that an agency
adopts as a final rule, unless the agency certifies that the rule, if
promulgated, will not have a significant economic impact on a
substantial number of small entities. As required by Executive Order
13272, ``Proper Consideration of Small Entities in Agency Rulemaking,''
67 FR
[[Page 28692]]
53461 (August 16, 2002), DOE published procedures and policies on
February 19, 2003, to ensure that the potential impacts of its rules on
small entities are properly considered during the DOE rulemaking
process. 68 FR 7990. DOE's procedures and policies may be viewed on the
Office of the General Counsel's Web site (www.gc.doe.gov).
DOE reviewed today's proposed rule under the provisions of the
Regulatory Flexibility Act and the procedures and policies published on
February 19, 2003. 68 FR 7990. DOE has tentatively concluded that the
proposed rule would not have a significant economic impact on a
substantial number of small entities under the provisions of the
Regulatory Flexibility Act. The factual basis for this certification is
as follows:
The Small Business Administration (SBA) considers an entity to be a
small business if, together with its affiliates, it employs fewer than
a threshold number of workers specified in 13 CFR part 121. The
threshold values set forth in these regulations use size standards and
codes established by the North American Industry Classification System
(NAICS) that are available at: http://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/Size_Standards_Table.pdf. The threshold number for NAICS
classification for 333415, which applies to Air-Conditioning and Warm
Air Heating Equipment and Commercial and Industrial Refrigeration
Equipment Manufacturing (including furnace fan manufacturers) is 750
employees.\30\ DOE reviewed the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and
Refrigeration Institute's Directory of Certified Product Performance
for Residential Furnaces and Boilers (2009),\31\ the ENERGY STAR
Product Databases for Gas and Oil Furnaces (May 15, 2009),\32\ the
California Energy Commission's Appliance Database for Residential
Furnaces and Boilers,\33\ and the Consortium for Energy Efficiency's
Qualifying Furnace and Boiler List (April 2, 2009).\34\ From this
review, DOE found 11 small businesses within the furnace fan industry.
DOE does not believe the test procedure amendments described in this
proposed rule would represent a substantial burden to any manufacturer,
including small manufacturers, as explained below. DOE requests
comments on its characterization of the furnace fan industry in terms
of the number of and impacts on small businesses.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\30\ U.S. Small Business Administration, Table of Small Business
Size Standards (August 22, 2008) (Available at: http://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/Size_Standards_Table.pdf).
\31\ The Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute,
Directory of Certified Product Performance (June 2009) (Available
at: http://www.ahridirectory.org/ahridirectory/pages/home.aspx).
\32\ The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S.
Department of Energy, ENERGY STAR Furnaces--Product Databases for
Gas and Oil Furnaces (May 15, 2009) (Available at: http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=furnaces.pr_furnaces).
\33\ The California Energy Commission, Appliance Database for
Residential Furnaces and Boilers (2009) (Available at: http://www.appliances.energy.ca.gov/QuickSearch.aspx).
\34\ Consortium of Energy Efficiency, Qualifying Furnace and
Boiler List (April 2, 2009) (Available at: http://www.ceedirectory.org/ceedirectory/pages/cee/ceeDirectoryInfo.aspx).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
This proposed rule would establish test procedures that would be
used for representations of energy use and to test compliance with new
energy conservation standards, which are being developed in a
concurrent rulemaking, for the products that are the subject of this
rulemaking. This notice proposes new test procedures for active mode
testing for all covered products, and, for furnace fans used in
hydronic air handlers, it proposes test procedures for standby mode and
off mode testing as well. For active mode testing, the proposed rule
would require the use of the testing methods prescribed in ANSI/AMCA
210-07. As discussed in section III.C above, this would not represent a
substantial burden to any furnace fan manufacturer, small or large.
According to AHRI, the trade organization that represents manufacturers
of furnace fans, manufacturers currently routinely perform furnace fan
tests according to ANSI/AMCA 210-07 to generate airflow data for
intended application of products (AHRI, No. 21 at pp. 3,4). Therefore,
DOE expects little or no additional cost as the result of the new test
procedure. If there were to be a new manufacturer which does not own
the necessary equipment (i.e., an ANSI/AMCA 210-07-compliant airflow
chamber), DOE anticipates an investment of less than $150,000 would be
required to both acquire it and to train personnel to use it properly.
Alternatively, a manufacturer could conduct testing through an
independent third-party facility. In DOE's experience, third-party
active mode furnace fan testing costs less than $2,000 per test. DOE
estimates the time to complete a single active mode furnace fan test
according to the proposed test procedure to be 3 to 4 hours, including
setup.
For standby mode and off mode testing, the proposed rule would
require the use of the testing methods prescribed in IEC Standard 62301
(Second Edition). As discussed in section III.G, the proposed rule
would only result in additional testing related to standby mode and off
mode electrical energy consumption for manufacturers of furnace fans
used in hydronic air handlers. Manufacturers of furnace fans used in
HVAC products other than hydronic air handlers are (or will be)
required to conduct standby mode and off mode testing pursuant to other
rulemakings. DOE expects that furnace fan manufacturers would incur no
additional equipment costs as a result of the proposed standby mode and
off mode testing because an electrical power meter is already required
to conduct the proposed active mode testing. Also, manufacturers of
furnace fans used in hydronic air handlers are often manufacturers of
furnace fans used in other HVAC products. These manufacturers should
already possess or will have to purchase an electrical power meter as a
result of other rulemakings that require standby mode and off mode
testing of the non-hydronic products covered in this rulemaking. DOE
estimates the cost per unit for standby mode and off mode testing to be
less than $300 and the time to complete a single standby mode and off
mode test according to the proposed test procedure to be less than one
hour.
Even in the unlikely scenario that a small manufacturer with low
annual shipments has to purchase testing equipment or contract with a
third-party test facility as a result of this rule, DOE estimates that
the per-unit investment would not be significant. For example, a small
manufacturer that ships 1,000 units per year could choose to purchase
the necessary equipment for approximately $150,000. DOE estimates that,
over the life of the test equipment (20 years), the additional cost of
testing for the manufacturer would be $7.50 per unit shipped. A less
costly option for the same manufacturer would be to use third-party
testing to certify its products. In this scenario, the small
manufacturer would likely pay less than $2,300 per test for at least
two tests to certify one new product every two years. DOE estimates
that this would cost the small manufacturer $2.30 per unit shipped. DOE
finds that the selling price for HVAC products that incorporate furnace
fans ranges from approximately $400 to $4,000. Therefore, the added
cost of testing, at most, would be less than 2 percent of the
manufacturer selling price (and lower than 0.1 percent in some cases).
For these reasons, DOE certifies that the proposed rule, if
adopted, would not have a significant economic impact on a substantial
number of small entities. Accordingly, DOE has not prepared a
[[Page 28693]]
regulatory flexibility analysis for this rulemaking. DOE will provide
its certification and supporting statement of factual basis to the
Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the SBA for review under 5 U.S.C. 605(b).
C. Review Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995
There is currently no information collection requirement related to
the test procedure for residential furnace fans. In the event that DOE
proposes an energy conservation standard with which manufacturers must
demonstrate compliance, or otherwise proposes to require the collection
of information derived from the testing of residential furnace fans
according to this test procedure, DOE will seek OMB approval of such
information collection requirement.
Manufacturers of covered products must certify to DOE that their
products comply with any applicable energy conservation standard. In
certifying compliance, manufacturers must test their products according
to the applicable DOE test procedure, including any amendments adopted
for that test procedure.
DOE established regulations for the certification and recordkeeping
requirements for certain covered consumer products and commercial
equipment. 76 FR 12422 (March 7, 2011). The collection-of-information
requirement for the certification and recordkeeping was subject to
review and approval by OMB under the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA).
This requirement was approved by OMB under OMB Control Number 1910-
1400. Public reporting burden for the certification was estimated to
average 20 hours per response, including the time for reviewing
instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and
maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the
collection of information.
As stated above, in the event DOE proposes an energy conservation
standard for residential furnace fans with which manufacturers must
demonstrate compliance, DOE will seek OMB approval of the associated
information collection requirement. DOE will seek approval either
through a proposed amendment to the information collection requirement
approved under OMB control number 1910-1400 or as a separate proposed
information collection requirement.
Notwithstanding any other provision of the law, no person is
required to respond to, nor shall any person be subject to a penalty
for failure to comply with, a collection of information subject to the
requirements of the PRA, unless that collection of information displays
a currently valid OMB Control Number.
D. Review Under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969
In this notice of proposed rulemaking, DOE proposes a new test
procedure for furnace fans. DOE has determined that this rule falls
into a class of actions that are categorically excluded from review
under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et
seq.) and DOE's implementing regulations at 10 CFR part 1021.
Specifically, this rule proposes a test procedure without affecting the
amount, quality or distribution of energy usage, and, therefore, will
not result in any environmental impacts. Thus, this rulemaking is
covered by Categorical Exclusion A5 under 10 CFR part 1021, subpart D,
which applies to any rulemaking that does not result in any
environmental impacts. Accordingly, neither an environmental assessment
nor an environmental impact statement is required.
E. Review Under Executive Order 13132
Executive Order 13132, ``Federalism,'' 64 FR 43255 (August 10,
1999) imposes certain requirements on Federal agencies formulating and
implementing policies or regulations that preempt State law or that
have Federalism implications. The Executive Order requires agencies to
examine the constitutional and statutory authority supporting any
action that would limit the policymaking discretion of the States and
to carefully assess the necessity for such actions. The Executive Order
also requires agencies to have an accountable process to ensure
meaningful and timely input by State and local officials in the
development of regulatory policies that have Federalism implications.
On March 14, 2000, DOE published a statement of policy describing the
intergovernmental consultation process it will follow in the
development of such regulations. 65 FR 13735. DOE has examined this
proposed rule and has tentatively determined that it would not have a
substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between
the national government and the States, or on the distribution of power
and responsibilities among the various levels of government. EPCA
governs and prescribes Federal preemption of State regulations as to
energy conservation for the products that are the subject of today's
proposed rule. States can petition DOE for exemption from such
preemption to the extent, and based on criteria, set forth in EPCA. (42
U.S.C. 6297(d)) No further action is required by Executive Order 13132.
F. Review Under Executive Order 12988
Regarding the review of existing regulations and the promulgation
of new regulations, section 3(a) of Executive Order 12988, ``Civil
Justice Reform,'' 61 FR 4729 (Feb. 7, 1996), imposes on Federal
agencies the general duty to adhere to the following requirements: (1)
Eliminate drafting errors and ambiguity; (2) write regulations to
minimize litigation; (3) provide a clear legal standard for affected
conduct rather than a general standard; and (4) promote simplification
and burden reduction. With regard to the review required by section
3(a), section 3(b) of Executive Order 12988 specifically requires that
Executive agencies make every reasonable effort to ensure that the
regulation: (1) Clearly specifies the preemptive effect, if any; (2)
clearly specifies any effect on existing Federal law or regulation; (3)
provides a clear legal standard for affected conduct while promoting
simplification and burden reduction; (4) specifies the retroactive
effect, if any; (5) adequately defines key terms; and (6) addresses
other important issues affecting clarity and general draftsmanship
under any guidelines issued by the Attorney General. Section 3(c) of
Executive Order 12988 requires Executive agencies to review regulations
in light of applicable standards in sections 3(a) and 3(b) to determine
whether they are met or it is unreasonable to meet one or more of them.
DOE has completed the required review and determined that, to the
extent permitted by law, the proposed rule meets the relevant standards
of Executive Order 12988.
G. Review Under the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995
Title II of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (UMRA)
requires each Federal agency to assess the effects of Federal
regulatory actions on State, local, and Tribal governments and the
private sector. Public Law 104-4, sec. 201 (codified at 2 U.S.C. 1531).
For a proposed regulatory action likely to result in a rule that may
cause the expenditure by State, local, and Tribal governments, in the
aggregate, or by the private sector of $100 million or more in any one
year (adjusted annually for inflation), section 202 of UMRA requires a
Federal agency to publish a written statement that estimates the
resulting costs, benefits, and other effects on the national economy.
(2 U.S.C. 1532(a), (b)) The UMRA also requires a Federal agency to
develop an effective process
[[Page 28694]]
to permit timely input by elected officers of State, local, and Tribal
governments on a ``significant intergovernmental mandate,'' and
requires an agency plan for giving notice and opportunity for timely
input to potentially affected small governments before establishing any
requirements that might significantly or uniquely affect small
governments. On March 18, 1997, DOE published a statement of policy on
its process for intergovernmental consultation under UMRA. 62 FR 12820.
DOE's policy statement is also available at www.gc.doe.gov. DOE
examined today's proposed rule according to UMRA and its statement of
policy and determined that the rule contains neither an
intergovernmental mandate, nor a mandate that may result in the
expenditure by State, local, and Tribal governments, in the aggregate,
or by the private sector, of $100 million or more in any year.
Accordingly, no assessment or analysis is required under UMRA.
H. Review Under the Treasury and General Government Appropriations Act,
1999
Section 654 of the Treasury and General Government Appropriations
Act, 1999 (Pub. L. 105-277) requires Federal agencies to issue a Family
Policymaking Assessment for any rule that may affect family well-being.
This rule would not have any impact on the autonomy or integrity of the
family as an institution. Accordingly, DOE has concluded that it is not
necessary to prepare a Family Policymaking Assessment.
I. Review Under Executive Order 12630
DOE has determined, under Executive Order 12630, ``Governmental
Actions and Interference with Constitutionally Protected Property
Rights,'' 53 FR 8859 (March 18, 1988) that this regulation would not
result in any takings that might require compensation under the Fifth
Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
J. Review Under Treasury and General Government Appropriations Act,
2001
Section 515 of the Treasury and General Government Appropriations
Act, 2001 (44 U.S.C. 3516 note) provides for Federal agencies to review
most disseminations of information to the public under guidelines
established by each agency pursuant to general guidelines issued by
OMB. OMB's guidelines were published at 67 FR 8452 (Feb. 22, 2002), and
DOE's guidelines were published at 67 FR 62446 (Oct. 7, 2002). DOE has
reviewed today's proposed rule under the OMB and DOE guidelines and has
concluded that it is consistent with applicable policies in those
guidelines.
K. Review Under Executive Order 13211
Executive Order 13211, ``Actions Concerning Regulations That
Significantly Affect Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use,'' 66 FR 28355
(May 22, 2001), requires Federal agencies to prepare and submit to OIRA
at OMB, a Statement of Energy Effects for any significant energy
action. A ``significant energy action'' is defined as any action by an
agency that promulgates or is expected to lead to promulgation of a
final rule, and that: (1) Is a significant regulatory action under
Executive Order 12866, or any successor order; and (2) is likely to
have a significant adverse effect on the supply, distribution, or use
of energy; or (3) is designated by the Administrator of OIRA as a
significant energy action. For any proposed significant energy action,
the agency must provide a detailed statement of any adverse effects on
energy supply, distribution, or use should the proposal be implemented,
and of reasonable alternatives to the action and their expected
benefits on energy supply, distribution, and use.
DOE has tentatively concluded that today's regulatory action, which
would prescribe the test procedure for measuring the energy efficiency
of residential furnace fans, is not a significant energy action because
the proposed test procedure is not a significant regulatory action
under Executive Order 12866 and is not likely to have a significant
adverse effect on the supply, distribution, or use of energy, nor has
it been designated as a significant energy action by the Administrator
of OIRA. Accordingly, DOE has not prepared a Statement of Energy
Effects on the proposed rule.
L. Review Under Section 32 of the Federal Energy Administration Act of
1974
Under section 301 of the Department of Energy Organization Act
(Pub. L. 95-91), DOE must comply with all laws applicable to the former
Federal Energy Administration, including section 32 of the Federal
Energy Administration Act of 1974 (Pub. L. 93-275), as amended by the
Federal Energy Administration Authorization Act of 1977. (Pub. L. 95-
70) 15 U.S.C. 788. Section 32 provides in relevant part that, where a
proposed rule authorizes or requires use of commercial standards, the
notice of proposed rulemaking must inform the public of the use and
background of such standards. In addition, section 32(c) requires DOE
to consult with the Attorney General and the Chairman of the Federal
Trade Commission (FTC) concerning the impact of the commercial or
industry standards on competition.
The proposed rule incorporates testing methods contained in ANSI/
AMCA 210-07 [bond] ANSI/ASHRAE 51-07, ``Laboratory Methods of Testing
Fans for Certified Aerodynamic Performance Rating''; IEC Standard 62301
(Second Edition), ``Household electrical appliances--Measurement of
standby power''; and ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 103, ``Method of Testing for
Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency of Residential Central Furnaces and
Boilers.'' While today's proposed test procedure is not exclusively
based on these standards, some components of the DOE test procedure
would adopt definitions, test setup, measurement techniques, and
additional calculations from them without amendment. The Department has
evaluated these standards and is unable to conclude whether they fully
comply with the requirements of section 32(b) of the FEAA, (i.e., that
they were developed in a manner that fully provides for public
participation, comment, and review). DOE will consult with the Attorney
General and the Chairman of the FTC concerning the impact of these test
procedures on competition, prior to prescribing a final rule.
V. Public Participation
A. Attendance at Public Meeting
The time, date and location of the public meeting are listed in the
DATES and ADDRESSES sections at the beginning of this document. If you
plan to attend the public meeting, please notify Ms. Brenda Edwards at
(202) 586-2945 or Brenda.Edwards@ee.doe.gov. As explained in the
ADDRESSES section, foreign nationals visiting DOE Headquarters are
subject to advance security screening procedures. Any foreign national
wishing to participate in the meeting should advise DOE of this fact as
soon as possible by contacting Ms. Brenda Edwards in order to initiate
the necessary procedures.
In addition, you can attend the public meeting via webinar. Webinar
registration information, participant instructions, and information
about the capabilities available to webinar participants will be
published on DOE's Web site at: http://www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/appliance_standards/residential/furnace_fans.html. Participants are
responsible for ensuring their systems are compatible with the webinar
software.
[[Page 28695]]
B. Procedure for Submitting Requests To Speak and Prepared General
Statements for Distribution
Any person who has an interest in the topics addressed in this
notice, or who is representative of a group or class of persons that
has an interest in these issues, may request an opportunity to make an
oral presentation at the public meeting. Such persons may hand-deliver
requests to speak to the address shown in the ADDRESSES section at the
beginning of this notice between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays. Requests may also be sent by
mail or email to Ms. Brenda Edwards, U.S. Department of Energy,
Building Technologies Program, Mailstop EE-2J, 1000 Independence Avenue
SW., Washington, DC 20585-0121, or Brenda.Edwards@ee.doe.gov. Persons
who wish to speak should include in their request a computer diskette
or CD-ROM in WordPerfect, Microsoft Word, PDF, or text (ASCII) file
format that briefly describes the nature of their interest in this
rulemaking and the topics they wish to discuss. Such persons should
also provide a daytime telephone number where they can be reached.
DOE requests persons selected to make an oral presentation to
submit an advance copy of their statements at least one week before the
public meeting. DOE may permit persons who cannot supply an advance
copy of their statement to participate, if those persons have made
advance alternative arrangements with the Building Technologies
Program. As necessary, request to give an oral presentation should ask
for such alternative arrangements.
Any person who has plans to present a prepared general statement
may request that copies of his or her statement be made available at
the public meeting. Such persons may submit requests, along with an
advance electronic copy of their statement in PDF (preferred),
Microsoft Word or Excel, WordPerfect, or text (ASCII) file format, to
the appropriate address shown in the ADDRESSES section at the beginning
of this notice. The request and advance copy of statements must be
received at least one week before the public meeting and may be
emailed, hand-delivered, or sent by mail. DOE prefers to receive
requests and advance copies via email. Please include a telephone
number to enable DOE staff to make follow-up contact, if needed.
C. Conduct of Public Meeting
DOE will designate a DOE official to preside at the public meeting
and may also use a professional facilitator to aid discussion. The
meeting will not be a judicial or evidentiary-type public hearing, but
DOE will conduct it in accordance with section 336 of EPCA (42 U.S.C.
6306). A court reporter will be present to record the proceedings and
prepare a transcript. DOE reserves the right to schedule the order of
presentations and to establish the procedures governing the conduct of
the public meeting. There shall not be discussion of proprietary
information, costs or prices, market share, or other commercial matters
regulated by U.S. anti-trust laws. After the public meeting, interested
parties may submit further comments on the proceedings, as well as on
any aspect of the rulemaking, until the end of the comment period.
The public meeting will be conducted in an informal, conference
style. DOE will present summaries of comments received before the
public meeting, allow time for prepared general statements by
participants, and encourage all interested parties to share their views
on issues affecting this rulemaking. Each participant will be allowed
to make a general statement (within time limits determined by DOE),
before the discussion of specific topics. DOE will allow, as time
permits, other participants to comment briefly on any general
statements.
At the end of all prepared statements on a topic, DOE will permit
participants to clarify their statements briefly and comment on
statements made by others. Participants should be prepared to answer
questions by DOE and by other participants concerning these issues. DOE
representatives may also ask questions of participants concerning other
matters relevant to this rulemaking. The official conducting the public
meeting will accept additional comments or questions from those
attending, as time permits. The presiding official will announce any
further procedural rules or modification of the above procedures that
may be needed for the proper conduct of the public meeting.
A transcript of the public meeting will be posted on the DOE Web
site and will be included in the docket, which can be viewed as
described in the Docket section at the beginning of this notice. In
addition, any person may buy a copy of the transcript from the
transcribing reporter.
D. Submission of Comments
DOE will accept comments, data, and information regarding this
proposed rule before or after the public meeting, but no later than the
date provided in the DATES section at the beginning of this proposed
rule. Interested parties may submit comments using any of the methods
described in the ADDRESSES section at the beginning of this notice.
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 itself 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. Otherwise, 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 Web site 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
[[Page 28696]]
provides after you have successfully uploaded your comment.
Submitting comments via email, hand delivery, or mail. Comments and
documents submitted via email, hand delivery, or mail 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 in a cover letter. Include your first and last names, email
address, telephone number, and optional mailing address. The cover
letter will not be publicly viewable as long as it does not include any
comments.
Include contact information each time you submit comments, data,
documents, and other information to DOE. If you submit via mail or hand
delivery/courier, please provide all items on a compact disk (CD), if
feasible, in which case it is not necessary to submit printed copies.
No telefacsimiles (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 are free of any defects or
viruses. Documents should not contain special characters or any form of
encryption and, if possible, they should carry the electronic signature
of the author.
Campaign form letters. Please submit campaign form letters by the
originating organization in batches of between 50 to 500 form letters
per PDF or as one form letter with a list of supporters' names compiled
into one or more PDFs. This reduces comment processing and posting
time.
Confidential Business Information. Pursuant to 10 CFR 1004.11, any
person submitting information that he or she believes to be
confidential and exempt by law from public disclosure should submit via
email, postal mail, or hand delivery/courier 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 or on a CD, if
feasible. DOE will make its own determination about the confidential
status of the information and treat it according to its determination.
Factors of interest to DOE when evaluating requests to treat
submitted information as confidential include: (1) A description of the
items; (2) whether and why such items are customarily treated as
confidential within the industry; (3) whether the information is
generally known by or available from other sources; (4) whether the
information has previously been made available to others without
obligation concerning its confidentiality; (5) an explanation of the
competitive injury to the submitting person which would result from
public disclosure; (6) when such information might lose its
confidential character due to the passage of time; and (7) why
disclosure of the information would be contrary to the public interest.
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).
E. Issues on Which DOE Seeks Comment
Although DOE welcomes comments on any aspect of this proposal, DOE
is particularly interested in receiving comments and views of
interested parties concerning the following issues:
1. Airflow-Control Setting Function Designations
DOE is aware that furnace fan control schemes typically include
airflow-control settings (i.e., set ranges of differing operating
airflows), each often designated for specific functions (e.g., cooling,
heating, and circulation). DOE found that the maximum airflow-control
setting is often designated for cooling operation, that median default
airflow-control settings are designated for heating operation, and that
the lowest default airflow-control setting is designated for constant-
circulation operation. DOE is aware, however, that airflow-control
settings are not always designated for the same function across all
products, models, and manufacturers. DOE is also aware that some
furnace fans have more than three airflow-control settings and that
multiple airflow-control settings can be designated for heating and/or
cooling in multi-stage products. DOE seeks comment on the
appropriateness of the proposed assumptions regarding which airflow-
control settings are designated for which functions and whether these
assumed designations are appropriate for deriving FER. DOE also seeks
comment on airflow-control setting designations for multi-stage
products.
2. Operating Hour Values for Calculating the Fan Efficiency Rating
DOE is aware that climate conditions and consumer behavior vary in
the United States. DOE's proposed furnace fan annual operating hour
values are intended to be representative of the national average
operating hours that furnace fans are expected to spend performing each
primary function: cooling, heating, and constant-circulation. DOE
proposes to specify one set of annual operating hours for products with
single-stage heating and another for products with multi-stage or
modulating heating. DOE does not propose to account for multi-stage
cooling, because detailed characteristics of the cooling system with
which furnace fan HVAC products are paired, such as the presence and
capacity of low-stage cooling, are not known. In addition, multi-stage
heating is not necessarily associated with multi-stage cooling
capability (e.g., multi-stage cooling is much less common than multi-
stage furnace equipment). DOE also requests comments on whether
hydronic air handlers are designed to provide multi-stage or modulated
heat. DOE requests comments on whether the proposed operating hour
values and proposed rating airflow-control settings are appropriate for
rating multi-stage and modulating hydronic air handlers.
Table V.1 below summarizes the proposed operating hour values to be
specified for calculating FER.
Table V.1--Proposed Average Annual Operating Hours by Mode
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating mode Variable Single-stage (hours) Multi-stage (hours)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Heating mode......................... HH..................... 830.................... 830/HCR.
Circulation mode..................... CCH.................... 400.................... 400.
Cooling mode......................... CH..................... 640.................... 640.
Off mode (if applicable)............. OH..................... 0...................... 0.
Standby mode (if applicable)......... SBH.................... 8760-HH-CCH-CH-OH...... 8760-HH-CCH-CH-OH.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 28697]]
DOE requests comment on whether the proposed operating hour values
are reasonable estimations of national average operating hours for each
furnace fan function. DOE also requests comment on the methodology and
assumptions used to estimate these values, which are described in
detail in section III.D.
3. Reference System ESP Values
As described in section III.E, DOE compiled field ESP data to
determine reference system ESP values that are representative of field
conditions. Based on the data collected, DOE proposes the reference
system ESP values in Table V.2 below for the four identified
installation types.
Table V.2--Proposed Reference System ESP Values by Installation Type
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Weighted
Installation type average ESP
(in. w.c.)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Heating-only units...................................... 0.50
Units with an internal evaporator coil.................. 0.50
Units designed to be paired with an evaporator coil..... 0.65
Manufactured homes \35\................................. 0.30
------------------------------------------------------------------------
DOE seeks comment and data regarding these values and the
assumptions used to estimate them, which are detailed in section III.E,
are appropriate. DOE also seeks comment on whether the specified
reference system ESP should vary with the HVAC product capacity.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\35\ Manufactured home external static pressure is much smaller
due to the fact there is no return air duct work in manufactured
homes. Also, HUD requirements stipulate that the duct work for
cooling should be set at 0.3 in. w.c.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
4. Multiple Reference System Method
DOE is aware that field ESPs can be higher than recommended by
manufacturers. DOE is also aware that CSA considered rating fan
performance in multiple reference systems for the finalized version of
CSA C823: one at 0.3 in.w.c. in the heating speed to represent a
manufacturer-recommended installation, and one at 0.6 in.w.c. in the
heating speed to be more representative of a typical (poor) field
installation. A multiple-reference system rating metric would specify
reference systems to represent the expected range of installations. DOE
expects that a furnace fan may provide enough airflow for 4 tons of
cooling in a house with generously-sized ducts, but it may only provide
enough airflow for 3 tons of cooling in a house with a more restrictive
duct system. Therefore, a furnace fan with these performance
characteristics might be installed in 2-ton to 4-ton cooling systems in
large-duct houses and 1.5-ton to 3-ton cooling systems in tight-duct
houses. DOE recognizes that rating the furnace fan using one reference
system defined by a high ESP and one reference system defined by a low
ESP (determined by statistical methods from field ESP data) could give
a good indication of the ability of the furnace fan to provide good
performance over a range of ESP. DOE investigated the use of a
combined, multi-reference system FER, but found that it provided no
additional useful information compared to the proposed, single-
reference system FER. This comparison is discussed in detail in section
III.E. DOE requests comment on multiple-reference system rating
approaches and whether they would give a better indication of the
overall performance, as compared to the proposed single reference
system approach.
5. Standby Mode and Off Mode Electrical Energy Consumption for Furnace
Fans Used in Hydronic Air Handlers
DOE proposes to incorporate in this test procedure the methods
specified in the DOE test procedure for residential furnaces and
boilers (10 CFR part 430, subpart B, appendix N, section 8.0) to
measure the standby mode and off mode energy consumption for furnace
fans used in hydronic air handlers. On September 13, 2011, DOE
published a NOPR to update the DOE test procedure for furnaces through
incorporation by reference of the latest edition of the industry
standard, specifically IEC Standard 62301 (Second Edition). 76 FR
56339. DOE proposes to also adopt the updates proposed in the September
2011 furnaces test procedure NOPR for measurement of standby mode and
off mode energy of furnace fans incorporated in hydronic air handlers.
The standby mode and off mode electrical energy consumption of the
other HVAC products discussed in this notice are already fully
accounted for in other proposed or established DOE test procedures. DOE
believes the methods specified in the DOE test procedure for
residential furnaces and boilers to measure the standby mode and off
mode energy consumption are appropriate because both furnaces and
hydronic air handlers are used primarily in central heating
applications, and DOE expects that the electrical systems (i.e.,
components and controls) of hydronic air handlers are similar to the
electrical systems of furnaces. DOE seeks comment on whether the
assumed similarities between the electrical systems of furnaces and
hydronic air handlers are appropriate.
DOE proposes to integrate the standby mode and off mode electrical
energy consumption measurements, ESB and EOFF,
with the active mode metric for hydronic air handlers. DOE seeks
comment on whether the methods for measuring standby mode and off mode
energy consumption specified in the DOE test procedure for residential
furnaces and boilers are appropriate for hydronic air handlers. As
mentioned previously, similar to furnaces, DOE expects that hydronic
air handlers are not typically equipped with a seasonal off switch or
that consumers would turn off power to the hydronic air handler.
Therefore, DOE expects that EOFF and the estimated annual
off mode operating hours, HO, would effectively be equal to zero. DOE
seeks comment on whether hydronic air handlers have a seasonal off
switch or consumers would turn off power to the hydronic air handler.
If so, DOE also requests comment on the expected electrical energy
consumption in off mode, the number of hours that should be allocated
to standby mode, and the number of hours that should be allocated to
off mode, as well as data to support these allocations.
6. Controlling ECM Motors for Testing
DOE is aware that higher-efficiency motors have complicated control
schemes that make selecting their available airflow-control settings
during performance testing difficult. The ability to select and operate
a furnace fan in multiple airflow-control settings is imperative to
conducting the proposed test procedure as intended and to derive FER.
While this may be simple for manufacturers who are familiar with HVAC
controls, independent test labs may need guidance. Therefore, DOE seeks
comment on the appropriateness of the proposed test procedures for
controlling furnace fans that use higher-efficiency motors, including
recommendations for any necessary modifications.
7. Test Setup
DOE recognizes that ANSI/AMCA 210-07 includes 16 setup variations.
DOE requests comments on which of these setups are best-suited for the
purposes of this test procedure. DOE expects that the blow-through
setups, such as test setup 12, may be more appropriate than pull-
through setups, such as setup 13, because they are more representative
of typical installations of the HVAC products discussed in this notice.
DOE also requests comments on
[[Page 28698]]
whether any of these test setups are inappropriate and should be
disallowed for the purposes of this test procedure.
8. External Static Pressure
DOE expects that measurements referred to as ``external static
pressure'' in manufacturer product literature are the same as ``fan
static pressure'' measurements in ANSI/AMCA 210-07 (ANSI/AMCA 210-07
section 3.1.25). The ANSI/AMCA 210-07 ``fan static pressure''
measurement is defined to be equal to the outlet total pressure minus
the inlet total pressure minus the outlet velocity pressure. Therefore,
this notice proposes an equivalent definition for ``external static
pressure.'' However, DOE notes that this value is not equal to the
difference between outlet and inlet static pressure--it is less than
such a difference by an amount equal to the inlet velocity pressure.
DOE requests comments on the proposed definition of ``external static
pressure'' and whether DOE is correct in assuming that external static
pressure ratings reported in product literature are equivalent to ANSI/
AMCA 210-07 fan static pressure measurements.
9. Ambient Pressure Conditions
DOE is aware that barometric pressure changes may have an impact on
test measurement results and notes that the ANSI/AMCA 210-07 standard
does not appear to include correction for this effect. DOE requests
comment on whether any limitations on the barometric pressure range or
adjustments to address the impact of barometric pressure should be
included in the test procedure.
10. Sampling Plan Procedures and Certification Report Requirements
DOE proposes to adopt the existing sampling plan procedures
applicable to residential furnaces for certification of residential
furnace fans. DOE requests comments on whether the sampling plan
procedures for residential furnaces are appropriate for representation
and certification of residential furnace fans measures of electrical
energy consumption. DOE also proposes to specify the general
certification report requirements within 10 CFR 429.12, as well as the
following additional information in certification reports for furnace
fans:
Residential furnace fans used in HVAC products other than
hydronic air-handlers: The represented value of fan efficiency rating
(FER) in watts per thousand cubic feet per minute (W/cfm); the maximum
airflow capacity at the reference system ESP in cubic feet per minute
(cfm); whether the HVAC product has multi-stage or modulating heating,
and if so, the maximum and minimum output heat capacities in British
thermal units per hour (Btu/h); and whether the HVAC product is
designated for use in manufactured homes.
Residential furnace fans used in hydronic air-handlers:
The represented value of integrated fan efficiency rating (IFER) in
watts per thousand cubic feet per minute (W/cfm); the maximum airflow
capacity at the reference system ESP in cubic feet per minute (cfm);
whether the HVAC product has multi-stage or modulating heating, and if
so, the maximum and minimum output heat capacities in British thermal
units per hour (Btu/h); and whether the HVAC product is designated for
use in manufactured homes.
DOE also requests comment on whether these certification report
requirements are appropriate.
VI. Approval of the Office of the Secretary
The Secretary of Energy has approved publication of today's notice
of proposed rulemaking.
List of Subjects
10 CFR Part 429
Confidential business information, Energy conservation, Household
appliances, Imports, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.
10 CFR Part 430
Administrative practice and procedure, Confidential business
information, Energy conservation, Household appliances, Imports,
Incorporation by reference, Intergovernmental relations, Small
businesses.
Issued in Washington, DC, on May 1, 2012.
Kathleen B. Hogan,
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency, Energy Efficiency and
Renewable Energy.
For the reasons stated in the preamble, DOE proposes to amend parts
429 and 430 of chapter II, subchapter D, of Title 10 of the Code of
Federal Regulations to read as set forth below:
PART 429--CERTIFICATION, COMPLIANCE, AND ENFORCEMENT FOR CONSUMER
PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT
1. The authority citation for part 429 continues to read as
follows:
Authority: 42 U.S.C. 6291-6317.
2. Add new Sec. 429.55 to read as follows:
Sec. 429.55 Residential furnace fans.
(a) Sampling plan for selection of units for testing. (1) The
requirements of Sec. 429.11 are applicable to residential furnace
fans; and
(2) For each basic model of heating, ventilation, and air-
conditioning (HVAC) product using a furnace fan, a sample of sufficient
size shall be randomly selected and tested to ensure that any
represented value of fan efficiency rating (FER) or integrated fan
efficiency rating (IFER) for which consumers would favor lower values
shall be greater than or equal to the higher of:
(i) The mean of the sample, where:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15MY12.008
And, x is the sample mean; n is the number of samples; and xi is the
ith sample;
Or,
(ii) The upper 97\1/2\ percent confidence limit (UCL) of the true
mean divided by 1.05, where:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15MY12.009
And x 8 is the sample mean; s is the sample standard deviation; n is
the number of samples; and t0.975 is the t statistic for a
97.5% one-tailed confidence interval with n-1 degrees of freedom (from
Appendix A)
(b) Certification reports. (1) The requirements of Sec. 429.12 are
applicable to residential furnace fans; and
(2) Pursuant to Sec. 429.12(b)(13), a certification report shall
include the following public product-specific information:
(i) Residential furnace fans used in HVAC products other than
hydronic air-handlers: The represented value of fan efficiency rating
(FER) in watts per thousand cubic feet per minute (W/cfm); the maximum
airflow capacity at the reference system ESP in cubic feet per minute
(cfm); whether the HVAC product has multi-stage or modulating heating,
and if so, the maximum and minimum output heat capacities in British
thermal units per hour (Btu/h); and whether the HVAC product is
designated for use in manufactured homes.
(ii) Residential furnace fans used in hydronic air-handlers: The
represented value of integrated fan efficiency rating (IFER) in watts
per thousand cubic feet per minute (W/cfm); the maximum airflow
capacity at the reference system ESP in cubic feet per minute (cfm);
whether the HVAC product has multi-
[[Page 28699]]
stage or modulating heating, and if so, the maximum and minimum output
heat capacities in British thermal units per hour (Btu/h); and whether
the HVAC product is designated for use in manufactured homes.
PART 430--ENERGY CONSERVATION PROGRAM FOR CONSUMER PRODUCTS
3. The authority citation for part 430 continues to read as
follows:
Authority: 42 U.S.C. 6291-6309; 28 U.S.C. 2461 note.
4. Section 430.3 is amended by:
a. Adding paragraph (d)(1);
b. Redesignating paragraphs (d)(1) through (d)(18) as (d)(2)
through (d)(19);
c. Removing, in paragraph (f)(9) ``and appendix N to subpart B''
and adding in its place ``appendix N and appendix AA to subpart B'';
d. Removing, in paragraph (m)(2), ``IBR approved for Appendix J2
and AA to subpart B'' and adding in its place ``IBR approved for
appendix G, N, O, P, and AA'' .
The addition reads as follows:
Sec. 430.3 Materials incorporated by reference.
* * * * *
(d) ANSI. * * *
(1) ANSI/AMCA 210-07 ANSI/ASHRAE 51-07 (``ANSI/AMCA 210-
07''), Laboratory Methods of Testing Fans for Certified Aerodynamic
Performance Rating, approved 2007, IBR approved for Appendix AA to
Subpart B.
* * * * *
5. Section 430.23 is amended by adding a new paragraph (cc) to read
as follows:
Sec. 430.23 Test procedures for the measurement of energy and water
consumption.
* * * * *
(cc) Furnace Fans. The energy efficiency of a residential furnace
fan expressed in watts per1000 standard cubic feet per minute (scfm) to
the nearest integer shall be calculated in accordance with section 6 of
appendix AA of this subpart.
6. Appendix AA to subpart B of part 430 is added to read as
follows:
Appendix AA to Subpart B of Part 430--Uniform Test Method for Measuring
the Energy Efficiency of Residential Furnace Fans
1. Scope. This appendix covers the test requirements used to
measure the energy efficiency of residential furnace fans, including
the energy use contributions of standby mode and off mode of
residential furnace fans used in hydronic air handlers.
2. Definitions, Units of Measure, and Symbols. Definitions,
units of measure, and symbols include the definitions, units of
measure, and symbols specified in section 3 of ANSI/AMCA 210-07
(incorporated by reference, see Sec. 430.3) and the following
additional and modified definitions, units of measure, and symbols:
2.1. Active mode means any the mode of operation in which the
HVAC product is connected to a power source and circulating air
through duct work.
2.2. Airflow-control setting means any distinct operating mode
characterized by nominal fan speed or airflow that a furnace fan is
programmed or wired to achieve when installed in accordance with
manufacturer instructions and which is often designated for
performing a specific HVAC function (e.g., cooling, heating, or
constant-circulation).
2.3. ANSI/AMCA 210-07 means the test standard published by ANSI/
AMCA 210-07 [bond] ANSI/ASHRAE 51-07 titled ``Laboratory Methods of
Testing Fans for Certified Aerodynamic Performance Rating''
(incorporated by reference, see Sec. 430.3).
2.4. Default airflow-control settings are the airflow-control
settings that can be achieved in the factory-set control system
configuration (i.e., without manual adjustment other than
interaction with a user-operable control such as a thermostat).
2.5. External static pressure means the difference between the
total pressure at the air outlet and the total pressure at the air
inlet less velocity pressure at the air outlet of an HVAC product
containing a furnace fan when operating and installed in accordance
with the manufacturer's instructions. External static pressure does
not include the pressure drop across appurtenances internal to the
HVAC product.
2.6. Hydronic air handler means a furnace designed to supply
heat through a system of ducts with air as the heating medium, in
which heat is generated by hot water flowing through a hydronic
heating coil and the heated air is circulated by means of a fan or
blower.
2.7. Off mode means the mode of operation during which the HVAC
product is not powered.
2.8. Residential furnace fan means an electrically-powered
device used in residential central heating, ventilation, and air-
conditioning (HVAC) systems for the purpose of circulating air
through duct work.
2.9. Seasonal off switch means a switch on the HVAC product
that, when activated, results in a measurable change in energy
consumption between the standby and off modes.
2.10. Standby mode means the mode during which the HVAC product
is connected to the power source and the furnace fan is not
activated.
2.11. Symbols and subscripts. The following units of measure and
symbols are provided in addition to those specified in section 3.2
of ANSI/AMCA 210-07 (incorporated by reference, see Sec. 430.3).
Ecirc = furnace fan electrical consumption at the default
constant-circulation airflow-control setting operating point (or
lowest default airflow-control setting operating point if a default
constant-circulation airflow-control setting is not specified), in
watts
Eheat--furnace fan electrical consumption in the default
heat airflow-control setting for single-stage heating products or
the default low-heat setting for multi-stage heating products, in
watts
CH = annual furnace fan cooling hours
CCH = annual furnace fan constant-circulation hours
Emax--furnace fan electrical consumption at the maximum
airflow-control setting operating point, in watts
EOFF = furnace fan electrical consumption in off mode, in
watts
ESB = furnace fan electrical consumption in standby mode,
in watts
ESP--external static pressure, in in.w.c.
FER--Fan efficiency rating for furnace fans used in HVAC products
other than hydronic air handlers, in watts per 1000 cfm at specified
operating points
HH = annual furnace fan heating hours
IFER--Integrated fan efficiency rating for furnace fans used in
hydronic air handlers, in watts per 1000 cfm at specified operating
points
Kref--physical descriptor characterizing the reference
system
OH = annual furnace fan off mode operating hours
Qmax = airflow in the maximum airflow-control setting at
the specified reference system ESP, in cfm
SBH = annual furnace fan standby mode operating hours
8760 = total annual hours
3. Instruments and Methods of Measure. Instruments and methods
of measure are as specified in section 4 of ANSI/AMCA 210-07
(incorporated by reference, see Sec. 430.3), excluding those for
mechanical measurement of fan input power and motor calibration
(sections 4.4) and rotational speed (section 4.5). Instruments and
methods of measure for active mode electrical power consumption are
as specified in section 3.1 of this appendix.
3.1. Measurement of electrical active mode power consumption.
3.1.1. Electrical meter. An electrical meter shall have a
certified accuracy of 1% of the observed reading.
3.1.2. Voltage. Electrical power shall be supplied to the HVAC
product in which the furnace fan is incorporated within 1% of the
nameplate voltage for the duration of the test. If a dual voltage is
used for nameplate voltage, maintain the electrical supply within 1%
of the higher voltage.
4. Test Setups and Equipment. Test setups and equipment are as
specified in section 5 of ANSI/AMCA 210-07 (incorporated by
reference, see Sec. 430.3). Furnace fans shall be tested as
factory-installed in the HVAC product in which they are integrated.
5. Observations and Conduct of Test. Observations and procedures
for the conduct of test are as specified in section 6 of ANSI/AMCA
210-07 (incorporated by reference, see Sec. 430.3), except for test
data to be recorded related to rotational speed, beam load, or
torque as specified in Table 3 of ANSI/AMCA 210-07. Additional
observations and procedures for the conduct
[[Page 28700]]
of test are as specified in section 5.1 of this appendix, which
modifies section 6.1.1 of ANSI/AMCA 210-07. Observations and
procedures for the conduct of test to measure standby mode and off
mode energy consumption are as specified in section 5.2 of this
appendix which modifies the methods specified in appendix N of
subpart B of part 430 to be applicable to hydronic air handlers.
5.1. Determinations. Determinations shall be made at: (1) 0.1
in.w.c.; (2) an ESP equal to the applicable reference system ESP
divided by 2; and (3) an ESP between the applicable reference system
ESP and 0.1 in.w.c. above that reference system ESP. Determinations
shall include measurements of input electrical power, external
static pressure, and airflow.
5.2. Measurement of electrical standby mode and off mode power
for hydronic air handlers.
5.2.1. Standby mode power measurement. With the hydronic air
handler powered but with all electrical auxiliaries not activated,
measure the standby mode power (ESB) in accordance with
the procedures in IEC Standard 6230, Edition 2.0, 2011-01
(incorporated by reference, see Sec. 430.3), except that section
8.5, ``Room Ambient Temperature,'' of ASHRAE 103-1993 (incorporated
by reference, see Sec. 430.3) and the voltage provision of section
8.2.1.4, ``Electrical Supply,'' of ASHRAE 103--1993 shall apply in
lieu of the corresponding provisions of IEC Standard 62301 at
section 4.2, ``Test room,'' and the voltage specification of section
4.3, ``Power supply.'' Frequency shall be 60Hz. Clarifying further,
IEC Standard 62301 section 4.4, ``Power measurement instruments,''
and section 5, ``Measurements,'' shall apply in lieu of section
6.10, ``Energy Flow Rate,'' of ASHRAE 103--1993. Measure the wattage
so that all possible standby mode wattage for the entire appliance
is recorded, not just the standby mode wattage of a single
auxiliary. The recorded standby power (ESB) shall be
rounded to the second decimal place, and for loads greater than or
equal to 10W, at least three significant figures shall be reported.
5.2.2. Off mode power measurement. If the unit is equipped with
a seasonal off switch or there is an expected difference between off
mode power and standby mode power, measure off mode power
(EOFF) in accordance with applicable procedures in IEC
Standard 62301, Edition 2.0, 2011-01 (incorporated by reference, see
Sec. 430.3), except that section 8.5, ``Room Ambient Temperature,''
of ASHRAE 103--1993 (incorporated by reference, see Sec. 430.3) and
the voltage provision of section 8.2.1.4, ``Electrical Supply,'' of
ASHRAE 103--1993 shall apply in lieu of the corresponding provisions
of IEC Standard 62301 at section 4.2, ``Test room,'' and the voltage
specification of section 4.3, ``Power supply.'' Frequency shall be
60Hz. Clarifying further, IEC Standard 62301 section 4.4, ``Power
measurement instruments,'' and section 5, ``Measurements,'' shall
apply for this measurement in lieu of section 6.10, ``Energy Flow
Rate,'' of ASHRAE 103--1993. Measure the wattage so that all
possible off mode wattage for the entire appliance is recorded, not
just the off mode wattage of a single auxiliary. The recorded off
mode power shall be rounded to the second decimal place, and for
loads greater than or equal to 10W, at least three significant
figures shall be reported.
6. Calculations. Calculations are as specified in section 7 of
ANSI/AMCA 210-07 (incorporated by reference, see Sec. 430.3),
except for sections 7.7 and 7.8, and as specified in section 6.1,
6.2, 6.3, 6.4, 6.5, and 6.6 of this appendix, which are supplemental
to ANSI/AMCA 210-07.
6.1. Performance curve. A performance curve shall be determined
for each rated airflow-control setting by fitting a quadratic curve
to the three airflow and corresponding ESP measurements taken for
the determinations associated with that respective airflow-control
setting. The derived quadratic performance curves is to express
airflow as a function of ESP in the following form:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15MY12.024
Where:
Qi = airflow in cfm for rating airflow-control setting i;
ESP = external static pressure in in.w.c.; and
ai,bi,ci = quadratic coefficients
for rating airflow-control setting i.
For products with single-stage heating, the rating airflow-control
settings are the maximum setting, the default heating setting, and the
default constant-circulation setting. For products with multi-stage
heating or modulating heating, the rating airflow-control settings are
the maximum setting, the default low-heating setting, and the default
constant-circulation setting. For hydronic air handlers that are not
designed to be paired with an evaporator coil, the rating airflow-
control settings are the default heating setting (expected to be the
maximum airflow-control setting) and the default constant-circulation
setting. The lowest default airflow-control setting is used to
represent constant circulation if a constant-circulation setting is not
specified.
6.2. Electrical consumption curve. An electrical consumption curve
shall be derived for each rated airflow-control setting by fitting a
quadratic curve to the three electrical consumption measurements and
corresponding ESP measurements taken for the determinations associated
with that rating airflow-control setting. The derived quadratic
electrical consumption curve is to express electrical consumption as a
function of ESP in the following form:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15MY12.010
Where:
Ei = electrical consumption in watts for rating airflow-
control setting i;
ESP = external static pressure in in.w.c.; and
xi,yi,zi = quadratic coefficients
for rating airflow-control setting i.
6.3. Reference system curve. The reference system curve constant,
Kref, shall be derived as follows:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15MY12.011
Where:
Kref = a constant that characterizes the reference
system;
ESPref = 0.65 in.w.c. for furnace fans used in products
designed to be paired with an external cooling coil; 0.5 in.w.c. for
heating-only products or furnace fans used in products with an
internal cooling coil; and 0.3 for manufactured home products
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15MY12.012
amax, bmax, cmax = quadratic
coefficients of the maximum airflow-control setting performance
curve, as derived in section 6.1 of this appendix
6.4. Operating points. The operating point in the maximum airflow-
control setting is defined by the reference system criteria:
ESPref and Qmax. The operating points for the
default heat and default constant-circulation settings shall be
determined by finding the intersections of the performance curves for
these rating airflow-control settings (determined as described in
section 6.1 of this appendix) and the reference system curve
(ESP=Kref Q\2\).
6.5. Electrical consumption. Electrical consumption at the
operating points shall be derived by inputting the operating point ESPs
identified, as specified in section 6.4 of this appendix, into the
electrical consumption curve for each respective airflow-control
setting, as derived in section 6.2 of this appendix.
6.6. Fan efficiency rating (FER) and integrated fan efficiency
rating (IFER). The fan efficiency rating shall be derived by using the
following equations and the specified operating hour values in Table 1
below.
6.6.1. Heating-only Hydronic Air Handlers. For heating-only
hydronic air handlers, the cooling mode annual
[[Page 28701]]
hours and energy consumption variable are eliminated, and the standby
mode and off mode energy consumption is integrated with the active mode
energy consumption. The IFER equation for heating-only hydronic air
handlers is:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15MY12.013
Where:
IFERheating-only = fan efficiency rating in watts/1000
cfm for hydronic air handlers not designed to be paired with an
external cooling coil;
HH = annual furnace fan heating operating hours;
Eheat = electrical consumption at the default heat
airflow-control setting (i.e., maximum setting for single-stage)
operating point;
CCH = annual furnace fan constant-circulation hours;
Ecirc = electrical consumption at the default constant-
circulation airflow-control setting operating point (or lowest
default airflow-control setting operating point if no default
constant-circulation setting is specified);
SBH = annual furnace fan standby mode operating hours;
ESB = electrical consumption in standby mode;
OH = annual furnace fan off mode hours;
EOFF = electrical consumption in off mode;
Qmax = airflow in maximum airflow-control setting at
reference system ESP; and
1000 = constant to put metric in terms of watts/1000 cfm.
6.6.2. Hydronic Air Handlers Designed to be Paired with an
Evaporator Coil. For hydronic air handlers designed to be paired with
an evaporator coil, the variables for cooling mode consumption and
operating hours are included, and standby mode and off mode energy
consumption are integrated with the active mode energy consumption. The
IFER equation for hydronic air handlers designed to be paired with an
external cooling coil is:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15MY12.014
Where:
IFERhydronic = fan efficiency rating in watts/1000 cfm
for hydronic air handlers designed to be paired with an evaporator
coil;
CH = annual furnace fan cooling operating hours;
Emax = electrical consumption at maximum airflow-control
setting operating point;
HH = annual furnace fan heating operating hours;
Eheat = electrical consumption at the default heating
airflow-control setting operating point for units with single-stage
heating or the default low-heating setting operating point for units
with multi-stage or modulating heating;
CCH = annual furnace fan constant-circulation hours;
Ecirc = electrical consumption at the default constant-
circulation airflow-control setting operating point (or lowest
default airflow-control setting operating point if a default
constant-circulation airflow-control setting is not specified);
SBH = annual furnace fan standby mode operating hours;
ESB = electrical consumption in standby mode;
OH = annual furnace fan off mode hours;
EOFF = electrical consumption in off mode;
Qmax = airflow in the maximum airflow-control at the
reference system ESP; and
1000 = constant to put metric in terms of watts/1000 cfm.
6.6.3. Non-hydronic Air Handler Products. For weatherized and non-
weatherized gas furnaces, oil furnaces, electric furnaces, and modular
blowers, the standby mode and off mode energy consumption is excluded,
and the FER equation is as follows:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15MY12.015
Where:
FER = fan efficiency rating in watts/1000 cfm for weatherized and
non-weatherized gas furnaces, oil furnaces, electric furnaces, and
modular blowers;
CH = annual furnace fan cooling operating hours;
Emax = electrical consumption in the maximum airflow-
control setting at the reference system ESP;
HH = annual furnace fan heating operating hours;
Eheat = electrical consumption at the default heating
airflow-control setting operating point for units with single-stage
heating or the default low-heating airflow-control setting operating
point for units with multi-stage or modulating heating;
CCH = annual furnace fan constant-circulation hours;
Ecirc = electrical consumption at the default constant-
circulation airflow-control setting operating point (or lowest
default airflow-control setting operating point if a default
constant-circulation airflow-control setting is not specified);
Qmax = airflow on the maximum airflow-control setting at
the reference system ESP; and
1000 = constant to put metric in terms of watts/1000 cfm.
Table 1 includes the operating hour values to be used to calculate
FER.
Table 1--Furnace Fan Annual Operating Hours for Calculating FER
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating mode Variable Single-stage (hours) Multi-stage (hours)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Heating mode......................... HH..................... 830.................... 830/HCR.
Circulation mode..................... CCH.................... 400.................... 400.
Cooling mode......................... CH..................... 640.................... 640.
Off mode (if applicable)............. OH..................... 0...................... 0.
[[Page 28702]]
Standby mode (if applicable)......... SBH.................... 8760-HH-CCH-CH-OH...... 8760-HH-CCH-CH-OH.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Where:
HH = annual furnace fan heating operating hours;
HCR = heating capacity ratio (output capacity in lowest-heat mode
divided by output capacity in highest-heat mode);
CCH = annual furnace fan constant-circulation operating hours;
CH = annual furnace fan cooling operating hours;
OH = annual furnace fan off mode operating hours; and
SBH = annual furnace fan standby mode operating hours.
7. Report and results of test. Test results and information shall
be reported as specified in section 8 of ANSI/AMCA 210-07 (incorporated
by reference, see Sec. 430.3) and as specified in section 7.1 of this
appendix.
7.1. Additional report information. The following additional test
results and calculated values shall be reported: (1) Fan efficiency
rating (FER); (2) the airflow, ESP, and electrical consumption at each
operating point, Kref; and (3) the quadratic coefficients
for the performance curve and electrical consumption curves for each
rated airflow-control setting.
[FR Doc. 2012-10993 Filed 5-14-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6450-01-P