[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 31 (Friday, February 14, 2014)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 8886-8903]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-03103]
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Proposed Rules
Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of
the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these
notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in
the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.
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Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 31 / Friday, February 14, 2014 /
Proposed Rules
[[Page 8886]]
DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
10 CFR Part 429
[Docket No. EERE-2013-BT-NOC-0023]
RIN 1904-AD12
Energy Conservation Program: Certification of Commercial Heating,
Ventilation, and Air-Conditioning (HVAC), Water Heating (WH), and
Refrigeration (CRE) Equipment
AGENCY: Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Department of
Energy.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking.
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SUMMARY: The U.S. Department of Energy is proposing to revise and
expand its existing regulations governing certifying compliance with
the applicable energy conservation standards and the reporting of
related ratings for commercial heating, ventilating, air-conditioning,
water heating, and refrigeration equipment covered by EPCA.
DATES: DOE will accept comments, data, and information regarding this
notice of proposed rulemaking (NOPR) no later than March 17, 2014. See
section V, ``Public Participation,'' of this NOPR for details.
In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act, DOE is also seeking
comment on a revised information collection. See the Paperwork
Reduction Act section under Procedural Issues and Regulatory Review
below. Please submit all comments relating to information collection
requirements to DOE at the address listed in the ADDRESSES section on
or before April 15, 2014. Comments to OMB are most useful if submitted
within 30 days of publication.
ADDRESSES: Interested persons are encouraged to submit comments using
the Federal eRulemaking Portal at http://www.regulations.gov. Follow
the instructions for submitting comments. Alternatively, interested
persons may submit comments, identified by docket number EERE-2013-BT-
NOC-0023, by any of the following methods:
Email: to [email protected]. Include
EERE-2013-BT-NOC-0023 in the subject line of the message.
Mail: Ms. Brenda Edwards, U.S. Department of Energy,
Building Technologies Program, Mailstop EE-2J, Revisions to Energy
Efficiency Enforcement Regulations, EERE-2013-BT-NOC-0023, 1000
Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20585- 0121. Phone: (202) 586-
2945. Please submit one signed paper original.
Hand Delivery/Courier: Ms. Brenda Edwards, U.S. Department
of Energy, Building Technologies Program, 6th Floor, 950 L'Enfant Plaza
SW., Washington, DC 20024. Phone: (202) 586-2945. Please submit one
signed paper original.
Instructions: All submissions received must include the agency name
and docket number or RIN for this rulemaking.
Docket: For access to the docket to read background documents, or
comments received, go to the Federal eRulemaking Portal at http://www.regulations.gov.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Ashley Armstrong, 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. Email: [email protected]. Phone: 202-586-6590;
and Ms. Laura Barhydt, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of the General
Counsel, Forrestal Building, GC-32, 1000 Independence Avenue SW.,
Washington, DC 20585. Email: [email protected] Phone: 202-287-
5772.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Authority and Background
II. Discussion of Specific Revisions to DOE's Certification
Regulations
Engineered-to-Order Equipment
General Certification Information Applicable to All Basic Models
of Commercial HVAC, WH, and Refrigeration Equipment
Equipment Specific Certification Information
III. Procedural Issues and Regulatory Review
IV. Public Participation
V. Approval of the Office of the Secretary
I. Authority and Background
Authority
Title III of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975, as
amended (``EPCA'' or, in context, ``the Act'') sets forth a variety of
provisions designed to improve energy efficiency. Part A of Title III
(42 U.S.C. 6291-6309) provides for the Energy Conservation Program for
Consumer Products Other Than Automobiles. The National Energy
Conservation Policy Act (NECPA), Public Law 95-619, amended EPCA to
establish an energy conservation program for certain industrial
equipment. (42 U.S.C. 6311-6317) \1\ The Department of Energy (``DOE'')
is charged with implementing these provisions.
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\1\ For editorial reasons, Parts B (consumer products) and C
(commercial equipment) of Title III of EPCA were re-designated as
parts A and A-1, respectively, in the United States Code.
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Under EPCA, this program consists essentially of four parts: (1)
Testing; (2) labeling; (3) Federal energy conservation standards; and
(4) certification and enforcement procedures. The Federal Trade
Commission (FTC) is primarily responsible for labeling of consumer
products, while DOE implements the remainder of the program. The
testing requirements consist of test procedures that manufacturers of
covered products and equipment must use (1) as the basis for certifying
to DOE that their products comply with the applicable energy
conservation standards adopted under EPCA, and (2) for making
representations about the efficiency of those products and equipment.
Similarly, DOE must use these test requirements to determine whether
the products comply with any relevant standards promulgated under EPCA.
For certain consumer products and commercial equipment, DOE's existing
testing regulations allow the use of an alternative efficiency
determination method (AEDM) or an alternative rating method (ARM), in
lieu of actual testing, to simulate the energy consumption or
efficiency of certain basic models of covered products and equipment
under DOE's test procedure conditions.
In addition, sections 6299-6305, and 6316 of EPCA authorize DOE to
enforce compliance with the energy and water conservation standards
(all non-product specific references herein referring to energy use and
consumption include
[[Page 8887]]
water use and consumption; all references to energy efficiency include
water efficiency) established for certain consumer products and
industrial equipment. (42 U.S.C. 6299-6305 (consumer products), 6316
(industrial equipment)) DOE has promulgated enforcement regulations
that include specific certification and compliance requirements. See 10
CFR part 429; 10 CFR part 431, subparts B, U, and V.
Background
On March 7, 2011, DOE published a final rule in the Federal
Register that, among other things, modified the requirements regarding
manufacturer submission of compliance statements and certification
reports to DOE (hereafter referred to as the March 2011 Final Rule). 76
FR 12422. This rule, among other things, imposed new or revised
reporting requirements for some types of covered products and
equipment, including a requirement that manufacturers submit annual
reports to the Department certifying compliance of their basic models
with applicable standards. See 76 FR 12428-12429 for more information.
In response to the initial deadline for certifying compliance
imposed by the March 2011 Final Rule, certain manufacturers of
particular types of commercial and industrial equipment (including
manufacturers of commercial heating, ventilation, and air conditioning
(HVAC) equipment, commercial water heating (WH) equipment, and
commercial refrigeration equipment (CRE)) stated that, for a variety of
reasons, they would be unable to meet that deadline. In response, DOE
initially extended the deadline for certifications for commercial HVAC,
WH, and refrigeration equipment in a final rule published June 30, 2011
(hereafter referred to as the June 2011 Final Rule). 76 FR 38287 (June
30, 2011). DOE subsequently extended the compliance date for
certification by an additional 12 months to December 31, 2013, for
these types of equipment (December 2012 Final Rule) to allow, among
other things, the Department to explore the negotiated rulemaking
process for this equipment. 77 FR 72763.
In the summer of 2012, DOE had an independent convener evaluate the
feasibility of developing certification requirements for commercial
HVAC, WH, and refrigeration equipment (not including walk-in coolers
and freezers) through consensus-based negotiations among affected
parties. In October 2012, the convener issued his report after
completing confidential interviews of forty (40) parties from a wide
range of commercial HVAC, WH, and refrigeration equipment interests.
The convener found the interviewed parties believed negotiated
rulemaking was superior to notice and comment rulemaking for
certification-related issues. Because of this, the convener found that
a negotiated rulemaking would have a reasonable likelihood of achieving
consensus based on the factors set forth in the Negotiated Rulemaking
Act. The entire report is available at https://www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/appliance_standards/pdfs/convening_report_hvac_cre_1.pdf.
On February 26, 2013, members of the Appliance Standards and
Rulemaking Federal Advisory Committee (ASRAC) unanimously decided to
form a working group to engage in a negotiated rulemaking effort on the
certification of commercial HVAC equipment (10 CFR part 431, subparts
D, E and F), WH equipment (10 CFR part 431, subpart G), and
refrigeration equipment (10 CFR part 431, subpart C). A notice of
intent to form the Commercial Certification Working Group was published
in the Federal Register on March 12, 2013, to which DOE received 35
nominations. 78 FR 15653. On April 16, 2013, the Department published a
notice of open meeting that announced the first meeting and listed the
22 nominations that were selected to serve as members of the Working
Group, in addition to two members from ASRAC, and one DOE
representative. 78 FR 22431. The members of the Working Group were
selected to ensure a broad and balanced array of stakeholder interests
and expertise, and included efficiency advocates, manufacturers, a
utility representative, and third party laboratory representatives.
As required, the Working Group submitted an interim report to ASRAC
on June 26, 2013, summarizing the group's recommendations regarding
AEDMs for commercial HVAC, WH, and refrigeration equipment. The interim
report to ASRAC can be found at http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=EERE-2013-BT-NOC-0023-0046. ASRAC subsequently voted
unanimously to approve the recommendations in the interim report for
AEDMs. Subsequently, the Working Group submitted a final report on
August 30, 2013, summarizing the Working Group's recommendations for
model grouping, certification requirements and deadlines, and features
to be excluded from certification, verification, and enforcement
testing as long as specific conditions were met. ASRAC voted
unanimously to approve the recommendations in the final report. DOE
proposed to adopt the Working Group's recommendations, without
modification, for AEDMs, basic model definitions, and the initial
compliance date for certification in a notice published on October 22,
2013. 78 FR 62472. In this notice of proposed rulemaking, DOE is
proposing to adopt without modification the remaining recommendations
for certification requirements from the Working Group. DOE still
intends to issue separate rulemaking or guidance documents regarding
the treatment of specific features when testing.
II. Discussion of Specific Revisions to DOE's Certification Regulations
The Commercial Certification Working Group held nine full meetings
in Washington, DC, between April 30, 2013 and August 28, 2013. These
meetings were attended by 57 interested parties, including members of
the Working Group. Table II.1 lists the entities that attended the
Commercial Certification Working Group meetings and their affiliation.
The Working Group's recommendations regarding certification are
presented in this notice of proposed rulemaking. A more detailed
discussion of the recommendations can be found in the Commercial
Certification Working Group meeting transcripts, which are located
here: http://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=EERE-2013-BT-NOC-
0023.
Table II.1--Interested Parties
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Name Acronym Organization type
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AAON, Inc.............................. AAON........................................ Manufacturer.
Air-Conditioning, Heating, and AHRI........................................ Trade Association.
Refrigeration Institute.
Allied Air Enterprises................. Allied Air.................................. Manufacturer.
American Council for an Energy- ACEEE....................................... Energy Efficiency
Efficient Economy. Advocacy Group.
American Society of Heating, ASHRAE...................................... Trade Association.
Refrigerating and Air-conditioning
Engineers.
[[Page 8888]]
Bard Manufacturing Company Inc......... Bard........................................ Manufacturer.
Bosch Thermotechnology Corp............ Bosch....................................... Manufacturer.
Bradford White Corporation............. Bradford White.............................. Manufacturer.
California Energy Commission........... CEC......................................... California State
Government Agency.
Cleaver-Brooks......................... ............................................ Manufacturer.
ClimateMaster Inc...................... ClimateMaster............................... Manufacturer.
Continental Refrigerator............... ............................................ Manufacturer.
CSA Group.............................. CSA......................................... Third-party laboratory.
Daikin McQuay.......................... ............................................ Manufacturer.
EarthJustice........................... ............................................ Energy Efficiency
Advocacy Group.
Edison Electric Institute.............. EEI......................................... Energy Efficiency
Advocacy Group.
Emerson Climate Technologies........... Emerson..................................... Component Manufacturer.
Estes Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc.. Estes....................................... Distributor.
General Electric Company............... GE.......................................... Manufacturer.
Goodman Global, Inc.................... Goodman..................................... Manufacturer.
Heat Transfer Products................. HTP......................................... Manufacturer.
Hillphoenix............................ Hillphoenix................................. Manufacturer.
Hoshizaki America, Inc................. Hoshizaki................................... Manufacturer.
Hussmann Corporation................... Hussmann.................................... Manufacturer.
Intertek............................... Intertek.................................... Third-party laboratory.
Johnson Controls Inc................... JCI......................................... Manufacturer.
Lennox International, Inc.............. Lennox...................................... Manufacturer.
Lochinvar, LLC......................... Lochinvar................................... Manufacturer.
Mississippi College School of Law...... ............................................ Law School.
McDermott Will & Emery................. ............................................ Law Firm.
Mitsubishi Electric US, Inc............ MEUS........................................ Manufacturer.
National Comfort Products.............. NCP......................................... Manufacturer.
National Electric Manufacturers NEMA........................................ Trade Association.
Association.
National Refrigeration and Air- National.................................... Manufacturer.
Conditioning.
Norlake Inc............................ Norlake..................................... Manufacturer.
Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance... NEEA........................................ Energy Efficiency
Advocacy Group.
Natural Resources Canada............... NRCan....................................... Canadian Government
Agency.
Manitowoc Foodservice.................. Manitowoc................................... Manufacturer.
P2S Engineering, Inc................... P2S......................................... Consulting Firm.
Pacific Gas and Electric Company....... PG&E........................................ Utility.
PVI Industries Inc..................... PVI......................................... Manufacturer.
Regal-Beloit Corporation............... Regal-Beloit................................ Manufacturer.
Rheem Manufacturing Company............ Rheem....................................... Manufacturer.
Saudi Diyar Consultants................ Diyar....................................... Engineering Design Firm.
Schneider Electric SA.................. Schneider Electric.......................... Consulting Firm.
San Francisco Department of the SF Environment.............................. California State
Environment. Government Agency.
SJI Consultants Inc.................... SJI......................................... Consulting firm.
Southern California Gas Company........ SoCal Gas................................... Utility.
Source Energy.......................... ............................................ Consulting Firm.
Southern Store Fixtures................ ............................................ Manufacturer.
Trane.................................. ............................................ Manufacturer.
Traulsen............................... Traulsen.................................... Manufacturer.
True Manufacturing Co. Inc............. True Manufacturing.......................... Manufacturer.
Underwriters Laboratories LLC.......... UL.......................................... Third-party laboratory.
United CoolAir Corporation............. United CoolAir.............................. Manufacturer.
United Technologies Climate, Controls & UTC/Carrier................................. Manufacturer.
Security and ITS Carrier.
Zero Zone Inc.......................... Zero Zone................................... Manufacturer.
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Engineered-to-Order Equipment
The Working Group recommended that a new concept, ``engineered-to-
order equipment,'' be added to DOE's certification regulations. The
Working Group recommended that this concept be applied to a basic model
that is not listed in any catalogs or marketing literature and is
designed and built to customer requirements. An engineered-to-order
basic model does not include any models offered as a ``configure-to-
order'' or ``menu-system'' set of options.\2\ Additionally, the Working
Group determined that a basic model may not be classified as
engineered-to-order for more than one annual certification cycle,
effectively meaning that the basic model cannot be classified as
engineer-to-order for more than 24 months. If the manufacturer does not
recertify the engineered-to-order product as a typical basic model by
the second annual certification deadline then the manufacturer is
effectively certifying that the model has been discontinued. In that
case, DOE would automatically treat the basic model as discontinued.\3\
DOE proposes to adopt
[[Page 8889]]
the engineered-to-order concept by adding a definition of this term and
the associated certification requirements and requests comment on this
approach.
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\2\ The Working Group recommended the new concept to distinguish
between models that are built to customer specifications from a list
of options offered by the manufacturer (e.g., ``configure-to-
order'') and models that are built to customer specifications that
are completely unique, require original engineering design work, and
are not built from options the manufacturer offers for sale (i.e.,
``engineered-to-order'').
\3\ In all other circumstances, the manufacturer must
affirmatively certify that a basic model has been discontinued as
required by 10 CFR 429.12(f). Because engineered-to-order basic
models are, by design, unlikely to be distributed more than once,
the manufacturer would not be required to submit a certification
report discontinuing an engineered-to-order basic model.
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General Certification Information Applicable to All Basic Models of
Commercial HVAC, WH, and Refrigeration Equipment
The Working Group recommended that manufacturers submit the
following general information to DOE in all certification reports.
Product or equipment type;
Product or equipment class;
Manufacturer name and address;
Private labeler name and address, if applicable;
Brand name;
Basic model number;
Individual model numbers covered by the basic model;
Customer-specified model numbers, if applicable;
Status (new certification, discontinued, existing, etc.);
Test sample size (``0'' if an AEDM was used);
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) importer ID
number, if applicable;
Whether the certification was based on test procedure
waiver and the date of such waiver;
Whether the certification was based on exception relief
from the Office of Hearings and Appeals and the date of such relief;
and
AEDM name or identifier, if the test sample size is ``0.''
The only items listed above that manufacturers are not currently
required to provide DOE in accordance with 10 CFR 429.12 are customer-
specified model numbers and the name of the AEDM used.
Additionally, the Working Group recommended that only the
information specified below be publicly posted on DOE's Web site.
Accordingly, DOE is proposing to revise 10 CFR 429.7(a) to include
these items as ``not exempt from public disclosure.''
Product or equipment type;
Product or equipment class
Private labeler name
Brand name
Individual model numbers covered by the basic model
Whether the certification was based on test procedure
waiver and the date of such waiver; and
Whether the certification was based on exception relief
from the Office of Hearings and Appeals and the date of such relief
During the Working Group discussions, manufacturers of commercial
refrigeration equipment inquired about what ``equipment classes'' there
are for commercial refrigeration equipment. DOE provides templates for
certification reports that provide the current list of equipment
classes, which correspond to the classes described in the relevant
regulatory text promulgating standards for each piece of equipment.
See, e.g., the Product Description tab of the Commercial Refrigeration
Equipment templates available at https://www.regulations.doe.gov/ccms/templates and 10 CFR 431.66. DOE reviews the current equipment classes
each time it analyses amended standards for equipment, so the list of
equipment classes may change if amended standards are adopted by the
Department.
As stated above, DOE is proposing that commercial HVAC, WH and
refrigeration equipment manufacturers provide customer-specified model
numbers and the name of the AEDM used in addition to the other current
reporting requirements found within 10 CFR 429.12(b). The Working Group
used the term ``customer-specified model number'' to describe an
individual model number that is specified by a customer in lieu of the
manufacturer's normal model numbering system. This ``customer-specified
model number'' often includes the customer's name or brand name, and
thus may reveal confidential business information about company
relationships. Therefore, in the proposed regulatory text, DOE is
proposing to call this ``customer-specified model number'' a ``private
model number'' to differentiate it from a manufacturer's individual
model number, which is considered public information.
The Working Group also recommended significant changes to the AEDM
provisions applicable to commercial HVAC, WH and refrigeration
equipment. DOE addressed those recommendations in a separate
rulemaking. See 78 FR 79579 (Dec. 31, 2013). As part of those
recommendations, the Working Group developed the concept of having
multiple, unique AEDMs. Because certain verification provisions are
tied to which basic models are part of an AEDM, the Working Group
recommended that manufacturers use a name or other identifier to
designate which basic models were rated using which AEDM. The Working
Group recommended that a manufacturer include that AEDM name/identifier
as part of the certification of a basic model that was rated using the
AEDM. DOE is proposing to require the AEDM name or identifier as part
of the certification of a basic model where the basic model was rated
using an AEDM.
The Working Group also recommended that certification reports for
these types of equipment identify whether the basic model was
engineered-to-order. The Working Group further recommended that DOE
modify the language regarding sample size in 429.12(b)(8) to indicate
that models certified with performance data based upon an AEDM should
indicate the sample size is ``0''. DOE proposes to adopt these
modifications and requests comment on the proposed changes to the
certification requirements applicable to all of these equipment types.
DOE requires manufacturers to certify to DOE, prior to distribution
in commerce, the compliance of each basic model subject to an
applicable energy conservation standard set forth in 10 CFR 430 or 10
CFR 431 before distribution in commerce. The Working Group made several
recommendations regarding when manufacturers should be required to
submit a certification report to DOE based on the specific
circumstances regarding manufacturing of commercial HVAC, WH, and
refrigeration equipment. For domestically manufactured, engineered-to-
order products, the Working Group recommended that DOE consider
distribution in commerce to begin on the date on which the basic model
is shipped. For all other domestic products, it recommended that DOE
consider distribution in commerce to begin on the date on which a
manufacturer is first willing to accept an order. For engineered-to-
order products built outside of the U.S., the Working Group recommended
that DOE consider distribution in commerce to begin on the date on
which the basic model is imported. For all other foreign manufactured
products, it recommended that DOE consider distribution in commerce to
begin on either the date on which a basic model is imported for sale or
the date on which a manufacturer is willing to accept an order,
whichever is first. DOE is proposing to adopt these interpretations for
the limited purposes of determining by what date certification reports
must be submitted to the Department for commercial HVAC, WH and
refrigeration equipment.
Equipment Specific Certification Information
DOE proposed in its October 2013 notice regarding the Working
Group's recommendations for AEDMs that commercial HVAC, WH, and
refrigeration equipment manufacturers
[[Page 8890]]
may elect to have a manufacturer's representative on-site to witness
test set-up before verification testing of up to 10 percent of the
manufacturer's certified basic models rated with an AEDM. A
manufacturer would indicate its selection of basic models in its
certification report(s). DOE has included this certification
requirement in this proposal in the product-specific certification
sections.
The Working Group outlined information specific to the commercial
HVAC, WH, and refrigeration equipment that should be certified to DOE,
listed in Table II.2, Table II.3, Table II.4, and Table II.5. In
addition to the product-specific information, the Working Group
recommended that manufacturers be permitted to submit a document in PDF
format with additional testing instructions that are required to test
the equipment according to the applicable DOE test procedure. For
instance, the PDF with additional instructions may include the
refrigerant charging instructions for a given basic model. As indicated
in Table II.4 and II.5, the Working Group determined that the PDF with
testing instructions should be optional for some types of equipment but
mandatory for others due to the complexities with testing certain basic
models and the unique nature associated with certain basic models of
custom equipment. For those pieces of HVAC equipment that require
submission of additional testing instructions, the Working Group
further provided a list of specific information that must be included
in those instructions as detailed in Table II.4. DOE proposes to adopt
these certification requirements and requests comment on the specific
proposals for each equipment type.
For commercial HVAC and refrigeration equipment, the Working Group
recommended that certain features should not be subject to testing and,
thus, should not be considered in determining the efficiency of a basic
model. Models with these special features would only be excluded from
testing and certification if the manufacturer offers an otherwise
identical model without the feature(s) in the basic model. The Working
Group recommended that a manufacturer identify in the PDF portion of a
certification report whether a basic model includes any of these
special features. That is, if the manufacturer does not offer an
``otherwise identical'' model without the feature--and thus the
certification is based on testing with the feature--the manufacturer
must specify in the PDF portion of the certification report which
``special'' features are included in the basic model's rating.
Table II.2--CRE Certification Report Requirements
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Certification
Equipment type report must Supplemental PDF
include information
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--Self-contained commercial --Daily energy --Additional
refrigerators and freezer with consumption (kWh/ testing
solid doors. day). instructions
--Self-contained commercial --Chilled or required
refrigerators and freezers with frozen --If applicable,
transparent doors. compartment must specify
--Self-contained commercial volume (ft\3\), which, if any,
refrigerator-freezers with adjusted volume excluded features
solid doors. (ft\3\), or Total are included in
display area basic model.
(ft\2\), as
applicable.
--Operating
temperature
(i.e., the lowest
product
application
temperature)..
--Remote condensing commercial
refrigerators, freezers, and
refrigerator-freezers.
--Self-contained commercial
refrigerators, freezers, and
refrigerator-freezers without
doors.
--Commercial ice-cream freezers.
--Commercial refrigeration
equipment with two or more
compartments.
--Service over the counter
refrigerators and freezers.
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Table II.3--HVAC Certification Report Requirements
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Certification reports must
Equipment type include
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Commercial Warm Air Furnaces........... --Thermal efficiency (%).
--Maximum rated input capacity
(Btu/h).
Commercial Packaged Boilers............ --Combustion efficiency (%) or
thermal efficiency (%) as
required in 431.87.
--Maximum rated input capacity
(Btu/h).
Commercial package air-cooled, Split --Seasonal energy efficiency
and Packaged ACs and HPs less than ratio (Btu/Wh).
65,000 Btu/h cooling capacity (3- --Heating seasonal performance
Phase). factor (Btu/Wh) if applicable.
--Rated cooling capacity (Btu/
h).
Commercial package air-cooled, ACs and --Energy efficiency ratio (Btu/
HPs greater than or equal to 65,000 Wh).
Btu/h cooling capacity and --Coefficient of performance,
evaporatively-cooled, and water cooled if applicable.
ACs and HPs. --Rated cooling capacity (Btu/
h).
--Heating type (electric, gas,
hydronic, none).
Packaged Terminal ACs.................. --Energy efficiency ratio (Btu/
Wh).
--Rated cooling capacity (Btu/
h).
--Wall sleeve dimensions (in).
Packaged Terminal HPs.................. --Energy efficiency ratio (Btu/
Wh).
--Coefficient of performance.
--Rated cooling capacity (Btu/
h).
--Wall sleeve dimensions (in).
Single Package Vertical ACs............ --Energy efficiency ratio (Btu/
Wh).
--Rated cooling capacity (Btu/
h).
Single Package Vertical HPs............ --Energy efficiency ratio (Btu/
Wh).
[[Page 8891]]
--Coefficient of performance.
--Rated cooling capacity (Btu/
h).
Variable Refrigerant Flow Multi-Split --Seasonal energy efficiency
ACs and HPs with less than 65,000 Btu/ ratio (Btu/Wh).
h rated cooling capacity. --Heating seasonal performance
factor (Btu/Wh) if applicable.
--Rated cooling capacity (Btu/
h).
Variable Refrigerant Flow Multi-Split --Energy efficiency ratio (Btu/
AC and HPs with 65,000 Btu/h rated Wh).
cooling capacity or more. --Coefficient of performance,
if applicable.
--Rated cooling capacity (Btu/
h).
--Heating type (electric, gas,
hydronic, none).
Water Source Variable Refrigerant Flow --Energy efficiency ratio (Btu/
HPs (all rated cooling capacities). Wh).
--Coefficient of performance.
--Rated cooling capacity (Btu/
h).
--Heating type (electric, gas,
hydronic, none).
Computer Room ACs...................... --Net sensible cooling capacity
(Btu/h).
--Net cooling capacity (Btu/h).
--Configuration (upflow/
downflow).
--Economizer presence (Yes or
No).
--Condenser medium (air, water,
or glycol--cooled).
--Sensible coefficient of
performance.
--Rated airflow (SCFM).
Water Source HPs (other than variable --Energy efficiency ratio (Btu/
refrigerant flow). Wh).
--Coefficient of performance.
--Rated cooling capacity (Btu/
h).
--Heating type (electric, gas,
hydronic, none).
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Table II.4--HVAC Requirements for PDF Supplement to Certification Report
------------------------------------------------------------------------
PDF Supplement to certification
Equipment type report
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commercial Warm Air Furnaces........... Additional testing instructions
optional.
Commercial Packaged Boilers............ Additional testing instructions
optional.
Air-Cooled, Split and Packaged ACs and Additional testing instructions
HPs less than 65,000 Btu/h Cooling are required and must include:
Capacity (3-Phase). --Nominal cooling capacity (Btu/
h).
--Rated heating capacity
(Btu/h), if applicable.
--Rated airflow (SCFM) for
each fan coil.
--Rated static pressure
(inches of water).
--Refrigeration charging
instructions (e.g.,
refrigerant charge,
superheat, and/or
subcooling temperatures).
--Frequency or control set
points for variable speed
components (e.g.,
compressors, VFDs).
--Required dip switch/
control setting for step or
variable components.
--Statement whether model
will operate at test
conditions without
manufacturer programming.
Supplemental information
must also include:
--If a variety of motors/
drive kits are offered for
sale as options in the
basic model to account for
varying installation
requirements, the model
number and specifications
of the motor (to include
efficiency, horsepower,
open/closed, and number of
poles) and the drive kit,
including settings,
associated with that
specific motor used to
determine the certified
rating.
--Which, if any, special
features were included in
rating the basic model.
Commercial package air-cooled ACs and Additional testing instructions
HPs with 65,000 Btu/h Cooling Capacity are required and must include:
or More, Evaporatively-Cooled ACs and --Nominal cooling capacity.
HPs, and Water-Cooled ACs and HPs. --Rated heating capacity, if
applicable.
--Rated airflow (SCFM) for each
fan coil.
--Water flow rate (gpm) for
water-cooled units only.
--Rated static pressure.
--Refrigeration charging
instructions (e.g.,
refrigerant charge,
superheat, and/or
subcooling temperatures).
--Frequency or control set
points for variable speed
components (e.g.,
compressors, VFDs, etc.).
--Required dip switch/
control setting for step or
variable components.
--Statement whether model
will operate at test
conditions without
manufacturer programming.
Supplemental information must
also include:
[[Page 8892]]
--If a variety of motors/
drive kits are offered for
sale as options in the
basic model to account for
varying installation
requirements, the model
number and specifications
of the motor (to include
efficiency, horsepower,
open/closed, and number of
poles) and the drive kit,
including settings,
associated with that
specific motor used to
determine the certified
rating.
--Which, if any, special
features were included in
rating the basic model.
PTACs and PTHPs........................ Additional testing instructions
optional.
SPVUs.................................. Additional testing instructions
optional.
Supplemental information must
include:
--If a variety of motors/
drive kits are offered for
sale as options in the
basic model to account for
varying installation
requirements, the model
number and specifications
of the motor (to include
efficiency, horsepower,
open/closed, and number of
poles) and the drive kit,
including settings,
associated with that
specific motor used to
determine the certified
rating.
--Which, if any, special
features were included in
rating the basic model.
Variable Refrigerant Flow Multi-Split Additional testing instructions
ACs and HPs less than 65,000 Btu/h are required and must include:
Cooling Capacity. --Nominal cooling capacity (Btu/
h).
--Rated heating capacity (Btu/
h), if applicable.
--Outdoor unit(s) and indoor
units identified in the tested
combination.
--Components needed for heat
recovery, if applicable.
--Rated airflow (SCFM) for
each indoor unit.
--Water flow rate (gpm) for
water-cooled units only.
--Rated static pressure
(inches of water).
--Compressor frequency set
points.
--Required dip switch/
control setting for step or
variable components.
--Statement whether model
will operate at test
conditions without
manufacturer programming.
Supplemental information must
include:
--If a variety of motors/
drive kits are offered for
sale as options in the
basic model to account for
varying installation
requirements, the model
number and specifications
of the motor (to include
efficiency, horsepower,
open/closed, and number of
poles) and the drive kit,
including settings,
associated with that
specific motor used to
determine the certified
rating.
--Which, if any, special
features were included in
rating the basic model.
In addition to information
provided with a certification
report, upon request by DOE,
manufacturer must provide a
layout of the system set-up
for testing including charging
instructions consistent with
installation manual.
Variable Refrigerant Flow Multi-Split Additional testing instructions
ACs and HPs with 65,000 Btu/h Cooling are required and must include:
Capacity or More. --Nominal cooling capacity (Btu/
h).
--Rated heating capacity (Btu/
h), if applicable.
--Outdoor unit(s) and indoor
units identified in the tested
combination.
--Components needed for heat
recovery, if applicable.
--Rated airflow (SCFM) for
each indoor unit.
--Water flow rate (gpm) for
water-cooled units only.
--Rated static pressure
(inches of water).
--Frequency or control set
points for variable speed
components (e.g.,
compressors, VFDs, etc.).
--Required dip switch/
control setting for step or
variable components.
--Statement whether model
will operate at test
conditions without
manufacturer programming.
Supplemental information must
include:
--If a variety of motors/
drive kits are offered for
sale as options in the
basic model to account for
varying installation
requirements, the model
number and specifications
of the motor (to include
efficiency, horsepower,
open/closed, and number of
poles) and the drive kit,
including settings,
associated with that
specific motor used to
determine the certified
rating;
--Which, if any, special
features were included in
rating the basic model.
[[Page 8893]]
In addition to information
provided with a certification
report, upon request by DOE,
manufacturer must provide a
layout of the system set-up
for testing including charging
instructions consistent with
installation manual.
Water Source Variable Refrigerant Flow Additional testing instructions
HPs. are required and must include:
--Nominal cooling capacity (Btu/
h).
--Rated heating capacity
(Btu/h).
--Rated airflow (SCFM) for
each indoor unit.
--Water flow rate (gpm).
--Rated static pressure
(inches of water).
--Refrigeration charging
instructions (e.g.,
refrigerant charge,
superheat, and/or
subcooling temperatures).
--Frequency set points for
variable speed components
(e.g., compressors, VFDs),
including the required dip
switch/control setting for
step or variable
components.
--Statement whether model
will operate at test
conditions without
manufacturer programming.
Supplemental information must
include:
--If a variety of motors/
drive kits are offered for
sale as options in the
basic model to account for
varying installation
requirements, the model
number and specifications
of the motor (to include
efficiency, horsepower,
open/closed, and number of
poles) and the drive kit,
including settings,
associated with that
specific motor used to
determine the certified
rating.
--Which, if any, special
features were included in
rating the basic model.
In addition to information
provided with a certification
report, upon request by DOE,
manufacturer must provide a
layout of the system set-up
for testing including charging
instructions consistent with
installation manual.
Computer Room ACs...................... Additional testing instructions
optional
Supplemental information must
include:
--Which, if any, special
features were included in
rating the basic model.
Water Source HPs....................... Additional testing instructions
are required and must include:
--Nominal cooling capacity (Btu/
h).
--Rated heating capacity
(Btu/h), if applicable.
--Rated airflow (SCFM).
--Water flow rate (gpm).
--Rated static pressure
(inches of water).
--Refrigeration charging
instructions (e.g.,
refrigerant charge,
superheat, and/or
subcooling temperatures).
--Frequency set points for
variable speed components
(e.g., compressors, VFDs,
etc.), including the
required dip switch/control
setting for step or
variable components.
--Statement whether model
will operate at test
conditions without
manufacturer programming.
Supplemental information must
include:
--If a variety of motors/
drive kits are offered for
sale as options in the
basic model to account for
varying installation
requirements, the model
number and specifications
of the motor (to include
efficiency, horsepower,
open/closed, and number of
poles) and the drive kit,
including settings,
associated with that
specific motor used to
determine the certified
rating; and
--Which, if any, special
features were included in
rating the basic model.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Table II.5--WH Certification Report Requirements
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Certification report Additional testing
Equipment type must include instructions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commercial Electric Storage --Maximum standby Optional.
Water Heaters. loss (%/h).
--Measured storage
volume (gal)..
Commercial gas-fired and oil- --Thermal efficiency Optional.
fired storage water heaters. (%).
--Maximum standby
loss (Btu/h)..
--Rated storage
volume (gal)..
--Nameplate input
rate (Btu/h)..
[[Page 8894]]
Commercial water heaters and --Thermal efficiency Optional.
hot water supply boilers (%).
(storage capacity > 140 --Statement whether
gal). storage volume is
greater than 140
gal (Yes/No)..
--Statement whether
tank surface area
is insulated with
at least R-12.5
(Yes/No)..
--Statement whether
uses standing pilot
light (Yes/No)..
--For gas or oil-
fired water heater,
statement whether
has a fire damper
or fan assisted
combustion (Yes/No).
--If ``no'' to any
of the above, must
also report standby
loss (Btu/h) and
measured storage
volume (gal).
Commercial gas-fired and oil- --Thermal efficiency Optional.
fired instantaneous water (%).
heaters less than 10 --Rated storage
gallons and gas-fired and volume (gal)..
oil-fired hot water supply
boilers less than 10
gallons.
Commercial gas-fired and oil- --Thermal efficiency Optional.
fired instantaneous water (%).
heaters greater than or --Maximum standby
equal to 10 gallons and gas- loss (Btu/h)..
fired and oil-fired hot --Rated storage
water supply boilers volume (gal)..
greater than or equal to10 --Nameplate input
gallons. rate (Btu/h)..
Commercial unfired hot water --Thermal insulation Optional.
storage tanks. (R-value).
--Stored water
volume (gal)..
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Current certification provisions for commercial packaged boilers
and commercial warm air furnaces are located in section 429.43. DOE is
proposing to move these provisions to sections 429.41 and 429.60,
respectively. (Section 429.41, which is currently reserved for electric
motors, would be moved to another available section.) This change would
reflect that commercial packaged boilers and commercial warm air
furnaces are types of equipment for which the regulations are typically
amended through separate rulemakings and are located in different
subparts of 10 CFR part 431 (subpart D for commercial warm air furnaces
and subpart E for commercial packaged boilers) than commercial air
conditioning and heat pump equipment (subpart F). DOE is not proposing
any changes to the sampling provisions for these products; the
modification would only make the structure of part 429 better reflect
the structure of the part 431. DOE notes that section 429.43 would
continue to provide the certification requirements for the equipment in
10 CFR part 431, subpart F (commercial air conditioners and heat
pumps).
In a notice of proposed rulemaking published November 4, 2013, DOE
proposed changes to the residential and commercial water heater test
procedures. 78 FR 66201. DOE notes that changes to the certification
requirements proposed in this rule may be needed, depending on the
outcome of that rulemaking. Any changes would be considered in a
separate rulemaking.
III. Procedural Issues and Regulatory Review
Review Under Executive Order 12866
Today's regulatory action is not a ``significant regulatory
action'' 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).
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 (IRFA) for
any rule that by law must be proposed for public comment, 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 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 rulemaking process. 68 FR 7990. DOE has made its
procedures and policies available on the Office of the General
Counsel's Web site (http://energy.gov/gc/office-general-counsel). DOE
has prepared the following IRFA for the products that are the subject
of this rulemaking.
For manufacturers of HVAC, WH, and refrigeration equipment, the
Small Business Administration (SBA) has set a size threshold, which
defines those entities classified as ``small businesses'' for the
purposes of the statute. DOE used the SBA's small business size
standards to determine whether any small entities would be subject to
the requirements of the rule. 65 FR 30848 (May 15, 2000), as amended at
65 FR 53533, 53544 (Sept. 5, 2000) and codified at 13 CFR part 121. The
size standards are listed by North American Industry Classification
System (NAICS) code and industry description and are available at
http://www.sba.gov/category/navigation-structure/contracting/contracting-officials/small-business-size-standards. Manufacturing of
HVAC and commercial refrigeration equipment is classified under NAICS
333415, ``Air-Conditioning and Warm Air Heating Equipment and
Commercial and Industrial Refrigeration Equipment Manufacturing.''The
SBA sets a threshold of 750 employees or less for an entity to be
considered as a small business for this category. Manufacturing of WH
equipment is classified under NAICS 333319, ``Other Commercial and
Service Industry Machinery Manufacturing,'' for which SBA also sets a
size threshold of 500 employees or fewer for being considered a small
business.
1. Description and Estimated Number of Small Entities Regulated
To estimate the number of companies that could be small business
manufacturers of equipment covered by this rulemaking, DOE conducted a
market survey using publicly available information. DOE's research
involved
[[Page 8895]]
industry trade association membership directories (including AHRI),
information from previous rulemakings, product directories (AHRI
Directory,\4\ the California Energy Commission Appliance Efficiency
Database \5\), individual company Web sites, and market research tools
(e.g., Dunn and Bradstreet reports \6\ and Hoovers reports \7\). DOE
used information from these sources to create a list of companies that
potentially manufacture commercial HVAC, WH, and refrigeration
equipment covered by this rulemaking. DOE screened out companies that
do not offer equipment covered by this rulemaking, do not meet the
definition of a ``small business,'' or are foreign owned and operated.
Based on these efforts, DOE estimates that there are 5 small business
manufacturers of all commercial HVAC equipment, 32 small business
manufacturers of commercial refrigeration equipment, and 9 small
business manufacturers of commercial WH equipment.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\4\ See www.ahridirectory.org/ahriDirectory/pages/home.aspx.
\5\ See http://www.energy.ca.gov/appliances/.
\6\ ``D&B [verbar] Business Information [verbar] Get Credit
Reports [verbar] 888 480-6007.''. Dun & Bradstreet (Available at:
www.dnb.com) (Last accessed October 10, 2011). See www.dnb.com/.
\7\ ``Hoovers [verbar] Company Information [verbar] Industry
Information [verbar] Lists.'' D&B (2013) (Available at: See http://www.hoovers.com/) (Last accessed December 12, 2012).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
2. Description and Estimate of Compliance Requirements
DOE entered into negotiations with commercial HVAC, water heating,
and refrigeration equipment manufacturers regarding the types of
information to submit when certifying their equipment and when that
certification must be made to the Department. The outcomes of the
negotiation resulted in slight changes to the information that DOE is
proposing to collect for commercial HVAC, WH, and refrigeration
equipment. The most notable of these proposals is that DOE has proposed
that manufacturers of commercial refrigeration equipment and some types
of commercial HVAC equipment must submit a PDF with specific testing
instructions to be used by the Department during verification and
enforcement testing. Manufacturers of water heating equipment and some
types of commercial HVAC equipment would have the option of submitting
a PDF with additional testing instructions at the manufacturer's
discretion. The proposals reflect the direct results of the
negotiations, without modification. By permitting manufacturers to
submit PDFs with additional testing instructions, individual
manufacturers will have a mechanism to provide the Department with
additional information necessary for testing each basic model.
In general, DOE is proposing to require manufacturers to submit a
certification report indicating that all basic models distributed in
commerce in the U.S. comply with the applicable standards using DOE's
testing procedures, as well as the necessary product specific
certification data describing the efficiency and characteristics of the
basic model. The certification reports would be submitted for each
basic model, either when the requirements go into effect (for models
already in distribution), or when the manufacturer begins distribution
of a particular basic model, and annually thereafter. Reports must be
updated when a new model is introduced or a change affecting energy
efficiency or use is made to an existing model resulting in a change in
the certified rating.
DOE currently requires manufacturers or their party representatives
to prepare and submit certification reports using DOE's electronic Web-
based tool, the Compliance and Certification Management System (CCMS),
which is the only mechanism for submitting certification reports to
DOE. CCMS currently has product specific templates that manufacturers
must use when submitting certification data to DOE. See http://www.regulations.doe.gov/ccms. This proposed rule would not change the
electronic submission requirement for commercial HVAC, WH, and
refrigeration equipment. DOE believes the availability of electronic
filing through the CCMS system reduces reporting burdens, streamlines
the process, and provides the Department with needed information in a
standardized, more accessible form. This electronic filing system also
ensures that records are recorded in a permanent, systematic way.
3. Duplication, Overlap, and Conflict With Other Rules and Regulations
DOE is not aware of any rules or regulations that duplicate,
overlap, or conflict with the rule being considered today.
4. Significant Alternatives to the Rule
This section considers alternatives to the proposals in today's
certification, compliance, and enforcement rulemaking. DOE has tried to
minimize the reporting burden as much as possible by: (1) Accepting
electronic submissions; (2) providing preformatted templates that lay
out the certification and compliance requirements for each product; and
(3) allowing manufacturers to group individual models into basic models
for the purposes of certification to reduce the number of discrete
models reported to the Department. DOE also notes that the Working
Group included representatives of small businesses and that this
proposal reflects the recommendations of that Working Group. DOE has
also made efforts to address the concerns of small businesses by
expanding the ability of manufacturers to use alternative efficiency
determination methods (AEDMs) in lieu of testing equipment. Further,
DOE is proposing the certification provisions set forth in this
rulemaking as negotiated by the Working Group for all manufacturers of
covered products and covered equipment that would be affected by this
proposal. DOE seeks input from businesses that would be affected by
this rulemaking and will consider comments received in the development
of any final rule.
Review Under the Paperwork Reduction Act
Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA) (44 U.S.C. 3501, et
seq.), Federal agencies must obtain approval from the Office of
Management and Budget (OMB) for each collection of information they
conduct, sponsor, or require through regulations. This proposal would
mandate that manufacturers and importers of covered commercial HVAC,
WH, and refrigeration equipment would need to certify to the Department
that the products they are distributing in commerce in the U.S. comply
with the applicable energy conservation standards.
In compliance with the PRA, DOE is seeking comment on this proposed
expansion of the existing information collection. As noted earlier in
the preamble, DOE negotiated these certification requirements with
interested parties in an effort to minimize the burden of the reporting
requirements, while providing DOE with important information about
equipment being sold.
Agency: U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).
OMB Control Number: OMB No. 1910-1400.
Information Collection Request Title: Certification Reports,
Compliance Statements, Application for a Test Procedure Waiver, and
Recordkeeping for Consumer Products and Commercial/Industrial Equipment
subject to Energy or Water Conservation Standards.
Type of Request: Revision and Expansion of an Existing Collection.
[[Page 8896]]
Requested Expiration Date of Approval: Three years from the date of
approval.
Purpose: Manufacturers of the covered products addressed in today's
NOPR will be required to certify to DOE that their equipment comply
with any applicable energy conservation standards. In certifying
compliance, manufacturers must test their equipment according to the
applicable DOE test procedures for the given equipment type, including
any amendments adopted for those test procedures, or use AEDMs to
develop the certified ratings of the basic models. The collection-of-
information requirement for the certification proposals is subject to
review and approval by OMB under the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA).
Once compliance with the certification requirements is required,
DOE is proposing to require that manufacturers certify: (1) New basic
models before distribution in commerce; (2) existing basic models,
whose certified rating remains valid, annually; (3) existing basic
models, whose designs have been altered resulting in a change in rating
that is more consumptive or less efficient, at the time the design
change is made; and (4) previously certified basic models that have
been discontinued annually. Respondents may submit reports to the
Department at any time during the year using DOE's online system.
The outcomes of the negotiation resulted in slight changes to the
information that DOE is proposing to collect for commercial HVAC, WH,
and refrigeration equipment. The most notable of these changes is that
DOE is proposing that manufacturers of commercial refrigeration
equipment and some types of commercial heating, ventilation, and air
conditioning (HVAC) equipment must submit a PDF with specific testing
instructions to be used by the Department during verification and
enforcement testing. Manufacturers of commercial water heating
equipment and some types of commercial HVAC equipment have the option
of submitting a PDF with additional testing instructions at the
manufacturer's discretion. The proposals reflect the direct results of
the negotiations, without modification.
DOE estimated that it will take each respondent approximately 30
hours total per company per year to comply with the certification
requirements based on 20 hours of technician/technical work and 10
hours clerical work to submit the CCMS templates. For the purposes of
estimating burden, DOE assumed that each respondent will submit
approximately 10 CCMS templates during the course of the year, which is
encompassed by the 30 hours total per company per year estimate. DOE
recognizes that a respondent may submit a minimum of 1 report per year,
whereas other respondents may submit one weekly. DOE estimates the
burden for this rule as follows:
(1) Annual Estimated Number of Respondents: 100;
(2) Annual Estimated Number of Total Responses: 1,000;
(3) Annual Estimated Number of Burden Hours: 30,000 (14 hours for
certification reports, compliance statements, and recordkeeping; 16
hours for testing pdfs);
(4) Annual Estimated Reporting and Recordkeeping Cost Burden:
$300,000.
Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed collection of
information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of
the agency, including whether the information shall have practical
utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the
proposed collection of information, including the validity of the
methodology and assumptions used; (c) ways to enhance the quality,
utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) ways
to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents,
including through the use of automated collection techniques or other
forms of information technology.
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.
Review Under the National Environmental Policy Act
DOE has determined that this proposed 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
proposed rule would adopt changes to the manner in which certain
covered equipment would be certified, which would not affect the
amount, quality or distribution of energy usage, and, therefore, would
not result in any environmental impacts. Thus, this rulemaking is
covered by Categorical Exclusion A6 under 10 CFR part 1021, subpart D.
Accordingly, neither an environmental assessment nor an environmental
impact statement is required.
Review Under Executive Order 13132
Executive Order 13132, ``Federalism,'' 64 FR 43255 (August 4, 1999)
imposes certain requirements on 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
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.
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. 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
[[Page 8897]]
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.
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. Pub. L. No. 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 to permit timely input by
elected officers of State, local, and Tribal governments on a proposed
``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; 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 of $100 million or more in any year, so these
requirements do not apply.
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 proposal 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.
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 proposed regulation
would not result in any takings that might require compensation under
the Fifth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
Review Under the 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 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.
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 OMB,
a Statement of Energy Effects for any proposed significant energy
action. A ``significant energy action'' is defined as any action by an
agency that promulgated 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 give 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.
Today's proposal to amend the certification requirements for
commercial HVAC, WH, and refrigeration equipment is not a significant
regulatory action under Executive Order 12866. Moreover, it would not
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. Therefore, it is not a significant energy
action, and, accordingly, DOE has not prepared a Statement of Energy
Effects.
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; 42 U.S.C. 7101), DOE must comply with section 32 of the
Federal Energy Administration Act of 1974, as amended by the Federal
Energy Administration Authorization Act of 1977. (15 U.S.C. 788; FEAA)
Section 32 essentially 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. Today's proposal to amend the certification requirements
for all covered consumer products and commercial equipment does not
propose the use of any commercial standards.
IV. Public Participation
Submission of Comments
DOE will accept comments, data, and information regarding the
proposed rule no later than the date provided at the beginning of this
notice of proposed rulemaking. Comments, data, and information
submitted to DOE's email address for this rulemaking should be provided
in WordPerfect, Microsoft Word, PDF, or text (ASCII) file format.
Interested parties should avoid the use of special characters or any
form of encryption, and wherever possible, comments should include the
electronic signature of the author. Absent an electronic signature,
comments submitted electronically must be followed and authenticated by
submitting a signed original paper document to the address provided at
the beginning of this notice of proposed rulemaking. Comments, data,
and information submitted to DOE via mail or hand delivery/courier
should include one signed original paper copy. No telefacsimiles
(faxes) will be accepted.
[[Page 8898]]
According to 10 CFR 1004.11, any person submitting information that
he or she believes to be confidential and exempt by law from public
disclosure should submit two copies: One copy of the document including
all the information believed to be confidential and one copy of the
document with the information believed to be confidential deleted. DOE
will make its own determination as to 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) a date upon which such information might lose
its confidential nature due to the passage of time, and (7) why
disclosure of the information would be contrary to the public interest.
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) DOE requests comment on the proposal to include ``engineered-
to-order'' as a basic model classification and to limit the use of this
classification to ensure that it cannot be used for more than one
annual certification cycle. Additionally, DOE requests comment on its
proposed definition of ``engineered-to-order.''
(2) DOE requests comment on its proposal to modify the general
certification requirements by adding customer-specified model numbers,
an engineered-to-order classification option, and the name of the AEDM
used, if applicable, and changing the sample size specified when using
an AEDM.
(3) DOE requests comment on the specific certification requirements
proposed in Table II.2, Table II.3, Table II.4, and Table II.5.
V. Approval of the Office of the Secretary
The Secretary of Energy has approved publication of today's NOPR.
List of Subjects in 10 CFR Part 429
Administrative practice and procedure, Confidential business
information, Energy conservation, Reporting and recordkeeping
requirements.
Issued in Washington, DC, on February 7, 2014.
Kathleen B. Hogan,
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency, Energy Efficiency and
Renewable Energy.
For the reasons set forth in the preamble, DOE proposes to amend
part 429 of chapter II, subchapter D, of title 10 of the Code of
Federal Regulations, as set forth below:
PART 429--CERTIFICATION, COMPLIANCE AND ENFORCEMENT FOR CONSUMER
PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT
0
1. The authority citation for part 429 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 42 U.S.C. 6291-6317.
0
2. Section 429.2 is amended by adding, in alphabetical order, the
definition for ``engineered-to-order'' to read as follows:
Sec. 429.2 Definitions.
* * * * *
Engineered-to-order means a basic model of commercial water heating
equipment, commercial packaged boiler, commercial HVAC equipment, or
commercial refrigeration equipment that is not listed in any catalogs
or marketing literature and is designed and built to specific customer
requirements. A unit of an engineered-to-order basic model is not
offered as a set of options (e.g., configure-to-order, menu-system).
* * * * *
0
3. Section 429.7 is amended by revising paragraph (a), redesignating
paragraphs (b) and (c) as paragraphs (c) and (d), respectively, and
adding new paragraph (b) to read as follows:
Sec. 429.7 Confidentiality.
(a) The following records are not exempt from public disclosure:
The product or equipment type, the product or equipment class, the
private labeler name, the brand name, the applicable model number(s)
unless it means the criteria specified in paragraph (b) of this
section, the energy or water rating submitted by manufacturers to DOE
pursuant to Sec. 429.12(b)(13), whether the certification was based on
a test procedure waiver and the date of such waiver, and whether the
certification was based on exception relief from the Office of Hearing
and Appeals and the date of such relief.
(b) An individual manufacturer model number is public information
unless it is:
(1) A unique model number of a commercial packaged boiler,
commercial water heating equipment, commercial HVAC equipment or
commercial refrigeration equipment that was developed for an individual
customer,
(2) Not displayed on product literature, and
(3) The manufacturer treats the model number as confidential
business information--in which case, the manufacturer may identify the
individual manufacturer model number as a private model number on a
certification report submitted pursuant to Sec. 429.12(b)(6).
* * * * *
0
4. Section 429.12 is amended by revising paragraph (b) to read as
follows:
Sec. 429.12 General requirements applicable to certification reports.
* * * * *
(b) Certification report. A certification report shall include a
compliance statement (see paragraph (c) of this section), and for each
basic model, the information listed in this paragraph (b).
(1) Product or equipment type;
(2) Product or equipment class (as denoted in the provisions of
part 430 or 431 containing the applicable energy conservation
standard);
(3) Manufacturer's name and address;
(4) Private labeler's name(s) and address(es) (if applicable);
(5) Brand name;
(6) For each brand, the basic model number and the individual
manufacturer model number(s) in that basic model with the following
exceptions: For external power supplies that are certified based on
design families, the design family model number and the individual
manufacturer's model numbers covered by that design family must be
submitted for each brand. For walk-in coolers, the basic model number
for each brand must be submitted. For distribution transformers, the
basic model number or kVA grouping model number (depending on the
certification method) for each brand must be submitted. For commercial
HVAC, WH, and refrigeration equipment, an individual manufacturer model
number may be identified as a ``private model number'' if it meets the
requirements of Sec. 429.7(b).
(7) Whether the submission is for a new model, a discontinued
model, a correction to a previously submitted
[[Page 8899]]
model, data on a carryover model, or a model that has been found in
violation of a voluntary industry certification program;
(8) The test sample size (i.e., number of units tested for each
basic model). Manufacturers must enter ``0'' if an AEDM was used in
lieu of testing;
(9) The certifying party's U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
importer identification numbers assigned by CBP pursuant to 19 CFR
24.5, if applicable;
(10) Whether certification is based upon any waiver of test
procedure requirements under Sec. 430.27 or Sec. 431.401 of this
chapter and the date of such waiver(s);
(11) Whether certification is based upon any exception relief from
an applicable energy conservation standard and the date such relief was
issued by DOE's Office of Hearings and Appeals;
(12) If the test sample size is listed as ``0'' to indicate the
certification is based upon the use of an alternate way of determining
measures of energy conservation, identify the method used for
determining measures of energy conservation (such as ``AEDM'', ``ARM''
or ``linear interpolation'') and the approval date, if applicable, of
any such alternate rating, testing, or efficiency determination method.
Manufacturers of commercial packaged boilers, commercial water heating
equipment, commercial refrigeration equipment and commercial HVAC
equipment, must provide the manufacturer's designation (name or other
identifier) of the AEDM used; and
(13) Product specific information listed in Sec. Sec. 429.14
through 429.54.
* * * * *
0
5. Revise Sec. 429.41 to read as follows:
Sec. 429.41 Commercial warm air furnaces.
(a) Determination of represented value. Manufacturers must
determine the represented value, which includes the certified rating,
for each basic model of commercial warm air furnace either by testing,
in conjunction with the applicable sampling provisions, or by applying
an AEDM.
(1) Units to be tested. (i) If the represented value is determined
through testing, the general requirements of Sec. 429.11 are
applicable; and
(ii) For each basic model selected for testing, a sample of
sufficient size shall be randomly selected and tested to ensure that--
(A) Any represented value of energy consumption or other measure of
energy use of a basic model for which consumers would favor lower
values shall be greater than or equal to the higher of:
(1) The mean of the sample, where:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP14FE14.000
and, x is the sample mean; n is the number of samples; and
xi is the ith sample; Or,
(2) The upper 95 percent confidence limit (UCL) of the true mean
divided by 1.05, where:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP14FE14.001
And x is the sample mean; s is the sample standard deviation; n is
the number of samples; and t0.95 is the t statistic for a
95% one-tailed confidence interval with n-1 degrees of freedom (from
Appendix A to subpart B of part 429). And,
(B) Any represented value of energy efficiency or other measure of
energy consumption of a basic model for which consumers would favor
higher values shall be less than or equal to the lower of:
(1) The mean of the sample, where:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP14FE14.002
and, x is the sample mean; n is the number of samples; and
xi is the i\th\ sample; Or,
(2) The lower 95 percent confidence limit (LCL) of the true mean
divided by 0.95, where:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP14FE14.003
And x is the sample mean; s is the sample standard deviation; n is the
number of samples; and t0.95 is the t statistic for a 95%
one-tailed confidence interval with n-1 degrees of freedom (from
Appendix A to subpart B of part 429).
(2) Alternative efficiency determination methods. In lieu of
testing, a represented value of efficiency or consumption for a basic
model of commercial warm air furnace must be determined through the
application of an AEDM pursuant to the requirements of Sec. 429.70 and
the provisions of this section, where:
(i) Any represented value of energy consumption or other measure of
energy use of a basic model for which consumers would favor lower
values shall be greater than or equal to the output of the AEDM and
less than or equal to the Federal standard for that basic model; and
(ii) Any represented value of energy efficiency or other measure of
energy consumption of a basic model for which consumers would favor
higher values shall be less than or equal to the output of the AEDM and
greater than or equal to the Federal standard for that basic model.
(b) Certification reports. (1) The requirements of Sec. 429.12 are
applicable to commercial warm air furnaces; and
(2) Pursuant to Sec. 429.12(b)(13), a certification report must
include the following public, product-specific information: The thermal
efficiency in percent (%), and the maximum rated input capacity in
British thermal units per hour (Btu/h).
(3) Pursuant to Sec. 429.12(b)(13), a certification report must
include the following additional product-specific information:
(i) Whether the basic model is engineered-to-order; and
(ii) For any basic model rated with an AEDM, whether the
manufacturer elects the witness test option for verification testing.
(See Sec. 429.70(c)(5)(iii) for options). However, the manufacturer
may not select more than 10% of AEDM-rated basic models.
(4) Pursuant to Sec. 429.12(b)(13), a certification report may
include supplemental testing instructions in PDF format. A manufacturer
may also include with a certification report other supplementary items
in PDF format (e.g., manuals) for DOE consideration in performing
testing under subpart C of this part.
0
6. Section 429.42 is amended by:
0
a. Removing ``can'' from paragraph (a) introductory text and adding
``must'' in its place; and
0
b. Revising paragraph (b) to read as follows:
Sec. 429.42 Commercial refrigerators, freezers, and refrigerator-
freezers.
* * * * *
(b) Certification reports. (1) The requirements of Sec. 429.12 are
applicable to commercial refrigerators, freezers, and refrigerator-
freezers; and
(2) Pursuant to Sec. 429.12(b)(13), a certification report must
include the following public, product-specific information:
(i) The daily energy consumption in kilowatt hours per day (kWh/
day);
(ii) The rating temperature (e.g. lowest product application
temperature, if applicable) in degrees Fahrenheit ([deg]F); and
(iii) The chilled or frozen compartment volume in cubic feet
(ft\3\), the adjusted volume in cubic feet (ft\3\), or the total
display area (TDA) in feet squared (ft\2\) (as appropriate for the
equipment class).
(3) Pursuant to Sec. 429.12(b)(13), a certification report must
include the
[[Page 8900]]
following additional, product-specific information:
(i) Whether the basic model is engineered-to-order; and
(ii) For any basic model rated with an AEDM, whether the
manufacturer elects the witness test option for verification testing.
(See Sec. 429.70(c)(5)(iii) for options). However, the manufacturer
may not select more than 10% of AEDM-rated basic models.
(4) Pursuant to Sec. 429.12(b)(13), a certification report must
include supplemental information submitted in PDF format. The product-
specific, supplemental information must include testing instructions
(e.g., charging instructions); and which, if any, special features were
included in rating the basic model. A manufacturer may also include
with a certification report other supplementary items in PDF format
(e.g., manuals) for DOE consideration in performing testing under
subpart C of this part.
0
7. Section 429.43 is amended by:
0
a. Removing ``can'' from paragraph (a) introductory text and adding
``must'' in its place; and
0
b. Revising paragraph (b) to read as follows:
Sec. 429.43 Commercial heating, ventilating, air conditioning (HVAC)
equipment.
* * * * *
(b) Certification reports. (1) The requirements of Sec. 429.12 are
applicable to commercial HVAC equipment; and
(2) Pursuant to Sec. 429.12(b)(13), a certification report must
include the following public product-specific information:
(i) Commercial package air-conditioning and heating equipment
(except commercial package air conditioning and heating equipment that
is air-cooled with a cooling capacity less than 65,000 Btu/h): The
energy efficiency ratio (EER in British thermal units per Watt-hour
(Btu/Wh)), the coefficient of performance (COP) (as applicable), the
rated cooling capacity in British thermal units per hour (Btu/h), and
the type(s) of heating used by the basic model (e.g., electric, gas,
hydronic, none).
(ii) Commercial package air conditioning and heating equipment that
is air-cooled with a cooling capacity less than 65,000 Btu/h (3-Phase):
The seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER in British thermal units per
Watt-hour (Btu/Wh)), the heating seasonal performance factor (HSPF in
British thermal units per Watt-hour (Btu/Wh)) (as applicable), and the
rated cooling capacity in British thermal units per hour (Btu/h).
(iii) Package terminal air conditioners: The energy efficiency
ratio (EER in British thermal units per Watt-hour (Btu/Wh)), the rated
cooling capacity in British thermal units per hour (Btu/h), and the
wall sleeve dimensions in inches (in).
(iv) Package terminal heat pumps: The energy efficiency ratio (EER
in British thermal units per Watt-hour (Btu/W-h)), the coefficient of
performance (COP), the rated cooling capacity in British thermal units
per hour (Btu/h), and the wall sleeve dimensions in inches (in).
(v) Single package vertical air conditioners: The energy efficiency
ratio (EER in British thermal units per Watt-hour (Btu/Wh)) and the
rated cooling capacity in British thermal units per hour (Btu/h).
(vi) Single package vertical heat pumps: The energy efficiency
ratio (EER in British thermal units per Watt-hour (Btu/Wh)), the
coefficient of performance (COP), and the rated cooling capacity in
British thermal units per hour (Btu/h).
(vii) Variable refrigerant flow multi-split air conditioners and
heat pumps with rated cooling capacity less than 65,000 Btu/h: The
seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER in British thermal units per
Watt-hour (Btu/Wh)), the heating seasonal performance factor (HSPF in
British thermal units per Watt-hour (Btu/Wh)) (as applicable), and
rated cooling capacity in British thermal units per hour (Btu/h).
(viii) Variable refrigerant flow multi-split air conditioners and
heat pumps with rated cooling capacity greater than or equal to 65,000
Btu/h: The energy efficiency ratio (EER in British thermal units per
Watt-hour (Btu/Wh)), the coefficient of performance (COP) (as
applicable), rated cooling capacity in British thermal units per hour
(Btu/h), and the type(s) of heating used by the basic model (e.g.,
electric, gas, hydronic, none).
(ix) Water source variable refrigerant flow heat pumps (all rated
cooling capacities): The energy efficiency ratio (EER in British
thermal units per Watt-hour (Btu/Wh)), the coefficient of performance
(COP), rated cooling capacity in British thermal units per hour (Btu/
h), and the type(s) of heating used by the basic model (e.g., electric,
gas, hydronic, none).
(x) Computer room air-conditioners: The net sensible cooling
capacity in British thermal units per hour (Btu/h), the net cooling
capacity in British thermal units per hour (Btu/h), the configuration
(upflow/downflow), economizer presence (yes or no), condenser medium
(air, water, or glycol-cooled), sensible coefficient of performance
(SCOP), and rated airflow in standard cubic feet per minute (SCFM).
(xi) Water source heat pumps (other than variable refrigerant
flow): The energy efficiency ratio (EER in British thermal units per
Watt-hour (Btu/Wh)), the coefficient of performance (COP), the rated
cooling capacity in British thermal units per hour (Btu/h), and the
type(s) of heating used by the basic model (e.g., electric, gas,
hydronic, none).
(3) Pursuant to Sec. 429.12(b)(13), a certification report must
include the following additional product-specific information:
(i) Whether the basic model is engineered-to-order; and
(ii) For any basic model rated with an AEDM, whether the
manufacturer elects the witness test option for verification testing.
(See Sec. 429.70(c)(5)(iii) for options). However, the manufacturer
may not select more than 10% of AEDM-rated basic models.
(4) Pursuant to Sec. 429.12(b)(13), a certification report must
include supplemental information submitted in PDF format. A
manufacturer may also include with a certification report other
supplementary items in PDF format (e.g., manuals) for DOE consideration
in performing testing under subpart C of this part. The product-
specific, supplemental information must include at least the following:
(i) Commercial package air-conditioning and heating equipment
(except commercial package air conditioning and heating equipment that
is air-cooled with a cooling capacity less than 65,000 Btu/h): The
nominal cooling capacity in British thermal units per hour (Btu/h);
rated heating capacity in British thermal units per hour (Btu/h), if
applicable; rated airflow in standard cubic feet per minute (SCFM) for
each fan coil; water flow rate in gallons per minute (gpm) for water
cooled units only; rated static pressure in inches of water;
refrigeration charging instructions (e.g., refrigerant charge,
superheat and/or subcooling temperatures); frequency or control set
points for variable speed components (e.g., compressors, VFDs);
required dip switch/control settings for step or variable components;
statement whether the model will operate at test conditions without
manufacturer programming; any additional testing instructions if
applicable; if a variety of motors/drive kits are offered for sale as
options in the basic model to account for varying installation
requirements, the model number and specifications of the motor (to
include efficiency, horsepower, open/closed, and number of poles) and
[[Page 8901]]
the drive kit, including settings, associated with that specific motor
that were used to determine the certified rating; and which, if any,
special features were included in rating the basic model.
(ii) Commercial package air conditioning and heating equipment that
is air-cooled with a cooling capacity less than 65,000 Btu/h (3-phase):
The nominal cooling capacity in British thermal units per hour (Btu/h);
rated heating capacity in British thermal units per hour (Btu/h), if
applicable; rated airflow in standard cubic feet per minute (SCFM) for
each fan coil; rated static pressure in inches of water; refrigeration
charging instructions (e.g., refrigerant charge, superheat and/or
subcooling temperatures); frequency or control set points for variable
speed components (e.g., compressors, VFDs); required dip switch/control
settings for step or variable components; statement whether the model
will operate at test conditions without manufacturer programming; any
additional testing instructions if applicable; if a variety of motors/
drive kits are offered for sale as options in the basic model to
account for varying installation requirements, the model number and
specifications of the motor (to include efficiency, horsepower, open/
closed, and number of poles) and the drive kit, including settings,
associated with that specific motor that were used to determine the
certified rating; and which, if any, special features were included in
rating the basic model.
(iii) Variable refrigerant flow multi-split air conditioners and
heat pumps with cooling capacity less than 65,000 Btu/h: The nominal
cooling capacity in British thermal units per hour (Btu/h); rated
heating capacity in British thermal units per hour (Btu/h), if
applicable; outdoor unit(s) and indoor units identified in the tested
combination; components needed for heat recovery, if applicable; rated
airflow in standard cubic feet per minute (SCFM) for each indoor unit;
water flow rate in gallons per minute (gpm) for water-cooled units
only; rated static pressure in inches of water; compressor frequency
set points; required dip switch/control settings for step or variable
components; statement whether the model will operate at test conditions
without manufacturer programming; any additional testing instructions
if applicable; if a variety of motors/drive kits are offered for sale
as options in the basic model to account for varying installation
requirements, the model number and specifications of the motor (to
include efficiency, horsepower, open/closed, and number of poles) and
the drive kit, including settings, associated with that specific motor
that were used to determine the certified rating; and which, if any,
special features were included in rating the basic model. Additionally,
upon DOE request, the manufacturer must provide a layout of the system
set-up for testing including charging instructions consistent with the
installation manual.
(iv) Variable refrigerant flow multi-split air conditioners and
heat pumps with cooling capacity greater than or equal to 65,000 Btu/h:
The nominal cooling capacity in British thermal units per hour (Btu/h);
rated heating capacity in British thermal units per hour (Btu/h), if
applicable; outdoor unit(s) and indoor units identified in the tested
combination; components needed for heat recovery, if applicable; rated
airflow in standard cubic feet per minute (SCFM) for each indoor unit;
water flow rate in gallons per minute (gpm) for water-cooled units
only; rated static pressure in inches of water; compressor frequency
set points; required dip switch/control settings for step or variable
components; statement whether the model will operate at test conditions
without manufacturer programming; any additional testing instructions
if applicable; if a variety of motors/drive kits are offered for sale
as options in the basic model to account for varying installation
requirements, the model number and specifications of the motor (to
include efficiency, horsepower, open/closed, and number of poles) and
the drive kit, including settings, associated with that specific motor
that were used to determine the certified rating; and which, if any,
special features were included in rating the basic model. Additionally,
upon DOE request, the manufacturer must provide a layout of the system
set-up for testing including charging instructions consistent with the
installation manual.
(v) Water source variable refrigerant flow heat pumps: The nominal
cooling capacity in British thermal units per hour (Btu/h); rated
heating capacity in British thermal units per hour (Btu/h); rated
airflow in standard cubic feet per minute (SCFM) for each indoor unit;
water flow rate in gallons per minute (gpm); rated static pressure in
inches of water; refrigeration charging instructions (e.g., refrigerant
charge, superheat and/or subcooling temperatures); frequency set points
for variable speed components (e.g., compressors, VFDs), including the
required dip switch/control settings for step or variable components;
statement whether the model will operate at test conditions without
manufacturer programming; any additional testing instructions if
applicable; if a variety of motors/drive kits are offered for sale as
options in the basic model to account for varying installation
requirements, the model number and specifications of the motor (to
include efficiency, horsepower, open/closed, and number of poles) and
the drive kit, including settings, associated with that specific motor
that were used to determine the certified rating; and which, if any,
special features were included in rating the basic model. Additionally,
upon DOE request, the manufacturer must provide a layout of the system
set-up for testing including charging instructions consistent with
installation manual.
(vi) Water source heat pumps: The nominal cooling capacity in
British thermal units per hour (Btu/h); rated heating capacity in
British thermal units per hour (Btu/h); rated airflow in standard cubic
feet per minute (SCFM) for each indoor unit; water flow rate in gallons
per minute (gpm); rated static pressure in inches of water; refrigerant
charging instructions, (e.g., refrigerant charge, superheat and/or
subcooling temperatures); frequency set points for variable speed
components (e.g., compressors, VFDs), including the required dip
switch/control settings for step or variable components; statement
whether the model will operate at test conditions without manufacturer
programming; any additional testing instructions if applicable; if a
variety of motors/drive kits are offered for sale as options in the
basic model to account for varying installation requirements, the model
number and specifications of the motor (to include efficiency,
horsepower, open/closed, and number of poles) and the drive kit,
including settings, associated with that specific motor that were used
to determine the certified rating; and which, if any, special features
were included in rating the basic model.
(vii) Single package vertical air conditioners and single package
vertical heat pumps: Any additional testing instructions, if
applicable; if a variety of motors/drive kits are offered for sale as
options in the basic model to account for varying installation
requirements, the model number and specifications of the motor (to
include efficiency, horsepower, open/closed, and number of poles) and
the drive kit, including settings, associated with that specific motor
that were used to determine the certified rating; and which, if any,
special features were included in rating the basic model.
(viii) Computer room air-conditioners: Any additional testing
instructions, if applicable; and which, if any, special features were
included in rating the basic model.
[[Page 8902]]
(ix) Package terminal air conditioners and package terminal heat
pumps: Any additional testing instructions, if applicable.
* * * * *
0
8. Section 429.44 is amended by:
0
a. Removing ``can'' in paragraph (a) introductory text and adding
``must'' in its place; and
0
b. Revising paragraph (b) to read as follows:
Sec. 429.44 Commercial water heating equipment.
* * * * *
(b) Certification reports. (1) The requirements of Sec. 429.12 are
applicable to commercial WH equipment; and
(2) Pursuant to Sec. 429.12(b)(13), a certification report must
include the following public product-specific information:
(i) Commercial electric storage water heaters: The maximum standby
loss in percent per hour (%/hr) and the measured storage volume in
gallons (gal).
(ii) Commercial gas-fired and oil-fired storage water heaters: The
thermal efficiency in percent (%), the maximum standby loss in British
thermal units per hour (Btu/h), the rated storage volume in gallons
(gal), and the nameplate input rate in British thermal units per hour
(Btu/h).
(iii) Commercial water heaters and hot water supply boilers with
storage capacity greater than 140 gallons: The thermal efficiency in
percent (%), whether the storage volume is greater than 140 gallons
(Yes/No); whether the tank surface area is insulated with at least R-
12.5 (Yes/No); whether a standing pilot light is used (Yes/No); for gas
or oil-fired water heaters, whether the basic model has a fire damper
or fan assisted combustion (Yes/No); and, if applicable pursuant to 10
CFR 431.110, maximum standby loss in British thermal units per hour
(Btu/h) and measured storage volume in gallons (gal).
(iv) Commercial gas-fired and oil-fired instantaneous water heaters
greater than or equal to 10 gallons and gas-fired and oil-fired hot
water supply boilers greater than or equal to 10 gallons: The thermal
efficiency in percent (%), the maximum standby loss in British thermal
units per hour (Btu/h), the rated storage volume in gallons (gal), and
the nameplate input rate in Btu/h.
(v) Commercial gas-fired and oil-fired instantaneous water heaters
less than 10 gallons and gas-fired and oil-fired hot water supply
boilers less than 10 gallons: The thermal efficiency in percent (%) and
the rated storage volume in gallons (g).
(vi) Commercial unfired hot water storage tanks: The thermal
insulation (i.e., R-value) and stored volume in gallons (gal).
(3) Pursuant to Sec. 429.12(b)(13), a certification report must
include the following additional, product-specific information:
(i) Whether the basic model is engineered-to-order; and
(ii) For any basic model rated with an AEDM, whether the
manufacturer elects the witness test option for verification testing.
(See Sec. 429.70(c)(5)(iii) for options). However, the manufacturer
may not select more than 10% of AEDM-rated basic models.
(4) Pursuant to Sec. 429.12(b)(13), a certification report may
include supplemental testing instructions in PDF format. A manufacturer
may also include with a certification report other supplementary items
in PDF format (e.g., manuals) for DOE consideration in performing
testing under subpart C of this part.
* * * * *
0
9. Add Sec. 429.60 to read as follows:
Sec. 429.60 Commercial packaged boilers.
(a) Determination of represented value. Manufacturers must
determine the represented value, which includes the certified rating,
for each basic model of commercial packaged boilers either by testing,
in conjunction with the applicable sampling provisions, or by applying
an AEDM.
(1) Units to be tested. (i) If the represented value is determined
through testing, the general requirements of Sec. 429.11 are
applicable; and
(ii) For each basic model selected for testing, a sample of
sufficient size shall be randomly selected and tested to ensure that--
(A) Any represented value of energy consumption or other measure of
energy use of a basic model for which consumers would favor lower
values shall be greater than or equal to the higher of:
(1) The mean of the sample, where:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP14FE14.004
and, x is the sample mean; n is the number of samples; and
xi is the ith sample; Or,
(2) The upper 95 percent confidence limit (UCL) of the true mean
divided by 1.05, where:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP14FE14.005
And x is the sample mean; s is the sample standard deviation; n is the
number of samples; and t0.95 is the t statistic for a 95%
one-tailed confidence interval with n-1 degrees of freedom (from
Appendix A to subpart B of part 429). And,
(B) Any represented value of energy efficiency or other measure of
energy consumption of a basic model for which consumers would favor
higher values shall be less than or equal to the lower of:
(1) The mean of the sample, where:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP14FE14.006
and, x is the sample mean; n is the number of samples; and
xi is the ith sample; Or,
(2) The lower 95 percent confidence limit (LCL) of the true mean
divided by 0.95, where:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP14FE14.007
And x is the sample mean; s is the sample standard deviation; n is the
number of samples; and t0.95 is the t statistic for a 95%
one-tailed confidence interval with n-1 degrees of freedom (from
Appendix A to subpart B of part 429).
(2) Alternative efficiency determination methods. In lieu of
testing, a represented value of efficiency or consumption for a basic
model of commercial packaged boiler must be determined through the
application of an AEDM pursuant to the requirements of Sec. 429.70 and
the provisions of this section, where:
(i) Any represented value of energy consumption or other measure of
energy use of a basic model for which consumers would favor lower
values shall be greater than or equal to the output of the AEDM and
less than or equal to the Federal standard for that basic model; and
(ii) Any represented value of energy efficiency or other measure of
energy consumption of a basic model for which consumers would favor
higher values shall be less than or equal to the output of the AEDM and
greater than or equal to the Federal standard for that basic model.
(b) Certification reports. (1) The requirements of Sec. 429.12 are
applicable to commercial packaged boilers; and
(2) Pursuant to Sec. 429.12(b)(13), a certification report must
include the following public product-specific information: The
combustion efficiency in percent (%) or the thermal efficiency in
percent (%), as required in Sec. 431.87 of this chapter; and the
maximum rated
[[Page 8903]]
input capacity in British thermal units per hour (Btu/h).
(3) Pursuant to Sec. 429.12(b)(13), a certification report must
include the following additional product-specific information:
(i) Whether the basic model is engineered-to-order; and
(ii) For any basic model rated with an AEDM, whether the
manufacturer elects the witness test option for verification testing.
(See Sec. 429.70(c)(5)(iii) for options). However, the manufacturer
may not select more than 10% of AEDM-rated basic models.
(4) Pursuant to Sec. 429.12(b)(13), a certification report may
include supplemental testing instructions in PDF format. A manufacturer
may also include with a certification report other supplementary items
in PDF format (e.g., manuals) for DOE consideration in performing
testing under subpart C of this part.
(c) Alternative methods for determining efficiency or energy use
for commercial packaged boilers can be found in Sec. 429.70.
0
10. Section 429.70 is amended by revising the heading of paragraph (c)
to read as follows:
Sec. 429.70 Alternative methods for determining energy efficiency and
energy use.
* * * * *
(c) Alternative efficiency determination method (AEDM) for
commercial HVAC (includes commercial warm air furnaces and commercial
packaged boilers), WH, and refrigeration equipment-- * * *
* * * * *
[FR Doc. 2014-03103 Filed 2-13-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6450-01-P