[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 23 (Wednesday, February 4, 2015)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 5994-6016]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-02204]
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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. 80, No. 23 / Wednesday, February 4, 2015 /
Proposed Rules
[[Page 5994]]
DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
10 CFR Parts 429 and 430
[Docket No. EERE-2014-BT-TP-0010]
RIN 1904-AC80
Energy Conservation Program: Test Procedures for Dehumidifiers
AGENCY: Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Department of
Energy.
ACTION: Supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking.
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SUMMARY: The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) proposes to amend the test
procedure proposals presented in a notice of proposed rulemaking
(NOPR), published on May 21, 2014. The proposed revisions include
modifications to the whole-home dehumidifier test setup and conduct,
and revisions to the measurement of energy use in fan-only operation
first proposed in the May 2014 NOPR. DOE also introduces a methodology
to determine whole-home dehumidifier case volume, clarifies the
equations used to calculate corrected relative humidity and capacity
for portable and whole-home dehumidifiers, and provides additional
technical corrections and clarifications. The additional proposals are
to be combined with the initial proposals from May 2014.
DATES: DOE will accept comments, data, and information regarding this
supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (SNOPR) submitted no later
than March 6, 2015. See Section V, ``Public Participation,'' for
details.
ADDRESSES: Any comments submitted must identify the SNOPR for Test
Procedures for Dehumidifiers, and provide docket number EE-2014-BT-TP-
0010 and/or regulatory information number (RIN) number 1904-AC80.
Comments may be submitted using any of the following methods:
1. Federal eRulemaking Portal: www.regulations.gov. Follow the
instructions for submitting comments.
2. Email: [email protected]. Include the docket
number and/or RIN in the subject line of the message.
3. Mail: Ms. Brenda Edwards, U.S. Department of Energy, Building
Technologies Office, Mailstop EE-5B, 1000 Independence Avenue SW.,
Washington, DC 20585-0121. If possible, please submit all items on a
CD, in which case it is not necessary to include printed copies.
4. Hand Delivery/Courier: Ms. Brenda Edwards, U.S. Department of
Energy, Building Technologies Office, 950 L'Enfant Plaza SW., Suite
600, Washington, DC 20024. Telephone: (202) 586-2945. If possible,
please submit all items on a CD, in which case it is not necessary to
include printed copies.
For detailed instructions on submitting comments and additional
information on the rulemaking process, see Section V of this document
(Public Participation).
Docket: The docket, which includes Federal Register notices, public
meeting attendee lists and transcripts, comments, and other supporting
documents/materials, is available for review at www.regulations.gov.
All documents in the docket are listed in the www.regulations.gov
index. However, some documents listed in the index, such as those
containing information that is exempt from public disclosure, may not
be publicly available. A link to the docket Web page can be found at:
http://www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/appliance_standards/rulemaking.aspx?ruleid=95. This Web page contains a link to the docket
for this notice on the www.regulations.gov site. The
www.regulations.gov Web page contains instructions on how to access all
documents, including public comments, in the docket. See Section V,
``Public Participation,'' for information on how to submit comments
through www.regulations.gov.
For further information on how to submit a comment or review other
public comments and the docket, contact Ms. Brenda Edwards at (202)
586-2945 or by email: [email protected].
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Mr. Bryan Berringer, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy
Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Building Technologies, EE-5B, 1000
Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20585-0121. Telephone: (202)
586-0371. Email: [email protected].
Mr. Peter Cochran, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of the General
Counsel, GC-33, 1000 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20585-
0121. Telephone: (202) 586-9496. Email: [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Incorporated by Reference
DOE intends to incorporate by reference the following industry
standards into 10 CFR part 430:
(1) Standard Method for Temperature Measurement, American National
Standards Institute (ANSI)/American Society of Heating, Refrigerating,
and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) Standard 41.1-2013 and
Laboratory Methods of Testing Fans for Certified Aerodynamic
Performance Rating, ANSI/Air Movement and Control Association (AMCA)
210-07.
Copies of ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 41.1-2013 can be obtained from the
American National Standards Institute 25 W 43rd Street 4th Floor, New
York, NY 10036, or by going to http://webstore.ansi.org/RecordDetail.aspx?sku=ANSI%2FASHRAE+Standard+41.1-2013.
(2) Laboratory Methods of Testing Fans for Certified Aerodynamic
Performance Rating, ANSI/Air Movement and Control Association (AMCA)
210-07.
Copies of ANSI/AMCA 210-07 can be obtained from the Air Movement
and Control Association International, Inc. 30 West University Drive,
Arlington Heights, IL 60004, or by going to http://www.amca.org/store/item.aspx?ItemId=81.
Table of Contents
I. Authority and Background
II. Summary of the Supplemental Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
III. Discussion
A. Whole-Home Dehumidifier Test Setup and Testing Conditions
1. Inlet Temperature
2. External Static Pressure
3. Test Duct Length
4. Relative Humidity Instrumentation
5. External Static Pressure Instrumentation
B. Whole-Home Dehumidifier Case Volume Measurement
C. Off-Cycle Mode
[[Page 5995]]
D. Additional Technical Corrections and Clarifications
1. Average Relative Humidity
2. Refrigerant-Desiccant Dehumidifier Calculations
a. Absolute Humidity
b. Capacity
3. Corrected Capacity and Corrected Relative Humidity Equations
a. Corrected Capacity
b. Corrected Relative Humidity
4. Integrated Energy Factor Calculation
5. Compressor Run-In
6. Definition of ``Dehumidifier''
7. Additional Operating Mode Definitions
IV. Procedural Issues and Regulatory Review
V. Public Participation
VI. Approval of the Office of the Secretary
I. Authority and Background
Title III of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975 (42
U.S.C. 6291, et seq.; ``EPCA'' or, ``the Act'') sets forth a variety of
provisions designed to improve energy efficiency.\1\ Part B of title
III establishes the ``Energy Conservation Program for Consumer Products
Other Than Automobiles.'' \2\ These consumer products include
dehumidifiers, the subject of this supplemental proposed rule. (42
U.S.C. 6295(cc))
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\1\ All references to EPCA refer to the statute as amended
through the American Energy Manufacturing Technical Corrections Act
(AEMTCA), Pub. L. 112-210 (Dec. 18, 2012).
\2\ For editorial reasons, Part B was redesignated as Part A
upon incorporation into the U.S. Code.
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Under EPCA, the energy conservation program consists essentially of
four parts: (1) testing, (2) labeling, (3) Federal energy conservation
standards, and (4) certification and enforcement procedures. The
testing requirements consist of test procedures that manufacturers of
covered products must use as the basis for: (1) certifying to DOE that
their products comply with the applicable energy conservation standards
adopted under EPCA; and (2) making representations about the efficiency
of those products. Similarly, DOE must use these test procedures to
determine whether the products comply with any relevant standards
promulgated under EPCA.
General Test Procedure Rulemaking Process
Under 42 U.S.C. 6293, EPCA sets forth the criteria and procedures
DOE must follow when prescribing or amending test procedures for
covered products. EPCA provides in relevant part that any test
procedures prescribed or amended under this section shall be reasonably
designed to produce test results that measure energy efficiency, energy
use or estimated annual operating cost of a covered product during a
representative average use cycle or period of use and shall not be
unduly burdensome to conduct. (42 U.S.C. 6293(b)(3))
In addition, if DOE determines that a test procedure amendment is
warranted, it must publish proposed test procedures and offer the
public an opportunity to present oral and written comments on them. (42
U.S.C. 6293(b)(2)) Finally, in any rulemaking to amend a test
procedure, DOE must determine to what extent, if any, the proposed test
procedure would alter the measured energy efficiency of any covered
product as determined under the existing test procedure. (42 U.S.C.
6293(e))
DOE's test procedure for dehumidifiers is found at 10 CFR part 430,
subpart B, appendix X (appendix X). For background on the establishment
of the first test procedure for dehumidifiers, subsequent amendments to
that procedure, and the rulemaking history for this supplemental notice
of proposed rulemaking (SNOPR), please see the May 2014 NOPR. 79 FR
29271.
II. Summary of the Supplemental Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
Upon further analysis and review of the public comments received in
response to the May 2014 NOPR, DOE proposes in this SNOPR the following
additions and clarifications to its proposed dehumidifier test
procedure: (1) various adjustments and clarifications to the whole-home
dehumidifier test setup and conduct; (2) a method to determine whole-
home dehumidifier case volume; (3) a revision to the method for
measuring energy use in fan-only operation; (4) a clarification to the
relative humidity and capacity equations incorporated from American
National Standards Institute (ANSI)/Association of Home Appliance
Manufacturers (AHAM) DH-1-2008, ``Dehumidifiers'' (ANSI/AHAM DH-1-
2008); and (5) additional technical corrections and clarifications.
Other than the specific amendments newly proposed in the SNOPR, DOE
continues to propose the test procedure amendments originally included
in the May 2014 NOPR. For the reader's convenience, DOE has reproduced
in this SNOPR the entire body of proposed regulatory text from the May
2014 NOPR, amended as appropriate according to these proposals. DOE's
supporting analysis and discussion for the portions of the proposed
regulatory text not affected by this SNOPR may be found in the May 2014
NOPR. 79 FR 29271.
III. Discussion
A. Whole-Home Dehumidifier Test Setup and Testing Conditions
As discussed in the May 2014 NOPR, whole-home dehumidifiers are
intended to be installed and operated as part of a ducted air-delivery
system. These units are designed with standard-size collars to
interface with the home's ducting, and typically require two ducts for
the process air stream: a supply air intake from the dehumidified space
and an air outlet for delivery of the dehumidified air to the same
space. Refrigerant-desiccant dehumidifiers incorporate intake and
outlet ducts for reactivation air in addition to the process stream
supply air intake and dehumidified air outlet. Reactivation air, as
defined in the May 2014 NOPR, is air drawn from unconditioned space
(e.g., outdoors, attic, or crawlspace) to remove moisture from the
desiccant wheel of a refrigerant-desiccant dehumidifier and discharged
to unconditioned space. 79 FR 29271, 29283.
Based on the unique installation and operation of whole-home
dehumidifiers, DOE proposed in the May 2014 NOPR to adopt a new test
procedure at 10 CFR part 430, subpart B, appendix X1 (appendix X1) that
would contain, in part, a method for testing whole-home dehumidifiers.
Upon review of the public comments received in response to the May
2014 NOPR and comments received during the June 2014 public meeting,
DOE determined that further clarifications and modifications were
necessary to ensure the whole-home dehumidifier test procedure is
repeatable and representative of actual use, while limiting test
burden. In the SNOPR, DOE proposes the following additions and
modifications to the proposals described in the May 2014 NOPR for
whole-home dehumidifiers.
1. Inlet Temperature
As discussed in the May 2014 NOPR, DOE's analysis of weather data
in regions associated with predominant dehumidifier usage and at times
when dehumidification was necessary identified 65 degrees Fahrenheit
([deg]F) as the most representative ambient dry-bulb temperature.\3\
Therefore, DOE
[[Page 5996]]
proposed in the May 2014 NOPR that all dehumidifier testing be
conducted with an inlet dry-bulb temperature of 65[emsp14][deg]F.
However, DOE acknowledged that whole-home dehumidifiers may have inlet
air dry-bulb temperatures consistent with the thermostat setting in
homes. Based on an analysis of average indoor temperature data from the
2009 Residential Energy Consumption Survey (RECS), DOE proposed in the
May 2014 NOPR a potential alternative inlet air dry-bulb temperature of
73[emsp14][deg]F for testing whole-home dehumidifiers. 79 FR 29271,
29279.
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\3\ Dry-bulb temperature is an indicator of the heat content in
air and can be measured using a thermometer or thermocouple exposed
to air, but shielded from radiation and moisture. Wet-bulb
temperature is the temperature of adiabatic saturation and is
measured using a moistened thermometer or thermocouple exposed to
the air flow. The adiabatic evaporation of water from the
thermometer or thermocouple has a cooling effect that causes wet-
bulb temperature to be less than or equal to dry-bulb temperature.
Relative humidity is the ratio of the partial pressure of water
vapor to the equilibrium vapor pressure of water at the same
temperature, and is therefore dependent upon temperature and
pressure. Relative humidity is also related to the difference
between the dry-bulb and wet-bulb temperatures by means of
psychrometric functions.
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In response to the May 2014 NOPR, Aprilaire, Inc. (Aprilaire)
commented that the test procedure ambient conditions must represent the
as-used conditions, and that the 80[emsp14][deg]F dry-bulb temperature
and 60-percent relative humidity requirements of the current test
procedure are not representative of actual use conditions. Aprilaire
stated that, although it tests its products at ambient dry-bulb
temperatures as low as 60[emsp14][deg]F, the alternate proposed dry-
bulb temperature test condition of 73[emsp14][deg]F is closer to the
intended application for whole-home dehumidifiers and would be better
than the current test condition because it better represents the normal
use condition, allows for better comparison between whole-home
dehumidifiers and portable dehumidifiers, and would allow building
designers to better monitor and estimate home energy use. Aprilaire
also noted that the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-
Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) has been trying to specify a design
condition, and 73[emsp14][deg]F is close to the temperature that the
organization has agreed upon. Therefore, Aprilaire stated that it
supports DOE's proposal to test whole-home dehumidifiers at
73[emsp14][deg]F dry-bulb temperature and 60-percent relative humidity.
However, Aprilaire further suggested that DOE consider an ambient dry-
bulb temperature of 75[emsp14][deg]F, which is halfway between the
proposed 73[emsp14][deg]F and the ENERGY STAR-recommended air
conditioner cooling setpoint of 78[emsp14][deg]F. Aprilaire believes
that a proper cooling setpoint for a home should be 78[emsp14][deg]F
but that the average setpoint may be closer to 73[emsp14][deg]F because
consumers tend to over-cool to remove humidity. Nonetheless, Aprilaire
noted that with proper humidity control, higher cooling setpoints can
be used while still maintaining comfort. (Aprilaire, No. 5 at pp. 3-4;
Aprilaire, Public Meeting Transcript, No. 10 at pp. 41-44, 46-47) \4\
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\4\ A notation in the form ``Aprilaire, No. 5 at pp. 3-4''
identifies a written comment: (1) made by Aprilaire, Inc.; (2)
recorded in document number 5 that is filed in the docket of this
test procedure rulemaking (Docket No. EERE-2014-BT-TP-0010) and
available for review at www.regulations.gov; and (3) which appears
on pages 3-4 of document number 5. A notation in the form
``Aprilaire, Public Meeting Transcript, No. 10 at pp. 41-44, 46-47''
identifies an oral comment that DOE received on June 13, 2014 during
the NOPR public meeting, was recorded in the public meeting
transcript in the docket for this test procedure rulemaking (Docket
No. EERE-2014-BT-TP-0010), and is maintained in the Resource Room of
the Building Technologies Program. This particular notation refers
to a comment (1) made by Aprilaire, Inc. during the public meeting;
(2) recorded in document number 10, which is the public meeting
transcript that is filed in the docket of this test procedure
rulemaking; and (3) which appears on pages 41-44 and 46-47 of
document number 10.
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Therma-Stor LLC (Therma-Stor) commented that the 65[emsp14][deg]F
test condition proposed in the May 2014 NOPR is more representative of
a basement application than the current 80[emsp14][deg]F, but it is not
representative of above-grade conditioned spaces. Therma-Stor stated
that consumers in the Southeast, Gulf Coast, and Pacific Northwest
regions may be using portable and whole-home dehumidifiers in above-
grade applications, which are better represented by an 80[emsp14][deg]F
test condition. Therma-Stor stated that whole-home dehumidifiers
typically receive return air from the conditioned space, and the
proposed 65[emsp14][deg]F dry-bulb temperature is too low. Therma-Stor
suggested that a 73[emsp14][deg]F dry-bulb temperature test condition
may represent some whole-home dehumidifier applications, but the test
temperature should be even higher to correspond to real-world
applications. According to Therma-Stor, whole-home dehumidifiers
maintain adequate humidity control at higher indoor temperatures, and
some whole-home dehumidifiers use fresh air inlets,\5\ leading to a
return air temperature that is higher than the indoor temperature.
Therefore, Therma-Stor supports a standard rating test condition of
80[emsp14][deg]F dry-bulb temperature for whole-home dehumidifiers.
(Therma-Stor, No. 6 at pp. 3-4)
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\5\ In the May 2014 NOPR, DOE considered testing provisions for
fresh air inlets, and proposed that any fresh air inlet be capped
and sealed during testing because the impact of a fresh air
connection was not significant enough to warrant the added test
burden of providing separate fresh air inlet flow. 79 FR 29272,
29285. DOE maintains the same proposal in this SNOPR, and again
invites comment on it from interested parties.
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Appliance Standards Awareness Project (ASAP), Alliance to Save
Energy (ASE), American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE),
Consumers Union (CU), National Consumer Law Center (NCLC), and Natural
Resources Defense Council (NRDC) (hereinafter the ``Joint Commenters'')
recommended that DOE prescribe separate ambient test conditions for
portable and whole-home dehumidifiers because the temperature of the
intake air for whole-home dehumidifiers is likely to be close to the
thermostat setting instead of the outdoor conditions. The Joint
Commenters, ASAP, and NRDC agree with DOE's alternate proposal in the
May 2014 NOPR that 73[emsp14][deg]F is a representative test condition
to determine whole-home dehumidifier performance, although NRDC
expressed concern that it would be difficult to then compare whole-home
and portable dehumidifier performance. (Joint Commenters, No. 8 at p.
4; ASAP, Public Meeting Transcript, No. 10 at p. 46; NRDC, Public
Meeting Transcript, No. 10 at p. 45) The Joint Commenters also noted
that because moisture removal is more difficult at lower dry-bulb
temperatures for a given relative humidity, dehumidifiers that have
good performance at 65[emsp14][deg]F would also perform well at
73[emsp14][deg]F. (Joint Commenters, No. 8 at p. 4)
In a recent field study conducted by Burke, et al., (hereinafter
referred to as the Burke Study), whole-home dehumidifiers were metered
at four different field locations in Wisconsin and Florida.\6\ At each
location, inlet air temperatures and additional setup and performance
characteristics were monitored. The Burke Study found that the average
inlet dry-bulb temperatures during compressor operation in
dehumidification mode for each of the four whole-home dehumidifiers
ranged from 70.4[emsp14][deg]F to 75.1[emsp14][deg]F, with an average
among all four sites of 73.2[emsp14][deg]F.
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\6\ T. Burke, et al., Whole-Home Dehumidifiers: Field-Monitoring
Study, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Report No. LBNL-6777E
(September 2014). Available at https://isswprod.lbl.gov/library/view-docs/public/output/rpt83520.PDF
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Although this sample was very limited, DOE notes that it
encompasses homes in two geographical regions with substantially
different climates, with different dehumidifier locations within the
home. After considering the comments received and this new field data,
DOE tentatively determined that the alternative proposal of
73[emsp14][deg]F inlet air dry-bulb temperature is most representative
for whole-home dehumidifiers. DOE proposes in this document that whole-
home dehumidifiers be tested with all ducted intake air at
73[emsp14][deg]F dry-bulb temperature and 63.6[emsp14][deg]F wet-bulb
temperature to
[[Page 5997]]
maintain a 60-percent relative humidity. DOE recognizes that the
results for portable and whole-home dehumidifiers will thus not be
directly comparable, but points out that the application, installation,
and ambient conditions of the two product types are inherently
different, and therefore it is reasonable that representative
performance should also differ.
2. External Static Pressure
Frictional forces and head losses due to the air flowing in the
ducting impose an external static pressure (ESP) on a whole-home
dehumidifier. As duct length and the number of flow restrictions in the
air system increase, ESP increases as well. Therefore, DOE proposed in
the May 2014 NOPR that whole-home dehumidifier testing be conducted at
an ESP representative of typical residential installations. 79 FR
29271, 29287. DOE reviewed several sources of information to determine
the appropriate ESP, including the residential furnace fan
rulemaking,\7\ whole-home dehumidifier product literature, and data
from a residential furnace fan monitoring study conducted by the Center
for Energy and Environment,\8\ in addition to DOE's own testing and
analysis. DOE tentatively concluded that an ESP of 0.5 inches of water
column (in. w.c.) would, on average, represent the ESP for a whole-home
dehumidifier installed in a typical home. Therefore, DOE proposed in
the May 2014 NOPR that whole-home dehumidifier testing in
dehumidification mode be conducted with an ESP of 0.5 0.02
in. w.c. for the process air stream of all units and for the
reactivation air stream of refrigerant-desiccant dehumidifiers. 79 FR
29271, 29287-88.
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\7\ Supplemental Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for Test
Procedures for Residential Furnace Fans, 78 FR 19606, 19618 (Apr. 2,
2013).
\8\ Center for Energy and Environment Comment on Energy
Conservation Standards for Residential Furnace Fans, Docket No.
EERE-2010-BT-STD-0011, Comment Number 22 (July 27, 2010).
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The Joint Commenters agreed that whole-home dehumidifiers should be
tested at an ESP of 0.5 in. w.c., aligning with the ESP in the furnace
fans test procedure for furnace fans designed to be installed in
systems with an internal evaporator coil. (Joint Commenters, No. 8 at
pp. 4-5)
Aprilaire stated that residential heating, ventilation, and air
conditioning (HVAC) systems operate at up to 0.8 in. w.c. ESP, and that
0.5 in. w.c. on average is likely representative of such systems. For
whole-home dehumidifiers, however, Aprilaire commented that ESP varies
due to the different potential configurations by which the products are
integrated into the HVAC return and supply ducting. In addition,
Aprilaire and Therma-Stor commented that whole-home dehumidifiers that
utilize the higher flow rate HVAC blower will have a higher ESP than
those dehumidifiers that operate with a lower flow rate internal fan.
Aprilaire stated that an ESP of 0.5 in. w.c. would represent an extreme
and unrealistic condition for whole-home dehumidifiers, and that
testing them at this condition would require designs that would be
inappropriate for typical installations. According to Therma-Stor,
manufacturers would be forced to incorporate higher power, noisier
fans. Therma-Stor further commented that it recommends its products be
installed in a configuration that creates ESP much lower than 0.5 in.
w.c., although the ESP in the field varies depending on the actual
installation. Therma-Stor's whole-home dehumidifiers have duct
connections that are designed to provide less than 0.15 in. w.c. ESP
per 100 feet of duct. (Aprilaire, Public Meeting Transcript, No. 10 at
pp. 72-74; Aprilaire, No. 5 at p. 4; Therma-Stor, No. 6 at p. 4)
The Burke Study monitored the ESP during unit operation for the
three units installed in Florida sites. Static pressure probes were
placed in the entry and exit ducts to the unit, with no more than one
duct elbow between the probe and the dehumidifier. The ESP was
initially measured with the air handler both off and on (at low and
high speed), with the dehumidifier operational. The ESP was
subsequently measured at 1-second intervals throughout the 7-month
metering period, and data were analyzed to determine average ESP during
those periods when the dehumidifier compressor and blower were
activated regardless of HVAC blower activation. A summary of these
measurements is presented in Table III.1.
Table III.1--Whole-Home Dehumidifier Average External Static Pressure
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average external static pressure with dehumidifier blower on (in.
w.c.)
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Site designation Average in
Air handler Air handler on Air handler on dehumidification
off at low speed at high speed mode during
metering period
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WHD-SiteB01................................. 0.14-0.16 0.085-0.090 -- 0.117
WHD-SiteB02................................. 0.32 0.26-0.27 0.22-0.23 0.283
WHD-SiteB03................................. 0.23 0.18-0.19 0.11 0.205
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Average *............................... 0.23 0.18 0.17 0.20
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Calculated using the midpoint of each range
As previously noted, this sample is very small, but the results
suggest that the comments characterizing 0.5 in. w.c. as an unrealistic
upper bound for ESP may be valid. To further validate this matter, DOE
considered the equation in the recent NOPR for the residential furnace
fan test procedure that calculated ESP from the product of the square
of the volumetric air flow rate (in cubic feet per minute, CFM) and a
reference system constant (a value that represents the losses within
the average duct system). 77 FR 28673, 28684 (May 15, 2012). Based on
the average furnace fan ESP of 0.5 in. w.c. and air flow rate of 1,200
CFM, DOE calculated a reference system constant of 3.47 x
10-7 in in. w.c. per CFM. Through its review of product
literature, DOE found that the typical volumetric air flow rate for
whole-home dehumidifiers is approximately 300 CFM, which is
significantly less than that for a furnace fan. Inserting this air flow
rate value into the equation results in an ESP of 0.03 in. w.c.,
exclusive of the additional losses associated with ducting a whole-home
dehumidifier to the home ventilation system. Based on a typical
[[Page 5998]]
installation with 10-inch diameter dehumidifier ducts, 2 elbows, and
connections to the larger ventilation ducts for the home, DOE estimated
a total ESP of 0.22 in. w.c. for a typical whole-home dehumidifier
setup, which corresponds closely with the data gathered for the Burke
Study.
In sum, DOE's analysis for this SNOPR supports testing conditions
for whole-home dehumidifiers at an ESP higher than 0.2 in. w.c. (the
average in dehumidification mode from the Burke Study) but
substantially less than the 0.5 in. w.c. proposed in the May 2014 NOPR.
Due to the limited data available to more precisely define this value,
DOE proposes in the SNOPR to specify ESP at 0.25 in. w.c., the nearest
value in quarter inch increments, as an appropriate test condition for
whole-home dehumidifiers.
3. Test Duct Length
In the May 2014 NOPR, DOE proposed a whole-home dehumidifier ducted
test setup with certain duct lengths and cell-type flow straighteners
to achieve laminar air flow, and specified the placement of
instrumentation based on numbers of duct diameters upstream of and
downstream from the test unit. For a refrigerant-only whole-home
dehumidifier, one duct would be attached to the process air exhaust to
maintain the necessary ESP and would include a pitot-static traverse
and throttling device. For a refrigerant-desiccant dehumidifier, three
test ducts would be required (two for the process air inlet and exhaust
and one for the reactivation air inlet), each with a flow straightener,
pitot-static traverse, air sampling instrumentation, and throttling
device. 79 FR 29271, 29286.
Aprilaire commented that it would be difficult to accommodate the
full length of ducting proposed in the May 2014 NOPR in existing test
chambers, and estimated a cost of $30,000 to construct a new test
chamber with air conditioning equipment or to move existing test
chamber walls, which would be burdensome to whole-home dehumidifier
manufacturers. Aprilaire further stated that unit performance would not
vary greatly if a shorter length of duct were used, and noted that in
its internal testing, it has used a 5-foot duct length that produces an
even distribution of inlet air over the internal coils. (Aprilaire, No.
5 at p. 4; Aprilaire, Public Meeting Transcript, No. 10 at pp. 63-64,
79-80, 91-93)
Therma-Stor stated that requiring whole-home dehumidifiers to be
tested with ducts would impose an unfair testing burden on whole-home
dehumidifier manufacturers. Therma-Stor noted that substantially larger
test chambers are required for whole-home dehumidifiers compared with
portable dehumidifiers, and the additional duct instruments,
measurements, and 1-minute recording interval would require more
capable data acquisition systems. Therma-Stor commented that preparing
and performing the test would be much more involved than for the
current test, and although the cost of the proposed ducts and
accessories may be relatively low, the secondary costs of a test
facility and staff to support the proposed test would be substantial.
(Therma-Stor, No. 6 at p. 5)
In light of these comments, DOE acknowledges the test burden
associated with specifying a minimum length of 10 duct diameters for
the instrumented ducts and considered whether this length could be
reduced without impacting test results. DOE first calculated the duct
lengths that would be necessary to ensure fully developed flow in the
ducts after a component such as an inlet or elbow. For a 10-inch
diameter duct and the expected range of air flow rates for whole-home
dehumidifiers, DOE calculated that duct lengths of approximately 8.5-
9.5 duct diameters would be necessary, which is close to the
requirement of 10 duct diameters proposed in the May 2014 NOPR.
However, due to comments indicating that 10 duct diameters may be
overly burdensome, following the publication of the May 2014 NOPR, DOE
consulted with whole-home dehumidifier manufacturers regarding their
internal performance testing and with whole-home dehumidifier
installation specialists to determine an appropriate yet low-burden
duct length for testing. These sources suggested that 3 diameters of
duct length typically allows for adequately uniform air flow within the
duct to ensure proper dehumidifier operation. With the inclusion of a
flow straightener upstream in the duct, as proposed in the May 2014
NOPR, DOE expects that the air flow would be sufficiently uniform with
a length of 3 duct diameters upstream of the instrumentation to allow
for repeatable measurements. According to discussion with manufacturers
and installers, the flow does not need to be fully developed to achieve
representative measurements. Additionally, with the information
provided by manufacturers about the dimensions of available test
chambers, DOE expects that the longer ducts proposed in the May 2014
NOPR would likely be located near the walls of the test chamber,
potentially inhibiting air flow into or out of the duct. A shorter duct
length would allow for a larger distance between the test ducts and the
test chamber walls, allowing for unrestricted air flow into or out of
the test duct.
Therefore, DOE proposes to reduce the required minimum duct lengths
by placing the flow straightener at the entrance to the inlet ducting
and reducing the total minimum length for all test ducts from 10
diameters to 4.5 diameters. Under DOE's modified proposal, a minimum of
3 duct diameters would be provided between any throttling device or
transition section and any instrumentation measuring the air flow
properties. See Figures 1, 2, and 3 in proposed Section 3.1.3 of
appendix X1 of this document for specific placement of all test
components (including the flow straightener, pitot-static traverse,
dry-bulb temperature and relative humidity measurement devices, and
throttling device) and illustrations of these configurations.
4. Relative Humidity Instrumentation
In the May 2014 NOPR, DOE considered two types of instruments to
measure the water vapor content in the air: (1) a cooled surface
condensation hygrometer that measures dew-point temperature, which can
be used in conjunction with dry-bulb temperature to determine relative
humidity; and (2) an aspirating psychrometer that measures wet-bulb
temperature. DOE proposed in the May 2014 NOPR that relative humidity
be measured using an aspirating psychrometer because of its simplicity,
accuracy of 1 percent, and relatively low cost. 79 FR
29271, 29287.
Aprilaire noted that the 1 percent and 0.1
[deg]F accuracy of the relative humidity measurement (as determined by
the psychrometer) and temperature sensors, respectively, are
inconsistent because a 0.1 [deg]F accuracy for the wet-bulb
temperature sensor correlates with a 0.44 percent accuracy
in relative humidity. Aprilaire noted that temperature is less
expensive to control and measure than relative humidity. (Aprilaire,
Public Meeting Transcript, No. 10 at pp. 67-68; Aprilaire, No. 5 at p.
3)
Therma-Stor recommended that the whole-home dehumidifier test
procedure use relative humidity measuring devices other than aspirating
psychrometers that achieve similar accuracy and directly output
relative humidity. According to Therma-Stor, these instruments may
reduce the burden of placing the psychrometer within the duct and would
require less frequent calibration than large
[[Page 5999]]
aspirating psychrometers. (Therma-Stor, No. 6 at p. 2)
DOE notes that the different accuracies in relative humidity
measurement arise because the aspirating psychrometers utilize
thermocouples to measure both dry-bulb and wet-bulb temperatures, which
leads the instrument to have a cumulative accuracy for relative
humidity that is lower than the accuracy of the wet-bulb temperature
measurement alone. However, DOE considered stakeholder input that
certain relative humidity sensors may provide similar accuracy in
relative humidity measurements as aspirating psychrometers, but would
be less burdensome to implement. In a review of product specifications,
DOE identified several solid-state relative humidity sensors currently
available with accuracies of 1 percent at prices similar to
or less than the price of a calibrated aspirating psychrometer, which
DOE estimated at $1,000 in the May 2014 NOPR. 79 FR 29271, 29293. DOE
notes that these relative humidity sensors are specifically designed to
be mounted and used in a duct, whereas aspirating psychrometers may be
difficult to install, calibrate, and maintain in a duct. DOE is also
aware that certain laboratories may already be using these relative
humidity sensors, so it does not expect that switching the relative
humidity instrumentation from an aspirating psychrometer to a relative
humidity sensor for in-duct measurements would significantly increase
test burden, and may in fact reduce test burden. Based on the two
refrigerant-desiccant dehumidifiers in DOE's test sample, which is the
only type of dehumidifier that would require measuring relative
humidity in the ducts, duct air velocity ranges from 500 to 650 feet
per minute, which is similar to the minimum air velocity of 700 feet
per minute specified in ANSI/AHAM DH-1-2008 for the aspirating
psychrometer. Therefore DOE tentatively concludes that there is
sufficient air flow in the duct to properly monitor the relative
humidity conditions of the air for these units.
Therefore, DOE proposes that refrigerant-desiccant dehumidifier
testing be conducted with a relative humidity sensor accurate to within
1 percent relative humidity. DOE is aware that some test
laboratories are currently using this instrumentation, and tentatively
concludes that, for other laboratories, the proposal to use a relative
humidity sensor instead of an aspirating psychrometer would not add
significant test burden because of the sensor's simplicity and
relatively low cost. DOE expects that this proposal will likely reduce
test burden associated with maintenance and calibration compared to the
test setup proposed in the May 2014 NOPR.
DOE notes that refrigerant-desiccant dehumidifier testing requires
in-duct relative humidity sensors to allow for capacity calculations.
Because moisture is removed by the desiccant wheel and the
refrigeration system, the typical condensate weighing approach for
measuring capacity is not feasible for these dehumidifiers and instead,
the psychrometrics in the process air inlet and outlet ducts must be
measured. However, portable and refrigerant-only whole-home
dehumidifiers would continue to use an aspirating psychrometer to
measure inlet air relative humidity, as proposed in the May 2014 NOPR.
Based on the extensive industry experience in using these instruments,
along with sampling trees, to measure ambient conditions in the absence
of inlet ducting, DOE determined that an aspirating psychrometer most
reliably measures representative dry-bulb and wet-bulb temperatures in
these conditions by inducing controlled air flow over the sensing
elements. DOE also expects that when testing these units, there are
typically no space constraints in test chambers that would preclude the
installation and maintenance of an aspirating psychrometer. DOE also
notes that dehumidifiers and other similar products are currently
tested with aspirating psychrometers and typically with sampling trees,
and because relative humidity sensors provide neither better accuracy
nor significant cost savings, DOE proposes to maintain the current
approach for portable and refrigerant-only whole-home dehumidifiers to
minimize burden.
5. External Static Pressure Instrumentation
In the May 2014 NOPR, DOE proposed that ESP would be measured using
pitot-static tubes and pitot-static tube traverses that conform with
the specifications in Sections 4.2.2 and 4.3.1, respectively, of ANSI/
ASHRAE 51-07/Air Movement and Control Association International, Inc.
(AMCA) 210-07, ``Laboratory Methods of Testing Fans for Certified
Aerodynamic Performance Rating'' (hereinafter ``ANSI/AMCA 210''). 79 FR
29271, 29288.
Upon further review of ANSI/AMCA 210, DOE determined that Figure 3
referenced in Section 4.2.2.3 shows three rows of pressure taps, each
crossing in the center of the duct. DOE performed a search of the
market and was unable to locate any commercially available pitot-static
tube traverses that comply with the requirements of ANSI/AMCA 210. DOE
also consulted with the test laboratory that conducted whole-home
dehumidifier testing in support of the May 2014 NOPR, and was informed
that an instrument with two perpendicular rows of pressure taps that
cross at the center of the duct would likely be sufficient to
accurately measure the average ESP in the duct. Therefore, DOE proposes
in the SNOPR that two intersecting and perpendicular rows of pitot-
static tube traverses be used for whole-home dehumidifier testing.
In the May 2014 NOPR, DOE also proposed that static pressures at
each pitot-static tube in a traverse would be measured at the static
pressure tap and averaged. 79 FR 29271, 29288. Upon further
consideration, DOE determined that this requirement could be
interpreted to mean that the individual static pressures must be
measured and recorded at each tap, and then averaged following testing.
However, DOE's proposed methodology only requires that the average
static pressure among all of the taps be recorded. DOE notes that
commercially available pitot-static tube traverses have the individual
tubes manifolded, with a single pressure tap that would measure a
static pressure that is the average of the static pressures at each
tube location, facilitating measurements according to DOE's proposal.
Accordingly, DOE proposes to clarify the pressure measurement as
follows: ``The static pressure within the test duct shall be recorded
as measured at the pressure tap in the manifold of the traverses that
averages the individual static pressures at each pitot-static tube.''
B. Whole-Home Dehumidifier Case Volume Measurement
On May 22, 2014, DOE published in the Federal Register a notice of
public meeting that also announced the availability of the preliminary
technical support document (79 FR 29380), which contained DOE's
preliminary analysis for considering amended energy conservation
standards for residential dehumidifiers. DOE proposed establishing
product classes for whole-home dehumidifiers based on case volume: one
for units with case volume less than or equal to 8 cubic feet, and
another for units with case volume greater than 8 cubic feet.
Therefore, in the SNOPR, DOE proposes methodology in appendix X1 to
determine case volume for whole-home dehumidifiers. In particular, DOE
proposes that whole-home dehumidifier case volume be determined based
on the maximum
[[Page 6000]]
length of each dimension of the whole-home dehumidifier case, exclusive
of any duct collar attachments or other external components. DOE
proposes the following equation to determine whole-home dehumidifier
case volume, in cubic feet:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP04FE15.183
Where:
DL is the product case length, in inches;
DW is the product case width, in inches;
DH is the product case height, in inches; and
1,728 converts cubic inches to cubic feet.
DOE proposes to amend 10 CFR 429.36 to require that manufacturers
include whole-home dehumidifier case volume, in cubic feet, in their
certification reports. DOE also proposes to require that the average of
the measured case volumes for a given basic model sample size be used
for compliance purposes.
For verification purposes, DOE proposes to require that the test
facility measurement of case volume must be within 2 percent of the
rated volume, or 0.2 cubic feet, whichever is greater. DOE notes that
this tolerance is the same as for compact refrigerators, refrigerator-
freezers, and freezers, which have volumes similar to whole-home
dehumidifiers, under 10 CFR 429.134. If DOE determines that a rated
case volume is not within 2 percent of the measured case volume, or 0.2
cubic feet, whichever is greater, the volume measured by the test
facility shall be used to determine the energy conservation standard
applicable to the tested model. DOE proposes to include the case volume
verification requirements in 10 CFR 429.134, along with the proposed
capacity verification protocol.
C. Off-Cycle Mode
As discussed in the May 2014 NOPR, DOE is aware that certain
dehumidifier models maintain blower operation without activation of the
compressor after the humidity setpoint has been reached. DOE proposed
defining this fan operation without activation of the compressor as
``fan-only'' mode, and proposed a test procedure to measure the average
power in this mode. Because DOE observed that the blower may operate
continuously in fan-only mode, or may cycle on and off intermittently,
DOE proposed monitoring the power consumption in fan-only mode for a
minimum of 1 hour for units with continuous fan operation, or, for
units with cyclical fan operation, for 3 or more full fan cycles for no
less than 1 hour. This proposal was based on DOE's observation that fan
cycle duration, although variable for certain units, was approximately
10 minutes. 79 FR 29271, 29290-29291.
AHAM requested clarification on whether fan-only mode would include
fans that operate to facilitate active defrost. AHAM was concerned that
if the test procedure includes active defrost in fan-only mode,
manufacturers would not be able to provide active defrost capabilities,
and dehumidifiers would have to wait for ice to fall off passively or
melt, which would reduce consumer utility. AHAM also expressed concern
that DOE's proposal would effectively remove fan operation with the
compressor off, such that the consumer would no longer be able to
control humidity as accurately and there would be a higher fluctuation
of humidity in the room, impacting consumer utility. AHAM noted that
for cyclic fan-only mode operation, the proposed method may work for
products that cycle three or more times, but there are products that
may stop cycling after only one or two cycles. For these products, AHAM
stated that the proposed method may overstate the fan-only mode energy
use and such products would also be impossible to test. (AHAM, No. 7 at
p. 4)
Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), Southern California Gas
Company (SCG), San Diego Gas and Electric Company (SDG&E), and Southern
California Edison (SCE) (hereinafter the ``California Investor-Owned
Utilities (IOUs)'') commented that fan-only mode is used when the
relative humidity setpoint has been reached to blow air to ensure the
humidistat is monitoring changes in relative humidity or to keep air
circulating in the room. However, the California IOUs suggested that
fan-only mode can result in re-evaporation, thereby re-humidifying the
space and reducing efficiency. They believe that improved control of
fan-only mode is an energy saving measure that is currently not
captured by the existing test procedure. (California IOUs, No. 9 at p.
2)
DOE notes that the proposal in the May 2014 NOPR would not preclude
manufacturers from implementing fan-only mode operation, but would
include the energy consumption in fan-only mode in the overall
performance metric as a measure of representative energy use. However,
to clarify measurement of energy consumption in periods when the
refrigeration system has cycled off due to the humidistat, DOE proposes
to withdraw the fan-only mode definition included in the May 2014 NOPR
and instead modify the proposed off-cycle mode definition to encompass
all operation when dehumidification mode has cycled off, including any
intermittent, cyclic, or continuous fan operation. Therefore, in the
SNOPR, DOE proposes to define off-cycle mode as a mode in which the
dehumidifier:
(1) Has cycled off its main moisture removal function by humidistat
or humidity sensor;
(2) May or may not operate its fan or blower; and
(3) Will reactivate the main moisture removal function according to
the humidistat or humidity sensor signal.
Under this proposed definition, when the refrigeration system has
cycled off because the ambient relative humidity has fallen below the
relative humidity setpoint (but is in a condition to cycle on when the
ambient relative humidity has risen above the relative humidity
setpoint), the dehumidifier is in off-cycle mode. The fan or blower may
continue to operate in off-cycle mode. Conversely, when the
refrigeration system has cycled on because the ambient relative
humidity has risen above the relative humidity setpoint (but will cycle
off when the ambient relative humidity falls below the relative
humidity setpoint), the dehumidifier is in dehumidification mode.
In addition, although the lower ambient temperature test conditions
may increase the likelihood of ice formation on the evaporator,
operating the fan without the refrigeration system for purposes of
defrosting the coil would not be considered off-cycle mode as long as
the humidity setpoint has not been reached. Any defrost events when the
ambient relative humidity is above the relative humidity setpoint would
be considered part of dehumidification mode.
DOE intends for the definitions of dehumidification and off-cycle
mode to capture all energy used by the dehumidifier, whether the
ambient relative humidity is either above or below the relative
humidity setpoint, when the dehumidifier is not in inactive or off
mode. DOE requests comments as to whether the proposed definitions of
dehumidification mode and off-cycle mode clearly reflect this intent.
In response to comments received, DOE may modify these definitions in
the final rule.
The test procedure proposed in the May 2014 NOPR did not require a
specific test sequence between the end of dehumidification mode and the
start of fan-only mode to minimize test burden and provide flexibility
in testing facilities. However, commenters raised questions about which
type of fan
[[Page 6001]]
operation should be measured and when the fan-only mode testing should
be conducted in relation to dehumidification mode testing. To ensure
there is sufficient condensation on the evaporator to initiate fan
operation for any units that dry the evaporator after compressor
operation, DOE proposes that the off-cycle mode measurement begin
immediately following compressor operation for the dehumidification
mode test. This would be achieved by performing the 6-hour
dehumidification mode test, and then adjusting the unit set point above
the ambient relative humidity to begin the off-cycle mode test
immediately after the compressor cycles off. DOE asserts that
conducting the off-cycle mode test subsequent to the dehumidification
mode test would capture all energy use of the dehumidifier under
conditions that meet the newly proposed off-cycle mode definition,
including fan operation intended to dry the evaporator coil, sample the
air, or circulate the air. By capturing these types of fan operation in
the off-cycle mode, DOE expects the proposed test method to reflect
typical dehumidifier operation in the field while limiting potential
confusion over what operations should be measured during testing.
Section 4.2 of Appendix X specifies that off-cycle mode testing be
performed in accordance with ``Household electrical appliances--
Measurement of standby power,'' published by the International
Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), publication 62301 (Edition 2.0 2011-
01) (hereinafter ``IEC Standard 62301''). However, due to the
possibility for periods of fan operation and thus varying power levels
during a dehumidifier's off-cycle mode, as tentatively defined in this
SNOPR, the test method in IEC Standard 62301 may not be applicable for
power consumption measurements in off-cycle mode. In particular, DOE
notes that IEC Standard 62301 states that its methods are intended to
measure power consumption of low-power modes, and not the power of
products in active mode. In this case, dehumidifier fan power
consumption would be considered consistent with an active mode power
level instead of a low-power mode level. Therefore, DOE proposes that
off-cycle mode testing be conducted in accordance with the general
instrumentation and data recording requirements for dehumidification
mode. With the proposed modification to the off-cycle mode test
procedure to begin immediately following dehumidification mode testing,
the test setup would not need to be modified, and the same
instrumentation would be utilized for testing in both modes.
DOE notes that although the IEC Standard 62301 test method would
not be applicable due to fan operation, the power meter accuracy
specified in IEC Standard 62301 would still be necessary to accurately
measure power consumption at lower power levels in off-cycle mode
associated with periods of no fan operation. DOE proposes that the
power metering instrumentation during dehumidification mode comply with
the requirements of ANSI/AHAM DH-1-2008 and during off-cycle mode with
IEC Standard 63201. DOE is aware that power meters meeting the accuracy
requirements of both test standards are readily available and currently
in use in certain test laboratories. Therefore, DOE does not believe
that these proposals would significantly increase testing burden
associated with instrumentation. DOE requests comment on the potential
burden associated with maintaining the accuracy requirements of both
ANSI/AHAM DH-1-2008 and IEC Standard 62301 when performing off-cycle
mode testing immediately following dehumidification mode.
To determine a representative test duration for off-cycle mode, DOE
monitored power, ambient relative humidity, and ambient dry-bulb
temperature of several portable dehumidifiers in residential
installations. The data encompassed multiple days of continuous
operation. Based on this data, DOE estimates an average off-cycle
duration of approximately 2 hours.
In the May 2014 NOPR, DOE stated that cyclic fan operation in off-
cycle mode is typically about 10 minutes in duration. 79 FR 29291. DOE
notes that even if a fan were to operate for only 10 minutes during the
off-cycle to dry the evaporator coil, it would still represent a
significant percentage of the energy consumption during that off-cycle
mode based on the typical duration identified in DOE's limited test
data. In response to the California IOU's comment, DOE notes that the
proposed off-cycle mode test procedure would incorporate fan operation,
thereby capturing energy savings associated with improved control
schemes.
In sum, DOE proposes that the off-cycle mode testing be conducted
over a duration representative of the typical off-cycle. Based on the
metered off-cycle duration, DOE proposes an off-cycle mode test
beginning immediately after completion of the dehumidification mode
test and ending after a period of 2 hours. The average power
measurement for the 2-hour period would then be applied to the 1,850
annual hours associated with off-cycle mode in the final IEF
calculation.
D. Additional Technical Corrections and Clarifications
1. Average Relative Humidity
In the May 2014 NOPR, DOE proposed that ANSI/AHAM DH-1-2008 be the
basis in the proposed updated test procedure for the measurement of
dehumidification mode energy use in dehumidifiers but with lower
ambient temperatures (65[emsp14][deg]F dry-bulb and 56.6[emsp14][deg]F
wet-bulb temperature) that correspond to 60-percent relative humidity.
79 FR 29271, 29276-29283. AHAM commented that these proposed ambient
temperatures are not within the range of Table II in ANSI/AHAM DH-1-
2008 that is used to determine relative humidity under the actual
testing conditions. AHAM also requested that DOE clarify the
calculations used to determine the corrected relative humidity for use
in the capacity calculation. (AHAM, No. 7 at pp. 7)
DOE agrees that the data in Table II in ANSI/AHAM DH-1-2008 do not
cover the range of dry-bulb and wet-bulb temperatures that would be
necessary to determine relative humidity at the proposed ambient test
conditions. Therefore, DOE proposes to include in appendix X1 the
following tables that present the relative humidity at dry-bulb and
wet-bulb temperatures within the test tolerances at the 65 [deg]F and
73 [deg]F dry-bulb temperature inlet air test conditions for portable
and whole-home dehumidifiers, respectively.
[[Page 6002]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP04FE15.184
2. Refrigerant-Desiccant Dehumidifier Calculations
a. Absolute Humidity
Upon further review of the test procedure proposed for refrigerant-
desiccant dehumidifiers in the May 2014 NOPR, DOE determined that
clarification is needed to calculate the absolute humidity of the
process air, which is used to calculate the amount of water removed
from the process air stream. The proposed provisions for refrigerant-
desiccant dehumidifiers would specify recording the dry-bulb
temperature and relative humidity in the ducts, and ambient barometric
pressure. Based on these data, DOE proposes the following equations to
calculate the absolute humidity of the process air in the inlet and
exhaust ducts. The equations proposed are based on those presented in
Section 7.3 of ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 41.6-1994 (RA 2006), ``Standard
Method for Measurement of Moist Air Properties.''
First, the measured dry-bulb temperature of the air at each
sampling time is converted from [deg]F to Kelvin (K) according to the
following equation:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP04FE15.185
Where:
TK is the calculated air dry-bulb temperature in K; and
TF is the measured dry-bulb temperature of the air in
[deg]F.
The water saturation pressure is then calculated at each sampling
time as follows:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP04FE15.186
Where:
Pws is the water vapor saturation pressure in kilopascals
(kPa); and
TK is the dry-bulb temperature of the air in K.
The water vapor pressure (Pw) under the specific ambient
barometric pressure at each sampling time is calculated as follows:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP04FE15.187
Where:
Pw is the water vapor pressure in kPa;
RH is the percent relative humidity; and
Pws is the water vapor saturation pressure in kPa.
The mixing humidity ratio (HR) at each sampling time is then
calculated as follows:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP04FE15.188
Where:
HR is the mixing humidity ratio, the mass of water per mass of dry
air;
Pw is the water vapor pressure in kPa;
P is the ambient barometric pressure in in. Hg;
3.386 converts from in. Hg to kPa; and
0.62198 is the ratio of the molecular weight of water to the
molecular weight of dry air.
The specific volume (v), in cubic feet per pound of dry air, is
used to calculate the absolute humidity. The specific volume is
calculated at each sampling time as follows:
[[Page 6003]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP04FE15.189
Where:
v is the specific volume in cubic feet per pound of dry air;
TK is the dry-bulb temperature of the air in K;
P is the ambient barometric pressure in in. Hg; and
Pw is the water vapor pressure in kPa;
0.287055 is the specific gas constant for dry air in kPa times cubic
meter per kg per K;
3.386 converts from in. Hg to kPa; and
16.016 converts from cubic meters per kilogram to cubic feet per
pound.
The absolute humidity (AH), in units of pounds of water per cubic
foot of air, at each sampling time is then calculated as follows:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP04FE15.190
Where:
AH is the absolute humidity in pounds of water per cubic foot of
air;
HR is the mixing humidity ratio, the mass of water per mass of dry
air; and
[nu] is the specific volume in cubic feet per pound of dry air.
b. Capacity
In the May 2014 NOPR, DOE proposed that the capacity of
refrigerant-desiccant dehumidifiers be calculated by measuring the
total amount of moisture removed from the process air. Specifically,
the measured dry-bulb temperature and relative humidity would be used
to determine the absolute humidity in pounds of water per cubic foot of
dry air at both the process air inlet and process air outlet. The
absolute humidity would then be multiplied by the process air
volumetric flow rate, measured in CFM, to determine the process air
inlet and outlet moisture flow rates, measured in pounds of water per
minute. The difference between the inlet and outlet moisture flow rates
would equal the amount of moisture the unit removes from the process
air. 79 FR 29271, 29284.
As part of the proposed vapor analysis approach, DOE proposed that
the weight of water removed during the test period be calculated for
each data point, collected at intervals no greater than 1 minute. The
calculated water weights for each air stream at each of these data
points would be summed for the entire test period and the total weight
would then be used to calculate the capacity.
DOE recognizes that this approach would require calculating the
absolute humidity using the equations described in the previous section
for each data point to ultimately calculate the total weight of
moisture removed during the test period. To consider means to reduce
this testing burden, DOE compared test results obtained by using
individual data points to calculate absolute humidity to those obtained
by using the average temperature, average relative humidity, and
average barometric pressure to calculate average absolute humidity
during the test period. DOE found that the results from both methods
produced overall capacities that agreed within 1 percent. In addition
to reducing test burden, the average data approach may also mitigate
the opportunity for potential calculation errors by requiring only one
calculation of absolute humidity per test. Thus, although DOE continues
to propose the summation method as proposed in the May 2014 Test
Procedure NOPR because it is the most precise, DOE seeks comment from
interested parties on the alternative approach that would use the
average temperature, average relative humidity, and average barometric
pressure to calculate the average absolute humidity during the entire
test period. Under this alternative approach, the weight of water
collected during the test would be calculated from the average absolute
humidity and average volumetric flow rate as follows:
W=((AHI,a x XI,a) - (AH0,a x
X0,a)) x 360
Where:
W is the weight of water removed during the test period in pounds;
AHI,a is the average absolute humidity of the process air
on the inlet side of the unit in pounds of water per cubic foot of
dry air;
XI,a is the average volumetric flow rate of the process
air on the inlet side of the unit in CFM;
AHO,a is the average absolute humidity of the process air
on the outlet side of the unit in pounds of water per cubic foot of
dry air;
XO,a is the average volumetric flow rate of the process
air on the outlet side of the unit in CFM; and
360 is the number of minutes in the 6-hour test.
DOE requests comment on whether the proposed method from the May
2014 Test Procedure NOPR represents a significant burden over the
averaging approach, and whether the averaging approach would accurately
reflect potential variations in the air stream conditions throughout
the test period.
3. Corrected Capacity and Corrected Relative Humidity Equations
In the May 2014 NOPR, DOE proposed that product capacity be
calculated in accordance with the test requirements specified in
Section 7, ``Capacity Test and Energy Consumption Test,'' of ANSI/AHAM
DH-1-2008, except that the standard test conditions would be maintained
at 65 [deg]F 2.0 [deg]F dry-bulb temperature and 56.6
[deg]F 1.0 [deg]F wet-bulb temperature. 79 FR 29271,
29305. The calculations in Section 7 include adjustments for variations
during the rating test period in the ambient temperature, relative
humidity, and barometric pressure from the standard rating conditions.
AHAM stated that it was not clear if and how DOE adjusted the
capacity equation to account for the 65 [deg]F dry-bulb temperature
condition. AHAM stated that the product capacity equation in ANSI/AHAM
DH-1-2008 is based on 80 [deg]F and 60-percent relative humidity, and
would require adjustment for a different nominal temperature or
relative humidity. AHAM asked DOE to clarify whether and how it was
proposing to adjust the capacity calculations. (AHAM, Public Meeting
Transcript, No. 10 at p. 94; AHAM, No. 7 at p. 5; AHAM Std, No. 22 at
p. 3)
DOE confirms that for the May 2014 NOPR, it revised the adjusted
capacity equation in its analysis to include the lower nominal dry-bulb
temperature (65 [deg]F versus the current 80 [deg]F). Upon closer
examination, however, DOE concludes that the coefficients in the
corrected capacity equation (adjusted for variations in temperature and
relative humidity) and the corrected relative humidity equation
(adjusted for variations in barometric pressure) also should be revised
as follows to be representative of the proposed dry-bulb temperature
test conditions.
a. Corrected Capacity
To determine the appropriate coefficients for the corrected
capacity equation, DOE calculated the percent change in humidity ratio
from the standard rating conditions of 65 [deg]F dry-bulb (for portable
dehumidifiers) or 73 [deg]F dry-bulb (for whole-home dehumidifiers) and
60-percent relative humidity for small perturbations in either dry-bulb
temperature or relative humidity. For the temperature adjustment
coefficient, the dry-bulb temperature was varied within test tolerance
while holding the relative humidity fixed. For the relative humidity
adjustment coefficient, the wet-bulb temperature was varied within test
tolerance while holding the dry-bulb temperature fixed, and the
resulting variation in relative humidity was calculated. The
coefficients themselves were calculated from linear curve fits of the
changes in humidity ratio. From this analysis, DOE proposes that
corrected capacity be calculated for portable and whole-home
dehumidifiers
[[Page 6004]]
at the 65 [deg]F and 73 [deg]F dry-bulb temperature rating conditions,
respectively, by substituting the equation included in Section 7.1.7 of
ANSI/AHAM DH-1-2008 with:
Cr,p = Ct + 0.0352 x (65 - Tt) + 0.0169 x Ct x (60 - HC,p)
Cr,wh = Ct + 0.0344 x Ct x (73 - Tt) + 0.017 x Ct x (60 -
HC,wh)
Where:
Cr,p is the portable dehumidifier product capacity in
pints/day, corrected to standard rating conditions of 65 [deg]F dry-
bulb temperature and 60 percent relative humidity;
Cr,wh is the whole-home dehumidifier product capacity
in pints/day, corrected to standard rating conditions of 73 [deg]F
dry-bulb temperature and 60 percent relative humidity;
Ct is the product capacity determined from test data
in pints/day;
Tt is the average dry-bulb temperature during the
test period in [deg]F;
HC,p is the portable dehumidifier corrected relative
humidity, in percent, as discussed below; and
HC,wh is the whole-home dehumidifier corrected
relative humidity, in percent, as also discussed below;
0.0352 and 0.0344 are the capacity correction factors for
variations in temperature for portable and whole-home dehumidifiers,
respectively, in ([deg]F)-1; and
0.0169 and 0.017 are the capacity correction factors for
variations in relative humidity for portable and whole-home
dehumidifiers, respectively.
b. Corrected Relative Humidity
DOE used a similar approach to that for corrected product capacity
to determine the appropriate coefficients for the corrected relative
humidity equation in Section 7.1.7 of ANSI/AHAM DH-1-2008. DOE
calculated the linear percent change in relative humidity from the
standard rating condition (60-percent relative humidity) for small
perturbations in the barometric pressure. DOE proposes, therefore, that
corrected relative humidity be calculated for portable and whole-home
dehumidifiers at the 65 [deg]F and 73 [deg]F dry-bulb temperature
rating conditions, respectively, by substituting the following
equations for the corrected relative humidity equation in Section 7.1.7
of ANSI/AHAM DH-1-2008:
Hc,p = Ht x [1 + 0.0083 x (29.921 - B)]
Hc,wh = Ht x [1 + 0.0072 x (29.921 - B)]
Where:
Hc,p is the portable dehumidifier average relative
humidity from the test data, in percent, corrected to the standard
barometric pressure of 29.921 in. mercury (Hg);
Hc,wh is the whole-home dehumidifier average relative
humidity from the test data, in percent, corrected to the standard
barometric pressure of 29.921 in. Hg;
Ht is the average relative humidity from the test
data, in percent;
B is the average barometric pressure during the test period in
in. Hg; and
0.0083 and 0.0072 are the relative humidity correction factors
for variations in barometric pressure for portable and whole-home
dehumidifiers, respectively, in (in. Hg)-1.
4. Integrated Energy Factor Calculation
In the May 2014 NOPR, DOE proposed to modify the existing IEF
equation in Section 5.2 of appendix X to incorporate the annual
combined low-power mode energy consumption, ETLP, in kWh per
year, and the fan-only mode energy consumption, EFM, in kWh
per year, with the dehumidification mode energy consumption,
EDM, in kWh as measured during the dehumidification mode
test. The proposed IEF equation used the measured condensate collected
during the dehumidification mode test, with no adjustments for
variations in the ambient test conditions. 79 FR 29271, 29291-92.
In response to the May 2014 NOPR, AHAM suggested that instead of
using the amount of condensate measured during the test, DOE's IEF
calculation should use a corrected capacity to account for variation in
temperature and relative humidity. AHAM stated that the IEF equation,
as proposed in the May 2014 NOPR, is not an accurate representation of
the real-time test conditions in the chamber, which affect the amount
of moisture that is removed from the air. (AHAM, No. 7 at pp. 9-10)
DOE agrees that use of the corrected capacity would account for
variations in test chamber temperature and relative humidity;
therefore, DOE proposes a modified IEF equation that utilizes the
corrected capacity.
Because DOE proposes to remove fan-only mode and to consider
operation in off-cycle mode, DOE also proposes to modify the IEF
equation to remove fan-only mode annual energy consumption. DOE
proposes an update to the definition of combined low-power mode in both
appendix X and appendix X1 to clarify that it is the aggregate of
available modes other than dehumidification mode. The proposed combined
low-power mode would include contributions from off-cycle mode and
inactive mode or off mode.
Based on these updates, DOE proposes the following IEF calculation.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP04FE15.191
Where:
IEF is the integrated energy factor in liters per kWh;
Cr is the corrected product capacity in pints per day;
t is the test duration in hours;
EDM is the dehumidification mode test energy consumption
during the 6-hour dehumidification mode test in kWh;
ETLP is the annual combined low-power mode energy
consumption in kWh per year;
6 is the hours per dehumidification mode test;
1,095 is the number of dehumidification mode annual hours;
1.04 is the density of water in pounds per pint; and
24 is the number of hours per day.
5. Compressor Run-In
In the May 2014 NOPR, DOE noted that Section 5.5 of ANSI/AHAM DH-1-
2008 does not define the term ``run-in'' when requiring a run-in period
be conducted prior to testing to ensure all components work properly.
Therefore, DOE proposed in appendix X1 that a single run-in period
during which the compressor operates would be performed before active
mode testing, and no additional run-in period would be conducted
between dehumidification mode testing and fan-only mode testing. 79 FR
29271, 29291.
In response to the proposal in the May 2014 NOPR, AHAM commented
that for run-in, the compressor must run for 24 hours; otherwise the
unit may not perform as it would in a consumer setting. AHAM stated
that if the run-in is performed in a dry environment, the unit may not
run in dehumidification mode and the compressor will not engage.
Therefore, AHAM proposed to require that the run-in period be conducted
inside the test chamber for a complete 24 hours for units without a
continuous compressor on function. (AHAM, No. 7 at p. 11)
To minimize test burden, DOE is not proposing to require that the
24 hours run-in period be conducted in the test chamber. However, DOE
proposes to clarify in appendix X1 that the run-in period must contain
24 hours of continuous compressor operation. This may be achieved by
running the test unit outside of the test chamber with the control
setpoint below the ambient relative humidity. If the conditions outside
of the test chamber are too dry, then the unit would need to be run-in
in a more humid environment, which may include the test chamber.
6. Definition of ``Dehumidifier''
In the May 2014 NOPR, DOE proposed to add clarification to 10 CFR
430.2 that the definition of ``dehumidifier'' does not apply to
portable air conditioners and room air conditioners. The primary
function of
[[Page 6005]]
an air conditioner is to provide cooling by removing both sensible and
latent heat, while a dehumidifier removes moisture (i.e., only latent
heat). DOE notes that packaged terminal air conditioners (PTACs) are
currently excluded from the room air conditioner definition. Because
PTACs provide a primary function similar to the other products proposed
to be excluded in the dehumidifier definition, DOE additionally
proposes that PTACs be excluded in the dehumidifier definition codified
at 10 CFR 430.2.
7. Additional Operating Mode Definitions
Inactive mode currently means a standby mode that facilitates the
activation of active mode by remote switch (including remote control),
internal sensor, or timer, or that provides continuous status display.
Because, unlike off-cycle mode, inactive mode does not initiate
dehumidification mode when the humidity setpoint has been exceeded, DOE
proposes to exclude the humidistat and humidity sensor from the
``internal sensor'' mentioned in the inactive mode definition.
Because DOE is aware that some dehumidifiers may be operated
continuously in dehumidification mode by means of a user-selected
option, DOE also proposes to add ``by control setting'' to the
dehumidification mode definition as a means to activate the main
moisture removal function.
IV. Procedural Issues and Regulatory Review
DOE has concluded that the determinations made pursuant to the
various procedural requirements applicable to the May 2014 NOPR, set
forth at 79 FR 29271, 29292-95, remain unchanged for this SNOPR, except
for the following additional analysis and determination DOE conducted
in accordance with the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et
seq.).
The Regulatory Flexibility Act requires preparation of an initial
regulatory flexibility analysis (IFRA) 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 (Aug. 16, 2002), DOE published procedures and policies on
February 19, 2003, to ensure that the potential impacts of its rules on
small entities are properly considered during the DOE rulemaking
process. 68 FR 7990. DOE 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 reviewed the supplemental proposed rule under the provisions of
the Regulatory Flexibility Act and the procedures and policies
published on February 19, 2003. DOE's initial regulatory flexibility
analysis is set forth in the May 2014 NOPR, with additional analysis
below based on the proposals in this SNOPR. DOE seeks comment on its
analysis and the economic impacts of the rule on small manufacturers.
In the May 2014 NOPR, DOE estimated that there are five small
businesses that manufacture dehumidifiers.
This SNOPR proposes modifications to the proposals included in the
May 2014 NOPR. DOE believes that the proposed modifications to whole-
home dehumidifier testing would not increase test burden and, in some
cases, may even reduce test burden with respect to the proposals in the
May 2014 NOPR and would therefore not increase the burden on small
businesses. DOE investigated the following proposed modifications to
determine the impact on small businesses.
In the May 2014 NOPR, DOE estimated that a non-instrumented duct
with a length of 10 duct diameters would cost approximately $1,500. In
this SNOPR, DOE proposes to reduce the duct length from 10 duct
diameters to 4.5 duct diameters. DOE estimates that the associated cost
of the non-instrumented duct would decrease to about $1,000. The
reduction in duct length provides an immediate savings in the cost of
the test duct setup and allows manufacturers to test in significantly
smaller test chambers, thereby reducing the overall test burden. As
discussed in Section III.A.3 of this notice, one manufacturer estimated
that testing in an existing chamber would avoid a cost of $30,000 for a
new or expanded chamber.
In this rulemaking, DOE proposes to require that ducted
refrigerant-desiccant whole-home dehumidifier testing be conducted with
relative humidity sensors instead of aspirating psychrometers. Based on
preliminary market research and a review of product specifications, DOE
identified several solid-state relative humidity sensors currently
available with accuracies of 1 percent at prices similar to
or less than the price of a calibrated aspirating psychrometer, which
DOE estimated at $1,000 in the May 2014 NOPR. DOE is also aware that
many laboratories already use relative humidity sensors, so DOE expects
little or no change in test burden with the proposal to require
relative humidity sensors be used for refrigerant-desiccant whole-home
dehumidifier testing. The proposed switch to relative humidity sensors
may actually reduce test burden because the sensors are relatively
simple and require less maintenance compared to aspirating
psychrometers.
V. Public Participation
Submission of Comments
DOE will accept comments, data, and information regarding this
SNOPR no later than the date provided in the DATES section at the
beginning of this notice. Interested parties may submit comments using
any of the methods described in the ADDRESSES section at the beginning
of this SNOPR.
Submitting comments via www.regulations.gov. The
www.regulations.gov Web page will require you to provide your name and
contact information. Your contact information will be viewable to DOE
Building Technologies staff only. Your contact information will not be
publicly viewable except for your first and last names, organization
name (if any), and submitter representative name (if any). If your
comment is not processed properly because of technical difficulties,
DOE will use this information to contact you. If DOE cannot read your
comment due to technical difficulties and cannot contact you for
clarification, DOE may not be able to consider your comment.
However, your contact information will be publicly viewable if you
include it in the comment or in any documents attached to your comment.
Any information that you do not want to be publicly viewable should not
be included in your comment, nor in any document attached to your
comment. Persons viewing comments will see only first and last names,
organization names, correspondence containing comments, and any
documents submitted with the comments.
Do not submit to www.regulations.gov information for which
disclosure is restricted by statute, such as trade secrets and
commercial or financial information (hereinafter referred to as
Confidential Business Information (CBI)). Comments submitted through
www.regulations.gov cannot be claimed as CBI. Comments received through
the Web site will waive any CBI claims for the information submitted.
For information on submitting CBI, see the Confidential Business
Information section.
DOE processes submissions made through www.regulations.gov before
posting. Normally, comments will be
[[Page 6006]]
posted within a few days of being submitted. However, if large volumes
of comments are being processed simultaneously, your comment may not be
viewable for up to several weeks. Please keep the comment tracking
number that regulations.gov provides after you have successfully
uploaded your comment.
Submitting comments via email, hand delivery, or mail. Comments and
documents submitted via email, hand delivery, or mail also will be
posted to www.regulations.gov. If you do not want your personal contact
information to be publicly viewable, do not include it in your comment
or any accompanying documents. Instead, provide your contact
information on a cover letter. Include your first and last names, email
address, telephone number, and optional mailing address. The cover
letter will not be publicly viewable as long as it does not include any
comments.
Include contact information each time you submit comments, data,
documents, and other information to DOE. If you submit via mail or hand
delivery/courier, please provide all items on a CD, if feasible, in
which case it is not necessary to submit printed copies. No facsimiles
(faxes) will be accepted.
Comments, data, and other information submitted to DOE
electronically should be provided in PDF (preferred), Microsoft Word or
Excel, WordPerfect, or text (ASCII) file format. Provide documents that
are not secured, written in English and free of any defects or viruses.
Documents should not contain special characters or any form of
encryption and, if possible, they should carry the electronic signature
of the author.
Campaign form letters. Please submit campaign form letters by the
originating organization in batches of between 50 to 500 form letters
per PDF or as one form letter with a list of supporters' names compiled
into one or more PDFs. This reduces comment processing and posting
time.
Confidential Business Information. According to 10 CFR 1004.11, any
person submitting information that he or she believes to be
confidential and exempt by law from public disclosure should submit via
email, postal mail, or hand delivery/courier two well-marked copies:
One copy of the document marked ``confidential'' including all the
information believed to be confidential, and one copy of the document
marked ``non-confidential'' with the information believed to be
confidential deleted. Submit these documents via email or on a CD, if
feasible. DOE will make its own determination about the confidential
status of the information and treat it according to its determination.
Factors of interest to DOE when evaluating requests to treat
submitted information as confidential include: (1) A description of the
items; (2) whether and why such items are customarily treated as
confidential within the industry; (3) whether the information is
generally known by or available from other sources; (4) whether the
information has previously been made available to others without
obligation concerning its confidentiality; (5) an explanation of the
competitive injury to the submitting person which would result from
public disclosure; (6) when such information might lose its
confidential character due to the passage of time; and (7) why
disclosure of the information would be contrary to the public interest.
It is DOE's policy that all comments may be included in the public
docket, without change and as received, including any personal
information provided in the comments (except information deemed to be
exempt from public disclosure).
VI. Approval of the Office of the Secretary
The Secretary of Energy has approved publication of this
supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking.
List of Subjects
10 CFR Part 429
Administrative practice and procedure, Buildings and facilities,
Business and industry, Energy conservation, Grant programs-energy,
Housing, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Technical
assistance.
10 CFR Part 430
Administrative practice and procedure, Confidential business
information, Energy conservation, Household appliances, Imports,
Incorporation by reference, Intergovernmental relations, Small
businesses.
Issued in Washington, DC, on January 27, 2015.
Kathleen B. Hogan,
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency, Energy Efficiency and
Renewable Energy.
For the reasons stated in the preamble, DOE proposes to amend parts
429 and 430 of Chapter II of Title 10, 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 429.36 is amended by:
0
a. Adding paragraphs (a)(3) and (a)(4); and
0
b. Revising paragraph (b)(2).
The additions and revision read as follows:
Sec. 429.36 Dehumidifiers.
(a) * * *
(3) The value of capacity of a basic model reported in accordance
with paragraph (b)(2) of this section shall be the mean of the measured
capacities for each tested unit of the basic model. Round the mean
capacity value to two decimal places.
(4) For whole-home dehumidifiers, the value of case volume of a
basic model reported in accordance with paragraph (b)(2) of this
section shall be the mean of the measured case volumes for each tested
unit of the basic model. Round the mean case volume value to one
decimal place.
(b) * * *
(2) Pursuant to Sec. 429.12(b)(13), a certification report shall
include the following public product-specific information: The energy
factor in liters per kilowatt hour (liters/kWh), capacity in pints per
day, and for whole-home dehumidifiers, case volume in cubic feet.
0
3. Section 429.134 is amended by:
0
a. Reserving paragraph (e); and
0
b. Adding paragraph (f) to read as follows:
Sec. 429.134 Product-specific enforcement provisions.
* * * * *
(e) [Reserved]
(f) Dehumidifiers. (1) Verification of capacity. The capacity of
the basic model will be measured pursuant to the test requirements of
part 430 for each unit tested. The results of the measurement(s) will
be averaged and compared to the value of capacity certified by the
manufacturer. The certified capacity will be considered valid only if
the measurement is within five percent, or 1.00 pint per day, whichever
is greater, of the certified capacity.
(i) If the certified capacity is found to be valid, the certified
capacity will be used as the basis for determining the minimum energy
factor allowed for the basic model.
[[Page 6007]]
(ii) If the certified capacity is found to be invalid, the average
measured capacity of the units in the sample will be used as the basis
for determining the minimum energy factor allowed for the basic model.
(2) Verification of whole-home dehumidifier case volume. The case
volume of the basic model will be measured pursuant to the test
requirements of part 430 for each unit tested. The results of the
measurement(s) will be averaged and compared to the value of case
volume certified by the manufacturer. The certified case volume will be
considered valid only if the measurement is within two percent, or 0.2
cubic feet, whichever is greater, of the certified case volume.
(i) If the certified case volume is found to be valid, the
certified case volume will be used as the basis for determining the
minimum energy factor allowed for the basic model.
(ii) If the certified case volume is found to be invalid, the
average measured case volume of the units in the sample will be used as
the basis for determining the minimum energy factor allowed for the
basic model.
PART 430--ENERGY CONSERVATION PROGRAM FOR CONSUMER PRODUCTS
0
4. The authority citation for part 430 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 42 U.S.C. 6291-6309; 28 U.S.C. 2461 note.
0
5. Section 430.2 is amended by
0
a. Revising the definition of ``Dehumidifier''; and
0
b. Adding the definitions for ``Portable dehumidifier'', ``Refrigerant-
desiccant dehumidifier'', and ``Whole-home dehumidifier'' in
alphabetical order.
The revisions and additions read as follows:
Sec. 430.2 Definitions.
* * * * *
Dehumidifier means a product, other than a portable air
conditioner, room air conditioner, or packaged terminal air
conditioner, that is a self-contained, electrically operated, and
mechanically encased assembly consisting of--
(1) A refrigerated surface (evaporator) that condenses moisture
from the atmosphere;
(2) A refrigerating system, including an electric motor;
(3) An air-circulating fan; and
(4) A means for collecting or disposing of the condensate.
* * * * *
Portable dehumidifier means a dehumidifier designed to operate
within the dehumidified space without the attachment of additional
ducting, although means may be provided for optional duct attachment.
* * * * *
Refrigerant-desiccant dehumidifier means a whole-home dehumidifier
that removes moisture from the process air by means of a desiccant
material in addition to a refrigeration system.
* * * * *
Whole-home dehumidifier means a dehumidifier designed to be
installed with ducting to deliver return process air to its inlet and
to supply dehumidified process air from its outlet to one or more
locations in the dehumidified space.
0
6. Section 430.3 is amended by:
0
a. Redesignating paragraphs (f)(10) through (f)(12) as paragraphs
(f)(12) through (f)(14), respectively;
0
b. Redesignating paragraphs (f)(6) through (f)(9) as paragraphs (f)(7)
through (f)(10); and
0
c. Adding new paragraphs (f)(6) and (f)(11);
The additions read as follows:
Sec. 430.3 Materials incorporated by reference.
* * * * *
(f) * * *
(6) ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 41.1-2013, Standard Method for Temperature
Measurement, ASHRAE approved January 29, 2013, ANSI approved January
30, 2013, IBR approved for appendix X1 to subpart B.
* * * * *
(11) ANSI/ASHRAE 51-07/ANSI/AMCA 210-07, Laboratory Methods of
Testing Fans for Certified Aerodynamic Performance Rating, AMCA
approved July 28, 2006, ANSI approved August 17, 2007, ASHRAE approved
March 17, 2008, IBR approved for appendix X1 to subpart B.
* * * * *
0
7. Section 430.23 is amended by revising paragraph (z) to read as
follows:
Sec. 430.23 Test procedures for the measurement of energy and water
consumption.
* * * * *
(z) Dehumidifiers. When using appendix X, the capacity, expressed
in pints per day (pints/day), and the energy factor, expressed in
liters per kilowatt hour (L/kWh), shall be measured in accordance with
section 4.1 of appendix X of this subpart. When using appendix X1, the
capacity, expressed in pints/day, for dehumidifiers other than
refrigerant-desiccant dehumidifiers and the energy factor, expressed in
L/kWh, shall be measured in accordance with section 4.1.1.1 of appendix
X1 of this subpart, and the integrated energy factor, expressed in L/
kWh, shall be determined according to section 5.3 of appendix X1 to
this subpart. When using appendix X1, the capacity, expressed in pints/
day, for refrigerant-desiccant dehumidifiers shall be measured in
accordance with section 5.4 of appendix X1 of this subpart and the case
volume, expressed in cubic feet, for whole-home dehumidifiers shall be
measured in accordance with section 5.5 of appendix X1 of this subpart.
* * * * *
0
8. Appendix X to subpart B of part 430 is amended:
0
a. By revising the note after the heading;
0
b. In section 2, Definitions, by revising section 2.3, redesignating
sections 2.4 through 2.10 as sections 2.5 through 2.11, adding new
section 2.4, and revising newly redesignated sections 2.7 and 2.10;
0
c. In section 3, Test Apparatus and General Instructions, by revising
section 3.1 and adding sections 3.1.1 through 3.1.4;
0
d. In section 4, Test Measurement, by revising sections 4.1, 4.2.1, and
4.2.2; and
0
e. In section 5, Calculation of Derived Results From Test Measurements,
by revising sections 5.1 and 5.2;
The additions and revisions read as follows:
Appendix X to Subpart B of Part 430--Uniform Test Method for Measuring
the Energy Consumption of Dehumidifiers
Note: After (date 180 days after the date of publication of the
final rule in the Federal Register), any representations made with
respect to the energy use or efficiency of portable dehumidifiers
must be made in accordance with the results of testing pursuant to
this appendix.
Until (date 180 days after the publication of the final rule in
the Federal Register), manufacturers must either test portable
dehumidifiers in accordance with this appendix, or the previous
version of this appendix as it appeared in the Code of Federal
Regulations on January 1, 2015. Any representations made with
respect to the energy use or efficiency of such dehumidifiers must
be in accordance with whichever version is selected. DOE notes that,
because testing under this appendix X must be completed as of (date
180 days after publication of the final rule in the Federal
Register), manufacturers may wish to begin using this test procedure
immediately.
Alternatively, manufacturers may certify compliance with any
amended energy conservation standards prior to the compliance date
of those amended energy conservation standards by testing in
accordance with appendix X1. Any
[[Page 6008]]
representations made with respect to the energy use or efficiency of
such portable dehumidifiers must be in accordance with whichever
version is selected.
Any representations made on or after the compliance date of any
amended energy conservation standards, with respect to the energy
use or efficiency of portable or whole-home dehumidifiers, must be
made in accordance with the results of testing pursuant to appendix
X1.
* * * * *
2. Definitions
* * * * *
2.3 Combined low-power mode means the aggregate of available
modes other than dehumidification mode.
2.4 Dehumidification mode means an active mode in which a
dehumidifier:
(1) Has activated the main moisture removal function according
to the humidistat, humidity sensor signal, or control setting; and
(2) Has either activated the refrigeration system or activated
the fan or blower without activation of the refrigeration system.
* * * * *
2.7 Inactive mode means a standby mode that facilitates the
activation of active mode by remote switch (including remote
control), internal sensor other than humidistat or humidity sensor,
or timer, or that provides continuous status display.
* * * * *
2.10 Product capacity for dehumidifiers means a measure of the
ability of the dehumidifier to remove moisture from its surrounding
atmosphere, measured in pints collected per 24 hours of operation
under the specified ambient conditions.
* * * * *
3. Test Apparatus and General Instructions
3.1 Active mode. The test apparatus and instructions for testing
dehumidifiers in dehumidification mode shall conform to the
requirements specified in Section 3, ``Definitions,'' Section 4,
``Instrumentation,'' and Section 5, ``Test Procedure,'' of ANSI/AHAM
DH-1 (incorporated by reference, see Sec. 430.3), with the
following exceptions.
3.1.1 Psychrometer placement. The psychrometer shall be placed
perpendicular to, and 1 ft. in front of, the center of the intake
grille. For dehumidifiers with multiple intake grilles, a separate
sampling tree shall be placed perpendicular to, and 1 ft. in front
of, the center of each intake grille, with the samples combined and
connected to a single psychrometer using a minimal length of
insulated ducting. The psychrometer shall be used to monitor inlet
conditions of one test unit only.
3.1.2 Condensate collection. If means are provided on the
dehumidifier for draining condensate away from the cabinet, the
condensate shall be collected in a substantially closed vessel to
prevent re-evaporation and shall be placed on the weight-measuring
instrument. If no means for draining condensate away from the
cabinet are provided, any automatic shutoff of dehumidification mode
operation that is activated when the collection container is full
shall be disabled and any overflow shall be collected in a pan. The
pan shall be covered as much as possible to prevent re-evaporation
without impeding the collection of overflow water. Both the
dehumidifier and the overflow pan shall be placed on the weight-
measuring instrument for direct reading of the condensate weight
during the test. Any internal pump shall not be used to drain the
condensate into a substantially closed vessel unless such pump
operation is provided for by default in dehumidification mode.
3.1.3 Control settings. If the dehumidifier has a control
setting for continuous operation in dehumidification mode, that
setting shall be selected. Otherwise, the controls shall be set to
the lowest available relative humidity level and, if the
dehumidifier has a user-adjustable fan speed, the maximum fan speed
setting shall be selected.
3.1.4 Recording and rounding. Record measurements at the
resolution of the test instrumentation. Round calculated values to
the same number of significant digits as the previous step. Round
the final capacity, energy factor and integrated energy factor
values to two decimal places as follows:
(i) A fractional number at or above the midpoint between two
consecutive decimal places shall be rounded up to the higher of the
two decimal places; and
(ii) A fractional number below the midpoint between two
consecutive decimal places shall be rounded down to the lower of the
two decimal places.
4. Test Measurement
4.1 Active mode. Measure the energy consumption in
dehumidification mode, EDM, expressed in kilowatt-hours
(kWh), the energy factor, expressed in liters per kilowatt-hour (L/
kWh), and product capacity, expressed in pints per day (pints/day),
in accordance with the test requirements specified in Section 7,
``Capacity Test and Energy Consumption Test,'' of ANSI/AHAM DH-1
(incorporated by reference, see Sec. 430.3).
* * * * *
4.2.1 If the dehumidifier has an inactive mode, as defined in
section 2.7 of this appendix, but not an off mode, as defined in
section 2.8 of this appendix, measure and record the average
inactive mode power of the dehumidifier, PIA, in watts.
Otherwise, if the dehumidifier has an off mode, as defined in
section 2.8 of this appendix, measure and record the average off
mode power of the dehumidifier, POM, in watts.
4.2.2 If the dehumidifier has an off-cycle mode, as defined in
section 2.9 of this appendix, measure and record the average off-
cycle mode power of the dehumidifier, POC, in watts.
5. Calculation of Derived Results From Test Measurements
5.1 Annual combined low-power mode energy consumption. Calculate
the annual combined low-power mode energy consumption for
dehumidifiers, ETLP, expressed in kilowatt-hours per
year, according to the following:
ETLP = [(PIO x SIO) +
(POC x SOC)] x K
Where:
PIO = PIA, dehumidifier inactive mode power,
or POM, dehumidifier off mode power in watts, as measured
in section 4.2.1 of this appendix.
POC = dehumidifier off-cycle mode power in watts, as
measured in section 4.2.2 of this appendix.
SIO = 1,840.5 dehumidifier inactive mode or off mode
annual hours.
SOC = 1,840.5 dehumidifier off-cycle mode annual hours.
K = 0.001 kWh/Wh conversion factor for watt-hours to kilowatt-hours.
5.2 Integrated energy factor. Calculate the integrated energy
factor, IEF, expressed in liters per kilowatt-hour, rounded to two
decimal places, according to the following:
IEF = LW/[EDM + ((ETLP/1095) x 6)]
Where:
LW = water removed from the air during the 6-hour
dehumidification mode test in liters, as measured in section 4.1 of
this appendix.
EDM = energy consumption during the 6-hour
dehumidification mode test in kilowatt-hours, as measured in section
4.1 of this appendix.
ETLP = annual combined low-power mode energy consumption
in kilowatt-hours per year, as calculated in section 5.1 of this
appendix.
1,095 = dehumidification mode annual hours, used to convert
ETLP to combined low-power mode energy consumption per
hour of dehumidification mode.
6 = hours per dehumidification mode test, used to convert combined
low-power mode energy consumption per hour of dehumidification mode
for integration with dehumidification mode energy consumption.
0
9. Appendix X1 is added to subpart B of part 430 to read as follows:
Appendix X1 to Subpart B of Part 430--Uniform Test Method for Measuring
the Energy Consumption of Dehumidifiers
Note: Manufacturers may certify compliance with any amended
energy conservation standards prior to the compliance date of those
amended energy conservation standards by testing in accordance with
this appendix. Any representations made with respect to the energy
use or efficiency of such portable dehumidifiers must be in
accordance with whichever version is selected.
Any representations made on or after the compliance date of any
amended energy conservation standards, with respect to the energy
use or efficiency of portable or whole-home dehumidifiers, must be
made in accordance with the results of testing pursuant to this
appendix.
1. Scope
This appendix covers the test requirements used to measure the
energy performance of dehumidifiers.
2. Definitions
2.1 ANSI/AHAM DH-1 means the test standard published by the
American National Standards Institute and the Association of Home
Appliance Manufacturers, titled ``Dehumidifiers,'' ANSI/AHAM DH-1-
2008 (incorporated by reference; see Sec. 430.3).
[[Page 6009]]
2.2 ANSI/AMCA 210 means the test standard published by ANSI, the
American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning
Engineers, and the Air Movement and Control Association
International, Inc., titled ``Laboratory Methods of Testing Fans for
Aerodynamic Performance Rating,'' ANSI/ASHRAE 51-07/ANSI/AMCA 210-07
(incorporated by reference; see Sec. 430.3).
2.3 ANSI/ASHRAE 37 means the test standard published by ANSI and
ASHRAE titled ``Methods of Testing for Rating Electrically Driven
Unitary Air-Conditioning and Heat Pump Equipment,'' ANSI/ASHRAE 37-
2009 (incorporated by reference; see Sec. 430.3).
2.4 ANSI/ASHRAE 41.1 means the test standard published by ANSI
and ASHRAE, titled ``Standard Method for Temperature Measurement,''
ANSI/ASHRAE 41.1-2013 (incorporated by reference; see Sec. 430.3).
2.5 Active mode means a mode in which a dehumidifier is
connected to a mains power source, has been activated, and is
performing the main functions of removing moisture from air by
drawing moist air over a refrigerated coil using a fan or
circulating air through activation of the fan without activation of
the refrigeration system.
2.6 Combined low-power mode means the aggregate of available
modes other than dehumidification mode.
2.7 Dehumidification mode means an active mode in which a
dehumidifier:
(1) Has activated the main moisture removal function according
to the humidistat, humidity sensor signal, or control setting; and
(2) Has either activated the refrigeration system or activated
the fan or blower without activation of the refrigeration system.
2.8 Energy factor for dehumidifiers means a measure of energy
efficiency of a dehumidifier calculated by dividing the water
removed from the air by the energy consumed, measured in liters per
kilowatt-hour (L/kWh).
2.9 External static pressure (ESP) means the process air outlet
static pressure minus the process air inlet static pressure,
measured in inches of water column (in. w.c.).
2.10 IEC 62301 means the test standard published by the
International Electrotechnical Commission, titled ``Household
electrical appliances--Measurement of standby power,'' Publication
62301 (Edition 2.0 2011-01) (incorporated by reference; see Sec.
430.3).
2.11 Inactive mode means a standby mode that facilitates the
activation of active mode by remote switch (including remote
control), internal sensor other than humidistat or humidity sensor,
or timer, or that provides continuous status display.
2.12 Off-cycle mode means a mode in which the dehumidifier:
(1) Has cycled off its main moisture removal function by
humidistat or humidity sensor;
(2) May or may not operate its fan or blower; and
(3) Will reactivate the main moisture removal function according
to the humidistat or humidity sensor signal.
2.13 Off mode means a mode in which the dehumidifier is
connected to a mains power source and is not providing any active
mode or standby mode function, and where the mode may persist for an
indefinite time. An indicator that only shows the user that the
dehumidifier is in the off position is included within the
classification of an off mode.
2.14 Process air means the air supplied to the dehumidifier from
the dehumidified space and discharged to the dehumidified space
after some of the moisture has been removed by means of the
refrigeration system.
2.15 Product capacity for dehumidifiers means a measure of the
ability of the dehumidifier to remove moisture from its surrounding
atmosphere, measured in pints collected per 24 hours of operation
under the specified ambient conditions.
2.16 Product case volume for whole-home dehumidifiers means a
measure of the rectangular volume that the product case occupies,
exclusive of any duct attachment collars or other external
components.
2.17 Reactivation air means the air drawn from unconditioned
space to remove moisture from the desiccant wheel of a refrigerant-
desiccant dehumidifier and discharged to unconditioned space.
2.18 Standby mode means any modes where the dehumidifier is
connected to a mains power source and offers one or more of the
following user-oriented or protective functions which may persist
for an indefinite time:
(1) To facilitate the activation of other modes (including
activation or deactivation of active mode) by remote switch
(including remote control), internal sensor, or timer;
(2) Continuous functions, including information or status
displays (including clocks) or sensor-based functions. A timer is a
continuous clock function (which may or may not be associated with a
display) that provides regular scheduled tasks (e.g., switching) and
that operates on a continuous basis.
3. Test Apparatus and General Instructions
3.1 Active mode.
3.1.1 Portable dehumidifiers and whole-home dehumidifiers other
than refrigerant-desiccant dehumidifiers. The test apparatus and
instructions for testing in dehumidification mode and off-cycle mode
shall conform to the requirements specified in Section 3,
``Definitions,'' Section 4, ``Instrumentation,'' and Section 5,
``Test Procedure,'' of ANSI/AHAM DH-1 (incorporated by reference,
see Sec. 430.3), with the following exceptions. Note that if a
product is able to operate as both a portable and whole-home
dehumidifier by means of installation or removal of an optional
ducting kit, it shall be tested and rated for both configurations.
3.1.1.1 Testing configuration for whole-home dehumidifiers other
than refrigerant-desiccant dehumidifiers. Test dehumidifiers, other
than refrigerant-desiccant dehumidifiers, with ducting attached to
the process air outlet port. The duct configuration and component
placement must conform to the requirements specified in section
3.1.3 of this appendix and Figure 1 or Figure 3, except that the
flow straightener and dry-bulb temperature and relative humidity
instruments are not required. Maintain the external static pressure
in the process air flow and measure the external static pressure as
specified in section 3.1.2.2.3.1 of this appendix.
3.1.1.2 Psychrometer placement. Place the psychrometer
perpendicular to, and 1 ft. in front of, the center of the process
air intake grille. For dehumidifiers with multiple process air
intake grilles, place a separate sampling tree perpendicular to, and
1 ft. in front of, the center of each process air intake grille,
with the samples combined and connected to a single psychrometer
using a minimal length of insulated ducting. The psychrometer shall
be used to monitor inlet conditions of one test unit only.
3.1.1.3 Condensate collection. If means are provided on the
dehumidifier for draining condensate away from the cabinet, collect
the condensate in a substantially closed vessel to prevent re-
evaporation and place the vessel on the weight-measuring instrument.
If no means for draining condensate away from the cabinet are
provided, disable any automatic shutoff of dehumidification mode
operation that is activated when the collection container is full
and collect any overflow in a pan. Cover the pan as much as possible
to prevent re-evaporation without impeding the collection of
overflow water. Place both the dehumidifier and the overflow pan on
the weight-measuring instrument for direct reading of the condensate
weight collected during the rating test. Do not use any internal
pump to drain the condensate into a substantially closed vessel
unless such pump operation is provided for by default in
dehumidification mode.
3.1.1.4 Control settings. If the dehumidifier has a control
setting for continuous operation in dehumidification mode, select
that control setting. Otherwise, set the controls to the lowest
available relative humidity level, and if the dehumidifier has a
user-adjustable fan speed, select the maximum fan speed setting.
3.1.1.5 Run-in period. Perform a single run-in period during
which the compressor operates continuously for at least 24 hours
prior to dehumidification mode testing.
3.1.2 Refrigerant-desiccant dehumidifiers. The test apparatus
and instructions for testing refrigerant-desiccant dehumidifiers in
dehumidification mode shall conform to the requirements specified in
Section 3, ``Definitions,'' Section 4, ``Instrumentation,'' and
Section 5, ``Test Procedure,'' of ANSI/AHAM DH-1 (incorporated by
reference, see Sec. 430.3), except as follows.
3.1.2.1 Testing configuration. Test refrigerant-desiccant
dehumidifiers with ducting attached to the process air inlet and
outlet ports and the reactivation air inlet port. The duct
configuration and components shall conform to the requirements
specified in section 3.1.3 of this appendix and Figure 1 through
Figure 3. Install a cell-type airflow straightener that conforms to
the specifications in Section 5.2.1.6, ``Airflow straightener'', and
Figure 6A, ``Flow Straightener--Cell Type'', of ANSI/AMCA 210
(incorporated by reference, see Sec. 430.3)
[[Page 6010]]
in each duct consistent with Figure 1 through Figure 3.
3.1.2.2 Instrumentation.
3.1.2.2.1 Temperature. Install dry-bulb temperature sensors in a
grid centered in the duct, with the plane of the grid perpendicular
to the axis of the duct. Determine the number and locations of the
sensors within the grid according to Section 5.3.5, ``Centers of
Segments--Grids,'' of ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 41.1 (incorporated by
reference, see Sec. 430.3).
3.1.2.2.2 Relative humidity. Measure relative humidity with a
duct-mounted, relative humidity sensor with an accuracy within
1 percent relative humidity. Place the relative humidity
sensor at the duct centerline within 1 inch of the dry-bulb
temperature grid plane.
3.1.2.2.3 Pressure. The pressure instruments used to measure the
external static pressure and velocity pressures must have an
accuracy within 0.01 in. w.c. and a resolution of no
more than 0.01 in. w.c.
3.1.2.2.3.1 External static pressure. Measure static pressures
in each duct using pitot-static tube traverses that conform with the
specifications in Section 4.3.1, ``Pitot Traverse,'' of ANSI/AMCA
210 (incorporated by reference, see Sec. 430.3), with pitot-static
tubes that conform with the specifications in Section 4.2.2,
``Pitot-Static Tube,'' of ANSI/AMCA 210, except that only two
intersecting and perpendicular rows of pitot-static tube traverses
shall be used. Record the static pressure within the test duct as
measured at the pressure tap in the manifold of the traverses that
averages the individual static pressures at each pitot-static tube.
Calculate duct pressure losses between the unit under test and the
plane of each static pressure measurement in accordance with section
7.5.2, ``Pressure Losses,'' of ANSI/AMCA 210. The external static
pressure is the difference between the measured inlet and outlet
static pressure measurements, minus the sum of the inlet and outlet
duct pressure losses. For any port with no duct attached, use a
static pressure of 0.00 in. w.c. with no duct pressure loss in the
calculation of external static pressure. During dehumidification
mode testing, the external static pressure must equal 0.25 in. w.c.
0.02 in. w.c.
3.1.2.2.3.2 Velocity pressure. Measure velocity pressures using
the same pitot traverses as used for measuring external static
pressure, and which are specified in section 3.1.2.2.3.1 of this
appendix. Determine velocity pressures at each pitot-static tube in
a traverse as the difference between the pressure at the impact
pressure tap and the pressure at the static pressure tap. Calculate
volumetric flow rates in each duct in accordance with Section 7.3.1,
``Velocity Traverse,'' of ANSI/AMCA 210 (incorporated by reference,
see Sec. 430.3).
3.1.2.2.4 Weight. No weight-measuring instruments are required.
3.1.2.3 Control settings. If the dehumidifier has a control
setting for continuous operation in dehumidification mode, select
that control setting. Otherwise, set the controls to the lowest
available relative humidity level, and if the dehumidifier has a
user-adjustable fan speed, select the maximum fan speed setting.
3.1.2.4 Run-in period. Perform a single run-in period during
which the compressor operates continuously for at least 24 hours
before dehumidification mode testing.
3.1.3 Ducting for whole-home dehumidifiers. Cover and seal with
tape any port designed for intake of air from outside or
unconditioned space, other than for supplying reactivation air for
refrigerant-desiccant dehumidifiers. Use only ducting constructed of
galvanized mild steel and with a 10-inch diameter. Position inlet
and outlet ducts either horizontally or vertically to accommodate
the default dehumidifier port orientation. Install all ducts with
the axis of the section interfacing with the dehumidifier
perpendicular to plane of the collar to which each is attached. If
manufacturer-recommended collars do not measure 10 inches in
diameter, use transitional pieces to connect the ducts to the
collars. The transitional pieces must not contain any converging
element that forms an angle with the duct axis greater than 7.5
degrees or a diverging element that forms an angle with the duct
axis greater than 3.5 degrees. Install mechanical throttling devices
in each outlet duct consistent with Figure 1 and Figure 3 to adjust
the external static pressure and in the inlet reactivation air duct
for a refrigerant-desiccant dehumidifier. Cover the ducts with
thermal insulation having a minimum R value of 6 h-ft \2\-[deg]F/Btu
(1.1 m \2\-K/W). Seal seams and edges with tape.
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3.1.4 Recording and rounding. When testing either a portable
dehumidifier or a whole-home dehumidifier, record measurements at
the resolution of the test instrumentation. Record measurements for
portable dehumidifiers and whole-home dehumidifiers other than
refrigerant-desiccant dehumidifiers at intervals no greater than 10
minutes. Record measurements for refrigerant-desiccant dehumidifiers
at intervals no greater than 1 minute. Round off calculations to the
same number of significant digits as the previous step. Round the
final product capacity, energy factor and integrated energy factor
values to two decimal places, and for whole-home dehumidifiers,
round the final product case volume to one decimal place, as
follows:
(i) A fractional number at or above the midpoint between two
consecutive decimal places shall be rounded up to the higher of the
two decimal places; and
(ii) A fractional number below the midpoint between two
consecutive decimal places shall be rounded down to the lower of the
two decimal places.
3.2 Inactive mode and off mode.
3.2.1 Installation requirements. For the inactive mode and off
mode testing, install the dehumidifier in accordance with Section 5,
Paragraph 5.2 of IEC 62301 (incorporated by reference, see Sec.
430.3), disregarding the provisions regarding batteries and the
determination, classification, and testing of relevant modes.
3.2.2 Electrical energy supply.
3.2.2.1 Electrical supply. For the inactive mode and off mode
testing, maintain the electrical supply voltage and frequency
indicated in Section 7.1.3, ``Standard Test Voltage,'' of ANSI/AHAM
DH-1 (incorporated by reference, see Sec. 430.3). The electrical
supply frequency shall be maintained 1 percent.
3.2.2.2 Supply voltage waveform. For the inactive mode and off
mode testing, maintain the electrical supply voltage waveform
indicated in Section 4, Paragraph 4.3.2 of IEC 62301 (incorporated
by reference, see Sec. 430.3).
3.2.3 Inactive mode, off mode, and off-cycle mode wattmeter. The
wattmeter used to measure inactive mode, off mode, and off-cycle
mode power consumption must meet the requirements specified in
Section 4, Paragraph 4.4 of IEC 62301 (incorporated by reference,
see Sec. 430.3).
3.2.4 Inactive mode and off mode ambient temperature. For
inactive mode and off mode testing, maintain room ambient air
temperature conditions as specified in Section 4, Paragraph 4.2 of
IEC 62301 (incorporated by reference, see Sec. 430.3).
[[Page 6014]]
3.3 Case dimensions for whole-home dehumidifiers. Measure case
dimensions using equipment with a resolution of no more than 0.1 in.
4. Test Measurement
4.1 Dehumidification mode.
4.1.1 Portable dehumidifiers and whole-home dehumidifiers other
than refrigerant-desiccant dehumidifiers. Establish the testing
conditions set forth in section 3.1.1 of this appendix and measure
the energy consumption in dehumidification mode, EDM,
expressed in kilowatt-hours (kWh), the average relative humidity,
Ht, using the tables provided below, and the product
capacity, Ct, expressed in pints per day (pints/day), in
accordance with the test requirements specified in Section 7,
``Capacity Test and Energy Consumption Test,'' of ANSI/AHAM DH-1
(incorporated by reference, see Sec. 430.3), except that the
standard test conditions for portable dehumidifiers must be
maintained at 65 [deg]F 2.0 [deg]F dry-bulb temperature
and 56.6 [deg]F 1.0 [deg]F wet-bulb temperature, and
for whole-home dehumidifiers must be maintained at 73 [deg]F 2.0 [deg]F dry-bulb temperature and 63.6 [deg]F
1.0 [deg]F wet-bulb temperature. Position the psychrometer as
specified in section 3.1.1.2 of this appendix.
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4.1.2 Refrigerant-desiccant dehumidifiers. Establish the testing
conditions set forth in section 3.1.2 of this appendix. Measure the
energy consumption, EDM, expressed in kWh, in accordance
with the test requirements specified in Section 7, ``Capacity Test
and Energy Consumption Test,'' of ANSI/AHAM DH-1 (incorporated by
reference, see Sec. 430.3), except that: (1) The standard test
conditions at the air entering the process air inlet duct and the
reactivation air inlet must be maintained at 73 [deg]F
2.0 [deg]F dry-bulb temperature and 63.6 [deg]F 1.0
[deg]F wet-bulb temperature; (2) the instructions for psychrometer
placement do not apply; (3) the data recorded must include dry-bulb
temperatures, relative humidities, static pressures, velocity
pressures in each duct, volumetric air flow rates, and the number of
samples in the test period; (4) the condensate collected during the
test need not be weighed; and (5) the calculations in Section 7.2.2,
``Energy Factor Calculation,'' of ANSI/AHAM DH-1 need not be
performed. To perform the calculations in Section 7.1.7,
``Calculation of Test Results,'' of ANSI/AHAM DH-1: (1) Replace
``Condensate collected (lb)'' and ``mlb'', with the
weight of condensate removed, W, as calculated in section 5.6 of
this appendix; and (2) use the tables in section 4.1.1 of this
appendix for determining average relative humidity.
4.2 Off-cycle mode. Establish the test conditions specified in
section 3.1.1 of this appendix, but use the wattmeter specified in
section 3.2.3 of this appendix. Begin the off-cycle mode test period
immediately following the dehumidification mode test period. Adjust
the setpoint higher than the ambient relative humidity to ensure the
product will not enter dehumidification mode and begin the test when
the compressor cycles off due to the change in setpoint. The off-
cycle mode test period shall be 2 hours in duration, during which
the power consumption is recorded at the same intervals as recorded
for dehumidification mode testing. Measure and record the average
off-cycle mode power of the dehumidifier, POC, in watts.
4.3 Inactive and off mode. Establish the testing conditions set
forth in section 3.2 of this appendix, ensuring that the
dehumidifier does not enter active mode during the test. For
dehumidifiers that take some time to enter a stable state from a
higher power state, as discussed in Section 5, Paragraph 5.1, Note 1
of IEC 62301 (incorporated by reference; see Sec. 430.3), allow
sufficient time for the dehumidifier to reach the lower power state
before proceeding with the test measurement. Follow the test
procedure specified in Section 5, Paragraph 5.3.2 of IEC 62301 for
testing in each possible mode as described in sections 4.3.1 and
4.3.2 of this appendix.
4.3.1 If the dehumidifier has an inactive mode, as defined in
section 2.11 of this appendix, but not an off mode, as defined in
section 2.12 of this appendix, measure and record the average
inactive mode power of the dehumidifier, PIA, in watts.
4.3.2 If the dehumidifier has an off mode, as defined in section
2.12 of this appendix, measure and record the average off mode power
of the dehumidifier, POM, in watts.
4.4 Product case volume for whole-home dehumidifiers. Measure
the maximum case length, DL, in inches, the maximum case
width, DW, in inches, and the maximum height,
DH, in inches, exclusive of any duct collar attachments
or other external components.
5. Calculation of Derived Results From Test Measurements
5.1 Corrected relative humidity. Calculate the average relative
humidity, for portable and whole-home dehumidifiers, corrected for
barometric pressure variations as:
Hc,p = Ht x [1 + 0.0083 x (29.921 - B)]
Hc,wh = Ht x [1 + 0.0072 x (29.921 -B)]
Where:
Hc,p = portable dehumidifier average relative humidity from the test
data in percent, corrected to the standard barometric pressure of
29.921 in. mercury (Hg);
Hc,wh = whole-home dehumidifier average relative humidity from the
test data in percent, corrected to the standard barometric pressure
of 29.921 in. Hg;
Ht = average relative humidity from the test data in percent; and
B = average barometric pressure during the test period in in. Hg.
5.2 Corrected product capacity. Calculate the product capacity,
for portable and whole-home dehumidifiers, corrected for variations
in temperature and relative humidity as:
[[Page 6015]]
Cr,p = Ct + 0.0352 x Ct x (65 - Tt) + 0.0169 x Ct (60 - Hc,p)
Cr,wh = Ct + 0.0034 x Ct x (73 - Tt) + 0.017 x Ct x (60 - Hc,wh
Where:
Cr,p = portable dehumidifiers product capacity in pints/
day, corrected to standard rating conditions of 65 [deg]F dry-bulb
temperature and 60 percent relative humidity;
Cr,wh = whole-home dehumidifier product capacity in
pints/day, corrected to standard rating conditions of 73 [deg]F dry-
bulb temperature and 60 percent relative humidity;
Ct = product capacity determined from test data in pints/
day;
Tt = average dry-bulb temperature during the test period
in [deg]F;
HC,p = portable dehumidifier corrected relative humidity
in percent, as determined in section 5.1 of this appendix; and
HC,wh = whole-home dehumidifier corrected relative
humidity in percent, as determined in section 5.1 of this appendix.
5.3 Annual combined low-power mode energy consumption. Calculate
the annual combined low-power mode energy consumption for
dehumidifiers, ETLP, expressed in kWh per year:
ETLP = [(PIO x SIO) +
(POC x SOC)] x K
Where:
PIO = PIA, dehumidifier inactive mode
power, or POM, dehumidifier off mode power in watts, as
measured in section 4.3 of this appendix;
POC = dehumidifier off-cycle mode power in watts, as
measured in section 4.2 of this appendix;
SIO = 1,840.5 dehumidifier inactive mode or off mode
annual hours;
SOC = 1,840.5 dehumidifier off-cycle mode annual hours;
and
K = 0.001 kWh/Wh conversion factor for watt-hours to kWh.
5.4 Integrated energy factor. Calculate the integrated energy
factor, IEF, expressed in L/kWh, rounded to two decimal places,
according to the following:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP04FE15.196
Where:
Cr = corrected product capacity in pints per day, as
determined in section 5.2 of this appendix;
t = test duration in hours;
LW = water removed from the air during the 6-hour
dehumidification mode test in liters, as measured in section 4.1.1
of this appendix;
EDM = energy consumption during the 6-hour
dehumidification mode test in kWh, as measured in section 4.1.1 of
this appendix;
ETLP = annual combined low-power mode energy consumption
in kWh per year, as calculated in section 5.3 of this appendix;
1,095 = dehumidification mode annual hours, used to convert
ETLP to combined low-power mode energy consumption per
hour of dehumidification mode;
6 = hours per dehumidification mode test, used to convert annual
combined low-power mode energy consumption per hour of
dehumidification mode for integration with dehumidification mode
energy consumption;
1.04 = the density of water in pounds per pint; and
24 = the number of hours per day.
5.5 Absolute humidity for refrigerant-desiccant dehumidifiers.
Calculate the absolute humidity of the air entering and leaving the
refrigerant-desiccant dehumidifier in the process air stream,
expressed in pounds of water per cubic foot of air, according to the
following set of equations.
5.5.1 Temperature in Kelvin. The air dry-bulb temperature, in
Kelvin, is:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP04FE15.197
Where:
TF = the measured dry-bulb temperature of the air in
[deg]F.
5.5.2 Water saturation pressure. The water saturation pressure,
expressed in kilopascals (kPa), is:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP04FE15.198
Where:
TK = the calculated dry-bulb temperature of the air
in K, calculated in section 5.5.1 of this appendix.
5.5.3 Vapor pressure. The water vapor pressure, expressed in
kilopascals (kPa), is:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP04FE15.199
Where:
RH = percent relative humidity during the rating test period; and
Pws = water vapor saturation pressure in kPa, calculated
in section 5.5.2 of this appendix.
5.5.4 Mixing humidity ratio. The mixing humidity ratio, the mass
of water per mass of dry air, is:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP04FE15.200
Where:
Pw = water vapor pressure in kPa, calculated in section
5.5.3 of this appendix;
P = measured ambient barometric pressure in in. Hg;
3.386 = the conversion factor from in. Hg to kPa; and
0.62198 = the ratio of the molecular weight of water to the
molecular weight of dry air.
5.5.5 Specific volume. The specific volume, expressed in feet
cubed per pounds of dry air, is:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP04FE15.201
Where:
TK = dry-bulb temperature of the air in K, as calculated
in section 5.5.1 of this appendix;
P = measured ambient barometric pressure in in. Hg;
Pw = water vapor pressure in kPa, calculated in section
5.5.3 of this appendix;
0.287055 = the specific gas constant for dry air in kPa times cubic
meter per kg per K;
3.386 = the conversion factor from in. Hg to kPa; and
16.016 = the conversion factor from cubic meters per kilogram to
cubic feet per pound.
5.5.6 Absolute humidity. The absolute humidity, expressed in
pounds of water per cubic foot of air, is:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP04FE15.202
Where:
HR = the mixing humidity ratio, the mass of water per mass of dry
air, as calculated in section 5.5.4 of this appendix; and
v = the specific volume in cubic feet per pound of dry air, as
calculated in section 5.5.5 of this appendix.
5.6 Product capacity for refrigerant-desiccant dehumidifiers.
The weight of water removed during the test period, W, expressed in
pounds, and capacity, Ct, expressed in pints/day, is:
[[Page 6016]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP04FE15.203
Where:
n = number of samples during the test period in section 4.1.1.2 of
this appendix;
AHI,i = absolute humidity of the process air on the inlet
side of the unit in pounds of water per cubic foot of dry air, as
calculated for sample i in section 5.5.6 of this appendix;
XI,i = volumetric flow rate of the process air on the
inlet side of the unit in cubic feet per minute, measured for sample
i in section 4.1.1.2 of this appendix. Calculate the volumetric flow
rate in accordance with Section 7.3, ``Fan airflow rate at test
conditions,'' of ANSI/AMCA 210 (incorporated by reference, see Sec.
430.3);
AHO,i = absolute humidity of the process air on the
outlet side of the unit in pounds of water per cubic foot of dry
air, as calculated for sample i in section 5.5.6 of this appendix;
XO,i = volumetric flow rate of the process air on the
outlet side of the unit in cubic feet per minute, measured for
sample i in section 4.1.1.2 of this appendix. Calculate the
volumetric flow rate in accordance with Section 7.3, ``Fan airflow
rate at test conditions,'' of ANSI/AMCA 210; and
t = time interval in seconds between samples, with a maximum of 60;
and
60 = conversion from minutes to seconds.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP04FE15.204
Where:
24 = number of hours per day;
1.04 = density of water in pounds per pint; and
T = total test period time in hours.
Then correct the product capacity, Cr,wh, according
to section 5.2 of this appendix.
5.7 Product case volume for whole-home dehumidifiers. The
product case volume, V, in cubic feet, is:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP04FE15.205
Where:
DL = product case length in inches, measured in section
4.4 of this appendix;
DW = product case width in inches, measured in section
4.4 of this appendix;
DH = product case height in inches, measured in section
4.4 of this appendix; and
1,728 = conversion from cubic inches to cubic feet.
[FR Doc. 2015-02204 Filed 2-3-15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6450-01-P