[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 47 (Wednesday, March 11, 2015)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 12875-12914]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-03619]
[[Page 12875]]
Vol. 80
Wednesday,
No. 47
March 11, 2015
Part III
Department of Energy
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10 CFR Parts 429 and 430
Energy Conservation Program for Consumer Products: Test Procedures for
Residential Furnaces and Boilers; Proposed Rule
Federal Register / Vol. 80 , No. 47 / Wednesday, March 11, 2015 /
Proposed Rules
[[Page 12876]]
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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
10 CFR Parts 429 and 430
[Docket No. EERE-2012-BT-TP-0024]
RIN 1904-AC79
Energy Conservation Program for Consumer Products: Test
Procedures for Residential Furnaces and Boilers
AGENCY: Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Department of
Energy.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking and announcement of public
meeting.
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SUMMARY: The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) proposes to revise its
test procedure for residential furnaces and boilers established under
the Energy Policy and Conservation Act. This rulemaking will fulfill
DOE's obligation to review its test procedures for covered products at
least once every seven years. The proposed rule generally considers
revisions based on the latest industry standards incorporated by
reference, clarifications to the set-up and methodology, as well as new
procedures for verification of the design requirements for certain
categories of boilers and for estimating electrical consumption of
furnaces and boilers. DOE is also announcing a public meeting to
discuss and receive comments on issues presented in this test procedure
rulemaking.
DATES: Meeting: DOE will hold a public meeting on Thursday March 26,
2015 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., in Washington, DC. The meeting will also be
broadcast as a webinar. See section V, ``Public Participation,'' for
webinar registration information, participant instructions, and
information about the capabilities available to webinar participants.
Comments: DOE will accept comments, data, and information regarding
this notice of proposed rulemaking (NOPR) before and after the public
meeting, but no later than May 26, 2015. See section V, ``Public
Participation,'' for details.
ADDRESSES: The public meeting will be held at the U.S. Department of
Energy, Forrestal Building, Room 8E-089, 1000 Independence Avenue SW.,
Washington, DC 20585. To attend, please notify Ms. Brenda Edwards at
(202) 586-2945. Persons may also attend the public meeting via webinar.
For more information, refer to section V, ``Public Participation,''
section near the end of this notice.
Interested parties are encouraged to submit comments using the
Federal eRulemaking Portal at www.regulations.gov. Alternatively,
interested parties may submit comments, by any of the following
methods:
Email: [email protected] Include the
docket number EERE-2012-BT-TP-0024 and/or RIN 1904-AC79 in the subject
line of the message. Submit electronic comments in WordPerfect,
Microsoft Word, PDF, or ASCII file format, and avoid the use of special
characters or any form of encryption.
Postal 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 compact disc (CD), in which case it is not necessary to
include printed copies.
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.
No telefacsimiles (faxes) will be accepted. For detailed
instructions on submitting comments and additional information on the
rulemaking process, see section V of this document (Public
Participation).
Docket: The docket is available for review at www.regulations.gov,
including Federal Register notices, public meeting attendee lists and
transcripts, comments, and other supporting documents/materials. All
documents in the docket are listed in the www.regulations.gov index.
However, not all documents listed in the index may be publicly
available, such as information that is exempt from public disclosure.
A link to the docket Web page can be found at: http://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=EERE-2012-BT-TP-0024. This Web
page contains a link to the docket for this notice of proposed
rulemaking on the www.regulations.gov site. The www.regulations.gov Web
page contains simple instructions on how to access all documents,
including public comments, in the docket. See section V, ``Public
Participation,'' for information on how to submit comments through
www.regulations.gov.
For further information on how to submit a comment, review other
public comments and the docket, or participate in the public meeting,
contact Ms. Brenda Edwards at (202) 586-2945 or by email:
[email protected].
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Ashley Armstrong, U.S. Department
of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Building
Technologies Office, EE-5B, 1000 Independence Avenue SW., Washington,
DC, 20585-0121. Telephone: (202) 586-6590. Email:
[email protected].
Mr. Eric Stas, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of the General
Counsel, GC-33, 1000 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC, 20585-
0121. Telephone: (202) 586-9507. Email: [email protected].
For information on how to submit or review public comments, contact
Ms. Brenda Edwards, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy
Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Building Technologies Office, EE-5B,
1000 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20585-0121. Telephone:
(202) 586-2945. Email: [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
DOE intends to incorporate by reference the following industry
standards into 10 CFR part 430: ASTM-D2156--09 (Reapproved 2013).
Copies of ASTM-D2156--09 can be obtained from the American Society
of Testing and Materials (ASTM) at ASTM Headquarters, 100 Barr Harbor
Drive, P.O. Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, (877) 909-2786
or (610) 832-9585, or go to http://www.astm.org.
Table of Contents
I. Authority and Background
II. Summary of the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
III. Discussion
A. Products Covered by the Proposed Rule
B. Effective Date and Compliance Date for the Amended Test
Procedure
C. Proposed Test Procedure Amendments
1. Updating ASHRAE Standard 103 From the 1993 Version to the
2007 Version
2. Measurement of Condensate Under Steady-State Conditions
3. Electrical Consumption of Components
4. Installation and Operation Manual Reference
5. Verification Test for Automatic Means for Adjusting the Water
Temperature in Boilers
6. Off-Cycle and Power Burner Draft Factors
7. AFUE Reporting Precision
8. Duct Work for Units That Are Installed Without a Return Duct
9. Testing Requirements for Multiposition Configurations
D. Tolerances on Test Conditions and Measurements
E. Other Test Procedure Considerations
1. Electrical Consumption for Modulating Products
2. Jacket Loss and Jacket Loss Factors
3. Use of Default Seasonal Factors To Replace ``Heat-Up'' and
``Cool-Down'' Tests
[[Page 12877]]
4. Calculation Simplification for Burner Cycling and Draft
Losses
5. Room Ambient Air Temperature and Humidity Ranges
6. Oversize Factor
7. Boiler Supply and Return Water Temperatures
8. Burner Operating Hours Determination
9. Aligning Vent Stack Configuration With ANSI Standards
10. Harmonization of External Static Pressure Requirements
11. Alternative Methods for Furnace/Boiler Efficiency
Determination
12. Test Procedure Scope
13. Standby Mode and Off Mode
14. Full-Fuel-Cycle Energy Metrics
15. Test Burden
16. Changes in Measured Energy Use
IV. Procedural Issues and Regulatory Review
A. Review Under Executive Order 12866
B. Review Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act
C. Review Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995
D. Review Under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969
E. Review Under Executive Order 13132
F. Review Under Executive Order 12988
G. Review Under the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995
H. Review Under the Treasury and General Government
Appropriations Act, 1999
I. Review Under Executive Order 12630
J. Review Under Treasury and General Government Appropriations
Act, 2001
K. Review Under Executive Order 13211
L. Review Under Section 32 of the Federal Energy Administration
Act of 1974
M. Description of Materials Incorporated by Reference
V. Public Participation
A. Attendance at the Public Meeting
B. Procedure for Submitting Requests To Speak and Prepared
General Statements for Distribution
C. Conduct of the Public Meeting
D. Submission of Comments
E. Issues on Which DOE Seeks Comment
VI. Approval of the Office of the Secretary
I. Authority and Background
Title III, Part B[hairsp]\1\ of the Energy Policy and Conservation
Act of 1975 (``EPCA'' or ``the Act''), Public Law 94-163 (42 U.S.C.
6291-6309, as codified) sets forth a variety of provisions designed to
improve energy efficiency and established the Energy Conservation
Program for Consumer Products Other Than Automobiles.\2\ These products
include residential furnaces and boilers, the subject of this notice.
(42 U.S.C. 6292(a)(5))
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\1\ For editorial reasons, upon codification in the U.S. Code,
Part B was redesignated Part A.
\2\ All references to EPCA in this document refer to the statute
as amended through the American Energy Manufacturing Technical
Corrections Act (AEMTCA), Public Law 112-210 (Dec. 18, 2012).
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Under EPCA, the energy conservation program generally consists 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 pursuant to EPCA, and (2) making other representations about
the efficiency of those products. (42 U.S.C. 6293(c); 42 U.S.C.
6295(s)) Similarly, DOE must use these test procedures to determine
whether the products comply with any relevant standards promulgated
under EPCA. (42 U.S.C. 6295(s))
Under 42 U.S.C. 6293, EPCA sets forth the criteria and procedures
that DOE must follow when prescribing or amending test procedures for
covered products. EPCA provides, in relevant part, that any test
procedures prescribed or amended under this section shall be reasonably
designed to produce test results which measure energy efficiency,
energy use, or estimated annual operating cost of a covered product
during a representative average use cycle or period of use, and shall
not be unduly burdensome to conduct. (42 U.S.C. 6293(b)(3))
In addition, if DOE determines that a test procedure amendment is
warranted, it must publish proposed test procedures and offer the
public an opportunity to present oral and written comments on them. (42
U.S.C. 6293(b)(2)) Finally, in any rulemaking to amend a test
procedure, DOE must determine to what extent, if any, the proposed test
procedure would alter the product's measured energy efficiency as
determined under the existing test procedure. (42 U.S.C. 6293(e)(1))
Further, the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA
2007), Public Law 110-140, amended EPCA to require that at least once
every 7 years, DOE must review test procedures for all covered products
and either amend the test procedures (if the Secretary determines that
amended test procedures would more accurately or fully comply with the
requirements of 42 U.S.C. 6293(b)(3)) or publish a notice in the
Federal Register of any determination not to amend a test procedure.
(42 U.S.C. 6293(b)(1)(A)) Under this requirement, DOE must review the
test procedure for residential furnaces and boilers not later than
December 19, 2014 (i.e., 7 years after the publication of EISA 2007 on
December 19, 2007). The final rule resulting from this rulemaking will
satisfy this requirement.
DOE's current energy conservation standards for residential
furnaces and boilers are expressed as a minimum Annual Fuel Utilization
Efficiency (AFUE). AFUE is an annualized fuel efficiency metric that
accounts for fuel consumption in active, standby, and off modes. The
following discussion provides a brief history of the rulemakings
underlying the existing test procedure for residential furnaces and
boilers.
The existing DOE test procedure for determining the AFUE of
residential furnaces and boilers is located at 10 CFR part 430, subpart
B, appendix N, Uniform Test Method for Measuring the Energy Consumption
of Furnaces and Boilers. The existing DOE test procedure for
residential furnaces and boilers was established by a final rule
published in the Federal Register on May 12, 1997, and it incorporates
by reference ASHRAE Standard 103-1993, Method of Testing for Annual
Fuel Utilization Efficiency of Residential Central Furnaces and
Boilers. 62 FR 26140, 26157 (incorporated by reference at 10 CFR
430.3(f)(10)). On October 14, 1997 DOE published an interim final rule
in the Federal Register to revise a provision concerning the insulation
of the flue collector box in order to ensure the updated test procedure
would not affect the measured AFUE of existing furnaces and boilers. 62
FR 53508. This interim final rule was adopted without change in a final
rule published in the Federal Register on February 24, 1998. 63 FR
9390.
On October 20, 2010 DOE amended its test procedure for furnaces and
boilers to establish a method for measuring the electrical energy use
in standby mode and off mode for gas- fired and oil-fired furnaces and
boilers, as required by EISA 2007. 75 FR 64621. These test procedure
amendments incorporated by reference, and were based primarily on,
provisions of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC)
Standard 62301 (First Edition), Household electrical appliances--
Measurement of standby power. On December 31, 2012 DOE published a
final rule in the Federal Register that updated the incorporation by
reference of the standby mode and off mode test procedure provisions to
refer to the latest edition of IEC Standard 62301 (Second Edition). 77
FR 76831. On July 10, 2013, DOE published a final rule in the Federal
Register that amended its test procedure for residential furnaces and
boilers by adopting needed equations that allow manufacturers the
option to omit the heat-up and cool-down tests and still generate a
valid AFUE measurement. 78 FR 41265. On August 30, 2013, DOE published
a correction to the July 10,
[[Page 12878]]
2013 final rule that rectified errors in the redesignations of affected
subsections within section 10 of appendix N. 78 FR 53625.
Most recently, on January 4, 2013, DOE published a request for
information (RFI) in the Federal Register that sought comment and
information on a variety of issues relating to the existing DOE
residential furnace and boiler AFUE test method. 78 FR 675. Key issues
discussed in the RFI include: (1) Test conditions impacting the AFUE
metric; (2) test conditions impacting non-AFUE efficiency parameters;
(3) the incorporation of a performance test to verify compliance with
the design requirement that mandates the boiler must have a functioning
automatic means for adjusting water temperature; (4) harmonization of
standards; (5) reducing the test burden; (6) alternative methods for
furnace/boiler efficiency determination; (7) scope of test procedure
coverage; and (8) standby mode and off mode. By issuing the RFI, DOE
began the process of fulfilling its obligation to periodically review
its test procedures under 42 U.S.C. 6293(b)(1)(A).
II. Summary of the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
In this NOPR, DOE proposes to modify the existing DOE test
procedure for residential furnaces and boilers to improve the
consistency and accuracy of test results generated using the DOE test
procedure and to reduce test burden. DOE's proposals in the NOPR are
based on data collected during product testing, as well as public
comment received on the January 2013 RFI. A summary of the data
analysis is included in the furnace and boiler development testing
report (``Testing Report'').\3\
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\3\ U.S. Department of Energy--Office of Energy Efficiency and
Renewable Energy. Energy Conservation Program for Consumer Products:
Residential Furnace and Boiler Test Procedure Rulemaking: Testing
Report: Energy Efficiency Standards for Consumer Products:
Residential Furnaces and Boilers (February 2015) (Available in
Docket #EERE-2012-BT-TP-0024 at http://www.regulations.gov).
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In overview, DOE proposes to amend the residential furnaces and
boilers test procedure by incorporating by reference ASHRAE Standard
103-2007 (hereinafter referred to as ASHRAE 103-2007) in place of
ASHRAE 103-1993, which currently is referenced in the existing test
procedure. In addition, this notice proposes to adopt modifications
that establish revised test procedures for two-stage and modulating
products, as well as for boilers with long post-purge times that would
not otherwise be included in the incorporation by reference of ASHRAE
Standard 103-2007.
DOE also proposes to amend the test procedure to include: (1)
Allowing the measurement of condensate under steady-state conditions
during the steady-state test rather than requiring an additional 30
minutes of testing after the steady-state conditions are established;
(2) revised annual electricity consumption equations to account for
additional electrical components; (3) revised test procedure references
to ``manufacturer recommendations'' or ``manufacturer's instructions''
that do not explicitly identify the source of the recommendations or
instructions; (4) a test protocol for determining the functionality of
the automatic means for adjusting water temperature, (5) adopting a
test method to indicate the absence or presence of airflow to determine
whether the minimum default draft factor may be used; (6) revised
required reporting precision for AFUE; (7) specifying testing
requirements for units that are installed without a return duct, and
(8) testing requirements for units with multiposition configurations.
The specific proposed changes to the test procedure are presented at
the end of this notice.
In any rulemaking to amend a test procedure, DOE must determine to
what extent, if any, the proposed test procedure would alter the
measured efficiency of any covered product as determined under the
existing test procedure. (42 U.S.C. 6293(e)(1)) For residential
furnaces and boilers, DOE has tentatively determined that the proposed
test procedure amendments would have a de minimis impact on the
products' measured efficiency.
III. Discussion
In the January 2013 RFI, DOE sought input from interested parties
on the following topics: (1) Test conditions impacting the AFUE metric;
(2) test conditions impacting non-AFUE efficiency parameters; (3) the
incorporation of a performance test to verify compliance with the
design requirement that mandates the boiler must have a functioning
automatic means for adjusting water temperature; (4) harmonization of
standards; (5) reducing the test burden; (6) alternative methods for
determining furnace/boiler efficiency; and (7) scope of test procedure
coverage. 78 FR 675, 676-79 (Jan. 4, 2013). The following 14 interested
parties submitted written comments: American Gas Association (AGA),
National Propane Gas Association (NPGA), American Public Gas
Association (APGA), Lennox Industries Inc.--PD&R (LII), United
Technologies (UT) and Carrier (UT&C), Ingersoll Rand Residential
Solutions (IRRS), Crown Boiler Company (CBC), U.S. Boiler Company
(USBC), Energy Kinetics, Inc. (EKI), Rheem Manufacturing Company (RMC),
the Air-Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI),
Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), Natural Resources Canada
(NRCan), and Goodman Global, Inc. (GGI). Stakeholders provided comments
on a range of issues, including those DOE identified in the January
2013 RFI, as well as several other pertinent issues related to the
proposed test procedure changes and also clarification and
consideration of some additional opportunities for improvement. The
following discussion addresses the specific topics and provides DOE's
responses to stakeholder comments.
A. Products Covered by the Proposed Rule
The proposed test procedure amendments cover those products that
meet the definitions for residential furnaces and boilers, as codified
in DOE's regulations at 10 CFR 430.2, which defines a furnace as a
product that: (1) Utilizes only single-phase electric current, or
single-phase electric current or direct current (DC) in conjunction
with natural gas, propane, or home heating oil; (2) is designed to be
the principal heating source for the living space of a residence; (3)
is not contained within the same cabinet with a central air conditioner
whose rated cooling capacity is above 65,000 Btu per hour; (4) is an
electric central furnace, electric boiler, forced-air central furnace,
gravity central furnace, or low pressure steam or hot water boiler; and
(5) has a heat input rate of less than 300,000 Btu per hour for
electric boilers and low pressure steam or hot water boilers and less
than 225,000 Btu per hour for forced-air central furnaces, gravity
central furnaces, and electric central furnaces.\4\
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\4\ The definition of ``Furnace'' currently in the CFR at 10 CFR
430.2 mistakenly repeats the terms ``gravity central furnaces, and
electric central furnaces'' at the end of the definition. In this
NOPR, DOE proposes modifying the definition to correct this error
and remove the duplicated language.
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The definitions for the individual products covered in this test
procedure, as codified in DOE's regulations at 10 CFR 430.2, include:
(1) An electric boiler is an electrically powered furnace designed to
supply low pressure steam or hot water for space heating application. A
low pressure steam boiler operates at or below 15 pounds per
[[Page 12879]]
square inch gauge (psig) steam pressure; a hot water boiler operates at
or below 160 psig water pressure and 250[emsp14][deg]F water
temperature; (2) an electric central furnace is a furnace that is
designed to supply heat through a system of ducts with air as the
heating medium, in which heat generated by one or more electric
resistance heating elements is circulated by means of a fan or blower;
(3) a forced air central furnace is a furnace that burns gas or oil and
is designed to supply heat through a system of ducts with air as the
heating medium. The heat generated by combustion of gas or oil is
transferred to the air within a casing by conduction through heat
exchange surfaces and is circulated through the duct system by means of
a fan or blower; (4) a gravity central furnace is a gas-fueled furnace
which depends primarily on natural convection for circulation of heated
air and which is designed to be used in conjunction with a system of
ducts; (5) A low pressure steam or hot water boiler is an electric,
gas, or oil-burning furnace designed to supply low pressure steam or
hot water for space heating applications. A low pressure steam boiler
operates at or below 15 pounds psig steam pressure; a hot water boiler
operates at or below 160 psig water pressure and 250[emsp14][deg]F
water temperature; (6) a mobile home furnace is a direct vent furnace
that is designed for use only in mobile homes; (7) an outdoor furnace
or boiler is a furnace or boiler normally intended for installation
out-of-doors or in an unheated space (such as an attic or a crawl
space); and (8) a weatherized warm air furnace or boiler is a furnace
or boiler designed for installation outdoors, approved for resistance
to wind, rain, and snow, and supplied with its own venting system.
B. Effective Date and Compliance Date for the Amended Test Procedure
This notice proposes amendments that would be made in 10 CFR 430.3,
10 CFR 430.23, and in 10 CFR part 430, subpart B, appendix N. Pursuant
to 42 U.S.C. 6293(c)(2), effective 180 days after DOE prescribes or
establishes a new or amended test procedure, manufacturers must make
representations of energy efficiency, including certifications of
compliance, using that new or amended test procedure.
C. Proposed Test Procedure Amendments
In the January 2013 RFI, DOE requested comments about improving the
residential furnace and boiler test procedure's effectiveness in
quantifying energy efficiency performance under typical field
conditions. 78 FR 675, 677 (Jan. 4, 2013). DOE identified opportunities
to reduce variability, eliminate ambiguity, and address discrepancies
between the test procedure and actual field conditions. DOE received
input on a variety of issues, including: (1) Updating the incorporated
ASHRAE Standard 103 from the 1993 version to the 2007 version; (2)
measurement of condensate under steady-state conditions; (3)
measurement of additional electrical consumption for modulating
products and auxiliary components; (4) installation and operational
manual reference; (5) verification test for automatic means for
adjusting water temperature; (6) AFUE reporting precision; (7) oversize
factor; (8) supply and return water temperature; (9) default factors,
including draft, jacket loss, and seasonal factors; (10) calculation
simplification for burner cycling and draft losses; (11) room ambient
temperature and humidity ranges; (12) burner operating hours
determination; (13) alignment of vent stack configuration with American
National Standards Institute (ANSI) standards; (14) harmonization of
pressure drop requirements; (15) alternative methods for determining
the efficiency of residential furnaces and boilers; (16) the scope of
the test procedure; and (17) full-fuel-cycle (FFC) energy metrics in
the AFUE test. In addition, DOE considered: (18) Specifying ductwork
requirements for units that are installed without a return duct and
(19) specifying testing requirements for units with multiposition
configurations. The proposed test procedure amendments are addressed in
further detail immediately following.
1. Updating ASHRAE Standard 103 From the 1993 Version to the 2007
Version
The DOE test procedure for determining the AFUE of residential
furnaces and boilers currently references industry test standard ASHRAE
103-1993. The ASHRAE Standard 103-1982 test procedure was initially
developed in 1982 based on the DOE test procedures for single-stage
furnaces and boilers recommended by Kelly et al.\5\ ASHRAE 103 was
revised in 1988 and again in 1993 to include test procedures for
condensing units, for two-stage and modulating units, and for units
employing a short post-purge period after the burner is shut off. In
1998, ASHRAE organized Standard Project Committee (SPC) 103R to begin
the revision process to ASHRAE 103-1993, which followed comments from
the industry on the need to address some possible shortcomings of the
standard based on user experiences. The 1993 ASHRAE Standard 103 was
updated in 2007 (ASHRAE Standard 103-2007) to reflect product design
improvements and other changes. Particular attention was given to the
new classes of two-stage and modulating products, as well as products
incorporating combustion chamber post-purge technology. The ASHRAE
standard was also updated to reflect greater understanding of energy
losses, as well as to incorporate changes to clarify nomenclature and
definitions. In addition, the revisions included changes to parameters
in appendix C of ASHRAE 103, impacting the determination of national
average burner operating hours, average annual fuel energy consumption,
and average annual auxiliary electrical energy consumption for gas or
oil furnaces and boilers.
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\5\ Kelly, G.E., Chi, J., Kuklewicz, M.E., ``Recommended Testing
and Calculation Procedures for Determining the Seasonal Performance
of Residential Central Furnaces and Boilers,'' NBSIR 78-1543 (March
1978).
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DOE received several comments regarding updating its incorporation
by reference of ASHRAE 103-2007 in the DOE test procedure. Lennox,
NRDC, and NRCan responded in favor of adopting the 2007 version of
ASHRAE 103 without requesting specific changes. Additionally, Goodman,
Carrier, AHRI, and Ingersoll Rand requested that DOE consider adopting
the newer version, but with some exceptions. Rheem expressed concerns
about the adoption of specific provisions of ASHRAE 103-2007 that in
their view would not be an improvement to the current version DOE has
incorporated by reference. These comments are addressed in further
detail subsequently.
Lennox stated that the company generally supports incorporation by
reference of the new version of the ASHRAE standard into the DOE test
procedure. (Lennox, No. 6 at p. 2) NRDC also supports the use of ASHRAE
103-2007 to the extent that the standard is fully up-to-date and not
controversial from a technical perspective. (NRDC, No. 14 at p. 1)
NRCan also supports the use of ASHRAE 103-2007 and stated that Canada
has already used it to update its oil-fired boiler regulations. (NRCan,
No. 15 at p. 1) Goodman supports DOE's intent to update references to
the most current edition of industry test procedures as well. Goodman
also recommended better coordination between the development of DOE's
and ASHRAE's test procedures to reduce the regulatory burden on
[[Page 12880]]
manufacturers. (Goodman, No. 16 at p. 2) Carrier agreed with the
adoption of ASHRAE 103-2007, as long as it does not affect the measure
of AFUE of existing furnaces and boilers. It added that DOE must
maintain the exceptions allowed by ASHRAE 103-1993 because the burden
of testing would increase significantly without the exceptions, while
the effect on the result would be small. These exceptions include not
needing to fully insulate the inducer and allowing for the 30-second
post-purge of the inducer. (Carrier, No. 7 at p. 1)
AHRI conditionally agreed with updating the test procedure based on
ASHRAE 103-2007 but stated that DOE must try to avoid making changes
just for the sake of making changes. AHRI also recommended DOE
consider: (1) Not incorporating sections 11.4.9.11 and 11.4.9.12 of
ASHRAE 103-2007 because those provisions add a consequential burden to
manufacturers without an obvious benefit; and (2) that the table of
Design Heating Requirements (DHR) (Table 8 in the 1993 edition) has
been deleted from the 2007 version, and the associated calculations,\6\
which formerly used DHR values from that table, now rely solely on the
oversize factor and heating capacity when operating under steady-state
conditions (QOUT). AHRI stated that this change may have
more of an effect on estimates of electric consumption than on the AFUE
value. (AHRI, No. 13 at p. 2-3)
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\6\ In ASHRAE 103-1993, in addition to being used in the
calculations related to electricity use, DHR is also used in: (1)
Calculating the oversize factor in section 11.4.8.3; (2) calculating
EffySS,M in section 11.4.8.8; and, (3) calculating
QOUT,M in section 11.4.8.10.
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Ingersoll Rand acknowledged that on balance, adoption of ASHRAE
103-2007 in its entirety would be an improvement over currently
referenced ASHRAE 103-1993. However, in its comments, Ingersoll Rand
identified changes made to the 2007 version that are troublesome and
need further study, such as the change to the on/off timings of two-
stage and modulating products, which has been found to result in lower
AFUE results for high-efficiency furnaces (90+ percent AFUE) and higher
AFUE results for less-efficient furnaces (80+ percent AFUE). Ingersoll
Rand also stated its view that the changes are significant enough
require retesting and rerating of current equipment. In addition, the
change to how DHR is determined would change the electrical usage
calculation, which may require recalculating electrical usage estimates
for all products and could result in delisting of many current Energy
Star products. (Ingersoll Rand, No. 8 at p. 2)
Rheem also commented on ASHRAE 103-2007 provisions. Rheem stated
that Table 7 (Average Burner On-Time and Off-Time Per Cycle for
Furnaces and Boilers) from ASHRAE 103-2007 should not be included in
the DOE test procedure. Rheem believes that the ASHRAE 103-2007 method
for calculating the on and off cycle times based on a calculated
oversize factor has value, but that the calculation is flawed due to
the assumption that the thermostat cycle response at 50-percent load,
N50, is equal to 5 cycles per hour for furnaces (equations
11.4.9.11 and 11.4.9.12 of ASHRAE 103-2007). (Rheem, No. 12 at p. 4)
Rheem believes that there should be a significant difference between
the high-fire cycle time and reduced-fire cycle time. Rheem presented
data to support this statement. (Rheem, No. 12 at p. 5)
In addition, according to Rheem, the elimination of the requirement
to test the efficiency at maximum input rate for multi-stage products
would significantly reduce the burden on manufacturers. Rheem argued
that currently, the efficiency at the maximum input rate has very
little, if any, effect on the overall AFUE rating and is not
representative of operation of the furnace in the field. Rheem stated
that an AFUE metric for multi-stage products, that incorporates
measured values at a reduced input that is close to the design load is
a more appropriate representation of furnace operation in the average
home. Rheem suggested that multi-stage products be tested at the lowest
reduced input rate and the highest reduced input rate below 60 percent
of furnace rated capacity.\7\ (Rheem, No. 12 at p. 8)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\7\ The 60 percent rate cited by Rheem represents the capacity
required to meet the design house heating load when using an
oversize factor of 0.7 (100%/(1 + 0.7) = 59%).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rheem highlighted that ASHRAE 103-2007 and ASHRAE 103-1993 allow an
option to collect condensate over an additional three cycles (ASHRAE
103-2007, section 9.8.5), but the standards do not sufficiently address
the issue of variation of condensate flow at varying cycle rates.
ASHRAE 103-2007 addresses variation within subsequent cycles at a
single rate but does not address differences between cycle rates.
(Rheem, No. 12 at p. 6-7)
In response to the stakeholder comments, DOE notes that results
from testing to ASHRAE 103-2007 more accurately reflect the efficiency
of two-stage/modulating models because the standard calculates the on/
off cycle times for such models, as opposed to ASHRAE 103-1993, which
assigned fixed values to these parameters. When tested under the ASHRAE
103-1993 test procedure, some two-stage/modulating units operate at
reduced fire more than 95 percent of the time.\8\ Thus, under the test
procedure calculations, such units operate similarly to a single-stage
unit operating at the reduced input capacity of the unit. As a check
for consistency, the AFUE of a two-stage/modulating unit operating
entirely at reduced input, as determined using the single-stage
calculation method, should be very similar to the actual AFUE of that
unit, as determined using the two-stage/modulating calculation method.
However, the two-stage and modulating calculation method in ASHRAE 103-
1993 can result in an AFUE of more than one percentage point higher
than the AFUE resulting from the single-stage calculation method.\9\
The reason for this discrepancy is that ASHRAE 103-1993 assigns
different on/off times to single-stage and two-stage/modulating units.
ASHRAE 103-2007 resolves the inconsistency between the two calculation
methods by calculating the on/off cycle times for two-stage/modulating
units while maintaining fixed on/off times for single-stage equipment.
The resulting two-stage and modulating on/off cycle times are closer to
those specified for single-stage units, as one would expect based upon
their operation.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\8\ Liu, Stanley, ``Proposed Revisions of Part of the Test
Procedures for Furnaces and Boilers in ASHRAE Standard 103-1993,''
NIST (September 2002).
\9\ Id.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Another calculation revision addressed by ASHRAE 103-2007 is the
equation used for determining off-period losses. ASHRAE 103-1993 limits
the post-purge period to three minutes after the burner is shut off,
thereby producing inaccurate flue loss results for oil-fired boilers
that require a post-purge time longer than three minutes. ASHRAE 103-
2007 addresses this issue by providing a calculation to account for
greater flue losses for boilers with post-purge times longer than three
minutes.
Additionally, ASHRAE 103-2007 provisions allow calculating AFUE for
two-stage and modulating products based on the reduced fuel input only
when the balance point temperature (TC) value is less than
or equal to 5[emsp14] [deg]F (ASHRAE 103-2007, section 11.4.8.4), which
occurs when QOUT,R/QOUT is greater than 0.59.
This is the case for all two-stage furnaces currently on the market and
for some modulating models. The adoption of this ASHRAE 103-2007
provision would allow testing of models that meet the balance point
[[Page 12881]]
provision using only the steady-state test at low fire for many two-
stage and modulating models, resulting in a reduction of test burden.
Finally, ASHRAE 103-2007 improved the accuracy of the determination
of national average burner operating hours (BOH), average annual fuel
energy consumption (EF), and average annual auxiliary
electrical energy consumption (EAE), especially for two-
stage and modulating products, based on a 2002 study from NIST.\10\ A
2006 study \11\ showed that the main improvements to these parameters
in the 2007 ASHRAE test procedure are: (a) The approach used to
calculate the heat generated by the product's electrical components;
(b) properly accounting for maximum and reduced operating modes; (c)
the approach used to determine the design heating requirement; and (d)
the approach for calculating on-time ratios for the product's
electrical components. This study showed that these updates
significantly increase the accuracy of the two-stage and modulating
calculations so that they can be more comparable to single-stage
results and field studies.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\10\ Liu, Stanley, ``Proposed Revisions of Part of the Test
Procedures for Furnaces and Boilers in ASHRAE Standard 103-1993,''
NIST (September 2002).
\11\ Lekov, A., V. Franco, and J. Lutz, ``Residential Two-Stage
Gas Furnaces: Do They Save Energy?,'' Presented at 2006 ACEEE Summer
Conference. LBNL (August 2006) (Available at: http://aceee.org/files/proceedings/2006/data/papers/SS06_Panel1_Paper16.pdf).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Burner operating hours account for the heat provided by the fuel
and electrical components. In the calculation for the number of annual
burner operating hours (BOHR and BOHM) for two-
stage and modulating furnaces (or boilers), respectively, the existing
DOE test procedure estimates the BOHR and BOHM
using heat provided by the fuel and electrical components, which are
measured at the maximum operating mode only.\12\ In practice, two-stage
and modulating furnaces (or boilers) operate most of the time in a
reduced mode, which lengthens the product's hours of operation. To make
the test procedure for two-stage and modulating products more
representative of actual operating conditions, the existing DOE text
procedure incorporates the factor R calculated as the ratio of the
duration of on-time of two-stage or modulating products during actual
usage to the duration of on-time of single-stage products. The factor R
is not included in the ASHRAE 103-2007 test procedure, as heat provided
from the electrical components is determined separately for the burner
operating hours at the maximum, reduced, and modulating modes, which
results in reducing the fraction of heat from the electricity
components. By adopting ASHRAE 103-2007, the proposed DOE test
procedure eliminates the factor R.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\12\ ``BOHR'' is defined as the national average
number of burner operating hours at the reduced operating mode for
furnaces and boilers equipped with two-stage or step-modulating
controls. ``BOHM'' is defined as the national average
burner operating hours in the modulating mode for furnaces and
boilers equipped with step-modulating controls.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
In addition, the current DOE test procedure calculates
EF for two-stage and modulating products at the maximum
operating mode only. In contrast, because the majority of the heating
load is not delivered at the maximum input operating mode, ASHRAE 103-
2007 calculates EF for two-stage and modulating products by
taking into account the fuel consumption at maximum, reduced, and
modulating operating modes. This approach results in a more accurate
calculation of EF for two-stage and modulating products.
Under the existing test procedure, DHR is calculated as a step function
of output capacity, which causes a small rise in the heating capacity
to impact the calculated DHR value in a way that results in higher,
calculated, energy consumption for more-efficient furnaces. This causes
the current DOE test procedure methodology to not always be suitable
for comparing furnace energy use. ASHRAE 103-2007 improves the
calculation of the house heating load in the BOH calculations by
replacing the DHR step function in the existing DOE test procedure with
a linear function of the oversize factor and heating capacity when
operating under steady-state conditions (QOUT). Lastly, the
on-time ratios for the product's electrical components (yR
and yP,R) are included in ASHRAE 103-2007 to more accurately
represent the duration of the electrical components operating in
reduced operating mode when calculating BOH and EAE.\13\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\13\ ``y'' is the ratio of blower or pump on-time to average
burner on-time. ``yP'' is the ratio of induced or forced
draft blower on-time to average burner on-time. ``yR''
and ``yP,R'' are the equivalent parameters at reduced
operating mode.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
In conclusion, DOE has tentatively decided to incorporate by
reference ASHRAE 103-2007 with amendments as set forth in this
rulemaking. DOE has tentatively concluded that ASHRAE 103-2007 offers
significant improvements over ASHRAE 103-1993 through the changes made
to the AFUE calculation method for two-stage/modulating products, for
products with a post-purge period longer than 3 minutes, and for the
determination of BOH, EF, and EAE parameters. In
addition, the majority of stakeholders responded in favor of adopting
the 2007 version of ASHRAE Standard 103. The incorporation by reference
of ASHRAE 103-2007 requires removing from 10 CFR 430.3 the section
exceptions to ASHRAE 103-2007 associated with the residential furnaces
and boilers test procedure and the residential furnace fans test
procedure. Accordingly, DOE proposes to include the product-specific
section exceptions in the definitions section in the corresponding
appendix of subpart B of 10 CFR 430, (i.e., appendix N for furnaces and
boilers and appendix AA for furnace fans). Therefore, DOE proposes to
revise section 2.2 of appendix N and section 2.3 of appendix AA of
subpart B of 10 CFR 430 to include the product-specific section
exceptions to ASHRAE 103-2007. DOE also proposes to modify the
equations for determining BOH, EF, and EAE
parameters adopted from ASHRAE 103-2007 to incorporate ignition power
consumption, standby mode and off mode energy consumption, and electric
components' useful heat parameter in the burner operating hours as a
function of the installation location, all of which are incorporated
into the current DOE test procedure.
2. Measurement of Condensate Under Steady-State Conditions
DOE considered the possibility of reducing test burden by providing
that the condensate mass can be measured during the establishment of
steady-state conditions, rather than after steady-state has been
achieved. Section 9.2 of both ASHRAE 103-1993 and ASHRAE 103-2007
requires that the measurement of condensate shall be conducted during
the 30-minute period after steady-state conditions have been
established. To reduce test burden, DOE proposes to allow for the
measurement of condensate during the establishment of the steady-state
conditions (ASHRAE 103-2007, section 9.1) rather than during a 30-
minute period after establishing steady-state conditions (ASHRAE 103-
2007, section 9.2). DOE investigated the difference in condensate mass
collected and the rate of condensate production during the two separate
periods (i.e., during the establishment of steady-state conditions and
after steady-state conditions have been reached). Based on the
comparison of the measurements, DOE has determined that there is no
significant difference in the mass of condensate collected or the rate
of condensate production during the two separate tests.
[[Page 12882]]
3. Electrical Consumption of Components
In the January 2013 RFI, DOE stated that it would consider
amendments to account for the electrical consumption of additional
components not already captured by the existing DOE test procedure. 78
FR 675, 678 (Jan. 4, 2013). Currently, the DOE residential furnace and
boiler test procedure measures only the power supplied to the power
burner motor, the ignition device, and the circulation pump. The
existing DOE test procedure does not explicitly include other devices
that use power during the active mode, such as the gas valve, safety
and operating controls, and internal pumps used to maintain a minimum
flow rate through the heat exchanger that do not function as system
circulating pumps.
In the January 2013 RFI, DOE requested comment on whether the
boiler average annual auxiliary electrical energy consumption
calculations should include one system circulating pump and an
additional pump (if present) that circulates water during burner
operation, and how to address any electrical power consumption not
already measured during the active mode. Id.
AHRI commented that the electrical consumption of any internal
circulating pump should be included in the test procedure. However,
AHRI stated that in most designs, the operation of this internal
circulating pump is directly tied to the operation of the burner (i.e.,
water must be flowing for the burner to fire). Thus, according to AHRI,
it may be more appropriate to include the electrical consumption of the
internal circulating pump in the ``BE'' term.\14\ (AHRI, No. 13 at p.
5) NRCan also stated that the residential furnace and boiler test
procedure provisions for electrical ratings should include all
connected loads and ancillary components. (NRCan, No. 15 at p. 4)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\14\ The term BE means ``the circulating air fan or water pump
electrical energy input rate at full load steady state operation''
(ASHRAE 103-2007, p. 51).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
The current DOE test procedure accounts for the power consumed by
the ignition device, circulating pump, and power burner motors, but it
does not account for the power used by other devices during the active
mode (e.g., gas valve operation and safety and operating controls). In
the January 2013 RFI, DOE stated its intent to consider including any
electrical power consumption not already measured during the active
mode, and requested comment on how to address electrical power
consumption by these additional components. 78 FR 675, 678 (Jan. 4,
2013).
Lennox, Rheem, and AHRI did not support measuring additional
electrical power consumption that is not already measured during the
active mode. Lennox stated that manufacturers typically connect two
power cords to their furnaces for efficiency testing, one for the
blower motor and one for the rest of the furnace; therefore, all the
significant electrical power consumption is being recorded. (Lennox,
No. 6 at p. 3) Rheem commented that the manufacturer has already
included the power consumed by the gas valve and safety operating
controls in the measurement of electrical power to the burner (PE).
Rheem categorized the control, inducer, and gas valve as components of
the burner system. (Rheem, No. 12 at p. 10) AHRI recommended that DOE
not address this issue, as power consumed by other devices during the
active mode may already be measured. (AHRI, No. 13 at p. 6) In
contrast, Carrier recommended that all electrical power consumption
needed to operate the appliance should be measured during active mode
and included in the annual electrical consumption calculation.
(Carrier, No. 7 at p. 2)
DOE performed electrical measurements to investigate the presence
of auxiliary electrical energy consumption not accounted for in the
existing test procedure. DOE concluded that there is significant
measureable auxiliary electricity consumption associated with
components such as controls, gas valves, and additional pumps (if
present), which is not captured by the specific methods of electrical
measurement prescribed in the existing DOE test procedure. Therefore,
DOE proposes to expand the electricity use equations and the applicable
parameter definitions to specifically capture all active mode
electricity use. In particular, DOE proposes to add two new terms to
the calculations of EAE for single-stage, two-stage, and
modulating products. The first new term (BES) accounts for a
secondary boiler pump for units with such a device, and the second term
(EO) represents electrical power not captured in the
existing terms.\15\ If BE is determined by subtracting PE from the
total measured power (or if PE is determined by subtracting BE from the
total measured power), EO would be zero. DOE believes that
these changes would introduce only a small additional testing burden
because the total electricity consumption is often being captured
during testing. In addition, EAE values already have to be
recalculated due to ASHRAE 103-2007 changes; therefore, the proposed
changes are not expected to introduce any additional burden in terms of
recalculating and reporting.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\15\ The existing DOE test procedure includes five terms for
determining electrical consumption: (1) BE, which is the electrical
power to the circulating air blower or water pump; (2) PE, which is
the electrical power to the burner; (3) PIG which is the
electrical input to the interrupted ignition device, (4)
PW,SB which is the standby mode power; and (5)
PW,OFF which is the off mode power.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
DOE has tentatively concluded that the additional electrical
components (secondary, pump, controls, and gas valve) represent a
significant, measurable amount of the total electrical power.
Therefore, DOE proposes to include electrical consumption of additional
electrical components in the test procedure, as this would provide for
a more accurate and complete measurement of the total electricity
consumed by the furnaces and boilers.
4. Installation and Operation Manual Reference
The existing DOE test procedure specifies that the tested product
is to be set up according to ``manufacturer's recommendations'' or
``manufacturer's instructions.'' \16\ In the January 2013 RFI, DOE
sought comment on whether the test procedure should specify that the
tested product is set up according to recommended field settings as
defined in the product's installation and operation (I&O) manual. 78 FR
675, 677-78 (Jan. 4, 2013).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\16\ See sections 7.2.3.1, 7.2.3.2, 7.8, 8.3.3.2, and 8.4.1.1.2
in ASHRAE 103-1993 for references to ``manufacturer's
instructions''; see sections 7.2.2.2 and 8.4.1.1 in ASHRAE 103-1993
for references to ``manufacturer's recommendations.''
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
APGA, Lennox, Carrier, Rheem, AHRI, and NRDC all agreed that DOE
should consider changes to its furnaces and boilers test procedure to
better account for recommended field settings for those products. APGA
stated that DOE should test appliances according to field settings
because setting up products in a manner inconsistent with recommended
field guide settings raises safety concerns for the testing
professional as well as future customers, and testing appliances in a
manner inconsistent with recommended field guide settings may yield
inaccurate data. According to APGA, appropriate installation procedures
are important to ensure proper furnace/boiler performance, especially
with vent configurations. (APGA, No. 5 at p. 2) Lennox also stated that
the test procedure should be revised to specify that the tested product
be set up according to recommended field settings, as defined in the
product's
[[Page 12883]]
installation instructions or comparable documentation. (Lennox, No. 6
at p. 2) AHRI agreed that this issue should be considered. AHRI stated
that there are some test set-up specifications that would need to be
clarified and that they will provide specific recommendations in a
subsequent submittal.\17\ (AHRI, No. 13 at p. 5) NRDC stated that DOE
should develop specifications that minimize the difference between test
procedure conditions and field conditions, particularly for
manufacturer-recommended settings for parameters like carbon dioxide
(CO2), part-load motor efficiency, and use of pumps that are
included as part of the product. (NRDC, No. 14 at p. 2)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\17\ As of the date of issuance of this NOPR, DOE has not
received any additional information from AHRI.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Carrier and Rheem offered specific instances in which manufacturer
set-ups should be used in testing. Carrier specified that if a product
has a unique and required set-up specified in the manufacturer's
instructions such that the only way of using the product is as defined
in the manufacturer's instructions, the DOE test procedure should allow
for testing using these instructions. However, if the instructions for
a unique set-up are merely optional for the use of a product, then the
default should be to test per the DOE test procedure. (Carrier, No. 7
at p. 2) Rheem commented that if the operation manual requires that the
furnace should be set at a low-fire rate, it would be appropriate to
make the same adjustment in the DOE test procedure for the AFUE test.
(Rheem, No. 12 at p. 9)
In response, DOE proposes changing the test procedure language to
explicitly state that, where permitted by the test procedure, the
testing recommendations should be drawn from the I&O manual shipped
with the unit. The existing language (e.g., ``manufacturer
recommendations'' or ``manufacturer instructions'') is vague and
ambiguous and can lead to the use of ad hoc instructions derived solely
for AFUE testing purposes. DOE believes the proposed language will
increase the repeatability and reproducibility of the existing test
procedure and will not result in additional test burden. In particular,
in relation to Carrier's comments, DOE believes that the proposed
provision will allow a product to be tested with its own primary,
unique, and required set-up specified in the manufacturer's
instructions, and that the language is clear that testing may not be
done using any other optional set-ups that may be available in the
manufacturer's I&O manual. It also clarifies that the information
provided in an I&O manual would not trump any portion of the DOE test
procedure provisions. Concerning Rheem's comment, the test procedure
requires two-stage and modulating furnace and boilers to be tested at
high-fire and low-fire rates unless specific criteria are met,
regardless of the operational manual recommendations. DOE is also
proposing specific instructions for parameters such as combustion
airflow ratio (see proposed 10 CFR part 430, subpart B, appendix N,
sec. 7.3), and reduced fuel input rate (see proposed 10 CFR part 430,
subpart B, appendix N, sec. 10.3), for instances where I&O
recommendations are not provided. Further, DOE would clarify that when
the DOE test procedure provisions and I&O manuals are not sufficient
for testing a furnace or boiler, the manufacturer must request a test
procedure waiver from DOE.
5. Verification Test for Automatic Means for Adjusting the Water
Temperature in Boilers
In 2008, DOE published a technical amendment to the 2007 furnace
and boiler final rule to add design requirements for boilers consistent
with the provisions of EISA 2007.\18\ 73 FR 43611 (July 28, 2008).
These design requirements prohibit constant-burning pilot lights for
gas-fired hot water boilers and gas-fired steam boilers, and require an
automatic means for adjusting the water temperature for gas-fired hot
water boilers, oil-fired hot water boilers, and electric hot water
boilers (``automatic means''). The automatic means must automatically
adjust the temperature of the water supplied by the boiler to ensure
that an incremental change in inferred heat load produces a
corresponding incremental change in the temperature of water supplied.
For boilers that fire at a single input rate, the requirement that the
boiler have an automatic means for adjusting water temperature may be
satisfied by incorporating controls that allow the burner or heating
element to fire only when the inferred heat load cannot be met by the
residual heat of the water in the system. However, this prescriptive
requirement lacks sufficient detail as to how a manufacturer may
execute the control strategy for the means to be considered automatic.
DOE reasons that the statute established these design requirements as a
way to conserve energy, and DOE believes that proper functional testing
will help to ensure these energy savings.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\18\ EISA 2007 mandated, starting September 1, 2012, that all
gas, oil, and electric hot water boilers (excluding those equipped
with a tankless domestic water heating coil) must be equipped with
automatic means for adjusting the boiler water temperature (codified
at 42 U.S.C. 6295(f)(3)). This excludes boilers that are
manufactured to operate without any need for electricity. 73 FR
43611, 43613 (July 28, 2008).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
In the January 2013 RFI, DOE sought comment regarding any
principles or tests currently used, or being considered for use, to
evaluate whether a boiler design satisfies the automatic means
requirement. 78 FR 675, 678 (Jan. 4, 2013).
AHRI recommended that DOE not consider this issue. AHRI commented
that the designs being used to comply with the automatic means
requirement are so diverse that it is not possible to develop a test
that could properly evaluate all these design solutions. It stated that
any benefit from this concept is overwhelmed by its potential for
controversy. (AHRI, No. 13 at p. 6) NRCan provided a verification test
it developed that is based on: (1) Identification of how the automatic
control infers a change of load; (2) simulating a change to that
variable; and (3) measuring the response from the control. (NRCan, No.
15 at p. 5-6)
DOE's RFI also sought comment on required inputs and types of
technologies needed to project changes in demand, and the relationships
between these inputs/technologies and supply temperature or pump/burner
operation. 78 FR 675, 678 (Jan. 4, 2013). DOE received no comments
regarding the technologies and/or strategies used for adjusting the
boiler supply water temperature based on inferred heat load. The
following describes DOE's understanding of the technologies used to
address the boiler design requirements.
Outdoor Reset. The most prevalent technology for adjusting water
temperature according to load is outdoor reset. Outdoor reset uses a
simple outdoor temperature sensor, typically located on the north side
of the home. Another sensor mounted at the boiler senses water
temperature. A computer chip in the control system uses the outdoor
temperature information to adjust the boiler's output by changing the
boiler's supply water temperature. Some systems also employ a third
internal room sensor to provide additional data for the control
system.\19\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\19\ TJ's Plumbing and Heating, ``Weather-Responsive Controls
(Outdoor Reset Controls)'' (2013) (Available at: http://www.tjsradiantheat.com/noteworthies/weather-responsive-controls/);
Weil-McLain, ``WM-ODR Outdoor Reset Control Instruction Manual''
(Available at: http://www.weil-mclain.com/en/assets/pdf/outdoor_reset_controls_odr_manual.pdf); Tekmar, ``Outdoor Reset
ARC'' (2008).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 12884]]
Inferred Load. The adjustment of water temperature based on
building load can also be achieved using software, rather than sensors,
to predict the inferred heating load. Inferred heating load can be
based on outdoor temperature information, thermostat demand patterns,
indoor temperature information, or burner cycling and/or modulation
patterns.\20\ Under this approach, microprocessor-based algorithms
monitor thermostat activity to track how much heat the building
requires and adjust the supply water temperature accordingly.\21\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\20\ AHRI, ``Residential Boilers Certification Program
Operations Manual'' (Available at: http://www.ahrinet.org/App_Content/ahri/files/Certification/OM%20pdfs/updated/RBLR%20OM-%202013.pdf). (Last accessed January 16, 2015).
\21\ Hydrolevel Company, ``Fuel Smart Hydrostat Sales Sheet
Three Function Control'' (Available at: http://www.hydrolevel.com/new/images/literature/sales_sheets/fuel_smart_hydrostat_sales_sheet.pdf) (Last accessed January 16,
2015).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thermal Pre-Purge. Thermal pre-purge is an automatic means that
identifies the amount of residual heat available in the boiler
following a call for heating. This strategy allows the pump to operate
prior to the ignition of the burner.\22\ Following an ``off'' cycle,
the boiler's control system determines how much latent heat is still
available from the previous ``on'' cycle, and only activates the burner
when the measured latent heat cannot meet the heating demand.\23\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\22\ Tekmar, ``Boiler Post Purge'' (2012) (Last accessed January
16, 2015).
\23\ Hydrolevel Company, ``Fuel Smart Hydrostat Sales Sheet
Three Function Control'' (Available at: http://www.hydrolevel.com/new/images/literature/sales_sheets/fuel_smart_hydrostat_sales_sheet.pdf) (Last accessed January 16,
2015).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Based on the overall comments and the provided draft test
methodologies, DOE proposes the use of two test methods--one for
single-stage boilers and one for two-stage/modulating boilers--for
verification of the functionality of the automatic means for adjusting
the water temperature supplied by a boiler. These test methods are
independent of the AFUE test because the automatic means requirement is
a design requirement and is not part of the minimum efficiency
requirements. The draft testing methodologies provided by NRCan, as
well as the California mechanical codes section for non-residential
boilers,\24\ were used as bases for the proposed test methods. The
proposed test methods can evaluate a variety of control strategies used
to comply with the automatic means prescriptive requirement. The two
separate tests have been developed to accommodate the various boiler
control strategies.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\24\ California Energy Commission, ``Reference Appendices for
the 2008 Building Energy Efficiency Standards for Residential and
Non-residential Buildings'', p. 332, (Available at: http://www.energy.ca.gov/2008publications/CEC-400-2008-004/CEC-400-2008-004-CMF.PDF) (Last accessed January 16, 2015).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
As discussed previously, the requirement to incorporate an
automatic means does not specify how a manufacturer must implement the
automatic means. It only requires that an incremental change in
inferred heat load produce a corresponding incremental change in heat
output. Each of the proposed test methods allows for accommodation of
technological advances in controls and designs and does not limit the
innovation of this control type.
The proposed test methods for automatic means verification would
confirm whether the boiler heat output responds to a change in inferred
heat load, thereby verifying the functionality of the automatic means.
Specifically, the single-stage boiler test captures the delayed burner
reaction following a call for heating when residual heat is present
within the boiler. The two-stage/modulating test monitors water
temperature settings from the inferential load controller and/or supply
water temperature measurements to determine whether these values
properly respond to changes in the inferred load. The proposed tests
would be added to 10 CFR part 429.134.
6. Off-Cycle and Power Burner Draft Factors
In the January 2013 RFI, DOE requested feedback on existing default
draft factor values for furnaces and boilers. 78 FR 675, 676-77 (Jan.
4, 2013). Existing draft factors, as specified in the test
procedure,\25\ include the off-cycle draft factor for flue gas flow
(DF) and the power burner draft factor (DP), the
off-cycle draft factor for stack gas flow (DS), and the off-
cycle draft factor for stack gas flow without a stack damper
(DS\O\). The existing DOE test procedure allows for the use
of the default values for DF of 0.4 for furnaces and boilers
with power burners and 1.0 for furnaces and boilers with atmospheric
burners.\26\ The DOE test procedure also allows for DF to be
assigned a value equal to DP, which is determined using
optional testing.\27\ Also, for furnaces and boilers employing a power
burner, if the measured DP is less than 0.1, then
DP is set at 0.05 because, based on input by industry
experts and DOE testing, the tracer gas test is often inaccurate at
flows lower than a DP of 0.1.\28\ Under the existing DOE
test procedure, when there is no airflow through the flue side of the
heat exchanger in the off cycle, manufacturers may apply a minimum
default draft factor (DF or DP) of 0.05.\29\
However, the existing test procedure does not provide a process to
determine whether the tested model is designed with no measurable
airflow through the combustion chamber and heat exchanger during the
burner off-period. DOE sought comment on whether a minimum default
draft factor may be applied at all, the conditions under which a
minimum default draft factor may be applied, and how such conditions
can be verified.
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\25\ Sections 11.2.9.9, 11.2.9.10, 11.2.10.2 of ASHRAE 103-1993.
\26\ See Table 6 of ASHRAE 103-1993.
\27\ Sections 8.8.2 of ASHRAE 103-1993.
\28\ Section 11.6.4 of ASHRAE 103-1993.
\29\ See section 8.8.3 of ASHRAE 103-1993 (``On units whose
design is such that there is absolutely no chance of airflow through
the combustion chamber and heat exchanger when the burner(s) is off,
DF and DP may be set equal to 0.05.'') and section 9.7.4 of ASHRAE
103-1993 (``On units having a design such that there is absolutely
no chance of airflow through the combustion chamber and heat
exchanger when the burner(s) is off, DF and DP may be set equal to
0.05.'').
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ingersoll Rand commented that testing burden can be reduced by
improving draft factor default values. (Ingersoll Rand, No. 8 at p. 1)
Rheem indicated that the default draft factor for furnaces should be
lowered for today's furnaces. (Rheem, No. 12 at p. 2) Rheem stated that
for all furnaces, it uses a value for DF and DP
of 0.05, although actual tested values may be lower. (Rheem, No. 12 at
p.7) AHRI recommended that DOE reassess the default values for draft
factors. AHRI also stated that information provided by their members
indicates that the default draft factors are too high for current
models of furnaces and boilers. (AHRI, No. 13 at p. 2) Energy Kinetics
also stated that the off-cycle draft factor may be reduced due to the
use of draft-controlling devices, controls, and control strategies.
(Energy Kinetics, No. 11 at p. 2)
Lennox stated that the test procedure should specify the conditions
under which it is appropriate to use the minimum default draft factor
of 0.05, and also should include instructions explaining how to test
for low or no flow through the heat exchanger. It added that furnaces
designed with burners above the outlet of the heat exchanger/combustion
air inducer usually have no flow through the heat exchanger and into
the vent system. (Lennox, No. 6 at p. 2) AHRI recommended that the test
procedure should continue to use a minimum
[[Page 12885]]
default draft factor for products with restricted flueways. AHRI also
requested that DOE consider identifying conditions under which the
minimum default draft factor can be applied. AHRI additionally
recommended that DOE consider revising the default draft factor value
and reevaluating the tracer gas method, and it offered to provide
information on some of these additional items based on experience
obtained from their efficiency certification program.\30\ (AHRI, No. 13
at p. 4)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\30\ As of the date of issuance of this NOPR, DOE has not
received any additional information from AHRI.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
DOE tested several furnaces and boilers and used the measured mass
flow rate to calculate DF. The calculated DF
ranged from 0.05 to 0.16 for five tested furnace models and from 0.15
to 1.00 for three tested boilers equipped with power burners or direct
venting capabilities. DOE also analyzed data from manufacturer testing
conducted in 2001 \31\ for 10 two-stage or modulating furnaces, which
showed that DF varied from 0.05 to 0.22. Although it appears
that the data support lower default factors for DF (i.e.,
the direction taken by ASHRAE), the development of entirely new default
draft factors would require a larger representative sample than the
data from the available test results. Therefore, DOE has tentatively
concluded that the test data are not sufficient to support revising the
default draft factors at this time. DOE did not receive comments from
stakeholders regarding default values for DS and
DS\O\. Neither ASHRAE 103-1993 nor ASHRAE 103-2007 explain
the derivation of the fixed default values when provided for these
terms. In cases where default values for DS and
DS\O\ are not used, these values are dependent on
DF, which, as discussed previously, DOE does not propose to
change. Therefore, DOE tentatively proposes to adopt the default draft
values as defined in ASHRAE 103-2007, which are unchanged from the
existing DOE test procedure.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\31\ Provided to DOE in 2002 by the National Institute of
Standards and Technology (NIST).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Additionally, DOE recognizes that stakeholders have indicated that
they are interested in the test procedure providing better direction as
to how to determine whether a boiler model design and/or performance
would qualify the boiler to use the minimum default draft factor of
0.05 (i.e., for units with no airflow through the combustion chamber
and heat exchanger).\32\ Two separate, but related, sections of the DOE
test procedure address the conditions required for use of this minimum
default draft factor. Specifically, section 8.8.3 of ASHRAE 103-1993,
which is incorporated by reference into the DOE test procedure for
residential furnaces and boilers, states that ``on units whose design
is such that there is absolutely no chance for airflow . . .,
DF and DP may be set equal to 0.05.'' Similarly,
section 9.10 of ASHRAE 103-1993, which is also incorporated by
reference in the DOE test procedure, states that ``for units designed
with no measurable airflow . . ., DF and DP may
be set equal to 0.05.'' DOE agrees that the existing DOE test procedure
lacks specificity in terms of determining whether a boiler design
allows for no measurable airflow through the combustion chamber and
heat exchanger during the burner off-period. Without such details, it
is unclear to DOE how the manufacturers of residential boilers
determine whether a particular model satisfies this criterion.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\32\ Verification of absolutely no flow through combustion
chamber and heat exchanger is left to the discretion of ``the one
testing'' (typically the manufacturer or testing agency), as set
forth in sections 8.8.3 and 9.10 of ASHRAE 103-1993 and ASHRAE 103-
2007.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Upon further inquiry, it is DOE's understanding that the commonly
used test to prove ``no flow'' is based on tracer gas testing and/or
identification of designs that ensure no chance of airflow. However,
experience with the tracer gas testing applied to these types of
product designs indicates that the tracer gas method does not produce
consistent and repeatable results for very low to no-flow conditions.
In addition, DOE is not aware of any existing design characteristics
that provide for ``absolutely'' no chance of airflow.
DOE has not found a consistent and widely accepted test method to
determine whether the use of the minimum default draft factor value is
appropriate for a given model. To address this issue, DOE considered
retaining the existing language in conjunction with the following
methods:
(a) Define design characteristics which ensure no flow through the
combustion chamber and heat exchanger;
(b) Use of commonly applied tracer gas method;
(c) Smoke stick protocol; and
(d) A combination of (b) and (c).
DOE considered defining product design characteristics, such as
downflow heat exchangers and availability of combustion intake dampers,
which would be used for identifying products, which meet the
requirements of sections 8.8.3 and 9.10 of ASHRAE 103. However, DOE
understands that identified design characteristics do not always
guarantee that there will be no chance of measurable airflow through
the combustion chamber and heat exchanger when the burner is off.
DOE also considered the use of the existing tracer gas test. As
addressed in the previous discussion, in instances where the measured
DP is less than 0.1, DP can be set at 0.05. Based
on testing experience, DOE understands that the tracer gas test is
often inaccurate at flows lower than a DP of 0.1 and,
therefore, may not provide clear evidence of the absence of flow.
After considering the alternatives, DOE proposes to incorporate a
test based on the use of a smoke stick. The proposed test protocol
would establish the absence of flow through the heat exchanger using a
smoke stick device for products designed with no measurable airflow. If
the smoke from the stick passes by the combustion air intake without
visual disturbance, then it indicates that there is no measurable
airflow through the heat exchanger. If the smoke from the stick is
visually induced into the combustion air intake, then it indicates that
there is measurable airflow through the heat exchanger. The smoke stick
test is not intended to quantify the volume of air moving through the
heat exchanger. If the smoke stick test indicates that there is an
absence of flow through the heat exchanger, the use of the minimum
default factor would be allowed (per sections 8.8.3 and 9.10 of
incorporated ASHRAE Standard 103). In the event that the smoke stick
test indicates the presence of airflow, the use of the optional tracer
gas test \33\ would be required for determining a draft factor value
other than the default draft factor as specified in Table 6 of ASHRAE
103-2007.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\33\ Per sections 8.8.2 (Optional Tracer Gas Method for
Determining Draft Factors DP and DF for
Systems Equipped with Power Burners or Direct Vent) and 9.7
(Optional Tracer Gas Method for Determining Draft Factors
DP, DF, and DS for Systems Equipped
with Power Burners or Direct Vent and Not Equipped with Stack
Dampers) of ASHRAE 103-2007.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Additionally, DOE proposes to include revisions to the incorporated
requirements of sections 8.8.3 and 9.10 of ASHRAE 103-2007,
specifically to accommodate the use of the smoke stick test and to
eliminate use of the term ``absolutely'' in sections 8.8.3 and 9.7.4.
See proposed sections 7.12, 8.10, and 8.11 of 10 CFR part 430, subpart
B, appendix N for the detailed test protocol and language revisions.
[[Page 12886]]
7. AFUE Reporting Precision
DOE's existing furnaces and boilers test procedure specifies that
the AFUE rating be rounded to the nearest whole percentage point (see
10 CFR 430.23(n)(2)). In the January 2013 RFI, DOE sought comment on
how much precision is statistically possible when reporting AFUE. 78 FR
675, 678 (Jan. 4, 2013).
Lennox, Carrier, Rheem, and AHRI commented that the AFUE rating
should be reported to the nearest tenth of a percent. (Lennox, No. 6 at
p. 3; Carrier, No. 7 at p. 2; Rheem, No. 12 at p. 9; AHRI, No. 13 at p.
5) Rheem added that furnaces listed in the AHRI Directory report AFUE
values at this level of specificity. (Rheem, No. 12 at p. 9) AHRI
stated that rounding AFUE values to the nearest tenth of a percent has
been common industry practice for furnaces and boilers, and it provides
a sufficient level of accuracy to distinguish models that have
different efficiencies. (AHRI, No. 13 at p. 5)
DOE understands that reporting AFUE values to the nearest tenth of
a percent has been common industry practice for furnaces and boilers.
DOE agrees with stakeholders that reporting AFUE values to the nearest
tenth of a percent will provide a sufficient level of precision to
distinguish models that have different efficiencies. Therefore, DOE
proposes to update the existing requirement for residential furnaces
and boilers to report AFUE to the nearest tenth of a percentage point.
8. Duct Work for Units That Are Installed Without a Return Duct
Section 7.2.1 of ASHRAE 103-1993, incorporated by reference in the
existing DOE test procedure, specifies use of a return duct for all
furnaces according to Figure 1 and Figure 2 in section 7.2.1. During
DOE's furnace and boiler testing, it was observed that there could be
some ambiguity about testing requirements for units that manufacturers
have designed to be installed without a return duct. To eliminate such
ambiguity, DOE proposes to add a provision in the test procedure
clarifying that the return (inlet) duct is not required during testing
for units intended to be installed without a return duct, according to
the manufacturer's I&O manual.
9. Testing Requirements for Multiposition Configurations
The current DOE test procedure does not specify the testing
requirements for multiposition furnaces.\34\ During DOE's furnace and
boiler testing, DOE observed ambiguity in testing requirements for
multiposition furnaces, regarding which furnace orientation to use
during testing and how to test the unit if there is no open inlet.
Testing the furnace in different configurations (i.e., upflow,
downflow, or horizontal) often results in different AFUE ratings. In
addition, some multiposition furnaces might be shipped without an open
inlet. Instead, there may be perforated metal cutouts blocking the
inlet options that correspond to the available installation
configurations. In some cases, DOE understands that testing facilities
remove the blower access door and use it as an inlet instead of one of
the inlet configurations, even though the DOE test procedure does not
provide this option. Using the blower access door opening on sealed
cabinets preserves the value of the test unit and reduces the length of
the set-up time.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\34\ A multiposition furnace is a furnace that can be installed
in more than one airflow configuration (e.g., upflow or horizontal;
downflow or horizontal; and upflow, downflow or horizontal).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
To reduce ambiguity, DOE proposes to require that multiposition
furnaces be tested using, at a minimum, the least-efficient position.
DOE is also expressly allowing manufacturers to test multiposition
furnaces in other configurations in addition to the least efficient if
they wish. DOE understands that currently, most multiposition models
are already tested using multiple configurations because the existing
DOE test procedure has different requirements and test setup for each
configuration, which can result in different AFUE ratings. Therefore,
DOE believes that in most cases, there would be no additional testing
burden to the manufacturer associated with this clarification. DOE
notes that, under this proposal, the manufacturer must either: (1)
represent the efficiency of each of the various configurations using
the AFUE of the least-efficient configuration and certify them pursuant
to the requirements in 10 CFR part 429 or (2) test and certify the
various configurations pursuant to the requirements in 10 CFR part 429.
Regarding multiposition furnaces not shipped with an open inlet,
DOE proposes to allow testing of the unit using only the blower access
door. This testing approach allows the value of the test unit to be
preserved and reduces the length of the set-up time.
D. Tolerances on Test Conditions and Measurements
In the RFI, DOE requested comment as to whether the existing
statistical variability of AFUE is acceptable. 78 FR 675, 677 (Jan. 4,
2013). The statistical variability within the test procedure depends on
the permissible variations in test conditions (room ambient
temperature, return water temperature, and product hourly Btu nameplate
input rating) and the existing equipment measurement error associated
with the measurement of variables (such as firing rate, heating media
temperatures, flow rates, fuel calorific value, weight of condensate,
water flow and temperature, voltage, and flue gas composition). DOE
sought comment and received input on whether the existing tolerance
ranges for test conditions and statistical variability in the test
procedure are acceptable or whether DOE should define different methods
of measuring and recording such variables.
The DOE test procedure allows for variations in certain test
conditions. While these conditions do not directly impact the accuracy
of the of the test method, they may impact the reproducibility of the
AFUE results determined under the range of allowable test
conditions.\35\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\35\ See section III.E.5 of this notice for an example of how
reproducibility is affected by the allowed tolerances.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rheem commented that the firing rate varies with run time; having a
wider tolerance ensures that a sample furnace may be set at an
appropriate rate at the beginning of a test and stay within the
tolerance for the duration of the test. (Rheem, No. 12 at p. 7) Lennox
added that any additional narrowing of the firing rate tolerance range
from 2% could cause the product to drift out of range while
conducting the steady-state, heat-up, and cyclic condensate collection
tests. According to Lennox, variations in gas valve performance can
cause gas manifold pressures to vary slightly over time while
conducting the test, thereby affecting the firing rate. (Lennox, No. 6
at p. 2) Several of the stakeholders reiterated that DOE should only
consider changing tolerances if DOE has data supporting the change.
(Lennox, No. 6 at p. 2, Carrier, No. 7 at p. 1, Rheem, No. 12 at p. 7,
AHRI, No. 13 at p. 3) NRDC commented that permissible variations for
tests can be used, from a positive perspective, to avoid the need to
control arbitrary conditions in an overly tight or an overly expensive
way, or they can be used, from a negative perspective, as a way of
influencing the results by choosing the end of the tolerance range that
gives the best AFUE. The commenter stated that DOE should review
existing certifications to make sure that the latter is not happening,
and tighten the permissible variation ranges if it is. (NRDC, No. 14 at
p. 1) Other
[[Page 12887]]
stakeholders (NRCan, APGA, AHRI, Carrier, Lennox, Crown Boiler, APGA,
and Energy Kinetics) also commented on this issue regarding specific
variables, such as room ambient air conditions and boiler supply and
return water temperature ranges.
DOE has addressed room ambient air conditions and boiler supply and
return water temperature ranges in sections III.E.5 and III.E.7 of this
notice. For product hourly Btu nameplate input rating, DOE agrees with
Lennox that the variation in gas valve performance does not allow
further narrowing of the tolerance range. Additionally, there are no
data to support such a change. Therefore, DOE has decided not to
propose changes to the allowable tolerance range on firing rate because
of the increased manufacturer burden.
On the subject of the appropriateness of the existing test
procedure tolerances on measured variables, AHRI, Rheem, Carrier, and
Lennox all stated that they believe the existing tolerances for
measured variables such as fuel calorific value, weight of condensate,
water flow and temperature, voltage, flue gas composition, firing rate,
heating media temperatures and flow rates, and ambient air temperatures
are acceptable. (AHRI, No. 13 at p. 3; Rheem No. 12 at p. 7; Carrier,
No. 7 at p. 1; Lennox, No. 6 at p. 2)
To establish the overall uncertainty of the test procedure, DOE
developed an analytical tool that determines the AFUE of residential
furnaces and boilers based on ASHRAE 103-1993 provisions. The
methodology applies Monte Carlo simulations that use distributions of
values for all variables with defined measurement error. The tool is
implemented as a computer spreadsheet with an add-on program to perform
10,000 iterations of the simulation. The parameter uncertainty ranges
were defined based on the tolerances specified in section 5 and section
8.6.1.3 (jacket loss) of ASHRAE 103-1993 and ASHRAE 103-2007, which are
incorporated by reference or are proposed to be incorporated by
reference, respectively, in the DOE test procedure.
Table 1 provides a summary of the maximum standard deviations by
product type, using the existing DOE test procedure. For the models
tested, AFUE uncertainty ranged from 0.1 (for modulating condensing
boilers) to 0.4 (for single-stage non-condensing boilers). Detailed
results of the uncertainty analysis are presented in the Testing
Report, which can be found in the docket for this rulemaking.
Table 1--Uncertainty on AFUE by Product Type, Based on Existing DOE Test Procedure
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Boilers Furnaces
---------------------------------------------------------------
Control type Non- Non-
condensing Condensing condensing Condensing
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Single-stage (1)................................ 0.4 0.2 0.3 0.3
Two-stage (2)................................... 0.2 .............. 0.3 0.3
Modulating (3).................................. .............. 0.2 0.3 0.3
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Based on DOE's analysis of the uncertainty associated with AFUE and
stakeholder input, DOE agrees that, overall, the tolerances as
specified within the existing DOE test procedure (section 5 of 10 CFR
part 430, subpart B, appendix N) allow for an acceptable level of
uncertainty. Considering stakeholders' input, the lack of data
supporting any other specific changes to the existing tolerances, and
the results of the uncertainty analysis, DOE proposes no modifications
to any of the measurement tolerances in the existing test procedure.
E. Other Test Procedure Considerations
1. Electrical Consumption for Modulating Products
In the January 2013 RFI, DOE considered incorporating a method to
measure part-load efficiency for modulating products with variable-
speed motors. 78 FR 675, 678 (Jan. 4, 2013). Modulating units are often
equipped with electronically commutated motors that allow for variable-
speed operation of circulating blowers and pumps and combustion
blowers. Motor efficiency changes as a function of partial loading
(operation at speeds other than the nominal speed), which occurs as a
result of a change in firing rate. These types of motors consume less
energy when the product is functioning at lower speeds (i.e., reduced
firing rates). However, for modulating units, ASHRAE 103-1993 and
ASHRAE 103-2007 assume that motors always operate at the settings for
the maximum input rate during the modulating mode. Including a method
for determining the part-load electricity consumption into the total
electricity consumption calculations for modulating equipment could
improve the accuracy of the electricity consumption calculations for
modulating products.
Carrier, Rheem, and AHRI all opposed incorporating in the proposed
test procedure a method for calculating part-load motor efficiency into
its electricity consumption calculations. Carrier stated that motor
efficiency is fairly constant within the useable operating range and
that the benefits attendant to adding part-load efficiency provisions
is not worth complicating the calculations. (Carrier, No. 7 at p. 2)
Rheem commented that the existing test procedure does not assume a
fixed motor efficiency: the EAE (average annual auxiliary
electrical energy consumption) has always been a part-load efficiency
descriptor because it applies to multistage products such as modulating
furnaces. Rheem argued that expanding EAE to include four
levels of operations, similar to the approach used by IEER,\36\ would
require double the testing. Rheem does not believe that this added
level of complexity would provide consumers with information that would
help them to make more informed product purchase decisions. (Rheem, No.
12 at p. 10) AHRI recommended DOE not consider the issue of part-load
efficiency because the proposed approach would not provide a
significantly improved consumption calculation, and would only amount
to a minor change to an electrical consumption value that is already
insignificant compared to the total furnace or boiler energy
consumption. (AHRI, No. 13 at p. 5) Lennox commented that incorporating
an additional testing method beyond that in the incorporated ASHRAE
103-2007 could impose an undue burden on manufacturers without
providing a significant benefit to the customer, as the electrical
consumption is a small
[[Page 12888]]
percentage of the overall energy consumption for a furnace, and even
more so for furnaces that incorporate modulating power burners.
(Lennox, No. 6 at p. 3) NRCan stated that the test procedure should
incorporate measurement of electrical energy used by power burners and
circulating pumps in modulating appliances as part of a ``connected
load'' during active mode testing, rather than developing and
incorporating a new part-load motor efficiency calculation. (NRCan, No.
15 at p. 4)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\36\ Integrated Energy Efficiency Ratio (IEER) is a metric that
integrates cooling part-load EER efficiency for commercial unitary
air conditioning and heat pump equipment on the basis of weighted
operation at various load capacities for the equipment.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Modifying the method to include part-load testing (in addition to
the required testing at full and reduced-load operation) for
determining the electricity consumption for modulating products would
result in a minor improvement of the accuracy of the electricity
consumption calculations. However, incorporating part-load electricity
consumption testing for modulating products would require a significant
amount of additional testing in the modulating mode of operation.
Therefore, DOE has tentatively concluded that including additional
provisions for part-load testing for modulating products would impose
an undue burden on manufacturers without providing a significant
benefit to the customer. Thus, DOE does not propose to modify the
existing method for determining the electricity consumption for
modulating products.
2. Jacket Loss and Jacket Loss Factors
DOE's January 2013 RFI also requested feedback on parameters that
account for heat losses through the furnace or boiler jacket,
including: (1) An overall jacket loss value (LJ), which is
either assigned a value of 1.0 percent or determined in accordance with
8.6 of ASHRAE 103-1993; and (2) the default factors that adjust the
LJ based on installation location--jacket loss factor
(CJ) and the factor that adjusts jacket losses measured in
the laboratory to those that would be measured under outdoor design
conditions (K).\37\ 78 FR 675, 677 (Jan. 4, 2013).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\37\ See section 11.2.11 (CJ) and 11.2.8.1 (K) of
ASHRAE 103-1993, which are incorporated by reference in the DOE test
procedure.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ingersoll Rand argued that the testing burden can be reduced by
improving jacket loss default values. (Ingersoll Rand, No. 8 at p. 1)
Rheem stated that the existing default jacket loss value is too high,
and that a value more representative of the results of an actual jacket
loss test may eliminate the need for this test. (Rheem, No. 12 at p. 2)
Rheem stated that testing of current production furnaces indicates
jacket losses (LJ) in the range of 0.3 to 0.4, far below the
default value of 1.0. (Rheem, No. 12 at p. 2) AHRI also stated that the
default jacket loss value for furnaces may be twice as high as the
typical jacket loss of current models. (AHRI, No. 13 at p. 2)
Several stakeholders indicated that applying the existing jacket
loss default factors may result in an overestimation of the AFUE rating
of furnaces and boilers. NRCan commented that the definition of the
permitted default jacket loss value and jacket loss factors should be
re-examined to ensure that jacket losses from furnaces and boilers are
accurately calculated and reflect the way that those products are
typically installed in residential applications. NRCan also stated that
DOE should clarify and review the definitions for ``isolated combustion
system,'' ``direct vent system,'' and ``systems intended to be
installed indoors'' to ensure that the definitions unambiguously lead
to and clearly identify the appropriate jacket loss factors for
residential furnaces and boilers. In addition, NRCan stated that the
jacket loss factor (CJ) for non-weatherized boilers should
not be set to zero. (NRCan, No. 15 at p. 2&3) NRDC suggested that DOE
pursue conservatively chosen default factors, which would result in
lower AFUE values that are more representative of the majority of real
world situations. (NRDC, No. 14 at p. 1) Energy Kinetics indicated that
steady-state jacket losses, which can range from 2 percent to 6
percent, are not accounted for in the AFUE rating and, therefore, could
encourage manufacturers to minimally insulate boilers, which may
contribute to inflated AFUE values. Energy Kinetics stated that DOE, as
demonstrated by its test procedure and energy conservation standard,
assumes that these losses contribute to heating the home, but in most
instances, boilers are not located within the heated living space, so
jacket losses are efficiency losses. (Energy Kinetics, No. 11 at p. 2)
DOE understands that determining jacket loss through testing
presents a testing burden for manufacturers. The existing test
procedure sets the default jacket loss value at 1 percent. Rheem and
AHRI reported that the jacket losses determined through testing are
about half the default value, which for non-weatherized furnaces
represents an AFUE increase of up to 1.2 percent \38\ when using the
measured value as compared to using the default value.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\38\ According to Rheem's results, which report measured jacket
losses averaging of 0.3 to 0.4 percent compared to the default value
of 1 percent.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Based on available test data, DOE has tentatively concluded that
changing the jacket loss default value would be inappropriate at this
time. DOE tested a number of residential furnaces and boilers according
to the test methods prescribed in section 7 of the DOE test procedure
and used the resulting measurements to calculate LJ, which
ranged from 0.360 to 0.776 for the five furnace models tested. The 2001
manufacturer test data provided by NIST for 16 two-stage or modulating
furnaces showed this value to range from 0.112 to 0.750. In DOE's view,
there are not enough data to represent the more than 5,000 furnace and
boiler models with diverse design characteristics currently on the
market, and a larger, statistically representative market sample would
be needed for DOE to consider such a major change. The preparation of
such a sample would require a significant amount of manufacturer input
that was not available for this notice. Therefore, DOE does not propose
changing the existing default value for the jacket loss at this time.
The existing DOE test procedure identifies default jacket loss
factors CJ and K based on product type (non-weatherized
furnaces, non-weatherized boilers, and weatherized furnaces and
boilers) and the assumed intended installation location. NRCan, NRDC,
and Energy Kinetics commented that the values for these factors should
be reevaluated on the basis that installation location assumptions
within the existing test procedure do not reflect the way that those
products are typically installed in residential applications. (NRCan,
No. 15 at pp. 2-3; NRDC, No. 14 at p. 1; Energy Kinetics, No. 11 at p.
2) The installation locations associated with each product type are as
established by the statute \39\ and cannot be changed by DOE.
Therefore, DOE is not proposing any changes to the existing default
values for the jacket loss factors.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\39\ Under 42 U.S.C. 6291(a)(20), ``[t]he term `annual fuel
utilization efficiency' means the efficiency descriptor for furnaces
and boilers, determined using test procedures prescribed under
section 6293 of this title and based on the assumption that all--
(A) weatherized warm air furnaces or boilers are located out-of-
doors;
(B) warm air furnaces which are not weatherized are located
indoors and all combustion and ventilation air is admitted through
grills or ducts from the outdoors and does not communicate with air
in the conditioned space; and
(C) boilers which are not weatherized are located within the
heated space.''
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[[Page 12889]]
3. Use of Default Seasonal Factors To Replace ``Heat-Up'' and ``Cool-
Down'' Tests
During the heat-up and cool-down tests, flue gas temperatures are
measured at various time intervals throughout the test. These
measurements are used when determining the impact of the cyclic
conditions on AFUE. Several terms in the AFUE calculation are dependent
on the measurements from the heat-up and cool-down tests. The use of
default seasonal factors may reduce overall manufacturer test burden by
making the ``heat-up'' and ``cool-down'' tests (and their associated
calculations) unnecessary. In the January 2013 RFI, DOE requested input
from stakeholders as to whether such default factors are a feasible
alternative to testing and whether such factors correlate to the
physical characteristics of the product. 78 FR 675, 677 (Jan. 4, 2013).
AHRI recommended that DOE consider replacing the heat-up and cool-
down tests with default seasonal factors. (AHRI, No. 13 at p. 2) Both
Lennox and Rheem stated that they were in favor of replacing the heat-
up and cool-down tests with seasonal default factors to reduce the test
burden. (Lennox, No. 6 at p. 1; Rheem, No. 12 at p. 2) Lennox agreed
that the physical characteristics of the product may have a bearing on
the heat-up and cool-down test values and their effect on the AFUE.
(Lennox, No. 6 at p. 1) Rheem suggested that data from the heat-up test
show a difference between condensing and non-condensing furnaces in the
calculated value of AFUE. In contrast, Rheem also stated that data from
the cool-down test do not show a difference between condensing and non-
condensing furnaces and, in general, the cool-down test has a minimal
effect on AFUE. (Rheem, No. 12 at p. 2) Rheem recommended separate
default values for CTON (heat-up temperature profile
correction factor for the effect of cycling) and CTOFF
(cool-down temperature profile correction factor for the effect of
cycling) for both non-condensing and condensing products: 0.9 for
CTON and 0.9 for CTOFF for non-condensing
products, and 0.6 for CTON and 0.9 for CTOFF for
condensing products. Rheem provided a statistical summary that showed
low variability of cool-down and heat-up results in their testing and
suggested DOE allow the use of default factors for CTON and
CTOFF.
In DOE's view, replacing CTON and CTOFF with
default values would simplify the AFUE calculation. However, DOE cannot
establish representative default values for CTON and
CTOFF for all covered units based on data from only one
manufacturer's products. Additionally, these two parameters are only
two calculated values among several that depend on the time-temperature
values measured during the cool-down and heat-up tests.\40\ Completely
eliminating the heat-up and cool-down would require replacing all of
these values with default values. Therefore, DOE tentatively concludes
that it cannot justify replacing the heat-up and cool-down tests with
default factors.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\40\ Section 8.0 of Appendix N to Subpart B of Part 430, which
refers to ASHRAE 103-1993, sections 9.5, 9.6; and section 10 of
Appendix N, which refers to ASHRAE 103-1993, sections 11.2.9.4--
11.2.9.8.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
4. Calculation Simplification for Burner Cycling and Draft Losses
In the January 2013 RFI, DOE requested comment on whether
simplifying the calculation for determining the burner cycling and
draft losses used to compute seasonal efficiency is a viable
alternative to testing, and whether or not such a simplification would
result in a less precise assessment of the efficiency rating. 78 FR
675, 677 (Jan. 4, 2013).
AHRI recommended that DOE try to simplify the calculation procedure
for determining the burner cycling and draft losses. (AHRI, No. 13 at
p. 2) Lennox likewise stated support for DOE's efforts in simplifying
the calculation procedure for determining the burner cycling and draft
losses. (Lennox, No. 6 at p. 2) Rheem suggested that, based on the
minimal variation in CTON and CTOFF, default
values would be acceptable to use in place of performance testing.
(Rheem, No. 12 at p. 3) However, Rheem recommended that non-condensing
and condensing products should have different default values for
CTON. (Rheem, No. 12 at p. 3)
Although stakeholder comments indicate agreement with
simplification of the calculation process, data are required to
substantiate a change to the values. Given the lack of proposed
simplifications and supporting data, DOE does not propose to simplify
the calculation for determining the burner cycling and draft losses at
this time.
5. Room Ambient Air Temperature and Humidity Ranges
The DOE test procedure for residential furnaces and boilers set
forth in 10 CFR part 430, subpart B, appendix N, which currently
incorporates by reference ASHRAE 103-1993, includes a steady-state and
a cyclic condensate collection test for modulating and two-stage
condensing furnaces and boilers. The amount of condensate produced,
which captures the latent energy of the flue gases, is a major
determinant of AFUE for condensing products but is sensitive to the
humidity and temperature of the room ambient air. Under the existing
DOE test procedure, the room temperature may not fall below
65[emsp14][deg]F or exceed 100[emsp14][deg]F, except for condensing
furnaces and boilers, for which the room temperature may not exceed
85[emsp14][deg]F. Additionally, the existing test procedure specifies a
maximum relative humidity limit of 80 percent. To improve the
comparability of AFUE for models tested under different conditions
within the allowable range of room ambient conditions, DOE considered
revisions to these conditions as set forth in the current DOE test
procedure. In particular, in the RFI, DOE requested comment as to the
appropriateness of tightening the allowable room air temperature range.
78 FR 675, 677 (Jan. 4, 2013). Several stakeholders provided comments
in response to this request.
NRCan stated that the ambient room temperature tolerance for
testing condensing furnaces should be tightened. NRCan stated that in
the DOE test procedure for water heaters, the ambient air temperature
is required to be maintained between 65.0[emsp14][deg]F and
70.0[emsp14][deg]F (18.3 [deg]C and 21.1 [deg]C) on a continuous basis.
An ambient temperature range from 65[emsp14][deg]F to 85[emsp14][deg]F,
as currently permitted for condensing furnaces and boilers, might be
too wide, resulting in greater variation of AFUE for models tested
under different temperature conditions. (NRCan, No. 15 at p 1-2) APGA
stated that a furnace test may produce higher AFUE results during a hot
summer day; to aid customers in comparing products, the testing
conditions (with regards to ambient air temperature) should be similar.
(APGA, No. 5 at p. 2)
Carrier supported consideration of a narrower window for allowable
room air temperature range, provided that the low temperature limit is
not increased above 65[emsp14][deg]F. (Carrier, No. 7 at p. 1) AHRI
commented that the topic merits consideration but also that DOE must
recognize that any tightening of the range may either require test
facility changes to control temperature or limit a manufacturer to
conducting this test only during certain times of the year when the
outside ambient conditions allow the test facility to be within the
specified range. AHRI suggested that if DOE's inclination is to tighten
this range, this consideration should include the option of a
mathematical correction to adjust results when a test is conducted with
the room temperature
[[Page 12890]]
outside the specified range. (AHRI, No.13 at p. 3)
Lennox similarly commented that tightening the allowable ambient
air temperature range may require some test facilities to implement
test facility temperature control. In the case of non-condensing
furnaces, this would prove costly and burdensome to manufacturers while
providing little value to consumers, because AFUE is not significantly
impacted by ambient room temperatures for such products. (Lennox, No. 6
at p. 2)
The AFUE of condensing boilers is also affected by room ambient
humidity ratio because the amount of condensate produced depends in
part on the moisture content of the ambient air: The higher the
humidity ratio, the more condensate is available from which a boiler
can extract heat. Crown Boiler stated that the current humidity limit
significantly increases the amount of condensate a condensing boiler
can collect compared to what is theoretically possible under typical
operating conditions. Crown Boiler stated that most residential
condensing boilers are designed so that they can be directly vented to
outside the home; in addition, AFUE is currently calculated based on
venting using outdoor air at a temperature assumed to be
42[emsp14][deg]F. Based on this, in Crown Boiler's view, the upper
limit for humidity for testing condensing boilers should be the
humidity ratio at 100 percent relative humidity at 42[emsp14][deg]F.
According to Crown Boiler, this equates to a room humidity of slightly
more than 20 percent at the current maximum allowable 85[emsp14][deg]F
ambient temperature. Limiting the relative humidity would help to
ensure that the testing conditions accurately reflect the assumptions
made in the test procedure calculations. However, Crown Boiler also
stated that the decision to limit room humidity should not be taken
lightly, as it could create a significant new test burden for
manufacturers who may need to construct environmental chambers in order
to continue performing AFUE testing during humid weather. Given the
burden associated with restricting room humidity, Crown Boiler
requested that even if such changes prove warranted for condensing
boilers, DOE should not change the limitations for room humidity for
furnaces or non-condensing boilers, unless there are data to justify
such a change for these types of products. Crown Boiler stated that the
imposition of this burden may be justified for condensing boilers in
order to ensure that the energy performance is more accurately
represented in the marketplace. Crown Boiler stated that it would also
support the adoption of a computational technique for correcting
results from testing done at higher relative humidity (RH) levels back
to a standard RH that can be realistically expected in the field.
(Crown Boiler, No. 9 at pp. 1-2)
AHRI stated that DOE should give careful consideration before
amending the DOE test procedure to specify a relative humidity range.
AHRI also recommended that mathematical corrections should be taken
into consideration in lieu of tightening the room air humidity range.
(AHRI, No. 13 at p. 3)
The stakeholder comments discussed two options for addressing the
room ambient conditions during testing: (a) Introduce a mathematical
correction methodology that normalizes condensate production during the
AFUE test to a standard set of ambient conditions while retaining the
existing ambient temperature ranges and (b) further restrict
temperature and humidity ranges during testing.
DOE investigated the impact of ambient conditions on AFUE of non-
condensing units by testing one non-condensing furnace and one non-
condensing boiler under several sets of ambient conditions. Based on
the testing results, DOE concluded that the room ambient air
temperature and humidity do not have a statistically significant impact
on the AFUE of non-condensing furnaces and boilers. (See Testing
Report.) Therefore, for non-condensing products, DOE has tentatively
decided not to propose revisions to the existing ambient temperature
and humidity ranges.
To evaluate the impact of varying room ambient conditions on
condensing product efficiency, DOE conducted eight separate AFUE tests
on one modulating condensing boiler and one two-stage condensing
furnace (four tests per unit) based on the existing DOE test procedure.
For the tested furnace model, the AFUE difference between the tests
conducted at varying ambient conditions shows that AFUE may vary as
much as 2.3 percent. This variation in AFUE is greater than the
uncertainty associated with the measurement error and is attributed to
changes in ambient conditions between the tests. For the tested boiler
model, the test results show that the AFUE of the tests conducted at
varying ambient conditions are within the overall measurement
uncertainty; therefore, the variation in AFUE cannot be attributed to
changes in ambient conditions based on the data. The details of the
test results can be found in the Testing Report.
DOE investigated a computational method for normalizing condensate
mass to a set of standard ambient conditions in order to limit the
variability in reported AFUE from tests conducted at various ambient
temperatures and humidity levels. To assess the validity of the
normalization methodology, DOE utilized the test data from the eight
AFUE tests performed at different temperature and humidity conditions.
Applying the normalization approach to the test data resulted in
significant differences in the calculated AFUE values at different room
ambient conditions, particularly for the furnace models. DOE conducted
a statistical evaluation to determine whether the differences in the
adjusted AFUE values at different room ambient conditions can be solely
attributed to measurement tolerances. For the statistical evaluation,
DOE assumed that only two factors impacted condensate collection: Room
ambient conditions and measurement accuracy. Based on the results from
the statistical evaluation, which are described in the Testing Report,
DOE concluded that the normalization methodology does not eliminate the
variability of AFUE due to the room ambient conditions.
Based on the analyzed test data and the outcome of the statistical
test, the normalization approach appears to be ineffective. Therefore,
DOE is not proposing to implement a mathematical approach for
normalizing condensate production to a standard set of conditions
during the AFUE test.
Alternatively, DOE assessed whether to further restrict the
currently required room temperature and humidity ranges during testing.
To determine whether narrowing the admissible range of ambient
conditions would impact the ability of the test facility to perform
testing, DOE assessed the average ambient conditions (dry-bulb
temperature and relative humidity) using Typical Meteorological Year 3
(TMY3) data \41\ for all TMY weather stations across the United States.
The results of this assessment, which are included in the Testing
Report, show that 75 percent of the stations currently within the
allowable range would fall outside the considered restricted allowable
range of ambient test conditions. Based on this assessment, DOE agrees
with AHRI, Lennox, and Crown Boiler that tightening the allowable
ambient air temperature and humidity range may force some test
facilities that currently do not use
[[Page 12891]]
mechanical space conditioning to incorporate environmental controls or
limit the testing to only certain times of the year, thereby resulting
in additional testing burden for these facilities. Therefore, based on
the potentially significant burden to manufacturers, DOE is not
proposing to restrict the currently required room ambient conditions
ranges.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\41\ See http://rredc.nrel.gov/solar/old_data/nsrdb/1991-2005/tmy3/.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
6. Oversize Factor
In the January 2013 RFI, DOE sought comment as to whether the use
of the existing oversize factor \42\ (0.7, or 170 percent of the house
heating load) remains appropriate for current field installations. 78
FR 675, 677 (Jan. 4, 2013). This request was primarily focused on use
of the oversize factor for single-stage boilers, as the adoption of
ASHRAE 103-2007 should adequately address the oversize factor issues
related to two-stage/modulating products.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\42\ ``Oversize factor'' accounts for the national average
oversizing of equipment that occurs when a heating product is sized
to satisfy more than the heating load of the household. This is
typically done to size the equipment so that it is able to satisfy
the days in which the house heating requirements might be exceeded
and/or to take into account uncertainties regarding house heating
load. For example, a 0.7 oversize factor is equivalent to 170-
percent oversizing of the heating equipment (i.e., 70 percent
greater input capacity than is required).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Energy Kinetics, Rheem, NRCan, and NRDC all agreed that the
existing 0.7 oversize factor merits review. Energy Kinetics stated that
the fixed 0.7 oversizing factor provides misleading information to the
marketplace: A boiler that is perfectly sized will have no benefit in
the AFUE rating compared to a system that is oversized by a factor of
five. (Energy Kinetics, No. 11 at p. 2) Rheem would appreciate
clarification from DOE on the definition of ``average oversizing'' and
the specific assumptions that lead to a national value. Rheem stated
that it has seen no indication that replacement furnaces are less
oversized than in the past, but there is an important effect due to the
increasing market share of multistage products. (Rheem, No. 12 at p. 8)
DOE acknowledges that when units operate at the reduced input rate in
the cycling mode, the unit is considered to be properly sized at the
reduced rate to meet the heating load.\43\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\43\ Kweller, E. and Thomas, F., ``An Analysis of United States
Weather Data for the Calculation of Average Outdoor Temperatures and
Fractional Heating Loads for Furnaces and Boilers Equipped with
Fuel-Modulating Controls, National Bureau of Standards'' (1982).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Energy Kinetics, Rheem, and NRDC each offered recommended
adjustments to the existing oversize factor. Energy Kinetics stated
that fuel consumption data coupled with degree-day analysis indicate
that an oversize factor of 2.0 (i.e., an additional 200 percent of the
house heating load, resulting in a total sizing of 300 percent of the
house heating load) or more is not only common, but the norm. (Energy
Kinetics, No. 11 at p. 2) NRDC commented that DOE should review the
concept of oversizing as a multiplicative factor, as opposed to a more
nuanced adjustment. NRDC stated that a more sophisticated approach may
make more sense in light of thermal upgrades to the International
Energy Conservation Code (IECC),\44\ both those already adopted and
those anticipated in the future. (NRDC, No. 14 at p 1) The commenter
stated that for such an approach, DOE should investigate whether an
oversize factor that varies as a function of furnace sizing would
provide a more accurate representation of expected field results.
(NRDC, No. 14 at p. 2)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\44\ International Code Council, 2012 International Energy
Conservation Code (2011) (Available at: https://law.resource.org/pub/us/code/ibr/icc.iecc.2012.pdf).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
In contrast, Carrier and AHRI commented that the oversize factor,
as set forth in the existing test procedure, does not need to be
reviewed. However, Carrier recommended, in the event that DOE does not
adopt ASHRAE 103-2007, DOE should use the same fixed oversize factor
for maximum input on modulating products, which is currently not the
way the incorporated modulating section of ASHRAE 103-1993 assigns an
oversize factor. (Carrier, No. 7, p. 2) AHRI commented that the heating
loads of today's residences tend to be lower because of tighter
building envelopes and weatherization improvements, but this does not
correlate directly to any change in the oversize factor. It added that
the increased use of two-stage and multistage models reduces the
significance of having an accurate oversize factor in the test
procedure. AHRI stated that in the field, the oversize factor only
relates to the full input rate of the furnace or boiler. When the unit
is operating at the reduced rate, it will fire at an input much closer
to the estimated design heating load of the house. (AHRI, No. 13 at p.
4)
A literature review conducted by DOE in response to stakeholder
comments revealed a variety of recommended oversize factors. Some
sources recommended lower values. For example, the Cold Climate Housing
Research Center stated that, although the assumed national oversize
factor is 0.7, recent developments in software and sizing techniques
have allowed installers to size appliances more closely to the Air
Conditioners Contractors of America (ACCA) guidelines of using an
oversize factor of 0 to 0.4 (i.e., 100 percent to 140 percent of the
house heating load).\45\ The Center cited both the March 2012
Partnership for Advanced Residential Retrofit \46\ oversize factor of
0.4, which is based on the ACCA recommendation, and the 2009 Alaska
Building Energy Efficiency Standards \47\ value of 0.20, as more
representative of current field installations. Research released later
in 2012 by the Partnership for Advanced Residential Retrofit also
stated that high-efficiency furnaces are insensitive to oversizing when
AFUE is evaluated according to the ASHRAE standard (i.e., not varying
by more than 0.5 percent AFUE when tested between 70 percent and 120
percent oversizing).\48\ A report by the Minnesota Department of
Commerce State Energy Office stated that 47 percent of their field
studies revealed oversizing of 50 percent or more, which it considers a
significant problem because oversized units cycle more often, resulting
in less-efficient operation.\49\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\45\ Cold Climate Housing Research Center, ``Annual Fuel
Utilization Efficiency, A Review for Cold Climate Applicability''
(2013).
\46\ Brand, Larry, ``Achieving the Best Installed Performance
from High-Efficiency Residential Gas Furnaces,'' Partnership for
Advanced Residential Retrofit (March 2012).
\47\ Alaska Housing Finance Corporation, Alaska-Specific
Amendments to the IECC 2009 (2011) (Available at: http://www.ahfc.us/files/1013/7393/1537/ak_bees_2009_ashrae_std_62_2_2010.pdf).
\48\ Brand, Larry, and Rose, William, Measure Guideline: High
Efficiency Natural Gas Furnaces, U.S. Department of Energy Building
America program (2012) (Available at: http://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy13osti/55493.pdf).
\49\ Krigger, John, and Dorsi, Chris, Minnesota Mechanical
Systems Field Guide, Minnesota Department of Commerce State Energy
Office (2005).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other researchers found a higher range of oversize factors.
Research by Arctic Energy Systems of South Central Alaskan Homes found
that forced-air furnace oversizing ranged from 66 percent to 223
percent, with an average of 121 percent.\50\ A report by the Minnesota
Department of Commerce State Energy Office also found that ACCA's
Manual J computer software \51\ currently incorporates an oversizing
safety factor of around 25 percent, so safety factors added by
contractors and wholesalers can oversize units even more drastically
(i.e., in the
[[Page 12892]]
neighborhood of 50 to 200 percent).\52\ Additionally, the heating,
ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) industry oftentimes scales
predicted loads up to take into account unmeasured window performance,
envelope construction, insulation, and duct system efficiency
information. Integrated Building and Construction Solutions (IBACOS)
modeled two baseline houses in Chicago, Illinois, and Orlando, Florida,
and applied common ``safety factors'' to determine their effect on
oversizing. Combining all the considered outdoor/indoor design,
building component, ductwork and ventilation/infiltration safety
factors resulted in 55 percent total oversizing for the Chicago house,
and 141 percent total oversizing for the Orlando house.\53\ A report in
Home Energy magazine stated that the assumed amount of oversizing
varies with the size of the furnace, but averages about 100
percent.\54\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\50\ Kaluza, Phil, ``Over-Sizing of Residential Forced-Air
Heating Systems in Southcentral Alaska Homes,'' Arctic Energy
Systems (June 2002).
\51\ ACCA's Manual J software produces equipment sizing loads
(heating and cooling) for single-family-detached homes, small multi-
unit structures, condominiums, town houses and manufactured homes.
\52\ Krigger, John, and Dorsi, Chris, Minnesota Mechanical
Systems Field Guide, Minnesota Department of Commerce State Energy
Office. (2005).
\53\ Burdick, Alan, ``Accurate Heating and Cooling Load
Calculations'' IBACOS, Inc. (June 2011).
\54\ Pigg, Scott, ``Electricity Use by New Furnaces,'' Energy
Center of Wisconsin (October 2003).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Another study was conducted by the city of Fort Collins, Colorado,
to assess the impact of the city's 1996 energy code (implementation
experience, compliance rates, and energy-saving results).\55\ The study
focused on homes built between 1994 and 1999. The major components of
the study were: (1) Inspections of 20 homes under construction; (2)
market research interviews with 20 builders and 150 homeowners; (3)
energy inspections, energy modeling, and utility bill analysis for 80
completed homes; and (4) performance testing of 40 completed homes. The
study concluded that the furnaces installed in the homes surveyed were
sized an average of 158 percent of the minimum required size with
oversizing observed for 70 percent of the furnaces.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\55\ Evaluation of New Home Energy Efficiency, Summary Report,
City of Fort Collins (June 2002).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
After considering the available information, DOE tentatively
concludes that the revisions incorporated in ASHRAE 103-2007 have
effectively addressed oversize factor corrections for two-stage and
modulating products, and that the literature supports the continued use
of an oversize factor of 0.7. Although Energy Kinetics, Rheem, NRCan,
and NRDC commented that there is merit in reviewing the oversize
factor, no data were provided that would support a change to the
existing oversize factor. Moreover, based on recent research evaluating
the sensitivity of AFUE to a change in oversize factor,\56\ DOE found
that furnace AFUE is generally insensitive to oversizing in the 70
percent to 120 percent oversizing range. Considering the conclusions
and widely varying results presented by the studies discussed
previously, DOE has tentatively determined the existing value of 0.7
continues to be representative of the oversized factor applicable to
the average U.S. household. Therefore, DOE proposes to maintain the
existing oversize factor.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\56\ Brand, Larry, and Rose, William, Measure Guideline: High
Efficiency Natural Gas Furnaces, U.S. Department of Energy Building
America program (2012) (Available at: http://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy13osti/55493.pdf).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
7. Boiler Supply and Return Water Temperatures
Currently, the DOE test procedure sets the temperature of water
delivered to the boiler (i.e., return water) during the steady-state
and heat-up tests between 120[deg]F and 124[deg]F \57\ for non-
condensing hot water boilers, and 120[deg]F 2[deg]F for
condensing hot water boilers.\58\ In the January 2013 RFI, DOE sought
comment on these temperatures, and whether DOE should revise the values
to more accurately reflect the average water temperatures of non-
condensing and condensing boiler installations. 78 FR 675, 677 (Jan. 4,
2013).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\57\ Section 8.4.2.3 of ASHRAE 103-1993.
\58\ Section 8.4.2.3.2 of ASHRAE 103-1993.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
APGA, Energy Kinetics, and NRCan agreed that the boiler water
supply temperatures merit review. APGA commented that supply water
temperatures can vary in different regions and seasons, and these
regional and seasonal variations should be taken into account when
measuring boiler performance. (APGA, No. 5 at p. 2) NRCan stated that
for boilers, the supply and return water temperatures used to determine
AFUE should approximate the temperatures that will be used after the
appliance is installed. (NRCan, No. 15 at p. 4) Energy Kinetics stated
that the nominal test return water temperature of 120[emsp14][deg]F and
supply water temperature of 140[emsp14][deg]F used for determining AFUE
are not representative of the supply and return water temperatures used
in typical hydronic heating system installations, and the actual
operational and off cycle temperatures may vary based on boiler
controls. Energy Kinetics also stated that the performance of these
controls is not assessed in the test method because of the fixed water
temperatures used for the test, and that the exception for low-
temperature radiant applications referenced in the RFI has very limited
relevance to American homes because of the small fraction of boilers
installed in low-temperature radiant systems. (Energy Kinetics, No. 11
at p. 2-3)
AHRI did not agree that the supply water temperatures specified for
testing boilers need to be changed. AHRI recommended that DOE consider
including the low-water-temperature test in Appendix F of ASHRAE 103-
2007 as an additional test for use by manufacturers if they choose to
provide supplemental information. (AHRI, No. 13 at p. 4-5)
The supply water temperature in the existing DOE test procedure has
been used to represent average supply temperature conditions of various
boiler designs and applications. DOE acknowledges that return water
temperatures may vary by application for different types of products;
however, DOE has tentatively concluded that the existing temperature
value allows for consistent comparison of AFUE between non-condensing
and condensing models. Therefore, DOE does not plan to change the
supply/return water temperatures for boilers in the DOE test procedure.
DOE acknowledges AHRI's suggestion of identifying Appendix F of
ASHRAE 103-2007 as the test method for use in determining seasonal
efficiency testing at low supply water temperatures in the event that a
manufacturer chooses to publish this efficiency information. In denying
a prior waiver request from PB Heat, DOE clarified that it is
permissible for a manufacturer conducting low-water-temperature
seasonal efficiency (LWTSE) testing to present such results in product
literature and to make related supplemental statements; however, AFUE
test results generated under the DOE test procedure must continue to be
disclosed, and LWTSE results must provide reasonable, clear, and
distinguishable representations of those results to the consumer. 75 FR
25228 (May 7, 2010). While DOE permits publication of these data as
supplemental information, these measurements are not part of DOE's test
procedure.
8. Burner Operating Hours Determination
In the January 2013 RFI, DOE explored whether the parameters used
to calculate the burner operating hours in the DOE test procedure
(national average home-heating loads) should be amended due to changes
in housing construction and climate conditions. 78 FR 675, 678 (Jan. 4,
2013). DOE sought comment on whether revised national
[[Page 12893]]
average values should be used to calculate burner operating hours.
Carrier, Rheem, and AHRI did not support changing the burner
operating hours. Carrier commented that unless there are compelling
data showing the average conditions have changed significantly from
what is currently the basis for the test procedure, it does not see a
need to change the burner operating hours calculations. (Carrier, No. 7
at p. 2) Rheem admitted that it has not studied climatic conditions
that would affect the burner operating hours, but it recommended that
the national average heating load hours should not change. (Rheem, No.
12 at p. 10) AHRI recommended that DOE not consider this issue, as
using a different average burner operating hours just moves the scale
of comparison but provides no added value to consumers. (AHRI, No. 13
at p. 6) In contrast, NRCan commented that operating times used to
determine annual fuel and electrical energy consumption ratings should
be based on representative loads for the specific types of products.
(NRCan, No. 15 at pp. 4-5)
DOE does not believe that there is sufficient evidence to
substantiate a change in the national average heating load hours that
are used to calculate the burner operating hours in the existing DOE
test procedure. Therefore, DOE is not proposing changes to the existing
value of the national average heating load hours.
9. Aligning Vent Stack Configuration With ANSI Standards
The installation configuration of a furnace or boiler vent stack
depends on the type of product and the intended installation location.
Currently, the configuration requirements for vent stacks used during
testing differ between ANSI Z21.13 \59\/ANSI Z21.47 \60\ and the DOE
test procedure. ANSI Z21.47 and ANSI Z21.13 are standards for safe
operation, substantial and durable construction, and acceptable
performance of gas-fired central furnaces and gas-fired low-pressure
steam and hot water boilers, respectively. These standards are intended
to be used by manufacturers and those responsible for its proper
installation. In the January 2013 RFI, DOE sought comment on whether
there is a significant difference in efficiency rating related to the
differences in vent stack configurations and whether it should consider
adopting the vent stack requirements as set forth in ANSI Z21.13 and/or
ANSI Z21.47. 78 FR 675, 678 (Jan. 4, 2013).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\59\ American National Standards Institute, American National
Standard/CSA Standard for Gas-Fired Low Pressure Steam and Hot Water
Boilers (2010) Report No. ANSI Z21.13-2010, CSA 4.9-2010.
\60\ American National Standards Institute, American National
Standard/CSA Standard for Gas-Fired Central Furnaces (2006) Report
No. ANSI Z21.47-2006, CSA 2.3-2006.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lennox, Carrier, and AHRI stated that DOE should keep the existing
test procedure vent stack configuration. (Lennox, No. 6 at p. 3;
Carrier, No. 7 at p. 2; AHRI, No. 13 at p. 5) Lennox stated that
changes to the vent stack configuration provisions would shift the AFUE
values and provide no practical benefit to consumers. (Lennox, No. 6 at
p. 3) AHRI stated that the existing configuration is appropriate for
efficiency testing and that the vent configurations in safety standards
are different because they focus on safety considerations. (AHRI, No.
13 at p. 5)
Rheem and NRCan commented that the requirements in the identified
ANSI standards merit consideration. Rheem stated that aligning the test
procedure with the ANSI Z21.47 vent stack configuration, which is meant
to represent a marginal installation and not a typical installation,
would require the use of uninsulated and slightly shorter vents for
AFUE testing. This change would affect the vent temperature slightly,
lowering the test AFUE. Rheem suggested that DOE should consider
adopting the same vent stack requirements as used in the ANSI Z21.47
standard in order to reduce the number of test vents that must be
maintained in the laboratory. (Rheem, No. 12 at p. 9) NRCan commented
that the test procedure should adopt the same vent stack requirements
as set forth in ANSI Z21.13 or ANSI Z21.47. NRCan stated that
ultimately, the test procedure should incorporate whichever vent stack
configurations are the most representative of typical field
installations. (NRCan, No. 15 at p. 4)
In response, DOE recognizes that there is a potential opportunity
for reducing testing burden associated with the storage and mounting of
multiple vent stacks, and reducing the testing differences between ANSI
Z21.13/ANSI Z21.47 and DOE's test procedure. However, several
stakeholders expressed the opinion that any reduction in test burden
would not be significant enough to outweigh the potential impacts to
AFUE and any re-testing required as a result of new stack
configurations. DOE also agrees with Rheem's comment that the change in
stack configuration has the ability to impact AFUE in a way that may
make the AFUE results less representative of actual field conditions.
Because the ANSI standards address both safety and performance, the
tests specify the minimum configurations for safe installation, and are
not necessarily representative of product field installations.
Furthermore, DOE believes the potential reduction in test burden
associated with this change is not significant enough to offset the
impact to the AFUE rating. Based on these considerations, DOE proposes
not to pursue changes to the DOE test procedure that would require the
use of the stack configuration as specified in ANSI Z21.13 and ANSI
Z21.47 standards for boiler and furnace products.
10. Harmonization of External Static Pressure Requirements
In the January 2013 RFI, DOE sought comment on differences in
efficiency performance caused by differences in minimum static pressure
requirements between ASHRAE 103-2007 (Table IV) and DOE's recently
published furnace fan test procedure,\61\ as well as any drawbacks or
advantages associated with harmonizing the requirements. DOE also
requested information on any other national or international standards
that should be considered for this cycle of residential furnaces and
boilers test procedure rulemaking. 78 FR 675, 678-79 (Jan. 4, 2013).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\61\ 79 FR 500 (Jan. 3, 2014).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lennox expressed support for harmonizing to the minimum static
pressure requirements listed in ASHRAE Standard 103-2007, rather than
the much higher static pressures in DOE's furnace fan test procedure.
(Lennox, No. 6 at p. 3) NRCan stated that it is difficult to predict
the effects of revising the reference system in appendix N to match the
proposed reference system in the furnace fan test procedure or vice
versa. It commented that ideally the air duct reference system in both
appendix N and the proposed furnace fan test procedure should be
revised and harmonized to reflect realistic installations. NRCan went
on to state that DOE should also consider harmonizing the minimum duct
static pressures for gas furnaces and oil furnaces. (NRCan, No. 15 at
p. 6) Rheem stated that the evaporator coils used in today's Rheem
products have a pressure drop of close to 0.3 in. w.c. for an airflow
rate of 350 cfm/ton and 0.4 in. w.c. at an airflow rate of 400 cfm/ton.
Since the introduction of the 13 Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio
(SEER) minimum efficiency regulations, Rheem argued that the
assumptions supporting the minimum static pressure in Table 4 of ASHRAE
103-1993 are no longer true and that higher static
[[Page 12894]]
pressures are appropriate. Rheem commented that the static pressure
values that were proposed in the furnace fan test procedure are more
than double the existing test condition, and the effect on AFUE and the
current product standards would require further study. (Rheem, No. 12
at p. 11)
AHRI recommended that DOE not consider this issue because it does
not affect the AFUE measurement, so any change would have little to no
value. It added that DOE should wait until the furnace fan test
procedure is finalized before any further consideration is given to
this issue. (AHRI, No. 13 at p. 6)
Stakeholders' input indicates that the impact of harmonizing the
static pressure requirements in the residential furnaces and boilers
test procedure and the furnace fan test static pressure conditions in
the furnace fans test procedure is uncertain and would require further
study. DOE investigated a method applied in the furnace fan test
procedure for the purposes of measuring the airflow at the required
static pressure. This method was proposed by AHRI and uses procedures
and a test setup consistent with those used for the DOE test procedure
for furnaces. However, the method specifies a maximum airflow-control
setting that is consistent with operation in cooling mode but may not
be suitable in heating mode operation, which is required for
determining AFUE. Therefore, DOE proposes not to change the minimum
static pressure requirements from those set forth in the existing
furnaces and boilers test procedure.
11. Alternative Methods for Furnace/Boiler Efficiency Determination
As noted in the January 2013 RFI, DOE is aware of alternative
methods to measure the heating efficiency of residential furnaces and
boilers. In particular, DOE sought input on Brookhaven National
Laboratory's test procedure for combination boilers,\62\ which
determines the thermal efficiency of boilers operating under various
space heating and domestic hot water loads, as well as any other test
methods worthy of consideration. 78 FR 675, 679 (Jan. 4, 2013).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\62\ T. Butcher, ``Performance of Integrated Hydronic Heating
Systems,'' BNL-79814-2008-IR (December 2007) (Available at: http://www.bnl.gov/isd/documents/41399.pdf).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Energy Kinetics offered an extensive critique of the current DOE
furnace efficiency metric (AFUE), maintaining that the metric restrains
progress in the residential boiler market, fails to provide insight
about a product's energy performance and actual field performance, does
not reflect the real performance efficiencies of boilers, is based on
incorrect concepts of hydronic heating systems, and potentially rewards
poor performing boilers with high ratings. Energy Kinetics commented
that the AFUE test for boilers is obsolete and should be replaced with
a more appropriate metric such as the linear input/output method
developed by Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL). Energy Kinetics
believes that this method provides several benefits, including greater
accuracy, accounting for design improvements in products, and better
differentiation between poorly performing and better performing
products. Energy Kinetics commented that BNL's linear input/output
metric also much more closely reflects annual efficiency than AFUE
alone, and could also replace the heat-up/cool-down tests, which do not
capture seasonal efficiency. (Energy Kinetics, No. 11 at p. 4) AHRI
recommended that DOE not consider any other procedures for measuring
furnace and boiler efficiency. It stated that there is no value in
considering wholesale changes to the current test procedure, and the
effects on manufacturers and others would be significant and negative.
(AHRI, No. 13 at p. 7)
Energy Kinetics recommended that DOE should abandon the current
AFUE procedure and replace it with BNL's thermal efficiency test.
Energy Kinetics identified the advantages of the BNL test in broad
terms, but did not attempt to quantify the benefits that would result
from its implementation. DOE understands that BNL's test accounts for
jacket losses, which gives an efficiency advantage to well-insulated
boilers. However, by definition, most boilers under DOE's test
procedure are assumed to be indoor boilers, and, therefore, considers
all jacket losses to be useful heat.\63\ Boilers that utilize designs
for minimizing jacket losses during the off-season will be more
efficient in the BNL test than under DOE's test procedure. However,
DOE's test procedure is intended to be a measurement of the energy
efficiency for space heating alone.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\63\ 42 U.S.C. 6291(20).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
DOE considered the stakeholders' input about adopting alternative
test procedures, specifically the test method developed by BNL.
However, there are insufficient data regarding the accuracy and
applicability of the linear input/output method to determine its
feasibility as a measure of efficiency for residential furnaces and
boilers. Additionally, DOE is statutorily required to use the metric of
AFUE to calculate the efficiency of all residential furnace and boiler
products.\64\ It is unclear how the AFUE metric could incorporate the
thermal efficiency metric that is central to the BNL method. Therefore,
DOE tentatively concludes that it will not modify the DOE test
procedure to incorporate the BNL test procedure or other alternative
test methods.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\64\ 42 U.S.C. 6291(20) and (22)(A).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
12. Test Procedure Scope
Currently, there is no DOE test procedure for determining the
efficiency of combination products that can provide both space heating
and domestic hot water. However, there are DOE test procedures for the
individual components (boiler and water heater) of a combined appliance
to determine efficiency ratings for each primary function (space
heating and domestic water heating). ASHRAE has an existing test
procedure, ASHRAE 124-2007 (Methods of Testing for Rating Combination
Space-Heating and Water-Heating Appliances), which provides a test
method to rate the performance of a combination space-heating and
water-heating appliance. In the January 2013 RFI, DOE sought input on
expanding the scope of the existing DOE test procedure to include
definitions and test methods for combination products. 78 FR 675, 679
(Jan. 4, 2013).
AHRI supported the concept of covering combination products in
general, but voiced concern as to whether a test procedure appropriate
for all such types of combination products can be developed. (AHRI, No.
13 at p. 7) Rheem commented that it may be difficult to measure energy
use of modular components in combination products. Rheem believes that
the market for combination products is too new to support combined
energy efficiency ratings. (Rheem, No. 12 at p.11-12) NRCan stated that
an expansion of the scope of the test procedure to include definitions
and test methods for combination products may not be advisable. It
noted that because the characteristics of one component of a
combination system can strongly influence the performance of others, it
is vital that the appliance be tested as a system rather than as
separate components. NRCan suggested that combination appliances are
different enough to warrant a separate rulemaking rather than trying to
include them within appendix N. (NRCan, No. 15 at p. 7) Energy Kinetics
stated that a rating for combination heat and domestic water heating
systems has
[[Page 12895]]
significant potential for energy conservation improvements. It noted
that the existing state of ASHRAE 124 for combined heating and hot
water products is not satisfactory; AFUE for heating season creates a
conflict in considering jacket losses under the hot water portion of
the test, while the heating portion considers them again. (Energy
Kinetics, No. 11 at p. 1-4)
DOE agrees that the concept of covering combination products has
merit. However, DOE prefers not to delay or complicate this rulemaking
in pursuit of test procedure requirements for combination products. DOE
plans to continue to seek input about the development of a test
procedure for combination appliances. DOE may consider a separate
rulemaking devoted specifically to combination appliances in the
future.
Regarding another test procedure issue, Energy Kinetics commented
that the well-established impact of idle losses \65\ on boiler
operation was not addressed in the December 31, 2012 test procedure
final rule for residential furnaces and boilers related to standby mode
and off mode energy consumption. (Energy Kinetics, No. 11 at p. 3)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\65\ ``Idle loss,'' as the term applies to residential heating
boilers, is heat wasted when the burner is not firing. For
combination appliances, the idle losses occur following space
heating and/or domestic hot water heating operations. The idle
losses include the heat from combustion that is not transferred to
the heating water and includes the products of combustion up the
flue, the loss out of the heat exchanger walls and boiler's jacket
in the form of radiant, conductive, or convective transfer, and the
loss down the drain as a condensate. Since no fuel is being consumed
during the off-cycle, off- cycle losses are important only to the
extent that they must be replaced during the on-cycle by the burning
of extra fuel (i.e., longer burner on times or higher firing rates).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
In response, the DOE test procedure accounts for idle losses
associated with boiler space heating in the heating season efficiency
value. DOE recognizes that the idle losses during non-space heating
operation (i.e., domestic water heating) are not captured in the
existing DOE test procedure. However, the scope of this test procedure
rulemaking does not account for the efficiency of the products that are
used for both space heating and domestic water heating. For the reasons
discussed, DOE is not considering provisions at this time to address
non-space heating boiler operations, including idle losses.
13. Standby Mode and Off Mode
On December 31, 2012 DOE published a test procedure final rule for
residential furnaces and boilers to address the standby mode and off
mode energy consumption of these products. 77 FR 76831. In the January
2013 RFI, DOE requested comments on test procedure provisions for
determining standby mode and off mode energy use. 78 FR 675, 679 (Jan.
4, 2013).
AHRI stated it had no specific comments regarding standby mode and
off mode energy consumption at the time, though it generally agreed
that these modes should be considered as part of this rulemaking.
(AHRI, No. 13 at p. 7) NRCan stated that standby mode and off mode
power should include all ``connected loads'' rather than selected loads
from a few identified components. It noted that a default value could
be considered for a control thermostat and/or automatic temperature
reset control to account for the fact that different furnace and boiler
controls (with different electricity consumption characteristics) may
be installed with the appliance. It added that a control transformer
that is included with a furnace or boiler should be included within the
base electric measurements, as it will be a part of the connected load
after installation. (NRCan, No. 15 at p. 8)
DOE conducted a review of the IEC Standard 62301 and did not
identify any changes or revisions to that standard that would
necessitate updating sections of the DOE test procedure pertaining to
standby mode or off mode calculations. DOE's standby mode and off mode
power measurements include only auxiliary components that are part of
the furnace and boiler, including the automatic temperature reset. The
standby mode or off mode power of components such as the furnace
controls that respond to the house thermostat input are included;
however, the electricity consumption of the house thermostat device
itself is not considered in the overall standby mode and off mode
electricity consumption, because it is independent of the furnace or
boiler. Furthermore, DOE is not aware of representative electricity
consumption values that could be used as default values for the house
thermostat.\66\ DOE's residential furnace and boiler test procedure
only applies to covered products as defined in 42 U.S.C. 6291(23) and
does not include other equipment and/or components installed in
specific installations. For these reasons, DOE does not plan to modify
the standby mode and off mode energy consumption provisions of the
furnace and boiler test procedure.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\66\ 10 CFR part 430, subpart B, appendix N, sections 8.6.1 and
8.6.2.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
14. Full-Fuel-Cycle Energy Metrics
In comments on the January 2013 RFI, AGA stated that DOE should
continue the transition toward use of full-fuel-cycle (FFC) energy
metrics by developing a secondary energy descriptor for residential
furnaces and boilers that reflects either extended site or FFC energy
metrics. (AGA, No. 3 at pp. 1-4) AGA stated that EPCA does not preclude
the use of additional or secondary energy descriptors that provide
useful information to consumers on the energy consumption and
environmental impacts of their appliance choices. It stated that
implementing an extended site or FFC energy descriptor would not
require alteration of any test methods for the appliances, as a simple
calculation can be done using the primary (site-based) energy
descriptor as an independent variable.
AGA pointed out that in DOE's August 2011 FFC Statement of Policy,
DOE committed to working with other Federal agencies to make readily
available to consumers improved information on energy consumption and
emissions impacts of comparable products.\67\ AGA urged DOE to take the
opportunity in this proceeding to formulate metrics that can be
incorporated into a FFC descriptor and used on Energy Guide labels.
According to AGA, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has previously
noted that energy consumption information on the Energy Guide labels
must be derived from DOE's test procedures.\68\ The FTC acknowledged
that it may be possible to derive fuel cycle emissions information from
the DOE test procedures, but suggested that such procedures would need
to specify the means for calculating fuel cycle impacts.\69\ AGA
contends that adding a secondary FFC energy descriptor to appliance
test procedures is an essential step in enabling the FTC to include
such information on the Energy Guide labels to allow consumers to make
better informed appliance choices, consistent with the recommendations
of the National Academy of Sciences and DOE's FFC Statement of Policy.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\67\ Statement of Policy for Adopting Full-Fuel-Cycle Analyses
Into Energy Conservation Standards Programs, 76 FR 51281 (Aug. 18,
2011).
\68\ See Rule Concerning Disclosures Regarding Energy
Consumption and Water Use of Certain Home Appliances and Other
Products Required Under the Energy Policy and Conservation Act
(``Appliance Labeling Rule''), 72 FR 49948, 49961 (Aug. 29, 2007).
\69\ Id. at 49961-62.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
AGA also contends that adding an FFC energy descriptor to the test
procedures for residential furnaces and
[[Page 12896]]
boilers to establish FFC AFUE ratings for such appliances provides an
important ability to compare the energy efficiency of heating systems
that use different fuels. Finally, AGA stated that a secondary FFC
energy descriptor could also be used to more accurately reflect the
energy consumption of products within the same product class. It noted
that because the electric energy consumption of natural gas furnaces is
not currently included in the AFUE ratings, the current AFUE rating
alone does not provide consumers with a measure of the true efficiency
of a particular gas furnace product, nor allow consumers to properly
compare products that use different fuels.
DOE agrees with AGA that an FFC energy descriptor for furnaces
could provide consumers and other parties with useful information for
comparing products. Indeed, in its FFC Statement of Policy, DOE stated
its intention to ``work with other Federal agencies to make readily
available to consumers improved information on the energy use, life-
cycle cost and associated emissions of comparable products, even if
those products use different forms of energy.'' 76 FR 51281, 51289
(Aug. 18, 2011). However, DOE is not convinced that this test procedure
is the appropriate vehicle for deriving an FFC energy descriptor for
furnaces (or other products). As discussed in the Notice of Policy
Amendment Regarding Full-Fuel-Cycle Analyses, DOE intends to use the
National Energy Modeling System (NEMS) as the basis for deriving the
energy and emission multipliers used to conduct FFC analyses in support
of future energy conservation standards rulemakings. 77 FR 49701 (Aug.
17, 2012). DOE also uses NEMS to derive factors to convert site
electricity use or savings to primary energy consumption by the
electric power sector. NEMS is updated annually in association with the
preparation of the Energy Information Administration's (EIA) Annual
Energy Outlook. Based on its experience to date, DOE expects that the
energy and emission multipliers used to conduct FFC analyses will
change each year. If DOE were to include a secondary FFC energy
descriptor as part of the furnace and boiler test procedure, DOE would
need to update the test procedure annually.
DOE believes that there are more suitable means to derive an FFC
energy descriptor for residential furnaces and boilers, and, more
generally, to provide consumers improved information on the energy use
and associated emissions of furnaces and other products. DOE remains
committed to work with the FTC and other interested parties to develop
such information. Furthermore, DOE intends to estimate FFC energy
savings in future energy conservation standards rulemakings for
furnaces, and to take those savings into account in proposing and
selecting amended standards.
15. Test Burden
EPCA requires that the test procedures DOE prescribes or amends be
reasonably designed to produce test results that measure the energy
efficiency, energy use, water use (in the case of showerheads, faucets,
water closets, and urinals) or estimated annual operating cost of a
covered product during a representative average use cycle or period of
use. These procedures must also not be unduly burdensome to conduct.
See 42 U.S.C. 6293(b)(3).
Under the proposed test procedure, the cycle on and off times are
calculated as a function of high and reduced input capacity, as opposed
to under the existing test procedure, which specifies a burner on time
of 10 minutes and off time of 10 minutes for two-stage and step-
modulating furnaces, and a burner on time of 15 minutes and off time of
15 minutes for two-stage and step-modulating boilers. In DOE's view,
the proposal requiring manufacturers to perform calculations to
determine burner cycling times as opposed to using standard fixed
values would impose a small additional burden on manufacturers.
However, the additional time necessary to calculate the cycle times
would likely be offset by the shorter cycling times during testing,
which may result in overall shorter test duration. In addition, the
proposed calculation method for determining AFUE for two-stage and
modulating products would allow the use of reduced fuel input only,
allowing manufacturers to bypass the high fire test for many of these
units. Therefore, on average, DOE expects little or no additional
burden as the result of this proposed revision.
Allowing the condensate to be measured during the establishment of
steady-state conditions rather than during an additional 30-minute
period once steady-state conditions have been established would reduce
the time required to measure condensate mass and, thus, would reduce
the test burden to manufacturers while still providing accurate
results.
DOE believes that capturing the total electrical consumption will
significantly improve the accuracy and consistency of the reported
electricity consumption across different models as well as align the
test procedure with current field practices. Furthermore, in many
cases, the total electricity consumption is already being captured
during testing. Therefore, for most manufacturers, including additional
measurements of electrical consumption would introduce little to no
additional test burden.
The proposed inclusion of reference to the approved I&O manual
could provide additional guidance and clarity to the test procedure.
DOE believes that this proposal would reduce the burden and time
requirements by allowing the manufacturers to utilize information
already available in the manufacturers' literature instead of
instructions derived solely for AFUE testing purposes. Therefore, DOE
expects that there would be no additional costs associated with this
revision.
Included within the proposed test procedure is the adoption of a
method for verifying the functionality of the design requirement that
requires an automatic means for adjusting water temperature. This test
would be conducted independently of the AFUE test and would require
additional time and labor beyond the existing AFUE test procedure. DOE
expects that the required measurements should be able to be conducted
using the same components and material required for the existing AFUE
test. DOE has also tentatively concluded that the extra test is
warranted to verify that the various controls for automatic means for
adjusting water temperature operate as expected.
DOE assumes that manufacturers currently perform the tracer gas
test to determine whether the minimum default draft factor of 0.05 may
be used. DOE believes that when establishing the absence of flow
through the heat exchanger, the use of the smoke stick test will reduce
the test burden to manufacturers by eliminating, in some cases, the
need for the tracer gas test.
For these reasons, DOE concludes that the amended test procedures
proposed in the NOPR would not be unduly burdensome to conduct.
16. Changes in Measured Energy Use
When DOE modifies test procedures, it must determine to what
extent, if any, the new test procedure would alter the measured energy
efficiency or energy use of any covered product. (42 U.S.C. 6293(e)(1))
For the reasons described subsequently, DOE has determined that none of
the proposed test procedure amendments would significantly alter the
projected measured energy efficiency or energy use of the covered
products that are the subject of this rulemaking.
The test procedure amendments in this proposed rule would affect
the test
[[Page 12897]]
procedures that will be required for certifying compliance with the
amended energy conservation standards. Many of the changes that would
be made to appendix N through this proposed rule would clarify the
manner in which the test is conducted, or would otherwise represent
minor changes or additions to the test or reporting requirements that
would not affect measured energy use. These amendments include: (1)
Revisions in instances where the test procedure references
``manufacturer recommendations'' or ``manufacturer's instructions;''
(2) allowing the measurement of condensate under steady-state
conditions during the steady-state test; (3) a test protocol for
determining the functionality of the automatic means for adjusting
water temperature; (4) adopting a test method to indicate the absence
or presence of airflow to determine whether the minimum default draft
factor may be used; (5) revised annual electricity consumption
equations; (6) increasing AFUE reporting precision; (7) specifying
ductwork for units that are installed without a return duct; and (8)
specifying testing requirements for units with multiposition
configurations.
The one amendment in this proposed rule that might alter the AFUE
of covered products is the incorporation by reference of ASHRAE 103-
2007. DOE does not believe that the resulting changes in AFUE would
require amending the applicable energy conservation standard or affect
compliance with the standard. The impact on AFUE from the incorporation
mentioned previously for two-stage and modulating non-condensing
residential furnaces or boilers is small and tends to increase the
AFUE. Furthermore, two-stage and modulating features are usually
associated with premium or higher efficiency products. The product
tests performed by DOE and stakeholder comments confirm that a model
that would need to be re-rated using the provisions adopted in this
notice would have a resulting AFUE above the current minimum required
efficiency.
IV. Procedural Issues and Regulatory Review
A. Review Under Executive Order 12866
The Office of Management and Budget has determined that test
procedure rulemakings do not constitute ``significant regulatory
actions'' under section 3(f) of Executive Order 12866, ``Regulatory
Planning and Review,'' 58 FR 51735 (Oct. 4, 1993). Accordingly, this
regulatory action was not subject to review under the Executive Order
by the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) in the
Office of Management and Budget (OMB).
B. Review Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act
The Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq., as amended by
the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996)
requires preparation of an initial regulatory flexibility analysis
(IRFA) for any rule that by law must be proposed for public comment and
a final regulatory flexibility analysis (FRFA) for any such rule that
an agency adopts as a final rule, unless the agency certifies that the
rule, if promulgated, will not have a significant economic impact on a
substantial number of small entities. A regulatory flexibility analysis
examines the impact of the rule on small entities and considers
alternative ways of reducing negative effects. Also, as required by
Executive Order 13272, ``Proper Consideration of Small Entities in
Agency Rulemaking,'' 67 FR 53461 (August 16, 2002), DOE published
procedures and policies on February 19, 2003, to ensure that the
potential impacts of its rules on small entities are properly
considered during the 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 proposed rule under the provisions of the
Regulatory Flexibility Act and the procedures and policies published on
February 19, 2003. 68 FR 7990. DOE has concluded that the rule would
not have a significant impact on a substantial number of small
entities. The factual basis for this certification is as follows:
For manufacturers of residential furnaces and boilers, the Small
Business Administration (SBA) has set a size threshold, which defines
those entities classified as ``small businesses'' for the purposes of
the Act. DOE used the SBA's small business size standards to determine
whether any small entities would be subject to the requirements of the
rule. 65 FR 30836, 30848 (May 15, 2000), as amended at 65 FR 53533,
53544 (Sept. 5, 2000) and codified at 13 CFR part 121. These size
standards and codes are established by the North American Industry
Classification System (NAICS) and are available at http://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/files/Size_Standards_Table.pdf. Residential boiler
manufacturing is classified under NAICS 333414, ``Heating Equipment
(Except Warm Air Furnaces) Manufacturing,'' for which the maximum size
threshold is 500 employees or fewer. Residential furnace manufacturing
is classified under NAICS 333415, ``Air-conditioning and warm air
heating equipment and commercial and industrial refrigeration equipment
manufacturing'' for which the maximum size threshold is 750 employees
or fewer. To estimate the number of companies that could be small
business manufacturers of products covered by this rulemaking, DOE
conducted a market survey using available public information to
identify potential small manufacturers. DOE's research involved
reviewing several industry trade association membership directories
(e.g., AHRI \70\), SBA databases,\71\ individual company Web sites, and
marketing research tools (e.g., Hoovers \72\ reports) to create a list
of all domestic small business manufacturers of residential furnaces
and boilers covered by this rulemaking.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\70\ For more information on the boiler and furnace directories,
see http://www.ahridirectory.org/ahridirectory/pages/home.aspx.
\71\ For more information see: http://dsbs.sba.gov/dsbs/search/dsp_dsbs.cfm.
\72\ For more information see: http://www.hoovers.com/.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
After DOE identified manufacturers of residential furnaces and
residential boilers, DOE then consulted publically-available data and
contacted companies, as necessary, to determine if they both meet the
SBA's definition of a ``small business'' manufacturer and have their
manufacturing facilities located within the United States. DOE screened
out companies that did not offer products covered by this rulemaking,
did not meet the definition of a ``small business,'' or are foreign-
owned and operated. Based on this analysis, DOE identified 9 small
businesses that manufacture residential furnaces and 9 small businesses
that manufacture residential boilers (two of which also manufacture
residential furnaces), for a total of 16 small businesses potentially
impacted by this rulemaking.
This notice proposes amendments to DOE's test procedure by
incorporating several changes that modify the existing test procedure
for furnaces and boilers. This proposal includes the following changes:
(1) Incorporation by reference of the ASHRAE 103-2007; (1) allowing the
measurement of condensate under steady-state conditions during the
steady-state test; (1) a revised annual electricity consumption test
protocol and calculation methodology; (1) revisions to how the test
procedure references ``manufacturer recommendations'' or
``manufacturer's instructions;'' (1) a test protocol for verifying the
functionality of the automatic means for adjusting water temperature;
(1) a smoke stick method
[[Page 12898]]
for determining whether the minimum default draft factor may be used;
(1) revising the reporting precision for AFUE to the nearest tenth of a
percentage point; (1) specifying ductwork for units that are installed
without a return duct; and (1) specifying testing requirements for
units with multiposition configurations. The estimated costs of
testing/rating and potential impact to manufacturer burden resulting
from use of the proposed test procedure are discussed subsequently. The
estimated costs and potential impacts apply to all manufacturers,
including the manufacturers identified as small businesses.
Most of the proposed test procedure amendments in this notice would
have little or no impact on test burden. As stated in section III.E.15,
updating the ASHRAE 103 reference from the 1993 to the 2007 version
would, in DOE's view, result in little or no additional burden on
average, while improving the accuracy of the test procedure. Revising
the language to reference Installation and Operation Manuals would not
impose any additional burden on manufacturers. Revising the reporting
precision for AFUE also would not impose any additional burden on
manufacturers. DOE notes that allowing the measurement of condensate
under steady-state conditions during the steady-state test, rather than
requiring an additional 30-minute period for measuring condensate after
steady-state conditions have been established, would reduce the test
burden, as it would lessen the overall duration of the test.
Additionally, the proposed smoke stick method for determining whether
the minimum default draft factor may be used is intended to reduce the
test burden to manufacturers.
With respect to the proposal to include additional measurements of
electrical consumption, DOE has evaluated the impact of measuring the
electricity consumption of one additional component--the secondary
pump--as part of the auxiliary electrical measurements. DOE has
determined that this extra measurement would require 30 minutes of
additional time to conduct the AFUE test. DOE has tentatively concluded
that manufacturers would not have any additional material or component
costs resulting from this proposal because these measurements should be
able to be conducted using the same components and materials required
for the existing measurements. DOE has estimated that at an assumed
cost of $60 per hour for a lab technician, the cost to perform this
additional electrical measurement is approximately $30 per unit tested.
The proposed method for verifying the functionality of the design
requirement that requires an automatic means for adjusting water
temperature would require additional time and labor beyond the existing
AFUE test procedure. DOE expects that manufacturers would not have any
major material or component costs associated with the required
measurements and that they should be able to be conduct such testing
using the same components and material required for the existing AFUE
test. DOE expects that all affected parties should have this type of
capability readily available. DOE has estimated that at an assumed cost
of $60 per hour for a lab technician, the cost to perform these
additional test measurements is approximately $90 per unit tested.
While DOE has estimated that the additional electrical measurements
and the verification of automatic means would result in additional
testing costs, two other proposed amendments--allowing the measurement
of condensate under steady-state conditions during the steady-state
test and the smoke stick method for determining the minimum default
draft factor--would offset a portion of these additional test costs.
For condensing furnaces and boilers that would benefit from the time
and labor savings attributed to the measurement of condensate during
the steady-state test, DOE estimates that the overall duration of the
test would be reduced by 30 minutes. DOE has estimated that at an
assumed cost of $60 per hour for a lab technician, the cost savings
attributed to the measurement of condensate during the steady-state
test is approximately $30 per unit tested. DOE estimated that
condensing furnaces and boilers will account for about 40 percent and
36 percent of the market in 2015, respectively. Furthermore, DOE
estimated that the smoke stick method for determining the minimum
default draft factor would reduce the overall duration of the test by
about 15 minutes for units designed to have no flow through the heat
exchanger. However, DOE does not have sufficient information to support
estimating the fraction of units that have been designed such that
there is no flow through the heat exchanger. Therefore, DOE has not
included the cost savings associated with the smoke stick test but has
included the cost savings associated with the measurement of
condensate.
To determine the potential cost of the proposed test procedure
amendments on small furnace and boiler manufacturers, DOE estimated the
cost of testing per basic model. DOE has estimated that the proposed
test procedure changes would result in an additional testing cost of
$30 per basic model for non-condensing furnaces, no additional cost per
basic model for condensing furnaces, an additional testing cost of $120
per basic model for non-condensing boilers, and an additional testing
cost of $90 per basic model for condensing boilers. (The cost savings
attributed to the measurement of condensate during the steady-state
test have been accounted for in the cost estimates.) DOE estimated that
on average, each furnace small business would have 51 basic models, and
each boiler small business would have 70 basic models. DOE applied the
condensing product market shares to the basic model counts to account
for the difference in cost estimates between non-condensing and
condensing products. Then the additional testing cost associated with
the proposed test procedure amendments was multiplied by the estimated
number of basic models produced by a small manufacturer. DOE has
estimated a total added cost of testing of $916 per furnace
manufacturer and a total added cost of testing of $7,640 per boiler
manufacturer.
When considering the costs just discussed, DOE believes they are
very small relative to the overall cost of manufacturing, testing, and
certifying residential furnace and boiler products. DOE seeks comment
on its tentative conclusion.
For the reasons stated previously, DOE certifies that this rule, if
adopted, would not have a significant economic impact on a substantial
number of small entities. Therefore, DOE did not prepare an initial
regulatory flexibility analysis for the proposed rule. DOE will
transmit its certification and a supporting statement of factual basis
to the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the SBA for review pursuant to 5
U.S.C. 605(b).
C. Review Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995
Manufacturers of residential furnaces and boilers must certify to
DOE that their products comply with all applicable energy conservation
standards. In certifying compliance, manufacturers must test their
products according to the DOE test procedures for residential furnaces
and boilers, including any amendments adopted for those test
procedures, on the date that compliance is required. DOE has
established regulations for the certification and recordkeeping
requirements for all covered consumer
[[Page 12899]]
products and commercial equipment, including residential furnaces and
boilers. 76 FR 12422 (March 7, 2011); 80 FR 5099 (Jan. 30, 2015). The
collection-of-information requirement for certification and
recordkeeping is subject to review and approval by OMB under the
Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA). This requirement has been approved by
OMB under OMB control number 1910-1400. Public reporting burden for the
certification is estimated to average 20 hours per response, including
the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources,
gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing
the collection of information.
Notwithstanding any other provision of the law, no person is
required to respond to, nor shall any person be subject to a penalty
for failure to comply with, a collection of information subject to the
requirements of the PRA, unless that collection of information displays
a currently valid OMB Control Number.
D. Review Under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969
In this proposed rule, DOE proposes amendments to its test
procedure for residential furnaces and boilers. DOE has determined that
this rule falls into a class of actions that are categorically excluded
from review under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42
U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) and DOE's implementing regulations at 10 CFR part
1021. Specifically, this proposed rule would amend the existing test
procedure without affecting the amount, quality or distribution of
energy usage, and, therefore, would not result in any environmental
impacts. Thus, this rulemaking is covered by Categorical Exclusion A5
under 10 CFR part 1021, subpart D, which applies to any rulemaking that
interprets or amends an existing rule without changing the
environmental effect of that rule. Accordingly, neither an
environmental assessment nor an environmental impact statement is
required.
E. Review Under Executive Order 13132
Executive Order 13132, ``Federalism,'' 64 FR 43255 (August 10,
1999) imposes certain requirements on Federal agencies formulating and
implementing policies or regulations that preempt State law or that
have Federalism implications. The Executive Order requires agencies to
examine the constitutional and statutory authority supporting any
action that would limit the policymaking discretion of the States, and
to carefully assess the necessity for such actions. The Executive Order
also requires agencies to have an accountable process to ensure
meaningful and timely input by State and local officials in the
development of regulatory policies that have Federalism implications.
On March 14, 2000, DOE published a statement of policy describing the
intergovernmental consultation process it will follow in the
development of such regulations. 65 FR 13735. DOE examined this
proposed rule and has tentatively determined that it would not have a
substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between
the national government and the States, or on the distribution of power
and responsibilities among the various levels of government. EPCA
governs and prescribes Federal preemption of State regulations as to
energy conservation for the products that are the subject of this
proposal. States can petition DOE for exemption from such preemption to
the extent, and based on criteria, set forth in EPCA. (42 U.S.C.
6297(d)) No further action is required by Executive Order 13132.
F. Review Under Executive Order 12988
Regarding the review of existing regulations and the promulgation
of new regulations, section 3(a) of Executive Order 12988, ``Civil
Justice Reform,'' 61 FR 4729 (Feb. 7, 1996), imposes on Federal
agencies the general duty to adhere to the following requirements: (1)
Eliminate drafting errors and ambiguity; (2) write regulations to
minimize litigation; (3) provide a clear legal standard for affected
conduct rather than a general standard; and (4) promote simplification
and burden reduction. Regarding the review required by section 3(a),
section 3(b) of Executive Order 12988 specifically requires that
Executive agencies make every reasonable effort to ensure that the
regulation: (1) Clearly specifies the preemptive effect, if any; (2)
clearly specifies any effect on existing Federal law or regulation; (3)
provides a clear legal standard for affected conduct while promoting
simplification and burden reduction; (4) specifies the retroactive
effect, if any; (5) adequately defines key terms; and (6) addresses
other important issues affecting clarity and general draftsmanship
under any guidelines issued by the Attorney General. Section 3(c) of
Executive Order 12988 requires Executive agencies to review regulations
in light of applicable standards in sections 3(a) and 3(b) to determine
whether they are met or it is unreasonable to meet one or more of them.
DOE has completed the required review and tentatively determined that,
to the extent permitted by law, the proposed rule meets the relevant
standards of Executive Order 12988.
G. Review Under the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995
Title II of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (UMRA)
requires each Federal agency to assess the effects of Federal
regulatory actions on State, local, and Tribal governments and the
private sector. Public Law 104-4, sec. 201 (codified at 2 U.S.C. 1531).
For a regulatory action likely to result in a rule that may cause the
expenditure by State, local, and Tribal governments, in the aggregate,
or by the private sector of $100 million or more in any one year
(adjusted annually for inflation), section 202 of UMRA requires a
Federal agency to publish a written statement that estimates the
resulting costs, benefits, and other effects on the national economy.
(2 U.S.C. 1532(a), (b)) The UMRA also requires a Federal agency to
develop an effective process to permit timely input by elected officers
of State, local, and Tribal governments on a ``significant
intergovernmental mandate,'' and requires an agency plan for giving
notice and opportunity for timely input to potentially affected small
governments before establishing any requirements that might
significantly or uniquely affect them. On March 18, 1997, DOE published
a statement of policy on its process for intergovernmental consultation
under UMRA. 62 FR 12820. (This policy is also available at http://energy.gov/gc/office-general-counsel). DOE examined the proposed rule
according to UMRA and its statement of policy and has tentatively
determined that the rule contains neither an intergovernmental mandate,
nor a mandate that may result in the expenditure by State, local, and
Tribal governments, in the aggregate, or by the private sector, of $100
million or more in any year. Accordingly, no further assessment or
analysis is required under UMRA.
H. Review Under the Treasury and General Government Appropriations Act,
1999
Section 654 of the Treasury and General Government Appropriations
Act, 1999 (Pub. L. 105-277) requires Federal agencies to issue a Family
Policymaking Assessment for any rule that may affect family well-being.
This rule would not have any impact on the autonomy or integrity of the
family as an institution. Accordingly, DOE has concluded that it is not
necessary to prepare a Family Policymaking Assessment.
[[Page 12900]]
I. Review Under Executive Order 12630
Pursuant to Executive Order 12630, ``Governmental Actions and
Interference with Constitutionally Protected Property Rights,'' 53 FR
8859 (March 18, 1988), DOE has determined that this proposed rule would
not result in any takings that might require compensation under the
Fifth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
J. Review Under Treasury and General Government Appropriations Act,
2001
Section 515 of the Treasury and General Government Appropriations
Act, 2001 (44 U.S.C. 3516 note) provides for Federal agencies to review
most disseminations of information to the public under information
quality guidelines established by each agency pursuant to general
guidelines issued by OMB. OMB's guidelines were published at 67 FR 8452
(Feb. 22, 2002), and DOE's guidelines were published at 67 FR 62446
(Oct. 7, 2002). DOE has reviewed the proposed rule under the OMB and
DOE guidelines and has concluded that it is consistent with applicable
policies in those guidelines.
K. Review Under Executive Order 13211
Executive Order 13211, ``Actions Concerning Regulations That
Significantly Affect Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use,'' 66 FR 28355
(May 22, 2001), requires Federal agencies to prepare and submit to OIRA
at OMB, a Statement of Energy Effects for any significant energy
action. A ``significant energy action'' is defined as any action by an
agency that promulgated or is expected to lead to promulgation of a
final rule, and that: (1) Is a significant regulatory action under
Executive Order 12866, or any successor order; and (2) is likely to
have a significant adverse effect on the supply, distribution, or use
of energy; or (3) is designated by the Administrator of OIRA as a
significant energy action. For any proposed significant energy action,
the agency must give a detailed statement of any adverse effects on
energy supply, distribution, or use should the proposal be implemented,
and of reasonable alternatives to the action and their expected
benefits on energy supply, distribution, and use.
This regulatory action to amend the test procedure for measuring
the energy efficiency of residential furnaces and boilers is not a
significant regulatory action under Executive Order 12866 or any
successor order. Moreover, it would not have a significant adverse
effect on the supply, distribution, or use of energy, nor has it been
designated as a significant energy action by the Administrator of OIRA.
Therefore, it is not a significant energy action, and, accordingly, DOE
has not prepared a Statement of Energy Effects for this rulemaking.
L. Review Under Section 32 of the Federal Energy Administration Act of
1974
Under section 301 of the Department of Energy Organization Act
(Pub. L. 95-91; 42 U.S.C. 7101 et seq.), DOE must comply with all laws
applicable to the former Federal Energy Administration, including
section 32 of the Federal Energy Administration Act of 1974 (Pub. L.
93-275), as amended by the Federal Energy Administration Authorization
Act of 1977 (Pub. L. 95-70). (15 U.S.C. 788; FEAA) Section 32
essentially provides in relevant part that, where a proposed rule
authorizes or requires use of commercial standards, the notice of
proposed rulemaking must inform the public of the use and background of
such standards. In addition, section 32(c) requires DOE to consult with
the Attorney General and the Chairman of the Federal Trade Commission
(FTC) concerning the impact of the commercial or industry standards on
competition.
As discussed in section III.C.1 of this document, the proposed rule
incorporates testing methods contained in the following commercial
standard: ASHRAE Standard 103-2007, Method of Testing for Annual Fuel
Utilization Efficiency of Residential Central Furnaces and Boilers.
While this proposed test procedure is not exclusively based on this
standard, DOE test procedure adopts several provisions from this
standard without amendment. DOE has evaluated this standard and is
unable to conclude whether it fully complies with the requirements of
section 32(b) of the FEAA (i.e., that it was developed in a manner that
fully provides for public participation, comment, and review). DOE's
previous test procedure incorporated testing methods from the earlier
version of the same standard (ASHRAE Standard 103-1993). The
modifications reflected in ASHRAE Standard 103-2007 were developed as
part of ASHRAE's public comment and review process. DOE will consult
with the Attorney General and the Chairwoman of the FTC concerning the
impact of these test procedures on competition prior to prescribing a
final rule.
M. Description of Materials Incorporated by Reference
DOE is proposing to incorporate by reference the test standard
published by ASTM, titled ``Standard Test Method for Smoke Density in
Flue Gases from Burning Distillate Fuels,'' ASTM-D2156-09 (Reapproved
2013). ASTM-D2156 is an industry accepted test procedure that
establishes uniform test methods for the evaluation of smoke density in
the flue gases from burning distillate fuels. The test procedure
proposed in this NOPR incorporates by reference in its entirety which
includes terminology, methods of testing, materials, apparatus,
procedures, reporting, and precision and bias. ASTM-D2156-09 is readily
available for purchase on ASTM's Web site at
http:[sol][sol]www.astm.org/Standards/D2156.htm.
V. Public Participation
A. Attendance at the Public Meeting
The time, date, and location of the public meeting are listed in
the DATES and ADDRESSES sections at the beginning of this document. If
you plan to attend the public meeting, please notify Ms. Brenda Edwards
at (202) 586-2945 or [email protected].
Please note that foreign nationals visiting DOE Headquarters are
subject to advance security screening procedures. If a foreign national
wishes to participate in the public meeting, please inform DOE of this
fact as soon as possible by contacting Ms. Regina Washington at (202)
586-1214 or by email ([email protected]) so that the
necessary procedures can be completed.
DOE requires visitors to have laptops and other devices, such as
tablets, checked upon entry into the Forrestal Building. Any person
wishing to bring these devices into the building will be required to
obtain a property pass. Visitors should avoid bringing these devices,
or allow an extra 45 minutes to check in. Please report to the
visitor's desk to have devices checked before proceeding through
security.
Due to the REAL ID Act implemented by the Department of Homeland
Security (DHS), there have been recent changes regarding identification
(ID) requirements for individuals wishing to enter Federal buildings
from specific States and U.S. territories. As a result, driver's
licenses from several States or territory will not be accepted for
building entry, and instead, one of the alternate forms of ID listed
below will be required. DHS has determined that regular driver's
licenses (and ID cards) from the following jurisdictions are not
acceptable for entry into DOE facilities: Alaska, American Samoa,
Arizona, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New York,
Oklahoma, and Washington. Acceptable alternate forms
[[Page 12901]]
of Photo-ID include: U.S. Passport or Passport Card; an Enhanced
Driver's License or Enhanced ID-Card issued by the States of Minnesota,
New York, or Washington (Enhanced licenses issued by these States are
clearly marked Enhanced or Enhanced Driver's License); a military ID or
other Federal government-issued Photo-ID card.
In addition, you can attend the public meeting via webinar. Webinar
registration information, participant instructions, and information
about the capabilities available to webinar participants will be
published on DOE's Web site at: http://www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/appliance_standards/rulemaking.aspx/ruleid/55. Participants are
responsible for ensuring their systems are compatible with the webinar
software.
B. Procedure for Submitting Requests To Speak and Prepared General
Statements for Distribution
Any person who has an interest in the topics addressed in this
notice of proposed rulemaking, or who is representative of a group or
class of persons that has an interest in these issues, may request an
opportunity to make an oral presentation at the public meeting. Such
persons may hand-deliver requests to speak to the address show in the
ADDRESSES section at the beginning of this notice between 9:00 a.m. and
4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. Requests may
also be sent by mail or email to Ms. Brenda Edwards, U.S. Department of
Energy, Building Technologies Office, Mailstop EE-5B, 1000 Independence
Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20585-0121, or [email protected].
Persons who wish to speak should include in their request a computer
diskette or CD-ROM in WordPerfect, Microsoft Word, PDF, or text (ASCII)
file format that briefly describes the nature of their interest in this
rulemaking and the topics they wish to discuss. Such persons should
also provide a daytime telephone number where they can be reached.
DOE requests persons selected to make an oral presentation to
submit an advance copy of their statements at least one week before the
public meeting. DOE may permit persons who cannot supply an advance
copy of their statement to participate, if those persons have made
advance alternative arrangements with the Building Technologies
Program. As necessary, request to give an oral presentation should ask
for such alternative arrangements.
Any person who has plans to present a prepared general statement
may request that copies of his or her statement be made available at
the public meeting. Such persons may submit requests, along with an
advance electronic copy of their statement in PDF (preferred),
Microsoft Word or Excel, WordPerfect, or text (ASCII) file format, to
the appropriate address shown in the ADDRESSES section at the beginning
of this notice of proposed rulemaking. The request and advance copy of
statements must be received at least one week before the public meeting
and may be emailed, hand-delivered, or sent by mail. DOE prefers to
receive requests and advance copies via email. Please include a
telephone number to enable DOE staff to make follow-up contact, if
needed.
C. Conduct of the Public Meeting
DOE will designate a DOE official to preside at the public meeting
and may also use a professional facilitator to aid discussion. The
meeting will not be a judicial or evidentiary-type public hearing, but
DOE will conduct it in accordance with section 336 of EPCA (42 U.S.C.
6306). A court reporter will be present to record the proceedings and
prepare a transcript. DOE reserves the right to schedule the order of
presentations and to establish the procedures governing the conduct of
the public meeting. There shall not be discussion of proprietary
information, costs or prices, market share, or other commercial matters
regulated by U.S. anti-trust laws. After the public meeting, interested
parties may submit further comments on the proceedings, as well as on
any aspect of the rulemaking, until the end of the comment period.
The public meeting will be conducted in an informal, conference
style. DOE will present summaries of comments received before the
public meeting, allow time for prepared general statements by
participants, and encourage all interested parties to share their views
on issues affecting this rulemaking. Each participant will be allowed
to make a general statement (within time limits determined by DOE),
before the discussion of specific topics. DOE will allow, as time
permits, other participants to comment briefly on any general
statements.
At the end of all prepared statements on a topic, DOE will permit
participants to clarify their statements briefly and comment on
statements made by others. Participants should be prepared to answer
questions by DOE and by other participants concerning these issues. DOE
representatives may also ask questions of participants concerning other
matters relevant to this rulemaking. The official conducting the public
meeting will accept additional comments or questions from those
attending, as time permits. The presiding official will announce any
further procedural rules or modification of the above procedures that
may be needed for the proper conduct of the public meeting.
A transcript of the public meeting will be posted on the DOE Web
site and will be included in the docket, which can be viewed as
described in the Docket section at the beginning of this notice. In
addition, any person may buy a copy of the transcript from the
transcribing reporter.
D. Submission of Comments
Instructions: DOE will accept comments, data, and information
regarding this proposed rule before or after the public meeting, but no
later than the date provided in the DATES section at the beginning of
this notice of proposed rulemaking. Interested parties may submit
comments using any of the methods described in the ADDRESSES section at
the beginning of this notice of proposed rulemaking.
All submissions must include the agency name and docket number
EERE-2012-BT-TP-0024 and/or regulatory information number (RIN) 1904-
AC79. No telefacsimilies (faxes) will be accepted.
Submitting comments via www.regulations.gov. The
www.regulations.gov Web page will require you to provide your name and
contact information. Your contact information will be viewable to DOE
Building Technologies staff only. Your contact information will not be
publicly viewable except for your first and last names, organization
name (if any), and submitter representative name (if any). If your
comment is not processed properly because of technical difficulties,
DOE will use this information to contact you. If DOE cannot read your
comment due to technical difficulties and cannot contact you for
clarification, DOE may not be able to consider your comment.
However, your contact information will be publicly viewable if you
include it in the comment itself or in any documents attached to your
comment. Any information that you do not want to be publicly viewable
should not be included in your comment, nor in any document attached to
your comment. Otherwise, persons viewing comments will see only first
and last names, organization names, correspondence containing comments,
and any
[[Page 12902]]
documents submitted with the comments.
Do not submit to www.regulations.gov information for which
disclosure is restricted by statute, such as trade secrets and
commercial or financial information (hereinafter referred to as
Confidential Business Information (CBI)). Comments submitted through
www.regulations.gov cannot be claimed as CBI. Comments received through
the Web site will waive any CBI claims for the information submitted.
For information on submitting CBI, see the Confidential Business
Information section.
DOE processes submissions made through www.regulations.gov before
posting. Normally, comments will be posted within a few days of being
submitted. However, if large volumes of comments are being processed
simultaneously, your comment may not be viewable for up to several
weeks. Please keep the comment tracking number that www.regulations.gov
provides after you have successfully uploaded your comment.
Submitting comments via email, hand-delivery/courier, or mail.
Comments and documents submitted via email, hand-delivery/courier, or
mail also will be posted to www.regulations.gov. If you do not want
your personal contact information to be publicly viewable, do not
include it in your comment or any accompanying documents. Instead,
provide your contact information in a cover letter. Include your first
and last names, email address, telephone number, and optional mailing
address. The cover letter will not be publicly viewable as long as it
does not include any comments.
Include contact information each time you submit comments, data,
documents, and other information to DOE. If you submit via mail or hand
delivery/courier, please provide all items on a compact disk (CD), if
feasible, in which case it is not necessary to submit printed copies.
No telefacsimiles (faxes) will be accepted.
Comments, data, and other information submitted to DOE
electronically should be provided in PDF (preferred), Microsoft Word or
Excel, WordPerfect, or text (ASCII) file format. Provide documents that
are not secured, written in English, and are free of any defects or
viruses. Documents should not contain special characters or any form of
encryption and, if possible, they should carry the electronic signature
of the author.
Campaign form letters. Please submit campaign form letters by the
originating organization in batches of between 50 to 500 form letters
per PDF or as one form letter with a list of supporters' names compiled
into one or more PDFs. This reduces comment processing and posting
time.
Confidential Business Information. Pursuant to 10 CFR 1004.11, any
person submitting information that he or she believes to be
confidential and exempt by law from public disclosure should submit via
email, postal mail, or hand delivery/courier two well-marked copies:
One copy of the document marked ``confidential'' including all the
information believed to be confidential, and one copy of the document
marked ``non-confidential'' with the information believed to be
confidential deleted. Submit these documents via email or on a CD, if
feasible. DOE will make its own determination about the confidential
status of the information and treat it according to its determination.
Factors of interest to DOE when evaluating requests to treat
submitted information as confidential include: (1) A description of the
items; (2) whether and why such items are customarily treated as
confidential within the industry; (3) whether the information is
generally known by or available from other sources; (4) whether the
information has previously been made available to others without
obligation concerning its confidentiality; (5) an explanation of the
competitive injury to the submitting person which would result from
public disclosure; (6) when such information might lose its
confidential character due to the passage of time; and (7) why
disclosure of the information would be contrary to the public interest.
It is DOE's policy that all comments may be included in the public
docket, without change and as received, including any personal
information provided in the comments (except information deemed to be
exempt from public disclosure).
E. Issues on Which DOE Seeks Comment
Although DOE welcomes comments on any aspect of this proposal, DOE
is particularly interested in receiving comments and views of
interested parties concerning the following issues:
1. ASHRAE 103 Update From Version 1993 to 2007
DOE requests comment from stakeholders on the proposed changes to
the DOE test procedure resulting from incorporating the 2007 version of
ASHRAE 103 with some limited modifications.
2. Measurement of Condensate Under Steady-State Conditions
DOE requests comment from stakeholders on the proposed changes to
allow for the measurement of condensate during the establishment of
steady-state conditions (ASHRAE 103-2007, section 9.1).
3. Additional Auxiliary Electrical Consumption
In this NOPR, DOE proposes changes to the test procedure by
updating the incorporation by reference of ASHRAE 103 to the 2007
version and by incorporating testing of auxiliary electricity
components. DOE requests comment from stakeholders on these proposed
changes.
4. Installation and Operation Manual Reference
DOE requests comment on its proposal to clarify the test procedure
language to explicitly state that testing recommendations should be
drawn from each product's approved I&O manual, and to provide a
specific combustion airflow ratio, reduced fuel input rate, and draft
settings when the manufacturer does not provide recommended values in
the I&O manual provided with the unit.
5. Automatic Means for Adjusting Water Temperature Testing
DOE seeks stakeholder comment on any additional methods for
inferring building heat load to ensure that DOE's proposed test method
validates the functionality of all strategies currently available in
the market used to provide an automatic means for adjusting water
temperature.
6. Test Method for Indicating the Absence of Flow Through the Heat
Exchanger
DOE is interested in whether, in addition to the proposed smoke
stick test, other options exist for measuring or indicating the absence
of flow through the heat exchanger.
7. AFUE Reporting Precision
DOE's existing furnaces and boilers test procedure specifies that
the AFUE rating be rounded to the nearest whole percentage point. DOE
requests comment on its proposal to update the existing requirement for
residential furnaces and boilers to report AFUE to the nearest tenth of
a percentage point.
8. Duct Work for Units That Are Installed Without a Return Duct
DOE requests comments on the proposal to add a provision in the
test procedure clarifying that the return
[[Page 12903]]
(inlet) duct is not required during testing for units which, according
to the manufacturer's I&O manual, are intended to be installed without
a return duct.
9. Testing Requirements for Multiposition Configurations
DOE requests comment on its proposal to allow testing of units
configured for multiple position installations to use the blower access
door as an option instead of one of the inlet openings.
10. Room Ambient Air Temperature and Humidity Ranges
DOE requests comment from stakeholders on DOE's preliminary
determination not to propose changes to the test procedure regarding
room ambient temperature and humidity, neither in the form of a
mathematical correction methodology nor by limiting the existing
ambient condition ranges.
11. Oversize Factor Value
DOE did not receive data supporting a change to the existing
oversize factor of 0.7. DOE proposes to maintain the existing oversize
factor and seeks comment on the appropriateness of this strategy.
VI. Approval of the Office of the Secretary
The Secretary of Energy has approved publication of this notice of
proposed rulemaking.
List of Subjects
10 CFR Part 429
Confidential business information, Energy conservation, Household
appliances, Imports, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.
10 CFR Part 430
Administrative practice and procedure, Confidential business
information, Energy conservation, Household appliances, Imports,
Incorporation by reference, Intergovernmental relations, Small
businesses.
Issued in Washington, DC, on February 13, 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, Subchapter D 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 429.134 is amended by adding paragraphs (c), (d), and (e) to
read as follows:
Sec. 429.134 Product-specific enforcement provisions.
* * * * *
(c) [Reserved].
(d) [Reserved].
(e) Test protocols for functional verification of automatic means
for adjusting water temperature. These tests are intended to verify the
functionality of the design requirement that a boiler has an automatic
means for adjusting water temperature for single-stage, two-stage, and
modulating boilers. These test methods are intended to permit the
functional testing of a range of control strategies used to fulfill
this design requirement. Section 2 Definitions and paragraph 6.1.a of
appendix N to subpart B of part 430 of this title apply for the
purposes of this paragraph.
(1) Test protocol for single-stage products. This test is intended
to verify the functionality of the automatic means for establishing a
burner delay upon a heat call in single-stage boiler products. The
nature of this test method allows the functional testing of the control
strategy that allows the burner or heating element to fire only when
the means has determined that the inferred heat load cannot be met by
the residual heat of the water in the system.
(i) Boiler setup. (A) Boiler installation. For boilers subject to
this testing, boiler installation in the test room shall be in
accordance with the setup and apparatus requirements by section 6.0 of
appendix N to subpart B of 10 CFR part 430.
(B) Activation of controls. Adjust the boiler controls (in
accordance with the I&O manual to the default setting that allows for
activation of the means for adjusting water temperature.
(C) Adjustment of water flow and temperature. The flow and
temperature of return (inlet) water to the boiler shall be capable of
being adjusted manually.
(ii) Boiler heat-up. (A) Boiler start-up. Power up the boiler and
initiate a call for heat.
(B) Adjustment of firing rate. Adjust the boiler's firing rate to
within 5% of its maximum rated input.
(C) Establishing flow rate and temperature rise. Adjust the water
flow through the boiler to achieve a [Delta]T of 20 [deg]F (2 [deg]F) or greater with a supply water temperature equal to 120
[deg]F (2 [deg]F).
(D) Terminate the call for heating. Terminate the call for space
heating, stop the flow of water through the boiler, and record the time
at termination.
(iii) Verify burner delay. (A) Reinitiate call for heat. Within
three (3) minutes of termination (paragraph (e)(1)(i)(H) of this
section) and without adjusting the inlet water flow rate or heat load
as specified in paragraph (e)(1)(i)(G) of this section, reinitiate the
call for heat and water flow and record the time.
(B) Verify burner ignition. At 15-second intervals, record time and
outlet water temperature until the main burner ignites.
(C) Terminate the call for heat.
(2) Test protocol for two-stage and modulating products. This test
is intended to verify the functionality of the design requirement that
a boiler has an automatic means for adjusting water temperature. The
nature of this test method allows the functional testing of the control
strategy that ensures that an incremental change in inferred heat load
produces a corresponding incremental change in temperature of water
supplied.
(i) Boiler setup. (A) Boiler installation. Boiler installation in
the test room shall be in accordance with the setup and apparatus
requirements of section 6 of appendix N to subpart B of 10 CFR part
430.
(B) Establishing flow rate and temperature rise.
(1) Start the boiler without enabling the means for adjusting water
temperature. Establish a water flow rate that allows for a water
temperature rise of greater than or equal to 20 [deg]F at maximum input
rate.
(2) Adjust the inferential load controller in accordance with the
I&O manual.
(C) Temperature stabilization. Following stabilization of boiler
operations and water temperatures, continue to paragraph (e)(2)(ii) of
this section.
(ii) Establishing inferred load conditions for reduced boiler
output.
(A) Adjust the inferential load controller. (1) While the boiler is
still operational, adjust the boiler controls (in accordance with the
I&O manual) to the default setting that allows for activation of the
means for adjusting water temperature. (For boiler controls that do not
allow for control adjustment during active mode operation, terminate
call for heating and adjust the inferential load controller in
accordance
[[Page 12904]]
with the I&O manual. Then reinitiate call for heating.)
(2) If the means for adjusting water temperature uses outdoor
temperature reset, the maximum outdoor temperature setting (if
equipped) should be set to a temperature high enough that the boiler
operates continuously during the duration of this test (i.e., if the
conditions in paragraph (e)(2)(ii)(B) of this section equal room
ambient temperature, then the maximum outdoor temperature should be set
at a temperature greater than the normal variation in the room ambient
air temperature).
(B) Establish inferred load conditions. (1) Establish the inferred
load conditions (simulated using a controlling parameter) so that the
supply water temperature is maintained at the lowest supply water
temperature (4 [deg]F) prescribed by the boiler
manufacturer's temperature reset control strategy found in the I&O
manual.
(2) The minimum supply water temperature of the default temperature
reset curve is usually provided within the I&O manual. If there is no
recommendation, set the minimum supply water temperature equal to 20
[deg]F less than the high supply water temperature specified in
paragraph (e)(2)(iii)(A).
(C) Supply water temperature condition. (1) Maintain the call for
heating until the boiler supply water temperature has stabilized.
(2) For this test, a stabilized temperature control setting is
deemed to be obtained when the setting does not vary by more than
3 [deg]F over a period of 5 minutes. The duration of time
required to stabilize the supply water, following the procedure in
paragraph (e)(2)(ii)(B) of this section, is dependent on the reset
strategy and may vary from model to model.
(D) Supply temperature verification. (1) Verify that the resulting
supply water temperature corresponds to the low boiler water
temperature as required in paragraph (e)(2)(ii)(B) of this section.
(2) Record the stabilized boiler supply water temperature.
(iii) Verify Water Temperature Reset for Change in Inferred Load.
(A) Adjust inferred load conditions. Establish the inferred load
conditions so that the supply water temperature is set to the highest
allowable supply water temperature (2 [deg]F) as prescribed
in the I&O manual or if there is no recommendation, set to a
temperature greater than 170[emsp14][deg]F.
(B) Temperature stabilization. (1) Maintain the call for heating
until the boiler supply water temperature has stabilized.
(2) Record the boiler supply water temperature while the
temperature is stabilized.
(3) Terminate the call for heating.
PART 430--ENERGY CONSERVATION PROGRAM FOR CONSUMER PRODUCTS
0
3. The authority citation for part 430 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 42 U.S.C. 6291-6309; 28 U.S.C. 2461 note.
0
4. Section 430.2 is amended by revising the definition of ``Furnace''
to read as follows:
Sec. 430.2 Definitions.
* * * * *
Furnace means a product which utilizes only single-phase electric
current, or single-phase electric current or DC current in conjunction
with natural gas, propane, or home heating oil, and which--
(1) Is designed to be the principal heating source for the living
space of a residence;
(2) Is not contained within the same cabinet with a central air
conditioner whose rated cooling capacity is above 65,000 Btu per hour;
(3) Is an electric central furnace, electric boiler, forced-air
central furnace, gravity central furnace, or low-pressure steam or hot
water boiler; and
(4) Has a heat input rate of less than 300,000 Btu per hour for
electric boilers and low-pressure steam or hot water boilers and less
than 225,000 Btu per hour for forced-air central furnaces, gravity
central furnaces, and electric central furnaces.
* * * * *
0
5. Section 430.3 is amended by:
0
a. Revising paragraph (f)(10);
0
b. Removing paragraph (f)(11);
0
c. Redesignating paragraph (f)(12) as (f)(11);
0
d. Revise paragraph (i).
The revisions read as follows:
Sec. 430.3 Materials incorporated by reference.
* * * * *
(f) * * *
(10) ASHRAE Standard 103-2007, (``ASHRAE 103-2007''), Methods of
Testing for Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency of Residential Central
Furnaces and Boilers, ANSI approved March 25, 2008, IBR approved for
Sec. 430.23, appendix N, and appendix AA to subpart B.
* * * * *
(i) ASTM. American Society of Testing and Materials, ASTM
Headquarters, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, P.O. Box C700, West Conshohocken,
PA 19428-2959, (877) 909-2786 or (610) 832-9585, or go to http://www.astm.org.
(1) ASTM-D2156--09 (Reapproved 2013), Method of Test for Smoke
Density in the Flue Gases from Distillate Fuels, approved December 1,
2009, IBR approved for appendix N to subpart B.
(2) [Reserved]
* * * * *
0
6. Revise Sec. 430.23(n)(2) to read as follows:
Sec. 430.23 Test procedures for the measurement of energy and water
consumption.
* * * * *
(n) * * *
(2) The annual fuel utilization efficiency for furnaces, expressed
in percent, is the ratio of the annual fuel output of useful energy
delivered to the heated space to the annual fuel energy input to the
furnace determined according to section 10.1 of appendix N of this
subpart for gas and oil furnaces and determined in accordance with
section 11.1 of the American National Standards Institute/American
Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers
(ASHRAE) Standard 103-2007 (incorporated by reference, see Sec. 430.3)
for electric furnaces. Round the annual fuel utilization efficiency to
the nearest one-tenth of a percentage point.
* * * * *
0
7. Revise section 2.3 of Appendix AA to subpart B to read as follows:
Appendix AA to Subpart B of Part 430 --Uniform Test Method for
Measuring the Energy Consumption of Furnace Fans
* * * * *
2.0 Definitions. * * *
2.3 ASHRAE Standard 103-2007 (incorporated by reference; see
Sec. 430.3) means the test standard published in 2007 by ASHRAE,
approved by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) on
March 25, 2008, and titled ``Method of Testing for Annual Fuel
Utilization Efficiency of Residential Central Furnaces and
Boilers,'' except for sections 3.0, 7.2.2.5, 8.6.1.1, 9.1.2.2,
9.5.1.1, 9.5.1.2.1, 9.5.1.2.2, 9.5.2.1, 9.7.1, 10.0, 11.2.12,
11.3.12, 11.4.12, 11.5.12 and appendices B and C. Only those
sections of ASHRAE 103-2007 specifically referenced in this test
procedure are part of this test procedure. In cases where there is a
conflict, the language of the test procedure in this appendix takes
precedence over ASHRAE 103-2007.
* * * * *
0
8. Revise appendix N to subpart B to read as follows:
[[Page 12905]]
Appendix N to Subpart B of Part 430--Uniform Test Method for Measuring
the Energy Consumption of Furnaces and Boilers
Note: On and after [180 days after publication of the final rule
in the Federal Register], any representations made with respect to
the energy use or efficiency of residential furnaces and boilers
must be made in accordance with the results of testing pursuant to
this appendix. On and after this date, if a manufacturer makes
representations of standby mode and off mode energy consumption,
then testing must also include the provisions of this appendix
related to standby mode and off mode energy consumption (i.e.,
sections 8.12 and 10.12 of this appendix N).
Until [180 days after the publication of the final rule in the
Federal Register], representations must be made in accordance with
the results of testing pursuant to either this appendix, or appendix
N as it appeared at 10 CFR part 430, subpart B revised as of January
1, 2015. Any representations made with respect to the energy use or
efficiency of such residential furnaces and boilers must be in
accordance with whichever version is selected. DOE notes that,
because testing under this appendix N must be completed as of [180
days after publication of the final rule in the Federal Register],
manufacturers may wish to begin using this test procedure
immediately.
1.0 Scope. This appendix provides the test procedures for
furnaces and boilers subject to the standards specified at 10 CFR
430.32(e).
2.0 Definitions. Definitions include those specified in section
3 of ASHRAE 103-2007 (incorporated by reference, see Sec. 430.3)
and the following additional and modified definitions. In cases
where there is a conflict, these definitions take precedence over
the definitions specified in ASHRAE 103-2007.
2.1 Active mode means the condition in which the furnace or
boiler is connected to the power source, and at least one of the
burner, electric resistance elements, or any electrical auxiliaries
such as blowers or pumps, are activated.
2.2 ASHRAE means the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating,
and Air-Conditioning Engineers.
2.3 ASHRAE 103-2007 (incorporated by reference; see Sec. 430.3)
means the test standard published in 2007 by ASHRAE, approved by the
American National Standards Institute (ANSI) on March 25, 2008, and
titled ``Method of Testing for Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency of
Residential Central Furnaces and Boilers'' (incorporated by
reference, see Sec. 430.3), except for sections 2, 7.1, 7.2.2.2,
7.2.2.5, 7.2.3.1, 7.8, 8.2.1.3, 8.3.3.1, 8.4.1.1, 8.4.1.1.2,
8.4.1.2, 8.4.2.1.4, 8.4.2.1.6, 8.6.1.1, 8.7.2, 8.8.3, 9.1.2.1,
9.1.2.2.1, 9.1.2.2.2, 9.2, 9.5.1.1, 9.5.1.2.1, 9.5.1.2.2, 9.5.2.1,
9.7.6, 9.7.4, 9.10, 11.5.11.1, 11.5.11.2 and appendices B and C.
Only those sections of ASHRAE 103-2007 specifically referenced in
this test procedure are part of this test procedure. In cases where
there is a conflict, the language of the test procedure in this
appendix takes precedence over ASHRAE 103-2007.
2.4 ASTM-D2156 means the test standard published by the American
Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), titled ``Method of Test
for Smoke Density in the Flue Gases from Distillate Fuels,''
published in 2009 (reapproved 2013). (incorporated by reference, see
Sec. 430.3)
2.5 Controlling Parameter means a measurable quantity (such as
temperature or usage pattern) used for inferring heating load, which
would then result in incremental changes in supply water
temperature.
2.6 IEC 62301 means the test standard published by the
International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), titled ``Household
electrical appliances--Measurement of standby power,'' Publication
62301 (Edition 2.0 2011-01). (incorporated by reference, see Sec.
430.3)
2.7 Installation and operation (I&O) manual means instructions
for installing, commissioning, and operating the furnace or boiler,
which are approved as part of the product's safety listing and are
supplied with the product when shipped by the manufacturer.
2.8 Multiposition furnace means a furnace that can be installed
in more than one airflow configuration (i.e., upflow or horizontal;
downflow or horizontal; and upflow, downflow, or horizontal).
2.9 Off mode means a mode in which the furnace or boiler is
connected to a mains power source and is not providing any active or
standby mode function, and where the mode may persist for an
indefinite time. The existence of an off switch in off position (a
disconnect circuit), is included within the classification of an off
mode.
2.10 Off switch means the switch on the furnace or boiler that,
when activated, results in a measurable change in energy consumption
between the standby and off modes.
2.11 Standby mode means any mode in which the furnace or boiler
is connected to a mains power source and offers one or more of the
following space heating functions that may persist for an indefinite
time:
a. To facilitate the activation of other modes (including
activation or deactivation of active mode) by remote control
(including thermostat or use patterns) or internal or external
sensors (temperature);
b. Continuous functions, including information or status
displays (where present).
2.12 Thermal stack damper means a type of stack damper which is
dependent for operation exclusively upon the direct conversion of
thermal energy of the stack gases to open the damper.
3.0 Classifications. Classifications are as specified in section
4 of ASHRAE 103-2007 (incorporated by reference, see Sec. 430.3).
4.0 Requirements. Requirements are as specified in section 5 of
ASHRAE 103-2007 (incorporated by reference, see Sec. 430.3).
5.0 Instruments. Instruments must be as specified in section 6
of ASHRAE 103-2007 (incorporated by reference, see Sec. 430.3).
6.0 Apparatus. The apparatus used in conjunction with the
furnace or boiler during the testing shall be as specified in
section 7 of ASHRAE 103-2007 (incorporated by reference, see Sec.
430.3) except for sections 7.1, 7.2.2.2, 7.2.2.5, 7.2.3.1, and 7.8,
and as specified in sections 6.1 through 6.5 of this appendix.
6.1 General.
a. Install the furnace or boiler in the test room in accordance
with the I&O manual, as defined in section 2.7 of this appendix,
unless a specific provision of the referenced test procedure
applies. The exception to this case is that if additional provisions
within this appendix have been specified, then the provisions herein
drafted and prescribed by DOE shall govern. If the I&O manual and
any additional provisions are not sufficient for testing a furnace
or boiler, the manufacturer must request a waiver from the test
procedure pursuant to 10 CFR 430.27.
b. If the I&O manual indicates the unit should not be installed
with a return duct, then the return (inlet) duct specified in
section 7.2.1 of ASHRAE 103-2007 is not required.
c. Test multiposition furnaces in the least-efficient
configuration. Testing of multiposition furnaces in other
configurations is permitted if represented pursuant to the
requirements in 10 CFR 429. If a multiposition furnace is not
shipped with an open inlet, testing of the unit would use the blower
access door instead of removing one of the designed inlet cut-outs.
d. The apparatus described below is used in conjunction with the
furnace or boiler during testing. Each piece of apparatus shall
conform to material and construction specifications and the
reference standards cited.
e. Test rooms containing equipment must have suitable facilities
for providing the utilities (including but not limited to
environmental controls, sufficient fluid source(s), applicable
measurement equipment, and any other technology or tools) necessary
for performance of the test and must be able to maintain conditions
within the limits specified.
6.2 Forced Air Central Furnaces (Direct Vent and Direct
Exhaust).
a. Units not equipped with a draft hood or draft diverter shall
be provided with the minimum-length vent configuration recommended
in the I&O manual or a 5-ft flue pipe if there is no recommendation
(see Figure 4 of ASHRAE 103-2007). For a direct exhaust system,
insulate the minimum-length vent configuration or the 5-ft flue pipe
with insulation having an R-value not less than 7 and an outer layer
of aluminum foil. For a direct vent system, see section 7.5 of
ASHRAE 103-2007 for insulation requirements.
b. For units with power burners, cover the flue collection box
with insulation having an R-value of not less than 7 and an outer
layer of aluminum foil before the cool-down and heat-up tests
described in sections 9.5 and 9.6 of ASHRAE 103-2007, respectively.
However, do not apply the insulation for the jacket loss test (if
conducted) described in section 8.6 of ASHRAE 103-2007 or the
steady-state test described in section 9.1 of ASHRAE 103-2007.
c. For power-vented units, insulate the shroud surrounding the
blower impeller with insulation having an R-value of not less than 7
and an outer layer of aluminum foil before
[[Page 12906]]
the cool-down and heat-up tests described in sections 9.5 and 9.6 of
ASHRAE 103-2007. Do not apply the insulation for the jacket loss
test (if conducted) described in section 8.6 of ASHRAE 103-2007 or
the steady-state test described in section 9.1 of ASHRAE 103-2007.
Do not insulate the blower motor or block the airflow openings that
facilitate the cooling of the combustion blower motor or bearings.
6.3 Downflow furnaces. Install an internal section of vent pipe
the same size as the flue collar for connecting the flue collar to
the top of the unit, if not supplied by the manufacturer. Do not
insulate the internal vent pipe during the jacket loss test (if
conducted) described in section 8.6 of ASHRAE 103-2007 or the
steady-state test described in section 9.1 of ASHRAE 103-2007. Do
not insulate the internal vent pipe before the cool-down and heat-up
tests described in sections 9.5 and 9.6, respectively, of ASHRAE
103-2007. If the vent pipe is surrounded by a metal jacket, do not
insulate the metal jacket. Install a 5-ft test stack of the same
cross-sectional area or perimeter as the vent pipe above the top of
the furnace. Tape or seal around the junction connecting the vent
pipe and the 5-ft test stack. Insulate the 5-ft test stack with
insulation having an R-value not less than 7 and an outer layer of
aluminum foil. (See Figure 3-A & B of ASHRAE 103-2007.)
6.4 Units with Draft Hoods or Draft Diverters. Install the stack
damper in accordance with the I&O manual. Install five feet of stack
above the damper.
a. For units with an integral draft diverter, cover the 5-ft
stack with insulation having an R-value of not less than 7 and an
outer layer of aluminum foil.
b. For units with draft hoods, insulate the flue pipe between
the outlet of the furnace and the draft hood with insulation having
an R-value of not less than 7 and an outer layer of aluminum foil.
c. For units with integral draft diverters that are mounted in
an exposed position (not inside the overall unit cabinet), cover the
diverter boxes (excluding any openings through which draft relief
air flows) before the beginning of any test (including jacket loss
test) with insulation having an R-value of not less than 7 and an
outer layer of aluminum foil.
d. For units equipped with integral draft diverters that are
enclosed within the overall unit cabinet, insulate the draft
diverter box with insulation as described above before the cool-down
and heat-up tests described in sections 9.5 and 9.6, respectively,
of ASHRAE Standard 103-2007. Do not apply the insulation for the
jacket loss test (if conducted) described in section 8.6 of ASHRAE
103-2007 or the steady-state test described in section 9.1 of ASHRAE
103-2007.
6.5 Condensate Collection. Condensate drain lines shall be
attached to the unit as specified in the I&O manual. A continuous
downward slope of drain lines from the unit shall be maintained.
Additional precautions (such as eliminating any line configuration
or position that would otherwise restrict or block the flow of
condensate or checking to ensure a proper connection with condensate
drain spout that allows for unobstructed flow) shall be taken to
facilitate uninterrupted flow of condensate during the test.
Collection containers must be glass or polished stainless steel to
facilitate removal of interior deposits. The collection container
shall have a vent opening to the atmosphere.
7.0 Testing conditions. The testing conditions shall be as
specified in section 8 of ASHRAE 103-2007 (incorporated by
reference, see Sec. 430.3), except for section 8.2.1.3, 8.3.3.1,
8.4.1.1, 8.4.1.1.2, 8.4.1.2, 8.4.2.1.4, 8.4.2.1.6, 8.6.1.1, 8.7.2,
and 8.8.3; and as specified in sections 7.1 to 7.10 of this
appendix, respectively.
7.1 Fuel Supply, Gas. In conducting the tests specified herein,
gases with characteristics as shown in Table 1 of ASHRAE 103-2007
shall be used. The gas supply, ahead of all controls for a furnace,
shall be maintained at a test pressure between the normal and
increased values shown in Table 1 of ASHRAE 103-2007. Maintain the
regulator outlet pressure at a level approximating that recommended
in the I&O manual, as defined in section 2.7 of this appendix, or,
in the absence of such recommendation, to the nominal regulator
settings used when the product is shipped by the manufacturer. Use a
gas having a specific gravity as shown in Table 1 and with a higher
heating value within 5% of the higher heating value
shown in Table 1 of ASHRAE 103-2007. Determine the actual higher
heating value in Btu per standard cubic foot for the gas to be used
in the test with an error no greater than 1%.
7.2 Installation of Piping. Install piping equipment in
accordance with the I&O manual. In the absence of such
specification, install piping in accordance with section 8.3.1.1 of
ASHRAE 103-2007.
7.3 Gas Burner. Adjust the burners of gas-fired furnaces and
boilers to their maximum Btu input ratings at the normal test
pressure specified by section 8.2.1.3 of ASHRAE 103-2007. Correct
the burner input rate to reflect gas characteristics at a
temperature of 60 [deg]F and atmospheric pressure of 30 in. of Hg
and adjust to within 2 percent of the hourly Btu
nameplate input rating as measured during the steady-state
performance test described below. Adjust the combustion airflow to
achieve an excess air ratio, flue O2 percentage, or flue
CO2 percentage to within the middle 30th percentile of
the acceptable range specified in the I&O manual. In the absence of
such specification, adjust the combustion airflow to provide between
6.9 percent and 7.1 percent dry flue gas O2, or the
lowest dry flue gas O2 percentage that produces a stable
flame, no carbon deposits, and an air-free flue gas CO ratio below
400 parts per million during the steady-state test described in
section 9.1 of ASHRAE 103-2007, whichever is higher. After the
steady-state performance test has been started, do not make
additional adjustments to the burners during the required series of
performance tests specified in section 9 of ASHRAE 103-2007. If a
vent-limiting means is provided on a gas pressure regulator, keep it
in place during all tests.
7.4 Modulating Gas Burner Adjustment at Reduced Input Rate. For
gas-fired furnaces and boilers equipped with modulating-type
controls, adjust the controls to operate the unit at the nameplate
minimum input rate. If the modulating control is of a non-automatic
type, adjust the control to the setting recommended in the I&O
manual. In the absence of such recommendation, the midpoint setting
of the non-automatic control shall be used as the setting for
determining the reduced fuel input rate. Start the furnace or boiler
by turning the safety control valve to the ``ON'' position. For
boilers, use a supply water temperature that will allow for
continuous operation without shutoff by the control. If necessary to
achieve such continuous operation, supply water may be increased
above 120 [deg]F; in such cases, gradually increase the supply water
temperature to determine what minimum supply water temperature, with
a 20 [deg]F temperature rise across the boiler, will be needed to
adjust for the minimum input rate at the reduced input rate control
setting. Monitor regulated gas pressure out of the modulating
control valve (or entering the burner) to determine when no further
reduction of gas pressure results. The flow rate of water through
the boiler shall be adjusted to achieve a 20 [deg]F temperature
rise.
7.5 Oil Burner. Adjust the burners of oil-fired furnaces or
boilers to give a CO2 reading within the middle 30th
percentile of the acceptable range specified in the I&O manual. In
the absence of such specification, adjust the airflow through the
burner to achieve a dry flue gas CO2 percentage between
10.0 percent and 10.4 percent, or a dry flue gas CO2
percentage that results in flue gas smoke that does not exceed No. 1
smoke during the steady-state performance test as measured by the
procedure in ASTM-D2156 (incorporated by reference; see Sec.
430.3), whichever is lower. Adjust the fuel input rate to within
2 percent of the highest nameplate input rate. Maintain
the average draft over the fire and in the flue during the steady-
state performance test within the middle 30th percentile of the
ranges specified in the I&O manual. In the absence of such
specification, maintain the lowest draft that produces either flue
CO2 levels or smoke values within the ranges stipulated
in this paragraph. Do not allow draft fluctuations exceeding 0.005
in. water. Do not make additional adjustments to the burner during
the required series of performance tests. The instruments and
measuring apparatus for this test are described in section 6 of this
appendix and shown in Figure 8 of ASHRAE 103-2007.
7.6 Air throughputs shall be adjusted to a temperature rise that
is the higher of a and b, unless c applies.
a. 15 [deg]F less than the nameplate maximum temperature rise or
b. 15 [deg]F higher than the minimum temperature rise specified
in the I&O manual.
c. A furnace with a non-adjustable air temperature rise range
and an automatically controlled airflow that does not permit a
temperature rise range of 30 [deg]F or more shall be tested at the
midpoint of the rise range.
A tolerance of 2 [deg]F is permitted.
7.7 The specified temperature rise shall be established by
adjusting the circulating airflow. This adjustment shall be
accomplished by symmetrically restricting
[[Page 12907]]
the outlet air duct and varying blower speed selection to obtain the
desired temperature rise and minimum external static pressure, as
specified in Table 4 of ASHRAE 103-2007. If the required temperature
rise cannot be obtained at the minimum specified external static
pressure by adjusting blower speed selection and duct outlet
restriction, then the following applies.
a. If the resultant temperature rise is less than the required
temperature rise, vary the blower speed by gradually adjusting the
blower voltage so as to maintain the minimum external static
pressure listed in Table 4 of ASHRAE 103-2007. The airflow
restrictions shall then remain unchanged. If static pressure must be
varied to prevent unstable blower operation, it shall be varied on
the plus side but shall not exceed the maximum external static
pressure as specified by the manufacturer in the I&O manual.
b. If the resultant temperature rise is greater than the
required temperature rise, then the unit can be tested at a higher
temperature rise value, but one not greater than nameplate maximum
temperature rise. In order not to exceed the maximum temperature
rise, the speed of a direct-driven blower may be increased by
increasing the circulating air blower motor voltage.
7.8 Measurement of Jacket Surface Temperature. The jacket of the
furnace or boiler shall be subdivided into 6-inch squares when
practical, and otherwise into 36-square-inch regions comprising 4
in. x 9 in. or 3 in. x 12 in. sections, and the surface temperature
at the center of each square or section shall be determined with a
surface thermocouple. The 36-square-inch areas shall be recorded in
groups where the temperature differential of the 36-square-inch area
is less than 10 [deg]F for temperature up to 100 [deg]F above room
temperature, and less than 20 [deg]F for temperature more than 100
[deg]F above room temperature. For forced air central furnaces, the
circulating air blower compartment is considered as part of the duct
system, and no surface temperature measurement of the blower
compartment needs to be recorded for the purpose of this test. For
downflow furnaces, measure all cabinet surface temperatures of the
heat exchanger and combustion section, including the bottom around
the outlet duct and the burner door, using the 36-square-inch
thermocouple grid. The cabinet surface temperatures around the
blower section do not need to be measured (See figure 3-E of ASHRAE
103-2007.)
7.9 Installation of Vent System. Keep the vent or air intake
system supplied by the manufacturer in place during all tests. Test
units intended for installation with a variety of vent pipe lengths
shall be tested with the minimum vent length as specified in the I&O
manual, or a 5-ft flue pipe if there are no recommendations. Do not
connect a furnace or boiler employing a direct vent system to a
chimney or induced-draft source. Vent combustion products solely by
using the venting incorporated in the furnace or boiler and the vent
or air intake system supplied by the manufacturer. For units that
are not designed to significantly preheat the incoming air, see 7.5
and Figure 4a or 4b of ASHRAE 103-2007. For units that do
significantly preheat the incoming air, see Figure 4c or 4d of
ASHRAE 103-2007.
7.10 Additional Optional Method of Testing for Determining D P
and D F for Furnaces and Boilers. On units whose design is such that
there is no measurable airflow through the combustion chamber and
heat exchanger when the burner(s) is (are) off (as determined by the
optional test procedure in section 7.10.1 of this appendix),
DF and DP may be set equal to 0.05.
7.10.1 Optional Test Method for Indicating the Absence of Flow
through the Heat Exchanger. Manufacturers may use the following test
protocol to determine whether air flows through the combustion
chamber and heat exchanger when the burner(s) is (are) off using a
smoke stick device. The minimum default draft factor (as allowed per
sections 8.8.3 & 9.10 of ASHRAE 103-2007) may be used only for units
determined pursuant to this protocol to have no airflow through the
combustion chamber and heat exchanger.
7.10.1.1 Test Conditions. Wait for two minutes following the
termination of the furnace or boiler on-cycle before beginning the
optional test method for indicating the absence of flow through the
heat exchanger.
7.10.1.2 Location of the Test Apparatus. After all air currents
in the test location have been minimized, position the operable
smoke stick/pencil accordingly based on the following equipment
configuration: (a) For horizontal combustion air intakes,
approximately 4 inches from the vertical plane at the termination of
the intake vent and 4 inches below the bottom edge of the combustion
air intake, or (b) for vertical combustion air intakes,
approximately 4 inches horizontal from vent perimeter at the
termination of the intake vent and 4 inches down (parallel to the
vertical axis of the vent). In the instance where the boiler
combustion air intake is closer than 4 inches to the floor, place
the smoke device directly on the floor without impeding the flow of
smoke.
Monitor the presence and the direction of the smoke flow.
7.10.1.3 Duration of Test. Continue monitoring the release of
smoke for 30 seconds.
7.10.1.4 Test Results. During visual assessment, determine
whether there is any draw of smoke into the combustion air intake
vent.
If absolutely no smoke is drawn into the combustion air intake,
the furnace or boiler meets the requirements to allow use of the
minimum default draft factor pursuant to section 8.8.3 and/or
section 9.10 of ASHRAE 103-2007.
If there is any smoke drawn into the intake, proceed with the
methods of testing as prescribed in section 8.8 of ASHRAE 103-2007.
8.0 Test procedure. Testing and measurements shall be as
specified in section 9 of ASHRAE 103-2007 (incorporated by
reference, see Sec. 430.3) except for sections 9.1.2.1, 9.1.2.2.1,
9.1.2.2.2, 9.2, 9.5.1.1, 9.5.1.2.1, 9.5.1.2.2, 9.5.2.1, 9.7.6,
9.7.4, and 9.10; and as specified in sections 8.1, 8.2, 8.3, 8.4,
8.5, 8.6, 8.7, 8.8, 8.9, 8.10, and 8.11 of this appendix,
respectively.
8.1 Conditions. Begin the steady-state performance test by
operating the burner and the circulating air blower or water pump
until steady-state conditions are attained, as indicated by visual
confirmation of condensate production and a temperature variation in
three successive readings, taken 15 minutes apart, of not more than
any of the following:
a. 3 [deg]F in the stack gas temperature for furnaces and
boilers equipped with draft diverters;
b. 5 [deg]F in the flue gas temperature for furnaces and boilers
equipped with either draft hoods, direct exhaust, or direct vent
systems;
c. 4 [deg]F in the outlet water temperature for hot water
boilers;
d. 1 [deg]F in the flue gas temperature for condensing furnaces
and boilers; and
e. 1 [deg]F in the supply (outlet) water temperatures for
condensing hot water boilers.
8.2 Gas. Measure and record the steady-state gas input rate,
including pilot gas, corrected to standard conditions of 60 [deg]F
and 30 in. Hg. Use measured values of gas temperature and pressure
at the meter and barometric pressure to correct the metered gas flow
rate to the above standard conditions. Measure the steady-state
electric power to the burner (PE) on units so equipped. For
furnaces, measure the steady-state electrical power to the
conditioned air blowers (BE). For hot water boilers, use a steady-
state water pump power of BE = pump nameplate kW or 0.13 kW, if no
pump is supplied. Measure the steady-state electric power to the
secondary pump (BES) on units so equipped. Measure the
steady-state electric power to the controls and gas valve
(EO) on units so equipped.
8.3 Oil. Measure and record the steady-state fuel input rate and
the steady-state electrical power to the burner, PE, on units so
equipped. For furnaces, measure the steady-state electrical power to
the conditioned air blower, BE. For hot water boilers, use a steady-
state water pump power of BE = pump nameplate kW or 0.13 kW, if no
pump is supplied. Measure the steady-state electric power to the
secondary pump (BES) on units so equipped. Measure the
steady-state electric power to the controls and gas valve
(EO) on units so equipped.
8.4 Condensing Furnaces and Boilers, Measurement of Condensate
Under Steady-State Conditions. For units with step-modulating or
two-stage controls, the test shall be conducted at both the maximum
and reduced inputs. Begin a steady-state condensation collection
after steady-state conditions are attained. Perform steady-state
condensate collection for at least 30 minutes. Condensate mass shall
be measured immediately at the end of the collection period to
prevent evaporation loss from the sample. Fuel input shall be
recorded for the 30-minute condensate collection steady-state test
period. Fuel higher heating value (HHV), temperature, and pressures
necessary for determining fuel energy input (QC,SS) will
be observed and recorded. The fuel quantity and HHV shall be
measured with errors no greater than 1%. The humidity of the room
air shall at no time exceed 80%. Determine the mass
[[Page 12908]]
of condensate for the steady-state test (MC,SS) in pounds
by subtracting the tare container weight from the total container
and condensate weight measured at the end of the 30-minute
condensate collection test period.
8.5 Input to interrupted ignition device. For burners equipped
with an interrupted ignition device, record the nameplate electric
power used by the ignition device, PEIG, or record that
PEIG = 0.4 kW if no nameplate power input is provided.
Record the nameplate ignition device on-time interval,
tIG, or, if the nameplate does not provide the ignition
device on-time interval, measure the on-time interval with a stop
watch at the beginning of the test, starting when the burner is
turned on. Set tIG = 0 and PEIG = 0 if the
device on-time interval is less than or equal to 5 seconds after the
burner is on.
8.6 Cool-down test for gas- and oil-fueled gravity and forced
air central furnaces without stack dampers and without adjustable
fan control. Turn off the main burner after completing steady-state
testing, and measure the flue gas temperature by means of the
thermocouple grid described in section 7.6 of ASHRAE 103-2007 at 1.5
minutes (TF,OFF(t3)) and 9 minutes
(TF,OFF(t4)) after the burner shuts off. When
taking these temperature readings, the integral draft diverter shall
remain blocked and insulated, and the stack restriction shall remain
in place. On atmospheric systems with an integral draft diverter or
draft hood and equipped with either an electromechanical inlet
damper or an electromechanical flue damper that closes within 10
seconds after the burner shuts off to restrict the flow through the
heat exchanger in the off-cycle, bypass or adjust the control for
the electromechanical damper so that the damper remains open during
the cool-down test. For furnaces that employ post-purge, measure the
length of the post-purge period with a stopwatch. The time from
burner ``OFF'' to combustion blower ``OFF'' (electrically de-
energized) shall be recorded as tP. If tP is
designated by the I&O manual to be greater than 180 seconds, stop
the combustion blower at 180 seconds and use that value for
tP. Measure the flue gas temperature by means of the
thermocouple grid described in section 7.6 of ASHRAE 103-2007 at the
end of post-purge period, tP(TF,OFF
(tP)), and at the time (1.5 + tP) minutes
(TF,OFF(t3)) and (9.0 + tP) minutes
(TF,OFF(t4)) after the main burner shuts off.
If the measured tP is less than or equal to 30 seconds,
set tP at 0 and conduct the cool-down test as if there is
no post-purge.
8.7 Cool-down test for gas- and oil-fueled gravity and forced
air central furnaces without stack dampers and with adjustable fan
control. For a furnace with adjustable fan control, the time delay,
tP, will be until the supply air temperature drops to a
value of 40 [deg]F above the inlet air temperature or 3 minutes for
non-condensing furnaces and 1.5 minutes for condensing furnaces,
whichever is longer. For a furnace with adjustable fan control with
a range of adjustment that does not allow for the time delay
specified above, the fan control shall be bypassed and the fan
manually controlled to allow for the appropriate delay time, as
specified in section 8.6 of this appendix (case equivalent to a
central furnace without adjustable fan control). For a furnace that
employs a single motor to drive both the power burner and the indoor
air circulating blower, the power burner and indoor air circulating
blower shall be turned off at the same time.
8.8 Cool-down test for gas- and oil-fueled boilers without stack
dampers. After steady-state testing has been completed, turn the
main burner(s) ``OFF'' and measure the flue gas temperature at 3.75
minutes (temperature designated as TF,OFF(t3))
and 22.5 minutes (temperature designated as
TF,OFF(t4)) after the burner shut-off using
the thermocouple grid described in section 7.6 of ASHRAE 103-2007.
a. During this off-period, for units that do not have pump delay
after shut-off, no water shall be allowed to circulate through the
hot water boilers.
b. For units that have pump delay on shut-off, except those
having pump controls sensing water temperature, the pump shall be
stopped by the unit control and the time between burner shut-off and
pump shut-off (t\+\) shall be measured and recorded to the nearest
second.
c. For units having pump delay controls that sense water
temperature, the pump shall be operated for 15 minutes and t\+\
shall be recorded as 15 minutes. While the pump is operating, the
inlet water temperature and flow rate shall be maintained at the
same values as during the steady-state test, as specified in
sections 9.1 and 8.4.2.3 of ASHRAE 103-2007.
d. For boilers that employ post-purge, measure the length of the
post-purge period with a stopwatch. The time from burner ``OFF'' to
combustion blower ``OFF'' (electrically de-energized) shall be
recorded as tP. If tP is designated by the I &
O manual to be greater than 180 seconds, stop the combustion blower
at 180 seconds and use that value for tP. Measure the
flue gas temperature by means of the thermocouple grid described in
section 7.6 of ASHRAE 103-2007 at the end of the post-purge period
tP (TF,OFF(tP)) and at (3.75 +
tP) minutes (TF,OFF(t3)) and (22.5
+ tP) minutes (TF,OFF(t4)) after
the main burner shuts off. If the measured tP is less
than or equal to 30 seconds, record tP as 0 and conduct
the cool-down test as if there is no post-purge.
8.9 Direct measurement of off-cycle losses testing method.
[Reserved.]
8.10 Calculation options. The rate of the flue gas mass flow
through the furnace and the factors DP, DF,
and DS are calculated by the equations in sections
11.6.4, 11.7.1, and 11.7.2 of ASHRAE 103-2007. On units whose design
is such that there is no measurable airflow through the combustion
chamber and heat exchanger when the burner(s) is (are) off (as
determined by the optional test procedure in section 7.10.1 of this
appendix), DF and DP may be set equal to 0.05.
8.11 Optional test procedures for condensing furnaces and
boilers that have no off-period flue losses. For units that have
applied the test method in section 7.10 of this appendix to
determine that no measurable airflow exists through the combustion
chamber and heat exchanger during the burner off-period and having
post-purge periods of less than 5 seconds, DF and
DP may be set equal to 0.05. At the discretion of the one
testing, the cool-down and heat-up tests specified in sections 9.5
and 9.6 of ASHRAE 103-2007 may be omitted on such units. In lieu of
conducting the cool-down and heat-up tests, the tester may use the
losses determined during the steady-state test described in section
9.1 of ASHRAE 103-2007 when calculating heating seasonal efficiency,
EffyHS.
8.12 Measurement of electrical standby and off mode power.
8.12.1 Standby power measurement. With all electrical
auxiliaries of the furnace or boiler not activated, measure the
standby power (PW,SB) in accordance with the procedures
in IEC 62301 (incorporated by reference, see Sec. 430.3), except
that section 8.5, Room Ambient Temperature, of ASHRAE 103-2007
(incorporated by reference, see Sec. 430.3) and the voltage
provision of section 8.2.1.4, Electrical Supply, of ASHRAE 103-2007
shall apply in lieu of the corresponding provisions of IEC 62301 at
section 4.2, Test room, and the voltage specification of section
4.3, Power supply. Frequency shall be 60Hz. Measure the wattage so
that all possible standby mode wattage for the entire appliance is
recorded, not just the standby mode wattage of a single auxiliary.
Round the recorded standby power (PW,SB) to the second
decimal place, except for loads greater than or equal to 10W, which
must be recorded to at least three significant figures.
8.12.2 Off mode power measurement. If the unit is equipped with
an off switch or there is an expected difference between off mode
power and standby mode power, measure off mode power
(PW,OFF) in accordance with the standby power
procedures in IEC 62301 (incorporated by reference, see Sec.
430.3), except that section 8.5, Room Ambient Temperature, of ASHRAE
103-2007 (incorporated by reference, see Sec. 430.3) and the
voltage provision of section 8.2.1.4, Electrical Supply, of ASHRAE
103-2007 shall apply in lieu of the corresponding provisions of IEC
62301 at section 4.2, Test room, and the voltage specification of
section 4.3, Power supply. Frequency shall be 60Hz. Measure the
wattage so that all possible off mode wattage for the entire
appliance is recorded, not just the off mode wattage of a single
auxiliary. If there is no expected difference in off mode power and
standby mode power, let PW,OFF = PW,SB, in
which case no separate measurement of off mode power is necessary.
Round the recorded off mode power (PW,OFF) to the second
decimal place, except for loads greater than or equal to 10W, which
must be recorded to at least three significant figures.
9.0 Nomenclature. Nomenclature shall include the nomenclature
specified in section 10 of ASHRAE Standard 103-2007 (incorporated by
reference, see Sec. 430.3) and the following additional variables:
Effmotor= Efficiency of power burner motor
PEIG = Electrical power to the interrupted ignition
device, kW
RT,a = RT,F if flue gas is measured
= RT,S if stack gas is measured
RT,F = Ratio of combustion air mass flow rate to
stoichiometric air mass flow rate
[[Page 12909]]
RT,S = Ratio of the sum of combustion air and relief air
mass flow rate to stoichiometric air mass flow rate
tIG = Electrical interrupted ignition device on-time,
min.
Ta,SS,X = TF,SS,X if flue gas temperature is
measured, [deg]F
= TS,SS,X if stack gas temperature is measured,
[deg]F
yIG = Ratio of electrical interrupted ignition device on-
time to average burner on-time
yP = Ratio of power burner combustion blower on-time to
average burner on-time
BES = Secondary boiler pump electrical energy input rate
at full-load steady-state operation, if present
EO = Gas valve and controls combined electrical energy
input rate at full-load steady-state operation, if present
ESO = Average annual electric standby mode and off mode
energy consumption, in kilowatt-hours
PW,OFF = Furnace or boiler off mode power, in watts
PW,SB = Furnace or boiler standby mode power, in watts
10.0 Calculation of derived results from test measurements.
Calculations shall be as specified in section 11 of ASHRAE 103-2007
(incorporated by reference, see Sec. 430.3), except for sections
11.5.11.1, 11.5.11.2, and appendices B and C; and as specified in
sections 10.1 through 10.12 and Figure 1 of this appendix.
10.1 Heating Seasonal Efficiency and AFUE for Electric Furnaces
and Boilers. The heating seasonal efficiency for various types of
electric furnaces and boilers, EffyHS-E, is determined as
follows:
EffyHS-E = 100 (for indoor units)
EffyHS-E = 100-3.3LJ (for electric forced-air
central furnaces intended for outdoor installation)
EffyHS-E = 100-1.7LJ (for electric forced-air
central furnaces intended for installation in a location identical
to isolated combustion system installation)
EffyHS-E = 100-4.7LJ (for electric boilers
intended for outdoor installation)
EffyHS-E = 100-2.4LJ (for electric boilers
intended for installation in a location identical to isolated
combustion system installation)
Where
LJ = jacket loss as determined in section 8.6 of ASHRAE
103-2007, %
AFUE = EffyHS-E
10.2 Annual fuel utilization efficiency. The annual fuel
utilization efficiency (AFUE) is as defined in sections 11.2.12
(non-condensing systems), 11.3.12 (condensing systems), 11.4.12
(non-condensing modulating systems) and 11.5.12 (condensing
modulating systems) of ASHRAE 103-2007, except for the definition
for the term EffyHS in the defining equation for AFUE.
EffyHS is defined as:
EffyHS = heating seasonal efficiency as defined in
sections 11.2.11 (non-condensing systems), 11.3.11 (condensing
systems), 11.4.11 (non-condensing modulating systems) and 11.5.11
(condensing modulating systems) of ASHRAE 103-2007, except that for
condensing modulating systems sections 11.5.11.1 and 11.5.11.2 are
replaced by sections 10.3 and 10.4 of this appendix.
EffyHS is based on the assumptions that all weatherized
warm air furnaces or boilers are located outdoors, that non-
weatherized warm air furnaces are installed as isolated combustion
systems, and that non-weatherized boilers are installed indoors.
10.3 Part-Load Efficiency at Reduced Fuel Input Rate. If the
option in section 9.10 of ASHRAE 103-2007 is not employed, calculate
the part-load efficiency at the reduced fuel input rate,
EffyU,R, for condensing furnaces and boilers equipped
with either step-modulating or two-stage controls, expressed as a
percent and defined as:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP11MR15.008
If the option in section 9.10 of ASHRAE 103-2007 is employed,
calculate EffyU,R as follows:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP11MR15.009
Where:
LL,A = value as defined in section 11.2.7 of ASHRAE 103-
2007,
LG = value as defined in section 11.3.11.1 of ASHRAE 103-
2007, at reduced input rate,
LC = value as defined in section 11.3.11.2 of ASHRAE 103-
2007 at reduced input rate,
LJ = value as defined in section 11.4.8.1.1 of ASHRAE
103-2007 at maximum input rate,
tON = value as defined in section 11.4.9.11 of ASHRAE
103-2007,
QP = pilot fuel input rate determined in accordance with
section 9.2 of ASHRAE 103-2007 in Btu/h,
QIN = value as defined in section 11.4.8.1.1 of ASHRAE
103-2007,
tOFF = value as defined in section 11.4.9.12 of ASHRAE
103-2007 at reduced input rate,
LS,ON = value as defined in section 11.4.10.5 of ASHRAE
103-2007 at reduced input rate,
LS,OFF = value as defined in section 11.4.10.6 of ASHRAE
103-2007 at reduced input rate,
LI,ON = value as defined in section 11.4.10.7 of ASHRAE
103-2007 at reduced input rate,
LI,OFF = value as defined in section 11.4.10.8 of ASHRAE
103-2007 at reduced input rate,
CJ = jacket loss factor and equal to:
= 0.0 for furnaces or boilers intended to be installed indoors
= 1.7 for furnaces intended to be installed as isolated
combustion systems
= 2.4 for boilers (other than finned-tube boilers) intended to
be installed as isolated combustion systems
= 3.3 for furnaces intended to be installed outdoors
= 4.7 for boilers (other than finned-tube boilers) intended to
be installed outdoors
= 1.0 for finned-tube boilers intended to be installed outdoors
= 0.5 for finned-tube boilers intended to be installed in
isolated combustion system applications
[[Page 12910]]
LS,SS = value as defined in section 11.5.6 of ASHRAE 103-
2007 at reduced input rate,
CS = value as defined in section 11.5.10.1 of ASHRAE 103-
2007 at reduced input rate.
10.4 Part-Load Efficiency at Maximum Fuel Input Rate. If the
option in section 9.10 of ASHRAE 103-2007 is not employed, calculate
the part-load efficiency at maximum fuel input rate,
EffyU,H, for condensing furnaces and boilers equipped
with two-stage controls, expressed as a percent and defined as:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP11MR15.010
If the option in section 9.10 of ASHRAE 103-2007 is employed,
calculate EffyU,H as follows:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP11MR15.011
Where:
LL,A = value as defined in section 11.2.7 of ASHRAE 103-
2007,
LG = value as defined in section 11.3.11.1 of ASHRAE 103-
2007 at maximum input rate,
LC = value as defined in section 11.3.11.2 of ASHRAE 103-
2007 at maximum input rate,
LJ = value as defined in section 11.4.8.1.1 of ASHRAE
103-2007 at maximum input rate,
tON = value as defined in section 11.4.9.11 of ASHRAE
103-2007,
QP = pilot fuel input rate determined in accordance with
section 9.2 of ASHRAE 103-2007 in Btu/h,
QIN = value as defined in section 11.4.8.1.1 of ASHRAE
103-2007,
tOFF = value as defined in section 11.4.9.12 of ASHRAE
103-2007 at maximum input rate,
LS,ON = value as defined in section 11.4.10.5 of ASHRAE
103-2007 at maximum input rate,
LS,OFF = value as defined in section 11.4.10.6 of ASHRAE
103-2007 at maximum input rate,
LI,ON = value as defined in section 11.4.10.7 of ASHRAE
103-2007 at maximum input rate,
LI,OFF = value as defined in section 11.4.10.8 of ASHRAE
103-2007 at maximum input rate,
CJ = value as defined in section 10.3 of this appendix,
LS,SS = value as defined in section 11.5.6 of ASHRAE 103-
2007 at maximum input rate,
CS = value as defined in section 11.5.10.1 of ASHRAE 103-
2007 at maximum input rate.
10.5 National average burner operating hours, average annual
fuel energy consumption, and average annual auxiliary electrical
energy consumption for gas or oil furnaces and boilers.
10.5.1 National average number of burner operating hours. For
furnaces and boilers equipped with single-stage controls, the
national average number of burner operating hours is defined as:
BOHSS = 2,080 (0.77) (A) (QOUT/(1 + [alpha]))
-2,080 (B)
Where:
2,080 = national average heating load hours
0.77 = adjustment factor to adjust the calculated design heating
requirement and heating load hours to the actual heating load
experienced by the heating system
A = 100,000/[341,300(yP PE + yIG
PEIG + y BE) + (QIN -
QP)EffyHS], for forced draft unit, indoors
= 100,000/[341,300(yP PE Effmotor +
yIG PEIG + y BE) + (QIN -
QP) EffyHS], for forced draft unit, ICS,
= 100,000/[341,300(yP PE(1-Effmotor) +
yIG PEIG + y BE) + (QIN -
QP) EffyHS], for induced draft unit, indoors,
and
= 100,000/[341,300(yIG PEIG + y BE) +
(QIN -QP) EffyHS], for induced
draft unit, ICS
B = 2 QP (EffyHS)(A)/100,000
Where:
Effmotor = Power burner motor efficiency provided by
manufacturer,
= 0.50, an assumed default power burner efficiency if not
provided by manufacturer.
100,000 = factor that accounts for percent and kBtu
PE = burner electrical power input at full-load steady-state
operation, including electrical ignition device if energized, as
defined in section 9.1.2.2 of ASHRAE 103-2007.
yP = ratio of induced or forced draft blower on-time to
average burner on-time, as follows:
1 for units without post-purge;
1 + (tP/tON) for single-stage furnaces or
boilers with post-purge;
PEIG = electrical input rate to the interrupted ignition
device on burner (if employed), as defined in section 8.5 of this
appendix
yIG = ratio of burner interrupted ignition device on-time
to average burner on-time, as follows:
0 for burners not equipped with interrupted ignition device;
(tIG/tON) for single-stage furnaces or
boilers.
tIG = on-time of the burner interrupted ignition device,
as defined in section 8.5 of this appendix
tP = post-purge time as defined in section 8.6 or 8.7
(furnace) or section 8.8 (boiler) of this appendix
= 0 if tP is equal to or less than 30 second.
y = ratio of blower or pump on-time to average burner on-time, as
follows:
1 for furnaces without fan delay or boilers without a pump
delay;
1+(t\+\ - t-)/tON for furnaces with fan
delay or boilers with pump delay;
BE = circulating air fan or water pump electrical energy input rate
at full-load steady-state operation, as defined in section 9.1.2.2
of ASHRAE 103-2007
QIN = as defined in section 11.2.8.1 of ASHRAE 103-2007
QP = as defined in section 11.2.11 of ASHRAE 103-2007
EffyHS = as defined in section 11.2.11 (non-condensing
systems) or section 11.3.11.3 (condensing systems) of ASHRAE
Standard 103-2007, percent, and calculated on the basis of:
isolated combustion system installation, for non-weatherized
warm air furnaces;
indoor installation, for non-weatherized boilers; or
[[Page 12911]]
outdoor installation, for furnaces and boilers that are
weatherized.
2 = ratio of the average length of the heating season in hours to
the average heating load hours
t\+\ = as defined in section 9.5.1.2 of ASHRAE 103-2007 or section
8.8 of this appendix
t- = as defined in section 9.6.1 of ASHRAE 103-2007
tON = average burner on-time per cycle as defined in
Table 7 of ASHRAE 103-2007
QOUT = as defined in section 11.2.8 of ASHRAE 103-2007
[alpha] = as defined in section 11.2.8.2 of ASHRAE 103-2007
10.5.1.1 For furnaces and boilers equipped with two-stage or
step-modulating controls, the national average number of burner
operating hours at the reduced operating mode is defined as:
BOHR = XR (2,080) (0.77) (AR)
(QOUT/(1+[alpha])) -2,080 (BR)
Where:
AR = 100,000/[341,300(yP,R
PER+yIG,R PEIG,R
+yRBER)+(QIN,R -
QP)EffyU,R], for forced draft unit, indoors
= 100,000/[341,300(yP,R PER
Effmotor + yIG,R PEIG,R
+yRBER)+(QIN,R - QP)
EffyU,R], for forced draft unit, isolated combustion
system,
= 100,000/[341,300(yP,R PER (1-
Effmotor)+ yIG,R PEIG,R
+yRBER)+(QIN,R - QP)
EffyU,R], for induced draft unit, indoors, and
= 100,000/[341,300(yIG,R PEIG,R
+yRBER)+(QIN,R - QP)
EffyU,R], for induced draft unit, isolated combustion
system
BR = 2 QP (EffyU,R)(AR)/
100,000
XR = as defined in section 11.4.8.6 of ASHRAE 103-2007
QIN,R = as defined in section 11.4.8.1.2 of ASHRAE 103-
2007
EffyU,R = average part load efficiency at the reduced
fuel input rate as defined in section 11.4.11.1 of ASHRAE 103-2007
PEIG,R = electrical input rate to the interrupted
ignition device on burner (if employed), as defined in section 8.5
of this appendix and measured at the reduced fuel input rate.
yIG,R = ratio of burner interrupted ignition device on-
time to average burner on-time, as follows:
0 for burners not equipped with an interrupted ignition device;
(tIG/tON,R) otherwise;
tIG = on-time of the burner interrupted ignition device,
as defined in section 8.5 of this appendix
PER = value as defined in section 9.1.2.2 of ASHRAE 103-
2007 and measured at the reduced fuel input rate.
yP,R = ratio of induced or forced draft blower on-time to
average burner on-time, as follows:
1 for units without post-purge;
1+(tP/tON,R) for furnaces or boilers with
post-purge;
tP,R = post-purge time measured at the reduced fuel input
rate as defined for tP in sections 8.6 or 8.7 (furnace)
or section 8.8 (boiler) of this appendix.
= 0 if tP,R is equal to or less than 30 second.
BER = value as defined in section 9.1.2.2 of ASHRAE 103-
2007 and measured at the reduced fuel input rate.
yR = ratio of blower or pump on-time to average burner
on-time, determined as follows:
1 for furnaces without fan delay or boilers without a pump
delay;
1+(tR\+\ -tR-)/tON,R
for furnaces with fan delay or oilers with pump delay.
tR\+\ = delay time between burner shutoff and the blower
or pump shutoff measured at the reduced fuel input rate as defined
for t\+\ in section 9.5.1.2 of ASHRAE 103-2007 (furnace) or section
8.8 of this appendix (boiler).
tR- = as defined in section 9.6.1 of ASHRAE
103-2007 and measured at the reduced fuel input rate.
tON,R = average burner on-time per cycle as defined in
Table 7 of ASHRAE 103-2007 and measured at the reduced fuel input
rate.
QOUT = as defined in section 11.2.8 of ASHRAE 103-2007
[alpha] = as defined in section 11.2.8.2 of ASHRAE 103-2007
10.5.1.2 For furnaces and boilers equipped with two-stage
controls, the national average number of burner operating hours at
the maximum operating mode is defined as:
BOHH = XH (2,080) (0.77) (AH)
(QOUT/(1+[alpha])) - 2,080 (BH)
Where:
AH = 100,000/[341,300(yP,H
PEH+yIG,H PEIG,H
+yHBEH)+(QIN -
QP)EffyU,H], for forced draft unit, indoors
= 100,000/[341,300(yP,H PEH
Effmotor + yIG,H PEIG,H
+yHBEH)+(QIN- QP)
EffyU,H], for forced draft unit, isolated combustion
system,
= 100,000/[341,300(yP,H PEH (1-
Effmotor)+ yIG,H PEIG,H
+yHBEH)+(QIN - QP)
EffyU,H], for induced draft unit, indoors, and
= 100,000/[341,300(yIG,H PEIG,H
+yHBEH)+(QIN-QP)
EffyU,H], for induced draft unit, isolated combustion
system
BR = 2 QP (EffyU,H)(AH)/
100,000
XH = as defined in section 11.4.8.5 of ASHRAE 103-2007
QIN = as defined in section 11.4.8.1.1 of ASHRAE 103-2007
EffyU,H = average part load efficiency at the maximum
fuel input rate as defined in section 11.4.11.2 of ASHRAE 103-2007
PEIG,H = value as defined in section 8.5 of this appendix
and measured at the maximum fuel input rate
yIG,H = ratio of burner interrupted ignition device on-
time to average burner on-time, as follows:
0 for burners not equipped with interrupted ignition device;
(tIG/tON,H) otherwise
tIG = on-time of the burner interrupted ignition device,
as defined in section 8.5 of this appendix
PEH = value as defined in section 9.1.2.2 of ASHRAE 103-
2007 and measured at the maximum fuel input rate
yP,H = ratio of induced or forced draft blower on-time to
average burner on-time, as follows:
1 for units without post-purge;
1+(tP/tON,H) for furnaces or boilers with
post-purge;
tP,H = post-purge time measured at the maximum fuel input
rate as defined for tP in sections 8.6 or 8.7 (furnace)
or section 8.8 (boiler) of this appendix
= 0 if tP,H is equal to or less than 30 second
BEH = value as defined in section 9.1.2.2 of ASHRAE 103-
2007 and measured at the maximum fuel input rate
yH = ratio of blower or pump on-time to average burner
on-time, as follows:
1 for furnaces without fan delay or boilers without a pump
delay;
1+ (tH\+\-tH-)/tON,H
for furnaces with fan delay or boilers with pump delay
tH\+\ = delay time between burner shutoff and the blower
or pump shutoff measured at the maximum fuel input rate as defined
for t\+\ in section 9.5.1.2 of ASHRAE 103-2007 (furnace) or section
8.8 of this appendix (boiler)
tH- = as defined in section 9.6.1 of ASHRAE
103-2007 and measured at the maximum fuel input rate
tON,H = average burner on-time per cycle as defined in
Table 7 of ASHRAE Standard 103-2007 and measured at the maximum fuel
input rate
QOUT = as defined in section 11.2.8 of ASHRAE 103-2007
[alpha] = as defined in section 11.2.8.2 of ASHRAE 103-2007
10.5.1.3 For furnaces and boilers equipped with step-modulating
controls, the national average number of burner operating hours at
the modulating operating mode is defined as:
BOHM = XM (2,080) (0.77) (AM)
(QOUT/(1 + [alpha])) -2,080 (BM)
Where:
AM = 100,000/[341,300(yP,H PEH +
yIG,H PEIG,H + yHBEH) +
(QIN,M-QP)EffyU,M], for forced
draft unit, indoors
= 100,000/[341,300(yP,H PEH
Effmotor + yIG,H PEIG,H +
yHBEH) + (QIN,M-QP)
EffyU,M], for forced draft unit, isolated combustion
system,
= 100,000/[341,300(yP,H PEH (1-
Effmotor) + yIG,H PEIG,H +
yHBEH) + (QIN,M-QP)
EffyU,M], for induced draft unit, indoors, and
= 100,000/[341,300(yIG,H PEIG,H +
yHBEH) + (QIN,M-QP)
EffyU,M], for induced draft unit, isolated combustion
system
BR = 2 QP (EffyU,M)(AM)/
100,000
XH = as defined in section 11.4.8.5 of ASHRAE 103-2007
QIN,M = (100)(QOUT,M/EffySS,M)
QOUT,M = as defined in section 11.4.8.10 of ASHRAE 103-
2007
EffyU,M = average part-load efficiency at the modulating
fuel input rate as defined in section 11.4.8.7 of ASHRAE 103-2007
PEIG,H = value as defined in section 8.5 of this appendix
and measured at the modulating fuel input rate
yIG,H = ratio of burner interrupted ignition device on-
time to average burner on-time, as follows:
0 for burners not equipped with an interrupted ignition device;
(tIG/tON,H) otherwise
tIG = on-time of the burner interrupted ignition device,
as defined in section 8.5 of this appendix
[[Page 12912]]
PEH = value as defined in section 9.1.2.2 of ASHRAE 103-
2007 and measured at the maximum fuel input rate
yP,H = ratio of induced or forced draft blower on-time to
average burner on-time, as follows:
1 for units without post-purge;
1 + (tP/tON,H) for furnaces or boilers
with post-purge;
tP,H = post-purge time measured at the maximum fuel input
rate as defined for tP in sections 8.6 or 8.7 (furnace)
or section 8.8 (boiler) of this appendix
= 0 if tP,H is equal to or less than 30 second
BEH = value as defined in section 9.1.2.2 of ASHRAE 103-
2007 and measured at the maximum fuel input rate
yH = ratio of blower or pump on-time to average burner
on-time, as follows:
1 for furnaces without fan delay or boilers without a pump
delay;
1 + (tH\+\-tH-)/
tON,H for furnaces with fan delay or boilers with pump
delay
tH\+\ = as defined in section 9.5.1.2 of ASHRAE 103-2007
or section 8.8 of this appendix and measured at the maximum fuel
input rate
tH- = as defined in section 9.6.1 of ASHRAE
103-2007 and measured at the maximum fuel input rate
tON,H = average burner on-time per cycle as defined in
Table 7 of ASHRAE 103-2007 and measured at the maximum fuel input
rate
QOUT = as defined in section 11.2.8 of ASHRAE 103-2007
[alpha] = as defined in section 11.2.8.2 of ASHRAE 103-2007
10.5.2 Average annual fuel energy consumption for gas or oil
fueled furnaces or boilers. For furnaces or boilers equipped with
single-stage controls, the average annual fuel energy consumption
(EF) is expressed in Btu per year and defined as:
EF = BOHSS (QIN -QP) +
8,760 QP
Where:
BOHSS = as defined in section 10.5.1 of this appendix
QIN = as defined in section 11.2.8.1 of ASHRAE 103-2007
QP = as defined in section 11.2.11 of ASHRAE 103-2007
8,760 = total number of hours per year
10.5.2.1 For furnaces or boilers equipped with two-stage
controls, EF is defined as:
EF = BOHH (QIN) + BOHR
(QIN,R) + (8,760-BOHH-BOHR)
QP
Where:
BOHR = as defined in section 10.5.1.1 of this appendix
BOHH = as defined in section 10.5.1.2 of this appendix
QIN,R = as defined in section 11.4.8.1.2 of ASHRAE 103-
2007
QIN = as defined in section 11.4.8.1.1 of ASHRAE 103-2007
8,760 = as specified in section 10.5.2 of this appendix
QP = as defined in section 11.2.11 of ASHRAE 103-2007
10.5.2.2 For furnaces or boilers equipped with step-modulating
controls, EF is defined as:
EF = BOHM (QIN,M) + BOHR
(QIN,R) + (8,760- BOHH - BOHR)
QP
Where:
BOHR = as defined in section 10.5.1.1 of this appendix
BOHM = as defined in section 10.5.1.3 of this appendix
QIN,R = as defined in section 11.4.8.1.2 of ASHRAE 103-
2007
QIN,M = as defined in section 10.5.1.3 of this appendix
8,760 = as specified in section 10.5.2 of this appendix
QP =as defined in section 11.2.11 of ASHRAE 103-2007
10.5.3 Average annual auxiliary electrical energy consumption
for gas or oil-fueled furnaces or boilers. For furnaces and boilers
equipped with single-stage controls, the average annual auxiliary
electrical consumption (EAE) is expressed in kilowatt-
hours and defined as:
EAE = BOHSS (yP PE + yIG
PEIG + yBE + ySBES +
yOEO) + ESO
Where:
BOHSS = as defined in section 10.5.1 of this appendix
yP = as defined in section 10.5.1 of this appendix
PE = as defined in section 10.5.1 of this appendix
yIG = as defined in section 10.5.1 of this appendix
PEIG = as defined in section 10.5.1 of this appendix
y = as defined in section 10.5.1 of this appendix
BE = as defined in section 10.5.1 of this appendix
yS = ratio of secondary boiler pump on-time to average
burner on-time, as follows:
0 for furnaces;
1 for boilers;
BES = secondary boiler pump electrical energy input rate
at full-load steady-state operation, if present
yO = ratio of gas valve and controls combined on-time to
average burner on-time, as follows:
1 for furnaces or boilers;
EO = gas valve and controls combined electrical energy
input rate at full-load steady-state operation, if present
ESO = as defined in section 10.12 of this appendix
10.5.3.1 For furnaces or boilers equipped with two-stage
controls, EAE is defined as:
EAE = BOHR (yP,R PER +
yIG,R PEIG,R + yRBER +
yS,R BES,R + yO,R BEO,R)
+ BOHH (yP,H PEH + yIG,H
PEIG,H + yH BEH + yS,H
BES,H + yO,H BEO,H) +
ESO
Where:
BOHR = as defined in section 10.5.1.1 of this appendix
yP,R = as defined in section 10.5.1.1 of this appendix
PER = as defined in section 10.5.1.1 of this appendix
yIG,R = as defined in section 10.5.1.1 of this appendix
PEIG,R = as defined in section 10.5.1.1 of this appendix
yR = as defined in section 10.5.1.1 of this appendix
BER = as defined in section 10.5.1.1 of this appendix
yS,R = ratio of secondary boiler pump on-time to average
burner on-time, as follows:
0 for furnaces;
1 for boilers;
BES,R = secondary boiler pump electrical energy input
rate at reduced load steady-state operation, if present
yO,R = ratio of gas valve and controls combined on-time
to average burner on-time, as follows:
1 for furnaces or boilers;
EO,R = gas valve and controls combined electrical energy
input rate at reduced load steady-state operation, if present
BOHH = as defined in section 10.5.1.2 of this appendix
yP,H = as defined in section 10.5.1.2 of this appendix
PEH = as defined in section 10.5.1.2 of this appendix
yIG,H = as defined in section 10.5.1.2 of this appendix
PEIG,H = as defined in section 10.5.1.2 of this appendix
yH = as defined in section 10.5.1.2 of this appendix
BEH = as defined in section 10.5.1.2 of this appendix
yS,H = ratio of secondary boiler pump on-time to average
burner on-time, as follows:
0 for furnaces;
1 for boilers;
BES,H = secondary boiler pump electrical energy input
rate at full-load steady-state operation, if present
EO,H = gas valve and controls combined electrical energy
input rate at full-load steady-state operation, if present
ESO = as defined in section 10.12 of this appendix
10.5.3.2 For furnaces or boilers equipped with step-modulating
controls, EAE is defined as:
EAE = BOHR (yP,R PER +
yIG,R PEIG,R + yRBER +
yS,R BES,R + yO,R BEO,R)
+ BOHM (yP,H PEH + yIG,H
PEIG,H + yH BEH + yS,H
BES,H + yO,H EO,H) + ESO
Where:
BOHR = as defined in section 10.5.1.1 of this appendix
yP,R = as defined in section 10.5.1.1 of this appendix
PER = as defined in section 10.5.1.1 of this appendix
yIG,R = as defined in section 10.5.1.1 of this appendix
PEIG,R = as defined in section 10.5.1.1 of this appendix
yR = as defined in section 10.5.1.1 of this appendix
BER = as defined in section 10.5.1.1 of this appendix
yS,R = as defined in section 10.5.3.1 of this appendix
BES,R = as defined in section 10.5.3.1 of this appendix
yO,R = as defined in section 10.5.3.1 of this appendix
EO,R = as defined in section 10.5.3.1 of this appendix
BOHM = as defined in section 10.5.1.3 of this appendix
yP,H = as defined in section 10.5.1.2 of this appendix
PEH = as defined in section 10.5.1.2 of this appendix
[[Page 12913]]
yIG,H = as defined in section 10.5.1.2 of this appendix
PEIG,H = as defined in section 10.5.1.2 of this appendix
yH = as defined in section 10.5.1.2 of this appendix
BEH = as defined in section 10.5.1.2 of this appendix
yS,H = as defined in section 10.5.3.1 of this appendix
BES,H = as defined in section 10.5.3.1 of this appendix
yO,H = as defined in section 10.5.3.1 of this appendix
EO,H = as defined in section 10.5.3.1 of this appendix
ESO = as defined in section 10.12 of this appendix
10.6 Average annual electric energy consumption for electric
furnaces or boilers.
EE = 100(2,080)(0.77)(QOUT/(1 + [alpha]))/
(3.412 AFUE) + ESO
Where:
100 = to express a percent as a decimal
2,080 = as specified in section 10.5.1 of this appendix
0.77 = as specified in section 10.5.1 of this appendix
QOUT = as defined in section 10.5.1 of this appendix
[alpha] = as defined in section 10.5.1 of this appendix
3.412 = conversion to express energy in terms of watt-hours instead
of Btu
AFUE = as defined in section 11.1 of ASHRAE 103-2007, in percent,
and calculated on the basis of: isolated combustion system
installation, for non-weatherized warm air furnaces; indoor
installation, for non-weatherized boilers; or outdoor installation,
for furnaces and boilers that are weatherized
ESO = as defined in section 10.12 of this appendix
10.7 Energy factor.
10.7.1 Energy factor for gas or oil furnaces and boilers.
Calculate the energy factor, EF, for gas or oil furnaces and boilers
defined as, in percent:
EF = (EF-4,600 (QP))(EffyHS)/
(EF-3,412 (EAE))
Where:
EF = average annual fuel consumption as defined in
section 10.5.2 of this appendix
EAE = as defined in section 10.5.3 of this appendix
EffyHS = Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency as defined in
sections 11.2.11, 11.3.11, 11.4.11 or 11.5.11 of ASHRAE 103-2007, in
percent, and calculated on the basis of: isolated combustion system
installation, for non-weatherized warm air furnaces;
indoor installation, for non-weatherized boilers; or outdoor
installation, for furnaces and boilers that are weatherized.
3,412 = conversion factor from kilowatt to Btu/h
10.7.2 Energy factor for electric furnaces and boilers. The
energy factor, EF, for electric furnaces and boilers is defined as:
EF = AFUE
Where:
AFUE = Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency as defined in section 10.6
of this appendix, in percent
10.8 Average annual energy consumption for furnaces and boilers
located in a different geographic region of the United States and in
buildings with different design heating requirements.
10.8.1 Average annual fuel energy consumption for gas or oil-
fueled furnaces and boilers located in a different geographic region
of the United States and in buildings with different design heating
requirements. For gas or oil-fueled furnaces and boilers, the
average annual fuel energy consumption for a specific geographic
region and a specific typical design heating requirement
(EFR) is expressed in Btu per year and defined as:
EFR = (EF-8,760 QP)(HLH/2,080) +
8,760 QP
Where:
EF = as defined in section 10.5.2 of this appendix
8,760 = as specified in section 10.5.2 of this appendix
QP = as defined in section 10.5.1 of this appendix
HLH = heating load hours for a specific geographic region determined
from the heating load hour map in Figure 1 of this appendix
2,080 = as defined in section 10.5.1 of this appendix
10.8.2 Average annual auxiliary electrical energy consumption
for gas or oil-fueled furnaces and boilers located in a different
geographic region of the United States and in buildings with
different design heating requirements. For gas or oil-fueled
furnaces and boilers, the average annual auxiliary electrical energy
consumption for a specific geographic region and a specific typical
design heating requirement (EAER) is expressed in
kilowatt-hours and defined as:
EAER = (EAE -ESO) (HLH/2080) +
ESOR
Where:
EAE = as defined in section 10.5.3 of this appendix
ESO = as defined in section 10.12 of this appendix
HLH = as defined in section 10.8.1 of this appendix
2,080 = as specified in section 10.5.1 of this appendix
ESOR = as specified in section 10.8.3 of this appendix
10.8.3 Average annual electric energy consumption for electric
furnaces and boilers located in a different geographic region of the
United States and in buildings with different design heating
requirements. For electric furnaces and boilers, the average annual
electric energy consumption for a specific geographic region and a
specific typical design heating requirement (EER) is
expressed in kilowatt-hours and defined as:
EER = 100(0.77)(QOUT/(1 + [alpha]))HLH/(3.412
AFUE) + ESOR
Where:
100 = as specified in section 10.6 of this appendix
0.77 = as specified in section 10.5.1 of this appendix
QOUT = as defined in section 10.5.1 of this appendix
[alpha] = as defined in section 10.5.1 of this appendix
HLH = as defined in section 10.8.1 of this appendix
3.412 = as specified in section 10.6 of this appendix
AFUE = as defined in section 10.6 of this appendix
ESOR = ESO as defined in section 10.12 of this
appendix, except that in the equation for ESO, the term
BOH is multiplied by the expression (HLH/2080) to get the
appropriate regional accounting of standby mode and off mode loss
10.9 Annual energy consumption for mobile home furnaces.
10.9.1 National average number of burner operating hours for
mobile home furnaces (BOHSS). BOHSS is the same as in
section 10.5.1 of this appendix, except that the value of
EffyHS in the calculation of the burner operating hours,
BOHSS, is calculated on the basis of a direct vent unit
with system number 9 or 10.
10.9.2 Average annual fuel energy for mobile home furnaces (EF).
EF is same as in section 10.5.2 of this appendix except
that the burner operating hours, BOHSS, is calculated as
specified in section 10.9.1 of this appendix.
10.9.3 Average annual auxiliary electrical energy consumption
for mobile home furnaces (EAE). EAE is the
same as in section 10.5.3 of this appendix, except that the burner
operating hours, BOHSS, is calculated as specified in
section 10.9.1 of this appendix.
10.10 Calculation of sales weighted average annual energy
consumption for mobile home furnaces. In order to reflect the
distribution of mobile homes to geographical regions with average
HLHMHF values different from 2,080, adjust the annual
fossil fuel and auxiliary electrical energy consumption values for
mobile home furnaces using the following adjustment calculations.
10.10.1 For mobile home furnaces, the sales weighted average
annual fossil fuel energy consumption is expressed in Btu per year
and defined as:
EF,MHF = (EF-8,760 QP)HLHMHF/
2,080+8,760 QP
Where:
EF = as defined in section 10.9.2 of this appendix
8,760 = as specified in section 10.5.2 of this appendix
QP = as defined in section 10.5.1 of this appendix
HLHMHF = 1880, sales weighted average heating load hours
for mobile home furnaces
2,080 = as specified in section 10.5.1 of this appendix
10.10.2 For mobile home furnaces, the sales-weighted-average
annual auxiliary electrical energy consumption is expressed in
kilowatt-hours and defined as:
EAE,MHF = EAE HLHMHF/2,080
Where:
EAE = as defined in section 10.9.3 of this appendix
[[Page 12914]]
HLHMHF = as defined in section 10.10.1 of this appendix
2,080 = as specified in section 10.5.1 of this appendix
10.11 Direct determination of off-cycle losses for furnaces and
boilers equipped with thermal stack dampers. [Reserved.]
10.12 Average annual electrical standby mode and off mode energy
consumption. Calculate the annual electrical standby mode and off
mode energy consumption (ESO) in kilowatt-hours, defined
as:
ESO = ((PW,SB * (4160-BOH)) +
(PW,OFF * 4600)) * K
Where:
PW,SB = furnace or boiler standby mode power, in watts,
as measured in section 8.12.1 of this appendix
4,160 = average heating season hours per year
PW,OFF = furnace or boiler off mode power, in watts, as
measured in section 8.12.2 of this appendix
4,600 = average non-heating season hours per year
K = 0.001 kWh/Wh, conversion factor for watt-hours to kilowatt-hours
BOH = total burner operating hours as calculated in section 10.5 of
this appendix for gas or oil-fueled furnaces or boilers. Where for
gas or oil-fueled furnaces and boilers equipped with single-stage
controls, BOH = BOHSS; for gas or oil-fueled furnaces and
boilers equipped with two-stage controls, BOH = (BOHR +
BOHH); and for gas or oil-fueled furnaces and boilers
equipped with step-modulating controls, BOH = (BOHR +
BOHM). For electric furnaces and boilers, BOH =
100(2080)(0.77)(QOUT/(1+[alpha]))/(Ein
3.412(AFUE))
Where:
100 = to express a percent as a decimal
2,080 = as specified in section 10.5.1 of this appendix
0.77 = as specified in section 10.5.1 of this appendix
QOUT = as defined in section 10.5.1 of this appendix
[alpha] = as defined in section 10.5.1 of this appendix
3.412 = conversion to express energy in terms of kBtu instead of
kilowatt-hours
AFUE = as defined in section 11.1 of ASHRAE 103--2007 in percent
Ein = Steady-state electric rated power, in kilowatts,
from section 9.3 of ASHRAE 103-2007
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP11MR15.012
[FR Doc. 2015-03619 Filed 3-10-15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6450-01-P