[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 174 (Tuesday, September 9, 1997)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 47536-47541]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-22379]
[[Page 47535]]
_______________________________________________________________________
Part II
Department of Energy
_______________________________________________________________________
Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
_______________________________________________________________________
10 CFR Part 430
Energy Conservation Program for Consumer Products: Test Procedures for
Externally Vented Refrigerators and Refrigerator-Freezers; Final Rule
Federal Register / Vol. 62, No. 174 / Tuesday, September 9, 1997 /
Rules and Regulations
[[Page 47536]]
DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
10 CFR Part 430
RIN 1904-AA93
Energy Conservation Program for Consumer Products: Test
Procedures for Externally Vented Refrigerators and Refrigerator-
Freezers
AGENCY: Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Department of
Energy.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: The Department of Energy (Department or DOE) today promulgates
test procedures for measuring the energy consumption of an externally
vented refrigerator and externally vented refrigerator-freezer, a
technological innovation which is not covered by the existing test
procedures. Today's final rule does not change the test procedures
applicable to refrigerator and refrigerator-freezer designs without
external venting.
EFFECTIVE DATE: October 9, 1997.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Michael G. Raymond, U.S. Department of Energy, Energy Efficiency and
Renewable Energy, Mail Station EE-43, Forrestal Building, 1000
Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C., 20585-0121, (202) 586-9611
Eugene Margolis, Esq., U.S. Department of Energy, Office of General
Counsel, Mail Station GC-72, Forrestal Building, 1000 Independence
Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20585-0103, (202) 586-9507
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Introduction
A. Authority
Part B of Title III of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act of
1975, Public Law 94-163, as amended, established the Energy
Conservation Program for Consumer Products other than Automobiles
(Program).1 The products currently subject to this Program
(referred to hereafter as ``covered products'') include electric
refrigerators and electric refrigerator-freezers.
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\1\ Part B of Title III of Energy Policy and Conservation Act,
as amended, is referred to in this final rule as ``EPCA'' or the
``Act'' Part B of Title III is codified at 42 U.S.C. 6291-6309.
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Under the Act, the Program consists essentially of three parts:
testing, labeling, and the Federal energy conservation standards. This
final rule concerns the testing aspect of this program. EPCA, Sec. 323,
42 U.S.C. 6293. The purpose of the test procedures is to produce test
results that measure 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. The test procedures shall not be
unduly burdensome to conduct. 42 U.S.C. 6293(b)(3). One hundred and
eighty days after a test procedure for a product is adopted, no
manufacturer may make representations with respect to energy use,
efficiency or water use of such product, or the cost of energy consumed
by such product, except as reflected in tests conducted according to
the DOE procedure. 42 U.S.C. 6293(c)(2). The Department, with
assistance from the National Institute of Standards and Technology, may
amend or establish new test procedures, as appropriate, for any covered
product.
Test procedures promulgated by DOE appear at 10 CFR Part 430,
Subpart B. The ``Uniform Test Method for Measuring the Energy
Consumption of Electric Refrigerators and Electric Refrigerator-
Freezers'' appears at Appendix A1 to Subpart B.
Section 323(e) of the Act requires DOE to determine to what extent,
if any, a proposed test procedure would alter the measured energy
efficiency, measured energy use or measured water use of any covered
product as determined under the existing test procedure. If DOE
determines that an amended test procedure would alter the measured
efficiency or measured use of a covered product, DOE is required to
amend the applicable energy conservation standard accordingly. In
determining the amended energy conservation standard, DOE is required
to measure the energy efficiency or energy use of a representative
sample of covered products that minimally comply with the existing
standard. The average energy use of this representative sample,
determined under the amended test procedure, constitutes the amended
standard. EPCA, Sec. 323(e)(2), 42 U.S.C. 6293(e)(2).
B. Background
On March 14, 1995, Edward Schulak Equities, Inc. (``ESE'')
submitted a letter to the Department regarding the inapplicability of
existing test procedures in Appendix A1 to externally vented
refrigerators. ESE submitted a description of an externally vented
refrigerator from a recently granted patent. ESE claimed that allowing
cooler outside air to be passed over the condenser/compressor of a
refrigerator would reduce energy consumption of the refrigerator. ESE
explained that the existing test procedures address only a closed
system without the possibility of transfer of exterior air cooler than
the ambient room temperature.
While ESE's letter was submitted as a petition for waiver, the
Department concluded that its waiver process was not appropriate
because waivers apply to ``basic models,'' and no models are currently
being manufactured incorporating this invention, nor is the invention
being produced for retrofitting. Therefore, the Department published
ESE's letter and issued a Notice of Inquiry inviting public comment on
several issues relating to externally vented refrigerators. 60 FR
37603, 37604 (July 21, 1995). No public comments were received in
response to this Notice of Inquiry.
On November 13, 1995, acting upon the Department's suggestion, ESE
submitted a draft of proposed amendments to the test procedures for
refrigerators and refrigerator-freezers. The Department referred this
submittal to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).
NIST, the Department and ESE representatives extensively discussed the
requirements for test procedures for externally vented refrigerators
and refrigerator-freezers.
On April 8, 1997, DOE published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
(NOPR), to amend the test procedures for refrigerators and
refrigerator-freezers. 62 FR 16739. DOE proposed to add test procedure
amendments specific to externally vented refrigerators and externally
vented refrigerator-freezers. The current test procedures for
refrigerators and refrigerator-freezers, found at 10 CFR Part 430,
Appendix A1 of Subpart B, do not address testing of externally vented
refrigerators and refrigerator-freezers. The existing test procedures
apply to a refrigerator system to which cool outside air cannot be
introduced for purposes of heat transfer. Externally vented
refrigerators would be designed to permit outside air to be introduced
across the refrigerator's condenser and compressor and, in some cases,
throughout the walls of the refrigerator. The introduction of outside
air at temperatures lower than the ambient room air temperature permits
more efficient heat transfer, potentially resulting in energy savings.
The Department has therefore revised the test procedures to include
provisions tailored to measuring the energy consumption of externally
vented refrigerators and refrigerator-freezers. These provisions add
to, rather
[[Page 47537]]
than replace, the existing test procedures, which remain fully
applicable to both externally vented vented refrigerators and
refrigerator-freezers and refrigerators and refrigerator-freezers that
are not externally vented. The amendments provide a method for
accurately measuring the energy consumption of an enclosed, externally
vented refrigerator or refrigerator-freezer unit and take account of
design features (e.g., enclosed condenser, outside air conduits,
dampers) peculiar to an externally vented refrigerator or refrigerator-
freezer that circulates outside air around its condenser. With these
amendments, the test procedures provide a basis for making comparable
measurements of energy consumption for both externally vented vented
refrigerators and refrigerator-freezers and refrigerators and
refrigerator-freezers that are not externally vented. More information
about these test procedure amendments may be found in the NOPR. 62 FR
16739 (April 8, 1997).
Today's rule amends the test procedures for electric refrigerators
and electric refrigerator-freezers appearing in 10 CFR Part 430,
Subpart B, Appendix A1 by: (1) adding a definition of externally vented
refrigerators and refrigerator-freezers to which the revisions are
applicable, (2) prescribing test conditions for externally vented
refrigerators and refrigerator-freezers, (3) specifying energy
consumption measurement tests for externally vented refrigerators and
refrigerator-freezers, and (4) including calculation methods for
deriving results from test measurements.
These test procedure amendments apply only to this product design
and do not apply to existing product designs of refrigerators and
refrigerator-freezers without this feature. Existing test procedures
for non-externally vented refrigerators and refrigerator-freezers
remain unchanged. The energy conservation standards for refrigerators
and refrigerator-freezers are unaffected by the adoption or use of the
new test procedures because the new test procedure amendments do not
apply to any refrigerator or refrigerator-freezer that is currently
manufactured.
II. Discussion
In response to the April 8, 1997, NOPR, the Department received one
comment, which was from Mark L. Perlis, counsel to ESE, urging the
adoption of the test procedures in the NOPR. The Department believes it
is appropriate to proceed to a final rule promulgating the test
procedures as proposed. The Department today amends the test procedures
applicable to electric refrigerators and electric refrigerator-freezers
(10 CFR Part 430, Subpart B, Appendix A1), as follows:
1. Definitions and applicability of amended test procedures. The
Department defines ``externally vented refrigerator or refrigerator-
freezer'' as a refrigerator or refrigerator-freezer with an enclosed
condenser or an enclosed condenser/compressor compartment, and a set of
air ducts for transferring exterior air from outside the building
envelope into, through, and out of the refrigerator or refrigerator-
freezer condenser or condenser/compressor compartment (section 1.12).
Energy consumption savings from an externally vented refrigerator or
refrigerator-freezer should be achievable for outside air temperatures
between 60 deg.F and 80 deg.F. Above 80 deg.F, outside air may be
warmer than ambient room air, making heat transfer in the wrong
direction for energy savings. Below 60 deg.F, outside air may too cool
for optimal operation of the unit. The amendments to the test
procedures are generally predicated upon a design that permits the
exclusion and/or mixing of outside air that is either above 80 deg.F
or below 60 deg.F. (In the case that the mixing control is not able to
maintain an inlet temperature of 60 deg.F, section 5.4.2.4 is invoked,
and energy performance with inlet temperatures of 50 deg.F and 30
deg.F are measured.) Accordingly, the amendments to the test procedures
will apply only under conditions where the externally vented
refrigerator or refrigerator-freezer design is capable of mixing the
exterior air drawn in from outside the building envelope with the
ambient room air. The modification includes thermostatically controlled
dampers or controls that: (1) enable the proper mixing of outside and
ambient room air when the outside air temperature is lower than 60
deg.F, and (2) exclude outside air warmer than 80 deg.F, or warmer
than room air temperature (section 1.12). Externally vented units could
have temperature controls that exclude outside air either at a pre-set
temperature no lower than 80 deg.F or when the outside air temperature
exceeds the ambient room air temperature (section 1.12). The test
procedures require that prior to conducting energy consumption tests,
the operability of thermostatic controls be verified (section 5.4.1).
All tests must generally be conducted with the thermostatic controls
operable. A special rule is provided for testing energy consumption
when mixing controls do not operate properly (section 5.4.2.4). The
energy consumption of any exterior air fan that draws air to the
refrigerator cabinet will be included in the total energy consumption
measurements specified in section 5.2.1.
2. Exterior air source. The Department recognizes that actual
testing should take place under conditions of variable exterior air
temperatures and, therefore, requires that prescribed test conditions
include the provision of an external air source that provides air at
adjustable temperature and pressure capabilities (section 2.6). The
test procedures prescribe the location of temperature sensors for
measuring the air temperature at the inlet to the condenser/compressor
compartment (section 2.6.2). Air temperature will also be measured at
the exterior air source. Temperature measurements are to be made at
prescribed intervals.
3. Air ducts. Externally vented refrigerators and refrigerator/
freezers depend upon air ducts to transfer exterior air to the
refrigerator cabinet. Rather than specifying the length, diameter,
shape and material of the duct, the Department specifies air pressure
requirements as a uniform test condition (section 2.6.3). Specifically,
the test procedures require exterior air pressure at the inlet to the
refrigerator unit be maintained at a negative pressure of 0.20''
0.05'' water column (62 Pa 12.5 Pa). The test
procedures also specify location distances for the pressure sensors,
relative to the exterior air source (i.e., the inlet to the building
envelope) and to the condenser inlet.
4. Applicability of general test method conditions. The amendments
to the test procedures are not intended to supplant existing test
methods applicable to all other refrigerators and refrigerator-
freezers. Accordingly, the amendments provide that, except as expressly
modified, the test conditions and specifications included in the
existing test procedures also apply to externally vented refrigerators
and refrigerator-freezers (section 5.4).
5. Energy consumption correction factor for test measurements. The
Department prescribes a series of formulas for determining energy
consumption from test measurements. First, the Department recognizes
that energy consumption of any refrigerator will be different with and
without door openings. Under the existing test procedure, refrigerators
are tested at 90 deg.F without door openings to simulate the energy
consumption they would have at normal room temperature with door
openings. Normal room temperature for the refrigerator test procedure
is considered to be 80 deg.F, the typical temperature of the ambient
air
[[Page 47538]]
surrounding the refrigerator's condenser. An externally vented
refrigerator will show an artificially low energy consumption compared
to an unvented refrigerator when tested at 90 deg.F room air
temperature, because 90 deg.F is warmer than normal room temperature.
The Department therefore requires calculation of a correction factor
for each basic model of externally vented refrigerator. The correction
factor is the ratio of the energy consumption of an externally vented
refrigerator (with external venting disabled) at 90 deg.F inlet air
temperature to the energy consumption of the unit at 80 deg.F inlet
air temperature (sections 5.4.2.1 and 6.3.1).
6. Energy consumption test measurements and calculations. Based on
analysis by NIST and its derivation of an algebraic equation for
determining energy consumption over a range of outside air
temperatures, the Department has determined that test measurements of
energy consumption need be taken at only two outside air temperatures,
90 deg.F and 60 deg.F (sections 5.4.2.2 and 5.4.2.3). If the outside
air temperature is not in this range, mixing controls and dampers will
keep the condenser inlet temperature within the range. Accordingly, the
Department prescribes an energy profile equation that will allow for
the interpolation of energy consumption at outside air temperatures
within this range (section 6.3.4). The parameters of the energy profile
equation are determined for each basic model of externally vented
refrigerator that is tested, based on the measured energy consumption
during testing at 90 deg.F and 60 deg.F.
Once the parameters of the energy profile equation are determined,
the test procedures provide a basis for calculating energy consumption
at various temperatures. Because temperatures vary across the country,
throughout a day, and throughout the year, the test procedures specify
an energy consumption formula that determines a unit's total energy
consumption based on weighted averaging of the unit's energy
consumption at different exterior air temperatures. The test procedures
provide weighting factors for a national average energy consumption
(section 6.3.6) and weighting factors for four different regions of the
country, which are identified on a map. This procedure was based on the
test procedure for heat pumps, for which energy savings are also a
function of climate. The regional map is the same as that used in the
heat pump test procedure, except Regions I and II from the heat pump
test procedure are combined and called Region I. Externally vented
refrigerators need only be tested at 90 deg.F and 60 deg.F, and from
such measurements, application of the correction factor, and
application of the energy profile equation, the unit's average per
cycle energy consumption can be determined for the nation as a whole
and for each of the four regions of the country.
7. Reporting requirements. Refrigerators and refrigerator-freezers
are required to report annual energy consumption. For externally vented
products, the annual energy consumption will depend on climate. The
annual energy consumption reported for externally vented products shall
be the national average annual energy use. Separate reporting of
regional energy use is not required.
III. Review Under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969
In this rule, the Department promulgates amendments to the test
procedures for refrigerators and refrigerator-freezers to include
externally vented refrigerators and refrigerator-freezers. The
Department has determined that this rule is covered under the
Categorical Exclusion found at paragraph A.5 of Appendix A to Subpart
D, 10 CFR Part 1021, which applies to the amendment of an existing rule
that does not change the environmental effect of the rule.
Implementation of this final rule will not affect the quality or
distribution of energy usage and therefore will not result in any
environmental impacts. Accordingly, neither an environmental assessment
nor an environmental impact statement is required.
IV. Regulatory Review
Today's final rule has been determined not to be a ``significant
regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866, ``Regulatory Planning
and Review,'' (58 FR 51735, October 4, 1993). Accordingly, today's
action was not subject to review under the Executive Order by the
Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs.
V. Regulatory Flexibility Review
This rule has been reviewed under the Regulatory Flexibility Act,
Pub. L. 96-354 (42 U.S.C. 601-612) which requires preparation of a
regulatory flexibility analysis for any regulation that will have a
significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities.
This rule would not have significant economic impact on manufacturers
of externally vented refrigerators and refrigerator-freezers (there are
presently no such manufacturers). This rule modifies the testing
methods to provide a testing procedure for a new design feature of
refrigerators and refrigerator-freezers. DOE accordingly certifies that
this final rule will not have a significant economic impact on a
substantial number of small entities and that preparation of a
regulatory flexibility analysis is not warranted.
VI. ``Takings'' Assessment Review
It has been determined pursuant to Executive Order 12630 (52 FR
8859, March 18, 1988) that this final rule will not result in any
takings which might require compensation under the Fifth Amendment to
the United States Constitution.
VII. Federalism Review
Executive Order 12612 (52 FR 41685, October 30, 1987) requires that
regulations or rules be reviewed for any substantial direct effects on
States, on the relationship between the Federal Government and the
States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among
various levels of Government. If there are sufficient substantial
direct effects, the Executive Order 12612 requires the preparation of a
Federalism assessment to be used in decisions by senior policy makers
in promulgating or implementing the regulation.
This final rule will not alter the distribution of authority and
responsibility to regulate in this area. This rule will only revise a
currently applicable DOE test procedure to accommodate a technological
development in the manufacture of refrigerators and refrigerator-
freezers. Accordingly, DOE has determined that preparation of a
federalism assessment is unnecessary.
VIII. Paperwork Reduction Act Review
This rule contains no new collections of information under the
Paperwork Reduction Act, 44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.
IX. Review Under Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995
Section 202 of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (``Unfunded
Mandates Act'') requires that the Department prepare a budgetary impact
statement before promulgating a rule that includes a Federal mandate
that may result in expenditure by state, local, and tribal governments,
in the aggregate, or by the private sector, of $100 million or more in
any one year. The budgetary impact statement must include: (1)
identification of the Federal law under which the rule is promulgated;
(2) a qualitative and quantitative assessment of anticipated costs and
benefits of the Federal
[[Page 47539]]
mandate and an analysis of the extent to which such costs to state,
local, and tribal governments may be paid with Federal financial
assistance; (3) if feasible, estimates of the future compliance costs
and of any disproportionate budgetary effects the mandate has on
particular regions, communities, non-Federal units of government, or
sectors of the economy; (4) if feasible, estimates of the effect on the
national economy; and (5) a description of the Department's prior
consultation with elected representatives of state, local, and tribal
governments and a summary and evaluation of the comments and concerns
presented.
The Department has determined that this action does not include a
Federal mandate that may result in estimated costs of $100 million or
more to state, local or to tribal governments in the aggregate or to
the private sector. Therefore, the requirements of Sections 203 and 204
of the Unfunded Mandates Act do not apply to this action.
X. Review Under Executive Order 12988, ``Civil Justice Reform''
With respect to the review of existing regulations and the
promulgation of new regulations, Section 3(a) of Executive Order 12988,
``Civil Justice Reform,'' 61 FR 4729 (February 7, 1996), imposes on
executive agencies the general duty to adhere to the following
requirements: (1) eliminate drafting errors and ambiguity; (2) write
regulations to minimize litigation; and (3) provide a clear legal
standard for affected conduct rather than a general standard and
promote simplification and burden reduction. With regard to the review
required by Section 3(a), Section 3(b) of the Executive Order
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) provide 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 the Executive Order requires Executive
agencies to review regulations in light of applicable standards Section
3(a) and Section 3(b) to determine whether they are met or it is
unreasonable to meet one or more of them. DOE reviewed today's
rulemaking under the standards of Section 3 of the Executive Order and
determined that, to the extent permitted by law, they meet the
requirements of those standards.
XI. Congressional Notification
Consistent with the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Act of
1996, DOE will submit to Congress a report regarding the issuance of
today's final rule prior to the effective date set forth at the outset
of this notice. The report will note the Office of Management and
Budget's determination that this rule does not constitute a ``major
rule'' under that Act. 5 U.S.C. 801, 804.
List of Subjects in 10 CFR Part 430
Administrative practice and procedure, Energy conservation,
Household appliances.
Issued in Washington, D.C., on August 1, 1997.
Joseph J. Romm,
Acting Assistant Secretary, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.
For the reasons set forth in the preamble, part 430 of chapter II
of title 10, Code of Federal Regulations is amended as follows:
PART 430--ENERGY CONSERVATION PROGRAM FOR CONSUMER PRODUCTS
1. The authority citation for part 430 continues to read as
follows:
Authority: 42 U.S.C. 6291-6309.
2. Section 430.23(a) is amended by adding the parenthetical phrase
``(6.3.6 for externally vented units)'' after ``determined according to
6.2'' in the following locations: paragraph (a)(1)(ii); paragraph
(a)(2)(ii); paragraph (a)(3)(ii); paragraph (a)(4)(i)(B); paragraph
(a)(4)(ii)(B); paragraph (a)(5).
3. Section 430.23(a) is further amended by adding paragraphs
(a)(7), (a)(8), and (a)(9) to read as follows:
Sec. 430.23 Test procedures for measures of energy consumption.
(a) * * *
(7) The estimated regional annual operating cost for externally
vented electric refrigerators and externally vented electric
refrigerator-freezers without an anti-sweat heater switch shall be the
product of the following three factors:
(i) The representative average-use cycle of 365 cycles per year,
(ii) The regional average per-cycle energy consumption for the
standard cycle in kilowatt-hours per cycle, determined according to
6.3.7 of appendix A1 of this subpart and
(iii) The representative average unit cost of electricity in
dollars per kilowatt-hour as provided by the Secretary, the resulting
product then being rounded off to the nearest dollar per year.
(8) The estimated regional annual operating cost for externally
vented electric refrigerators and externally vented electric
refrigerator-freezers with an anti-sweat heater switch shall be the
product of the following three factors:
(i) The representative average-use cycle of 365 cycles per year,
(ii) Half the sum of the average per-cycle energy consumption for
the standard cycle and the regional average per-cycle energy
consumption for a test cycle with the anti-sweat heater switch in the
position set at the factory just prior to shipping, each in kilowatt-
hours per cycle, determined according to 6.3.7 of appendix A1 of this
subpart, and
(iii) The representative average unit cost of electricity in
dollars per kilowatt-hour as provided by the Secretary, the resulting
product then being rounded off to the nearest dollar per year.
(9) The estimated regional annual operating cost for any other
specified cycle for externally vented electric refrigerators and
externally vented electric refrigerator-freezers shall be the product
of the following three factors:
(i) The representative average-use cycle of 365 cycles per year,
(ii) The regional average per-cycle energy consumption for the
specified cycle, in kilowatt-hours per cycle, determined according to
6.3.7 of appendix A1 of this subpart, and
(iii) The representative average unit cost of electricity in
dollars per kilowatt-hour as provided by the Secretary, the resulting
product then being rounded off to the nearest dollar per year.
* * * * *
4. Section 1 of Appendix A1 to subpart B is amended by adding the
following definition 1.12:
Appendix A1 to Subpart B of Part 430--Uniform Test Method for
Measuring the Energy Consumption of Electric Refrigerators and
Electric Refrigerator-Freezers
1. Definitions
* * * * *
1.12 ``Externally vented refrigerator or refrigerator-freezer''
means an electric refrigerator or electric refrigerator-freezer
that: has an enclosed condenser or an enclosed condenser/compressor
compartment and a set of air ducts for transferring the exterior air
from outside the building envelope into, through and out of the
refrigerator or refrigerator-freezer cabinet; is capable of mixing
exterior air with the room air before discharging into, through,
[[Page 47540]]
and out of the condenser or condenser/compressor compartment;
includes thermostatically controlled dampers or controls that enable
the mixing of the exterior and room air at low outdoor temperatures,
and the exclusion of exterior air when the outdoor air temperature
is above 80 deg.F or the room air temperature; and may have a
thermostatically actuated exterior air fan.
5. Section 2 of Appendix A1 is amended by adding the following new
sections 2.6 through 2.6.3:
2. Test Conditions
* * * * *
2.6 Exterior air for externally vented refrigerator or
refrigerator-freezer. An exterior air source shall be provided with
adjustable temperature and pressure capabilities. The exterior air
temperature shall be adjustable from 351 deg.F
(1.70.6 deg.C) to 901 deg.F
(32.20.6 deg.C).
2.6.1 Air duct. The exterior air shall pass from the exterior
air source to the test unit through an insulated air duct.
2.6.2 Air temperature measurement. The air temperature entering
the condenser or condenser/compressor compartment shall be
maintained to 3 deg.F (1.7 deg.C) during the
stabilization and test periods and shall be measured at the inlet
point of the condenser or condenser/compressor compartment
(``condenser inlet''). Temperature measurements shall be taken from
at least three temperature sensors or one sensor per 4 square inches
of the air duct cross sectional area, whichever is greater, and
shall be averaged. For a unit that has a condenser air fan, a
minimum of three temperature sensors at the condenser fan discharge
shall be required. Temperature sensors shall be arranged to be at
the centers of equally divided cross sectional areas. The exterior
air temperature, at its source, shall be measured and maintained to
1 deg.F (0.6 deg.C) during the test period. The
temperature measuring devices shall have an error not greater than
0.5 deg.F (0.3 deg.C). Measurements of the
air temperature during the test period shall be taken at regular
intervals not to exceed four minutes.
2.6.3 Exterior air static pressure. The exterior air static
pressure at the inlet point of the unit shall be adjusted to
maintain a negative pressure of 0.20''0.05'' water
column (62 Pa12.5 Pa) for all air flow rates supplied to
the unit. The pressure sensor shall be located on a straight duct
with a distance of at least 7.5 times the diameter of the duct
upstream and a distance of at least 3 times the diameter of the duct
downstream. There shall be four static pressure taps at 90 deg.
angles apart. The four pressures shall be averaged by
interconnecting the four pressure taps. The air pressure measuring
instrument shall have an error not greater than 0.01'' water column
(2.5 Pa).
6. Section 5 of Appendix A1 is amended by adding the following new
sections 5.4 through 5.4.2.4:
5. Test Measurements
* * * * *
5.4 Externally vented refrigerator or refrigerator-freezer
units. All test measurements for the externally vented refrigerator
or refrigerator-freezer shall be made in accordance with the
requirements of other sections of this appendix, except as modified
in this section 5.4 or other sections expressly applicable to
externally vented refrigerators or refrigerator-freezers.
5.4.1 Operability of thermostatic and mixing of air controls.
Prior to conducting energy consumption tests, the operability of
thermostatic controls that permit the mixing of exterior and ambient
air when exterior air temperatures are less than 60 deg.F must be
verified. The operability of such controls shall be verified by
operating the unit under ambient air temperature of 90 deg.F and
exterior air temperature of 45 deg.F. If the inlet air entering the
condenser or condenser/compressor compartment is maintained at 60
deg.F, plus or minus three degrees, energy consumption of the unit
shall be measured under 5.4.2.2 and 5.4.2.3. If the inlet air
entering the condenser or condenser/compressor compartment is not
maintained at 60 deg.F, plus or minus three degrees, energy
consumption of the unit shall also be measured under 5.4.2.4.
5.4.2 Energy consumption tests.
5.4.2.1 Correction factor test. To enable calculation of a
correction factor, K, two full cycle tests shall be conducted to
measure energy consumption of the unit with air mixing controls
disabled and the condenser inlet air temperatures set at 90 deg.F
(32.2 deg.C) and 80 deg.F (26.7 deg.C). Both tests shall be
conducted with all compartment temperature controls set at the
position midway between their warmest and coldest settings and the
anti-sweat heater switch off. Record the energy consumptions
ec90 and ec80, in kWh/day.
5.4.2.2 Energy consumption at 90 deg.F. The unit shall be
tested at 90 deg.F (32.2 deg.C) exterior air temperature to record
the energy consumptions (e90)i in kWh/day. For
a given setting of the anti-sweat heater, i corresponds to each of
the two states of the compartment temperature control positions.
5.4.2.3 Energy consumption at 60 deg.F. The unit shall be
tested at 60 deg.F (26.7 deg.C) exterior air temperature to record
the energy consumptions (e60)i in kWh/day. For
a given setting of the anti-sweat heater, i corresponds to each of
the two states of the compartment temperature control positions.
5.4.2.4 Energy consumption if mixing controls do not operate
properly. If the operability of temperature and mixing controls has
not been verified as required under 5.4.1, the unit shall be tested
at 50 deg.F (10.0 deg.C) and 30 deg.F (-1.1 deg.C) exterior air
temperatures to record the energy consumptions
(e50)i and (e30)i. For a
given setting of the anti-sweat heater, i corresponds to each of the
two states of the compartment temperature control positions.
7. Section 6 of Appendix A1 is amended by adding the following new
sections 6.3 through 6.3.7, table A and figure 1:
6. Calculation of Derived Results From Test Measurements
* * * * *
6.3 Externally vented refrigerator or refrigerator-freezers.
Per-cycle energy consumption measurements for the externally vented
refrigerator or refrigerator-freezer shall be calculated in
accordance with the requirements of this Appendix, as modified in
sections 6.3.1-6.3.7.
6.3.1 Correction factor. A correction factor, K, shall be
calculated as:
K = ec90/ec80
where ec90 and ec80 = the energy consumption
test results as determined under 5.4.2.1.
6.3.2 Combining test results of different settings of
compartment temperature controls. For a given setting of the anti-
sweat heater, follow the calculation procedures of 6.2 to combine
the test results for energy consumption of the unit at different
temperature control settings for each condenser inlet air
temperature tested under 5.4.2.2, 5.4.2.3, and 5.4.2.4, where
applicable, (e90)i,
(e60)i, (e50)i, and
(e30)i. The combined values are
90, 60,
50, and 30, where
applicable, in kWh/day.
6.3.3 Energy consumption corrections. For a given setting of
the anti-sweat heater, the energy consumptions
90, 60,
50, and 30 calculated in
6.3.2 shall be adjusted by multiplying the correction factor K to
obtain the corrected energy consumptions per day, in kWh/day:
E90 = K x 90,
E60 = K x 60
E50 = K x 50, and
E30 = K x 30
where,
K is determined under section 6.3.1, and 90,
60, 50, and
30 are determined under section 6.3.2.
6.3.4 Energy profile equation. For a given setting of the anti-
sweat heater, the energy consumption EX, in kWh/day, at a
specific exterior air temperature between 80 deg.F (26.7 deg.C)
and 60 deg.F (26.7 deg.C) shall be calculated by the following
equation:
EX = a + bTX,
where,
TX = exterior air temperature in deg.F;
a = 3E60-2E90, in kWh/day;
b = (E90-E60)/30, in kWh/day per deg.F.
6.3.5 Energy consumption at 80 deg.F (26.7 deg.C), 75 deg.F
(23.9 deg.C) and 65 deg.F (18.3 deg.C). For a given setting of
the anti-sweat heater, calculate the energy consumptions at 80
deg.F (26.7 deg.C), 75 deg.F (23.9 deg.C) and 65 deg.F (18.3
deg.C) exterior air temperatures, E80, E75 and
E65, respectively, in kWh/day, using the equation in
6.3.4.
6.3.6 National average per cycle energy consumption. For a
given setting of the anti-sweat heater, calculate the national
average energy consumption, EN, in kWh/day, using one of
the following equations:
EN = 0.523 x E60 + 0.165 x E65
+ 0.181 x E75 + 0.131 x E80, for units not
tested under 5.4.2.4,
EN = 0.257 x E30 + 0.266 x E50
+ 0.165 x E65 + 0.181 x E75 + 0.131 x
E80, for units tested under 5.4.2.4,
where,
E30, E50, and E60 are defined in
6.3.3,
E65, E75, and E80 are defined in
6.3.5, and
the coefficients are weather associated weighting factors.
[[Page 47541]]
6.3.7 Regional average per cycle energy consumption. If
regional average per cycle energy consumption is required to be
calculated, for a given setting of the anti-sweat heater, calculate
the regional average per cycle energy consumption, ER, in
kWh/day, for the regions in figure 1 using one of the following
equations and the coefficients in the table A:
ER = a1 x E60 + c x
E65 + d x E75 + e x E80, for a
unit that is not required to be tested under 5.4.2.4,
ER = a x E30 + b x E50 + c x
E65 + d x E75 + e x E80, for a
unit tested under 5.4.2.4,
where:
E30, E50, and E60 are defined in
6.3.3,
E65, E75, and E80 are defined in
6.3.5, and
a1, a, b, c, d, e are weather associated weighting
factors for the Regions, as specified in Table A:
Table A.--Coefficients for Calculating Regional Average per Cycle Energy Consumption
[Weighting Factors]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regions a1 a b c d e
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I......................................................... 0.282 0.039 0.244 0.194 0.326 0.198
II........................................................ 0.486 0.194 0.293 0.191 0.193 0.129
III....................................................... 0.584 0.302 0.282 0.178 0.159 0.079
IV........................................................ 0.664 0.420 0.244 0.161 0.121 0.055
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BILLING CODE 6450-01-P
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR09SE97.000
Sec. 430.62 [Amended]
8. Section 430.62(a)(2) is amended by inserting after ``(for
refrigerators, refrigerator-freezers, and freezers),'' in the first
sentence, the following: ``the national average annual energy use and
adjusted volume (for externally vented refrigerators and refrigerator-
freezers),''.
[FR Doc. 97-22379 Filed 9-08-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6450-01-C
