[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 98 (Monday, May 22, 1995)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 27051-27054]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-12492]
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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
10 CFR Part 430
Energy Efficiency Standards Test Procedures, Labeling, and
Certification Reporting for Certain Commercial and Industrial Electric
Motors
AGENCY: Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Department of
Energy.
ACTION: Notice of public meeting.
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SUMMARY: The Department of Energy (DOE) will hold an informal public
meeting to discuss issues and gather information related to energy
efficiency standards, test procedures, labeling, and compliance
certification for 1 through 200 horsepower electric motors that are
manufactured alone or as a component of another piece of equipment. All
persons are hereby given notice of the opportunity to attend this
public meeting and to submit written statements.
DATES: The public meeting will be held on Friday, June 2, 1995. Written
statements, in quadruplicate, must be received by June 30, 1995.
ADDRESSES: Written statements should be labeled ``Test Procedures and
Efficiency Certification for Electric Motors,'' and submitted to: Ms.
Sandy Cooper, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Mail
Station EE-431, U.S. Department of Energy, 1000 Independence Avenue
SW., Washington, DC 20585. Telephone: (202) 586-7574; Telefax: (202)
586-4617.
The meeting will begin at 9:30 a.m., and will be held at the U.S.
Department of Energy, Forrestal Building, Room 1E-245, 1000
Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Anthony Balducci, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy
Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Mail Station EE-431, Forrestal
Building, 1000 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20585, (202)
586-8459
James Raba, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and
Renewable Energy, Mail Station EE-431, Forrestal Building, 1000
Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20585, (202) 586-8654
Eugene Margolis, Esq., U.S. Department of Energy, Office of General
Counsel, Mail Station GC-72, Forrestal Building, 1000 Independence
Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20585, (202) 586-9507.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
1. Authority
Part 3 of Title IV of the National Energy Conservation Policy Act
of 1978 (NECPA), Pub. L. 95-619, amends the Energy Policy and
Conservation Act of 1975 (EPCA) to add ``Energy Efficiency of
Industrial Equipment,'' which includes electric motors. The most recent
amendment to EPCA, the Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPAct), Pub. L. 102-
486, promulgates definitions related to electric motors in section
122(a), 106 Stat. 2807, test procedures for motor efficiency in section
122(b), 106 Stat. 2809, labeling for electric motors in section 122(c),
106 Stat. 2809, standards for nominal full-load efficiency in section
122(d), 106 Stat. 2814, and certification of compliance by
manufacturers in section 122(e), 106 Stat. 2817.
Section 122(a)(3) of the EPAct (EPCA, section 340(13)(A), 42 U.S.C.
6311 (13)(A)), defines ``electric motor'' as any motor which is
``general purpose T-frame, single-speed, foot-mounting, polyphase
squirrel-cage induction of the National Electrical Manufacturers
Association (NEMA) Designs A and B, continuous-rated, operating on 230/
460 volts and constant 60 Hertz line power, as defined in NEMA
Standards Publication MG1-1987.'' Section 122(d) of the EPAct (EPCA,
section 342(b)(1), 42 U.S.C. section 6313(b)(1)), prescribes standards
for electric motors that are 1 through 200 horsepower, and
``manufactured (alone or as a component of another piece of
equipment),'' except for ``definite purpose motors, special purpose
motors, and those motors exempted by the Secretary.''
Section 122(b)(1) of the EPAct (EPCA, section 343(a)(5)(A), 42
U.S.C. 6314 (a)(5)(A)), requires that testing procedures for motor
efficiency shall be the test procedures specified in NEMA Standards
Publication MG1-1987, and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics
Engineers (IEEE) Standard 112 Test Method B for motor efficiency, as in
effect on October 24, 1992. Section 122(b)(1), EPCA section
343(a)(5)(B) and (C), provide for amendment of the testing procedures
if the test procedures in the NEMA and IEEE standards are revised.
Section 122(c)(4) of the EPAct (EPCA, section 344(d), 42 U.S.C.
6315(d)) directs the Secretary, after consultation with the Federal
Trade Commission, see EPCA section 344(f), 42 U.S.C. 6315(f), to
prescribe rules requiring motor [[Page 27052]] labeling to indicate
energy efficiency on the permanent nameplate, to display that motor
energy efficiency prominently in catalogs and other marketing
materials, and to include other markings to facilitate enforcement of
the energy efficiency standards.
Section 122(e)(2) of the EPAct (EPCA, section 345(c), 42 U.S.C.
6316(c)) requires manufacturers to certify compliance with energy
efficiency standards through an independent testing or certification
program nationally recognized in the United States.
2. Background
The Department of Energy is drafting a proposed rule to implement
the EPAct requirements for motors. However, the language of the EPAct
raises several issues regarding definitions, testing, labeling, and
certification.
The purpose of the public meeting is to discuss these issues,
gather information, and seek early resolution.
3. Discussion
The Department is interested in receiving information and
statements to help resolve the following issues:
a. Definitions.
(1) Metric equivalents. Section 122(d) of the EPAct (EPCA, section
342(b)(1), 42 U.S.C. 6313(b)(1)) lists standards for electric motor
nominal full-load efficiency ratings corresponding to horsepower and
number of poles. Additionally, section 205b. of the Metric Conversion
Act of 1975, Pub. L. 94-168, 15 U.S.C. 205b., states ``the declared
policy of the United States--(1) to designate the metric system of
measurement as the preferred system of weights and measures for United
States trade and commerce; (2) to require that each Federal agency, by
a date certain and to the extent economically feasible by the end of
the fiscal year 1992, use the metric system of measurement in its
procurements, grants, and other business-related activities, except to
the extent that such use is impractical or is likely to cause
significant inefficiencies or loss of markets to United States firms,
such as when foreign competitors are producing competing products in
non-metric units.'' This policy is promulgated in Executive Order 12770
of July 25, 1991, ``Metric Usage in Federal Government Programs.'' 56
FR 35801-03 (July 29, 1991). The Department seeks advice on how to
implement these statutes with respect to motors under the EPAct.
Specifically, should the energy efficiency rules identify kilowatt
ratings equivalent to corresponding horsepower ratings, and other
electrical and mechanical equivalents? If so how?
(2) Basic model. The Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), in 10 CFR
Part 430 Sec. 430.2, provides a definition for the term ``basic model''
in regard to the appliance program: ``Basic model means all units of a
given type of covered product (or class thereof) manufactured by one
manufacturer and--* * * (as to dishwashers, for example) which have
electrical characteristics that are essentially identical, and which do
not have any differing physical or functional characteristics that
affect energy consumption.'' Basic model is a term used to describe a
product or item of equipment whose performance, design, mechanical, and
functional characteristics are essentially the same. Components of
similar design may be substituted in a basic model without requiring
additional testing if the represented measures of energy consumption
continue to satisfy applicable provisions for sampling and testing. In
the case of electric motors, a manufacturer may produce one basic model
and thousands more of other model numbers that are essentially the
same, all based on variations in design features that do not affect
energy efficiency.
The Department is considering defining the term ``basic model'' in
its coverage of electric motors to mean all units of a given type of
covered equipment (or class thereof) manufactured by a single
manufacturer, and, with respect to electric motors, having the same
rating, electrical design characteristics that are essentially
identical, and no differing mechanical or functional characteristics
that affect energy consumption or efficiency. The Department solicits
the views of interested parties as to whether the Department should
adopt such a definition.
(3) Definite purpose motor. Under section 122(d) of the EPAct (EPCA
section 342(b)(1), 42 U.S.C. 6313(b)(1)), the energy efficiency
standards for electric motors do not apply to ``definite purpose
motors.'' Section 122(a)(3) of the EPAct (EPCA Sec. 340(13)(B), 42
U.S.C. Sec. 6311(13)(B)) defines a ``definite purpose motor'' as ``any
motor designed in standard ratings with standard operating
characteristics or standard mechanical construction for use under
service conditions other than usual, or for use on a particular type of
application which cannot be used in most general purpose
applications.'' However, the EPAct does not define the term ``service
conditions other than usual.'' Therefore, the Department is considering
developing a definition for this term that will take into consideration
adverse environmental and operating conditions, such as exposure to
abrasive or combustible dusts, chemical fumes, nuclear radiation, salt-
laden air, abnormal shock or vibration, unbalanced supply voltage,
power system not grounded, frequent starting, frequent short circuits,
and so forth. The Department seeks advice in developing a definition
for ``service conditions other than usual.''
b. Testing.
(1) Canadian Standards Association Standard C390. Section 122(b)(1)
of the EPAct (EPCA, section 343(a)(5)(A), 42 U.S.C. 6314(a)(5)(A))
states that ``the test procedures shall be the test procedures
specified in NEMA Standards Publication MG1-1987 and IEEE Standard 112
Test Method B for motor efficiency, as in effect on the date of the
enactment of the Energy Policy Act of 1992.'' Subsequently, the NEMA
Standards Publication MG1-1987 was revised and superseded by MG1-1993
on November 19, 1992, and published in October 1993 as MG1-1993. A
further amendment, Revision 1 to MG1-1993, was added on December 7,
1993.
The EPAct (42 U.S.C. 6314(a)(5)(B) and (C)) provides for amending
the established test procedures if the test procedures in NEMA
Standards Publication MG1-1987 and IEEE Standard 112 Test Method B are
amended. MG1-1993 with Revision 1, section MG1-12.58.1 states:
``Efficiency and losses shall be determined in accordance with IEEE Std
112 or Canadian Standards Association Standard C390.'' In considering
whether to amend the motor efficiency test procedures specified in NEMA
Standards Publication MG1-1987 in order to require the motor efficiency
test procedures specified in NEMA Standards Publication MG1-1993 with
Revision 1, the Department hereby solicits information on the affect of
the additional reference to Canadian Standards Association Standard
C390.
(2) Testing sampling plan. Section 122(d) of the EPAct (EPCA,
section 342(b), 42 U.S.C. 6313(b)) requires each electric motor to have
a certain ``nominal full load efficiency,'' which is defined in section
122(a)(3) of the EPAct (EPCA section 340(13)(H), 42 U.S.C. 6311(13)(H))
as the average efficiency of a population of motors of duplicate design
as determined in accordance with NEMA Standards Publication MG1-1987.
NEMA Standards Publications MG1-1987 and MG1-1993 with Revision 1 both
provide for the determination of nominal full load efficiencies that
are to represent the average efficiency of a large population
[[Page 27053]] of motors of duplicate design, and a corresponding
minimum efficiency that any motor must equal or exceed to be rated at
the corresponding nominal efficiency. The DOE contemplates establishing
a testing sampling plan to reasonably ensure that the results from
testing a few motors will establish the average efficiency of the large
population of motors of duplicate design. This could be done by
requiring the testing of a sufficient number of motors of a particular
model, selected at random, so that an estimate at the 95 percent
statistical confidence level can be made both that the motors of this
model offered for sale have both a mean efficiency equal to or greater
than the nominal efficiency given in NEMA Standards Publication MG1-
1993 Revision 1 for this rating, and also that at least 99 percent of
these motors of this same particular model have efficiencies equal to
or greater than the minimum efficiency associated with the nominal
efficiency given for this motor in the NEMA Standards Publication MG1-
1993 Revision 1. The Department seeks advice on what type of sampling
plan should be adopted.
(3) Alternative method of efficiency determination. In the case
where a manufacturer produces hundreds of different basic models of
electric motors, it may be neither technically feasible, nor
economically justifiable to test all basic models for compliance. For
such situations, the Department is considering the use of predictive
mathematical calculations and statistical methodologies developed from
scientific and engineering analyses that are substantiated by actual
test data in order to calculate the efficiency, i.e. total power
losses, for some basic models of electric motors. Such ``alternative
efficiency determination methods,'' engineering or statistical
analyses, would require support by actual testing of some minimum
number of basic models and would incorporate computer simulations,
modeling, or other mathematical evaluations of performance data. The
alternate efficiency determination method to verify compliance for
motors is similar to the method used in the appliance program, 10 CFR
part 430, Sec. 430.24(m)(2)(ii), that permits manufacturers of central
air conditioners to verify compliance by use of an ``alternative rating
method.''
The Department solicits views on both the feasibility of testing
all models of motors, as well as appropriate alternative methods for
determining efficiency in the event it is not feasible to test all
models.
c. Labeling. Section 122(c)(4) of the EPAct (EPCA, section 344(d),
42 U.S.C. 6315(d)) requires the following: (1) ``Not later than 12
months after the Secretary establishes test procedures for electric
motors * * * the Secretary shall prescribe labeling rules * * * taking
into consideration NEMA Standards Publication MG1-1987;'' and (2) such
labeling rules shall ``(1) indicate the energy efficiency of the motor
on the permanent nameplate attached to such motor; (2) prominently
display the energy efficiency of the motor in equipment catalogs and
other material used to market the equipment; and (3) include such other
markings as the Secretary determines necessary, solely to facilitate
enforcement of the standards.''
Based upon these EPAct requirements, the Department is considering
the required use of a distinct logo, such as lower case letters ``ee''
within a circle, to identify motors that are manufactured as energy-
efficient and in compliance with the EPAct. Such a logo would be
permanently marked on the motor nameplate to facilitate enforcement, be
prominently displayed on packaging, in shipping documents, in customs
and commercial documents, and other materials. The Department is also
considering a requirement of permanent markings on the motor nameplate
of both the nominal efficiency and the minimum efficiency associated
with that nominal efficiency, and of prominent displays of both the
nominal and minimum efficiency values in catalogs to assist purchasers
in making purchasing decisions.
In addition, section 122(c)(4) of the EPAct (EPCA, section 344(c),
42 U.S.C. 6315(c)) authorized additional required displays of
information about electric motor energy efficiency that are likely to
assist purchasers in making purchasing decisions, including
instructions for maintenance, use, or repair of the motor, and
information on energy use. Thus, the Department is also considering use
of a label(s) or marking(s) that bear(s) the following statement(s):
(1) ``This motor complies with energy efficiency requirements in the
Energy Policy Act of 1992 at the time of original manufacture,
[DATE].'' or ``Efficiency complies with EPACT at time of manufacture,
[DATE].''; (2) ``Consult the manufacturer for maintenance, use, or
repair.'' or ``Repair only in factory authorized shop.''; and (3)
``Estimated kilowatts used after 2000 hours continuous operation
according to manufacturer's ratings: __________'', or ``Est. annual kW
used: __________''. (Annual would be defined as ``2000 hours continuous
operation according to manufacturer's ratings.'')
The Department seeks advice on whether such label(s) or marking(s)
would assist purchasers, and on the content, design, size, location,
and attachment of such label(s) or marking(s).
d. Certification. Section 122(e)(2) of the EPAct (EPCA section
345(c), 42 U.S.C. 6316(c)) requires ``manufacturers to certify, through
an independent testing or certification program nationally recognized
in the United States, that such motor meets the applicable (nominal
full-load efficiency standard).''
(1) Compliance. The Department is considering implementation of the
EPAct requirement for ``manufacturers to certify'' by means of a
compliance statement and certification report that each basic model of
energy efficient electric motor meets the requirements of the EPAct.
This is similar to 10 CFR 430.62(a), which sets forth the appliance
program procedures to be followed for certification by requiring each
manufacturer to ``certify by means of a compliance statement and
certification report that each basic model meets the requirements of
that standard.'' A manufacturer's compliance statement and
certification report for each basic model of energy efficient electric
motor would be based, at least in part, upon actual testing or an
alternative efficiency determination method. The Department solicits
the views of interested parties on such a requirement.
(2) Independent testing and certification. The Department is also
considering how to interpret and implement the EPAct requirement for
``manufacturers to certify, through an independent testing or
certification program nationally recognized in the United States, that
such motor meets the applicable (nominal full-load efficiency
standard).'' Such testing or certification programs could be operated
by commercial laboratories, government laboratories, and trade
associations. The Department seeks information as to the identity,
nature, and capabilities of any nationally recognized program(s) for
the testing and certification of motors. The Department is aware that
the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers conducts a program to
verify manufacturers' certifications of the total refrigerated volume
of refrigerators and the energy efficiency values of room air
conditioners; that the Gas Appliance Manufacturers Association conducts
a testing program to verify manufacturers' certifications of the energy
efficiency of water heaters, furnaces, room heaters, and boilers; and
[[Page 27054]] that the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute
conducts a testing program to verify manufacturers' certifications of
the energy efficiency and other performance criteria of residential and
commercial air conditioning and heat pump systems. The Department seeks
information on any similar existing programs that certify or verify the
performance characteristics of motors. In addition, the Department
seeks information as to whether foreign commercial laboratories,
foreign government laboratories, or trade associations operate such
programs.
The Department also seeks advice concerning two other possible
issues under 122(e) of the EPAct (EPCA section 345(c), 42 U.S.C.
6316(c)). First, questions may arise as to what constitutes ``an
independent testing or certification program [that is] nationally
recognized.'' The Department seeks input as to the criteria by which an
organization should be considered competent (1) to conduct the specific
tests or calibrations for motors according to the required test
procedures, and (2) to operate a certification program. One possibility
is that the Department could consider a motor testing or certification
program to be ``nationally recognized'' if the program were accredited
by the National Institute of Standards and Technology/National
Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NIST/NVLAP). The Department
seeks views on such an approach, including the question of whether a
foreign program recognized by NIST/NVLAP should be considered
``nationally recognized in the United States.'' Second, the Department
seeks views as to whether manufacturers are permitted to self-test or
self-certify the energy efficiency of their own motors, and, if so,
under what circumstances.
e. Identification of other issues. The Department will seek to
resolve the above issues in developing a proposed rule. In addition,
there may be other issues that the Department will need to address. The
purpose of the meeting is to identify all of these various issues and
to begin dialogue with interested parties to help resolve them.
4. Public Meeting Procedure
The meeting will be conducted in an informal, conference style. A
court reporter will be present to record the minutes of the meeting.
There shall be no discussion of proprietary information, costs or
prices, market shares, or other commercial matters regulated by
antitrust law. After the meeting and period for written statements, the
Department will consider the views presented in formulating a Notice of
Proposed Rulemaking regarding energy efficient motors.
Issued in Washington, DC, May 16, 1995.
Christine A. Ervin,
Assistant Secretary, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.
[FR Doc. 95-12492 Filed 5-19-95; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6450-01-P