[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 78 (Monday, April 22, 1996)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 17589-17603]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-9683]
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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
10 CFR Part 430
[Docket No. EE-RM-94-230A]
Energy Conservation Program for Consumer Products: Test Procedure
for Clothes Washers and Reporting Requirements for Clothes Washers,
Clothes Dryers, and Dishwashers
AGENCY: Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Department of
Energy.
ACTION: Supplemental Notice of Proposed Rulemaking.
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SUMMARY: The Department of Energy (DOE or Department) today is issuing
a supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking to expand the scope of the
Department's proposed rule to amend the clothes washer test procedure
used to test for compliance with the existing energy conservation
standard. The Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM)
recommended an additional new test procedure that would apply to the
anticipated future clothes washer energy conservation standards. The
Department is reopening the comment period on its proposed rule to seek
comments on whether it should adopt the AHAM recommended test
procedure, with certain changes.
DATES: Written comments in response to this notice must be received by
June 6, 1996.
ADDRESSES: Written comments, 10 copies, are to be submitted to: U.S.
Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy,
EE-43, Room 1J-018, ``Test Procedure for Clothes Washers and Reporting
Requirements for Clothes Washers, Clothes Dryers, and Dishwashers,''
Docket No. EE-RM-94-230A, Forrestal Building, 1000 Independence Avenue
SW., Washington, DC 20585, (202)-586-7574.
Copies of the transcript of the public hearing and the public
comments received on the proposed rule, may be read and/or photocopied
at the Department of Energy Freedom of Information Reading Room, U.S.
Department of Energy, Forrestal Building, Room 1E-190, 1000
Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20585, (202) 586-6020 between
the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays.
[[Page 17590]]
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
P. Marc LaFrance, U.S. Department of Energy, Energy Efficiency and
Renewable Energy, Mail Station EE-43, Forrestal Building, 1000
Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20585-0121, (202) 586-8423
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:
I. Introduction
II. Discussion
A. AHAM Recommended Test Procedure
Annual Energy Consumption
Capacity Measurement
Electrical Energy Supply
Remaining Moisture Content (RMC)
Sodium Hypochlorite Bleach
Suds-saver Provision
Temperature Use Factors
Test Cloth and Test Load
Uniformly Distributed Temperature Selections
Water-heating Clothes Washers
Water Consumption Factor
B. Related Matters
1. Potential Impacts/Changes to the Appendix J Test Procedure
Test Load Sizes
Water-heating Clothes Washers
Field Testing
2. Section 430.23, ``Test procedures for measures of energy
consumption,'' paragraph (j)
I. Introduction
On Thursday, March 23, 1995, the Department published a proposed
rule to amend the clothes washer test procedure. 60 FR 15330 (hereafter
referred to as the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking or NOPR). On July 12,
1995, a hearing on the proposed rule was held in Washington, DC.
The proposed amendment to the test procedure was based on the same
factual foundation as the existing test procedure and energy
conservation standards for clothes washers, so that the existing energy
conservation standard would not have to be adjusted. The Department
believes, however, that the existing test procedure currently
overstates the average annual energy consumption for clothes washers
because of changes in consumer habits since the current test procedure
was adopted.\1\ The Department had planned on initiating a subsequent
clothes washer test procedure rulemaking, at a later date, which would
take into account current consumer habits, and would be used as the
basis for considering revision of the clothes washer energy
conservation standards.\2\
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\1\ Proctor & Gamble data indicates a decrease in the use of hot
water and the number of cycles per year over time.
\2\ The second round of clothes washer standards rulemaking was
initiated by the publication of an Advance Notice of Proposed
Rulemaking (ANOPR), (59 FR 56423, November 14, 1994.)
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In response to the NOPR, AHAM submitted comments asking DOE to
adopt an additional new test procedure to take effect when new
standards take effect. The Department greatly appreciates AHAM's effort
in developing a new test procedure. The Department is considering
adopting the test procedure with certain revisions. The Department is
considering issuance of a final rule with two test procedures, to be
codified in Appendices ``J'' and ``J1'' in the Code of Federal
Regulations, title 10, part 430, Sec. 430.23. Appendix ``J'' would be a
revision of the current test procedure, would be consistent with the
existing standards, and would become effective 30 days after issuance
of the final rule. Appendix ``J1'', based on AHAM's test procedures,
would be used in the analysis and review of revised efficiency
standards, and would apply to any revised standards. At that time the
Department would amend its regulations to replace Appendix ``J'' with
Appendix ``J1.''
The Department solicits comments from the public at this time on
issues raised by the AHAM recommended test procedure and by the options
under consideration with respect to this proposal. In connection with
the reopening of the comment period, the Department is proposing
regulatory language for part 430, Sec. 430.23, Appendix J1.
II. Discussion
A. AHAM Recommended Test Procedure
AHAM recommended a test procedure for use and adoption during the
next round of clothes washer standards rulemaking. The AHAM test
procedure addresses current consumer usage habits which result in
approximately a 30 percent reduction in energy consumption from the
current test procedure. Discussed below are comments by the following
industry representatives: General Electric Company (GE), Maytag and
Admiral Products (Maytag), Speed Queen Company (Speed Queen), Whirlpool
Corporation (Whirlpool), and Miele Appliances Inc. (Miele), directed to
the AHAM test procedures, as well as industry comments that were
directed to the NOPR but that concern matters also covered by the AHAM
test procedure. In addition, AHAM provided copies of its clothes washer
test procedure to non-industry representatives who have been involved
with the residential appliance standards program. (AHAM, No. 8).\3\ The
Department received comments concerning the AHAM test procedure from
the Clorox Company (Clorox), the Proctor and Gamble Company (P&G), and
American Council for and Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE).
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\3\ Comments on the NOPR have been assigned docket numbers and
have been numbered consecutively. Statements that were presented at
the July 12, 1995, public hearing are identified as Testimony.
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Annual Energy Consumption
GE recommended that the Department incorporate into the AHAM test
procedure a table for the annual number of clothes washer cycles per
year based on the capacity of the clothes washer being tested for
determining annual energy consumption. GE's recommendation would in
essence specify a constant amount of clothing (in pounds) that is
washed per year per typical household. GE derived its table by
averaging P&G data for average wash loads used in ``regular'' and
``large'' capacity clothes washers. The GE table shows a range of
``Adjusted Annual Cycles (AAC)'' from 264 to 810 based on capacity.
(GE, No. 6 at 4). Maytag strongly opposes the GE recommendation
primarily because it states, ``there is no evidence that average load
size is a function of washer capacity. To the contrary, there is
evidence that wash load sizes are based on factors other than washer
capacity most of the time.'' (Maytag, No. 41 at 1).
The Department understands GE's purpose is to provide some type of
scale to adjust for the use of larger capacity machines. The Department
is proposing to reduce the number of annual cycles from 416 to 392, as
stated in the NOPR. The Department is aware that the number of annual
cycles has declined over time,\4\ while the shipment weighted average
capacity of clothes washers has increased over the same relative time
period.\5\ However, the Department believes that it is reasonable to
assume that the number of cycles for all sizes of clothes washers is
relatively constant and that families with large needs, based on
lifestyle or number of family members, purchase larger clothes washers
and families with smaller needs purchase smaller clothes washers. If
the GE table were to be employed it would result in the following
expected
[[Page 17591]]
consumer use cycles per year: using a 1.5 cubic foot compact clothes
washer, 517 cycles per year would be expected, whereas using a 3.2
cubic foot standard clothes washer, 298 cycles per year would be
expected.\6\ For the reasons indicated above, however, the Department
does not believe that there is such great variation in the average
usage of washers of different sizes. Moreover, the Department is not
aware of any data concerning current usage which establish that as the
capacity of a clothes washer increases, it is operated less frequently.
Therefore, the Department does not propose to incorporate a table to
allow for a variation in annual clothes washer cycles dependent upon
clothes washer capacity. The Department will reconsider this issue,
however, if it receives statistically valid data showing such a
variation.
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\4\ Proctor and Gamble letter of September 2, 1994 to DOE.
\5\ AHAM Major Home Appliance Industry Book published 1995.
\6\ These figures were derived by DOE from the GE proposed table
using the specified clothes washer capacities.
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Capacity Measurement
The AHAM recommended test procedure, as well as the current and
NOPR test procedures, require a test measurement of the clothes
container capacity. This capacity is defined as the volume which a dry
clothes load could occupy. This capacity is then used in the
calculation of the Energy Factor which is used to rate the efficiency
of clothes washers on a per load basis. The actual load, in pounds of
clothing, that a clothes washer can wash is a function of many
variables including the wetted clothes container volume which is
actually available for clothes washing, the agitation system and the
motor torque. The Department has used the measured clothes container
capacity as a proxy for the actual load a clothes washer is capable of
washing, and this has worked well for purposes of comparing vertical
axis clothes washers. However, there has been discussion as to whether
the measured capacity of a clothes container is a comparable proxy of
the load capability for horizontal axis clothes washers.
The DOE and AHAM recommended test procedures both require measuring
the capacity to the upper most part of the clothes washer container,
which includes the volume occupied by the tub ring. The maximum water
level in any vertical axis clothes washer may vary, but the water level
cannot go to the top of the tub ring. Maytag calculated that this
current method of measuring capacity results in the measured volume of
vertical-axis clothes washers exceeding the wetted volume by a minimum
of 15 percent to well over 20 percent. (Maytag, No. 13 at 1). However,
all the manufacturers, including Maytag, believe that the current
method for measuring vertical-axis clothes washer capacity is
sufficient and should not be changed. (AHAM, No. 33 at 5).
Since the measured and wetted volumes of a horizontal axis clothes
washer are the same, Maytag proposed multiplying the measured volume of
a horizontal axis clothes washer by a factor of 1.2. (Maytag, No. 13 at
2). This factor would mathematically increase the capacity of
horizontal-axis clothes washers and would result in a 20 percent
increase in the energy factor for horizontal-axis clothes washers. A
similar factor is included in the International Electrotechnical
Commission (IEC) 456 test procedure for clothes washers. ACEEE supports
a capacity credit for horizontal-axis clothes washers.\7\ ACEEE states
that the IEC test procedure has a 15 percent credit and believes the
credit may be too low. ACEEE believes the credit should be 21 percent.
(ACEEE, No. 32 at 3).
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\7\ Commenters have used both terms ``factor'' and ``credit''
which are intended to mean the same thing.
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Speed Queen opposes a horizontal-axis clothes washer capacity
adjustment factor stating that adequate time for discussion and comment
is needed on this ``recently raised issue.'' (Speed Queen, No. 29 at
3). GE opposes any horizontal-axis clothes washer capacity credit
stating, ``In view of the evidence, from P & G, that American consumer
washing habits are driven in large part by their perception of
capacity, proponents of a European adjustment factor must provide hard
data of its applicability to the U.S. market.'' (GE, No. 36 at 2).
Whirlpool also opposes any credit for horizontal-axis clothes washer
capacity because no data has been presented that would demonstrate a
difference of American loading habits for vertical-axis versus
horizontal-axis clothes washers. (Whirlpool, No. 37 at 4).
The Department notes that the measured volume of a vertical axis
clothes washer is larger than the wetted volume, whereas, these two
volumes are the same for horizontal axis clothes washers. Therefore,
for these two types of machines, capacity may not have the same
relationship to the amount of clothes a clothes washer is capable of
washing. However, the Department has no data to indicate that this
possible difference translates into an actual difference in load size
capability when the other variables that affect load size are
considered, or as to how American consumers will use horizontal axis
washers. If such data becomes available, the Department would consider
making an adjustment to the calculation of the energy factor of either
vertical or horizontal axis clothes washers to have relatively accurate
comparisons. However, today's notice of proposed rulemaking would make
no changes in this area.
Electrical Energy Supply
The NOPR would delete a provision in the existing test procedures
that allowed turning off of console lights which did not consume more
than 10 watts during the clothes washer test cycle. AHAM maintains this
provision in its recommended test procedure. Speed Queen, however,
indicated that it supported the Department's proposal to remove the
provision. (Speed Queen, No. 29 at 4). Today's notice is consistent
with the NOPR, and excludes this provision.
Remaining Moisture Content
The AHAM recommended test procedure includes a provision to test
the Remaining Moisture Content (RMC) of a test load. RMC represents a
percentage derived by dividing the moisture weight that is remaining in
the clothing at the completion of the clothes washer cycle by the
weight of the dry clothes prior to the clothes washing cycle. There are
several issues raised relating to the methodology for testing RMC.
GE expressed a concern about the possibility of manufacturers
providing manual selectable options to consumers which would affect the
resulting RMC of consumer wash loads. GE believes that the Department
should not use the lowest RMC level achieved in a clothes washer for
the future minimum energy conservation standard analysis or for energy
reporting, and that there should be some type of ``discounting of the
RMC credit.'' According to GE, consumers may not always choose the
setting which would result in the lowest RMC value. (Testimony at 157).
GE provided a chart showing four factors which affect RMC--spin speed,
spin time, load size, and rinse temperature (GE, No. 6 at appendix E)--
and stated that clothes washers could be manufactured that offered user
options for spin speed and duration. Whirlpool indicated that the AHAM
test procedure addresses the concern regarding consumer selection of
spin speed. Specifically, Whirlpool stated that the AHAM test procedure
requires the use of the energy test cycle, which specifies that the
spin speed recommended by the
[[Page 17592]]
manufacturer for cotton and linen clothes shall be used in the test
(section 2.1.1 AHAM submitted test procedure). (Testimony at 170). The
Department realizes there are several issues that affect RMC
measurement which have not been addressed and are discussed below,
which could affect the final test procedure methodology for testing
RMC.
Spin Speed and Spin Time
The Department is aware that the AHAM recommended test procedure
requires the use of the energy test cycle to conduct the RMC test. The
AHAM test procedure defines the ``energy test cycle'' as follows: ``the
cycle recommended by the manufacturer for washing cotton and/or linen
clothes. It includes the agitation/tumble operation, spin speed (s),
wash times, and rinse times applicable to that cycle, including water
heating time for water heating clothes washers, and applies to all
wash/rinse temperature selections and water levels available on the
model, regardless of whether the wash/rinse temperature selections or
water levels are available in the cycle recommended for cotton and/or
linens.'' This definition appears to address clothes washers with
multiple spin speeds, because spin speed is depicted as ``spin
speed(s).'' In addition, rinse time is depicted as ``rinse times.'' The
definition clearly states that testing for energy reporting shall be
conducted in the cycle the manufacturer specifies for cotton and/or
linen clothes.
The AHAM test procedure appears to be adequate in the situation
where the energy test cycle has only one spin speed and time. However,
the AHAM test procedure does not specify the spin speed to be used in
testing a clothes washer for which that cycle has several or a range of
values for spin speed and time for cotton and linen clothes. Therefore,
because exact consumer preferences are not known relative to the choice
of multiple spin speed or spin time selections, the Department is
considering the option of requiring the use of the average of the
extreme values of the spin speeds and times that are available in the
energy test cycle.\8\ The Department believes that this would address
the testing of clothes washers with multiple recommended spin speeds
and times, and might discount the RMC value as proposed by GE. The
Department welcomes comments on this issue.
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\8\ Similarly, for example, the DOE dishwasher test procedure
has a 50 percent proration value for use of heated verses unheated
dry option. (42 FR 15423, March 17, 1977)
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Load Size
GE provided a graph with RMC on the ``Y'' axis and Load Size on the
``X'' axis. (GE, No. 6 at appendix E). The graph was not quantified,
but depicted a relatively large negative slope of approximately 0.5.
Thus, according to the graph, as load size gets larger the RMC level
decreases substantially.\9\ The Department requested data from all
parties present at the hearing to help quantify the exact slope.
(Testimony at 160). So far, the Department has not received any such
data. The issue is important because the AHAM test procedure specifies
that the maximum test load be used to conduct the RMC test, which is
approximately 35 percent larger than an average test load. However, the
AHAM test procedure indicates, based on P&G data, that consumers use a
maximum load only 12 percent of the time whereas they use an average
load 74 percent of the time.
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\9\ RMC is a percentage which decreases, although the actual
remaining moisture weight increases because the larger load retains
more moisture.
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If GE's graph accurately depicts the slope, this would have a major
impact on the expected energy savings to consumers and manufacturer
efficiency/energy consumption representations, because data shows that
consumers use their clothes washers with an average size load 74
percent of the time. It would mean that, under the AHAM recommended
test procedure, the anticipated energy consumption to remove the
moisture from the clothing would be artificially low because the test
procedure calculates RMC on the basis of a maximum size load. Under the
AHAM test procedure RMC is first determined for a maximum size load.
The RMC thus determined is then adjusted in order to determine the
moisture content that would remain in an average size load. The
adjustment formula is based on the assumption that RMC as a percentage
amount is the same for different load sizes, the point that GE
disputes. An alternative to the AHAM recommended test method for RMC
could be to require testing using the average test load, rather than
the maximum test load with an adjustment. However, the Department
believes that this may increase test burden. Currently, the majority of
clothes washer models do not have adaptive control features such as
automatic water fill control. Under the AHAM recommended test
procedure, machines with adaptive controls need to be tested using an
average test load. Requiring testing of all machines using the average
test load may not be warranted if the slope is actually small. At this
time, the Department does not plan to change the AHAM recommended test
method. The Department requests data, comment and suggested changes to
the test procedure, if needed, to address this issue.
Energy Required To Remove Moisture From the Test Load
The RMC value is used to calculate the energy required to remove
moisture from the test load, ``DE''. The ``DE'' is calculated
using the maximum size test load, load adjustment factor (LAF) (P&G
ratio of maximum load size to average load size), nominal energy
required to remove moisture from clothes (constant for all clothes
washers, 0.5 KWh/lb) and the clothes dryer utilization factor (DUF)
(percentage of clothes washer loads that are dried by clothes dryers).
AHAM recommended a DUF of 83 percent, although P&G calculates the DUF
to be 84.4 percent.\10\ AHAM stated at the hearing it did not think
using the 84 percent figure would be controversial, but that it might
need to further consider the matter. (Testimony at 104-105). The
Department is using 84 percent for the DUF in today's proposal.
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\10\ Comment 32 on Docket number EE-RM-94-403.
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Sodium Hypochlorite Bleach
Clorox recommended that the Department adopt a definition for
sodium hypochlorite bleach (bleach) dispenser, and a corresponding
credit because of the potential for energy savings. (Clorox, No. 30 at
1). In regard to the clothes washer standard rulemaking, Clorox has
provided the Department with data indicating that a significant amount
of energy can be saved with the use of bleach.11 The savings would
be realized through the use of colder water for washing. The Clorox
data shows that cleaning performance is maintained or minimally
degraded at colder temperatures if bleach is used. Clorox recommended
revising the Temperature Use Factors (TUFs) and energy consumption
calculations to provide a credit to clothes washers equipped with a
bleach dispenser. Clorox stated, however, ``Consumer data identifies a
large area for potential energy savings due to the higher incidence of
hot water usage in bleach loads.'' (Emphasis added.) Clorox further
stated, ``Consumers that use bleach typically are more concerned with
getting their laundry clean, and recognize that hotter wash
temperatures provide the best results.'' (Clorox, No. 30 at 2).
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\11\ Comment 41 on docket number EE-RM-94-403.
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[[Page 17593]]
The data provided from Clorox relative to the cleaning performance
with bleach shows a significant potential for energy savings because
cleaning performance is maintained or minimally degraded when bleach is
added to cold water and detergent, versus when hot water is used with
just detergent. However, the energy savings do not appear to be
demonstrated by the data provided, because consumers who use bleach
tend to use hot water rather than shifting to cold water. Therefore,
the Department does not plan to include a provision for bleach in its
clothes washer test procedures. The Department welcomes comment on this
issue.
Suds-Saver Provision
The AHAM recommended test procedure does not provide a credit to
clothes washers with a suds-saver feature. Based on previous
information from AHAM (AHAM meeting, February 16, 1995), the Department
believes that AHAM eliminated this provision due to the relatively low
number of sales of clothes washers with a suds-saver feature.
Additionally, AHAM believes that a suds-saver credit is no longer
needed in the test procedure. The Department requests comments relative
to the elimination of the suds-saver credit.
Temperature Use Factors
The Department received several comments regarding the method for
determining Temperature Use Factors (TUFs), which are used to prorate
energy consumption among cold, warm and hot wash, as well as to factor
in a warm rinse if offered. Because any test procedure based on the
AHAM test procedure would not become effective until approximately the
year 2000, a significant emphasis in determining such test procedure's
TUF values has been on the need and method to project future consumer
usage habits based on currently available survey data.
AHAM provided the recommended test procedure with TUFs for wash
temperatures and a range of TUF values for rinse temperature. (AHAM,
No. 8). AHAM indicated that the original submission had been revised
and provided the final version of TUFs. The final version also included
a range of rinse TUF values. (AHAM, No. 48 at 1). GE indicated that it
supported the AHAM wash TUFs and provided justification for a warm
rinse TUF of 21 percent. GE provided a detailed analysis which included
linear regression projections and utilized ``differencing to eliminate
autocorrelation.'' (GE, No. 6 at 5 and No. 36 at 1). P&G provided data,
linear regression analysis with and without projections, and
recommendations for TUFs. P&G indicated that it believed the future
projections of the linear regression were valid for the wash TUFs,
although it thought the projection for the warm rinse TUF was too
aggressive. (P&G, No. 12 at 1). ACEEE believed the TUFs should be
determined by the average between a current linear regression and a
linear regression projected to the year 1999. (ACEEE, No. 32 at 3).
Although Whirlpool disagreed with AHAM's use of linear regression
projection to obtain wash TUF values, and instead recommended use of an
average of the last five years, it supported the AHAM wash TUFs because
the resultant difference was small. Whirlpool indicated that it
believed the warm rinse TUF value should be 33 percent. (Whirlpool, No.
37 at 2).
At the Department's request, the National Institute of Standards
and Technology (NIST) has conducted a linear regression with and
without future year projections. The NIST results varied slightly from
the P&G analysis results, probably due to rounding off to integers or
to use of the calendar year for the data (P & G survey data is
conducted over two calendar years, i.e., 93/94), but were basically
consistent with the P&G results. The following table provides the TUF
values as recommended from the various entities.
Presentation of Various Positions for Temperature Use Factors
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Hot wash (DATA/ Warm wash Cold wash Warm rinse Warm rinse
TUF) (DATA/TUF) (DATA/TUF) (DATA) (TUF \3\)
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P&G 1994 RAW DATA............... 0.16 0.48 0.36 0.18 N/A
AHAM............................ 0.14 0.47 0.39 \1\ 0.13-0.21 0.21-0.33
GE.............................. 0.14 0.47 0.39 0.13 0.21
WHIRLPOOL....................... \1\ 0.16 \1\ 0.50 \1\ 0.34 \1\ 0.21 \1\ 0.33
ACEEE........................... \1\ 0.14 \1\ 0.49 \1\ 0.37 \1\ 0.16 \1\ 0.27
P&G 1994 REGRESSION............. 0.15 0.51 0.34 0.18 \1\ 0.30
NIST 1994 REGRESSION............ \1\ 0.15 \1\ 0.50 \1\ 0.35 \1\ 0.19 \1\ 0.32
P&G 2000 REGRESSION............. 0.14 0.48 0.38 \2\ 0.16 \1\ 0.27
NIST 2000 REGRESSION............ \1\ 0.13 \1\ 0.48 \1\ 0.39 \1\ 0.13 \1\ 0.22
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\1\ Calculated by NIST independently or based on comment.
\2\ Recommended by P&G, independent of regression results.
\3\ Presently accepted by all commenters as being calculated by (P&G data)/0.60, representing that 60 percent of
the clothes washers in the P&G survey had a warm rinse available.
The Department believes that linear regression is one acceptable
method of conducting data plotting because it is generally accepted,
for example, by educators, economists and businesses. However, to
project consumer usage data into the future, linear regression may be
unacceptable because it does not address factors which affect the
change in consumer's habits (e.g., per P&G: improvements in detergent,
change in fabric type or concern to save energy). (P&G, No. 12 at 1,2).
From a statistical standpoint, if data were available on the factors
which correlate to the decrease in hot water usage, then an accurate
prediction could be made. However, the Department does not have this
data and understands that the data is not readily available.
Considering P&G's comments, the Department believes the trend to choose
cooler wash temperatures is likely to continue, but possibly not at the
rate indicated by the linear regression projection. Considering the
above, the Department believes that the ACEEE position to average the
current TUF values and the projected TUF values is a reasonable
approach, since the test procedure is being developed for future use.
Therefore, in its modifications of the AHAM test procedure, DOE is
considering incorporation of the following TUFs: hot wash, 14 percent;
warm wash, 49 percent; cold wash, 37 percent; and warm rinse, 27
percent. The Department welcomes comments relating to the acceptability
of these TUF values.
[[Page 17594]]
Test Cloth and Test Load
AHAM recommended a requirement for pre-conditioning the ``energy
test cloths'' (see AHAM test procedure section 2.6.1.2). In this
section, AHAM referenced its standard ``test detergent IIA.'' The
Department believes that specifying a particular detergent is too
specific and may not be warranted because a variation in detergent for
preconditioning test cloth is unlikely to measurably affect the energy
consumption of a clothes washer being tested. Absent any justification
to require use of AHAM's detergent in performing the test procedure,
non-AHAM manufacturers should not be required to obtain the AHAM
detergent to test their clothes washers. Therefore, the Department is
considering changing the detergent to ``commercially available clothes
washer detergent that is suitable for 135 deg.F (57.2 deg.C) wash
water.'' The Department requests comment on this detergent description.
The Department is also concerned about the use of ``energy stuffer
cloths'' (test procedure section 2.6.2). Energy test cloths and energy
stuffer cloths are used to make up the various size test loads. An
energy stuffer cloth is approximately one sixth the size of an energy
test cloth. The concern is that if a large number of energy stuffer
cloths are used instead of energy test cloths, then the mechanical
energy needed to agitate the test load may be understated. The
Department believes that there should be a maximum number of energy
stuffer cloths that can be used to establish the test load. Therefore,
the Department is considering the option of setting the maximum number
of energy stuffer cloths that can be used to 5. This number represents
the maximum number of energy stuffer cloths that should be needed
because 6 energy stuffer cloths would be the equivalent of one energy
test cloth. The Department requests comments on this issue.
In its test load table (table 5.1), AHAM recommended a tolerance of
0.10 pounds. The Department believes this tolerance is too
large. A tolerance of 0.05 pounds appears to be more
suitable because the required test load sizes can easily be obtained
through the use of energy stuffer cloths that weigh approximately 0.04
pounds each. The Department requests comments on the tolerance value.
Uniformly Distributed Temperature Selections
At the hearing, the Department expressed concern regarding
terminology used in AHAM's recommended test procedure--``uniformly
distributed, by temperature [between hot wash and cold wash]''--
relative to the calculation or testing of a warm wash temperature
selection. (Testimony at 113). The AHAM test procedure requires that
the warm wash (or multiple warm wash) selection(s) be calculated, in
lieu of testing, when all of a model's temperature selections are
uniformly distributed. If not uniformly distributed, then each
temperature selection must be tested. The Department asked AHAM to
define ``uniformly distributed, by temperature (between hot wash and
cold wash)'' at the hearing. (Testimony at 115). AHAM responded with an
expanded definition that sets two conditions for a ``warm wash having
uniform distribution by temperature between hot wash and cold wash.''
(AHAM, No. 33 at 4). The first condition is: the ``theoretical mean
warm wash temperature'' equals the ``theoretical mean of all wash
temperatures.'' The second condition is: ``uniform separation'' of warm
wash temperatures exists. AHAM included detailed mathematical equations
(see AHAM No. 33 at 4) to further explain the above terms.
The Department appreciates AHAM's submission regarding the
definition and mathematical expressions. However, the Department
believes that a narrative definition would be more appropriate for the
rule language to maintain consistency with other definitions. The
Department is considering an approach that retains the content of the
AHAM definition, but converts it into narrative form through a
definition for ``uniformly distributed warm wash.''
AHAM also indicated without qualification that an ``infinite
selection'' warm wash temperature selection would be considered
uniformly distributed. If a clothes washer has an infinite number of
warm wash temperature selections which follows a proportional (or
linear) relationship with the warm wash selection device (dial, slide,
etc.), then clearly the warm wash temperature selection is uniformly
distributed and the recommended AHAM method for uniformly distributed
temperatures applies. However, the AHAM test procedure does not address
an infinite warm wash selection which follows a path that is not
proportional (linear). It is possible that some clothes washer
manufacturers, in the future, may employ non-linear infinite warm wash
selections. Therefore, the Department is considering the option of
revising sections 3.5.1 and 3.5.2 of the AHAM test procedure to address
this issue, and welcomes comments relative to the definitions and
revised sections it is considering.
In addition, Whirlpool has indicated a concern about the language
regarding intermediate warm wash temperatures. (Whirlpool No. 50 at 1).
Whirlpool recommended changing the terminology in the test procedure
from ``Warm Wash'' to ``Intermediate Wash'' to eliminate confusion. The
Department agrees with Whirlpool that the intent of the AHAM
recommended test procedure is that the warm wash temperatures refer to
all temperatures which are below the hottest hot (135 deg.F (57.2
deg.C)) and above the coldest cold. The Department agrees with
Whirlpool and believes that was the intent of the AHAM recommended test
procedure. Therefore, to prevent any possible ambiguity regarding warm
wash temperatures, the Department is considering defining ``warm wash''
as all temperature selections between the hottest and coldest. The
Department welcomes comments regarding the AHAM test procedure and the
acceptability of the new definition.
Water-Heating Clothes Washers
NIST on behalf of the Department expressed a concern regarding the
possible need to establish ambient test conditions for testing water-
heating clothes washers. (Testimony at 132). The Department believes
that the energy consumed in a water-heating clothes washer may be
affected by the ambient temperature of the clothes washer. Thus, if the
ambient temperature prior to and during testing is relatively hot, then
less energy will be consumed than under typical operating conditions,
i.e., the test will understate the clothes washer's energy consumption.
Conversely, if the ambient temperature prior to and during the test is
relatively cold, then the energy consumption will be overstated. The
Department asked AHAM to comment on this issue at the hearing.
(Testimony at 132). AHAM recommended adding ambient temperature
conditions for tests of water heating clothes washers, specified as 75
deg.F 5 deg.F. (AHAM, No. 33 at 6) . Speed Queen
supported the AHAM recommendation. (Speed Queen, No. 29 at 2). The
Department believes that AHAM's specified temperature is above room
temperature but reflects acceptable test conditions for manufacturer
facilities while preventing large variations. Therefore, DOE is
considering adoption of this requirement.
The Department is concerned about the testing of water-heating
clothes washers that may have been stored in an area that has a
temperature outside of
[[Page 17595]]
the above range, prior to testing. The concern is that the thermal mass
of the clothes washer may affect the resultant energy consumption.
Therefore, the Department is considering the addition of pre-
conditioning requirements for water-heating clothes washers. The unique
requirement would be to conduct the established pre-conditioning
procedure, if the water-heating clothes washer has not been stored in
the test room, at the specified ambient conditions, for at least 8
hours (see section 2.9.2). The Department welcomes comment on the 8
hour time frame and on the issue of ambient conditions for water-
heating clothes washers.
AHAM's recommended test procedure provides for testing water-
heating clothes washers that are capable of using externally heated
water. However, the AHAM test procedure only included a provision for
hot water heated externally by electricity and did not include a
provision for water-heating clothes washers that use hot water heated
externally by gas or oil. A test provision for hot water heated
externally by gas or oil is required for Federal Trade Commission
labeling. Therefore, the Department is considering adoption of such a
provision. Additionally, in doing so, the Department is also
considering simplification of the test procedure by combining sections
for water-heating and nonwater-heating clothes washers where
appropriate. The Department requests comments on these options.
Water Consumption Factor
In the NOPR, the Department proposed a Water Consumption Factor
(WCF) (clothes washer capacity per gallon per cycle). The Department
believes that providing a means of determining WCF may allow consumers,
utilities or other organizations to compare clothes washer water
consumption independent of clothes washer capacity. AHAM recommended
language to calculate total water consumption in gallons per cycle. The
AHAM expression is not adjusted to take into account variations of
model capacities and will penalize larger capacity clothes washers on a
comparison basis.
In response to the NOPR for Appendix ``J'', the Department received
several comments regarding the WCF. Miele and Speed Queen indicated
that WCF should be the inverse of what was proposed because many
utilities already use that factor (gallons per cycle per cubic foot
capacity). (Miele, No. 10 at 2 and Speed Queen, No. 29 at 3). AHAM
indicated that WCF on a per cycle basis can be expressed as cubic feet
per gallon (AHAM, No. 33 at 5). The Department agrees with Miele and
Speed Queen that the WCF should be consistent with existing utility
programs and represented on a per cycle basis as gallons (weighted
water consumption) per cubic foot capacity. Therefore, the Department
is considering addition of a provision to AHAM's recommended test
procedure to calculate WCF expressed as gallons per cycle per cubic
feet. The Department requests comments regarding this topic.
B. Related Matters
1. Potential Impacts/Changes to the Appendix J Test Procedure
Test Load Sizes
AHAM recommended that the Department adopt its test load table
(table 5.1 of the Appendix ``J1'' test procedure) for the Appendix
``J'' test procedure. The Department supports the incorporation of the
AHAM test load table because it reflects the latest consumer usage
data. However, the impact of the incorporation of the recommended AHAM
test load table will most likely result in the majority of front-loader
clothes washers being tested with larger test loads. The Department
realizes that front-loader clothes washers are not required to meet a
performance minimum energy conservation standard, but existing models
will require retesting and relabeling. The Department requests comments
relative to the acceptability of the AHAM recommended test load table
for the Appendix ``J'' test procedure.
Water-Heating Clothes Washers
AHAM recommended a provision for testing water-heating clothes
washers that have the capability of using externally heated water (see
discussion above). However, the provision for externally heated water
was not in the NOPR. Therefore, the Department plans on similarly
incorporating test procedures for water-heating clothes washers with
externally heated water capability in the final rule for the Appendix
``J'' test procedure. The Department requests comments on this issue.
Field Testing
Methods for testing nonconventional clothes washers are not
provided in the DOE current test procedure, the NOPR Appendix J, or
AHAM recommended test procedure. In addition, none of these test
procedures is valid for machines equipped with adaptive controls if
consumers use the adaptive cycle more than 50% of the time. AHAM's
recommended test procedure specifies guidelines for conducting field
tests of nonconventional clothes washers, and of machines with adaptive
controls where a manufacturer believes the controls will be used more
than 50% of the time. The field testing provisions provide guidelines
for manufacturers to conduct data gathering in support of a Petition
for Waiver pursuant to Code of Federal Regulation, Title 10, Part 430,
section 430.27. AHAM proposed that these same field testing provisions
be added to Appendix ``J''. The Department requests comments on this
proposal.
2. Section 430.23, ``Test Procedures for Measures of Energy
Consumption'', Paragraph (j)
The Department proposed revisions to Sec. 430.23 (j) in the NOPR.
These changes dealt with the number of annual clothes washer cycles,
corresponding Appendix ``J'' section number references and the
incorporation of the Modified Energy Factor descriptor. If Appendix
``J1'' is promulgated, Sec. 430.23(j) will need to be revised. The
Department plans to make the required section reference changes to
Sec. 430.23(j), for both the Appendix ``J'' and Appendix ``J1'' test
procedures.
List of Subjects in 10 CFR Part 430
Administrative practice and procedure, Energy conservation,
Household appliances.
Issued in Washington, DC, April 15, 1996.
Christine A. Ervin,
Assistant Secretary, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.
For the reasons set forth in the preamble, part 430 of Chapter II
of Title 10, of the Code of Federal Regulations is proposed to be
amended as set forth below:
1. The authority citation for part 430 continues to read as
follows:
Authority: 42 U.S.C. 6291-6309.
2. Appendix J1 is added to subpart B of part 430 as follows:
Appendix J1 to Subpart B of Part 430--Uniform Test Method for Measuring
the Energy Consumption of Automatic and Semi-Automatic Clothes Washers.
Note: This test procedure applies to amendments to revise 1994
minimum energy conservation standards for clothes washers set forth
at Title 10 CFR 430.32(g).
1. Definitions
1.1 Adaptive control system refers to a clothes washer control
system which is capable of automatically adjusting washer operation
or washing conditions based on characteristics of the clothes load
placed in the clothes container, without allowing or requiring
consumer intervention and/or actions. Examples would be clothes
washer
[[Page 17596]]
control system independent selection, modifications, or absolute
control of wash water temperature, agitation and/or tumble cycle
time, number of rinse cycles, spin speed, etc.
Note: The energy consumption of any adaptive system which
depends on the use of, detection of, or the presence of either soil,
soap, suds, or any additive laundering substitute or complimentary
product to determine the operation of the clothes washer must be
determined following the field test procedures defined in section 6.
1.2 Adaptive water fill control system refers to a clothes
washer water fill control system which is capable of automatically
adjusting the water fill level based on the size or weight of the
clothes load placed in the clothes container, without allowing or
requiring consumer intervention and/or actions.
1.3 Bone-dry means a condition or a load of test cloth which
has been dried in a dryer at maximum temperature for a minimum of 10
minutes, removed and weighed before cool down, and then dried again
for 10 minute periods until the final weight change of the load is 1
percent or less.
1.4 Clothes container means the compartment within the clothes
washer that holds the clothes during the operation of the machine.
1.5 Compact refers to a clothes washer which has a clothes
container capacity of less than 1.6 cubic feet.
1.6 Deep rinse cycle refers to a rinse cycle in which the
clothes container is filled with water to a selected level and the
clothes load is rinsed by agitating it or tumbling it through the
water.
1.7 Energy test cycle means the cycle recommended by the
manufacturer for washing cotton and/or linen clothes. It includes
the agitation/tumble operation, spin speed(s), wash times, and rinse
times applicable to that cycle, including water heating time for
water heating clothes washers, and applies to all wash/rinse
temperature selections and water levels available on the model,
regardless of whether the wash/rinse temperature selections or water
levels are available in the cycle recommended for cottons and/or
linens.
1.8 Load use factor means the percentage of the total number of
wash loads that a user would wash a particular size (weight) load.
1.9 Manual control systems refers to the type of washer control
system which requires that the consumer make the choices that
determine washer operation or washing conditions, for example: wash/
rinse temperature selections, and wash time before starting the
cycle.
1.10 Manual water fill control system refers to a clothes
washer water fill control system which requires the consumer to
determine or select the water fill level.
1.11 Modified energy factor means the quotient of the cubic
foot (or liter) capacity of the clothes container divided by the
total clothes washer energy consumption per cycle, expressed as the
sum of the machine electrical energy consumption, the hot water
energy consumption, and the energy required for removal of remaining
moisture of the test load.
1.12 Nonwater-heating clothes washer refers to a clothes washer
which does not have an internal hot water heating device to generate
hot water.
1.13 Spray rinse cycle refers to a rinse cycle in which water
is sprayed onto the clothes for a period of time without maintaining
any specific water level in the clothes container.
1.14 Standard refers to a clothes washer which has a clothes
container capacity of 1.6 cubic feet or greater.
1.15 Temperature use factor means, for a particular wash/rinse
temperature setting, the percentage of the total number of wash
loads that an average user would wash with that setting.
1.16 Thermostatically controlled water valves refer to a set of
clothes washer valves which sense water temperature and adjust the
hot water and cold water supplies appropriately to maintain a
desired mixed water temperature.
1.17 Uniformly distributed warm wash refers to warm wash
selections for which the warm wash water temperatures have a linear
relationship with all discrete warm wash selections when the water
temperatures are plotted against equally spaced consecutive warm
wash selections between the hottest warm wash and the coldest warm
wash. If the warm wash has infinite selections, the warm wash water
temperature shall have a linear relationship with the distance on
the selection device (e.g. dial angle or slide movement) between the
hottest warm wash and the coldest warm wash. The criteria for a
linear relationship as specified above is that the difference
between the actual water temperature at any warm wash selection and
the corresponding temperature on the temperature/selection line
formed by connecting the warmest and the coldest warm selections is
less than 5 percent. In all cases, the mean water
temperature of the warmest and the coldest warm selections must
coincide with the mean of the hot and cold water temperature.
1.18 Warm wash refers to all temperature selections that are
below the hottest hot (135 deg.F (57.2 deg.C)) and
above the coldest cold temperature selection.
1.19 Water consumption factor means the quotient of the total
weighted per-cycle water consumption divided by the cubic foot (or
liter) capacity of the clothes washer.
1.20 Water-heating clothes washer refers to a clothes washer
where some or all of the hot water for clothes washing is generated
by a water heating device internal to the clothes washer.
1.21 Symbol usage.
The following identity relationships are provided to help
clarify the symbology used throughout this procedure. The other
symbols and corresponding terms from the table below a sample
variable can be substituted with their appropriate meanings:
1.21.1 For example, ``Electrical Energy Consumption'' for an
``Extra Hot Wash'' and ``Maximum Test Load'' would be depicted as
follows:
Emx
E--Electrical Energy Consumption
H--Hot Water Consumption
C--Cold Water Consumption
m--Extra Hot Wash (max. temp. >135 deg.F (57.2 deg.C.))
h--Hot Wash (max. temp. <=135 deg.F (57.2 deg.C.))
w--Warm Wash (intermediate temp.)
c--Cold Wash (minimum temp.)
x--Maximum Test Load
a+--Above Average Test Load
a--Average Test Load
a---Below Average Test Load
n--Minimum Test Load
1.21.2 For example, ``Hot Water Consumed by Warm Rinse'' for
the ``Maximum Test Load'' would be depicted as follows:
Rx
R--Hot Water Consumed by Warm Rinse
Er--Electrical Energy Consumed by Warm Wash/Warm Rinse
ER--Electrical Energy Consumed by Warm Rinse+--Maximum Test
Load
a+--Above Average Test Load
a--Average Test Load
a---Below Average Test Load
n--Minimum Test Load
1.21.3 For example, ``Temperature Use Factor'' for ``Extra Hot
Wash'' would be depicted as follows:
TUFm
m--Extra Hot Wash
h--Hot Wash
w--Warm Wash
c--Cold Wash
R--Warm Rinse
1.21.4 For example, ``Temperature Weighted Hot Water
Consumption'' for the ``Maximum Test Load'' would be depicted as
follows:
Vhx
x--Maximum Test Load
a+--Above Average Test Load
a--Average Test Load
a---Below Average Test Load
n--Minimum Test Load
1.21.5 For example, ``Hot Water Energy Consumption'' for the
``Maximum Test Load'' would be depicted as follows:
Emax
E--Hot Water Energy Consumption
F--Load Usage Factor
Q--Total Water Consumption
ME--Machine Electrical Energy Consumption
max--Maximum Test Load
avg--Average Test Load
min--Minimum Test Load
1.21.6 The following additional symbols are used in the test
procedure:
RMC--Remaining Moisture Content
WI--Initial Weight of Dry Test Load
WC--Weight of Test Load After Extraction
MET--Total Machine Electrical Energy Consumption
ETE--Total Per-Cycle Energy Consumption
2. Testing Conditions
2.1 Installation. Install the clothes washer in accordance with
manufacturer's instructions.
2.2 Electrical energy supply. Maintain the electrical supply at
the clothes washer terminal block within 2 percent of 120, 120/240,
or 120/208Y volts as applicable to the particular terminal block
wiring system and
[[Page 17597]]
within 2 percent of the nameplate frequency as specified by the
manufacturer. If the clothes washer has a dual voltage conversion
capability, conduct test at the highest voltage specified by the
manufacturer.
2.3 Supply Water Temperature.
2.3.1 Clothes washers in which electrical energy consumption
and/or water energy consumption are affected by the inlet water
temperature (for example, water heating clothes washers or clothes
washers with thermostatically controlled water valves). The
temperature of the hot water supply at the water inlets shall be
maintained at 135 deg.F +0 deg.F -10 deg.F (57.2 deg.C +0 deg.C
-5.5 deg.C) and the cold water supply at the water inlets shall be
maintained at 60 deg.F +0 deg.F -10 deg.F (15.6 deg.C +0 deg.C
-5.6 deg.C). A water meter shall be installed in both the hot and
cold water lines to measure water consumption.
2.3.2 Clothes washers in which electrical energy consumption
and water energy consumption are NOT affected by the inlet water
temperature. The temperature of the hot water supply shall be
maintained at 135 deg.F 5 deg.F (57.2 deg.C
2.8 deg.C) and the cold water supply shall be
maintained at 60 deg.F 5 deg.F (15.6 deg.C
2.8 deg.C). A water meter shall be installed in both the hot and
cold water lines to measure water consumption.
2.4 Water pressure. The static water pressure at the hot and
cold water inlet connection of the clothes washer shall be
maintained at 35 pounds per square inch gauge (psig) 2.5
psig (241.3 kPa 17.2 kPa) during the test. The static
water pressure for a single water inlet connection shall be
maintained at 35 psig 2.5 psig (241.3 kPa
17.2 kPa) during the test. A water pressure gauge shall
be installed in both the hot and cold water lines to measure water
pressure.
2.5 Instrumentation. Perform all test measurements using the
following instruments, as appropriate:
2.5.1 Weighing scales.
2.5.1.1 Weighing scale for test cloth. The scale shall have a
resolution of at least 0.2 ounces (5.7 g) and a maximum error no
greater than 0.3 percent of the measured value.
2.5.1.2 Weighing scale for clothes container capacity
measurements. The scale should have a resolution of 0.50 pounds (0.2
kg) and a maximum error no greater than 0.5 percent of the measured
value.
2.5.2 Watt-hour meter. The watt-hour meter shall have a
resolution no larger than 1 watt-hour (3.6 kJ) and a maximum error
no greater than 2 percent of the measured value for any demand
greater than 50 watts-hours (180.0 kJ).
2.5.3 Temperature measuring device. The device shall have an
error no greater than 1 deg.F ( 0.6 deg.C)
over the range being measured.
2.5.4 Water meter. The water meter shall have a resolution no
larger than 0.1 gallons (0.4 liters) and a maximum error no greater
than 2 percent for the water flow rates being measured.
2.5.5 Water pressure gauge. The water pressure gauge shall have
a resolution of 1 pound per square inch gauge (psig) (6.9 kPa) and
shall have an error no greater than 5 percent of any measured value.
2.6 Test cloths.
2.6.1 Energy test cloth.
2.6.1.1 The energy test cloth shall not be used for more than
25 test runs and shall be clean and consist of the following:
(a) Pure finished bleached cloth, made with a momie or granite
weave, which is 50 percent cotton and 50 percent polyester and
weighs 5.75 ounces per square yard (195.0 g/m\2\) and has 65 ends on
the warp and 57 picks on the fill. (b) Cloth material that is 24
inches by 36 inches (61.0 cm by 91.4 cm) and has been hemmed to 22
inches by 34 inches (55.9 cm by 86.4 cm) before washing. The maximum
shrinkage after five washes shall not be more than four percent on
the length and width.
2.6.1.2 The new test cloths, including energy test cloths and
energy stuffer cloths shall be pre-conditioned in a clothes washer
in the following manner:
2.6.1.2.1 For each gallon (3.79 liters) of water used, use 6
grams of a commercially available clothes washing detergent that is
suitable for 135 deg.F (57.2 deg.C) wash water, with the washer
set on maximum water level. Place detergent in washer and then place
the new load to be conditioned in the washer. Wash the load for ten
minutes in soft water (17ppm or less). Wash water is to be hot, and
controlled at 135 deg.F 5 deg.F (57.2 deg.C
2.8 deg.C). Rinse water temperature is to be cold, and
controlled at 60 deg.F 5 deg.F (15.6
deg.C 2.8 deg.C). Rinse the load through a second rinse using the
same water temperature (utilize an optional second rinse if
available).
2.6.1.2.2 Dry the load.
2.6.1.2.3 A final cycle is to be hot water wash with no
detergent followed by two cold water rinses.
2.6.1.2.4 Dry the load.
2.6.2 Energy stuffer cloth. The energy stuffer cloth shall be
made from energy test cloth material and shall consist of pieces of
material that are 12 inches by 12 inches (30.5 cm by 30.5 cm) and
have been hemmed to 10 inches by 10 inches (25.4 cm by 25.4 cm)
before washing. The maximum shrinkage after five washes shall not be
more than four percent on the length and width. The number of test
runs on the same energy stuffer cloth shall not exceed 25 runs.
2.7 Test Load Sizes. Maximum, minimum, and when required,
average test load sizes shall be determined using Table 5.1 and the
clothes container capacity as measured in 3.1 through 3.1.4. Test
loads shall consist of energy test cloths, except that adjustments
to the test loads to achieve proper weight can be made by the use of
energy stuffer cloths with no more than 5 stuffer clothes per load.
2.8 Use of Test Loads. Table 2.8 defines the test load sizes
and corresponding water fill settings which are to be used when
measuring water and energy consumption. ``Control System'' refers to
the type of clothes washer control system as defined in section 1 of
this appendix:
Table 2.8.--Test Load Sizes and Water Fill Settings Required
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Water fill control system Manual Manual Adaptive
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Manual Adaptive Manual or adaptive
Other control systems -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Test load size Water fill setting Test load size Water fill setting Test load size Water fill setting
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Max............... Max............... Max............... Max............... Max............... As determined by
the Clothes
Washer.
Min............... Min............... Avg............... Max............... Avg+\1\...........
Min............... Min............... Avg...............
.................. Avg\1\............
Min ..............
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ See 3.3.3.1, 3.4.3.1, or 3.6.3.1 to determine if these load sizes are required.
2.8.1 The test load sizes to be used to measure RMC are
specified in section 3.8.
2.8.2 Test loads for energy and water consumption measurements
shall be bone dry prior to the first cycle of the test, and dried to
a maximum of 104 percent of bone dry weight for subsequent testing.
2.8.3 Method of loading. Load the energy test cloths by
grasping them in the center, shaking them to hang loosely and then
put them into the clothes container prior to activating the clothes
washer.
2.9 Pre-conditioning.
2.9.1 Nonwater-heating clothes washer. If the clothes washer
has neither been tested nor filled with water in the preceding 96
hours, pre-condition it by running it through a cold rinse cycle and
then draining it to ensure that the hose, pump, and sump are filled
with water.
2.9.2 Water-heating clothes washer. If the clothes washer has
neither been tested nor filled with water in the preceding 96 hours
[[Page 17598]]
and/or if it has not been in the test room at the specified ambient
conditions for 8 hours, pre-condition it by running it through a
cold rinse cycle and then draining it to ensure that the hose, pump,
and sump are filled with water.
2.10 Wash time setting. If one wash time is prescribed in the
energy test cycle, that shall be the wash time setting; otherwise,
the wash time setting shall be the higher of either the minimum, or
70 percent of the maximum, wash time available in the energy test
cycle.
2.11 Test room temperature for water-heating clothes washers.
Maintain the test room ambient air temperature at
75 deg.F5 deg.F (23.9 deg.C 2.8 deg.C).
3. Test Measurements
3.1 Clothes container capacity. Measure the entire volume which
a dry clothes load could occupy within the clothes container during
washer operation according to the following procedures:
3.1.1 Line the inside of the clothes container with 2 mil
(0.051 mm) plastic sheet. All clothes washer components which occupy
space within the clothes container and which are recommended for use
with the energy test cycle shall be in place and shall be lined with
2 mil (0.051 mm) plastic sheet to prevent water from entering any
void space.
3.1.2 Record the total weight of the machine before adding
water.
3.1.3 Fill the clothes container manually with either 60
deg.F5 deg.F (15.6 deg.C2.8 deg. C) or
100 deg.F#10 deg.F (37.8 deg.C 2.8 deg.C)
water to its uppermost edge. Measure and record the weight of water,
W, in pounds.
3.1.4 The clothes container capacity is calculated as follows:
C=W/d.
Where:
C=Capacity in cubic feet.
W=Mass of water in pounds.
d=Density of water (62.0 lbs/ft3 for 100 deg. F (993 kg/m\3\
for 37.8 deg. C) or 62.3 lbs/ft\3\ for 60 deg. F (998 kg/m\3\ for
15.6 deg. C)).
3.2 Procedure for measuring water and energy consumption values
on all automatic and semi-automatic washers. All energy consumption
tests shall be performed under the energy test cycle, unless
otherwise specified. Table 3.2 defines the sections below which
govern tests of particular clothes washers, based on the number of
wash/rinse temperature selections available on the model, and/or
method of water heating. The procedures prescribed are applicable
regardless of a clothes washer's washing capacity, loading port
location, primary axis of rotation of the clothes container, and
type of control system.
Table 3.2.--Test Section Reference
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Max. wash temp. available <=135 deg.F (57.2 deg.C) 135 deg.F
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (57.2 deg.C) \2\
--------------------------
Number of wash temp. selections 1 2 =3 3 3
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Test Sections Required to be Followed....... 3.6 3.4 3.4 3.3 3.3
\1\ 3.7 3.6 3.5 3.5 3.4
3.8 \1\ 3.7 3.6 3.6 3.5
........... 3.8 \1\ 3.7 \1\ 3.7 3.6
........... ........... 3.8 3.8 \1\ 3.7
........... ........... 3.8 3.8 \1\3.7
........... ........... ............. ........... 3.8
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Only applicable to machines with warm rinse.
\2\ This only applies to water heating clothes washers on which the maximum wash temperature available exceeds
135 deg. F (57.2 deg. C).
3.2.1 Inlet water temperature and the wash/rinse temperature
settings.
3.2.1.1 For automatic clothes washers set the wash/rinse
temperature selection control to obtain the wash water temperature
desired (extra hot, hot, warm, or cold) and cold rinse and open both
the hot and cold water faucets.
3.2.1.2 For semi-automatic washers: (1) For hot water
temperature: open the hot water faucet completely and close the cold
water faucet; (2) for warm inlet water temperature: Open both hot
and cold water faucets completely; (3) for cold water temperature:
close the hot water faucet and open the cold water faucet
completely.
3.2.2 Total water consumption during the energy test cycle
shall be measured, including hot and cold water consumption during
wash, deep rinse, and spray rinse.
3.2.3 Clothes washers with adaptive/manual/consumer optional
control systems
3.2.3.1 Clothes washers with adaptive controls and alternate
manual controls. If clothes washers with adaptive controls allow
consumer selection of manual controls as an alternative, then both
manual and adaptive modes shall be tested and the energy
consumption, ETE , calculated in section 4 shall be the average
of the measured values. If the product manufacturer feels more
energy savings would result from the actual in home use of the
adaptive control system, then the procedures in section 6.2 can be
used as an alternate means to provide data in support of a waiver.
3.2.3.2 Clothes washers with adaptive water fill controls. When
testing these clothes washers in adaptive water fill control, the
maximum, minimum, and average water levels as defined in the
following sections shall be interpreted to mean that amount of water
fill which is selected by the control system when the respective
test loads are used, as defined in Table 2.8. The load usage factors
which shall be used when calculating energy consumption values are
defined in Table 4.1.3.
3.2.3.3 Clothes washers with adaptive control systems which do
not adaptively modify the water fill levels. The water fill selector
shall be set to the maximum water level available on the clothes
washer for the maximum and average test load sizes and set to the
minimum water level for the minimum test load size as defined in
Table 2.8. The load usage factors which shall be used when
calculating energy consumption values are defined in Table 4.1.3.
3.2.3.4 Clothes washers with manual control systems. The water
fill selector shall be set to the maximum water level available on
the clothes washer for the maximum test load size and set to the
minimum water level for the minimum test load size as defined in
Table 2.8. The load usage factors which shall be used when
calculating energy consumption values are defined in Table 4.1.3.
3.2.3.5 Clothes washers with consumer options for the energy
test cycle. Clothes washers which have more than one option or a
range of options for various characteristics (other than wash time)
of the energy test cycle, such as various spin speeds or adaptive
water fill selections, etc., shall be tested at the maximum and
minimum extremities of the available options. The energy consumption
and other equations calculated in section 4 shall be determined by
the average of the measured values.
3.3 ``Extra Hot Wash'' Cycle (Max Wash Temp >135 deg. F
(57.2 deg. C)). This section applies to water heating clothes
washers only. Water and electrical energy consumption shall be
measured for each water fill level and/or test load size as
specified in 3.3.1 through 3.3.3.5.2 for the hottest setting
available.
3.3.1 Maximum test load and water fill. Hot water consumption
(Hmx), cold water consumption (Cmx), and electrical energy
consumption (Emn) shall be measured for an extra hot wash/cold
rinse energy test cycle, with the controls set for the maximum water
fill level. The maximum test load size is to be used and shall be
determined per table 5.1.
3.3.2 Minimum test load and water fill. Hot water consumption
(Hmn), cold water consumption (Cmn), and electrical energy
consumption (Emn) shall be measured for an extra hot wash/cold rinse
energy test cycle, with the controls set for the minimum water fill
level. The minimum test load size is to be used and shall be
determined per table 5.1.
3.3.3 Average test load and water fill. For clothes washers
with adaptive controls, measure the values for hot water consumption
(Hma), cold water consumption (Cma), and electrical energy
consumption (Ema) for an extra hot wash/cold rinse energy test
cycle, with an average test load size as determined per table 5.1.
3.3.3.1 Steps 3.3.3.2 through 3.3.3.5.2 are to determine if
additional testing of clothes washers with adaptive water fill
controls is necessary, by checking for linearity in the
[[Page 17599]]
three water consumption values (minimum, average, and maximum)
measured.
3.3.3.2 Calculate the total water consumption for the maximum
test load size (Vx=Hmx+Cmx)
3.3.3.3 Calculate the total water consumption for the average
test load size (Va=Hma+Cma)
3.3.3.4 Calculate the total water consumption for the minimum
test load size (Vn=Hmn+Cmn)
3.3.3.5 If Va is different than the average of Vx and
Vn by 5 percent or more then two additional test load sizes,
average(+) and average(-) shall be tested as follows:
3.3.3.5.1 To determine the average(+) test load size, add
the weights for the maximum and average test load sizes and divide
by two. Place the average(+) test load size into the clothes
washer and measure the hot water consumption (Hma+), cold water
consumption (Cma+), and electrical energy consumption
(Ema+) for an extra hot wash/cold rinse energy test cycle.
3.3.3.5.2 To determine the average(-) test load size, add
the weights for the average and minimum test load sizes and divide
by two. Place the average(-) test load size into the clothes
washer and measure the hot water consumption (Hma-), cold water
consumption (Cma-), and electrical energy consumption
(Ema-) for an extra hot wash/cold rinse energy test cycle.
3.4 ``Hot Wash'' Cycle (Max Wash Temp 135 deg.F
(57.2 deg.C)). Water and electrical energy consumption shall be
measured for each water fill level and/or test load size as
specified in 3.4.1 through 3.4.3.5.2 for 135 deg.F (57.2 deg.C)
wash if available or the hottest selection less than 135 deg.F
(57.2 deg.C).
3.4.1 Maximum test load and water fill. Hot water consumption
(Hhx), cold water consumption (Chx), and electrical energy
consumption (Ehx) shall be measured for a hot wash/cold rinse
energy test cycle, with the controls set for the maximum water fill
level. The maximum test load size is to be used and shall be
determined per table 5.1.
3.4.2 Minimum test load and water fill. Hot water consumption
(Hhn), cold water consumption (Chn), and electrical energy
consumption (Ehn) shall be measured for a hot wash/cold rinse
energy test cycle, with the controls set for the minimum water fill
level. The minimum test load size is to be used and shall be
determined per table 5.1.
3.4.3 Average test load and water fill. For clothes washers
with adaptive controls, measure the values for hot water consumption
(Hha), cold water consumption (Cha), and electrical energy
consumption (Eha) for a hot wash/cold rinse energy test cycle,
with an average test load size as determined per table 5.1.
3.4.3.1 Steps 3.4.3.2 through 3.4.3.5.2 are to determine if
additional testing of clothes washers with adaptive water fill
controls is necessary, by checking for linearity in the three water
consumption values (minimum, average, and maximum) measured.
3.4.3.2 Calculate the total water consumption for the maximum
test load size (Vx=Hhx+Chx)
3.4.3.3 Calculate the total water consumption for the average
test load size (Va=Hha+Cha)
3.4.3.4 Calculate the total water consumption for the minimum
test load size (Vn=Hhn+Chn)
3.4.3.5 If Va is different than the average of Vx and
Vn by 5 percent or more then two additional test load sizes,
average(+) and average(-) shall be tested as follows:
3.4.3.5.1 To determine the average(+) test load size, add
the weights for the maximum and average test load sizes and divide
by two. Place the average(+) test load size into the clothes
washer and measure the hot water consumption (Hha+), cold water
consumption (Cha+), and electrical energy consumption
(Eha+) for a hot wash/cold rinse energy test cycle.
3.4.3.5.2 To determine the average(-) test load size, add
the weights for the average and minimum test load sizes and divide
by two. Place the average(-) test load size into the clothes
washer and measure the hot water consumption (Hha-), cold water
consumption (Cha-), and electrical energy consumption
(Eha-) for a hot wash/cold rinse energy test cycle.
3.5 ``Warm Wash'' Cycle (Intermediate Wash Temperature
Selection Between Hot and Cold). Water and electrical energy
consumption shall be measured for each water fill level and/or test
load size as specified in 3.5.1 through 3.5.5.3 for the warm water
wash temperature.
3.5.1 For clothes washers with uniformly distributed warm wash
temperature selections, the reportable values to be used for the
warm water wash setting shall be the arithmetic average of hot and
cold selections measurements. This is a calculation only, no testing
is required.
3.5.2 For clothes washers that do not have uniformly
distributed warm wash temperature selections, test all intermediate
wash temperature selections for washers having discrete warm wash
selections. For washers having infinite warm wash selections which
are non-uniformly distributed by temperature between ``hot wash''
and ``cold wash'', test at 20 percent, 40 percent, 60 percent, and
80 percent positions of the temperature selection device between the
hottest hot (135 deg.F (57.2 deg.C)) wash and the
coldest cold wash. The reportable values to be used for the warm
water wash setting shall be the arithmetic averages of all tests
required in this section.
3.5.3 Maximum test load and water fill. Hot water consumption
(Hwx), cold water consumption (Cwx), and electrical energy
consumption (Ewx) shall be measured for a warm wash/cold rinse
energy test cycle, with the controls set for the maximum water fill
level. The maximum test load size is to be used and shall be
determined per table 5.1.
3.5.4 Minimum test load and water fill. Hot water consumption
(Hwn), cold water consumption (Cwn), and electrical energy
consumption (Ewn) shall be measured for a warm wash/cold rinse
energy test cycle, with the controls set for the minimum water fill
level. The minimum test load size is to be used and shall be
determined per table 5.1.
3.5.5 Average test load and water fill. For clothes washers
with adaptive controls, measure the values for hot water consumption
(Hwa), cold water consumption (Cwa), and electrical energy
consumption (Ewa) for a warm wash/cold rinse energy test cycle,
with an average test load size as determined per table 5.1.
3.5.5.1 If additional testing of clothes washers with adaptive
water fill controls was determined to be necessary by section
3.3.3.1 or 3.4.3.1. average(+) and average(-) test load
sizes shall be determined for warm wash as follows:
3.5.5.2 To determine the average(+) test load size, add
the weights for the maximum and average test load sizes and divide
by two. Place the average(+) test load size into the clothes
washer and measure the hot water consumption (Hwa+), cold water
consumption (Cwa+), and electrical energy consumption
(Ewa+) for a warm wash/cold rinse energy test cycle.
3.5.5.3 To determine the average(-) test load size, add
the weights for the average and minimum test load sizes and divide
by two. Place the average(-) test load size into the clothes
washer and measure the hot water consumption (Hwa-), cold water
consumption (Cwa-), and electrical energy consumption
(Ewa-) for a warm wash/cold rinse energy test cycle.
3.6 ``Cold Wash'' Cycle (Minimum Wash Temperature Selection).
Water and electrical energy consumption shall be measured for each
water fill level and/or test load size as specified in 3.6.1 through
3.6.3.5.2 for the coldest wash temperature selection available.
3.6.1 Maximum test load and water fill. Hot water consumption
(Hcx), cold water consumption (Ccx), and electrical energy
consumption (Ecx) shall be measured for a cold wash/cold rinse
energy test cycle, with the controls set for the maximum water fill
level. The maximum test load size is to be used and shall be
determined per table 5.1.
3.6.2 Minimum test load and water fill. Hot water consumption
(Hcn), cold water consumption (Ccn), and electrical energy
consumption (Ecn) shall be measured for a cold wash/cold rinse
energy test cycle, with the controls set for the minimum water fill
level. The minimum test load size is to be used and shall be
determined per table 5.1.
3.6.3 Average test load and water fill. For clothes washers
with adaptive controls, measure the values for hot water consumption
(Hca), cold water consumption (Cca), and electrical energy
consumption (Eca) for a cold wash/cold rinse energy test cycle,
with an average test load size as determined per table 5.1.
3.6.3.1 Steps 3.6.3.2 through 3.6.3.5.2 are to determine if
additional testing of clothes washers with adaptive water fill
controls is necessary, by checking for linearity in the three water
consumption values (minimum, average, and maximum) measured.
3.6.3.2 Calculate the total water consumption for the maximum
test load size ( Vx=Hcx+Ccx)
3.6.3.3 Calculate the total water consumption for the average
test load size (Va=Hca+Cca)
3.6.3.4 Calculate the total water consumption for the minimum
test load size (Vn=Hcn+Ccn)
3.6.3.5 If Va is different than the average of Vx and
Vn by 5 percent or more then two additional test load sizes,
average(+) and average(-) shall be tested as follows:
[[Page 17600]]
3.6.3.5.1 To determine the average(+) test load size, add
the weights for the maximum and average test load sizes and divide
by two. Place the average(+) test load size into the clothes
washer and measure the hot water consumption (Hca+), cold water
consumption (Cca+), and electrical energy consumption
(Eca+) for a cold wash/cold rinse energy test cycle.
3.6.3.5.2 To determine the average(-) test load size, add
the weights for the average and minimum test load sizes and divide
by two. Place the average(-) test load size into the clothes
washer and measure the hot water consumption (Hca-), cold water
consumption (Cca-), and electrical energy consumption
(Eca-) for a cold wash/cold rinse energy test cycle.
3.7 Warm Rinse.
3.7.1 Measure the amount of hot water consumed during the
hottest rinse cycle with the rinse temperature set to warm,
including all deep and spray rinses, for the maximum (Rx),
minimum (Rn), and average (Ra) test load sizes and/or
water fill levels.
3.7.2 Measure the total amount of electrical energy consumed by
the clothes washer with a warm wash and hottest rinse cycle,
including all wash, deep rinses, and spray rinses, for the maximum
(Erx), minimum (Ern), and average (Era) test load
sizes and/or water fill levels.
3.7.3 Subtract the electrical energy values for warm wash/cold
rinse as measured in section 3.5 (Ew) from the Er values determined
above in section 3.7.2 to calculate the additional electrical energy
required to heat the water and operate the clothes washer for the
warm wash/warm rinse cycle (ER).
(a) ERx=Erx-Ewx
(b) ERa=Era-Ewa
(c) ERn=Ern-Ewn
3.7.4 If additional testing of clothes washers with adaptive
water fill controls was determined to be necessary by section
3.3.3.1, 3.4.3.1, 3.5.5.1 or 3.6.3.1., the average(+) and
average(-) values shall be determined for warm rinse in
sections 3.7.1 (Ra+ and Ra-), 3.7.2 (Era+ and
Era-), and 3.7.3 (ERa+ and ERa-) as appropriate.
3.8 Remaining Moisture Content.
3.8.1 The wash temperature will be the same as the rinse
temperature for all testing.
3.8.2 For clothes washers with cold rinse only.
3.8.2.1 Determine the maximum test load as defined in table 5.1
and section 3.1.
3.8.2.2 Record the actual `bone dry' weight of the test load
(WImax).
3.8.2.3 Set water level selector to maximum fill.
3.8.2.4 Run the energy test cycle.
3.8.2.5 Record the weight of the test load immediately after
completion of the energy test cycle (WCmax).
3.8.2.6 Calculate the remaining moisture content of the maximum
test load, RMCmax, expressed as a percentage and defined as:
RMCmax = ((WCmax-WImax) / WImax) x 100%
3.8.3 For clothes washers with cold and warm rinse options.
3.8.3.1 Complete steps 3.8.2.1 through 3.8.2.5 for cold rinse.
Calculate the remaining moisture content of the maximum test load
for cold rinse, RMCCOLD, expressed as a percentage and defined as:
RMCCOLD = ((WCmax-WImax) / WImax) x 100%
3.8.3.2 Complete steps 3.8.2.1 through 3.8.2.6 for warm rinse.
Calculate the remaining moisture content of the maximum test load
for warm rinse, RMCWARM, expressed as a percentage and defined
as:
RMCWARM = ((WCmax-WImax) / WImax) x 100%
3.8.3.3 Calculate the remaining moisture content of the maximum
test load, RMCmax, expressed as a percentage and defined as:
RMCmax = RMCCOLD x (1-TUFR) +
RMCWARM x (TUFR).
4. Calculation of Derived Results from Test Measurements
All calculations for average, above average, and below average
test load sizes in this section are applicable only to those clothes
washers which were required to be tested in these conditions, as
stated in Table 2.8.
4.1 Hot water and machine electrical energy consumption of
clothes washers.
4.1.1 Per-cycle temperature-weighted hot water consumption for
maximum, intermediate, and minimum water fill levels using each
appropriate load size as defined in section 2.8 and Table 5.1.
Calculate for the cycle under test the per-cycle temperature
weighted hot water consumption for the maximum water fill level,
Vhx, the above average water fill level, Vha+, the average
water fill level, Vha, the below average water fill level,
Vha-, and the minimum water fill level, Vhn, expressed in
gallons per cycle (or liters per cycle) and defined as:
(a) Vhx=[Hmx x TUFm]
+[Hhx x TUFh]
+[Hwx x TUFw]
+[Hcx x TUFc]
+[Rx x TUFR]
(b) Vha+=[Hma+ x TUFm]
+[Hha++ x TUFh]
+[Hwa+ x TUFw]
+[Hca+ x TUFc]
+[Ra+ x TUFR]
(c) Vha=[Hma x TUFm]
+[Hha x TUFh]
+[Hwa x TUFw]
+[Hca x TUFc]
+[Ra x TUFR]
(d) Vha-=[Hma- x TUFm]
+[Hh