[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 61 (Wednesday, March 30, 2011)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 17577-17582]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-7440]
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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
10 CFR Part 431
[Docket Number EERE-2010-BT-STD-0027]
RIN 1904-AC28
Increased Scope of Coverage for Electric Motors
AGENCY: Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Department of
Energy.
ACTION: Request for information (RFI).
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SUMMARY: The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE or the Department) seeks
certain information to help inform its current rulemaking to set energy
conservation standards for electric motors. Specifically, DOE seeks
information to assist DOE in determining whether to develop energy
conservation standards for certain types of electric motors that are
currently unregulated by any standards. Should DOE receive sufficient
information supporting the inclusion of these motor types, DOE will
consider including these motor types in the electric motors standards
rulemaking.
DATES: Written comments and information are requested on or before
April 19, 2011.
ADDRESSES: Interested persons are encouraged to submit comments using
the Federal eRulemaking Portal at http://www.regulations.gov. Follow
the instructions for submitting comments. Alternatively, interested
persons may submit comments, identified by docket number EERE-2010-BT-
STD-0027, by any of the following methods:
E-mail: [email protected]. Include
docket number EERE-2010-BT-STD-0027 and/or RIN 1904-AC28 in the subject
line of the message.
Mail: Ms. Brenda Edwards, U.S. Department of Energy,
Building Technologies Program, Mailstop EE-2J, Revisions to Energy
Efficiency Enforcement Regulations, EERE-2010-BT-STD-0027, 1000
Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20585- 0121. Phone: (202) 586-
2945. Please submit one signed paper original.
Hand Delivery/Courier: Ms. Brenda Edwards, U.S. Department
of Energy, Building Technologies Program, 6th Floor, 950 L'Enfant
Plaza, SW., Washington, DC 20024. Phone: (202) 586-2945. Please submit
one signed paper original.
Instructions: All submissions received must include the agency name
and docket number or RIN for this rulemaking.
Docket: For access to the docket to read background documents, or
comments received, go to the Federal eRulemaking Portal at http://www.regulations.gov.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. James Raba, U.S. Department of
Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Building
Technologies Program, EE-2J, 1000 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington,
DC 20585-0121, (202) 586-8654, e-mail: [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Authority and Background: DOE intends to publish a final rule
determining whether to amend the current energy conservation standards
for electric motors. On September 28, 2010, DOE published a notice of
availability of the ``Energy Conservation Standards Rulemaking
Framework Document for Electric Motors'' (Framework Document), which
describes the procedural and analytical approaches DOE anticipates
using in its evaluation. 75 FR 59657. DOE must publish a final rule
determining whether to amend the electric motors standards by December
19, 2012. (42 U.S.C. 6313(b)(4)(B)).
The current energy conservation standards for electric motors, as
set forth in the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA
2007) amendments to the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (ECPA),
establish energy conservation standards for two types of general
purpose electric motors: (1) Subtype I, and (2) subtype II. (42 U.S.C.
6313(b)(2)) These broad categories include various types of motors,
such as the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) Design
B motors rated from 1 to 500 horsepower, NEMA Design A and C motors
rated from 1 to 200 horsepower, vertical solid shaft motors and close-
coupled pump motors. These standards do not apply to vertical hollow
shaft motors, integral shafted partial motors, brake motors, or NEMA
Design A motors between 200 and 500 horsepower, among other motor
types. This is so because these types of electric motors do not meet
currently prescribed definitions for general purpose electric motor
(subtype I) and general purpose electric motor (subtype II), in that
they are not general purpose motors and cannot be used in most general
purpose applications. (42 U.S.C. 6311(13)(A)-(B); 10 CFR 431.12).
During the Framework Document comment period, energy efficiency
advocates (the Appliance Standards Awareness Project (ASAP) and the
American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE)),
manufacturers (NEMA and Baldor), and utilities (the Pacific Gas and
Electric Company (PG&E), Southern California Gas Company (SCGC), San
Diego Gas and Electric (SDG&E), and Southern California Edison (SCE))
urged DOE to consider including additional motor types currently
without energy conservation standards in DOE's analyses and
establishing such standards. (ASAP/NEMA, No. 12 at p. 1; ACEEE, No. 10
at p. 1; Baldor, No. 8 at p. 2; PG&E/SCGC/SDG&E/SCE, No. 11 at p. 1)
\1\ In the commenters' view, this approach would more effectively
increase energy savings than setting more stringent standards for the
electric motors that are currently being examined as part of the energy
conservation standards rulemaking that DOE has initiated. See 75 FR
59657 (September 28, 2010). These parties also asserted that expanding
the scope of DOE's current efforts, along with specially tailored
exemptions for certain types of electric motors,would enable DOE to
simplify its compliance and enforcement efforts. (ASAP/NEMA, No. 12 at
p. 1-2; ACEEE, No. 10 at p. 1)
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\1\ Notations of this form appear throughout this document and
identify statements made in written comments or at public hearings
that DOE has received and has included in the docket for this
rulemaking. For example, ``NEMA, No. 12 at p. 7'' refers to a
comment: (1) From the National Electrical Manufacturers Association;
(2) in document number 12 in the docket of this rulemaking; and (3)
appearing on page 7 of the submission, while ``Baldor, Framework
Public Meeting Transcript, p.126'' refers to a comment: (1) From
Baldor Electric Company; (2) in the transcript for the public
meeting on the Framework document; and (3) appearing on page 126 of
the transcript.
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In light of these comments, DOE requests information regarding
definite purpose and special purpose motors, including the additional
motor types that DOE describes in Table 1 and Table 2. DOE is
considering including definite and special purpose motors in the
electric motors standards rulemaking.
[[Page 17578]]
Although DOE is particularly interested in information on the specific
motor types identified in comments received in response to the
Framework Document, commenters are welcome to provide information
similar to the information sought for any additional motor type that
the commenter believes should be included in this rulemaking and the
reasons for their inclusion as part of the standards rulemaking.
Description: Public comments are sought from interested parties
regarding establishment of energy conservation standards for several
types of definite and special purpose motors for which EISA 2007 did
not provide energy conservation standards. DOE has the authority to set
energy conservation standards for a wider range of electric motors than
those classified as general purpose electric motors (e.g., definite or
special purpose motors). The Energy Policy Act of 1992 (``EPAct 1992'')
amendments to EPCA defined ``electric motor'' to include a certain type
of ``general purpose'' motor. (42 U.S.C. 6311(13)(A) (1992)) EPAct 1992
set energy conservation standards for such ``electric motors'' and
explicitly stated that the standards did not apply to definite purpose
or special purpose motors. (42 U.S.C. 6313(b)(1)) (1992)) In EISA 2007,
Congress removed the definition of ``electric motors,'' added a
definitional heading for ``electric motors,'' and then denoted several
types of ``electric motors,'' including general purpose electric
motors, definite purpose motors, and special purpose motors. (See 42
U.S.C. 6311(13) (2010)) EISA 2007 also amended the energy conservation
standards for general purpose motors and removed the exclusion for
definite purpose and special purpose motors. (42 U.S.C. 6313(b)(2)-(3)
(2010)) Based on these changes, in spite of the absence of any current
standards for these types of motors, it is DOE's view that definite and
special purpose motors are ``electric motor'' categories covered under
EPCA. Accordingly, DOE is considering establishing standards for
certain definite and special purpose motors in the context of the
electric motors rulemaking.
While existing energy conservation standards cover a majority of
the electric motors market, based on DOE's initial findings, several
categories of the definite or special purpose motors that interested
parties recommended for standards coverage have significant sales
volumes, and thus energy savings potential. Adding these motors to the
group of motors for which DOE has already set energy conservation
standards would also reduce the incentive for manufacturers to attempt
to circumvent existing or amended standards by substituting unregulated
motors for regulated motors. To this end, DOE examined each motor type
to determine whether it would require an engineering analysis separate
from covered general purpose electric motors, and whether it could be
evaluated using DOE's current test procedure, located in subpart B of
10 CFR part 431.
To inform its decision-making process, DOE seeks information
regarding whether any of the motor types listed in Table 1 below have
any unique design features that affect the cost or efficiency of the
motor. For instance, DOE is interested in whether a particular design
feature for a brake motor would prevent it from meeting an efficiency
level that its general purpose counterpart can meet. Furthermore, if
the cost-efficiency relationship for a comparable general purpose motor
cannot be applied to the motor type in question, DOE requests
information on the relationship between cost and efficiency. DOE seeks
information on whether a scaling relationship can be used to extend the
cost-efficiency relationship of a general purpose motor to the motor
type in question.
DOE also requests comments on whether inclusion of each of the
motor types listed in Table 1 in the electric motors rulemaking would
require changes to the current DOE test procedure. DOE requests
information on whether the change would require that a new test method
or test procedure be incorporated by reference, or whether it would
require a slight modification or clarification as to how the test is
performed, similar to what is currently done for vertical solid shaft
motors, which, as DOE understands the current practice, are tested in
the horizontal configuration. If a new test procedure is needed, DOE
requests information on any test procedures or test methods that are
applicable and available and the reasons for those procedures or
methods.
Table 1 summarizes DOE's preliminary findings for each of the motor
types that stakeholders support including within the electric motors
standards rulemaking. DOE requests comment on the preliminary
conclusions included in the table, as well as the market share of each
of these motor types, and the potential energy saved by including each
motor type. The market analysis consists of motors sold in the U.S. by
NEMA-member companies and does not include any imports. DOE also
requests comment on whether there are any other types of motors not
listed in Table 1 that DOE should consider including in the standards
rulemaking.
Table 1--Electric Motor Types Which Stakeholder Comments Indicated Should be Included in the Standards Rulemaking
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Requires separate
Motor type analysis from general Requires changes to the Approximate percentage of Notes
purpose motors? DOE test procedure? the motor market
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NEMA Design A Motors from 200 to 500 No....................... No...................... Unknown DOE believes that these
HP. motors are similar to the
lower horsepower Design A
electric motors already
covered.
Brake Motors.......................... No....................... No...................... 10.1% DOE believes that when not
applied, the brake unit does
not interfere with normal
operation and therefore the
motor can be tested with the
brake in the off position
using the current test
procedure. DOE believes that
the cost-efficiency
relationship is similar to
that of a general purpose
electric motor.
[[Page 17579]]
Partial Motors or Component Sets...... Yes...................... Yes..................... 11.9% DOE has been advised that
these motors do not include
a full frame, front plate,
bearings, shaft, or shaft
support. Because the ability
of these components to
dissipate heat is strongly
dependent on the type of
frame, bearings, etc.
chosen, the efficiency of
these motors is therefore
dependent on the
application. Because of
this, they would also
require a new test
procedure.
Integral Shafted Partial Motors....... No....................... No...................... ............................ DOE believes that unlike
partial motors or component
sets, integral shafted
partial motors are only
missing the drive end face
plate, and therefore can be
tested with a ``dummy test
bracket'' using the current
test procedure. DOE believes
that when equipped with a
dummy end plate, the cost-
efficiency relationship of
this type of motor would be
similar to that of a general
purpose motor.
Vertical Hollow Shaft Motors.......... No....................... No...................... 0.8% DOE believes that these
motors do not differ from
vertical solid shaft motors
in performance or electrical
characteristics. When tested
with their bearings swapped
for ball bearings and in a
horizontal configuration,
these motors can meet
designated efficiency levels
of general purpose motors.
DOE believes that the test
procedure would mirror that
performed on vertical solid
shaft motors, which are
currently covered by DOE
standards.
Integral Gear Motors.................. No....................... No...................... 15.6% DOE has been advised that
these motors are almost
identical to integral
shafted partial motors in
function, and therefore can
be tested similarly, with a
``dummy test bracket'' in
lieu of a standard face
plate. As with integral
shafted motors, DOE believes
that when equipped with a
dummy end plate, the cost-
efficiency relationship of
this type of motor would be
similar to that of a general
purpose motor.
TENV Motors........................... Yes...................... No...................... 3.0% DOE understands that these
motors have no built-in fan,
and therefore require enough
exterior clearance to allow
for free convection.
Furthermore, the frame is
generally larger to aid in
dissipation of heat. Because
of this, DOE believes that
the cost-efficiency
relationship for a general
purpose motor cannot be
directly applied to a TENV
motor, as TENV motors have
unique efficiency-affecting
features that distinguish
them from general purpose
motors.
[[Page 17580]]
TEAO Motors........................... Yes...................... Yes..................... ............................ DOE understands that these
motors are intended to be
cooled by ventilation means
external to the motor and
that the motor must be
provided with additional
ventilation to prevent it
from overheating. DOE
believes the addition of a
separate means for cooling
would require a new test
procedure. Furthermore, DOE
believes that the cost-
efficiency relationship for
a general purpose motor
cannot be directly applied
to a TEAO motor, as TEAO
motors have unique
efficiency-affecting
features that distinguish
them from general purpose
motors.
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The joint comments from ASAP and NEMA also identified several types
of motors that the commenters believe should not be included in the
standards rulemaking. (ASAP/NEMA, No. 12 at p. 9) These motors are
presented in Table 2. To inform its decision-making process, DOE seeks
information regarding the merits of this recommendation and whether any
of the motor types listed in Table 2 have any unique design features
that affect the cost or efficiency of the motor. Furthermore, if the
cost-efficiency relationship for a comparable general purpose motor
cannot be applied to the motor type in question, DOE requests
information on the relationship between cost and efficiency. DOE seeks
information on whether a scaling relationship can be used to extend the
cost-efficiency relationship of a general purpose motor to the motor
type in question.
DOE also requests comments on whether inclusion of each of the
motor types listed in Table 2 in the electric motors rulemaking would
require changes to the current DOE test procedure and if so, whether
those changes would require that a new test method or test procedure be
incorporated by reference. If a new test procedure is needed, DOE
requests information on any test procedures or test methods that are
applicable and available and why those procedures or methods are
needed.
Table 2 summarizes DOE's preliminary findings for each of the motor
types that ASAP and NEMA do not support for inclusion within the
electric motors standards rulemaking. DOE requests comment on the
preliminary conclusions included in Table 2, as well as the market
share of each of these motor types and their potential energy savings.
Table 2--Electric Motor Types Which Stakeholder Comments Indicated Should be Excluded From the Standards
Rulemaking
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Requires separate
analysis from Requires changes
Motor type general purpose to the DOE test Notes
motors? procedure?
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Multispeed Motors............. Yes.............. Yes.............. The current standards only cover single-
speed motors, and therefore, DOE believes
that the cost-efficiency relationship for
general purpose motors cannot be directly
applied to multispeed motors. Also, these
motors would require a new test
procedure.
DC Motors..................... Yes.............. Yes.............. The current standards only cover AC
motors, and therefore, DOE believes that
the cost-efficiency relationship for
general purpose motors cannot be directly
applied to DC motors. Also, these motors
would require a new test procedure.
Single Phase Motors........... Yes.............. Yes.............. The current standards only cover polyphase
motors, and therefore, DOE believes that
the cost-efficiency relationship for
general purpose motors cannot be directly
applied to single phase motors. Also,
these motors would require a new test
procedure.
Liquid Cooled and Submersible DOE Requests Yes.............. DOE understands that the submersible motor
or Immersible Motors. Comment. is completely sealed for use in
submersible applications, and that
cooling is accomplished by surrounding
liquid. DOE requests comment on whether
the cost-efficiency relationship for a
general purpose motor can be directly
applied to a submersible motor.
[[Page 17581]]
Electronically Commutated Yes.............. Yes.............. The current standards only cover squirrel-
Motors. cage induction motors, and therefore, DOE
believes that the cost-efficiency
relationship for general purpose motors
cannot be directly applied to
electrically commutated motors. Also,
these motors would require a new test
procedure.
Switched Reluctance Motors.... Yes.............. Yes.............. The current standards only cover squirrel-
cage induction motors, and therefore, DOE
believes that the cost-efficiency
relationship for general purpose motors
cannot be directly applied to switched
reluctance motors. Also, these motors
would require a new test procedure.
Interior Permanent Magnet Yes.............. Yes.............. The current standards only cover squirrel-
Motors. cage induction motors, and therefore, DOE
believes that the cost-efficiency
relationship for general purpose motors
cannot be directly applied to interior
permanent magnet motors. Also, these
motors would require a new test
procedure.
Inverter-duty Motors.......... Yes.............. No............... DOE is aware that these motors are
designed to run on variable frequency
drives and typically are designed to run
at lower speeds. Because they are
designed to run at lower speeds where
they won't be cooled as effectively, in
order to prevent the motor from
overheating, the insulation differs from
that used in a general purpose motor.
This difference in internal design leads
to a different cost-efficiency curve.
Intermittent-duty Motors...... Yes.............. Yes.............. DOE is aware that these motors are
designed to run on an intermittent basis
to allow for proper cooling without
overheating. The current standards and
test procedure only cover continuous duty
motors. Therefore, DOE believes that the
cost-efficiency relationship for general
purpose motors cannot be directly applied
to intermittent-duty motors. Also, these
motors would require a new test
procedure.
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In addition to the above issues, DOE seeks information and comment
regarding the possible consolidation of two different sets of motors
into one equipment class for the purposes of its analysis.
Specifically, Baldor and NEMA both recommended that DOE combine Design
A and Design B motors into a single equipment class. (Baldor, Framework
Public Meeting Transcript, p.77; NEMA, No. 13, p.4) (``Design A'' and
``Design B'' are NEMA-developed designations that define a motor's
performance characteristics such as the locked-rotor torque, pull-up
torque, breakdown torque, inrush current, and locked-rotor current.)
These motors are identical except with respect to the limit on inrush
current \2\--Design B motors are limited to certain prescribed levels
while Design A motors have no such limitation. DOE is interested in
receiving information about any differences in efficiencies between
similar Design A and Design B motors. DOE is also interested in
receiving information about the respective market shares of Design A
and Design B motors.
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\2\ Inrush current refers to the maximum, instantaneous input
current drawn by an electrical device when first turned on. For
example, an alternating current electric motor may draw several
times its normal full-load current when first energized, for a few
cycles of the input waveform.
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Baldor and NEMA made a similar recommendation for U-frame and T-
frame motors. (Baldor, Framework Public Meeting Transcript, p.126;
NEMA, No. 13, p.13) T-frame motors, which are more compact than U-frame
motors, are increasingly being used as replacements for their U-frame
counterparts. While installing a T-frame motor into a U-frame
application requires minor adjustments (e.g. shimming of the mounting
plate and/or using a different shaft coupling, which are changes that a
technician can make expeditiously) to enable it to fit within a U-frame
application, this motor would provide the same functionality as the U-
frame motor it replaces. Partly because of their smaller size and lower
weight for similarly rated motors (i.e. horsepower), information
reviewed by DOE indicates that T-frame motors are replacing U-frame
motors in both new and existing applications. (NEMA/ACEEE, No. 25, p.
6) \3\ DOE is interested in receiving information about the difference
in efficiencies between similar T-frame and U-frame motors. DOE is also
interested in receiving information about the respective market shares
of T-frame and U-frame motors.
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\3\ This written comment was submitted to the docket of the
supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking on test procedures for
electric motors and small electric motors (refer to http://www.regulations.gov, Docket No. EERE-2008-BT-TP-0008; RIN number
1904-AB71).
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Public Participation
A. Submission of Information
DOE will accept comments in response to this RFI under the timeline
provided in the DATES section. Comments submitted to the Department
through the eRulemaking Portal or by e-mail should be provided in
WordPerfect, Microsoft Word, portable document format (PDF), or text
file format. Those responding should avoid the use of special
characters or any form of encryption. No facsimiles will be accepted.
Comments submitted in response to this notice will become a matter of
public record and will be made publicly available.
B. Issues on Which DOE Seeks Information
For this RFI, DOE requests comments, information, and
recommendations on the following concepts for the purpose of
determining whether additional motor types currently without energy
[[Page 17582]]
conservation standards can and should be assigned energy conservation
standards. DOE also seeks information and comment regarding the
possible consolidation of NEMA Design A and Design B motors into one
equipment class and NEMA T- and U-frame motors into one equipment class
for the purpose of its analysis and energy conservation standards.
1. DOE requests comment on the preliminary conclusions included in
Table 1 and Table 2.
2. DOE seeks comment on whether the analyses performed for motors
that currently have standards can be extended to those electric motors
listed in Table 1 and Table 2.
3. DOE seeks information regarding whether any of the motor types
listed in Table 1 and Table 2 have any unique design features that
affect the cost or efficiency of the motor compared to general purpose
motors.
a. If the cost-efficiency relationship for a comparable general
purpose motor cannot be applied to the motor type in question, DOE
requests information on the relationship between cost and efficiency.
b. DOE requests information on whether a scaling relationship can
be used to extend the cost-efficiency relationship of a general purpose
motor to the motor type in question.
4. DOE requests comment on the market share of each of these motor
types listed in Table 1 and Table 2.
5. DOE requests comment on the potential energy saved by including
each motor type listed in Table 1 and Table 2 in the standards
rulemaking.
6. DOE seeks information on methods for testing the motors listed
in Table 1 and Table 2, and how they may differ from the current test
procedures for electric motors. If a new test procedure is needed, DOE
requests information on the reasons why such a new procedures is needed
and the current availability and applicability of any test procedures
or test methods. DOE also seeks confirmation of the accuracy of its
understanding with respect to the testing of vertical shaft motors.
7. DOE seeks information on any other types of definite purpose or
special purpose motors not listed in Table 1 and Table 2 that DOE
should consider including in this rulemaking.
8. DOE seeks comment on the possible consolidation of NEMA Design A
and Design B motors into one equipment class, and NEMA T- and U-frame
motors into one equipment class.
a. What are the possible differences in achievable efficiency
between Design A and Design B motors?
b. What are the respective market shares of Design A and Design B
motors?
c. What are the possible differences in achievable efficiency
between U-frame and T-frame motors?
d. What are the respective market shares of U-frame and T-frame
motors?
Statutory Authority: 42 U.S.C. 6313(b)(4).
Issued in Washington, DC, on March 24, 2011.
Kathleen B. Hogan,
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency, Office of Technology
Development, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.
[FR Doc. 2011-7440 Filed 3-29-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6450-01-P