[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 98 (Wednesday, May 21, 2014)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 29272-29306]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-10686]
[[Page 29271]]
Vol. 79
Wednesday,
No. 98
May 21, 2014
Part II
Department of Energy
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10 CFR Parts 429 and 430
Energy Conservation Program: Test Procedures for Dehumidifiers;
Proposed Rule
Federal Register / Vol. 79 , No. 98 / Wednesday, May 21, 2014 /
Proposed Rules
[[Page 29272]]
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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
10 CFR Parts 429 and 430
[Docket No. EERE-2014-BT-TP-0010]
RIN 1904-AC80
Energy Conservation Program: Test Procedures for Dehumidifiers
AGENCY: Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Department of
Energy.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking.
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SUMMARY: The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) proposes to revise its
test procedures for dehumidifiers, by adding clarifications for
equipment setup during testing and correcting the calculations of
active mode energy use and an efficiency metric, integrated energy
factor (IEF). The proposed amendments would also create a new appendix
which would require certain active mode testing at a lower ambient
temperature, add a measure of fan-only mode energy consumption in the
IEF metric, and include testing methodology and measures of performance
for whole-home dehumidifiers. Finally, DOE proposes to add clarifying
definitions of covered products, amend the certification requirements,
add verification instructions for the capacity measurement, and make
certain editorial corrections.
DATES: DOE will hold a public meeting on Friday, June 13, 2014 from 9
a.m. to 12 p.m., in Washington, DC. The meeting will also be broadcast
as a webinar. See section V, ``Public Participation,'' for webinar
registration information, participant instructions, and information
about the capabilities available to webinar participants.
DOE will accept comments, data, and information regarding this
notice of proposed rulemaking (NOPR) before and after the public
meeting, but no later than August 4, 2014. See section V, ``Public
Participation,'' for details.
ADDRESSES: The public meeting will be held at the U.S. Department of
Energy, Forrestal Building, Room 8E-089, 1000 Independence Avenue SW.,
Washington, DC 20585. To attend, please notify Ms. Brenda Edwards at
(202) 586-2945. Please note that foreign nationals visiting DOE
Headquarters are subject to advance security screening procedures. Any
foreign national wishing to participate in the meeting should advise
DOE as soon as possible by contacting Ms. Edwards to initiate the
necessary procedures. Please also note that those wishing to bring
laptops into the Forrestal Building will be required to obtain a
property pass. Visitors should avoid bringing laptops, or allow an
extra 45 minutes. Persons can attend the public meeting via webinar.
For more information, refer to the Public Participation section near
the end of this document.
Any comments submitted must identify the NOPR for Test Procedures
for Dehumidifiers, and provide docket number EE-2014-BT-TP-0010 and/or
regulatory information number (RIN) number 1904-AC80. Comments may be
submitted using any of the following methods:
1. Federal eRulemaking Portal: www.regulations.gov. Follow the
instructions for submitting comments.
2. Email: [email protected]. Include the docket
number and/or RIN in the subject line of the message.
3. Mail: Ms. Brenda Edwards, U.S. Department of Energy, Building
Technologies Program, Mailstop EE-2J, 1000 Independence Avenue SW.,
Washington, DC 20585-0121. If possible, please submit all items on a
CD. It is not necessary to include printed copies.
4. Hand Delivery/Courier: Ms. Brenda Edwards, U.S. Department of
Energy, Building Technologies Program, 950 L'Enfant Plaza SW., Suite
600, Washington, DC 20024. Telephone: (202) 586-2945. If possible,
please submit all items on a CD. It is not necessary to include printed
copies.
For detailed instructions on submitting comments and additional
information on the rulemaking process, see section V of this document
(Public Participation).
Docket: The docket, which includes Federal Register notices, public
meeting attendee lists and transcripts, comments, and other supporting
documents/materials, is available for review at regulations.gov. All
documents in the docket are listed in the regulations.gov index.
However, some documents listed in the index, such as those containing
information that is exempt from public disclosure, may not be publicly
available.
A link to the docket Web page can be found at: http://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=EERE-2014-BT-TP-0010. This Web
page contains a link to the docket for this document on the
regulations.gov site. The regulations.gov Web page contains
instructions on how to access all documents, including public comments,
in the docket. See section V for information on how to submit comments
through regulations.gov.
For further information on how to submit a comment, review other
public comments and the docket, or participate in the public meeting,
contact Ms. Brenda Edwards at (202) 586-2945 or by email:
[email protected].
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Mr. Bryan Berringer, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy
Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Building Technologies, EE-5B, 1000
Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20585-0121. Telephone: (202)
586-0371. Email: [email protected].
Ms. Elizabeth Kohl, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of the General
Counsel, GC-71, 1000 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20585-
0121. Telephone: (202) 586-7796. Email: [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Table of Contents
I. Authority and Background
A. General Test Procedure Rulemaking Process
B. Test Procedure for Dehumidifiers
II. Summary of the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
III. Discussion
A. Products Covered by This Test Procedure Rulemaking
B. Determination, Classification, and Testing Provisions for
Dehumidifier Active Modes
1. Dehumidification Mode
a. Ambient Temperature
b. Relative Humidity
c. Ducted Test Installation for Whole-Home Dehumidifiers
d. Psychrometer Requirements
e. Condensate Collection
f. Control Settings
2. Fan-Only Mode
C. Additional Technical and Editorial Corrections
1. Definition of ``Dehumidifier''
2. Referenced Section in Test Procedures at 10 CFR 430.23
3. Integrated Energy Factor Calculation
4. Number of Annual Inactive Mode and Off Mode Hours
D. Materials Incorporated by Reference
E. Certification and Verification
F. Compliance Dates of Amended Test Procedures
IV. Procedural Issues and Regulatory Review
A. Review Under Executive Order 12866
B. Review Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act
C. Review Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995
D. Review Under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969
E. Review Under Executive Order 13132
F. Review Under Executive Order 12988
G. Review Under the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995
H. Review Under the Treasury and General Government
Appropriations Act, 1999
I. Review Under Executive Order 12630
J. Review Under Treasury and General Government Appropriations
Act, 2001
K. Review Under Executive Order 13211
L. Review Under Section 32 of the Federal Energy Administration
Act of 1974
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V. Public Participation
A. Attendance at Public Meeting
B. Procedure for Submitting Prepared General Statements for
Distribution
C. Conduct of Public Meeting
D. Submission of Comments
E. Issues on Which DOE Seeks Comment
VI. Approval of the Office of the Secretary
I. Authority and Background
Title III of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975 (42
U.S.C. 6291, et seq.; ``EPCA'' or, ``the Act'') sets forth a variety of
provisions designed to improve energy efficiency. (All references to
EPCA refer to the statute as amended through the American Energy
Manufacturing Technical Corrections Act (AEMTCA), Public Law 112-210
(Dec. 18, 2012).) Part B of title III, which for editorial reasons was
redesignated as Part A upon incorporation into the U.S. Code (42 U.S.C.
6291-6309, as codified), establishes the ``Energy Conservation Program
for Consumer Products Other Than Automobiles.'' These include
dehumidifiers, the subject of this proposed rule. (42 U.S.C.
6292(a)(11))
Under EPCA, the energy conservation program consists essentially of
four parts: (1) Testing, (2) labeling, (3) Federal energy conservation
standards, and (4) certification and enforcement procedures. The
testing requirements consist of test procedures that manufacturers of
covered products must use as the basis for (1) certifying to DOE that
their products comply with the applicable energy conservation standards
adopted under EPCA, and (2) making representations about the efficiency
of those products. Similarly, DOE must use these test procedures to
determine whether the products comply with any relevant standards
promulgated under EPCA.
A. General Test Procedure Rulemaking Process
Under 42 U.S.C. 6293, EPCA sets forth the criteria and procedures
DOE must follow when prescribing or amending test procedures for
covered products. EPCA provides in relevant part that any test
procedures prescribed or amended under this section shall be reasonably
designed to produce test results that measure energy efficiency, energy
use or estimated annual operating cost of a covered product during a
representative average use cycle or period of use and shall not be
unduly burdensome to conduct. (42 U.S.C. 6293(b)(3))
In addition, if DOE determines that a test procedure amendment is
warranted, it must publish proposed test procedures and offer the
public an opportunity to present oral and written comments on them. (42
U.S.C. 6293(b)(2)) Finally, in any rulemaking to amend a test
procedure, DOE must determine to what extent, if any, the proposed test
procedure would alter the measured energy efficiency of any covered
product as determined under the existing test procedure. (42 U.S.C.
6293(e))
B. Test Procedure for Dehumidifiers
EPCA specifies that the dehumidifier test criteria used under the
ENERGY STAR \1\ program in effect as of January 1, 2001,\2\ must serve
as the basis for the DOE test procedure for dehumidifiers, unless
revised by DOE. (42 U.S.C. 6293(b)(13)) The ENERGY STAR test criteria
required that American National Standards Institute (ANSI)/Association
of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) Standard DH-1,
``Dehumidifiers,'' be used to measure capacity while the Canadian
Standards Association (CAN/CSA) standard CAN/CSA-C749-1994 (R2005),
``Performance of Dehumidifiers,'' be used to calculate the energy
factor (EF). The version of AHAM Standard DH-1 in use at the time the
ENERGY STAR test criteria were adopted was AHAM Standard DH-1-1992. DOE
adopted these test criteria, along with related definitions and
tolerances, as its test procedure for dehumidifiers at 10 CFR part 430,
subpart B, appendix X in 2006. 71 FR 71340, 71347, 71366, 713667-68
(Dec. 8, 2006).
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\1\ For more information on the ENERGY STAR program, please
visit www.energystar.gov.
\2\ ``Energy Star Program Requirements for Dehumidifiers'',
Version 1.0, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, available online
at: www.energystar.gov/products/specs/system/files/DehumProgReqV1.0.pdf.
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On October 31, 2012, DOE published a final rule to establish a new
test procedure for dehumidifiers that references ANSI/AHAM Standard DH-
1-2008, ``Dehumidifiers,'' (ANSI/AHAM DH-1-2008) for both energy use
and capacity measurements. 77 FR 65995 (Oct. 31, 2012). The final rule
also adopted standby and off mode provisions that satisfy the
requirement in EPCA for DOE to include measures of standby mode and off
mode energy consumption in its test procedures for residential
products, if technically feasible. (42 U.S.C. 6295(gg)(2)(A)) This new
DOE test procedure, codified at that time at 10 CFR part 430, subpart
B, appendix X1 (appendix X1), established a new metric, integrated
energy factor (IEF), which incorporates measures of active, standby,
and off mode energy use.
DOE subsequently removed the existing test procedures at appendix X
and redesignated the test procedures at appendix X1 as appendix X. 79
FR 7366, Feb. 7, 2014. After August 6, 2014, any representations of
energy use, including standby mode or off mode energy consumption, or
efficiency of portable dehumidifiers must be made in accordance with
the results of testing pursuant to the redesignated appendix X. In this
NOPR, DOE proposes further amendments to the redesignated appendix X.
DOE also initiated a rulemaking to consider amending the energy
conservation standards for dehumidifiers. As part of this rulemaking,
DOE is considering standards for whole-home, including refrigerant-
desiccant, dehumidifiers. Any amended standards for both portable and
whole-home dehumidifiers would be based on the efficiency metrics as
determined from a new DOE test procedure at appendix X1 that DOE is
proposing to establish in this document. DOE published a document
announcing the availability of the Energy Conservation Standards
Rulemaking Framework Document for Dehumidifiers on August 17, 2012 (the
``August 2012 Framework Document'') 77 FR 49739 (Aug. 17, 2012). The
August 2012 Framework Document, also published on the DOE Web site,
discusses the analyses DOE intends to conduct throughout the standards
rulemaking. In response to the August 2012 Framework Document and at
the public meeting held on September 24, 2012, DOE received a number of
comments related to the dehumidifier test procedure. DOE considered
these comments in its analysis for this NOPR, and provides responses in
this document.
II. Summary of the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
In this NOPR, DOE proposes to establish in 10 CFR 430.2 definitions
for different categories of residential dehumidifiers: Portable
dehumidifiers and whole-home dehumidifiers. The proposal includes a
definition for whole-home dehumidifiers that incorporate moisture
removal by means of either a refrigeration system and a desiccant,
which require specific testing methodology. The provisions in appendix
X1 proposed in this NOPR would include test equipment and methodology
for measuring the capacity and IEF of whole-home dehumidifiers under
conditions representative of typical ducted installations.
DOE also proposes amending the dehumidifier test procedure to
provide a more accurate representation of active mode performance in
new appendix X1. The active mode provisions currently in
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appendix X require testing under ambient conditions consisting of a
dry-bulb temperature of 80 degrees Fahrenheit ([deg]F) and a wet-bulb
ambient temperature of 69.6 [deg]F; however, DOE's recent analysis and
information from interested parties suggest that this set of test
conditions may not be representative of residential installation
locations, and that dehumidifier performance varies according to the
ambient temperature and humidity. Therefore, DOE is proposing
amendments to be incorporated in the new appendix X1 that would reduce
the required ambient dry-bulb and wet-bulb temperatures during the test
to better reflect the energy use and capacity of dehumidifiers in real-
world conditions.
DOE further proposes to incorporate into appendix X1 measures of
energy use in fan-only mode for dehumidifiers that operate the fan
either continuously or cyclically without activating the refrigeration
system when the ambient relative humidity is lower than the setpoint,
rather than entering off-cycle mode.
Because appendix X does not provide instructions regarding the
proper control settings, including the fan speed to be used for testing
dehumidifiers with multiple fan-speed options and the relative humidity
control setting, DOE is proposing to conduct active mode testing in
appendix X and appendix X1 using the setting for continuous operation
for dehumidifiers equipped with such an option. For dehumidifiers
without a setting for continuous operation, DOE proposes to require
testing at the highest possible fan speed and lowest relative humidity
setting to achieve the maximum possible moisture removal rate, which is
the primary function of the product. DOE also proposes in appendix X
and appendix X1 to define this primary operating mode as
``dehumidification mode'' to distinguish it from fan-only mode, which
is also an active mode, and to clarify that the definition of ``product
capacity'' is a measure of the moisture removed under the specified
ambient conditions.
Finally, DOE also is proposing in this document to: (1) Add
specifications in appendix X and appendix X1 for psychrometer setup for
multiple air intakes, which would require the use of a separate
sampling tree for each intake grille, and require that when testing
multiple portable dehumidifiers at the same time, each dehumidifier be
provided with a separate psychrometer centered in front of each of its
air intake grille(s); (2) specify in appendix X and appendix X1 that
the condensate must be collected in a substantially closed vessel
placed on the weight-measuring instrument if means are provided on the
dehumidifier for draining condensate away from the cabinet; if not, any
condensate in excess of the amount that the internal collection bucket
can hold should be collected in an overflow pan for the condensate
weight measurement without the use of any internal pump (unless the use
of such a pump is provided by the manufacturer by default during
dehumidification mode); (3) correct the definition of ``dehumidifier''
in 10 CFR 430.2 and clarify that it does not cover portable air
conditioners or room air conditioners; (4) provide a technical
correction and clarifications within the IEF equation in appendix X and
appendix X1; (5) correct typographical errors in the number of annual
hours for inactive mode and off mode in appendix X and appendix X1; (6)
provide instructions for the dates of use of appendix X and appendix
X1; and (7) add capacity to the sampling requirements used for
dehumidifier certification, along with clarification in 10 CFR
430.23(z) regarding how capacity is measured.
III. Discussion
A. Products Covered by This Test Procedure Rulemaking
EPCA defines a dehumidifier as a self-contained, electrically
operated, and mechanically encased assembly consisting of--
A refrigerated surface (evaporator) that condenses
moisture from the atmosphere;
A refrigerating system, including an electric motor;
An air-circulating fan; and
Means for collecting or disposing of the condensate.
42 U.S.C. 6291(34); 10 CFR 430.2.
DOE is aware of two general categories of residential
dehumidifiers, classified according to the primary installation
configuration: Portable dehumidifiers and whole-home dehumidifiers.
Portable dehumidifiers are the most common category of dehumidifier
sold in the United States, representing more than 95 percent of
residential dehumidifier shipments. Consumers typically purchase
portable dehumidifiers to reduce the relative humidity in one room or
area of a living space less than 2,500 square feet, and may move these
units from room to room to selectively reduce humidity where necessary.
These units may also be located in an unconditioned space where
moisture control is desired. Portable units currently on the market
have rated capacities ranging from 22 pints of moisture removed per day
(pints/day) to more than 120 pints/day. Portable units are standalone
appliances designed to operate independent of any other air treatment
devices, and do not require attachment to ducting, although certain
models may have optional components to do so (i.e., ``convertible
portable'' units).
Whole-home dehumidifiers are designed to be attached to ducting
that supplies dehumidified air to multiple or large living spaces in a
residence and that returns humid air from the same spaces to the
dehumidifier inlet. Whole-home dehumidifiers are often installed in
conjunction with an existing heating, ventilation, or central air-
conditioning (HVAC) system, and may utilize certain components of the
HVAC equipment such as the air-handling blower, but can operate
independently as well. Whole-home dehumidifiers typically use the same
dehumidification system as portable units; however, to effectively
dehumidify a large area, these units are manufactured with larger
components than portable dehumidifiers, and may include additional
features, such as pre-coolers or desiccant wheels, which may be
difficult to incorporate into portable units due to volume and weight
constraints. Whole-home product capacities range from approximately 65
pints/day to more than 200 pints/day when tested without ducting. The
lack of ducting, however, allows higher airflow through the
dehumidifier than would be experienced in real-world installations,
which in turn results in higher measured values for capacity and IEF.
In the August 2012 Framework Document, DOE considered whether
whole-home dehumidifiers as well as portable dehumidifiers should be
considered covered products for the purposes of energy conservation
standards. In response, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), San
Diego Gas and Electric Company (SDG&E), and Southern California Edison
(SCE), (hereafter the ``California Investor-Owned Utilities (IOUs)'')
expressed support for DOE's proposal to cover whole-home dehumidifiers
and recommended that DOE acquire additional data on both the
performance and market saturation of these units. (California IOUs, No.
11 at p. 4) \3\
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\3\ A notation in the form ``California IOUs, No. 11 at p. 4''
identifies a written comment: (1) Made by Pacific Gas and Electric
Company, San Diego Gas and Electric Company, and Southern California
Edison (``the California IOUs''); (2) recorded in document number 11
that is filed in the docket of the residential dehumidifier energy
conservation standards rulemaking (Docket No. EERE-2012-BT-STD-0027)
and available for review at www.regulations.gov; and (3) which
appears on page 4 of document number 11.
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AHAM requested clarification regarding coverage and requirements
for testing with ducted installation, particularly with portable
products that can be optionally ducted as compared to dehumidifiers
with manufacturer instructions that specify ducting. (AHAM, Public
Meeting Transcript, No. 10 at p. 28) \4\ DOE research of the
residential dehumidifier market revealed models that can be used as
either a portable dehumidifier or as a ducted (i.e., whole-home)
dehumidifier. Several manufacturers refer to these products as
``convertible'' dehumidifiers. These convertible products have optional
ducting kits that can either be installed or removed to accommodate
free standing portable operation or ducted installations. Therefore,
these products would meet the proposed definitions of both portable and
whole-home dehumidifiers. Accordingly, DOE proposes in this document
that if a given model meets both the proposed definition of a portable
dehumidifier and a whole-home dehumidifier, with conversion achieved by
means of optional ducting ducting kits, the product must be tested as
both product categories, must meet both applicable standards, and must
be certified as meeting both standards, if DOE ultimately establishes
standards for whole home units.
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\4\ A notation in the form ``AHAM, Public Meeting Transcript,
No. 10 at p. 28'' identifies an oral comment that DOE received
during the September 24, 2012, residential dehumidifier energy
conservation standards framework public meeting, was recorded in the
public meeting transcript in the docket for the residential
dehumidifier energy conservation standards rulemaking (Docket No.
EERE-2012-BT-STD-0027), and is maintained in the Resource Room of
the Building Technologies Program. This particular notation refers
to a comment (1) made by AHAM during the public meeting; (2)
recorded in document number 10, which is the public meeting
transcript that is filed in the docket of this energy conservation
standards rulemaking; and (3) which appears on page 28 of document
number 10.
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The Southern Company noted that dehumidification technologies other
than those based on refrigeration systems, such as desiccant
dehumidifiers, are available on the market, and questioned whether
products that do not use a refrigeration system and do not collect a
liquid condensate would be covered. (Southern Company, Public Meeting
Transcript, No. 10 at p. 45) Dehumidifiers that remove moisture using a
desiccant but with no refrigeration system would not meet the statutory
definition set forth by EPCA, and thus would not be covered products.
(42 U.S.C. 6291(34)) However, certain whole-home dehumidifiers
incorporate desiccant technology along with refrigeration systems,
hereafter referred to as refrigerant-desiccant dehumidifiers. Some of
the moisture in the ``process'' air (i.e., the air that is supplied
from and returned to the dehumidified space) is condensed on the
evaporator as with typical dehumidifiers, while additional moisture is
removed via a porous desiccant material that adsorbs moisture when damp
air passes through or over it. The desiccant material is typically
configured in a circular or wheel structure. A portion of the wheel
adsorbs moisture from the process air entering the unit, which is then
delivered to the dehumidified space. As the wheel rotates, the moisture
in that segment is released into a separate heated reactivation air
stream and exhausted out of the home. In addition to removing some
moisture from the process air directly, the refrigeration system boosts
the temperature of the reactivation air to more effectively remove
moisture from the desiccant wheel, and cools the incoming air to
improve the adsorptivity of the desiccant material. Because
refrigerant-desiccant dehumidifiers have separate process and
reactivation air streams and associated ducting, DOE proposes
provisions in appendix X1 to test such whole-home units.
In this NOPR, to clarify which provisions in the dehumidifier test
procedure apply to the different categories of dehumidifiers, DOE is
proposing to amend 10 CFR 430.2 to include definitions of portable,
whole-home, and refrigerant-desiccant dehumidifiers as follows:
Portable dehumidifier: A dehumidifier designed to operate within
the dehumidified space without the attachment of additional ducting,
although means may be provided for optional duct attachment.
Whole-home dehumidifier: A dehumidifier designed to be installed
with ducting to deliver return process air to its inlet and to supply
dehumidified process air from its outlet to one or more locations in
the dehumidified space.
Refrigerant-desiccant dehumidifier: A whole-home dehumidifier that
removes moisture from the process air by means of a desiccant material
in addition to a refrigeration system.
DOE also proposes in this NOPR to adopt the following definition
for ``process air'' in appendix X1:
Process air: The air supplied to the dehumidifier from the
dehumidified space and discharged to the dehumidified space after
moisture has been removed by means of the refrigeration system.
DOE requests comment on the proposed definitions for portable,
whole-home, and refrigerant-desiccant dehumidifiers, and whether there
are additional dehumidifier product categories that should be
considered as covered products, consistent with the statutory
definition of dehumidifier.
B. Determination, Classification, and Testing Provisions for
Dehumidifier Active Modes
Appendix X defines ``active mode'' as a mode in which a
dehumidifier is performing the main functions of removing moisture from
ambient air by drawing moist air over a refrigerated coil using a fan,
circulating air through activation of the fan without activation of the
refrigeration system, or defrosting the refrigerant coil. In the course
of testing conducted for this proposal, DOE observed that dehumidifiers
may operate in different modes that would be classified as part of
active mode, depending on whether the humidity setpoint has been
reached.
When the dehumidifier is operating in active mode and the ambient
relative humidity is higher than the humidity setpoint, the unit may
perform any of the main functions listed under the active mode
definition. Further, DOE observed during its tests that a dehumidifier
may alternate among these main functions, with the unit activating a
particular main function for a period of minutes or hours before
switching to a different main function. The pattern of activation of
these functions may vary, depending on the programming of the
particular model and the ambient conditions. DOE notes that none of the
17 portable and 8 whole-home dehumidifiers in its test sample exhibited
such variable behavior under the ambient conditions currently specified
in appendix X, nominally 80 [deg]F dry-bulb temperature and 69.6 [deg]F
wet-bulb temperature, and instead continuously removed moisture from
the ambient air. However, when the ambient temperature was lower than
80[emsp14][deg]F and the relative ambient humidity was higher than the
setpoint, certain units in the test sample periodically operated the
fan without activating the refrigeration system. This action may have
been taken to prevent the formation of frost or to remove any ice
build-up from the evaporator to continue the main function of moisture
removal. Therefore, DOE proposes to add the following definition of
``dehumidification mode'' to appendix X and appendix X1 to describe all
dehumidifier operations during the
[[Page 29276]]
period when the humidity setpoint is lower than the ambient relative
humidity and the dehumidifier is engaged in the main function of
moisture removal:
Dehumidification mode: An active mode in which a dehumidifier (1)
has activated the main moisture removal function according to the
humidistat or humidity sensor signal and (2) has either activated the
refrigeration system or activated the fan or blower without activation
of the refrigeration system.
The energy use for all main functions, including periods of fan
operation with and without activation of the refrigeration system that
may occur when the ambient relative humidity is above the setpoint,
would be measured according to the proposed provisions for
dehumidification mode testing in appendix X1, as discussed in section
III.B.1 of this document, and for active mode testing in appendix X.
A dehumidifier fan may also operate without activation of the
refrigeration system after the humidity setpoint has been reached or
when selected by the consumer. Under these conditions, the fan may be
operated to ensure that air is drawn over the humidistat to monitor
ambient conditions, or for air circulation in the dehumidified space.
It is also possible that immediately following a period of
dehumidification mode, this fan operation may be initiated to remove
any remaining frost from the evaporator. Such functions would classify
this ``fan-only mode'' as an active mode, and it is distinct from any
periods of fan-only operation in dehumidification mode because the
setpoint has been reached or the product is not being used for the main
purpose of moisture removal. For this reason, DOE proposes to include
the following definition of ``fan-only mode'' in appendix X1:
Fan-only mode: An active mode in which the dehumidifier (1) has
cycled off its main moisture removal function by humidistat or humidity
sensor, (2) has activated its fan or blower to operate either
cyclically or continuously, and (3) may reactivate the main moisture
removal function according to the humidistat or humidity sensor signal.
In this document, DOE also proposes in appendix X1 to measure the
energy consumption during fan-only mode according to methodology
discussed in section III.B.2 of this document.
1. Dehumidification Mode
In appendix X, DOE adopted the ANSI/AHAM DH-1-2008 test procedure
to determine dehumidifier active mode performance while performing its
main function of removing moisture from ambient air. According to this
methodology, the dehumidifier is operated continuously in a test room
with nominal ambient temperature and humidity conditions of 80 2.0 [deg]F dry-bulb temperature and 69.6 1.0 [deg]F
wet-bulb temperature. Following a stabilization period during which
three consecutive measurements at 10-minute intervals of dry-bulb
temperature, wet-bulb temperature, and applied voltage must remain
within allowable tolerances, the dehumidifier is operated continuously
for 6 hours while collecting the condensate and recording the energy
consumption. At the end of the test, the condensate is weighed and this
value is used to calculate the unit's capacity, in pints per day. The
calculation incorporates equations to normalize the results to nominal
ambient conditions, accounting for variability in ambient conditions
from test to test. The ANSI/AHAM DH-1-2008 test procedure includes a
calculation for EF, expressed in liters per kilowatt hour (L/kWh), with
corrections to normalize the data to nominal ambient conditions.
Appendix X additionally includes the calculation of IEF, also expressed
in L/kWh, which combines active mode energy consumption with the
combined low-power mode energy consumption based on annual usage
estimates for each mode.
a. Ambient Temperature
As noted previously, the active mode provisions in appendix X that
measure the moisture removal rate and energy consumption during
dehumidification mode specify ambient conditions at a nominal 80 [deg]F
dry-bulb temperature and 69.6 [deg]F wet-bulb temperature, which
correspond to 60-percent relative humidity, for the duration of the 6-
hour test. This section discusses proposed ambient temperature options
for both portable and whole home dehumidifiers. The proposals in this
section are based on ambient and ground temperature for specific
geographical locations that represent the majority of national
dehumidifier use, and testing of a market representative sample of
dehumidifiers. DOE tested 13 portable and 14 whole-home dehumidifiers
according to ANSI/AHAM DH-1-2008 at varying temperatures.
In response to the August 2012 Framework Document, AHAM commented
that, although representative values for dehumidifier ambient
conditions are difficult to specify due to variability in factors such
as geographical locations and locations within the living space, the
existing ambient conditions in the test procedure adequately address
these differences and should not be amended. However, AHAM requested
that if DOE does consider amending the test conditions, it should
conduct studies on average geographical locations and average living
space locations in which dehumidifiers are used and the ambient
conditions in those spaces. Furthermore, AHAM commented that DOE would
need to consider the effect of amended ambient conditions on measured
energy use and on repeatability and reproducibility of the test
procedure. (AHAM, No. 8 at pp. 4-5)
Appliance Standards Awareness Project (ASAP), American Council for
an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE), Consumers Union (CU), Natural
Resources Defense Council (NRDC), and Northwest Energy Efficiency
Alliance (NEEA), (hereafter the ``Joint Commenters'') and the
California IOUs commented that the current single rating condition
specified in ANSI/AHAM DH-1-2008 is not representative of field
conditions where dehumidifiers are used, and that testing at 80 [deg]F
and 60-percent relative humidity may overstate EF compared to operation
in the field over a range of ambient conditions. ASAP and the Joint
Commenters referenced a study conducted by the Cadmus Group (hereafter
referred to as the Cadmus Group Study) \5\ that found the measured EFs
of units in the field to be significantly lower than rated, and that
attributed the difference, in part, to the ambient conditions
(temperature and relative humidity) in the field being significantly
lower than the current test conditions. ASAP and the Joint Commenters
also referenced a National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) study \6\
that summarized testing on six dehumidifiers and showed significant
decreases in EF as either ambient temperature or relative humidity
decreased. (ASAP, Public Meeting Transcript, No. 10 at pp. 19-21; Joint
Commenters, No. 9 at pp. 1-5; California IOUs, No. 11 at pp. 1-3)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\5\ L. Mattison and D. Korn, ``Dehumidifiers: A Major Consumer
of Residential Electricity,'' The Cadmus Group, Inc., 2012 ACEEE
Summer Study on Energy Efficiency in Buildings, August 2012, Pacific
Grove, CA. Available online at: www.aceee.org/files/proceedings/2012/data/papers/0193-000291.pdf.
\6\ J. Winkler, D. Christensen, and J. Tomerlin, ``Laboratory
Test Report for Six ENERGY STAR[supreg] Dehumidifiers,'' National
Renewable Energy Laboratory, NREL/TP-5500-52791, December 2011.
Available online at: www.nrel.gov/docs/fy12osti/52791.pdf.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Joint Commenters and ASAP further stated that the test
procedure
[[Page 29277]]
does not capture dehumidifier performance under frost conditions (i.e.,
when ice accumulates on the evaporator as the dry-bulb temperature
drops below 65 [deg]F, for most units), which a dehumidifier operating
in a basement is likely to experience. ASAP commented that data from
the Residential Energy Consumption Survey (RECS) \7\ indicate that 75
percent of homes with dehumidifiers have basements, where temperatures
are lower than 80 [deg]F. The Joint Commenters referenced the
``Building Foundations Design Handbook'' to suggest that the typical
temperatures of unconditioned basements range between 55 [deg]F and 70
[deg]F.\8\ The Joint Commenters also stated that both ANSI/AHAM DH-1-
2008 and Consumer Reports \9\ testing of dehumidifiers reflect the
importance of adequate operation under frost conditions. The Joint
Commenters noted that the ``low temperature test'' in ANSI/AHAM DH-1-
2008, which includes recommended levels of performance related to unit
operation and frost accumulation, is conducted at 65 [deg]F, and that
Consumer Reports ratings of dehumidifiers include ``cool room
performance,'' which is conducted at 50 [deg]F. The Joint Commenters
urged DOE to amend the test procedures to more accurately reflect field
conditions and performance by including at least one low-temperature
rating point (e.g., 60 [deg]F), which is likely to occur in basements
and at which frost accumulation can affect operation. (ASAP, Public
Meeting Transcript, No. 10 at pp. 20-22; Joint Commenters, No. 9 at pp.
2-5)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\7\ RECS data are available online at: www.eia.gov/consumption/residential/data/2009/.
\8\ ``Builder's Foundation Handbook,'' Oak Ridge National
Laboratory. May 1998, page 11. Available online at: www.ornl.gov/sci/roofs+walls/foundation/ORNL_CON-295.pdf.
\9\ www.consumerreports.org/cro/best-dehumidifiers.htm.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
In response to these comments and as described in the following
paragraphs, DOE conducted additional research regarding the typical
ambient conditions under which residential portable and whole-home
dehumidifiers operate. In its analysis, DOE investigated regional and
time-of-year usage patterns as well as likely installation locations
within the home.
Ambient Operating Conditions
The ``Builder's Foundation Handbook,'' published in 1998 by Oak
Ridge National Laboratory as an update to its 1988 ``Building
Foundation Design Handbook,'' states that ambient temperatures in
unconditioned basements in most climates in the United States typically
range between 55 [deg]F and 70 [deg]F. A field study by the Energy
Center of Wisconsin (hereafter referred to as the Wisconsin Study),\10\
conducted in various homes across Wisconsin in 2010, assessed the net
electricity savings from sub-slab ventilation systems installed in
ENERGY STAR Homes \11\ that use basement dehumidifiers. Appendix B of
this field study presents the basement temperature in 49 homes between
June and November. Based on these data, the typical basement
temperatures in Wisconsin, which is part of the region that represents
the largest dehumidifier market, are between 60 [deg]F and 75 [deg]F
for these months.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\10\ ``Dehumidification and Subslab Ventilation in Wisconsin
Homes,'' Energy Center of Wisconsin. ECW Report Number 258-1, June
2010. Appendix B, pp. 29-42. Available online at: www.ecw.org/ecwresults/258-1.pdf.
\11\ Wisconsin ENERGY STAR Homes Program is a voluntary program
promoting building practices that address combustion safety,
building durability, occupant comfort, indoor air quality, and
energy efficiency. According to the ENERGY STAR Web site, over
15,000 homes are certified to the program to date. Additional
information is available online at: www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?fuseaction=new_homes_partners.showStateResults&s_code=WI.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
In addition to considering the findings in these studies, DOE
conducted further analysis based on consumer and climate data to
determine the most representative dehumidifier test conditions. DOE
reviewed the 2009 RECS database to identify the geographic regions that
account for the majority of dehumidifier usage. DOE found that of the
15 million homes that reported using dehumidifiers, 5.1 million were
located in the Northeast region and 6.5 million were in the Midwest
region. RECS includes additional dehumidifier usage data for two sub-
regions within each of these regions, but does not disaggregate the
data by state within the sub-regions.
DOE noted that, in response to a March 27, 2006 framework document
(71 FR 15059), AHAM submitted estimated dehumidifier monthly usage
data.\12\ AHAM's medium estimate indicated 1,095 annual active mode
operating hours from April to October. The majority of dehumidifier
annual operation, 73.5 percent, occurs in the summer months between
June and August, while the other 26.5 percent occurs in April, May,
September, and October. Table III.1 lists the AHAM-estimated active
mode operation hours per month.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\12\ ``AHAM Data on Dehumidifiers for Efficiency Standards
Rulemaking,'' Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers, August
23, 2006. Docket No. EE-2006-STD-0127, Comment Number 17.
Table III.1--AHAM Medium Estimate of Monthly Operating Hours
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating
Month hours
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jan........................................................ 0
Feb........................................................ 0
Mar........................................................ 0
Apr........................................................ 14
May........................................................ 86
Jun........................................................ 231
Jul........................................................ 288
Aug........................................................ 288
Sep........................................................ 130
Oct........................................................ 58
Nov........................................................ 0
Dec........................................................ 0
------------
Total.................................................. 1,095
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The AHAM usage estimates vary as a function of the month. DOE
therefore analyzed available temperature data on a monthly basis, and
then calculated a weighted average based on the monthly usage
estimates. DOE analyzed 2012 hourly temperature and relative humidity
data from the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC) of the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), collected at weather
stations in each of the states in the two regions with significant
dehumidifier ownership, as identified by RECS.
For the reasons discussed in section III.B.1.b of this document,
DOE estimated that consumers are likely to operate dehumidifiers when
the ambient relative humidity is at or above 60 percent. From the NCDC
data, DOE calculated the average ambient temperature for each state
within the regions with significant dehumidifier ownership for the
hours with at least 60-percent relative humidity during the months of
dehumidifier usage. DOE then averaged the individual states' ambient
temperatures to determine a representation of the average monthly
ambient temperatures with at least 60-percent relative humidity for
each sub-region represented by the RECS data. Using the RECS
dehumidifier ownership data for each sub-region, DOE used a weighted
average to determine the representative average monthly ambient
temperature for each of the regions (i.e., Northeast and Midwest) that
represent significant dehumidifier use. DOE then combined the regional
data, using a similar weighted-average approach with the RECS
dehumidifier ownership data, into overall monthly average ambient
temperatures with at least 60-percent relative humidity. DOE then
combined these average monthly temperatures into a single weighted-
average annual
[[Page 29278]]
temperature using the AHAM-estimated monthly hours of operation. From
this analysis, DOE determined that the average annual ambient
temperature, in regions where the majority of dehumidifiers are used
during the months of dehumidifier usage and when the relative humidity
is at least 60 percent, is 64.1[emsp14][deg]F. DOE notes that this
temperature is close to the dry-bulb temperature specified in the low-
temperature test in ANSI/AHAM DH-1-2008 (65[emsp14][deg]F). ANSI/AHAM
DH-1-2008 also states that this ambient condition was selected based on
manufacturer surveys that have shown that for areas typically
dehumidified (i.e., basements or other sub-ground level areas), a
significant portion of users want to operate their dehumidifier at
temperatures as low as 65[emsp14][deg]F. Due to the similarity between
this temperature and the average annual ambient temperature determined
from DOE's analysis (64.1[emsp14][deg]F), DOE tentatively concludes
that 65[emsp14][deg]F is a representative dry-bulb temperature at which
to conduct dehumidification mode testing.
DOE further investigated whether the 65[emsp14][deg]F ambient
temperature is more representative of actual conditions than
80[emsp14][deg]F by comparing the number of annual hours within the
regions with significant dehumidifier use that experienced at least 60-
percent relative humidity within the test tolerance of 80[emsp14][deg]F
2[emsp14][deg]F (78-82[emsp14][deg]F) with the number of
hours within 65[emsp14][deg]F 2[emsp14][deg]F (63-
67[emsp14][deg]F). Using the same region-based weighted-average
approach described above but only for the hours within the temperatures
of interest at which the relative humidity is at least 60 percent, DOE
determined that a total of 112 hours annually, on average, are at the
nominal 80[emsp14][deg]F conditions, while 433 hours annually, on
average, are spent at the nominal 65[emsp14][deg]F conditions. Figure
III.1 presents the entire distribution of weighted-average annual hours
as a function of ambient temperature, and shows that the number of
annual hours when the relative humidity is above the 60-percent
threshold decreases significantly at 70[emsp14][deg]F and higher. In
addition, the annual hours decrease at ambient temperatures below
60[emsp14][deg]F.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP21MY14.000
This analysis suggests that dehumidifier operation occurs most
frequently when the ambient temperature is in the range of 60-
70[emsp14][deg]F, and that dehumidifiers likely operate nearly four
times more frequently at a 65[emsp14][deg]F ambient temperature than at
80[emsp14][deg]F, which further indicates that testing in
dehumidification mode at 65[emsp14][deg]F dry-bulb temperature is more
representative of typical dehumidifier use than testing at
80[emsp14][deg]F.
As ANSI/AHAM DH-1-2008 noted, areas that are typically dehumidified
include basements and other sub-ground level locations. Because the
ambient conditions in some of these locations may be more dependent on
the ground temperature than the outside air temperature, DOE conducted
further investigation of the representative ambient temperature for
these cases. As a proxy for the typical basement temperature, DOE
considered the NCDC data for the hourly soil temperature, measured at a
depth of 40 inches (about 1 meter). DOE conducted an analysis similar
to the analysis conducted for the average outside air temperature,
calculating the sub-region, region, and overall weighted-average
monthly soil temperatures based on the RECS usage data. DOE then
calculated the weighted-average annual soil temperature based on the
AHAM estimated monthly usage patterns. This analysis resulted in a
weighted-average annual soil temperature of 65.2[emsp14][deg]F for
regions with significant dehumidifier use during the months in which
dehumidifiers are operated. This temperature, which may be
representative of basement and crawl-space ambient conditions, closely
matches the weighted-average annual outside air temperature.
[[Page 29279]]
Based on this analysis and comments from interested parties, DOE
determined that the most appropriate and representative
dehumidification mode testing conditions is likely 65[emsp14][deg]F
dry-bulb temperature and 60-percent relative humidity. As discussed
previously, these conditions are identical to those specified in the
``Low Temperature Test'' in ANSI/AHAM DH-1-2008, which manufacturers
may already be conducting, thereby reducing testing burden because
manufacturers will not need to conduct tests at a temperature other
than that specified in the industry-accepted low temperature test.
Accordingly, DOE is proposing to require dehumidification mode testing
in appendix X1 at nominal ambient conditions of 65[emsp14][deg]F dry-
bulb temperature and 56.6[emsp14][deg]F wet-bulb temperature, which
corresponds to 60-percent relative humidity, for both portable and
whole-home dehumidifiers.
Although the analysis above identifies 65[emsp14][deg]F as the most
representative dry-bulb temperature during testing, DOE acknowledges
that a portion of annual dehumidifier operation likely occurs at a
higher ambient temperature. As an alternate approach to the proposal
for testing at 65[emsp14][deg]F in appendix X1, testing at both
65[emsp14][deg]F and 80[emsp14][deg]F, with 60-percent relative
humidity for each, may be appropriate. The IEF and capacity results
from the two test conditions would be combined to form single values of
IEF and capacity by, for example, calculating a weighted average based
on the number of annual hours associated with each test condition as
described above. In this example, the weighting factors would be 79
percent for the 65[emsp14][deg]F test conditions (433 annual hours at
65[emsp14][deg]F 2[emsp14][deg]F divided by 545 total
annual hours at nominal both conditions) and 21 percent for the
80[emsp14][deg]F conditions (112 annual hours at 80[emsp14][deg]F
2[emsp14][deg]F divided by 545 total annual hours at both
conditions). Other weighting factors could be considered as well. DOE
notes there would be additional burden associated with this alternate
approach of testing at two different conditions and then combining
results into one metric because two stabilization periods and two 6-
hour test periods would be required for each dehumidification mode
test.
Whole-Home Dehumidifiers
The Joint Commenters suggested that typical operating conditions
for whole-home dehumidifiers are different than those for portable
units. They stated that for whole-home units, the dry-bulb temperature
of the entering air will be close to the thermostat setting in the
home. (Joint Commenters, No. 9 at p. 5)
RECS contains information on average indoor temperature for three
different times of the day: (1) during the day when the residence is
occupied, (2) during the day when the residence is unoccupied, and (3)
during the night. Table III.2 below contains the results of DOE's
investigation of summer average indoor temperatures for 1,735 homes in
the Northeast and Midwest regions, considered by RECS to be the regions
with the heaviest use of dehumidification.
Table III.2--RECS Indoor Temperature
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Temperature (
Time of day Occupied Season [deg]F)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day..................................... Yes....................... Summer.................... 72.3
Day..................................... No........................ Summer.................... 73.7
Night................................... Yes....................... Summer.................... 72.2
Average............................. .......................... .......................... 72.7
Number of Homes......................... .......................... .......................... 1,735
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As an alternative to the 65 [deg]F inlet condition and the weighted
combination of the 65 [deg]F and 80 [deg]F inlet conditions discussed
above for portable dehumidifiers, DOE may consider requiring in
appendix X1 ducted testing for whole-home dehumidifiers with the inlet
air temperature equal to the average indoor temperature in the regions
requiring the most dehumidification. To date, the data available to DOE
suggest that this alternative inlet temperature would be 73 [deg]F. DOE
requests any additional information on typical indoor temperatures and
comment on this proposed approach.
Performance Impacts at Reduced Temperature
Similar to other refrigeration-based systems, when a dehumidifier
operates at lower ambient temperatures, the air flowing over the
evaporator (i.e., intake air) does not provide as much heat transfer to
the refrigerant to evaporate it, thereby reducing the compressor power
and overall dehumidifier capacity. In addition, at ambient temperatures
of 65 [deg]F or below, the water condensing on the evaporator may
freeze, limiting air flow and further reducing efficiency and capacity.
Dehumidifiers often incorporate a thermocouple attached to the
refrigerant tubing in the evaporator to determine if icing has
occurred. The dehumidifier then either shuts down all active mode
operation to allow the ice to passively melt, or ceases compressor
operation and operates the fan to pass ambient air over the evaporator
to melt the ice. This fan operation is more energy consumptive than a
passive defrost approach, but is more effective at removing ice,
allowing the compressor to be reactivated more quickly. DOE considers
such fan operation to be part of dehumidification mode, distinct from
fan-only mode operation wherein the humidity setpoint has been reached.
To investigate the performance and efficiency impacts of varying
ambient temperature conditions, DOE selected a test sample of 13
portable dehumidifiers spanning a range of manufacturers, capacities,
and efficiencies. In addition, DOE selected one representative whole-
home unit for which to assess initial impacts of varying temperature.
These units are listed in Table III.3. DOE performed dehumidification
mode testing on these 14 dehumidifiers at three dry-bulb temperatures:
(1) 80 [deg]F, the temperature currently specified for active mode
testing according to appendix X; (2) 65 [deg]F, the temperature
required for the low temperature test in ANSI/AHAM DH-1-2008; and (3)
55 [deg]F, the lowest operating setpoint which could be met for all
test units per manufacturer documentation. The relative humidity was
set at 60 percent for all tests. Because these tests focused on
determining the effect of reduced ambient temperature on active mode
energy use independent of standby power considerations, DOE measured EF
rather than IEF for this test series.
After testing this range of temperatures on the sample of 14
dehumidifiers and conducting analysis which suggests that 65 [deg]F is
a representative ambient temperature for
[[Page 29280]]
dehumidifiers generally, DOE conducted additional whole-home
dehumidifier testing to investigate the impact of reducing the test
temperature from 80 [deg]F to 65 [deg]F. DOE selected 13 more whole-
home models for ambient temperature and ducted installation testing
(discussed in section III.B.1.c of this document), of which nine units
were chosen for unducted testing at both 80 [deg]F and 65 [deg]F
ambient conditions to further understand the effects of ambient
temperature. For the purposes of this testing, DOE included in the
whole-home test sample those units that could be optionally ducted or
unducted. Table III.3 lists the additional whole-home units tested.
Table III.3--Dehumidifier Investigative Test Sample
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Initial ambient temperature test sample Additional whole-home dehumidifier test sample
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reported Reported
Test unit capacity (pints/ Test unit capacity
day) (pints/day)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
P1........................................... 30 W1.............................. 70
P2........................................... 40 W2.............................. 70
P3........................................... 40 W3 \a\.......................... 90
P4........................................... 45 W4 \a\.......................... 90
P5........................................... 50 W5 \a\.......................... 100
P6........................................... 50 W6.............................. 105
P7........................................... 50 W7 \a\.......................... 120
P8........................................... 50 W8 \a\.......................... 120
P9........................................... 60 W9 \a\.......................... 135
P10.......................................... 65 W10 \a\......................... 155
P11.......................................... 70 W11............................. 155
P12.......................................... 70 W12 \a\......................... 200
P13.......................................... 110 W13 \a\......................... 205
W14 \b\...................................... 105
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\a\ Tested for ambient temperature investigation as well as ducting configuration.
\b\ Tested only for ambient temperature investigation.
During ambient temperature testing, DOE observed that for all test
units at 80 [deg]F, the compressor and fan operated continuously for
the entire test period. At the lower temperatures, certain
dehumidifiers in the test sample had cyclic or intermittent periods of
fan-only operation for defrosting or frost prevention, with the
duration and frequency of such periods increasing at the lowest
temperature (55 [deg]F).
All dehumidifiers in DOE's investigative test sample performed at
lower EFs and capacities during low-temperature investigative tests
conducted at the 65 [deg]F and 55 [deg]F dry-bulb temperatures than at
the 80 [deg]F condition specified in appendix X. Because, as discussed
above, the 65 [deg]F dry-bulb temperature condition appears to more
accurately reflect actual installations than the current test procedure
ambient temperature requirement, the EF and capacity measured at this
temperature, while lower than the values that would be measured under
the current appendix X, should more accurately represent dehumidifier
performance in the field.
Table III.4 shows the impacts on capacity and EF that were measured
by reducing the ambient test temperature from 80 [deg]F to 65 [deg]F
and 55 [deg]F.
Table III.4--Per-Unit and Product Class Average Performance Impacts at Reduced Ambient Temperatures
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Percent change in capacity Percent change in EF from 80
from 80 [deg]F (%) [deg]F (%)
Product class (pints/day) Test unit ---------------------------------------------------------------
65 [deg]F 55 [deg]F 65 [deg]F 55 [deg]F
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<35.00........................ P1.............. -35 -74 -26 -57
Class Average... -35 -74 -26 -57
35.01-45.00................... P2.............. -77 -91 -61 -79
P3.............. -48 -73 -32 -53
P4.............. -33 -69 -15 -46
Class Average... -53 -78 -36 -59
45.01-54.00................... P5.............. -39 -91 -25 -81
P6.............. -33 -78 -21 -62
P7.............. -36 -76 -21 -59
Class Average... -36 -82 -22 -67
54.01-75.00................... P8.............. -61 -78 -39 -67
P9.............. -39 -86 -32 -63
P10............. -65 -83 -36 -60
P11............. -59 -83 -35 -64
P12............. -36 -81 -14 -64
Class Average... -52 -82 -31 -63
>75.00........................ P13............. -27 -96 -15 -90
W3.............. -35 .............. -21 ..............
W4.............. -42 .............. -29 ..............
W5.............. -49 .............. -26 ..............
W7.............. -27 .............. -15 ..............
[[Page 29281]]
W8.............. -24 .............. 5 ..............
W9.............. -49 .............. -33 ..............
W10............. -20 .............. -4 ..............
W12............. -42 .............. -35 ..............
W13............. -45 .............. -35 ..............
W14............. -39 -94 -25 -80
Class Average... -36 -95 -21 -85
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As shown in Table III.4, DOE testing demonstrates a significant
percentage reduction in both capacity and EF at temperatures lower than
80 [deg]F. At 65 [deg]F, capacity drops per product class average by as
much as 53 percent and EF by up to 36 percent. DOE notes that at 55
[deg]F, the units in the test sample show an even greater reduction in
capacity and EF as the units approach their lowest operating
temperature and perform frequent defrost functions.
Under DOE's alternate approach, which would combine results from
testing at 80 [deg]F and 65 [deg]F using a weighted average, there
would still be a significant reduction in capacity and EF, as well as
IEF when used, because the results of the 65 [deg]F test would receive
a 79-percent weighting in the combined calculation. Therefore, a
modification in the test procedure conditions for appendix X1 would
likely result in significant reductions in measured capacity, EF, and
IEF under either the proposed approach or alternate combined
calculation. DOE would consider the effects of any reduction to
capacity and active mode energy use resulting from the proposed test
procedure amendments when determining appropriate energy conservation
standards for dehumidifiers.
DOE also numerically estimated whole-home dehumidifier performance
under the alternative proposal for testing these units at 73 [deg]F
using data measured for whole-home units at 80 [deg]F, 65 [deg]F, and
55 [deg]F ambient temperatures. DOE first developed generalized curves
relating dehumidifier normalized capacity and EF (i.e., capacity at the
test ambient temperature divided by capacity measured at 80 [deg]F, and
EF at the test ambient temperature divided by EF measured at 80 [deg]F)
to ambient temperature, which will define these relationships
independent of rated capacity. DOE determined that the best curve fit
for both capacity and EF as a function of temperature and relative
humidity is a biquadratic equation, which is typically used for HVAC
equipment. However, since relative humidity was held constant at 60
percent, the biquadratic equations reduce to quadratic equations with
terms that scale with temperature and the square of the temperature, in
the form of f (temperature) = [Ax(temperature\2\) + Bx(temperature)
+C]. Using data for capacity and EF measured at the three ambient
temperatures, DOE calculated the coefficients for the normalized
capacity versus temperature function and the normalized EF versus
temperature function. From these coefficients, DOE estimated capacity
and EF at the proposed alternative ambient temperature of 73 [deg]F, as
shown in Table III.5.
Table III.5--Estimated Whole-Home Dehumidifier Performance Impact at 73 [deg]F Ambient Temperature
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Capacity
Test unit Dehumidification technology change (%) EF Change (%)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
W3...................................... Refrigerant........................... -15 -6
W4...................................... Refrigerant........................... -18 -9
W5...................................... Refrigerant........................... -21 -8
W7...................................... Refrigerant-Desiccant................. -12 -5
W8...................................... Refrigerant........................... -10 2
W9...................................... Refrigerant........................... -21 -10
W10..................................... Refrigerant........................... -9 -1
W12..................................... Refrigerant-Desiccant................. -18 -11
W13..................................... Refrigerant........................... -19 -11
Average................................. ...................................... -16 -7
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Due to the expected effects on capacity at the proposed reduced
ambient temperature in appendix X1, DOE also proposes to amend the
definition of ``product capacity'' in appendix X1 to clarify that it is
a measure of the amount of moisture removed per 24-hour period under
the specified ambient conditions. For consistency and clarity, DOE also
proposes to similarly amend the definition of product capacity in
appendix X.
Summary and Request for Comments
DOE requests comment on its analysis of representative ambient
conditions and the proposal to require dehumidification mode testing in
appendix X1 at 65 [deg]F dry-bulb temperature and 56.6 [deg]F wet-bulb
temperature (i.e., 60-percent relative humidity). DOE welcomes input on
the reductions to active mode energy use and capacity that would occur
as a result of the proposed modifications to the test procedure ambient
dry-bulb
[[Page 29282]]
conditions. DOE also welcomes comment on the alternate approach of
conducting dehumidification mode testing at both 65[emsp14][deg]F and
80[emsp14][deg]F ambient temperatures, with IEF and capacity calculated
from the combined results of the two tests. For such a combined
approach, DOE invites input on appropriate weighting factors. DOE
additionally seeks comment on the alternate approach for whole-home
dehumidifiers, in which dehumidification mode testing would be
conducted at 73[emsp14][deg]F ambient temperature to be representative
of average residential thermostat settings. DOE also seeks comment on
the testing burden associated with the proposal for testing at
65[emsp14][deg]F and the alternate approaches.
b. Relative Humidity
In response to the August 2012 Framework Document, DOE received
comments regarding the applicability and appropriateness of the
relative humidity conditions specified in the dehumidifier test
procedure. The Joint Commenters and California IOUs expressed concerns
regarding the current test procedure relative humidity conditions,
citing several studies and other sources of information. These
interested parties claimed that:
(1) Adverse health effects, such as respiratory infections and
allergies, are minimized by maintaining ambient relative humidity
between 40 percent and 60 percent. (Joint Commenters, No. 9 at p. 3)
(2) While people generally cannot sense fluctuations in relative
humidity levels between 25 percent and 60 percent, most people can
sense when the relative humidity rises above 60 percent. (Id.)
(3) Units in the Cadmus Group study were being operated at a 50-
percent relative humidity setpoint, lower than the 60-percent relative
humidity ambient condition required in the test procedure. (California
IOUs, No. 11 at p. 2; Joint Commenters, No. 9 at p. 3)
(4) According to the Wisconsin Study, nearly half of the basements
monitored maintained an average relative humidity of less than 50
percent during the summer months, and only five dehumidifiers were
being operated in relative humidity levels of at least 60 percent.
(Id.)
The Joint Commenters, ASAP, and California IOUs believe that the
current rating condition of 60-percent relative humidity represents the
upper bound of both recommended levels and levels that consumers are
likely to select, and that a lower relative humidity level for the test
procedure would likely encourage good performance in the field where
units have to work harder to remove moisture at lower relative humidity
levels. Therefore, these commenters urged DOE to change the relative
humidity level for the portable dehumidifier test from 60 percent to a
lower value. The Joint Commenters also recommended that whole-home
dehumidifier testing be conducted at a lower relative humidity level
than 60 percent. (ASAP, Public Meeting Transcript, No. 10 at p. 20;
California IOUs, No. 11 at pp. 1-3; Joint Commenters, No. 9 at pp. 1-5)
The California IOUs also stated that ENERGY STAR suggests that the
optimum relative humidity level for a building is between 30 percent
and 50 percent, which, according to the California IOUs, would suggest
that dehumidifiers are likely to be less efficient in real-world
operation than in their test results. (California IOUs, No. 11 at p. 2)
DOE reviewed the studies cited in the above comments, and conducted
additional research on the appropriate level of relative humidity for
the dehumidification mode testing. Regarding potential health impacts
outside a certain range of relative humidity, DOE notes that ANSI/
American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning
Engineers (ASHRAE) Standard 55-2013, ``Thermal Environmental Conditions
for Human Occupancy'' (ASHRAE 55), states that that there is an
acceptable range of indoor relative humidity for thermal comfort, with
an upper limit of 0.012 humidity ratio (pounds of water divided by
pounds of dry air) at standard pressure, which corresponds to a
relative humidity of approximately 55 percent at a dry-bulb temperature
of 80[emsp14][deg]F. At lower dry-bulb temperatures, 60-percent
relative humidity would correspond to a humidity ratio below the upper
comfort limit.\13\ DOE further notes that the Occupational Safety and
Health Administration (OSHA) Technical Manual recommends that employers
control humidity and maintain a range of 20 to 60 percent.\14\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\13\ Further information on thermal comfort may be found in
Appendix F of ASHRAE Standard 55-2013. Available for purchase online
at www.ashrae.org.
\14\ ``OSHA Technical Manual,'' U.S. Department of Labor,
Occupational Safety and Health Administration, TED 01-00-015,
Section III, Chapter 2, January 20, 1999. Available online at:
www.osha.gov/dts/osta/otm/otm_iii/otm_iii_2.html#5.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
This information, in aggregate, indicates that 60-percent relative
humidity is a representative upper bound for an ambient humidity
condition that consumers would find acceptable. In addition, among the
21 sampled homes metered in the Cadmus Group study, DOE observes that
the average consumer-selected setpoint was for 50-percent relative
humidity, with values ranging from 35 percent to 65 percent. However,
the average dehumidifier setpoint is not representative of the average
ambient relative humidity during dehumidification mode, because
dehumidifiers operate only when the ambient air relative humidity is
higher than the setpoint and shut off dehumidification when the
controls detect that the target relative humidity level has been
reached. DOE gathered information on the actual ambient relative
humidity during dehumidification mode from a metering study conducted
in 20 homes in Houston, Texas, over approximately a year for various
categories of dehumidifiers, both portable and whole-home.\15\ During
this study, the homeowners were not required to set a specific relative
humidity setpoint; it was recommended to them, however, to maintain a
relative humidity of around 55 percent. The subsequent metering found
that, in homes with dehumidification separate from cooling, on average
5 percent of metered hours were spent at relative humidity levels
greater than 60 percent, although three out of the 10 units exceeded
60-percent relative humidity 15 to 25 percent of the time. The Cadmus
Group study, referenced by ASAP, the California IOUs, and the Joint
Commenters, also observed varying accuracy of humidity controls in
maintaining the relative humidity at the setpoint. In the Wisconsin
Study of basement relative humidity levels, 11 out of 40 participating
sites had daily averages that exceeded 60-percent humidity for at least
25 percent of the summer season, while 16 sites experienced daily
averages ranging from 50 to 60 percent for at least 25 percent of the
summer season.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\15\ A.F. Rudd, J.W. Lstiburek, P. Eng, and K. Ueno.
``Residential Dehumidification Systems Research for Hot-Humid
Climates,'' Conducted by Building Science Corporation for the U.S.
Department of Energy Building Technologies Program, NREL/SR-550-
36643, February 2005.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
DOE additionally examined manufacturer literature for portable
dehumidifiers to ascertain what default relative humidity settings are
provided by manufacturers. DOE observed that, among manufacturers and
brands that specified to the consumer what the initial default relative
humidity level is, the most common setting was 60 percent. However, the
majority of
[[Page 29283]]
portable dehumidifiers are equipped with electronic controls and an
automatic restart feature, in which the previous settings are retained
when the unit is powered off or disconnected from the supply power. If
portable dehumidifiers operate in dehumidification mode largely at a
consumer-selected relative humidity setting, that setting, as seen in
the Cadmus Group study, would be on average approximately 50 percent.
These data characterize the relative humidity levels and
dehumidifier settings experienced in real-world dehumidifier
installations. While dehumidifiers may operate under a range of ambient
relative humidity levels, the average setpoint observed in the Cadmus
Group study and the recommended relative humidity level from ASHRAE 55
suggest that consumers use dehumidifiers to achieve relative humidity
levels from 50 to 55 percent. For a unit to operate in dehumidification
mode, the ambient relative humidity must be higher than the setpoint.
Therefore, DOE proposes that the ambient relative humidity level
maintained throughout dehumidification mode testing remain at 60
percent, as specified in ANSI/AHAM DH-1-2008.
DOE also notes that each of the three different ambient temperature
tests in ANSI/AHAM DH-1-2008, including the test at the 65 [deg]F dry-
bulb temperature that DOE is proposing for appendix X1, is conducted at
60-percent relative humidity. Maintaining this 60-percent relative
humidity test condition would minimize manufacturer testing burden, as
manufacturers may already be conducting the low-temperature test in
ANSI/AHAM DH-1-2008. For the above reasons, DOE is not proposing to
amend the ambient relative humidity in appendix X1. To achieve 60-
percent relative humidity at the proposed 65 [deg]F dry-bulb
temperature, the wet-bulb temperature would be specified as 56.6
[deg]F. DOE requests comment on this proposed determination to maintain
the 60-percent ambient relative humidity requirement.
c. Ducted Test Installation for Whole-Home Dehumidifiers
This section discusses proposed modifications to the dehumidifier
test setup and additional required instrumentation for whole-home
dehumidifiers. DOE based its proposals on research of current industry
practices for testing ducted air treatment devices and investigative
testing of 13 whole-home dehumidifiers under various testing
configurations.
As discussed in section III.A of this document, whole-home
dehumidifiers are intended to be installed and operated as part of a
ducted air-delivery system. These units are designed with standard-size
collars to interface with the home's HVAC ducting, and typically
require two ducts for the process air stream: a supply air intake for
return air from the dehumidified space and an air outlet for delivery
of the dehumidified air to the same space. Certain whole-home
dehumidifiers also provide an option to connect an additional fresh air
duct to the inlet to dilute indoor pollutants and maintain high oxygen
content in the air. The amount of fresh air ventilation can be
regulated by a variety of dampers and controls. In addition, some
whole-home dehumidifiers are designed to operate attached to multiple
outlet ducts to allow for the distribution of dry air to multiple rooms
or multiple sections in a home's air delivery system.
The California IOUs expressed concern that the existing test
procedure is not appropriate for measuring the efficiency of whole-home
units and requested that DOE consider a modified test procedure for
these units. (California IOUs, No. 11 at p. 4)
The test setup currently provided in appendix X for
dehumidification mode testing does not specify the attachment of
ducting to the inlet or outlet of the unit. The ducting in a typical
installation imposes an external static pressure (ESP) which reduces
airflow and affects the capacity and efficiency. To evaluate these
impacts as a function of ducting configurations, DOE conducted
investigative dehumidification mode testing on a sample of 13 whole-
home dehumidifiers, including the two refrigerant-desiccant units.
Table III.6 provides characteristics of the units selected for
investigative testing. All units were first tested according to
appendix X to establish baseline unducted performance. DOE subsequently
conducted additional investigative testing to determine the potential
impacts of modifying the appendix X conditions to measure whole-home
dehumidifier performance in a ducted installation.
Table III.6--DOE Whole-Home Dehumidifier Investigative Test Sample
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Duct collar Dehumidifier Rated capacity Rated EF (L/
Sample No. configuration technology (pint/day) kWh)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
W1................................ Single Outlet........ Refrigerant.......... 70 2.37
W2................................ Single Outlet........ Refrigerant.......... 70 2.37
W3................................ Single Outlet........ Refrigerant.......... 90 2.50
W4................................ Single Outlet........ Refrigerant.......... 90 2.53
W5................................ Single Outlet........ Refrigerant.......... 100 2.60
W6................................ Dual Outlet.......... Refrigerant.......... 105 4.20
W7................................ Dual Airstreams...... Refrigerant-Desiccant 120 3.30
W8................................ Single Outlet........ Refrigerant.......... 120 2.70
W9................................ Single Outlet........ Refrigerant.......... 135 1.80
W10............................... Single Outlet........ Refrigerant.......... 155 3.50
W11............................... Dual Outlet.......... Refrigerant.......... 155 3.50
W12............................... Dual Airstreams...... Refrigerant-Desiccant 200 2.47
W13............................... Single Outlet........ Refrigerant.......... 205 2.70
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratings are based on testing according to appendix X.
Refrigerant-desiccant dehumidifiers also incorporate the supply air
intake and dehumidified air outlet for the process air stream, but have
additional intake and outlet ducts for the reactivation air. The
reactivation air is drawn from and discharged to a location outside of
the dehumidified space, typically outdoors.
For clarity, DOE proposes in this NOPR to adopt the following
definitions for ``reactivation air'' in appendix X1:
Reactivation air: The air drawn from unconditioned space to remove
moisture from the desiccant wheel of a refrigerant-desiccant
dehumidifier and discharged to unconditioned space.
[[Page 29284]]
Capacity Measurement for Refrigerant-Desiccant Dehumidifiers
Product capacity represents the amount of moisture a dehumidifier
would remove in a 24-hour period of operation at the specified ambient
conditions. Appendix X's current capacity measurement methodology
involves weighing the amount of water collected during the 6-hour
dehumidification mode test and adjusting the recorded weight to account
for slight variations from nominal ambient temperature, relative
humidity, and barometric pressure. This value is then multiplied by 24
and divided by the test duration in hours to determine the pints of
moisture that would be removed per day.
The majority of whole-home dehumidifiers rely solely on a
refrigeration system to remove moisture, for which capacity can be
accurately measured by the current appendix X methodology, and thus DOE
proposes to retain this methodology for whole-home dehumidifiers other
than refrigerant-desiccant dehumidifiers. Refrigerant-desiccant
dehumidifiers, however, use both a refrigeration system to remove some
moisture from the process air (in liquid form) and a desiccant wheel to
remove additional moisture from the process air by transferring it (in
vapor form) to the reactivation airstream.
To address refrigerant-desiccant dehumidifiers, DOE developed a
capacity calculation that determines the mass of moisture removed from
the process airstream using the difference in psychrometric properties
between the inlet and outlet air streams. Specifically, the measured
dry-bulb temperature and relative humidity are used to determine the
absolute humidity at both locations in pounds of water per cubic foot
of dry air. The absolute humidity is then multiplied by the volumetric
flow rate, measured in cubic feet per minute, to determine the process
air inlet and outlet moisture flow rates, measured in pounds of water
per minute. The difference between the inlet and outlet moisture flow
rates determines the amount of moisture the unit under test removes
from the process air. Unlike the current condensate collection capacity
method, DOE believes that the proposed vapor capacity calculation
method would accurately account for the total moisture that
refrigerant-desiccant dehumidifiers remove from the process airstream.
DOE applied the vapor capacity calculation method to the whole-home
dehumidifiers in its investigative sample to compare it to the method
of determining capacity from condensate collection, as well as to
understand the relative contributions of condensation and desiccant
moisture removal for refrigerant-desiccant dehumidifiers. Nine whole-
home units, including two refrigerant-desiccant units, were tested in
this investigation at 65 [deg]F dry-bulb ambient temperature, 60-
percent relative humidity, and 0.5 inches of water column (in. w.c.)
ESP. Six of the seven refrigeration-based samples in Table III.7
demonstrate close correlation between the vapor and condensate methods,
validating the vapor capacity calculation method.
Table III.7--Comparison of Condensate Collection and Vapor Calculation Capacity Methods
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Capacity (pints/day) Energy factor (L/kWh)
Dehumidification -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Test unit technology Compressor operation Condensate Vapor Difference Condensate Vapor Difference
capacity capacity (%) capacity capacity (%)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
W3................. Refrigerant............... Continuous............... 53 52 -2 1.59 1.57 -1
W4................. Refrigerant............... Continuous............... 53 51 -4 1.43 1.38 -4
W5................. Refrigerant............... Cycling.................. 49 68 39 1.89 2.66 40
W7................. Refrigerant-Desiccant..... Continuous............... 42 84 100 1.08 2.18 101
W8................. Refrigerant............... Continuous............... 58 55 -4 1.44 1.37 -4
W9................. Refrigerant............... Continuous............... 71 71 -1 1.10 1.09 -1
W10................ Refrigerant............... Continuous............... 109 113 3 2.82 2.85 1
W12................ Refrigerant-Desiccant..... Continuous............... 70 99 41 0.75 1.11 48
W13................ Refrigerant............... Continuous............... 108 104 -4 1.68 1.63 -3
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
One refrigerant-based unit, W5, demonstrates poor correlation
between capacity calculation methods, but this unit was the only whole-
home dehumidifier in DOE's sample that cycled the compressor during
testing under these conditions. This may indicate accumulation of ice
on the evaporator over the duration of the test, a condition for which
the condensate collection method does not account. The two refrigerant-
desiccant dehumidifiers have capacities measured by the vapor method
that exceed the capacities determined from the condensate collection
method by 41 percent and 100 percent, suggesting that these
refrigerant-desiccant dehumidifiers remove approximately one-third or
more of the total moisture removed by means of the desiccant.
Therefore, DOE proposes that appendix X1 require that refrigerant-
desiccant dehumidifiers use the vapor calculation to determine tested
capacity to most accurately measure the total amount of moisture
removed from the process air.
Duct Configuration
DOE reviewed research conducted for whole-home dehumidifiers to
gain insight on possible ducting configurations, and noted that NREL's
research on ENERGY STAR dehumidifiers \16\ included testing of ducted
whole-home dehumidifiers under inlet air conditions ranging from 60
[deg]F to 98 [deg]F dry-bulb temperature and 25-percent to 90-percent
relative humidity. In its testing, NREL attached inlet and outlet ducts
to the supply and return ducts of its laboratory air-handling system.
The ducts incorporated laminar flow elements to measure volumetric flow
rates, chilled mirror hygrometers to measure dew point temperatures,
and thermocouple arrays to measure dry bulb temperatures.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\16\ ``Laboratory Test Report for Six ENERGY STAR
Dehumidifiers.'' National Renewable Energy Laboratory. NREL/TP-5500-
52791, December 2011. Available online at www.nrel.gov/docs/fy12osti/52791.pdf
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
To aid in developing detailed specifications for instrumented
ducts, DOE reviewed the test procedure issued by the Air Movement and
Control Association International, Inc. (AMCA), in association with
ANSI and ASHRAE--ANSI/ASHRAE 51-2007/ANSI/AMCA 210-07, ``Laboratory
Methods of Testing Fans for Certified
[[Page 29285]]
Aerodynamic Performance Rating'' (ANSI/AMCA 210). The duct requirements
specified in ANSI/AMCA 210 would allow for the accurate measurement of
psychrometric and volumetric flow properties of the air entering and
exiting a whole-home dehumidifier under test.
DOE proposes in this document to adopt in appendix X1 certain
provisions regarding fresh air inlets, process air inlet and outlet
ducts, test duct specifications, transition sections, and flow
straighteners specified in ANSI/AMCA 210 for testing whole-home
dehumidifiers.
1. Fresh Air Inlets
As discussed previously, fresh air from the exterior of a home may
be directed to a second inlet on some whole-home dehumidifiers to
improve the quality of the dehumidified air. However, DOE is not aware
of information on the percentage of whole-home dehumidifiers equipped
with this fresh air ducting option. DOE tentatively concludes that the
added test burden of accounting for a second inlet duct with air flow
that may be at a different temperature and humidity than the process
air inlet temperature would be significant. Therefore, DOE proposes to
require in appendix X1 that any fresh air collars be capped closed and
sealed with tape during testing.
To investigate performance impacts of sealing the fresh air inlet
and supplying all inlet air through the process air inlet duct, DOE
tested five whole-home units with and without the fresh air inlet
capped at 65 [deg]F dry-bulb temperature, 60-percent relative humidity,
and an ESP of 0.5 inches of water column (which, as discussed later in
this section, was determined to be the most representative of whole-
home dehumidifier installations). Table III.8 below contains the
results of this series of testing.
Table III.8--Impact of Fresh Air Connection on Whole-Home Dehumidifier Performance at 65 [deg]F
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Capacity (pints/day) Energy Factor (L/kWh)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sample number No fresh With fresh Performance No fresh With fresh Performance
air air impact (%) air air impact (%)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3........................... 53 54 2 1.59 1.63 3
5........................... 49 49 1 1.89 1.98 5
8........................... 58 60 4 1.44 1.50 5
10.......................... 109 114 4 2.82 2.91 3
13.......................... 108 113 5 1.68 1.75 4
Average..................... ........... ........... 3 ........... ........... 4
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Based on these data, DOE tentatively determined that using the
fresh air inlet at the ambient conditions proposed by this document has
a slight positive impact on measured capacity and EF, less than or
equal to 5 percent for all five test units. However, given the lack of
information regarding consumer use of the fresh air ducting, DOE
tentatively concludes that the impact is not significant enough to
warrant the added test burden of providing separate fresh air inlet
flow; therefore, DOE maintains its proposal that any fresh air inlet on
a whole-home dehumidifier be capped and sealed during testing. DOE
welcomes comment on this proposal, in particular on the burden
associated with testing whole-home dehumidifiers with separate fresh
air inlet flow, the representative ambient conditions for such fresh
air supply, and the percentage of units in the field that incorporate
the fresh air supply.
2. Process Air Inlet and Outlet Ducts
As a further means of reducing testing burden, DOE investigated the
effects of dehumidification mode testing for refrigeration-based whole-
home units using ducting only on the process air outlet, rather than
both the inlet and outlet of the process airstream. The appropriate ESP
would be achieved through flow restriction in the outlet test duct
while inlet psychrometric conditions would be maintained by controlling
the test chamber. DOE assessed this option by comparing data for a
representative 70 pints/day unit with both inlet and outlet ducts
attached and with only the outlet duct in place. Table III.9 contains
the results of these tests, along with a numerical extrapolation to
approximate the capacity and EF impacts at the proposed ESP of 0.5 in.
w.c.
Table III.9--Impact of Whole-Home Dehumidifier Testing With Only an Outlet Duct
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Capacity (pints/day) Energy Factor (L/kWh)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ESP ** (in. w.c.) Inlet and Outlet duct Percent impact Inlet and Outlet duct Percent impact
outlet ducts only (%) outlet ducts only (%)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
0.01.................................................... 75 77 2.7 2.39 2.40 0.3
0.11.................................................... 73 74 1.2 2.25 2.31 2.4
0.19.................................................... 71 73 4.1 2.15 2.26 5.0
0.50 *.................................................. 63 66 6.0 1.73 2.01 16.0
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Results at this ESP are a numerical extrapolation.
** These tests were conducted at ESPs of up to 0.19 in. w.c. at 80 [deg]F and at 60-percent relative humidity.
While the data suggest that a performance improvement may be
achieved by removing the inlet test duct at an ESP of 0.5 in. w.c. and
an ambient temperature of 80 [deg]F, DOE notes that these data are
limited and that there is uncertainty associated with these
extrapolated results. DOE also notes that requiring both inlet and
outlet test ducts would represent a significant burden to manufacturers
and test laboratories that may not have testing facilities large
[[Page 29286]]
enough to accommodate the total length of ducting. Therefore, DOE
proposes in this document that whole-home dehumidifiers, other than
refrigerant-desiccant dehumidifiers, would be tested under appendix X1
with only outlet ducting in place. Refrigerant-desiccant dehumidifiers
would require an inlet and outlet duct for the process airstream, but
may use only an inlet duct for the reactivation airstream. The inlet
and outlet ducts attached to the process airstream would contain the
instrumentation necessary for the proposed capacity calculation for
refrigerant-desiccant dehumidifiers discussed previously. The inlet
duct attached to the reactivation airstream would provide consistent
means for measuring the inlet psychrometric conditions of both
airstreams. DOE seeks comment and information on these proposed ducting
requirements and may accordingly consider requiring both inlet and
outlet ducts for all whole-home dehumidifiers.
3. Test Duct Specifications
ANSI/AMCA 210 includes various configurations of ducting that may
be attached to equipment under test for measuring air flow
characteristics. Upon review of these configurations, DOE determined
that Figures 7A and 16 of ANSI/AMCA 210 would be the simplest and most
relevant to whole-home dehumidifier testing. Other duct configurations
specified in ANSI/AMCA 210 require chambers or nozzles to simulate the
conditions a unit may experience during operation. However, DOE
tentatively concluded that the equipment specified in Figures 7A and 16
of ANSI/AMCA 210 provide conditions representative of normal operation
while requiring the fewest components. Therefore, DOE proposes to
determine the lengths of the inlet and outlet ducts used for whole-
house dehumidifier testing according to the dimensions provided in
these figures, which specify duct lengths as a function of duct
diameter. Because DOE's review of current products indicates that the
majority of whole-home dehumidifiers connect to ducting via circular
collars with a diameter of 10 inches, DOE proposes to require in
appendix X1 that 10-inch diameter inlet and outlet ducts be used, with
duct lengths and instrumentation spacing specified based on
calculations using this diameter.
The material used for ducting can impact the transfer of heat and
moisture through duct walls, and may include galvanized mild steel,
polyurethane panels, fiberglass duct board, flexible plastics, and
fabric ducting. Because galvanized mild steel ducts are commonly used
in HVAC applications and are not affected by moisture, DOE proposes to
require this material for the ducting specified in appendix X1. DOE
further proposes to limit heat transfer by requiring that the ducts be
insulated using insulation with a minimum R value of 6, with all seams
and edges sealed with tape.
4. Transition Sections
DOE is aware of whole-home dehumidifiers equipped with circular
collars with diameters other than 10 inches, such as 8 or 12 inches.
DOE's research also determined that at least one refrigerant-desiccant
dehumidifier has rectangular collars. To accommodate such designs, DOE
proposes to require that transition pieces be used to connect these
collars to the test ducts. To minimize turbulence caused by transition
pieces, DOE proposes to require that the pieces have a maximum
divergent angle of 3.5 degrees and a maximum convergent angle of 7.5
degrees, in accordance with the requirements in section 5.2.1.3,
Transition Pieces, of ANSI/AMCA 210.
5. Flow Straighteners
To provide consistent and repeatable results, the air flow must be
laminar upstream of sensors and inlets. DOE first examined the length
of 10-inch diameter ducting that would be required to achieve laminar,
fully-developed flow, based on the Reynolds number (Re) of the duct:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP21MY14.001
Where:
D is the diameter of the duct;
v is the mean velocity of the fluid;
[rho] is the density of the fluid; and
[mu] is the dynamic viscosity of the fluid.
For the units within its test sample, DOE used the range of
volumetric flow rates (approximately 200 to 400 cubic feet per minute)
in the above equation to determine the range of Re. For Re greater than
4000, as calculated for units within the test sample, the calculation
for the effective duct length required for fully developed flow is:
Effective Length = 4.4Re1/6
From this equation, DOE determined that a minimum duct length of 20
feet would be required to ensure fully developed laminar flow, a length
that DOE concludes is burdensome based on associated test chamber size
requirements. Instead, DOE proposes to require in appendix X1 the use
of cell-type air flow straighteners in test ducts. The flow
straightener dimensions would be specified according to section
5.2.1.6, Airflow Straightener, of ANSI/AMCA 210. DOE also proposes that
flow straighteners be located as specified by Figures 7A and 16 of
ANSI/AMCA 210. Specifically, the downstream face of an inlet duct flow
straightener would be located a distance upstream of the test unit's
inlet collar or any transition section equal to 6.5 times the diameter
of the duct and the downstream face of an outlet duct flow straightener
would be located a distance downstream of the unit's outlet collar or
any transition section equal to 3.5 times the diameter of the duct.
Instrumentation
The following sections discuss the proposed instrumentation for the
ducts that would be attached to whole-home dehumidifiers during
testing.
1. Instrumentation for Measuring Dry-Bulb Temperature
Appendix X currently requires measurement of the dry-bulb and wet-
bulb temperatures to ensure that the appropriate ambient relative
humidity is maintained in the test chamber near the inlet of the
dehumidifier under test. These provisions do not allow for measuring
psychrometric conditions within the ducting attached to whole-home
dehumidifiers. Therefore, DOE considered instrumentation specifications
and installation requirements for whole-home dehumidifier testing.
For whole-home dehumidifiers other than refrigerant-desiccant
units, no inlet duct would be attached according to this proposal, and
therefore DOE proposes for these dehumidifiers to require the same
instrumentation and equipment setup for measuring ambient conditions
near the process air inlet as for portable dehumidifiers.
For dry-bulb temperature sensing within the process air inlet and
outlet ducts and the reactivation air inlet duct for refrigerant-
desiccant dehumidifiers, DOE proposes in appendix X1 to reference
section 5.3.5, Centers of Segments--Grids, of ASHRAE Standard 41.1-
2013, ``Standard Method for Temperature Measurement,'' which DOE
considers to be an industry-accepted approach for temperature
measurements in ducted air flow. These provisions would require that
temperature measurements be made using an array of temperature sensors
at different locations on the same cross-sectional plane. The locations
of the individual sensors at that plane would be determined by dividing
the plane into at least four segments of equal area.
[[Page 29287]]
A sensor would then be placed at the center of each of these segments.
ANSI/AMCA 210 specifies that temperature be measured at positions
that are a distance upstream of the test unit's inlet collar and any
transition section equal to half the diameter of the duct and a
distance downstream of the unit's outlet collar and any transition
section equal to 9.5 times the diameter of the duct. Temperature
measurements at these locations within the ducting would provide
accurate measurement of dry-bulb temperatures. Based on DOE's proposed
specification of 10-inch diameter ducting, DOE proposes in this
document to require temperature measuring instruments to be located 5
inches upstream of the inlet collar, where such ducting is used, and 95
inches downstream of the outlet collar.
2. Instrumentation for Measuring Relative Humidity
As noted previously, testing of whole-home dehumidifiers other than
refrigerant-desiccant units would specify the same provisions for
measuring ambient conditions near the process air inlet as for portable
dehumidifiers. For refrigerant-desiccant dehumidifiers, however, the
vapor calculation method for capacity measurement would require
measurement of the relative humidity in the process air inlet and
outlet ducts. In addition, relative humidity would be measured in the
reactivation air inlet duct for these units.
For calculating relative humidity, DOE considered: (1) A cooled
surface condensation hygrometer that measures dew-point temperature,
which can be used in conjunction with dry-bulb temperature to determine
relative humidity; and (2) an aspirating psychrometer that measures
wet-bulb temperature. Chilled mirror hygrometers incorporate a cooled
surface \17\ that allows moisture to condense on the surface. The
condensate surface is maintained electronically in vapor pressure
equilibrium with the surrounding gas, while surface condensation is
detected optoelectronically. The measured surface temperature is the
dew-point temperature. Typical industrial versions of the instrument
may be as accurate as 0.2 [deg]C (0.36 [deg]F),
corresponding to 2-percent relative humidity at 65 [deg]F
dry-bulb temperature and nominal 60-percent relative humidity. However,
these instruments are costly and require a skilled operator, frequent
cleaning, and regular calibration.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\17\ The cooled surface within chilled mirror hygrometers may be
achieved thermoelectrically, mechanically, or chemically.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
An aspirating psychrometer consists of two electrical or mechanical
temperature sensors, one of which is dry to measure dry-bulb
temperature and the other of which is wetted via a sock or wick to
measure wet-bulb temperature. Evaporation of the water cools the wet-
bulb sensor, with the evaporation rate dependent on the relative
humidity of the air. A suction fan operating at a low flow rate
provides ventilation of the sensors. An aspirating psychrometer is
already required in the appendix X test procedure for unducted testing.
Therefore, the dehumidifier industry is already familiar with this type
of sensor. In addition, their simplicity and relatively low cost make
aspirating psychrometers a favorable option for testing. Typical
aspirating psychrometers have an accuracy of 2 percent
relative humidity, but higher accuracy versions are capable of
achieving 1 percent relative humidity. DOE concludes that
this higher-accuracy aspirating psychrometer would provide a means for
measuring relative humidity at a lower testing burden than a chilled
mirror hygrometer, and therefore proposes to specify in appendix X1
that relative humidity be measured in the ducting used for whole-home
dehumidifier testing using an aspirating psychrometer with an accuracy
of at least 1 percent relative humidity. Such psychrometers
are likely being used already by testing laboratories for dehumidifier
testing under appendix X, because the temperature accuracy requirements
in ANSI/AHAM DH-1-2008 correspond to approximately 1
percent relative humidity accuracy at the nominal ambient dry-bulb and
wet-bulb temperatures. Therefore, DOE concludes that testing
laboratories currently conducting dehumidifier testing already have the
aspirating psychrometers proposed to be used for whole-home
dehumidifier testing in a ducted configuration. DOE acknowledges that
alternating this sensor between the test configuration of portable and
whole-home dehumidifiers would require additional sensor calibration.
Manufacturers and testing facilities may elect to purchase additional
aspirating psychrometers to eliminate the need to recalibrate between
switching test configurations. DOE proposes to require in appendix X1
that the relative humidity within test ducts be measured using an
aspirating psychrometer with an accuracy within 1 percent
relative humidity. DOE also proposes that the aspirating psychrometer
be placed at the duct's geometric centerline within 1 inch of the dry-
bulb temperature measurement plane.
3. Instrumentation for Measuring External Static Pressure (ESP)
Frictional forces and head losses due to the air flowing in the
ducting lead to an ESP that is imposed on the whole-home dehumidifier.
As duct length and the number of elbows and other flow restrictions
increases, the ESP increases as well. In a recent supplemental notice
of proposed rulemaking for test procedures for residential furnace
fans, DOE has proposed to define ESP as the difference in static
pressure measured in the outlet and return air duct during testing. 78
FR 19606, 19618 (Apr. 2, 2013). For consistency with these testing
procedures, DOE proposes to establish the following analogous
definition for ESP for whole-home dehumidifier testing in appendix X1:
External static pressure (ESP): The process air outlet static
pressure minus the process air inlet static pressure, measured in
inches of water column (in. w.c.).
As discussed previously, ESP would be calculated by subtracting
pressures losses between the dehumidifier and both static pressure tap
locations from the measured static pressure differential. The blower
within a whole-home dehumidifier must overcome this ESP to move air
throughout a home's air delivery system. As ESP increases, the flow
rate a blower can achieve at a particular rotational speed decreases,
which also decreases moisture removal capacity. Therefore, DOE proposes
that ducted dehumidifier testing in appendix X1 be conducted at an ESP
representative of typical residential installations. DOE reviewed
several sources of information to determine the appropriate ESP.
DOE's review of whole-home dehumidifier product literature revealed
that rated volumetric air flow rate in cubic feet per minute (CFM) is
typically provided at ESP values ranging from 0.4 to 0.8 in. w.c., as
well as at zero ESP. Manufacturers likely provide the former range of
values to characterize performance under conditions representative of
actual installations. In addition, the Center for Energy and
Environment (CEE) researched the feasibility of a residential furnace
fan retrofit program, monitoring 81 Minnesota home air delivery systems
during the heating season.\18\ This study
[[Page 29288]]
found that the average ESP of these duct systems was 0.55 in. w.c. In
addition, the median ESP fell between 0.45 and 0.55 in. w.c. For
furnace fans designed to be installed in systems with an internal
evaporator coil, DOE's analysis for the furnace fan test procedure
indicated that a representative weighted-average ESP would be 0.50 in.
w.c. 78 FR 19606, 19608 (Apr. 2, 2013).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\18\ Center for Energy and Environment Comment on Energy
Conservation Standards for Residential Furnace Fans, July 27, 2010.
Docket No. EERE-2010-BT-STD-0011, Comment Number 22.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Based on this information, DOE tentatively concluded that an ESP of
0.5 in. w.c. would, on average, represent the static pressure
conditions found in a ducted whole-home dehumidifier installed in a
typical home. DOE also notes that a test condition tolerance of 0.02
in. w.c. on ESP is established in appendix M to 10 CFR Part 430 subpart
B for testing the energy consumption of central air conditioners and
heat pumps. DOE proposes to adopt this same tolerance for average ESP
throughout whole-home dehumidifier testing to maintain consistency with
other covered products installed in similar ducting and with accepted
industry requirements. Therefore, DOE proposes to require in appendix
X1 that an ESP of 0.5 0.02 in. w.c. be maintained during
the dehumidification mode testing of whole-home dehumidifiers. To
obtain the proposed nominal ESP of 0.5 in. w.c., DOE also proposes in
this document to require that outlet test ducts contain mechanical
throttling devices to adjust the ESP.
For nine whole-home units in its sample, DOE quantified the impacts
of variations in ESP on capacity and EF at a process air inlet
temperature of 65 [deg]F, as shown in Table III.10.
Table III.10--Impact of Varying ESP on Whole-Home Dehumidifier Performance at 65 [deg]F
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Capacity (pints/day) Energy Factor (L/kWh)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Test unit 0.25 0.75 0.25 0.75
0 in. in. 0.5 in. in. 1 in. 0 in. in. 0.5 in. in. 1 in.
w.c. w.c. w.c. w.c. w.c. w.c. w.c. w.c. w.c. w.c.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
W3............................................................ 63 ....... 53 ....... ....... 1.91 ....... 1.59 ....... .......
W4............................................................ 56 54 53 49 23 1.5 1.48 1.43 1.31 0.43
W5............................................................ 66 ....... 49 ....... ....... 2.31 ....... 1.89 ....... .......
W8............................................................ 82 73 58 0 0 2.42 2.02 1.44 ....... .......
W9............................................................ 77 75 71 68 68 1.18 1.13 1.1 1.05 1
W7............................................................ 107 98 84 ....... ....... 2.76 2.55 2.18 ....... .......
W10........................................................... 120 ....... 109 ....... ....... 3.16 ....... 2.82 ....... .......
W12........................................................... 112 105 99 ....... ....... 1.28 1.18 1.11 ....... .......
W13........................................................... 125 ....... 108 ....... ....... 1.94 ....... 1.68 ....... .......
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Compared to an ESP of 0 in. w.c., DOE's proposed test condition of
0.5 in. w.c. decreased the capacity of the models in DOE's sample by an
average of 17 percent and decreased the EF by an average of 18 percent
at 65 [deg]F ambient temperature. Impacts for individual units ranged
from 2 to 33 percent for capacity and 2 to 42 percent for EF.
DOE proposes to measure ESP as the difference between the inlet and
outlet static pressures. If either inlet or outlet ducting is not
required by the test procedure, the ambient static pressure of 0 in.
w.c. shall be used to determine ESP. When ducting is required, the duct
locations would be consistent with those specified in Figure 7A and
Figure 15 of ANSI/AMCA 210, corrected to account for pressure losses
between the measurement locations and the dehumidifier. Specifically,
the static pressure differential would be measured between a location
at a distance upstream of the test unit's process air inlet port or any
transition section equal to 1.5 times the diameter of the duct and a
location at a distance downstream of the unit's process air outlet port
or any transition section equal to 8.5 times the diameter of the duct.
DOE also proposes to reference in appendix X1 the provisions in section
7.5.2, Pressure Losses, of ANSI/AMCA 210 that specify how duct pressure
losses between the unit under test and the plane of each static
pressure measurement would be calculated. These duct pressure losses
would be subtracted from the measured static pressure differential at
the inlet and outlet measurement locations.
ANSI/AMCA 210 also provides an option for measuring static pressure
in a duct using traverses of pitot-static tubes. Accordingly, DOE
proposes to specify in appendix X1 the pitot-static tube construction
in accordance with section 4.2.2, Pitot-Static Tube, of ANSI/AMCA 210,
and the arrangement of pitot-static tubes in each traverse across the
plane of the duct according to section 4.3.1, Pitot Traverse, of ANSI/
AMCA 210. DOE further proposes that the static pressure at each point
in a traverse would be measured at the static tap of the corresponding
pitot-static tube, and these measurements would be averaged to
calculate the static pressure at that location in the duct.
DOE considered the appropriate accuracy for the pressure sensing
instruments used to measure ESP. Section 4.2.1, Manometers and Other
Pressure Indicating Instruments, of ANSI/AMCA 210 specifies a pressure
measurement instrument with a maximum allowable uncertainty of 1
percent of the maximum observed reading during the test or 0.005 in.
w.c., whichever is larger. At the nominal test condition of 0.5 in.
w.c. ESP, the maximum allowable uncertainty would be 0.005 in. w.c. DOE
also observes that section 5.3.2 of the ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 37-2009,
``Methods of Testing for Rating Electrically Driven Unitary Air-
Conditioning and Heat Pump Equipment'' (ANSI/ASHRAE 37), specifies that
duct static pressures be measured with instruments that have an
accuracy of 0.01 in. w.c. This accuracy is identical to the
differential pressure instrument accuracy requirements for testing
central air conditioners and heat pumps according to section 2.5.3,
Indoor Coil Static Pressure Difference Measurement, of DOE's test
procedure for these products (appendix M to subpart B). Section 2.5.3
of appendix M also specifies that the differential pressure instrument
shall have a resolution of no more than 0.01 in. w.c. DOE tentatively
concludes that, for the ESP proposed for whole-home dehumidifier
testing in this document, the pressure measurement specifications from
ANSI/AMCA 210 could present a burden for those manufacturers that
currently test central air conditioners in their testing facilities,
and that the accuracy and resolution specified in ANSI/ASHRAE Standard
37 would both be feasible for test facilities and produce repeatable
and reproducible results. Therefore, DOE proposes in appendix X1 that
the pressure instrument used to measure the ESP shall have an accuracy
within 0.01 in. w.c. and a resolution of no more than 0.01
in. w.c. DOE welcomes comment and information on
[[Page 29289]]
the appropriate pressure measuring instrument specifications.
4. Instrumentation for Measuring Volumetric Air Flow Rate
DOE proposes in appendix X1 that the volumetric air flow rate in
ducts attached to the inlet and outlet of the process air of a
refrigerant-desiccant dehumidifier would be calculated using duct
diameter, dry-bulb temperature, and velocity pressure \19\
measurements, using the methods for measuring air flow rates at test
conditions specified in section 7.3.1, Velocity Traverse, of ANSI/AMCA
210. Average velocity pressures would be determined using the same
traverses of pitot-static tubes in the process air inlet and outlet
ducts as discussed above for measuring ESP. In addition, for
refrigerant-desiccant dehumidifiers, average velocity pressure for the
reactivation air stream would also be measured using a traverse in the
reactivation air inlet duct. This traverse would be located at a
distance upstream of the test unit's reactivation air inlet port or any
transition section equal to 1.5 times the diameter of the duct. The
velocity pressure at each point in a traverse would be calculated as
the total pressure, measured at the impact tap of the pitot-static
tube, minus the static pressure, measured at the static tap of the
pitot-static tube. Section 7.3.1 of ANSI/AMCA 210 provides instructions
for averaging these velocity pressures and calculating the air flow
rate at the test conditions within the duct.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\19\ ``Velocity pressure'' is defined in section 3.1.17 of ANSI/
AMCA 210 as the ``portion of air pressure that exists by virtue of
the rate of motion of the air.''
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
5. Measurement Frequency
The current test procedure in appendix X requires psychrometry
measurements to be recorded at 10-minute intervals or less during
dehumidification mode testing, which is adequate for monitoring ambient
conditions in a test chamber. However, the conditions of air flowing
through the ducts for whole-home dehumidifiers have the potential to
vary on time scales that are shorter than 10 minutes. As a result, DOE
proposes in appendix X1 that whole-home dehumidifiers be tested with
measurement acquisition rates of dry-bulb temperature, velocity
pressure, and relative humidity equal to or more frequently than once
per minute. DOE's observation of current dehumidifier testing suggests
that this sampling frequency likely can be met by existing data
recording equipment in most test laboratories.
d. Psychrometer Requirements
The proposals discussed in this section are based on detailed
analysis of industry test procedures, test laboratory observations, and
comparison of different psychrometer setup configurations for portable
dehumidifiers.
Appendix X requires that a psychrometer be used to measure dry-bulb
and wet-bulb temperature conditions throughout dehumidification mode
testing. Instructions for placement of the psychrometer are provided
through reference to section 7.1.4, Psychrometer Placement, of ANSI/
AHAM DH-1-2008, which specifies that the psychrometer shall be placed 1
foot in front of the intake grill of the test unit. In addition,
section 5.3, Positioning of Test Unit, of ANSI/AHAM DH-1-2008 specifies
that the sampling tree for use with the psychrometer shall be placed 1
foot from the air inlet side of the dehumidifier. However, through
market research, DOE identified certain portable dehumidifiers with
multiple air inlets on different surfaces of the unit. For these
dehumidifiers, ANSI/AHAM DH-1-2008 does not provide specific
instructions regarding where the sampling tree or psychrometer should
be located.
DOE has identified two possible approaches for psychrometer setup
for portable dehumidifiers with multiple air inlets. The first approach
would be to place a single psychrometer or sampling tree at a location
that is as close as possible to 1 foot in front of all intake grilles.
This approach would minimize test burden by requiring only one
psychrometer and possibly one sampling tree, but could lead to
measurements that do not accurately reflect the conditions of the air
entering each inlet and could potentially cause confusion regarding the
proper sensor placement for units with unique air inlet locations. The
second approach would be to place a separate sampling tree 1 foot in a
perpendicular direction from the center of each air inlet grille, with
the sampled air combined and connected to a single psychrometer using a
minimal length of thermally insulated ducting. The thermally insulated
ducting shall be installed along the shortest possible path connection
between the psychrometer and sampling tree(s), minimizing excess duct
length that may introduce variability between the conditions of the air
when it enters the sampling tree and when it reaches the aspirating
psychrometer. This approach would monitor the average conditions of the
air entering the dehumidifier through each inlet, with the added
testing burden of requiring one or more additional sampling trees.
Because air sampling trees are commonly used for testing other products
and are readily available, if the sampling tree approach is selected
the additional testing burden is minimal and would result in improved
reproducibility of the test procedure. Therefore, DOE proposes in this
NOPR to clarify in appendix X and appendix X1 that for portable
dehumidifiers with multiple intake grilles, a separate sampling tree
shall be placed 1 foot away in a perpendicular direction from the
center of each air inlet. DOE also proposes to clarify in both
appendices that for portable dehumidifiers with only one intake grille,
the psychrometer or sampling tree shall be placed 1 foot away in a
perpendicular direction from the center of the air inlet. DOE requests
comment on these proposed clarifications to the psychrometer setup and
input on the associated test burden impacts.
In response to the October 2013 NOPR,\20\ AHAM commented that some
test facilities use a single psychrometer box to monitor inlet
conditions for two or more test units, and that the DOE dehumidifier
test procedure does not specify whether each test unit requires its own
individual psychrometer box. AHAM proposed that DOE clarify that each
dehumidifier under test requires its own individual psychrometer box
because the test procedure's intent is that each dehumidifier in the
test chamber is treated as an individual test and the temperatures
should be measured as such. (AHAM, Docket No. EERE-2013-BT-TP-0044, No.
2 at p. 2) DOE notes that section 7.1.4 of ANSI/AHAM DH-1-2008, which
is referenced for testing portable dehumidifiers, states to ``[p]lace
the psychrometer (4.2) 1 ft. (0.30 m) in front of the intake grille.''
This instruction could be interpreted to mean that the temperature and
relative humidity would be sampled specifically for that location,
which in turn would require that these properties be measured
individually for each of multiple portable dehumidifiers being tested
concurrently. DOE also notes that using average inlet temperature and
relative humidity conditions for multiple portable dehumidifiers could
impact the measured capacity, EF, and IEF. Therefore, DOE proposes to
add clarifying text to appendix X and appendix X1 that would allow no
more
[[Page 29290]]
than one portable dehumidifier to be connected to a single psychrometer
during testing. DOE believes this proposal would ensure consistency
among test facilities and improve test result accuracy.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\20\ The docket for the rulemaking for the October 2013 NOPR may
be found online at: www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=EERE-
2013-BT-TP-0044.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
e. Condensate Collection
The proposals discussed in this section are based on detailed
analysis of industry test procedures, test laboratory observations, and
comparison of different condensate collection setup configurations.
The provisions in appendix X for measuring capacity and energy
consumption in dehumidification mode require condensate to be collected
for a period of 6 hours while the dehumidifier is operating under the
specified ambient conditions. According to section 5.4, Condensate
Collection, of ANSI/AHAM DH-1-2008, if means for collecting the
condensate are provided as part of the dehumidifier, they are to be
installed as provided for in normal service. In addition, the
dehumidifier may be placed on the weight-measuring instrument for
direct reading of condensate during the test. If the only provision is
for draining the condensate away from the unit, the condensate must be
collected in a substantially closed vessel to prevent re-evaporation.
These instructions do not address the use of an internal pump,
which may be provided as a means to drain the condensate from the
dehumidifier. In addition, DOE recognizes that a condensate collection
bucket may not be sufficiently large to hold the entire amount of
condensate produced during the 6-hour dehumidification mode test, and
that when the bucket is full, the unit may turn off the compressor or
activate a pump to empty the bucket to an external drain.
To ensure that the amount of condensate measured during the
dehumidification mode test is representative of the total amount of
condensate that would be produced during the 6-hour test, DOE proposes
in this document to specify in appendix X and appendix X1 that if means
are provided on the dehumidifier for draining condensate away from the
cabinet, the condensate would be collected in a substantially closed
vessel which would be placed on the weight-measuring instrument. Such
an approach would minimize re-evaporation of the condensate and would
isolate the condensate weight measurement from the vibration of the
dehumidifier during operation. DOE further proposes that if no means
for draining condensate away from the cabinet are provided, any
automatic shutoff of dehumidification mode operation that would be
activated when the collection container is full shall be disabled and
any overflow shall be collected in a pan, completely covered to prevent
re-evaporation except where allowing for collection of overflow water,
that is placed beneath the dehumidifier, both of which shall be placed
on the weight-measuring instrument for direct reading of the condensate
weight during the test. The proposal would also clarify in appendix X
and appendix X1 that any internal pump shall not be used to drain the
condensate into a substantially closed vessel unless such pump is
provided for use by default in dehumidification mode.
f. Control Settings
The proposal discussed in this section is based on an analysis of
dehumidifier features and implications of varying control settings with
respect to the representativeness of the test procedure, as well as
test repeatability and reproducibility.
Certain dehumidifiers have controls that allow selection of the fan
speed during dehumidification mode. The highest fan speed will produce
the most rapid rate of moisture removal, while the lower fan speeds may
be provided to reduce noise. Appendix X, however, does not specify a
particular fan speed setting during testing.
Also, certain dehumidifiers have controls that allow consumers to
select a target relative humidity level, for example by setting the
desired relative humidity percentage or by adjusting a dial to a more
or less dry setting. Appendix X requires test facilities to maintain a
60-percent relative humidity level during active mode testing, in which
the unit must operate continuously in dehumidification mode. While
appendix X does not specify a particular relative humidity setpoint,
the test operator must select a control setting that corresponds to a
relative humidity level lower than 60 percent to ensure that the test
unit does not enter off-cycle or fan-only mode.
In comments submitted in response to the October 2013 NOPR, AHAM
addressed the topic of control settings for testing in dehumidification
mode by proposing that if the unit under test has a ``continuous on''
function, a setting that maintains constant dehumidification mode
operation regardless of the ambient relative humidity, that such a
setting should be selected. In the absence of a continuous on function,
AHAM proposed that the unit be tested at the highest fan speed and
lowest humidity setting. According to AHAM, these settings would
correspond to the highest energy use and would be consistent with
current industry practice. (AHAM, Docket No. EERE-2013-BT-TP-0044, No.
2 at p. 2)
The control settings suggested by AHAM would correspond to the
highest energy use in dehumidification mode. In addition, although DOE
is not aware of any dehumidifiers that operate differently at humidity
setpoints below 60 percent, it is possible that certain dehumidifier
controls may be programmed to do so, thereby no longer operating at the
highest energy use. For this reason, DOE proposes to require in
appendix X and appendix X1 that, for units with a continuous on
feature, that control setting shall be selected for dehumidification
mode testing. For units without a feature for continuous operation, the
fan would be set at the maximum speed if the fan speed is user
adjustable, and the relative humidity controls would be set to the
lowest available value during dehumidification mode testing. Further,
DOE's observations at third-party test facilities corroborate AHAM's
comment that these fan speed requirements would be consistent with
industry practice. Therefore, DOE concludes that this proposal would
not impact energy consumption or capacity currently determined using
appendix X.
2. Fan-Only Mode
The proposals discussed in this section are based on observations
of units acquired for investigative testing and detailed analysis of
industry test procedures used to determine cyclical or continuous power
consumption.
Certain dehumidifier models maintain blower operation without
activation of the compressor after the humidity setpoint has been
reached, rather than entering off-cycle mode. Such fan-only mode
operation may be intended to draw air over the humidistat to monitor
ambient conditions, or may occur immediately following a period of
dehumidification mode to defrost and dry the evaporator coil, which
will prevent the humidistat from prematurely sensing a humidity level
high enough to reactivate the compressor. The blower may operate
continuously in fan-only mode, or may cycle on and off intermittently.
In addition, some units allow the consumer to select operation of the
blower continuously for air circulation purposes.
In their submission to DOE in response to the August 2012 Framework
Document, the Joint Commenters stated that, as of October 17, 2012,
there were 12 models on the ENERGY STAR
[[Page 29291]]
Dehumidifiers Product List, six of which had fans that could operate
continuously without activation of the compressor. The Joint Commenters
referenced the Wisconsin Study, which found that fan-only mode power
consumption ranged from under 40 watts (W) to 120 W, suggesting that
continuous fan operation could contribute significantly to dehumidifier
annual energy consumption. For example, the Joint Commenters noted that
an 80 W fan running in continuous fan-only mode for 1,000 hours
annually would consume 80 kWh. Although the Joint Commenters asserted
that continuous fan operation would circulate the air in the space
being dehumidified, reducing gradients and perhaps affecting colder and
more humid areas (such as adjacent to walls) such that dehumidification
mode could be activated only when necessary, they believe that the same
actions could be accomplished with intermittent fan operation
controlled by a fixed timer initiated after each period of compressor
operation or a variable timer based on past operating patterns. The
Joint Commenters stated that if the annual energy consumption of
continuous fan operation is not adequately captured already in the test
procedure, DOE should amend it to measure the annual energy consumption
of fan-only mode. (Joint Commenters, No. 9 at pp. 5-6)
As discussed in section III.B.2 of this document, appendix X does
not contain provisions to measure dehumidifier energy use during fan-
only mode. The existing methodology requires measurement of the power
consumption in off-cycle mode and either inactive mode or off mode,
depending on which mode is available on the unit under test. The test
procedure then assigns the annual operating hours outside of
dehumidification mode to off-cycle mode, inactive mode, or off mode
according to the following: 1,840.5 hours to off-cycle mode and 1,840.5
hours to either inactive mode or off mode. These hours are multiplied
by the corresponding power consumption measurements and summed to
obtain the annual combined low-power mode energy consumption.
Recognizing that some dehumidifiers operate in fan-only mode in place
of off-cycle mode, however, DOE is proposing in this document that the
1,840.5 annual hours currently attributed to off-cycle mode in appendix
X be assigned in appendix X1 to fan-only mode for those dehumidifiers.
Based on investigative testing, and using this proposed calculation,
DOE determined that fan-only mode may consume more than 300 times more
energy than off-cycle or inactive mode. For this reason, this proposed
provision in appendix X1 would more accurately reflect the typical
energy consumption of dehumidifiers that operate in fan-only mode
rather than off-cycle mode.
The proposed fan-only mode average power measurement would require
adjusting the relative humidity setpoint during this testing to a level
higher than the ambient relative humidity to ensure that the
refrigeration system does not cycle on. To minimize testing burden, DOE
proposes in appendix X1 that the testing may be conducted either under
the same ambient conditions as for dehumidification mode, or under the
test conditions specified for standby mode and off mode testing. DOE
tentatively concludes that the power consumption in fan-only mode does
not depend on the ambient conditions (i.e., fan speed and power
consumption do not change with ambient conditions) and seeks comment on
whether the results from the two testing options would be comparable.
To further minimize test burden, DOE also proposes that the laboratory
should not perform more than one run-in period for all active mode
testing. Because the term ``run-in'' is not defined in ANSI/AHAM DH-1-
2008, DOE further proposes to clarify in appendix X1 that the
compressor shall operate during the run-in period.
DOE has observed that the fan may operate continuously during fan-
only mode or may cycle on and off periodically. In DOE's testing, the
period of such cyclic operation was observed to be approximately 10
minutes, and DOE's research indicates that some units may cycle on for
a period of a few minutes per hour. To obtain a representative average
measure of fan-only mode power consumption in appendix X1, DOE proposes
that the power be measured and averaged over a period of 1 hour for
fan-only mode in which the fan operates continuously. For fan-only mode
in which the fan operates cyclically, the average fan-only mode power
would be measured over a period of 3 or more full cycles for no less
than 1 hour. DOE also proposes to include in the IEF calculation in
appendix X1 the fan-only mode energy use for those dehumidifiers that
operate in fan-only mode rather than off-cycle mode. DOE further
proposes to require that, for units with adjustable fan speed settings,
the fan be set at the maximum speed during fan-only mode testing
because the maximum speed is typically recommended to consumers as the
setting that produces the maximum moisture removal rate.
DOE does not have information regarding the number of annual hours
in which the consumer selects fan-only mode to circulate air, rather
than operating the dehumidifier for the general purpose of moisture
removal. For this reason, DOE is not proposing at this time to include
an additional energy use component associated with air circulation in
the IEF calculation in appendix X1. DOE welcomes data and input on
consumer usage patterns related to fan-only mode for air circulation.
C. Additional Technical and Editorial Corrections
1. Definition of ``Dehumidifier''
As discussed in section III.A of this document, EPCA defines a
dehumidifier in relevant part, as a ``mechanically encased assembly.''
(42 U.S.C. 6291(34)) The definition of ``dehumidifier'' codified at 10
CFR 430.2, however, incorrectly states that the product be a
``mechanically refrigerated encased assembly.'' In this document, DOE
proposes to correct the definition in 10 CFR 430.2. DOE also proposes
to add clarification that the definition of ``dehumidifier'' does not
apply to portable air conditioners and room air conditioners. The
primary function of an air conditioner is to provide cooling by
removing both sensible and latent heat, while a dehumidifier removes
moisture (i.e., only latent heat). Therefore, DOE proposes to clarify
these exclusions in the amendments to 10 CFR 430.2.
2. Referenced Section in Test Procedures at 10 CFR 430.23
DOE proposes to amend the test procedures codified at 10 CFR
430.23(z) to reference the correct sections of amended appendix X and
new appendix X1 for measuring capacity, energy factor (EF), and IEF.
3. Integrated Energy Factor Calculation
The existing IEF equation in section 5.2 of appendix X incorporates
the annual combined low-power mode energy consumption, ETLP,
in kWh per year, and the active mode energy consumption,
Eactive, in kWh as measured during the active mode test. To
sum these components, the equation converts ETLP into kWh/
day by dividing by the number of active mode hours per year and
multiplying by 24 hours per day. However, Eactive represents
the energy use measured during the course of the 6-hour
dehumidification mode test. To correctly sum the combined low-power
mode energy consumption and dehumidification mode energy
[[Page 29292]]
consumption on an equivalent basis, the equation for IEF should convert
ETLP to kWh consumed during 6 hours. Therefore, DOE proposes
in section 5.2 of appendix X to amend the IEF equation to correctly
divide ETLP by the number of dehumidification mode hours per
year and multiply by 6 hours in accordance with the duration of the
dehumidification mode test. DOE also proposes to: (1) Clarify in
section 4.1 of appendix X that energy consumption as well as EF shall
be measured during dehumidification mode testing; (2) redesignate
Eactive as EDM to clarify that it is the energy
consumption measured in dehumidification mode; and (3) redesignate
Sactive as SDM to clarify that it is the annual
hours spent in dehumidification mode. DOE proposes to incorporate these
same clarifications and corrections in appendix X1, as well as sum the
annual fan-only mode energy consumption, EFM, with
ETLP to include the measure of fan-only mode energy
consumption in the calculation of IEF.
4. Number of Annual Inactive Mode and Off Mode Hours
In section 5.1 of appendix X, the number of annual hours for
inactive mode and off mode each contains a typographical error, wherein
a comma is used in place of a decimal point. DOE proposes in this
document to correct these typographical errors.
D. Materials Incorporated by Reference
As discussed in section III.B.1.c of this document, DOE is
proposing in appendix X1 to reference certain sections of the following
industry test methods to determine the product capacity and IEF of
whole-home dehumidifiers in a ducted installation:
(1) ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 41.1-2013, ``Standard Method for
Temperature Measurement''; and
(2) ANSI/ASHRAE 51-2007/ANSI/AMCA 210-07, ``Laboratory Methods of
Testing Fans for Certified Aerodynamic Performance Rating''.
DOE proposes to amend 10 CFR 430.3 to include these industry test
methods.
E. Certification and Verification
In 10 CFR 429.36, DOE requires that manufacturers include
dehumidifier capacity, in pints/day, in their certification reports;
however, 10 CFR 429.36 does not specify how to determine the rated
capacity for a basic model. The consequence of an incorrectly reported
capacity may be the application of an incorrect standard for minimum
required EF or, in the future, a minimum required IEF. Therefore, DOE
proposes in this document to require that the average of the capacities
measured for a given sample be used for certification puposes.
For verification purposes, DOE proposes to require that the test
facility measurement of capacity must be within 5 percent of the rated
capacity, or 1.00 pints/day, whichever is greater. DOE notes that this
tolerance is the same as the tolerance allowed within AHAM's
dehumidifier verification program, which suggests that manufacturers
are able to comply with this requirement without undue testing burden.
If DOE determines that a rated capacity is not within 5 percent of the
measured capacity, or 1.00 pints/day, whichever is greater, the
capacity measured by the test facility shall be used to determine the
energy conservation standard applicable to the tested basic model. DOE
proposes to add a new section 429.134 of 10 CFR part 429 to address
this capacity verification protocol.
To ensure that the minimum EF or IEF requirements are accurately
applied to each dehumidifier model, DOE proposes to clarify in the
dehumidifier test procedures at 10 CFR 430.23(z) that, when using
appendix X, capacity would be measured in accordance with paragraph 4.1
of that appendix, and when using appendix X1, capacity would be
measured in accordance with paragraph 5.4 of that appendix for
refrigerant-desiccant dehumidifiers and in accordance with paragraph
4.1.1.1 for all other dehumidifiers. DOE also proposes in this document
to include rounding instructions in appendix X and appendix X1 that
would clarify that the measurement of capacity is to be rounded to two
decimal points, consistent with the number of significant digits in the
product class definitions, and that IEF is to be rounded to two decimal
places in accordance with the existing instructions in appendix X for
rounding EF and IEF.
F. Compliance Dates of Amended Test Procedures
DOE is proposing amendments to its dehumidifier test procedure in
appendix X that would clarify the psychrometer setup for portable
dehumidifiers, the control settings for dehumidification mode testing,
the provisions for collecting water for the capacity measurement, and
the dates for use of the test procedures. The proposed amendments to
appendix X would also include certain editorial and technical
corrections. As discussed previously, DOE does not expect that these
clarifications and corrections would alter the measured EF, but rather
would improve the interpretation and use of the test procedure.
Therefore, the proposals for appendix X would not affect a
manufacturer's ability to comply with current energy conservation
standards using appendix X. Manufacturers would be required to use the
revised appendix X for representations 180 days after the publication
of any final amended test procedures in the Federal Register.
(Alternatively, manufacturers may certify compliance with any amended
energy conservation standards prior to the compliance date of those
amended energy conservation standards by testing in accordance with
appendix X1.)
DOE is also proposing to amend the dehumidifier test procedure in
10 CFR part 430, subpart B to create a new appendix X1 that would
include a lower ambient temperature for certain active mode testing, a
new measure of fan-only mode energy consumption, and provisions for
testing whole-home dehumidifiers, including ``refrigerant-desiccant''
dehumidifiers. Appendix X1 would also incorporate the same
clarifications and technical corrections as proposed for appendix X.
Manufacturers would be required to use the new appendix X1 for
determining compliance with any amended standards adopted in the
ongoing energy conservation standards rulemaking.
IV. Procedural Issues and Regulatory Review
A. Review Under Executive Order 12866
The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has determined that test
procedure rulemakings do not constitute ``significant regulatory
actions'' under section 3(f) of Executive Order 12866, Regulatory
Planning and Review, 58 FR 51735 (Oct. 4, 1993). Accordingly, this
action was not subject to review under the Executive Order by the
Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) in the Office of
Management and Budget.
B. Review Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act
The Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) requires
preparation of an initial regulatory flexibility analysis (IFRA) for
any rule that by law must be proposed for public comment, unless the
agency certifies that the rule, if promulgated, will not have a
significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities.
As required by Executive Order 13272, ``Proper Consideration of Small
Entities in Agency Rulemaking,'' 67 FR 53461 (August 16, 2002), DOE
published procedures and policies on February 19, 2003, to ensure that
the potential impacts of its rules on small entities are
[[Page 29293]]
properly considered during the DOE rulemaking process. 68 FR 7990. DOE
has made its procedures and policies available on the Office of the
General Counsel's Web site: http://energy.gov/gc/office-general-counsel.
DOE reviewed this proposed rule under the provisions of the
Regulatory Flexibility Act and the procedures and policies published on
February 19, 2003. DOE's initial regulatory flexibility analysis is set
forth below. DOE seeks comment on its analysis and the economic impacts
of the rule on small manufacturers.
A description of the reasons why the proposed test procedures are
being considered, as well as a succinct statement of the objectives of,
and legal basis for, the proposed rule is set forth elsewhere in the
preamble and not repeated here. DOE is also not aware of any Federal
rules that would duplicate, overlap or conflict with the proposed rule.
Description and Estimate of the Number of Small Entities to Which the
Proposed Rule Would Apply
The Small Business Administration (SBA) considers a business entity
to be small business, if, together with its affiliates, it employs less
than a threshold number of workers specified in 13 CFR part 121. These
size standards and codes are established by the North American Industry
Classification System (NAICS). The threshold number for NAICS
classification code 335211, ``Electric Housewares and Household Fan
Manufacturing,'' is 750 employees; this classification specifically
includes manufacturers of dehumidifiers.
DOE surveyed the AHAM member directory to identify manufacturers of
residential dehumidifiers. DOE then consulted publicly available data,
purchased company reports from vendors such as Dun and Bradstreet, and
contacted manufacturers, where needed, to determine if they meet the
SBA's definition of a ``small business manufacturing facility'' and
have their manufacturing facilities located within the United States.
Based on this analysis, DOE estimates that there are five small
businesses that manufacture dehumidifiers.
Description of the Projected Reporting, Recordkeeping and Other
Compliance Requirements
The proposed rule would establish a new test procedure for
dehumidifiers with a revised testing temperature for certain active
mode testing and the requirement that whole-home dehumidifiers be
tested in active mode with ducting in place. The lower temperature test
that DOE is proposing for dehumidification mode in new appendix X1
requires ambient temperature and humidity levels identical to those
contained in section 8.2, Low Temperature Test, of ANSI/AHAM DH-1-2008,
which some manufacturers already may be using. In addition, product
specifications for dehumidifiers from each of the small businesses
indicate that they produce dehumidifiers rated for operation at ambient
temperatures of 65 [deg]F or below, suggesting that these manufacturers
have conducted lower temperature testing already.
DOE also considered the cost of additional ducting and associated
components and instrumentation that would be required for whole-home
dehumidifier active mode testing. Based on its research of retail
prices for components required to construct the instrumented inlet and
outlet ducts, as well as estimate for the purchase of a complete
assembly from a third-party laboratory, DOE determined that the cost of
each non-instrumented duct would be approximately $1,500, and that the
cost of an instrumented, calibrated duct would not exceed $2,700.
Therefore, the equipment cost for testing a refrigeration-only whole-
home dehumidifier with no inlet duct and a non-instrumented outlet duct
would be approximately $1,500, or $3,000 for whole-home dehumidifiers
with two outlets. For refrigerant-desiccant dehumidifiers, which would
require instrumented ducts at the inlet and outlet of the process
airstream and the inlet of the reactivation air stream, the total
equipment cost would be approximately $8,100. Costs of test ducts could
be reduced if existing aspirating psychrometers used for portable
dehumidifiers testing are used within test ducts. However, alternating
aspirating psychrometers between portable and whole-home test
configurations would require additional calibration and labor that DOE
estimates to cost approximately $300 per calibration. DOE also
tentatively concludes that whole-home dehumidifier manufacturers
already test their products in chambers that can accommodate
comparably-sized ducting, since product literature indicates that
performance has been measured at non-zero ESP.
For dehumidifiers capable of operating in fan-only mode, the
proposed rule would also require in appendix X1 measuring power input
when the product is in fan-only mode. These tests could be conducted
either in the same facilities used for the dehumidification mode
testing of these products, or in facilities in which standby mode and
off mode testing is conducted, so there would be no additional
facilities costs required by the proposed rule. In addition, the
requirements for the wattmeter specified for these tests would be the
same as used for standby mode and off mode testing, so manufacturers
would likely be able to use the same equipment for fan-only mode
testing as they would already use for standby mode and off mode
testing. In the event that an additional wattmeter would be required
for testing in the facilities used for the current dehumidifier active
mode testing, the investment required for a possible instrumentation
upgrade would likely be relatively modest. An Internet search of
equipment that specifically meets the proposed requirements reveals a
cost of approximately $2,000.
Test facilities that use a single psychrometer box to test multiple
units simultaneously that do not already own additional psychrometer
boxes would need to purchase an additional psychrometer box for each
additional unit that would be tested concurrently. Based on DOE
research and input from test laboratories, DOE estimates that test
facilities may purchase and calibrate the required equipment for
approximately $1,000 each.
Additionally, test laboratories with only one sampling tree for
each psychrometer box may be required to purchase additional sampling
trees to account for units with multiple air inlets. In this document,
DOE proposes that a sampling tree be placed in front of each air inlet
on a test unit. DOE expects laboratories may purchase additional
sampling trees at an estimated cost of $300 each to comply with the
proposed test requirements.
Alternatives to the Proposed Rule
As discussed above, DOE considered alternate test approaches for
both portable and whole-home dehumidifiers.
Although DOE proposed modifying the dehumidification mode ambient
temperature conditions from 80[emsp14][deg]F dry-bulb temperature and
69.6 [deg]F wet-bulb temperature to 65 [deg]F dry-bulb temperature and
55 [deg]F wet-bulb temperature, DOE's alternate proposal for
dehumidification mode would require combining results from testing at
both of these conditions. This alternate proposed approach would
increase test burden by requiring testing each unit in dehumidification
mode at two test conditions, although only a single run-in period, fan-
only mode test, and combined low-power mode test would be required.
[[Page 29294]]
DOE considered testing at an alternate ambient relative humidity if
a more representative condition was determined. However, for the
reasons discussed in section III.1.b of this document, DOE proposes to
maintain the current ambient relative humidity of 60 percent. DOE
tentatively concludes that test laboratories are familiar with the
overall condition requirements and additional humidifying equipment
would not be required to increase test chamber capabilities.
For the proposed testing methodology for whole-home dehumidifiers,
DOE examined the accuracy and repeatability of available relative
humidity sensors. Although DOE is proposing the use of psychrometers to
measure dry-bulb and wet-bulb temperature conditions, DOE also
considered chilled mirror hygrometers as an alternate instrument for
measuring relative humidity. For the reasons discussed in section
III.1.dIII.B.1.d of this document, DOE decided to propose the use of
psychrometers to avoid the burden associated with chilled mirror
hygrometers (i.e., the requirements for a skilled operator, frequent
cleaning, and regular calibration).
In addition, for whole-home dehumidifiers, DOE's proposals specify
the minimum number of test ducts that, according to its investigative
testing, would produce representative results for capacity and
integrated energy factor. If instrumented test ducts were required on
all inlet and outlet ports, testing facilities could incur an
additional $3000 cost for the equipment.
C. Review Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995
Manufacturers of residential dehumidifiers must certify to DOE that
their products comply with any applicable energy conservation
standards. In certifying compliance, manufacturers must test their
products according to the DOE test procedures for dehumidifiers,
including any amendments adopted for those test procedures. DOE has
established regulations for the certification and recordkeeping
requirements for all covered consumer products and commercial
equipment, including residential dehumidifiers. (76 FR 12422 (March 7,
2011)). The collection-of-information requirement for the certification
and recordkeeping is subject to review and approval by OMB under the
Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA). This requirement has been approved by
OMB under OMB control number 1910-1400. Public reporting burden for the
certification is estimated to average 20 hours per response, including
the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources,
gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing
the collection of information.
Notwithstanding any other provision of the law, no person is
required to respond to, nor shall any person be subject to a penalty
for failure to comply with, a collection of information subject to the
requirements of the PRA, unless that collection of information displays
a currently valid OMB Control Number.
D. Review Under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969
In this proposed rule, DOE proposes test procedure amendments that
it expects will be used to develop and implement future energy
conservation standards for residential dehumidifiers. DOE has
determined that this rule falls into a class of actions that are
categorically excluded from review under the National Environmental
Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) and DOE's implementing
regulations at 10 CFR part 1021. Specifically, this proposed rule would
amend the existing test procedures without affecting the amount,
quality or distribution of energy usage, and, therefore, would not
result in any environmental impacts. Thus, this rulemaking is covered
by Categorical Exclusion A5 under 10 CFR part 1021, subpart D, which
applies to any rulemaking that interprets or amends an existing rule
without changing the environmental effect of that rule. Accordingly,
neither an environmental assessment nor an environmental impact
statement is required.
E. Review Under Executive Order 13132
Executive Order 13132, ``Federalism,'' 64 FR 43255 (August 4, 1999)
imposes certain requirements on agencies formulating and implementing
policies or regulations that preempt State law or that have Federalism
implications. The Executive Order requires agencies to examine the
constitutional and statutory authority supporting any action that would
limit the policymaking discretion of the States and to carefully assess
the necessity for such actions. The Executive Order also requires
agencies to have an accountable process to ensure meaningful and timely
input by State and local officials in the development of regulatory
policies that have Federalism implications. On March 14, 2000, DOE
published a statement of policy describing the intergovernmental
consultation process it will follow in the development of such
regulations. 65 FR 13735. DOE has examined this proposed rule and has
determined that it would not have a substantial direct effect on the
States, on the relationship between the national government and the
States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the
various levels of government. EPCA governs and prescribes Federal
preemption of State regulations as to energy conservation for the
products that are the subject of this proposed rule. States can
petition DOE for exemption from such preemption to the extent, and
based on criteria, set forth in EPCA. (42 U.S.C. 6297(d)) No further
action is required by Executive Order 13132.
F. Review Under Executive Order 12988
Regarding the review of existing regulations and the promulgation
of new regulations, section 3(a) of Executive Order 12988, ``Civil
Justice Reform,'' 61 FR 4729 (Feb. 7, 1996), imposes on Federal
agencies the general duty to adhere to the following requirements: (1)
Eliminate drafting errors and ambiguity; (2) write regulations to
minimize litigation; (3) provide a clear legal standard for affected
conduct rather than a general standard; and (4) promote simplification
and burden reduction. Section 3(b) of Executive Order 12988
specifically requires that Executive agencies make every reasonable
effort to ensure that the regulation: (1) Clearly specifies the
preemptive effect, if any; (2) clearly specifies any effect on existing
Federal law or regulation; (3) provides a clear legal standard for
affected conduct while promoting simplification and burden reduction;
(4) specifies the retroactive effect, if any; (5) adequately defines
key terms; and (6) addresses other important issues affecting clarity
and general draftsmanship under any guidelines issued by the Attorney
General. Section 3(c) of Executive Order 12988 requires Executive
agencies to review regulations in light of applicable standards in
sections 3(a) and 3(b) to determine whether they are met or it is
unreasonable to meet one or more of them. DOE has completed the
required review and determined that, to the extent permitted by law,
the proposed rule meets the relevant standards of Executive Order
12988.
G. Review Under the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995
Title II of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (UMRA)
requires each Federal agency to assess the effects of Federal
regulatory actions on State, local, and Tribal governments and the
private sector. Pub. L. 104-4, sec. 201 (codified at 2 U.S.C. 1531).
For a proposed regulatory action likely to
[[Page 29295]]
result in a rule that may cause the expenditure by State, local, and
Tribal governments, in the aggregate, or by the private sector of $100
million or more in any one year (adjusted annually for inflation),
section 202 of UMRA requires a Federal agency to publish a written
statement that estimates the resulting costs, benefits, and other
effects on the national economy. (2 U.S.C. 1532(a), (b)) The UMRA also
requires a Federal agency to develop an effective process to permit
timely input by elected officers of State, local, and Tribal
governments on a proposed ``significant intergovernmental mandate,''
and requires an agency plan for giving notice and opportunity for
timely input to potentially affected small governments before
establishing any requirements that might significantly or uniquely
affect small governments. On March 18, 1997, DOE published a statement
of policy on its process for intergovernmental consultation under UMRA.
62 FR 12820; also available at http://energy.gov/gc/office-general-counsel">energy.gov/gc/office-general-counsel.
DOE examined this proposed rule according to UMRA and its statement of
policy and determined that the rule contains neither an
intergovernmental mandate, nor a mandate that may result in the
expenditure of $100 million or more in any year, so these requirements
do not apply.
H. Review Under the Treasury and General Government Appropriations Act,
1999
Section 654 of the Treasury and General Government Appropriations
Act, 1999 (Pub. L. 105-277) requires Federal agencies to issue a Family
Policymaking Assessment for any rule that may affect family well-being.
This rule would not have any impact on the autonomy or integrity of the
family as an institution. Accordingly, DOE has concluded that it is not
necessary to prepare a Family Policymaking Assessment.
I. Review Under Executive Order 12630
DOE has determined, under Executive Order 12630, ``Governmental
Actions and Interference with Constitutionally Protected Property
Rights'' 53 FR 8859 (March 18, 1988), that this regulation would not
result in any takings that might require compensation under the Fifth
Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
J. Review Under Treasury and General Government Appropriations Act,
2001
Section 515 of the Treasury and General Government Appropriations
Act, 2001 (44 U.S.C. 3516 note) provides for agencies to review most
disseminations of information to the public under guidelines
established by each agency pursuant to general guidelines issued by
OMB. OMB's guidelines were published at 67 FR 8452 (Feb. 22, 2002), and
DOE's guidelines were published at 67 FR 62446 (Oct. 7, 2002). DOE has
reviewed this proposed rule under the OMB and DOE guidelines and has
concluded that it is consistent with applicable policies in those
guidelines.
K. Review Under Executive Order 13211
Executive Order 13211, ``Actions Concerning Regulations That
Significantly Affect Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use,'' 66 FR 28355
(May 22, 2001), requires Federal agencies to prepare and submit to OMB,
a Statement of Energy Effects for any proposed significant energy
action. A ``significant energy action'' is defined as any action by an
agency that promulgated or is expected to lead to promulgation of a
final rule, and that: (1) Is a significant regulatory action under
Executive Order 12866, or any successor order; and (2) is likely to
have a significant adverse effect on the supply, distribution, or use
of energy; or (3) is designated by the Administrator of OIRA as a
significant energy action. For any proposed significant energy action,
the agency must give a detailed statement of any adverse effects on
energy supply, distribution, or use should the proposal be implemented,
and of reasonable alternatives to the action and their expected
benefits on energy supply, distribution, and use.
This regulatory action to amend the test procedure for measuring
the energy efficiency of residential dehumidifiers is not a significant
regulatory action under Executive Order 12866. Moreover, it would not
have a significant adverse effect on the supply, distribution, or use
of energy, nor has it been designated as a significant energy action by
the Administrator of OIRA. Therefore, it is not a significant energy
action, and, accordingly, DOE has not prepared a Statement of Energy
Effects.
L. Review Under Section 32 of the Federal Energy Administration Act of
1974
Under section 301 of the Department of Energy Organization Act
(Pub. L. 95-91; 42 U.S.C. 7101), DOE must comply with section 32 of the
Federal Energy Administration Act of 1974, as amended by the Federal
Energy Administration Authorization Act of 1977. (15 U.S.C. 788; FEAA)
Section 32 essentially provides in relevant part that, where a proposed
rule authorizes or requires use of commercial standards, the notice of
proposed rulemaking must inform the public of the use and background of
such standards. In addition, section 32(c) requires DOE to consult with
the Attorney General and the Chairman of the Federal Trade Commission
(FTC) concerning the impact of the commercial or industry standards on
competition.
As discussed in section III.1.c of this document, the proposed rule
incorporates testing methods contained in the following commercial
standards: ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 41.1-2013, Standard Method for
Temperature Measurement; and ANSI/ASHRAE 51-2007/ANSI/AMCA 210-07,
Laboratory Methods of Testing Fans for Certified Aerodynamic
Performance Rating. While this proposed test procedure is not
exclusively based on these standards, one component of the test
procedure, namely ducted installation requirements for testing whole-
home dehumidifiers, adopts provisions from these standards without
amendment. DOE has evaluated these standards and is unable to conclude
whether they fully comply with the requirements of section 32(b) of the
FEAA, (i.e., that they were developed in a manner that fully provides
for public participation, comment, and review). DOE will consult with
the Attorney General and the Chairwoman of the FTC concerning the
impact of these test procedures on competition, prior to prescribing a
final rule.
V. Public Participation
A. Attendance at Public Meeting
The time, date and location of the public meeting are listed in the
DATES and ADDRESSES sections at the beginning of this document. If you
plan to attend the public meeting, please notify Ms. Brenda Edwards at
(202) 586-2945 or [email protected]. As explained in the
ADDRESSES section, foreign nationals visiting DOE Headquarters are
subject to advance security screening procedures.
In addition, you can attend the public meeting via webinar. Webinar
registration information, participant instructions, and information
about the capabilities available to webinar participants will be
published on DOE's Web site http://www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/appliance_standards/product.aspx/productid/55 Participants are
responsible for ensuring their systems are compatible with the webinar
software.
[[Page 29296]]
B. Procedure for Submitting Prepared General Statements for
Distribution
Any person who has plans to present a prepared general statement
may request that copies of his or her statement be made available at
the public meeting. Such persons may submit requests, along with an
advance electronic copy of their statement in PDF (preferred),
Microsoft Word or Excel, WordPerfect, or text (ASCII) file format, to
the appropriate address shown in the ADDRESSES section at the beginning
of this document. The request and advance copy of statements must be
received at least one week before the public meeting and may be
emailed, hand-delivered, or sent by mail. DOE prefers to receive
requests and advance copies via email. Please include a telephone
number to enable DOE staff to make a follow-up contact, if needed.
C. Conduct of Public Meeting
DOE will designate a DOE official to preside at the public meeting
and may also use a professional facilitator to aid discussion. The
meeting will not be a judicial or evidentiary-type public hearing, but
DOE will conduct it in accordance with section 336 of EPCA (42 U.S.C.
6306). A court reporter will be present to record the proceedings and
prepare a transcript. DOE reserves the right to schedule the order of
presentations and to establish the procedures governing the conduct of
the public meeting. After the public meeting and until the end of the
comment period, interested parties may submit further comments on the
proceedings and any aspect of the rulemaking.
The public meeting will be conducted in an informal, conference
style. DOE will present summaries of comments received before the
public meeting, allow time for prepared general statements by
participants, and encourage all interested parties to share their views
on issues affecting this rulemaking. Each participant will be allowed
to make a general statement (within time limits determined by DOE),
before the discussion of specific topics. DOE will permit, as time
permits, other participants to comment briefly on any general
statements.
At the end of all prepared statements on a topic, DOE will permit
participants to clarify their statements briefly and comment on
statements made by others. Participants should be prepared to answer
questions by DOE and by other participants concerning these issues. DOE
representatives may also ask questions of participants concerning other
matters relevant to this rulemaking. The official conducting the public
meeting will accept additional comments or questions from those
attending, as time permits. The presiding official will announce any
further procedural rules or modification of the above procedures that
may be needed for the proper conduct of the public meeting.
A transcript of the public meeting will be included in the docket,
which can be viewed as described in the Docket section at the beginning
of this document. In addition, any person may buy a copy of the
transcript from the transcribing reporter.
D. Submission of Comments
DOE will accept comments, data, and information regarding this
proposed rule before or after the public meeting, but no later than the
date provided in the DATES section at the beginning of this proposed
rule. Interested parties may submit comments using any of the methods
described in the ADDRESSES section at the beginning of this document.
Submitting comments via regulations.gov. The regulations.gov Web
page will require you to provide your name and contact information.
Your contact information will be viewable to DOE Building Technologies
staff only. Your contact information will not be publicly viewable
except for your first and last names, organization name (if any), and
submitter representative name (if any). If your comment is not
processed properly because of technical difficulties, DOE will use this
information to contact you. If DOE cannot read your comment due to
technical difficulties and cannot contact you for clarification, DOE
may not be able to consider your comment.
However, your contact information will be publicly viewable if you
include it in the comment or in any documents attached to your comment.
Any information that you do not want to be publicly viewable should not
be included in your comment, nor in any document attached to your
comment. Persons viewing comments will see only first and last names,
organization names, correspondence containing comments, and any
documents submitted with the comments.
Do not submit to regulations.gov information for which disclosure
is restricted by statute, such as trade secrets and commercial or
financial information (hereinafter referred to as Confidential Business
Information (CBI)). Comments submitted through regulations.gov cannot
be claimed as CBI. Comments received through the Web site will waive
any CBI claims for the information submitted. For information on
submitting CBI, see the Confidential Business Information section.
DOE processes submissions made through regulations.gov before
posting. Normally, comments will be posted within a few days of being
submitted. However, if large volumes of comments are being processed
simultaneously, your comment may not be viewable for up to several
weeks. Please keep the comment tracking number that regulations.gov
provides after you have successfully uploaded your comment.
Submitting comments via email, hand delivery, or mail. Comments and
documents submitted via email, hand delivery, or mail also will be
posted to regulations.gov. If you do not want your personal contact
information to be publicly viewable, do not include it in your comment
or any accompanying documents. Instead, provide your contact
information on a cover letter. Include your first and last names, email
address, telephone number, and optional mailing address. The cover
letter will not be publicly viewable as long as it does not include any
comments.
Include contact information each time you submit comments, data,
documents, and other information to DOE. If you submit via mail or hand
delivery, please provide all items on a CD, if feasible. It is not
necessary to submit printed copies. No facsimiles (faxes) will be
accepted.
Comments, data, and other information submitted to DOE
electronically should be provided in PDF (preferred), Microsoft Word or
Excel, WordPerfect, or text (ASCII) file format. Provide documents that
are not secured, written in English and free of any defects or viruses.
Documents should not contain special characters or any form of
encryption and, if possible, they should carry the electronic signature
of the author.
Campaign form letters. Please submit campaign form letters by the
originating organization in batches of between 50 to 500 form letters
per PDF or as one form letter with a list of supporters' names compiled
into one or more PDFs. This reduces comment processing and posting
time.
Confidential Business Information. According to 10 CFR 1004.11, any
person submitting information that he or she believes to be
confidential and exempt by law from public disclosure should submit via
email, postal mail, or hand delivery two well-marked copies: one copy
of the document marked confidential including all the information
believed to be confidential, and one copy of the document marked
[[Page 29297]]
non-confidential with the information believed to be confidential
deleted. Submit these documents via email or on a CD, if feasible. DOE
will make its own determination about the confidential status of the
information and treat it according to its determination.
Factors of interest to DOE when evaluating requests to treat
submitted information as confidential include: (1) A description of the
items; (2) whether and why such items are customarily treated as
confidential within the industry; (3) whether the information is
generally known by or available from other sources; (4) whether the
information has previously been made available to others without
obligation concerning its confidentiality; (5) an explanation of the
competitive injury to the submitting person which would result from
public disclosure; (6) when such information might lose its
confidential character due to the passage of time; and (7) why
disclosure of the information would be contrary to the public interest.
It is DOE's policy that all comments may be included in the public
docket, without change and as received, including any personal
information provided in the comments (except information deemed to be
exempt from public disclosure).
E. Issues on Which DOE Seeks Comment
Although DOE welcomes comments on any aspect of this proposal, DOE
is particularly interested in receiving comments and views of
interested parties concerning the following issues:
1. The clarification of whole-home dehumidifiers, including
refrigerant-desiccant dehumidifiers, as covered products, and the new
definitions for portable dehumidifiers, whole-home dehumidifiers,
refrigerant-desiccant dehumidifiers. (See section III.A.)
2. The new definitions for dehumidification mode and fan-only mode.
(See section III.B.)
3. The revision of the ambient dry-bulb temperature for testing
conditions from 80 [deg]F to 65 [deg]F in new appendix X1, along with
the associated impacts to IEF and capacity. In addition, DOE welcomes
input on the alternative approach in which dehumidifiers would be
tested under both the 80 [deg]F and 65 [deg]F ambient temperature
conditions, with the IEF and capacity calculated as weighted averages
of these metrics measured at each of the two temperatures. For this
alternative approach, DOE seeks input on appropriate weighting factors.
DOE also seeks further comment on alternatively testing whole-home
dehumidifiers at 73[emsp14][deg]F ambient dry-bulb temperature to
represent the average residential thermostat setting during
dehumidifier usage. (See section III.B.1.a.)
4. The continued specification of 60-percent relative humidity for
the ambient testing conditions for dehumidification mode, even at a
reduced ambient temperature. (See section III.B.1.b.)
5. The test setup and testing methodology for whole-home
dehumidifiers in appendix X1, including refrigerant-desiccant
dehumidifiers. In particular, DOE welcomes comment on the proposed
ducting configurations, alternative ambient temperature, and ESP,
including equipment costs and testing burden. (See section III.B.1.c.)
6. The testing burden associated with the requirement for multiple
psychrometer sampling trees for portable dehumidifiers with multiple
air inlets, and for connecting no more than one test unit per
psychrometer. (See section III.B.1.d.)
7. The condensation collection requirements for dehumidifiers with
and without means for draining the condensate, including the use of any
internal pump only if it is activated by default in dehumidification
mode. (See section III.B.1.e.)
8. The proposed control settings for dehumidification mode testing,
which would require selecting continuous operation for those units with
such a function. Otherwise the lowest relative humidity setting and,
for units with user-adjustable fan speed, the highest fan speed would
be selected. (See section III.B.1.f.)
9. The provisions for measuring energy consumption in fan-only mode
in appendix X1, including the use of the maximum speed setting for
those units with adjustable fan speed settings, the measurement period
specifications, and the inclusion of fan-only mode energy consumption
in the calculation of IEF. DOE also seeks comment on whether fan-only
mode energy consumption is independent of ambient conditions. (See
section III.B.2.)
VI. Approval of the Office of the Secretary
The Secretary of Energy has approved publication of this proposed
rule.
List of Subjects
10 CFR Part 429
Confidential business information, Energy conservation, Household
appliances, Imports, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.
10 CFR Part 430
Administrative practice and procedure, Confidential business
information, Energy conservation, Household appliances, Imports,
Incorporation by reference, Intergovernmental relations, Small
businesses.
Issued in Washington, DC, on May 2, 2014.
Kathleen B. Hogan,
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency, Energy Efficiency and
Renewable Energy.
For the reasons stated in the preamble, DOE proposes to amend parts
429 and 430 of Chapter II of Title 10, Code of Federal Regulations as
set forth below:
PART 429--CERTIFICATION, COMPLIANCE, AND ENFORCEMENT FOR CONSUMER
PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT
0
1. The authority citation for part 429 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 42 U.S.C. 6291-6317.
0
2. Section 429.36 is amended by adding paragraph (a)(3) to read as
follows:
Sec. 429.36 Dehumidifiers.
(a) * * *
(3) The value of capacity of a basic model reported in accordance
with paragraph (b)(2) of this section shall be the mean of the measured
capacity for each tested unit of the basic model. Round the mean
capacity value to two decimal places as follows:
(i) A fractional number at or above the midpoint between two
consecutive decimal places shall be rounded up to the higher of the two
decimal places; or
(ii) A fractional number below the midpoint between two consecutive
decimal places shall be rounded down to the lower of the two decimal
places.
* * * * *
0
3. Add Sec. 429.134 to read as follows:
Sec. 429.134 Product-specific enforcement provisions.
(a) General. The following provisions apply to assessment and
enforcement testing of the relevant products.
(b)-(e) [Reserved]
(f) Dehumidifiers. (1) Verification of capacity. The capacity of
the basic model will be measured pursuant to the test requirements of
10 CFR part 430 for each unit tested. The results of the measurement(s)
will be averaged and compared to the value of capacity certified by the
manufacturer. The certified capacity will be considered valid only if
the measurement is within
[[Page 29298]]
five percent, or 1.00 pint per day, whichever is greater, of the
certified capacity.
(i) If the certified capacity is found to be valid, the certified
capacity will be used as the basis for determining the minimum energy
factor allowed for the basic model.
(ii) If the certified capacity is found to be invalid, the mean of
the measured capacity of each unit in the sample will be used as the
basis for determining the minimum energy factor allowed for the basic
model.
(2) [Reserved]
PART 430--ENERGY CONSERVATION PROGRAM FOR CONSUMER PRODUCTS
0
4. The authority citation for part 430 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 42 U.S.C. 6291-6309; 28 U.S.C. 2461 note.
0
5. Section 430.2 is amended by
0
a. Revising the definition of ``Dehumidifier''; and
0
b. Adding the definitions for ``Portable dehumidifier'', ``Refrigerant-
desiccant dehumidifier'', and ``Whole-home dehumidifier'' in
alphabetical order;
The revisions and additions read as follows:
Sec. 430.2 Definitions.
* * * * *
Dehumidifier means a product, other than a portable air conditioner
or room air conditioner, which is a self-contained, electrically
operated, and mechanically encased assembly consisting of:
(1) A refrigerated surface (evaporator) that condenses moisture
from the atmosphere;
(2) A refrigerating system, including an electric motor;
(3) An air-circulating fan; and
(4) Means for collecting or disposing of the condensate.
* * * * *
Portable dehumidifier means a dehumidifier designed to operate
within the dehumidified space without the attachment of additional
ducting, although means may be provided for optional duct attachment.
* * * * *
Refrigerant-desiccant dehumidifier means a whole-home dehumidifier
that removes moisture from the process air by means of a desiccant
material in addition to a refrigeration system.
* * * * *
Whole-home dehumidifier means a dehumidifier designed to be
installed with ducting to deliver return process air to its inlet and
to supply dehumidified process air from its outlet to one or more
locations in the dehumidified space.
0
6. Section 430.3 is amended by:
0
a. Redesignating paragraphs (f)(10) and (f)(11) as paragraphs (f)(12)
and (f)(13);
0
b. Redesignating paragraphs (f)(6) through (f)(9) as paragraphs (f)(7)
through (f)(10); and
0
c. Adding new paragraphs (f)(6) and (f)(11) to read as follows:
Sec. 430.3 Materials incorporated by reference.
* * * * *
(f) * * *
(6) ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 41.1-2013, Standard Method for Temperature
Measurement, ASHRAE approved January 29, 2013, ANSI approved January
30, 2013, IBR approved for appendix X1 to subpart B.
* * * * *
(11) ANSI/ASHRAE 51-07/ANSI/AMCA 210-07, (``ANSI/AMCA 210'')
Laboratory Methods of Testing Fans for Certified Aerodynamic
Performance Rating, AMCA approved July 28, 2006, ASHRAE approved March
17, 2008, IBR approved for appendix X1 to subpart B.
* * * * *
0
7. Section 430.23 is amended by revising paragraph (z) to read as
follows:
Sec. 430.23 Test procedures for the measurement of energy and water
consumption.
* * * * *
(z) Dehumidifiers. When using appendix X, the capacity, expressed
in pints per day (pints/day), and the energy factor for dehumidifiers,
expressed in liters per kilowatt hour (L/kWh), shall be measured in
accordance with section 4.1 of appendix X of this subpart. When using
appendix X1, the capacity, expressed in pints/day for dehumidifiers
other than refrigerant-desiccant dehumidifiers and the energy factor
for dehumidifiers, expressed in L/kWh, shall be measured in accordance
with section 4.1.1.1 of appendix X1 of this subpart, and the integrated
energy factor, expressed in L/kWh, shall be determined according to
section 5.3 of appendix X1 to this subpart. When using appendix X1, the
capacity, expressed in pints/day, for refrigerant-desiccant
dehumidifiers shall be measured in accordance with section 5.4 of
appendix X1 of this subpart.
* * * * *
0
8. Appendix X to subpart B of part 430 is amended:
0
a. By revising the note after the heading;
0
b. In section 2, Definitions, by redesignating sections 2.4 through
2.10 as sections 2.5 through 2.11, adding new section 2.4, and revising
newly redesignated section 2.10;
0
c. In section 3, Test Apparatus and General Instructions, by revising
section 3.1 and adding new sections 3.1.1, 3.1.2, 3.1.3, and 3.1.4;
0
d. In section 4, Test Measurement, by revising sections 4.1, 4.2.1, and
4.2.2; and
0
e. In section 5, Calculation of Derived Results From Test Measurements,
by revising sections 5.1 and 5.2;
The additions and revisions read as follows:
Appendix X to Subpart B of Part 430--Uniform Test Method for Measuring
the Energy Consumption of Dehumidifiers
Note: After November 17, 2014, any representations made with
respect to the energy use or efficiency of portable dehumidifiers
must be made in accordance with the results of testing pursuant to
this appendix. Alternatively, manufacturers may certify compliance
with any amended energy conservation standards prior to the
compliance date of those amended energy conservation standards by
testing in accordance with appendix X1. Any representations made
with respect to the energy use or efficiency of such portable
dehumidifiers must be in accordance with whichever version is
selected.
Any representations made on or after the compliance date of any
amended energy conservation standards, with respect to the energy
use or efficiency of portable or whole home dehumidifiers, must be
made in accordance with the results of testing pursuant to appendix
X1.
* * * * *
2. Definitions
* * * * *
2.4 Dehumidification mode means an active mode in which a
dehumidifier:
(1) Has activated the main moisture removal function according to
the humidistat or humidity sensor signal; and
(2) Has either activated the refrigeration system or activated the
fan or blower without activation of the refrigeration system.
* * * * *
2.10 Product capacity for dehumidifiers means a measure of the
ability of the dehumidifier to remove moisture from its surrounding
atmosphere, measured in pints collected per 24 hours of operation under
the specified ambient conditions.
* * * * *
3. Test Apparatus and General Instructions
3.1 Active mode. The test apparatus and instructions for testing
[[Page 29299]]
dehumidifiers in dehumidification mode shall conform to the
requirements specified in Section 3, ``Definitions,'' Section 4,
``Instrumentation,'' and Section 5, ``Test Procedure,'' of ANSI/AHAM
DH-1 (incorporated by reference, see Sec. 430.3), with the following
exceptions.
3.1.1 Psychrometer placement. The psychrometer shall be placed
perpendicular to, and 1 ft. in front of, the center of the intake
grille. For dehumidifiers with multiple intake grilles, a separate
sampling tree shall be placed perpendicular to, and 1 ft. in front of,
the center of each intake grille, with the samples combined and
connected to a single psychrometer using a minimal length of insulated
ducting. The psychrometer shall be used to monitor inlet conditions of
one test unit only.
3.1.2 Condensate collection. If means are provided on the
dehumidifier for draining condensate away from the cabinet, the
condensate shall be collected in a substantially closed vessel to
prevent re-evaporation and shall be placed on the weight-measuring
instrument. If no means for draining condensate away from the cabinet
are provided, any automatic shutoff of dehumidification mode operation
that is activated when the collection container is full shall be
disabled and any overflow shall be collected in a pan, covered as much
as possible to prevent re-evaporation and not impede collection of
overflow water, that is placed beneath the dehumidifier, all of the
condensate (i.e., the condensate collected in the vessel/collection
container and the overflow pan) shall be placed on the weight-measuring
instrument for direct reading of the condensate weight during the test.
Any internal pump shall not be used to drain the condensate into a
substantially closed vessel unless such pump is activated by default in
dehumidification mode.
3.1.3 Control settings. If the dehumidifier has a control setting
for continuous operation in dehumidification mode, that setting shall
be selected. Otherwise, the controls shall be set to the lowest
available relative humidity level, and, if the dehumidifier has a user-
adjustable fan speed, the maximum fan speed setting shall be selected.
3.1.4 Recording and rounding. Record measurements at the resolution
of the test instrumentation. Round off calculations to the same number
of significant digits as the previous step. Round the final energy
factor and integrated energy factor values to two decimal places as
follows:
(i) A fractional number at or above the midpoint between two
consecutive decimal places shall be rounded up to the higher of the two
decimal places; or
(ii) A fractional number below the midpoint between two consecutive
decimal places shall be rounded down to the lower of the two decimal
places.
Round the final capacity value to two decimal places as follows:
(i) A fractional number at or above the midpoint between two
consecutive decimal places shall be rounded up to the higher of the two
decimal places; or
(ii) A fractional number below the midpoint between two consecutive
decimal places shall be rounded down to the lower of the two decimal
places.
* * * * *
4. Test Measurement
4.1 Active mode. Measure the energy consumption in dehumidification
mode, EDM, expressed in kilowatt-hours (kWh), the energy
factor, expressed in liters per kilowatt-hour (L/kWh), and product
capacity, expressed in pints per day (pints/day), in accordance with
the test requirements specified in Section 7, ``Capacity Test and
Energy Consumption Test,'' of ANSI/AHAM DH-1 (incorporated by
reference, see Sec. 430.3).
* * * * *
4.2.1 If the dehumidifier has an inactive mode, as defined in
section 2.7 of this appendix, but not an off mode, as defined in
section 2.8 of this appendix, measure and record the average inactive
mode power of the dehumidifier, PIA, in watts. Otherwise, if
the dehumidifier has an off mode, as defined in section 2.8 of this
appendix, measure and record the average off mode power of the
dehumidifier, POM, in watts.
4.2.2 If the dehumidifier has an off-cycle mode, as defined in
section 2.9 of this appendix, measure and record the average off-cycle
mode power of the dehumidifier, POC, in watts.
5. Calculation of Derived Results From Test Measurements
5.1 Annual combined low-power mode energy consumption. Calculate
the annual combined low-power mode energy consumption for
dehumidifiers, ETLP, expressed in kilowatt-hours per year,
according to the following:
ETLP = [(PIO x SIO) + (POC
x SOC)] x K
Where:
PIO = PIA, dehumidifier inactive mode power,
or POM, dehumidifier off mode power, in watts, as
measured in section 4.2.1 of this appendix.
POC = dehumidifier off-cycle mode power, in watts, as
measured in section 4.2.2 of this appendix.
SIO = 1,840.5 dehumidifier inactive mode or off mode
annual hours.
SOC = 1,840.5 dehumidifier off-cycle mode annual hours.
K = 0.001 kWh/Wh conversion factor for watt-hours to kilowatt-hours.
5.2 Integrated energy factor. Calculate the integrated energy
factor, IEF, expressed in liters per kilowatt-hour, rounded to two
decimal places, according to the following:
IEF = LW/[EDM + ((ETLP x 6)/
SDM)]
Where:
LW = water removed from the air during the 6-hour
dehumidification mode test, in liters, as measured in section 4.1 of
this appendix.
EDM = dehumidifier mode test energy consumption during
the 6-hour dehumidification mode test, in kilowatt-hours, as
measured in section 4.1 of this appendix.
ETLP = standby mode and off mode annual energy
consumption, in kilowatt-hours per year, as calculated in section
5.1 of this appendix.
6 = hours per dehumidification mode test, used to convert annual
standby and off mode energy consumption for integration with
dehumidification mode energy consumption.
SDM = 1,095 dehumidification mode annual hours.
0
9. Appendix X1 is added to subpart B of part 430 to read as follows:
Appendix X1 to Subpart B of Part 430--Uniform Test Method for Measuring
the Energy Consumption of Dehumidifiers
Note: After November 17, 2014, any representations made with
respect to the energy use or efficiency of portable dehumidifiers
must be made in accordance with the results of testing pursuant to
Appendix X. Alternatively, manufacturers may certify compliance with
any amended energy conservation standards prior to the compliance
date of those amended energy conservation standards by testing in
accordance with this appendix. Any representations made with respect
to the energy use or efficiency of such portable dehumidifiers must
be in accordance with whichever version is selected.
Any representations made on or after the compliance date of any
amended energy conservation standards, with respect to the energy
use or efficiency of portable or whole home dehumidifiers, must be
made in accordance with the results of testing pursuant to this
appendix.
1. Scope
This appendix covers the test requirements used to measure the
energy performance of dehumidifiers.
2. Definitions
2.1 ANSI/AHAM DH-1 means the test standard published by the
American National Standards Institute and the Association of Home
Appliance
[[Page 29300]]
Manufacturers, titled ``Dehumidifiers,'' ANSI/AHAM DH-1-2008
(incorporated by reference; see Sec. 430.3).
2.2 ANSI/AMCA 210 means the test standard published by ANSI, the
American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning
Engineers, and the Air Movement and Control Association International,
Inc., titled ``Laboratory Methods of Testing Fans for Aerodynamic
Performance Rating,'' ANSI/ASHRAE 51-07/ANSI/AMCA 210-07 (incorporated
by reference; see Sec. 430.3).
2.3 ANSI/ASHRAE 37 means the test standard published by ANSI and
ASHRAE titled ``Methods of Testing for Rating Electrically Driven
Unitary Air-Conditioning and Heat Pump Equipment'', ANSI/ASHRAE 37-
2009, (incorporated by reference; see Sec. 430.3).
2.4 ANSI/ASHRAE 41.1 means the test standard published by ANSI and
ASHRAE, titled ``Standard Method for Temperature Measurement,'' ANSI/
ASHRAE 41.1-2013 (incorporated by reference; see Sec. 430.3).
2.5 Active mode means a mode in which a dehumidifier is connected
to a mains power source, has been activated, and is performing the main
functions of removing moisture from air by drawing moist air over a
refrigerated coil using a fan, or circulating air through activation of
the fan without activation of the refrigeration system.
2.6 Combined low-power mode means the aggregate of available modes
other than active mode.
2.7 Dehumidification mode means an active mode in which a
dehumidifier:
(1) Has activated the main moisture removal function according to
the humidistat or humidity sensor signal; and
(2) Has either activated the refrigeration system or activated the
fan or blower without activation of the refrigeration system.
2.8 Energy factor for dehumidifiers means a measure of energy
efficiency of a dehumidifier calculated by dividing the water removed
from the air by the energy consumed, measured in liters per kilowatt-
hour (L/kWh).
2.9 External static pressure (ESP) means the process air outlet
static pressure minus the process air inlet static pressure, measured
in inches of water column (in. w.c.).
2.10 Fan-only mode means an active mode in which the dehumidifier:
(1) Has cycled off its main moisture removal function by humidistat
or humidity sensor;
(2) Has activated its fan or blower to operate either cyclically or
continuously; and
(3) May reactivate the main moisture removal function according to
the humidistat or humidity sensor signal.
2.11 IEC 62301 means the test standard published by the
International Electrotechnical Commission, titled ``Household
electrical appliances-Measurement of standby power,'' Publication 62301
(Edition 2.0 2011-01) (incorporated by reference; see Sec. 430.3).
2.12 Inactive mode means a standby mode that facilitates the
activation of active mode by remote switch (including remote control),
internal sensor, or timer, or that provides continuous status display.
2.13 Off mode means a mode in which the dehumidifier is connected
to a mains power source and is not providing any active mode or standby
mode function, and where the mode may persist for an indefinite time.
An indicator that only shows the user that the dehumidifier is in the
off position is included within the classification of an off mode.
2.14 Off-cycle mode means a standby mode in which the dehumidifier:
(1) Has cycled off its main moisture removal function by humidistat
or humidity sensor;
(2) Does not have its fan or blower operating; and
(3) Will reactivate the main functions according to the humidistat
or humidity sensor signal.
2.15 Product capacity for dehumidifiers means a measure of the
ability of the dehumidifier to remove moisture from its surrounding
atmosphere, measured in pints collected per 24 hours of operation under
the specified ambient conditions.
2.16 Process air means the air supplied to the dehumidifier from
the dehumidified space and discharged to the dehumidified space after
some of the moisture has been removed by means of the refrigeration
system.
2.17 Reactivation air means the air drawn from unconditioned space
to remove moisture from the desiccant wheel of a refrigerant-desiccant
dehumidifier and discharged to unconditioned space.
2.18 Standby mode means any modes where the dehumidifier is
connected to a mains power source and offers one or more of the
following user-oriented or protective functions which may persist for
an indefinite time:
(1) To facilitate the activation of other modes (including
activation or deactivation of active mode) by remote switch (including
remote control), internal sensor, or timer;
(2) Continuous functions, including information or status displays
(including clocks) or sensor-based functions. A timer is a continuous
clock function (which may or may not be associated with a display) that
provides regular scheduled tasks (e.g., switching) and that operates on
a continuous basis.
3. Test Apparatus and General Instructions
3.1 Active mode.
3.1.1 Portable dehumidifiers and whole-home dehumidifiers other
than refrigerant-desiccant dehumidifiers. The test apparatus and
instructions for testing in dehumidification mode and fan-only mode
shall conform to the requirements specified in Section 3,
``Definitions,'' Section 4, ``Instrumentation,'' and Section 5, ``Test
Procedure,'' of ANSI/AHAM DH-1 (incorporated by reference, see Sec.
430.3), with the following exceptions. Note that if a product is able
to operate as both a portable and whole-home dehumidifier by means of
installation or removal of an optional ducting kit, it shall be tested
and rated for both configurations.
3.1.1.1 Testing configuration for whole-home dehumidifiers other
than refrigerant-desiccant dehumidifiers. Dehumidifiers other than
refrigerant-desiccant dehumidifiers shall be tested with ducting
attached to the process air outlet port. The duct configuration and
component placement shall conform to the requirements specified in
section 3.1.3 of this appendix and Figure 1 or Figure 3 in section
3.1.3, except that the flow straightener and dry-bulb temperature and
relative humidity instruments shall not be required. External static
pressure in the process air flow shall be measured as specified in
section 3.1.2.2.3.1 of this appendix.
3.1.1.2 Psychrometer placement. The psychrometer shall be placed
perpendicular to, and 1 ft. in front of, the center of the process air
intake grille. For dehumidifiers with multiple process air intake
grilles, a separate sampling tree shall be placed perpendicular to, and
1 ft. in front of, the center of each process air intake grille, with
the samples combined and connected to a single psychrometer using a
minimal length of insulated ducting. The psychrometer shall be used to
monitor inlet conditions of one test unit only.
3.1.1.3 Condensate collection. If means are provided on the
dehumidifier for draining condensate away from the cabinet, the
condensate shall be collected in a substantially closed vessel to
prevent re-evaporation and shall be placed on the weight-measuring
instrument. If no means for draining condensate away from the cabinet
are provided, any automatic shutoff of
[[Page 29301]]
dehumidification mode operation that is activated when the collection
container is full shall be disabled and any overflow shall be collected
in a pan, covered as much as possible to prevent re-evaporation and not
impede collection of overflow water, and that is placed beneath the
dehumidifier, both of which shall be placed on the weight-measuring
instrument for direct reading of the condensate weight during the test.
Any internal pump shall not be used to drain the condensate into a
substantially closed vessel unless such pump is provided for use by
default in dehumidification mode.
3.1.1.4 Control settings. If the dehumidifier has a control setting
for continuous operation in dehumidification mode, that setting shall
be selected. Otherwise, the controls shall be set to the lowest
available relative humidity level, and if the dehumidifier has a user-
adjustable fan speed, the maximum fan speed setting shall be selected.
3.1.1.4 Run-in period. A single run-in period during which the
compressor operates shall be performed before active mode testing. No
additional run-in period shall be conducted between dehumidification
mode testing and fan-only mode testing.
3.1.2 Refrigerant-desiccant dehumidifiers. The test apparatus and
instructions for testing refrigerant-desiccant dehumidifiers in
dehumidification mode and fan-only mode shall conform to the
requirements specified in Section 3, ``Definitions,'' Section 4,
``Instrumentation,'' and Section 5, ``Test Procedure,'' of ANSI/AHAM
DH-1 (incorporated by reference, see Sec. 430.3), except as follows.
No weight-measuring instruments are required.
3.1.2.1 Testing configuration. Refrigerant-desiccant dehumidifiers
shall be tested with ducting attached to the process air inlet and
outlet ports and the reactivation air inlet port. The duct
configuration and components shall conform to the requirements
specified in section 3.1.3 of this appendix and Figure 1 through Figure
3 in section 3.1.3. A cell-type airflow straightener that conforms with
the specifications in Section 5.2.1.6, ``Airflow straightener'', and
Figure 6A, ``Flow Straightener--Cell Type'', of ANSI/AMCA 210
(incorporated by reference, see Sec. 430.3) shall be installed in each
duct consistent with Figure 1 through Figure 3 in section 3.1.1 of this
appendix.
3.1.2.2 Instrumentation.
3.1.2.2.1 Temperature. Dry-bulb temperature sensors shall be
installed in a grid centered in the duct, with the plane of the grid
perpendicular to the axis of the duct. The number and locations of the
sensors within the grid shall be determined according to Section 5.3.5,
``Centers of Segments--Grids,'' of ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 41.1
(incorporated by reference, see Sec. 430.3).
3.1.2.2.2 Relative humidity. Relative humidity shall be measured
with an aspirating psychrometer with an accuracy within 1
percent relative humidity. The relative humidity sensor shall be placed
at the duct centerline within 1 inch of the dry-bulb temperature grid
plane.
3.1.2.2.3 Pressure. The pressure instruments used to measure the
external static pressure and velocity pressures shall have an accuracy
within 0.01 in. w.c. and a resolution of no more than 0.01
in. w.c.
3.1.2.2.3.1 External static pressure. Static pressures in ducts
shall be measured using pitot-static tube traverses that conform with
the specifications in Section 4.3.1, ``Pitot Traverse,'' of ANSI/AMCA
210 (incorporated by reference, see Sec. 430.3), with pitot-static
tubes that conform with the specifications in Section 4.2.2, ``Pitot-
Static Tube,'' of ANSI/AMCA 210. Static pressures at each pitot-static
tube in a traverse shall be measured at the static pressure tap and
averaged. Duct pressure losses between the unit under test and the
plane of each static pressure measurement shall be calculated in
accordance with section 7.5.2, ``Pressure Losses,'' of ANSI/AMCA 210.
The external static pressure shall be the difference between the
measured inlet and outlet static pressure measurements, minus the sum
of the inlet and outlet duct pressure losses. For any port with no duct
attached, a static pressure of 0.00 in. w.c. with no duct pressure loss
shall be used in the calculation of external static pressure. During
dehumidification mode testing, the external static pressure shall equal
0.5 in. w.c. 0.02 in. w.c.
3.1.2.2.3.2 Velocity pressure. Velocity pressures shall be measured
using the same pitot traverses as used for measuring external static
pressure, and which are specified in section 3.1.2.2.3.1 of this
appendix. Velocity pressures shall be determined at each pitot-static
tube in a traverse as the difference between the pressure at the impact
pressure tap and the pressure at the static pressure tap. Volumetric
flow rates in each duct shall be calculated in accordance with Section
7.3.1, ``Velocity Traverse,'' of ANSI/AMCA 210 (incorporated by
reference, see Sec. 430.3).
3.1.2.3 Control settings. If the dehumidifier has a control setting
for continuous operation in dehumidification mode, that setting shall
be selected. Otherwise, the controls shall be set to the lowest
available relative humidity level, and if the dehumidifier has a user-
adjustable fan speed, the maximum fan speed setting shall be selected.
3.1.2.4 Run-in period. A single run-in period during which the
compressor operates shall be performed before active mode testing. No
additional run-in period shall be conducted between dehumidification
mode testing and fan-only mode testing.
3.1.3 Ducting for whole-home dehumidifiers. Any port designed for
intake of air from outside or unconditioned space, other than for
supplying reactivation air for refrigerant-desiccant dehumidifiers,
shall be covered and sealed with tape. Ducting shall be constructed of
galvanized mild steel and shall be 10 inches in diameter. Inlet and
outlet ducts shall be positioned either horizontally or vertically to
accommodate the default dehumidifier port orientation. All ducts shall
be installed with the axis of the section interfacing with the
dehumidifier perpendicular to plane of the collar to which each is
attached. If manufacturer-recommended collars do not measure 10 inches
in diameter, transitional pieces shall be used to connect the ducts to
the collars. The transitional pieces shall not contain any converging
element that forms an angle with the duct axis greater than 7.5 degrees
or a diverging element that forms an angle with the duct axis greater
than 3.5 degrees. Mechanical throttling devices shall be installed in
each outlet duct consistent with Figure 1 and Figure 3 of this section
to adjust the external static pressure. The ducts shall be covered with
thermal insulation having a minimum R value of 6 h-ft\2\-[deg]F/Btu
(1.1 m\2\-K/W). Seams and edges shall be sealed with tape.
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3.1.4 Recording and rounding. When testing either a portable
dehumidifier or a whole-home dehumidifier, record measurements at the
resolution of the test instrumentation. Measurements for portable
dehumidifiers and whole-home dehumidifiers other than refrigerant-
desiccant dehumidifiers shall be recorded at intervals no greater than
10 minutes. Measurements for refrigerant-desiccant dehumidifiers shall
be recorded at intervals no greater than 1 minute. Round off
calculations to the same number of significant digits as the previous
step. Round the final energy factor and integrated energy factor values
to two decimal places as follows:
(i) A fractional number at or above the midpoint between two
consecutive decimal places shall be rounded up to the higher of the two
decimal places; or
(ii) A fractional number below the midpoint between two consecutive
decimal places shall be rounded down to the lower of the two decimal
places.
Round the final capacity value to two decimal places as follows:
(i) A fractional number at or above the midpoint between two
consecutive decimal places shall be rounded up to the higher of the two
decimal places; or
(ii) A fractional number below the midpoint between two consecutive
decimal places shall be rounded down to the lower of the two decimal
places.
3.2 Standby mode and off mode.
3.2.1 Installation requirements. For the standby mode and off mode
testing, the dehumidifier shall be installed in accordance with Section
5, Paragraph 5.2 of IEC 62301 (incorporated by reference, see Sec.
430.3), disregarding the provisions regarding batteries and the
determination, classification, and testing of relevant modes.
3.2.2 Electrical energy supply.
3.2.2.1 Electrical supply. For the standby mode and off mode
testing, maintain the electrical supply voltage and frequency indicated
in Section 7.1.3, ``Standard Test Voltage,'' of ANSI/AHAM DH-1
(incorporated by reference, see Sec. 430.3). The electrical supply
frequency shall be maintained 1 percent.
3.2.2.2 Supply voltage waveform. For the standby mode and off mode
testing, maintain the electrical supply voltage waveform indicated in
Section 4, Paragraph 4.3.2 of IEC 62301 (incorporated by reference, see
Sec. 430.3).
[[Page 29305]]
3.2.3 Standby mode and off mode wattmeter. The wattmeter used to
measure standby mode and off mode power consumption shall meet the
requirements specified in Section 4, Paragraph 4.4 of IEC 62301
(incorporated by reference, see Sec. 430.3).
3.2.4 Standby mode and off mode ambient temperature. For standby
mode and off mode testing, maintain room ambient air temperature
conditions as specified in Section 4, Paragraph 4.2 of IEC 62301
(incorporated by reference, see Sec. 430.3).
4. Test Measurement
4.1 Active mode.
4.1.1 Dehumidification mode.
4.1.1.1 Portable dehumidifiers and whole-home dehumidifiers other
than refrigerant-desiccant dehumidifiers. Establish the testing
conditions set forth in section 3.1.1 of this appendix. Measure the
energy consumption in dehumidification mode, EDM, expressed
in kilowatt-hours (kWh), the energy factor, expressed in liters per
kilowatt-hour (L/kWh), and product capacity, expressed in pints per day
(pints/day), in accordance with the test requirements specified in
Section 7, ``Capacity Test and Energy Consumption Test,'' of ANSI/AHAM
DH-1 (incorporated by reference, see Sec. 430.3), except that the
standard test conditions shall be maintained at 65[emsp14][deg]F 2.0[emsp14][deg]F dry-bulb temperature and 56.6[emsp14][deg]F
1.0[emsp14][deg]F wet-bulb temperature, and psychrometer
placement shall be as specified in section 3.1.1.2 of this appendix.
4.1.1.2 Refrigerant-desiccant dehumidifiers. Establish the testing
conditions set forth in section 3.1.2 of this appendix. Measure the
energy consumption, EDM, expressed in kWh, in accordance
with the test requirements specified in Section 7.1, ``Capacity Test,''
of ANSI/AHAM DH-1 (incorporated by reference, see Sec. 430.3), except
that (1) the standard test conditions at the air entering the process
air inlet duct and the reactivation air inlet shall be maintained at
65[emsp14][deg]F 2.0[emsp14][deg]F dry-bulb temperature
and 56.6[emsp14][deg]F 1.0[emsp14][deg]F wet-bulb
temperature, (2) the instructions for psychrometer placement shall not
apply, (3) the data recorded shall include dry-bulb temperatures,
relative humidities, static pressures, and velocity pressures in each
duct, and (4) the condensate collected during the test need not be
weighed.
4.1.2 Fan-only mode. If the dehumidifier operates in fan-only mode,
as defined in section 2.10 of this appendix, establish the testing
conditions set forth in either section 4.1.2.1 of this appendix or
section 4.1.2.2 of this appendix. If the dehumidifier has a user-
adjustable fan speed during fan-only mode, the maximum fan speed
setting shall be selected. Measure the average fan-only mode power,
expressed in watts (W), for a period of 1 hour for fan-only mode in
which the fan operates continuously. For fan-only mode in which the fan
operates cyclically, measure the average fan-only mode power over a
period of three or more full cycles for a minimum of 1 hour.
4.1.2.1 Establish the testing conditions set forth in section 3.2
of this appendix, with the dehumidifier controls set during this
testing at a setpoint that is higher than the ambient relative humidity
to ensure that the refrigeration system does not cycle on.
4.1.2.2 Establish the test requirements specified in Section 7.1.2,
``Standard Test Conditions,'' Section 7.1.3, ``Standard Test Voltage,''
Section 7.1.4, ``Psychrometer Placement,'' and Section 7.1.5, ``Data to
be Recorded,'' of ANSI/AHAM DH-1 (incorporated by reference, see Sec.
430.3). The dehumidifier controls shall be set during this testing at a
setpoint that is higher than 60 percent relative humidity to ensure
that the refrigeration system does not cycle on.
4.2 Standby mode and off mode. Establish the testing conditions set
forth in section 3.2 of this appendix, ensuring that the dehumidifier
does not enter active mode during the test. For dehumidifiers that take
some time to enter a stable state from a higher power state as
discussed in Section 5, Paragraph 5.1, Note 1 of IEC 62301,
(incorporated by reference; see Sec. 430.3), allow sufficient time for
the dehumidifier to reach the lower power state before proceeding with
the test measurement. Follow the test procedure specified in Section 5,
Paragraph 5.3.2 of IEC 62301 for testing in each possible mode as
described in sections 4.2.1 and 4.2.2 of this appendix.
4.2.1 If the dehumidifier has an inactive mode, as defined in
section 2.12 of this appendix, but not an off mode, as defined in
section 2.13 of this appendix, measure and record the average inactive
mode power of the dehumidifier, PIA, in watts. Otherwise, if
the dehumidifier has an off mode, as defined in section 2.13 of this
appendix, measure and record the average off mode power of the
dehumidifier, POM, in watts.
4.2.2 If the dehumidifier has an off-cycle mode, as defined in
section 2.14 of this appendix, measure and record the average off-cycle
mode power of the dehumidifier, POC, in watts.
5. Calculation of Derived Results From Test Measurements
5.1 Annual combined low-power mode energy consumption. Calculate
the annual combined low-power mode energy consumption for
dehumidifiers, ETLP, expressed in kilowatt-hours per year.
If the dehumidifier is capable of operating in off-cycle mode and not
fan-only mode, ETLP shall be calculated as:
ETLP = [(PIO x SIO) + (POC
x SOC)] x K
If the dehumidifier is capable of operating in fan-only mode and
not off-cycle mode, ETLP shall be calculated as:
ETLP = (PIO x SIO) x K
Where:
PIO = PIA, dehumidifier inactive mode power,
or POM, dehumidifier off mode power, in watts, as
measured in section 4.2.1 of this appendix.
POC = dehumidifier off-cycle mode power, in watts, as
measured in section 4.2.2 of this appendix.
SIO = 1,840.5 dehumidifier inactive mode or off mode
annual hours.
SOC = 1,840.5 dehumidifier off-cycle mode annual hours.
K = 0.001 kWh/Wh conversion factor for watt-hours to kilowatt-hours.
5.2 Fan-only mode annual energy consumption. If the dehumidifier is
capable of operating in fan-only mode and not off-cycle mode,
EFM shall be calculated as:
EFM = (PFM x SFM) x K
Where:
PFM = dehumidifier fan-only mode power, in watts, as
measured in section 4.1.2 of this appendix.
SFM = 1,840.5 dehumidifier fan-only mode annual hours.
K = 0.001 kWh/Wh conversion factor for watt-hours to kilowatt-hours.
5.3 Integrated energy factor. Calculate the integrated energy
factor, IEF, expressed in liters per kilowatt-hour, rounded to two
decimal places, according to the following:
IEF = LW/[EDM + ((ETLP +
EFM) x 6/SDM)]
Where:
LW = water removed from the air during the 6-hour
dehumidification mode test, in liters, as measured in section 4.1.1
of this appendix.
EDM = dehumidification mode test energy consumption
during the 6-hour dehumidification mode test, in kilowatt-hours, as
measured in section 4.1.1 of this appendix.
ETLP = standby mode and off mode annual energy
consumption, in kilowatt-hours per year, as calculated in section
5.1 of this appendix.
EFM = fan-only mode annual energy consumption, in
kilowatt-hours per year, as calculated in section 5.2 of this
appendix for dehumidifiers that operate in fan-only mode and not
off-cycle mode; otherwise, EFM = 0.
[[Page 29306]]
6 = hours per dehumidification mode test, used to convert annual
standby and off mode energy consumption for integration with
dehumidification mode energy consumption.
SDM = 1,095 dehumidification mode annual hours.
5.4 Capacity for Refrigerant-Desiccant Dehumidifiers. The weight of
water removed during the test period, expressed in pounds, and
capacity, expressed in pints/day, shall be calculated as:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP21MY14.005
Where:
W = weight of water removed during the test period, in pounds;
n = number of samples during the test period in section 4.1.1.2.2 of
this appendix;
AHI,i = absolute humidity of the process air on the inlet
side of the unit, in pounds of water per cubic foot of dry air,
measured for sample i in section 4.1.1.2.2 of this appendix;
XI,i = volumetric flow rate of the process air on the
inlet side of the unit, in cubic feet per minute, measured for
sample i in section 4.1.1.2.2 of this appendix. The volumetric flow
rate shall be calculated in accordance with Section 7.3, ``Fan
airflow rate at test conditions,'' of ANSI/AMCA 210 (incorporated by
reference, see Sec. 430.3);
AHO,i = absolute humidity of the process air on the
outlet side of the unit, in pounds of water per cubic foot of dry
air, measured for sample i in section 4.1.1.2.2 of this appendix;
XO,i = volumetric flow rate of the process air on the
outlet side of the unit, in cubic feet per minute, measured for
sample i in section 4.1.1.2.2 of this appendix. The volumetric flow
rate shall be calculated in accordance with Section 7.3, ``Fan
airflow rate at test conditions,'' of ANSI/AMCA 210 (incorporated by
reference, see Sec. 430.3);
t = time interval in seconds between samples, with a maximum of 60;
and
60 = conversion from minutes to seconds.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP21MY14.006
Where:
C = capacity in pints per day;
24 = number of hours per day;
1.04 = conversion from pounds of water to pints of water; and
T = total test period time in hours.
[FR Doc. 2014-10686 Filed 5-20-14; 8:45 a.m.]
BILLING CODE 6450-01-P