[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 149 (Friday, August 4, 2017)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 36349-36355]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-16441]


 ========================================================================
 Proposed Rules
                                                 Federal Register
 ________________________________________________________________________
 
 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of 
 the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these 
 notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in 
 the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.
 
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 

  Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 149 / Friday, August 4, 2017 / 
Proposed Rules  

[[Page 36349]]



DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

10 CFR Part 430

[EERE-2017-BT-TP-0012]


Energy Conservation Program: Test Procedure for Room Air 
Conditioners

AGENCY: Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Department of 
Energy.

ACTION: Request for information (RFI).

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SUMMARY: The U.S. Department of Energy (``DOE'') is initiating a data 
collection process through this request for information to consider 
whether to amend DOE's test procedure for room air conditioners (``room 
ACs''). To inform interested parties and to facilitate this process, 
DOE has gathered data, identifying several issues associated with the 
currently applicable test procedure on which DOE is interested in 
receiving comment. The issues outlined in this document mainly concern 
issues initially identified in an RFI issued in 2015 considering 
amendments to the current energy conservation standards and test 
procedure for room ACs; harmonization with the recently established 
portable air conditioner (``portable AC'') test procedure; 
clarification of the test setup and testing conditions; updated 
industry test procedures for room ACs; and any additional topics that 
may inform DOE's decisions in a future test procedure rulemaking, 
including methods to reduce regulatory burden while ensuring the 
procedure's accuracy. DOE welcomes written comments from the public on 
any subject within the scope of this document (including topics not 
raised in this RFI).

DATES: Written comments and information are requested on or before 
September 5, 2017.

ADDRESSES: Interested persons are encouraged to submit comments using 
the Federal eRulemaking Portal at http://www.regulations.gov. Follow 
the instructions for submitting comments. Alternatively, interested 
persons may submit comments, identified by docket number EERE-2017-BT-
TP-0012, by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. 
Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Email: [email protected]. Include the docket 
number EERE-2017-BT-TP-0012 in the subject line of the message.
     Postal Mail: Appliance and Equipment Standards Program, 
U.S. Department of Energy, Building Technologies Office, Mailstop EE-
5B, 1000 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20585-0121. If 
possible, please submit all items on a compact disc (``CD''), in which 
case it is not necessary to include printed copies.
     Hand Delivery/Courier: Appliance and Equipment Standards 
Program, U.S. Department of Energy, Building Technologies Office, 950 
L'Enfant Plaza SW., Suite 600, Washington, DC 20024. Telephone: (202) 
586-6636. If possible, please submit all items on a CD, in which case 
it is not necessary to include printed copies.
    No telefacsimilies (faxes) will be accepted. For detailed 
instructions on submitting comments and additional information on this 
process, see section III of this document.
    Docket: The docket for this activity, which includes Federal 
Register notices, comments, and other supporting documents/materials, 
is available for review at http://www.regulations.gov. All documents in 
the docket are listed in the http://www.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.
    The docket Web page can be found at https://www.regulations.gov/docket?D=EERE-2017-BT-TP-0012. The docket Web page will contain simple 
instructions on how to access all documents, including public comments, 
in the docket. See section III for information on how to submit 
comments through http://www.regulations.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Bryan Berringer, U.S. Department 
of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Building 
Technologies Office, EE-5B, 1000 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, 
DC 20585-0121. Telephone: (202) 586-0371. Email: 
[email protected].
    Ms. Sarah Butler, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of the General 
Counsel, GC-33, 1000 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20585-
0121. Telephone: (202) 586-1777. Email: [email protected].
    For further information on how to submit a comment or review other 
public comments and the docket, contact the Appliance and Equipment 
Standards Program staff at (202) 586-6636 or by email: 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Table of Contents

I. Introduction
    A. Authority and Background
    B. Rulemaking History
    1. The January 2011 Final Rule
    2. The June 2015 Request for Information
II. Request for Information and Comments
    A. Harmonization with the Portable Air Conditioners Test 
Procedure
    1. Test Conditions
    2. Installation Heat Transfer and Leakage
    3. Off-Cycle Mode
    B. Test Setup and Air Sampling
    C. Room Air Conditioner Referenced Test Procedures
    1. American National Standards Institute/Association of Home 
Appliance Manufacturers RAC-1
    2. American National Standards Institute/American Society of 
Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers Standard 16
    D. Other Test Procedure Topics
III. Submission of Comments

I. Introduction

    Room ACs are included in the list of ``covered products'' for which 
DOE is authorized to establish and amend energy conservation standards 
and test procedures. (42 U.S.C. 6292(a)(2)) DOE's test procedure for 
room ACs appears at title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations 
(``CFR'') part 430, subpart B, appendix F (``appendix F''). The 
following sections discuss DOE's authority to establish and amend the 
test procedure for room ACs, as well as relevant background information 
regarding DOE's consideration of test procedures for this product.

[[Page 36350]]

A. Authority and Background

    The Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975 (``EPCA'' or ``the 
Act''),\1\ Public Law 94-163 (42 U.S.C. 6291-6317, as codified), among 
other things, authorizes DOE to regulate the energy efficiency of a 
number of consumer products and industrial equipment. Title III, Part B 
\2\ of EPCA established the Energy Conservation Program for Consumer 
Products Other Than Automobiles, which sets forth a variety of 
provisions designed to improve energy efficiency. These products 
include room ACs, the subject of this RFI. (42 U.S.C. 6292(a)(2))
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    \1\ All references to EPCA in this document refer to the statute 
as amended through the Energy Efficiency Improvement Act of 2015 
(EEIA 2015), Public Law 114-11 (April 30, 2015).
    \2\ For editorial reasons, upon codification in the U.S. Code, 
Part B was redesignated Part A.
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    Under EPCA, DOE's energy conservation program consists essentially 
of four parts: (1) Testing, (2) labeling, (3) Federal energy 
conservation standards, and (4) certification and enforcement 
procedures. Relevant provisions of the Act specifically include 
definitions (42 U.S.C. 6291), energy conservation standards (42 U.S.C. 
6295), test procedures (42 U.S.C. 6293), labeling provisions (42 U.S.C. 
6294), and the authority to require information and reports from 
manufacturers (42 U.S.C. 6296).
    Federal energy efficiency requirements for covered products 
established under EPCA generally supersede State laws and regulations 
concerning energy conservation testing, labeling, and standards. (See 
42 U.S.C. 6297) DOE may, however, grant waivers of Federal preemption 
for particular State laws or regulations, in accordance with the 
procedures and other provisions of EPCA. (42 U.S.C. 6297(d))
    The Federal 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 pursuant to EPCA (42 U.S.C. 6295(s)), 
and (2) making representations about the efficiency of those consumer 
products (42 U.S.C. 6293(c)). Similarly, DOE must use these test 
procedures to determine whether the products comply with relevant 
standards promulgated under EPCA. (42 U.S.C. 6295(s))
    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 requires that any test procedures prescribed or 
amended under this section shall be reasonably designed to produce test 
results which 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 a proposed test procedure and offer the 
public an opportunity to present oral and written comments on them. (42 
U.S.C. 6293(b)(2))
    EPCA also requires that, at least once every 7 years, DOE evaluate 
test procedures for each type of covered equipment, including room ACs, 
to determine whether amended test procedures would more accurately or 
fully comply with the requirements for the test procedures to not be 
unduly burdensome to conduct and be reasonably designed to produce test 
results that reflect energy efficiency, energy use, and estimated 
operating costs during a representative average use cycle. (42 U.S.C. 
6293(b)(1)(A)) If amended test procedures are appropriate, DOE must 
publish a final rule to incorporate the amendments. If DOE determines 
that test procedure revisions are not appropriate, DOE must publish its 
determination not to amend the test procedures. DOE is publishing this 
RFI to collect data and information to inform a potential test 
procedure rulemaking to satisfy the 7-year review requirement specified 
in EPCA, which requires that DOE publish, by January 6, 2018, either a 
final rule amending the test procedures or a determination that amended 
test procedures are not required. (42 U.S.C. 6293(b)(1)(A))

B. Rulemaking History

    DOE's current test procedures for room ACs are codified at appendix 
F and the room AC performance metric calculations are codified at 10 
CFR 430.23(f). Test procedures for room ACs were established on June 1, 
1977, and were subsequently redesignated and editorially amended on 
June 29, 1979. 42 FR 27898 (June 1, 1977); 44 FR 37938 (June 29, 1979).
1. The January 2011 Final Rule
    The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (``EISA 2007'') 
amended EPCA, directing DOE to amend its energy efficiency test 
procedures for all covered products to include measures of standby mode 
and off mode energy consumption. (42 U.S.C. 6295(gg)(2)(A)) In 
compliance with the EISA 2007 requirements, on January 6, 2011, DOE 
published a final rule amending the room AC test procedure to include 
measurements of standby mode and off mode energy consumption and to 
introduce a new combined efficiency metric, Combined Energy Efficiency 
Ratio (``CEER''), that accounts for energy consumption in active mode, 
standby mode, and off mode. 76 FR 972. DOE also incorporated a new 
standard, International Electrotechnical Commission (``IEC'') Standard 
62301, to measure the standby and off mode energy consumption. Id. In 
addition to IEC Standard 62301, the final rule updated the references 
to standards developed by the American National Standards Institute 
(``ANSI''), the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (``AHAM''), 
and the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-
Conditioning Engineers (``ASHRAE''). Id. In sum, the current room AC 
test procedure incorporates by reference three industry test standards: 
(1) ANSI/AHAM RAC-1-2008, ``Room Air Conditioners'' (``ANSI/AHAM RAC-
1''); \3\ (2) ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 16-1983 (RA 2009), ``Method of 
Testing for Rating Room Air Conditioners and Packaged Terminal Air 
Conditioners'' (``ANSI/ASHRAE 16''); \4\ and (3) IEC Standard 62301, 
``Household electrical appliances--Measurement of standby power (first 
edition June 2005)''.\5\
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    \3\ Copies can be purchased from http://webstore.ansi.org.
    \4\ Copies can be purchased from http://www.techstreet.com.
    \5\ Copies can be purchased from http://webstore.iec.ch.
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2. The June 2015 Request for Information
    DOE published an RFI (hereinafter the ``June 2015 RFI'') regarding 
the energy conservation standards and the test procedures for room ACs. 
80 FR 34843 (June 18, 2015). In addition to soliciting information 
regarding the energy conservations standards, the June 2015 RFI 
discussed and sought comment on the following test procedure related 
items: (1) Potential updates to the energy efficiency metric that would 
address performance in additional operating modes; (2) alternate 
methods for measuring cooling mode performance; (3) addressing heating 
mode performance and any relevant test methods, existing industry 
standards, operating conditions, and associated test burden; (4) 
methods for measuring part-load performance and the prevalence of units 
on the market with components optimized for efficient part-load 
operation; (5) testing and certification of units that can operate on 
multiple voltages; and (6) the energy usage

[[Page 36351]]

associated with connected functionality. 80 FR 34843, 34846 34848. DOE 
received comments from interested parties pertaining to the test 
procedure in response to the June 2015 RFI.\6\
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    \6\ All public comments are located in the energy conservation 
standards docket: http://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=EERE-
2014-BT-STD-0059.
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II. Request for Information and Comments

    In the following sections, DOE has identified a variety of issues 
on which it seeks input to aid in the development of the technical and 
economic analyses regarding whether amended test procedures for room 
ACs may be warranted. Specifically, DOE is requesting comment on any 
opportunities to streamline and simplify testing requirements for room 
ACs.
    Additionally, DOE welcomes comments on other issues relevant to the 
conduct of this process that may not specifically be identified in this 
document. In particular, DOE notes that under Executive Order 13771, 
``Reducing Regulation and Controlling Regulatory Costs,'' Executive 
Branch agencies such as DOE are directed to manage the costs associated 
with the imposition of expenditures required to comply with Federal 
regulations. See 82 FR 9339 (Feb. 3, 2017). Pursuant to that Executive 
Order, DOE encourages the public to provide input on measures DOE could 
take to lower the cost of its regulations applicable to room ACs 
consistent with the requirements of EPCA. DOE also requests comment on 
the benefits and burdens of adopting any industry/voluntary consensus-
based or other appropriate test procedure, without modification.

A. Harmonization With the Portable Air Conditioners Test Procedure

    As discussed in the June 2015 RFI, DOE believes that consumers 
regard portable ACs and room ACs as similar products with similar 
function and consumer utility, because both are self-encased products 
powered by single-phase electric current that utilize refrigerant to 
provide cooling to defined spaces, and their product usage is broadly 
similar. See 80 FR 34843, 34845. Consequently, DOE believes that 
consumers are inclined to compare the two products based on their rated 
capacity and efficiency. Thus, harmonizing the test conditions for room 
ACs and portable ACs may allow consumers to make a more accurate 
comparison of the energy use or efficiency of the two products.
    DOE published a test procedure final rule for portable ACs on June 
1, 2016 (hereinafter the ``June 2016 Portable AC Final Rule''), in 
which DOE established test procedures for portable ACs in 10 CFR part 
430, subpart B, appendix CC (``appendix CC''). 81 FR 35242. DOE 
assessed both the new portable AC test procedure and the room AC test 
procedure to determine whether any significant differences would impede 
an accurate consumer comparison of measured performance of the two 
covered products. DOE notes that the portable AC test procedure 
differentiates between single-duct and dual-duct portable ACs, which 
require different test conditions. For the purposes of the comparison 
with room ACs, DOE specifically considered the dual-duct testing 
provisions in the portable AC test procedure, because dual-duct 
portable ACs are most similar to room ACs in that the condenser inlet 
air is drawn from the unconditioned space, unlike single-duct portable 
ACs that draw condenser inlet air from the conditioned space. DOE 
identified several key differences between the test procedures in 
appendix F and appendix CC that lead to incomparable results. 
Specifically, the portable AC test procedure includes (1) two sets of 
test conditions for dual-duct portable ACs, one at 95 degrees 
Fahrenheit (``[deg]F'') dry-bulb and 75 [deg]F wet-bulb outdoor 
temperature (identical to the room AC test procedure) and the other at 
83 [deg]F dry-bulb and 67.5 [deg]F wet-bulb outdoor temperature; \7\ 
(2) a requirement that the test unit be set up and tested with all 
manufacturer-provided materials and the associated heat losses be 
accounted for in the energy efficiency metric; and (3) the 
consideration of energy consumption in off-cycle mode (as defined in 
appendix CC). In light of these differences, DOE is requesting feedback 
in this RFI on whether amendments to the room AC test procedure are 
warranted to harmonize the two test procedures in order to enable a 
more accurate comparison of portable AC and room AC performance. In the 
following subsections, DOE describes the differences between the two 
test procedures in greater detail and requests information on key 
topics related to their harmonization.
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    \7\ For single-duct portable ACs, testing is only required at 
the 95 [deg]F dry-bulb and 75 [deg]F wet-bulb outdoor test 
condition. Single-duct portable ACs do not intake air from the 
unconditioned space and therefore performance of the unit while 
testing would be unchanged by the adjustment in outdoor test 
conditions. Thus, DOE requires numerical adjustments for the 83 
[deg]F dry-bulb and 67.5 [deg]F wet-bulb outdoor condition when 
determining the seasonally adjusted cooling capacity and CEER for 
single-duct portable ACs. This approach minimizes test burden yet 
ensures that the performance of a single-duct and dual-duct portable 
AC can be compared.
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1. Test Conditions
    In a portable AC test procedure supplemental notice of proposed 
rulemaking (``SNOPR''), published on November 27, 2015 (hereinafter the 
``November 2015 Portable AC SNOPR''), DOE developed a climate analysis 
to determine the ideal cooling mode test conditions for portable ACs. 
80 FR 74020, 74026. DOE considered 2012 climate data from the National 
Centers for Environmental Information (``NCEI'') \8\ of the National 
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (``NOAA'') to determine the 
average dry-bulb temperature and relative humidity associated with the 
hottest 750 hours of the year in each state for which data were 
available.\9\ DOE then reviewed room AC ownership data from the 2009 
Residential Energy Consumption Survey (``RECS'') \10\ to identify room 
AC ownership by geographic region, as a proxy for portable AC 
ownership.\11\ Based on these data, DOE used a weighted-average 
approach to combine the average temperature and humidity for each state 
to determine a national average test condition representative of the 
hottest 750 hours of the year. DOE found that the national average dry-
bulb temperature and relative humidity associated with the hottest 750 
hours are 83 [deg]F and 45 percent, respectively. DOE then proposed two 
cooling mode test conditions for dual-duct portable ACs in the November 
2015 Portable AC SNOPR: (1) A higher outdoor temperature condition 
based on AHAM PAC-1-2015, ``Portable Air Conditioners'' (95 [deg]F dry-
bulb and 75 [deg]F wet-bulb temperature), representing high-temperature 
conditions when cooling is most needed; and (2) the lower outdoor 
temperature condition based on the weighted-average temperature and 
humidity observed during the hottest 750 hours (83 [deg]F dry-bulb and 
67.5 [deg]F wet-bulb temperature). Id. In the June 2016 Portable AC 
Final Rule, DOE adopted in appendix CC the cooling mode test conditions 
proposed in the November 2015 Portable AC SNOPR. 81 FR 35242, 35249-
35251.
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    \8\ The NCEI was formerly known as the National Climate Data 
Center.
    \9\ NCEI climate data are available online at: https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/crn/qcdatasets.html.
    \10\ RECS data are available online at: http://www.eia.gov/consumption/residential/data/2009/.
    \11\ DOE utilized RECS data for room ACs because such data were 
not available for portable ACs.
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    In the June 2016 Portable AC Final Rule, DOE also established an 
energy efficiency metric, CEER, which provides a representative measure 
of overall

[[Page 36352]]

portable AC performance that accounts for the variability in 
performance during the cooling season. CEER for dual-duct portable ACs 
is calculated as follows:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP04AU17.018

Where:

ACC95 = adjusted cooling capacity measured at an outdoor 
temperature of 95 [deg]F in British thermal units per hour (Btu/h);
ACC83 = adjusted cooling capacity measured at an outdoor 
temperature of 83 [deg]F in Btu/h;
AEC95 = total annual energy consumption in cooling mode 
at an outdoor temperature of 95 [deg]F in kilowatt-hours per hear 
(kWh/year);
AEC83 = total annual energy consumption in cooling mode 
at an outdoor temperature of 83 [deg]F in kWh/year;
k = 0.001 kWh/Wh conversion factor for watt-hours to kilowatt-hours;
t = number of hours per year, 8,760.
81 FR 35242, 35268.

    Room ACs are currently tested with a single outdoor test condition, 
95 [deg]F dry-bulb and 75 [deg]F wet-bulb temperature, which aligns 
with only one of the two cooling mode test conditions for dual-duct 
portable ACs. Considering the similarities between the two products 
(i.e., consumer utility, internal components, etc.) and the potential 
for consumers to compare the energy use or efficiency of both products, 
DOE seeks comment on whether it would be appropriate to harmonize the 
two test procedures by including an additional test condition for room 
AC cooling mode testing (83 [deg]F dry-bulb and 67.5 [deg]F wet-bulb 
temperature). Should this harmonization of test conditions occur, DOE 
would also investigate the applicability of the portable AC energy 
metric and determine if any modifications would be necessary for its 
application to room ACs.
    As noted in the June 2015 RFI, the current room AC test procedure 
measures only the full-load performance at outdoor ambient conditions 
of 95 [deg]F dry-bulb and 75 [deg]F wet-bulb temperature. 80 FR 34843, 
34848. Therefore, available technologies that improve part-load 
performance, such as variable-speed compressors and variable-opening 
expansion devices, are not considered in the determination of the rated 
performance of a room AC under the current test procedure. Id. DOE 
expects that harmonizing the room AC test procedure with the portable 
AC test procedure by including an additional cooling mode test 
condition potentially would ensure the room AC efficiency metric is 
more representative of actual use, and it will capture benefits 
associated with variable-speed compressors and other components that 
improve part-load performance.
    Issue A.1.1 DOE seeks feedback on the harmonization of the room AC 
test procedure with the DOE test procedure for dual-duct portable ACs, 
specifically related to the inclusion of an additional cooling mode 
test condition.
    Issue A.1.2 DOE seeks information on the test burden and other 
potential impacts associated with the inclusion of an additional 
cooling mode test condition in the room AC test procedure.
    Issue A.1.3 DOE seeks information on the merits and limitations of 
utilizing the CEER efficiency metric adopted for dual-duct portable ACs 
for the purposes of rating room ACs.
    Issue A.1.4 DOE seeks information on the implementation and 
operation of variable-speed compressors and other components that will 
improve part-load performance for room ACs, and whether the dual rating 
conditions specified for testing of dual-duct portable ACs would 
capture benefits of these technologies for room ACs and be included in 
the revised test procedure.
2. Installation Heat Transfer and Leakage
    The portable AC test procedure in appendix CC requires that the 
test unit be set up and tested with all manufacturer-provided materials 
(including the ducts, connectors for attaching the duct(s) to the test 
unit, sealing, insulation, and window mounting fixtures) to ensure that 
the performance measured during the test is reflective of actual 
installation and operation. The portable AC test procedure also 
accounts for the impacts of infiltration air, which is caused by 
negative pressure in the conditioned space created by the unit's 
operation, thereby driving unconditioned air into the space and 
impacting the overall cooling provided by the unit to the conditioned 
space.
    Room ACs are typically installed with side curtains or other window 
or wall mounting installation materials that, during typical operation, 
may allow air to leak through or around the materials and would impact 
the cooling provided to the conditioned space. However, DOE notes that 
when conducting the calorimeter test prescribed in ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 
16 (as referenced by the current DOE room AC test procedure), the test 
unit is set up so all air leakage around the unit that would normally 
be present in a typical installation is precluded by means of sealing.
    Considering the requirements of EPCA for DOE to adopt test 
procedures that are representative of an average use cycle, which would 
encompass typical installation and operation, DOE requests comment on 
testing in accordance with the manufacturer-provided installation 
materials.
    Issue A.2.1 DOE seeks feedback on the harmonization of the room AC 
test set up requirements with those in the portable AC test procedure, 
specifically related to installation with all manufacturer-provided 
installation materials.
    Issue A.2.2 DOE requests information and data related to air and 
heat leakage through and around room AC installation materials, 
specifically side curtains and wall sleeves, which the current room AC 
test procedure does not capture. DOE request comment on whether these 
losses should be considered given the requirements of EPCA.
3. Off-Cycle Mode
    In the June 2016 Portable AC Final Rule, DOE adopted a definition 
for ``off-cycle mode'' as a mode in which the portable air conditioner: 
(1) Has cycled off its main cooling or heating function by thermostat 
or temperature sensor signal; (2) may or may not operate its fan or 
blower; and (3) will reactivate the main function according to the 
thermostat or temperature sensor signal. 81 FR 35242, 35265. DOE notes 
that this off-cycle mode definition for portable ACs is different from 
an off-cycle mode definition that DOE proposed on December 9, 2008, in 
a NOPR for the previous room AC test procedure rulemaking, which 
explicitly excluded fan operation from the off-cycle mode.\12\

[[Page 36353]]

73 FR 74639, 74645 (Dec. 9, 2008) (hereinafter the ``December 2008 
NOPR''). By excluding the periods of fan operation from off-cycle mode 
that would be expected for a typical installation and usage, the 
definition proposed in the December 2008 NOPR excluded potentially 
significant energy consumption when compared to the definition adopted 
for portable ACs.
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    \12\ DOE notes that the definition for off-cycle mode proposed 
in the December 2008 NOPR was not adopted in the June 2011 Final 
Rule.
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    DOE also established provisions for determining the average off-
cycle mode power in the June 2016 Portable AC Final Rule. 81 FR 35242, 
35267. The portable AC off-cycle mode test is conducted following the 
cooling mode test under the same ambient conditions, and includes a 5-
minute delay prior to measuring power consumption to allow for a brief 
period of fan operation while the evaporator returns to its non-cooling 
state. Because the evaporator is still cool at the end of compressor 
operation following cooling mode, additional room cooling is possible 
through continued fan operation at relatively low energy consumption. 
Therefore, DOE included the 5-minute delay before the start of off-
cycle mode testing to prevent penalizing manufacturers for utilizing 
the cooling potential of the evaporator following the compressor cycle.
    In the June 2015 RFI, DOE requested comment on the merits and/or 
limitations of accounting for energy modes not currently included in 
the room AC test procedure, including off-cycle mode, referencing the 
definition proposed in the December 2008 NOPR. 80 FR 34843, 34846. In 
response to the June 2015 RFI, DOE received a comment opposed to the 
inclusion of off-cycle mode in the DOE test procedure for room ACs. 
However, due to the significant difference between that definition and 
the definition of off-cycle mode established in the portable AC test 
procedure, DOE is requesting feedback on including provisions for 
measuring average off-cycle mode power in the room AC test procedure, 
consistent with the portable AC test procedure.
    Issue A.3.1 DOE seeks feedback on the harmonization of the room AC 
test procedure with the portable AC test procedure, specifically 
related to the inclusion of off-cycle mode in the room AC test 
procedure.
    Issue A.3.2 DOE seeks feedback on the applicability of the portable 
AC off-cycle mode definition, provisions to measure average off-cycle 
mode power, and the inclusion of off-cycle mode in the efficiency 
metric for room ACs.
    Issue A.3.3 DOE requests information and data related to off-cycle 
mode, including input power levels, fan operation, time spent in that 
mode, etc.

B. Test Setup and Air Sampling

    The current DOE room AC test procedure references certain sections 
of ANSI/AHAM RAC-1 and ANSI/ASHRAE 16 for the room AC cooling mode test 
conditions and test methods. Section 4.2.7 of ANSI/ASHRAE 16 requires 
the calorimeter chamber conditions to be verified by air sampled from a 
location that is representative of the temperatures surrounding the 
unit and that simulate the conditions in which the unit operates in the 
field. DOE notes that there is no procedure to verify if the measured 
chamber temperature reading is representative of conditions at the test 
unit condenser and evaporator inlet, which may be affected by 
recirculation from the condenser and evaporator exhaust, respectively, 
thereby potentially reducing test repeatability and reproducibility. As 
a result, DOE is seeking comment on this issue and any potential 
modifications to the test procedure that should be considered as part 
of this investigative effort.
    Issue B.1 DOE welcomes information on more specific requirements 
for air sampling device positioning within the calorimeter chamber to 
improve test repeatability.

C. Room Air Conditioner Referenced Test Procedures

1. American National Standards Institute/Association of Home Appliance 
Manufacturers RAC-1
    The cooling mode test in appendix F is conducted in accordance with 
the testing conditions, methods, and calculations in sections 4, 5, 
6.1, and 6.5 of the 2008 version of ANSI/AHAM RAC-1. Since DOE last 
revised its room AC test procedure in 2011, ANSI/AHAM RAC-1 has been 
updated and the current standard was released in 2015 (ANSI/AHAM RAC-1-
2015, ``Room Air Conditioners''). Based on review of the 2015 standard, 
DOE believes that the updates to ANSI/AHAM RAC-1 provide added 
specificity, but do not substantively impact the results of DOE's 
cooling mode test. Accordingly, DOE does not expect that updating the 
references to ANSI/AHAM RAC-1 in the room AC test procedure at appendix 
F would substantively affect testing results. DOE further notes that 
the 2015 update to ANSI/AHAM RAC-1 included adjustments to section 
organization, and DOE would consider updating section references as 
necessary if the 2015 version of ANSI/AHAM RAC-1 is incorporated by 
reference in the room AC test procedure at appendix F.
    Issue C.1.1 DOE seeks feedback on whether the references to ANSI/
AHAM RAC-1-2008 in its test procedure at appendix F should be updated 
to certain sections of the most current version of ANSI/AHAM RAC-1, 
ANSI/AHAM RAC-1-2015.
2. American National Standards Institute/American Society of Heating, 
Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers Standard 16
    Appendix F currently references in its provisions for cooling mode 
test conditions, methods, and calculations the 1983 version of ANSI/
ASHRAE 16, which was reaffirmed in 2009. ANSI/AHAM RAC-1-2015 also 
references the 1983 version of ANSI/ASHRAE 16 reaffirmed in 2009. A new 
version of ANSI/ASHRAE 16 was published in 2016, which includes many 
significant updates to the standard, including heating mode testing and 
an air enthalpy test approach as an alternative to the calorimeter 
approach, while the general cooling mode methodology remains unchanged.
    Issue C.2.1 DOE seeks feedback on the applicability of the recent 
updates to ANSI/ASHRAE 16 to the room AC test procedure in appendix F.
    Issue C.2.2 DOE welcomes feedback on whether the test procedure in 
appendix F should continue to reference the version of ANSI/ASHRAE 16 
that was reaffirmed in 2009, consistent with the referenced version in 
both ANSI/AHAM RAC-1-2008 and ANSI/AHAM RAC-1-2015, or if appendix F 
should reference the 2016 version of ANSI/ASHRAE 16. If appendix F were 
to reference the 2016 version of ANSI/ASHRAE 16, DOE seeks information 
on modified instructions that would be required in appendix F to 
continue to reference certain sections of ANSI/AHAM RAC-1.

D. Other Test Procedure Topics

    In addition to the issues identified earlier in this document, DOE 
welcomes comment on any other aspect of the existing test procedure for 
room ACs not already addressed by the specific areas identified in this 
document. DOE particularly seeks information that would improve the 
repeatability, reproducibility, and consumer representativeness of the 
test procedure. DOE also requests information that would help DOE 
create a procedure that would limit manufacturer test burden through 
streamlining or simplifying testing requirements. Comments regarding 
the repeatability and reproducibility are also welcome.
    DOE also requests feedback on any potential amendments to the 
existing

[[Page 36354]]

test procedure that could be considered to address impacts on 
manufacturers, including small businesses. Regarding the Federal test 
method, DOE seeks comment on the degree to which the DOE test procedure 
should consider and be harmonized with the most recent relevant 
industry standards for room ACs and whether there are any changes to 
the Federal test method that would provide additional benefits to the 
public.
    Additionally, DOE requests comment on whether the existing test 
procedure limits a manufacturer's ability to provide additional 
features to consumers on room ACs. DOE particularly seeks information 
on how the test procedure could be amended to reduce the cost of new or 
additional features and make it more likely that such features are 
included on room ACs.

III. Submission of Comments

    DOE invites all interested parties to submit in writing by 
September 5, 2017, comments and information on matters addressed in 
this RFI and on other matters relevant to DOE's test procedure for room 
ACs. These comments and information will aid in the development of a 
test procedure NOPR for room ACs if DOE determines that amended test 
procedures may be appropriate for these products.
    Submitting comments via http://www.regulations.gov. The http://www.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 http://www.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 http://www.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 http://www.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 http://www.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 http://www.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 ``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).
    DOE considers public participation to be a very important part of 
the process for developing test procedures. DOE actively encourages the 
participation and interaction of the public during the comment period 
in each stage of the rulemaking process. Interactions with and between 
members of the public provide a balanced discussion of the issues and 
assist DOE in the rulemaking process. Anyone who wishes to be added to 
the DOE mailing list to receive future notices and information about 
this process or would like to request a public meeting should contact 
Appliance and Equipment Standards Program staff at (202) 586-6636 or 
via email at [email protected].


[[Page 36355]]


    Issued in Washington, DC, on July 27, 2017.
Kathleen Hogan, Ph.D.,
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency, Energy Efficiency and 
Renewable Energy.
[FR Doc. 2017-16441 Filed 8-3-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE -P