[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 53 (Tuesday, March 19, 2019)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 9979-9987]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-05131]
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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. 84, No. 53 / Tuesday, March 19, 2019 /
Proposed Rules
[[Page 9979]]
DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
10 CFR Part 431
[EERE-2017-BT-TP-0006]
Energy Conservation Program: Test Procedure for Automatic
Commercial Ice Makers
AGENCY: Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Department of
Energy.
ACTION: Request for information.
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SUMMARY: The U.S. Department of Energy (``DOE'') is initiating a data
collection process through this request for information (``RFI'') to
consider whether to amend DOE's test procedure for automatic commercial
ice makers (``ACIM'' or ``ice makers''). 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 new versions of the industry standards
that the current DOE test procedure incorporates by reference;
consideration of additional specifications and amendments that may
improve the accuracy of the test procedure or reduce the testing burden
on manufacturers; 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 and will be
accepted on or before April 18, 2019.
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-0006, by any of the following methods:
1. Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. Follow
the instructions for submitting comments.
2. Email: to [email protected]. Include docket number EERE-
2017-BT-TP-0006 in the subject line of the message.
3. 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. Telephone:
(202) 287-1445. If possible, please submit all items on a compact disc
(``CD''), in which case it is not necessary to include printed copies.
4. 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. Phone: (202) 287-
1445. 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, 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://www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/appliance_standards/standards.aspx?productid=53&action=viewlive. The docket web page
contains 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:
Dr. Stephanie Johnson, 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) 287-1943. Email: [email protected].
Mr. Pete Cochran, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of the General
Counsel, GC-33, 1000 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20585-0121.
Telephone: (202) 586-9496. 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) 287-1445 or by email:
[email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Table of Contents
I. Introduction
A. Authority and Background
B. Rulemaking History
II. Request for Information
A. Scope and Definition
B. Test Procedure
C. Industry Test Method Harmonization
D. Standby Energy Use
E. Other Test Procedure Topics
III. Submission of Comments
I. Introduction
ACIM 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. 6311(1)(F)) DOE's test procedure for ACIM
is prescribed at 10 CFR 431.134. The following sections discuss DOE's
authority to establish and amend the test procedure for ACIM, as well
as relevant background information regarding DOE's consideration of
test procedures for this equipment.
A. Authority and Background
The Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975, as amended
(``EPCA''), 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 certain industrial equipment.\1\ Title
III, Part C of EPCA established the Energy Conservation Program for
Certain Industrial
[[Page 9980]]
Equipment, which sets forth a variety of provisions designed to improve
energy efficiency.\2\ This equipment includes ACIM, the subject of this
RFI. (42 U.S.C. 6311(1)(F))
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\1\ All references to EPCA in this document refer to the statute
as amended through America's Water Infrastructure Act of 2018,
Public Law 115-270 (October 23, 2018).
\2\ For editorial reasons, upon codification in the U.S. Code,
Part C was redesignated Part A-1.
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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. Federal testing requirements consist of test procedures
that manufacturers of covered equipment must use as the basis for: (1)
Certifying to DOE that their equipment complies with the applicable
energy conservation standards adopted pursuant to EPCA (42 U.S.C.
6316(a); 42 U.S.C. 6295(s)), and (2) making representations about the
efficiency of that equipment (42 U.S.C. 6314(d)). Similarly, DOE must
use these test procedures to determine whether the equipment complies
with relevant standards promulgated under EPCA. (42 U.S.C. 6316(a); 42
U.S.C. 6295(s))
Under 42 U.S.C. 6314, EPCA sets forth the criteria and procedures
DOE is required to follow when prescribing or amending test procedures
for covered equipment. EPCA requires that any test procedures
prescribed or amended under this section must be reasonably designed to
produce test results which reflect energy efficiency, energy use or
estimated annual operating cost of a given type of covered equipment
during a representative average use cycle and requires that test
procedures not be unduly burdensome to conduct. (42 U.S.C. 6314(a)(2))
EPCA also requires that, at least once every 7 years, DOE evaluate
the test procedures for each type of covered equipment, including ACIM,
to determine whether amended test procedures would more accurately or
fully comply with the requirements for test procedures not to 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.
6314(a)(1)) In addition, if the Secretary determines that a test
procedure amendment is warranted, the Secretary must publish proposed
test procedures in the Federal Register, and afford interested persons
an opportunity (of not less than 45 days' duration) to present oral and
written data, views, and arguments on the proposed test procedures. (42
U.S.C. 6314(b)) 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 its decision in satisfaction of the 7-year review requirement
specified in EPCA. (42 U.S.C. 6314(a)(1))
B. Rulemaking History
EPCA prescribed the first Federal test procedure for ice makers,
directing that the ACIM test procedure is the Air-Conditioning,
Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) Standard 810-2003,
``Performance Rating of Automatic Commercial Ice-Makers.'' (42 U.S.C.
6314(a)(7)(A)) EPCA further stipulated that if AHRI 810-2003 was
revised, DOE must amend the DOE test procedure as necessary to be
consistent with the amended AHRI Standard unless DOE determines, by
rule and supported by clear and convincing evidence, that to do so
would not meet the requirements for test procedures set forth in EPCA.
(42 U.S.C. 6314(a)(7)(B)) 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. 6314(b))
Pursuant to these provisions, on December 8, 2006, DOE published a
final rule (``the 2006 en masse final rule'') that, among other things,
adopted the test procedure specified in AHRI Standard 810-2003 as the
Federal test procedure for ice makers. 71 FR 71339. DOE also adopted a
clarified energy use rate equation to specify that energy use be
calculated using the entire mass of ice produced during the testing
period, normalized to 100 pounds of ice produced. Id. at 71 FR 71350.
The DOE test procedure also incorporated by reference the American
National Standards Institute (``ANSI'')/American Society of Heating,
Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (``ASHRAE'') Standard 29-
1988 (Reaffirmed 2005) (``ASHRAE Standard 29-1988 (RA 2005)''),
``Method of Testing Automatic Ice Makers,'' as the method of testing.
The 2006 en masse final rule preamble stated that the adopted test
procedure was applicable to ACIM that produce cube type ice with
capacities between 50 and 2,500 lb/24 h. Id. at 71 FR 71351.
Subsequently, on January 11, 2012, DOE satisfied its statutory
obligation under 42 U.S.C. 6314(a)(7)(B) to amend the ACIM test
procedure by incorporating by reference AHRI Standard 810-2007 with
Addendum 1 ``2007 Standard for Performance Rating of Automatic
Commercial Ice Makers'' (``AHRI 810-2007'') and ANSI/ASHRAE Standard
29-2009 ``Method of Testing Automatic Ice Makers,'' (including Errata
Sheets issued April 8, 2010 and April 21, 2010), approved January 28,
2009 (``ASHRAE 29-2009''). 77 FR 1591 (``January 2012 ACIM TP final
rule''). Consistent with the statutory definition of ACIM and the
updated AHRI 810-2007, the amended DOE test procedure expanded the
scope of the test procedure to include equipment with capacities from
50 to 4,000 lb/24 h. The updated DOE test procedure also (1) provided
test methods for continuous type ice makers and batch type ice makers
that produce other than cube type ice, (2) standardized the measurement
of energy and water use for continuous type ice makers with respect to
ice hardness, (3) clarified the test method and reporting requirements
for remote condensing automatic commercial ice makers designed for
connection to remote compressor racks, and (4) discontinued the use of
a clarified energy use rate calculation to instead reference the
calculation of energy use per 100 pounds of ice as specified in ASHRAE
29-2009. Id. The amended test procedure became mandatory for equipment
testing beginning on January 7, 2013. Id.
II. Request for Information
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 ACIM
would more accurately or fully comply with the requirements in EPCA
that test procedures: (1) Be reasonably designed to produce test
results which reflect energy use during a representative average use
cycle, and (2) not be unduly burdensome to conduct. (42 U.S.C.
6314(a)(2)) Specifically, DOE is requesting comment on any
opportunities to streamline and simplify testing requirements for ACIM.
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. 82 FR 9339 (Feb. 3, 2017). Consistent with that Executive
Order, DOE encourages the public to provide input on measures DOE could
take to lower the cost of its regulations applicable to ACIM
[[Page 9981]]
consistent with the requirements of EPCA.
A. Scope and Definition
DOE defines an automatic commercial ice maker as a factory-made
assembly (not necessarily shipped in one package) that (1) consists of
a condensing unit and ice-making section operating as an integrated
unit, with means for making and harvesting ice; and (2) may include
means for storing ice, dispensing ice, or storing and dispensing ice.
10 CFR 431.132.
1. Modulating Capacity Ice Maker
A modulating capacity ice maker is one designed to be capable of
operating at multiple capacity levels. This modulation presumably could
be accomplished by using a single compressor with multiple or variable
capacity, using multiple compressors, or in some other manner. In the
January 2012 ACIM TP final rule, DOE did not set a test method for
measuring the energy use or water consumption of automatic commercial
ice makers that are capable of operating at multiple capacities. 77 FR
1591, 1601-1602 (Jan. 11, 2012). The decision to exclude modulating
capacity ice makers was based on the lack of existing automatic
commercial ice makers with modulating capacity, as well as limited
information regarding how such equipment would function. At this time,
DOE is unaware of any such products that are currently available in the
market. DOE is interested in whether modulating capacity ice makers are
currently sold in the market and, if so, the design characteristics,
operation, and testing of such equipment.
Issue 1: DOE requests comment on whether any modulating capacity
ice makers are currently available in the market. If such products are
currently available, DOE requests information on how such equipment
functions, such as typical capacity ranges and the relative frequency
of use at different capacity ranges, and how such equipment is
currently tested.
B. Test Procedure
In accordance with the review process under 42 U.S.C.
6314(a)(1)(A), DOE has determined the test procedure potentially could
be improved by modifying some of its provisions to more accurately or
fully comply with the requirements in EPCA that a test procedure be
reasonably designed to reflect energy use during a representative
average use cycle and not be unduly burdensome to conduct.
1. Updates to Industry Standards
The existing DOE ACIM test procedure incorporates by reference AHRI
810-2007, which refers to test methods in ASHRAE Standard 29. The DOE
test procedure additionally specifies that references to ASHRAE 29 in
AHRI 810-2007 refer to ASHRAE 29-2009.\3\ 10 CFR 431.134(b).
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\3\ The DOE ACIM test procedure also incorporates by reference
ASHRAE 29-2009. 10 CFR 431.133.
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Since publication of the January 2012 ACIM TP final rule, both AHRI
and ASHRAE have published new versions of the referenced standards. The
most recent versions are AHRI 810-2016 and ASHRAE 29-2015. DOE has
reviewed the most recent versions of both AHRI 810 and ASHRAE 29 and
has compared the updated versions of these industry standards to those
currently incorporated by reference in the ACIM test procedure. The
updates published in ASHRAE 29-2015 provide additional specificity to
several aspects of the test method. In general, DOE has tentatively
determined that these updates increase the precision and improve the
repeatability of the test method, but do not fundamentally change the
testing process, ambient test conditions, or test results. In addition,
ASHRAE made several grammatical, editorial, and formatting changes to
improve the clarity of the test method. DOE has tentatively determined
that these changes would not affect how the test is conducted. Table
II.1 summarizes the primary substantive changes between ASHRAE 29-2009
and ASHRAE 29-2015.
Table II.1--Summary of Changes Between ASHRAE 29-2009 and ASHRAE 29-2015
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Requirement ASHRAE 29-2009 ASHRAE 29-2015
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Test Room Operations............ None.............. No changes to the
test room shall
be made during
operation of the
ice maker under
test that would
impact the
vertical ambient
temperature
gradient or the
ambient air
movement.
Temperature Measuring Accuracy of 1.0 [deg]F resolution of
and resolution of 1.0
<=2.0 [deg]F. [deg]F; where
accuracy greater
than 1.0 [deg]F,
the resolution
shall be at least
equal to the
accuracy
requirement.
Harvest Water Collection........ None.............. Harvest water
shall be captured
by a non-
perforated pan
located below the
perforated pan.
Ice Collection Container ``Perforated pan, Requirements
Specifications. bucket, or wire regarding water
basket'' and retention weight
``non-perforated and perforation
pan or bucket''. size for
perforated pans
and ``solid
surface'' for non-
perforated pan.
Pressure Measuring Instruments.. None.............. Accuracy of and
resolution of
2.0%
of the quantity
measured.
Sampling Rate................... None.............. Maximum interval
between data
samples of 5 sec.
Supply Water Temperature and 1 1
Pressure. [deg]F (water [deg]F (water
supply supply
temperature). temperature) and
``within
specified
range*'' (water
pressure) during
water fill
interval.
Inlet Air Temperature Measure a minimum Measure at a
Measurement. of 2 places, location
centered 1 ft geometrically
from the air center to the
inlet(s). inlet area at a
distance 1 ft
from each inlet.
Minimum Clearances.............. 18 inches on all 3 ft or the
sides. minimum clearance
allowed by the
manufacturer,
whichever is
greater.
[[Page 9982]]
Stabilization Criteria.......... Three consecutive Two consecutive
14.4 minute 15.0 min 2.5 sec
(continuous) samples taken
taken within a within 5 mins of
1.5 hr period or each other
two consecutive (continuous)
batches (batch- within 2% or
type) where 0.055 lbs or two
amount of consecutive 24-hr
harvested ice calculated ice
does not vary by production rate
more than 2%. consecutive
batches (batch)
where harvested
ice is within
2% or
2.2 lb.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Capacity Test Ice Collection.... Three consecutive Clarify that batch
14.4 min samples ice should be
(continuous) or weighed 30 2.5 s after
collection and
continuous ice
samples must be
within 5 mins of
each other.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Calorimetry Testing............. For continuous Clarified that ice
type ice makers, must be collected
collect sample with non-
size ``suitable perforated bin
for test'' and and that the
conduct sample size must
calorimetry be 6 lb or 15
testing described mins of ice
in Appendix A. production,
whichever is
achieved first.
Also, significant
changes made to
Appendix A to
clarify the
calibration of
the calorimeter,
test process, and
calculation
methods.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Recorded Data................... .................. Clarified that
ambient
temperature
gradient (at
rest), maximum
air-circulation
velocity (at
rest), and water
pressure must
also be
collected.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
* AHRI 810-2007 specifies the inlet water pressure of 30.0 3.0 psig.
AHRI 810-2016 was also updated to include a definition,
measurement, and reporting requirements for potable water use rate.
These are discussed in more detail in section II.C.in this RFI. The
other changes to AHRI 810-2016 are primarily clerical in nature,
intended to provide greater consistency in the use of terms and
specific definitions for those terms. The primary changes include
updating the defined equipment varieties to be more consistent with DOE
definitions, using the defined terms more consistently throughout the
standard, and adding definitions for many of the reported quantities.
AHRI 810-2016 also references the latest version of ASHRAE 29, ASHRAE
29-2015.
Based on DOE's review, the changes to AHRI 810-2016 and ASHRAE 29-
2015 serve primarily to improve the consistency and specificity of the
test procedure and would not fundamentally alter the test method or
test parameters. As such, these updates would not result in a change to
the measured energy consumption of covered equipment. DOE seeks comment
and data on this preliminary determination.
Issue 2: DOE seeks comment on updating the DOE test procedure to
incorporate by reference the latest industry standards: AHRI 810-2016
and ASHRAE 29-2015. Specifically, DOE requests comment on whether
incorporating by reference these industry standards would more
accurately reflect energy efficiency during a representative average
use cycle or reduce testing burden. Additionally, DOE seeks comment on
the benefits and burdens of adopting any industry/voluntary consensus-
based or other appropriate test procedure, without modification.
DOE is aware of one aspect of ASHRAE 29 found in both the 2009 and
2015 versions that may need further instruction. For continuous type
ACIM, the energy use and condenser water use are determined by
multiplying the measured values by the ice hardness adjustment factor.
The ice hardness factor is determined by following the procedure
specified in the ``Method of Calorimetry'' in Normative Annex A of
ANSI/ASHRAE 29-2009. Section A2 specifies that the calorimeter constant
shall be no greater than 1.02. ASHRAE 29-2015 specifies that the
calorimeter constant must be in the range of 1.0 to 1.02. DOE is aware
that some third-party labs have had difficulty achieving the
calorimeter constant requirements specified in ASHRAE 29-2009 (and
therefore, also those specified in ASHRAE 29-2015). Amended
instructions regarding the calorimeter constant may reduce testing
burden while maintaining the accuracy of the test procedure.
Issue 3: DOE requests comment on whether further instruction is
necessary to achieve the required calorimeter constant as specified in
ASHRAE 29-2009 and ASHRAE 29-2015. DOE also seeks information on how
manufacturers and third-party labs are currently testing and measuring
the calorimeter constant for the ice hardness adjustment factor and if
there are any best practices to ensure the calorimeter constant remains
in the required range. Alternatively, DOE requests feedback on whether
a wider range of allowable calorimeter constant would allow for less
burden on manufacturers while still accurately measuring energy use
during a representative average use cycle.
2. Other Updates to the Federal Test Method
a. Test Setup and Equipment Configuration
DOE is interested in learning if additional direction on how
certain equipment should be configured for and operated during testing,
including installation of temporary baffles and purge settings, may
improve the accuracy of the test procedure and reduce testing burden.
Temporary Baffles
After publication of the January 2012 TP final rule, DOE received
an inquiry as to whether the DOE test procedure allows for temporary
air baffles to be installed between the ACIM condenser air discharge
and condenser air inlet. DOE issued final test procedure guidance on
September 24, 2013 (``2013 baffle guidance''), regarding the use of
temporary baffles during testing.\4\ As described in the 2013 baffle
guidance, a
[[Page 9983]]
baffle is a partition, usually made of a flat material such as
cardboard, plastic, or sheet metal, that reduces or prevents
recirculation of warm air from an ice maker's air outlet to its air
inlet. Temporary baffles refer to those installed only temporarily
during testing and are not part of the ACIM model as distributed in
commerce or installed in the field. During testing, the use of
temporary baffles can block recirculation of warm condenser discharge
air to the cooling air inlet. The purpose of installing a temporary
baffle could be, for example, to limit potential temperature
fluctuations at the condenser air inlet, where the ambient temperature
is measured and maintained within the required conditions. However,
such a baffle could also reduce the average temperature of the air
entering the inlet, thereby resulting in lower measured energy use
compared to testing without a baffle. Therefore, installing a temporary
baffle for testing may result in a measured energy use that is not
representative of the energy use of the unit as operated by the end
user. DOE also determined that installing such temporary baffles is
inconsistent with the ACIM test procedure, which states that the unit
must be ``set up for testing per the manufacturer's written instruction
provided with the unit'' and that ``no adjustments of any kind shall be
made to the test unit prior to or during the test that would affect the
ice capacity, energy usage, or water usage of the test sample.'' \5\
Further, ``heat exchangers and other accessories shall be used only if
they are part of standard equipment furnished with the model tested.''
\6\ Therefore, DOE's final guidance states that the use of temporary
baffles to prevent recirculation of air between the air outlet and
inlet of the ice maker during testing is not consistent with the DOE
test procedure for automatic commercial ice makers, unless the baffle
is (a) a part of the ice maker or (b) shipped with the ice maker to be
installed according to the manufacturer's installation instructions.
The guidance also states that temperature measuring devices may be
shielded so that the indicated temperature will not be affected by the
intermittent passing of warm discharge air at the measurement location.
However, the shields must not block recirculation of this air into the
condenser or ice maker inlet.
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\4\ See https://www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/appliance_standards/pdfs/acim_baffles_faq_2013-9-24final.pdf (2013
baffle guidance).
\5\ Section 4.1.4, ``Test Set Up,'' of AHRI 810-2016.
\6\ Section 6.9, ``Test Methods,'' of ASHRAE 29-2015.
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Issue 4: DOE is considering amending the ACIM test procedure to
explicitly state that temporary baffles may not be used for testing,
unless the baffle is (a) part of the ice maker or (b) shipped with the
ice maker to be installed according to manufacturers' installation
instructions. DOE requests comment on whether manufacturers and test
laboratories currently test consistent with the 2013 baffle guidance
and whether any further instructions are needed.
Purge Settings
Purge water refers to water that is introduced into the ice maker
during an ice-making cycle, in addition to the water that becomes ice,
in order to flush dissolved solids out of the ice maker and prevent
scale buildup on the ice maker's wetted surfaces. Ice makers generally
allow for setting the purge water controls to provide different amounts
of purge water or different frequencies of purge cycles. Different
amounts of purge water may be appropriate for different locations based
on the level of hardness or contaminants in the ACIM water supply. Most
ice makers have manually set purge settings that provide a fixed amount
of purge water, but some ice makers include an automatic purge water
control setting that automatically adjusts the purge water quantity
based on the supply water hardness. Neither AHRI 810-2016 nor ASHRAE
29-2015 indicate how to set a purge water control that provides
multiple purge water settings.
Since purge water is cooled by the ice maker, it contributes to
energy use during a representative average use cycle. To ensure
accurate, representative test results for ice makers with automatic
purge water controls, on September 25, 2013, DOE issued final guidance
stating that ice makers with automatic purge water control should be
tested using a fixed purge water setting \7\ that is described in the
automatic commercial ice maker's written instructions shipped with the
unit as being appropriate for water of normal, typical, or average
hardness.
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\7\ See https://www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/appliance_standards/pdfs/acim_purge_faq_2013-9-25final.pdf .
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DOE also recognizes that some ice makers, both batch and continuous
type models, may introduce additional purges outside of regular cycling
(for batch ice makers) or continuous operation (for continuous ice
makers). This may occasionally increase the purge water quantity in a
way that may not be captured by the current ACIM test procedure. For
example, batch ice makers might initiate an extra flush or purge cycle
every 12 hours, and continuous ice makers might pause the ice making
operation periodically to accomplish the additional purge. Testing
according to the current test procedure may not include such a purge
cycle, and thus the resulting tested energy use may not accurately
represent an average use cycle. Neither ASHRAE 29-2015, nor the prior
version, AHSRAE 29-2009, which is incorporated by reference in the DOE
test procedure, addresses the possibility of operational events that do
not occur continuously or with every cycle. ASHRAE 29-2015 states only
in section 7.1.1 that the ice maker must be stable for capacity test
data to be valid, and defining this stability as two consecutive cycles
(for batch ice makers) or two consecutive 15-minute periods (for
continuous ice makers) with a harvest weight difference of no more than
2 percent.
Issue 5: DOE requests comment on whether purge settings affect
measured energy use during a representative average use cycle. If purge
settings do affect measured energy use, DOE also requests comment on
(1) what purge settings should be considered for testing for ACIM
equipment with multiple or automatic purge settings, and (2) whether
any ACIM models exist that have automatic purge settings but do not
have a fixed purge setting appropriate for ``normal'' water hardness
and, if such a unit exists, how it should be tested.
Issue 6: DOE requests comment on the presence and frequency of any
``additional'' or ``increased-water'' purge cycles and their impact on
energy and potable water use and/or condenser water use. DOE also
requests comment on how the test procedure could be modified, if
necessary, to more accurately measure this energy use during a
representative average use cycle.
Remote Condensing Ice Makers
Remote condensing ice maker means a type of automatic commercial
ice maker in which the ice-making mechanism and condenser or condensing
unit are in separate sections. 10 CFR 431.132. This includes both
``Remote Condensing (but not remote compressor),'' and ``Remote
Condensing and Remote Compressor'' ice makers. The DOE test procedure
and industry test procedures, both those currently incorporated by
reference and the most recently updated standards, require setting up
the ice maker in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations.
AHRI 810 includes the requirement to install remote condensing ice
makers with at least 25
[[Page 9984]]
feet of interconnection tubing on each line. Otherwise, there are no
specific instructions for remote condensing ice makers. Certain remote
ice makers are typically paired with pre-charged refrigerant lines for
installation with the condenser or condensing unit. However, if a pre-
charged line set is not recommended by the manufacturer, additional
line set specifications and charging instructions may be needed for
testing.
Additionally, it is possible that manufacturers may not always
recommend a specific condensing unit to be paired with each remote
condensing ice maker model. Based on a review of the market, DOE is
aware of continuous remote condensing ice makers that are meant to be
connected to a compressor rack instead of a single paired condensing
unit. For other remote condensing equipment with a similar setup, for
example, commercial refrigeration equipment, the test procedure relies
on a refrigerant enthalpy calculation and assumed compressor efficiency
based on evaporator temperature to estimate the energy consumption of a
compressor rack refrigeration system. A similar approach may be
appropriate for remote condensing ice makers intended to be installed
without a dedicated condensing unit. Such a configuration would also
require additional test instructions regarding appropriate refrigerants
and representative refrigerant conditions.
Issue 7: DOE requests comment on whether the current test procedure
could be improved to more accurately measure energy use during a
representative average use cycle for remote condensing ice makers with
dedicated condensing units. For example, DOE requests feedback on
whether default refrigerant charging and line set specifications would
be necessary absent manufacturer recommendations. DOE also seeks
information on whether any additional test instructions would be needed
for remote condensing ice makers.
Issue 8: DOE also requests comment on the appropriate test approach
for those ice makers intended to be installed without a dedicated
condensing unit. DOE seeks feedback on what types of these units are
available on the market (i.e., batch vs. continuous), whether an
enthalpy test approach similar to that used for commercial
refrigeration equipment would be appropriate for testing these ice
makers, and if so, any additional instructions that would be needed for
such testing.
b. Test Conditions
The ACIM test procedure specifies standard test conditions to
ensure that results reflect energy use during a representative average
use cycle and are not unduly burdensome for manufacturers to perform.
DOE seeks comment on whether modifications to these standard test
conditions could improve the accuracy of the test procedure or reduce
testing burden, as discussed further in the following sections.
Relative Humidity
Variation in the moisture content of ambient air may affect the
energy consumption of ice makers. However, AHRI 810 and ASHRAE 29 do
not specify a standard condition or tolerance for relative humidity or
wet bulb temperature. In contrast, test procedures for most other
refrigeration equipment specify these values. Table II.2 summarizes
relative humidity and wet bulb temperature specifications for
commercial refrigeration equipment and refrigerated beverage vending
machines. DOE is interested in understanding: (1) Whether specifying a
standard condition or tolerance for relative humidity or wet bulb
temperature may improve the accuracy of the test procedure, and (2) how
adding this test condition may affect testing burden.
Table II.2--Relative Humidity & Wet Bulb Temperature Specifications for Refrigeration Equipment
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Relative Wet bulb
Equipment type Test standard humidity temperature
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commercial Refrigeration Equipment............ ASHRAE 72....................... * 49-62% 62.6-66.2
[deg]F
Refrigerated Beverage Vending Machines........ ASHRAE 32.1..................... 40-50% * 59-63 [deg]F
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Equivalent value. ASHRAE 72 specifies wet bulb temperature, while ASHRAE 32.1 specifies relative humidity.
Issue 9: DOE requests comment on (1) how moisture content of
ambient air impacts ACIM performance, and (2) the burden of specifying
a humidity range during testing.
Water Hardness
Currently, water hardness is not a specified test condition under
AHRI 810 and ASHRAE 29. Based on testing observed and reviewed by DOE
and industry feedback, hard water can affect energy consumption in the
field due to variation in purge settings and scale build up on the heat
exchanger surfaces over time. However, hard water may also impact the
tested performance, as harder water has a greater concentration of
total dissolved solids and chemical ions, which decreases the freezing
temperature of water and could potentially increase energy use. DOE is
interested in whether specifying water hardness (the quantity of
dissolved solids in the water) as a testing condition is necessary to
ensure the test procedure is reasonably designed to produce test
results that measure energy efficiency during a representative average
use cycle or period of use.
In the January 2012 ACIM TP final rule, DOE declined to set
requirements for water hardness as DOE did not have sufficient
information to allow proper consideration of such a requirement.
Specifically, DOE did not have information regarding the impact of
variation in water hardness on as-tested performance of ACIM equipment
and, as such, did not believe the additional burden associated with
establishing a standardized water hardness requirement could be
justified at that time. 77 FR 1591, 1605-1606 (Jan. 11, 2012). Through
testing conducted since the January 2012 ACIM TP final rule, DOE has
found that water hardness may impact the tested results for an ACIM
basic model and is interested in seeking feedback from interested
parties on how it should be considered, if at all, in any potential
test procedure revisions. Recognizing that including specifications for
water hardness in the test procedure could add burden, DOE is also
interested in determining the relative benefits of determining an
appropriate target value or range for testing as compared to the test
burden it might add.
Issue 10: DOE requests information regarding (1) the impact of
total dissolved solids and ion concentration on measured energy and
water use during the limited operation associated with testing during a
representative
[[Page 9985]]
average use cycle (i.e., before significant scaling of solids onto ice
maker surfaces has occurred), (2) any experience manufacturers have
testing ACIM equipment with prepared solutions of known water hardness,
and (3) the effect a water hardness test condition would have on
testing burden.
Ambient and Inlet Water Temperatures
The current ACIM test procedure incorporates by reference AHRI 810-
2007, which specifies an ambient temperature of 90 [deg]F and a supply
water temperature of 70 [deg]F. AHRI 810-2016 provides the same
specifications. However, many ice makers may be installed in
conditioned environments such as offices, schools, hospitals, hotels,
and convenience stores (see 80 FR 4646, 4700; Jan. 28, 2015), which may
have ambient air temperatures closer to 70 [deg]F and supply water
temperatures closer to 50 [deg]F.
Issue 11: DOE requests comment on the whether the ambient air
temperature and water supply temperature specified in AHRI 810-2016,
and in the current DOE test procedures, are appropriately
representative of those temperatures during an average use cycle or
whether different temperature specifications should be considered. In
particular, DOE requests data and information describing the ambient
air temperature and supply water temperature of different applications
at which ACIM equipment are operated.
Ambient Temperature Gradient
DOE is also specifically reviewing the requirements for ambient
temperature gradient, which may have an impact on tested energy use.
The current ACIM test procedure incorporates by reference section 5.1.1
of ASHRAE 29-2009, which stipulates that, with the ice maker at rest,
the vertical ambient temperature gradient in any foot of vertical
distance from 2 inches above the floor or supporting platform to a
height of 7 ft above the floor, or to a height of 1 ft above the top of
the ice maker cabinet, whichever is greater, shall not exceed 0.5
[deg]F/ft. This requirement is identical in section 5.1.1 of ASHRAE 29-
2015, which is incorporated by reference in AHRI 810-2016. DOE notes
that this language is based on test room requirements for residential
refrigerators, as specified in section 7.2 of ANSI-AHAM Standard HRF-1-
1979, ``Household Refrigerators, Combination Refrigerator-Freezers, and
Household Freezers'' (``ANSI/AHAM HRF-1-1979''), the version of the
AHAM standard that was incorporated by reference in the DOE test
procedure for residential refrigerators in a final rule published
August 10, 1982. 47 FR 34517. DOE notes further that DOE modified the
requirements associated with temperature gradient for residential
refrigerators, in a final rule published April 21, 2014, to remove the
reference to a 7 ft height requirement and only require the gradient be
maintained to a height 1 ft higher than the top of the unit. 79 FR
22320. DOE is interested in understanding the applicability of the air
temperature gradient requirements to ice makers, and whether a similar
modification, or any other modifications, would improve the accuracy of
the test procedure or reduce testing burden.
Issue 12: DOE requests comment on how manufacturers are
demonstrating compliance with the temperature gradient requirements of
section 5.1.1 of ASHRAE 29-2015. DOE seeks feedback on whether updates
consistent with the temperature gradient requirements for consumer
refrigeration products would be appropriate for the ACIM test
procedure, and whether such updates would reduce test variability and
testing burden.
Weighting of Ambient Temperature Measuring Instruments
ASHRAE 29 states that the average ambient temperature shall not
vary by more than 2 [deg]F from the specified temperature during the
first five minutes of each freeze cycle, and not vary by more than 1
[deg]F thereafter. However, the current ACIM test procedure, which is
based on AHRI 810 and ASHRAE 29, does not indicate whether ambient
temperature measuring instruments should be weighted with a thermal
mass. The use of a weighted temperature measurement instrument reduces
the fluctuations in temperature measurement, making it easier to meet
the stability criteria relative to an unweighted temperature
measurement instrument.
Issue 13: DOE requests comment on whether manufacturers typically
use weighted or unweighted temperature measurement instruments to
measure ambient temperatures during ice maker testing. In addition, DOE
requests comment on reduction in fluctuation when using weighted
temperature measurement instruments compared to unweighted temperature
measurement instruments. DOE also seeks comment and data on benefit and
burdens of using unweighted temperature measurement instruments
compared to weighted temperature measurement instruments.
c. Test Accuracy and Repeatability
As discussed in section I.A, EPCA requires that test procedures be
reasonably designed to produce test results that reflect the energy
efficiency, energy use, and estimated operating costs (as applicable)
of a type of industrial equipment during a typical cycle of use and not
be unduly burdensome to conduct. (42 U.S.C. 6314(a)(2)) The accuracy
and repeatability of the ACIM test procedure are important to consider
to ensure that test results are representative of typical energy
consumption in the field. DOE notes that the current ACIM test
procedure incorporates by reference AHRI 810-2007 and ASHRAE 29-2009 to
specify the aforementioned measurement methods, tolerances, and
accuracies. These specifications have not changed in the most recent
versions of these standards, namely AHRI 810-2016 and ASHRAE 29-2015.
DOE is interested in whether it should consider modifications to
existing test condition tolerances, instrumentation accuracies, and
temperature measurement methods that would improve accuracy and
precision in test results.
For example, specifying tighter tolerances and/or more accurate
measurement equipment can lead to increased accuracy in measuring
energy use. However, doing so may also increase the burden associated
with testing due to the added cost of higher-precision instruments or
increased testing time to achieve tighter tolerances. DOE is therefore
interested in getting feedback from interested parties on the technical
feasibility or burden associated with reducing the uncertainty in those
variables.
Issue 14: DOE requests comment on the potential improvement in
testing accuracy and increase in testing burden and costs associated
with tightening the tolerances and increasing the instrumentation
accuracies specified by the current ACIM test procedure.
C. Industry Test Method Harmonization
The industry test methods incorporated by reference by the DOE ACIM
test procedure, ASHRAE 29 and AHRI 810, added measurement and reporting
requirements for potable water use. This measurement is not required by
the current DOE test procedure, but is required by other programs, such
as ENERGY STAR \8\ and the AHRI
[[Page 9986]]
certification program.\9\ Since DOE establishes test procedures for the
ENERGY STAR program, DOE is interested in seeking feedback from
interested parties about whether any updates to the test method for
potable water use are needed at this time, including any that may
reduce the burden of the current method.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\8\ The ENERGY STAR specification for automatic commercial ice
makers is currently under revision. A draft specification is
available at https://www.energystar.gov/products/spec/commercial_ice_makers_specification_version_3_0_pd.
\9\ http://www.ahrinet.org/Certification.aspx.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
In the January 2012 ACIM TP final rule, DOE declined to establish a
test procedure or metric for non-condenser potable water use and noted
that no statutory authority to do so exists under EPCA. 77 FR 1591,
1604-1605 (Jan. 11, 2012). Specifically, EPCA prescribes standards for
condenser water use in cube type ice makers at 42 U.S.C. 6313(d)(1) and
explicitly states that prescribed standard levels for condenser water
use ``does not include potable water used to make ice.'' EPCA allows,
but does not require, the Secretary to issue analogous standards for
other types of automatic commercial ice makers under 42 U.S.C.
6313(d)(2). 77 FR 1591, 1605 (Jan. 11, 2012). In general, DOE assumes
ice makers that use less potable water would be expected to use less
energy, because they have to cool less water. In the January 2012 ACIM
TP final rule, DOE stated that, while there is generally a correlation
between energy use and potable water use, at a certain point of reduced
potable water use, the relationship between potable water use and
energy consumption reverses due to scaling. Id.
DOE reviewed the relationship between potable water use and both
harvest rate and daily energy consumption by analyzing reported ACIM
data from the AHRI directory and the ENERGY STAR product
database.10 11 DOE observed that all manufacturers of
continuous ice-makers report a consistent amount of potable water use
per 100 pounds of ice--between 11.9 and 12.0 gallons--because all of
the water is converted to produce ice. In contrast, potable water use
varies for batch type ice makers, because a portion of the potable
water is drained from the sump at the end of each ice-making cycle;
this portion is different for different ice maker models. The
relationship between potable water use and daily energy consumption of
the AHRI and ENERGY STAR data is not identifiable when considering the
entire dataset. Thus, DOE is interested in seeking feedback on any
potential relationship between potable water use and daily energy
consumption and whether, and how, this relationship impacts consumer
utility of ACIMs, for example, by affecting the quality of ice
produced.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\10\ Available at: https://www.ahridirectory.org/ahridirectory/pages/acim/defaultSearch.aspx.
\11\ Available at: https://www.energystar.gov/productfinder/product/certified-commercial-ice-machines/results.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Issue 15: DOE requests comment and information on the relationship
between potable water use and energy use, including data quantifying
the relationship. Additionally, DOE requests comment and information on
any potential impact that this relationship has on possible consumer
utility.
D. Standby Energy Use
The existing ACIM test procedure considers only active mode energy
use when an ice maker is actively producing ice and reflects that
consumption using a metric of energy use per 100 pounds of ice. The
existing ACIM test procedure does not address standby energy use
associated with continuously powered sensors and controls or ice
storage. However, when not actively making ice, an ice maker continues
to consume energy to power sensors and controls. In this way, standby
energy use from control devices impact the daily energy consumption of
ACIM equipment.
Issue 16: DOE requests data and information on the magnitude of
energy use associated with standby energy use, as well as the
relationship of such values to daily energy consumption of ACIM
equipment.
E. 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 procedures
for ACIM that could be improved to more accurately reflect energy use
during a representative average use cycle or reduce testing burden. DOE
particularly seeks information that would improve the repeatability,
reproducibility, and consumer representativeness of the test
procedures. 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 test procedure(s) 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 ACIM and whether there are any changes
to the Federal test method that would provide additional benefits to
the public. DOE also requests comment on the benefits and burdens of
adopting any industry/voluntary consensus-based or other appropriate
test procedure, without modification. DOE notes that AHRI 810, which
references ASHRAE 29, does not include test specifications that may
impact energy use (e.g., relative humidity) and includes specifications
that may not be representative of field use (e.g., ambient and inlet
water temperature).
Additionally, DOE requests comment on whether the existing test
procedure limits a manufacturer's ability to provide additional
features to consumers on ACIM. 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 ACIM.
III. Submission of Comments
DOE invites all interested parties to submit in writing by April
18, 2019, comments and information on matters addressed in this
document and on other matters relevant to DOE's consideration of
amended test procedures for ACIM. These comments and information will
aid in the development of a test procedure NOPR for ACIM if DOE
determines that amended test procedures may be appropriate for this
equipment.
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
[[Page 9987]]
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 website 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 and energy conservation
standards. DOE actively encourages the participation and interaction of
the public during the comment period in each stage of this process.
Interactions with and between members of the public provide a balanced
discussion of the issues and assist DOE in the process. Anyone who
wishes to be added to the DOE mailing list to receive future notices
and information about this process should contact Appliance and
Equipment Standards Program staff at (202) 287-1445 or by email:
[email protected].
Signed in Washington, DC, on March 7, 2019.
Steven Chalk,
Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency, Energy
Efficiency and Renewable Energy.
[FR Doc. 2019-05131 Filed 3-18-19; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6450-01-P