[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 130 (Monday, July 8, 2019)]
[Notices]
[Pages 32437-32445]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-14462]


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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

[EERE-2019-BT-PET-0019]


Energy Efficiency Program for Industrial Equipment: Petition of 
North Carolina Advanced Energy Corporation Efficiency Verification 
Services for Classification as a Nationally Recognized Certification 
Program for Electric Motors and Small Electric Motors

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

ACTION: Notice of petition and request for public comments.

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SUMMARY: This notice announces receipt of a petition from North 
Carolina Advanced Energy Corporation Efficiency Verification Services 
seeking classification as a nationally recognized certification 
program. The petition, which appears at the end of this notice, 
includes documentation to help substantiate company's position that its 
certification program for electric motors and small electric motors 
satisfies the evaluation criteria for classification as a nationally 
recognized certification program. This notice summarizes the 
substantive aspects of these documents and requests public comments on 
the merits of the petition.

DATES: DOE will accept comments, data, and information with respect to 
the Advanced Energy Petition until August 7, 2019.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments, identified by docket number ``EERE-
2019-BT-PET-0019,'' 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 and/or RIN 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. 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.
    No telefacsimilies (faxes) will be accepted. For detailed 
instructions on submitting written comments and additional information 
on the rulemaking process, see section V of this document (Public 
Participation).
    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) 287-1445. 
If possible, please submit all items on a CD, in which case it is not 
necessary to include printed copies.
    Docket: For access to the docket to review the background documents 
relevant to this matter, you may visit the U.S. Department of Energy, 
950 L'Enfant Plaza SW, Washington, DC 20024; (202) 586-2945, between 
9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. Please call Ms. Brenda Edwards at the above telephone number 
for additional information.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Jeremy Dommu, U.S. Department of 
Energy, Building Technologies Program, EE-5B, 1000 Independence Avenue 
SW, Washington, DC 20585-0121. Telephone: (202) 586-9870. Email: 
[email protected].
    Mr. Michael Kido, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of the General 
Counsel, GC-33, 1000 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20585-0103. 
Telephone: (202) 586-8145. Email: [email protected].
    For further information on how to submit a comment, review other 
public comments and the docket, or to request a public meeting, contact 
the Appliance and Equipment Standards Program staff at (202) 287-1445 
or by email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

I. Background and Authority

    Part C of Title III of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act 
contains energy conservation requirements for, among other things, 
electric motors and small electric motors, including test procedures, 
energy efficiency standards, and compliance certification requirements. 
42 U.S.C. 6311-6316.\1\ Section 345(c) of EPCA directs the Secretary of 
Energy to require manufacturers of electric motors ``to certify through 
an independent testing or certification program nationally recognized 
in the United States, that [each electric motor subject to EPCA 
efficiency standards] meets the applicable standard.'' 42 U.S.C. 
6316(c). The United States Department of Energy (``DOE'' or, in 
context, ``the Department'') codified this requirement at 10 CFR 
431.17(a)(5). DOE also established certain compliance testing 
requirements for manufacturers of small electric motors. 77 FR 26608 
(May 4, 2012) Manufacturers of small electric motors have the option of 
self-certifying the efficiency of their small electric motor using a 
certification program nationally recognized in the U.S to certify the 
efficiency of these motors. (10 CFR 431.445) DOE developed a regulatory 
process for the recognition, and withdrawal of recognition, for 
certification programs nationally recognized in the U.S. The criteria 
and procedures for national recognition of an energy efficiency 
certification program for electric motors are codified at 10 CFR 
431.20--10 CFR 431.21 for electric motors and at 10 CFR 431.447--10 CFR 
431.448 for small electric motors. Each step of the process and 
evaluation criteria are discussed below.
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    \1\ For editorial reasons, upon codification in the U.S. Code, 
Part C was re-designated Part A-1.
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    For a certification program to be classified by DOE as being 
nationally recognized in the United States for the testing and 
certification of electric motors and small electric motors, the 
organization operating the program must submit a petition to the 
Department requesting such classification, in accordance with 
aforementioned sections.

[[Page 32438]]

    For the Department to grant such a petition, the petitioner's 
certification program must:
    (1) Have satisfactory standards and procedures for conducting and 
administering a certification system, and for granting a certificate of 
conformity;
    (2) Be independent of electric motor and small electric motor 
manufacturers (as applicable), importers, distributors, private 
labelers or vendors;
    (3) Be qualified to operate a certification system in a highly 
competent manner; and
    (4) Be expert in the following test procedures and methodologies:
    (a) For electric motors it must be expert in the content and 
application of the test procedures and methodologies in IEEE Std 112-
2004 Test Method B or CSA C390-10. It must have satisfactory criteria 
and procedures for the selection and sampling of electric motors tested 
for energy efficiency. (10 CFR 431.20(b)); and
    (b) For small electric motors it must be expert in the content and 
application of the test procedures and methodologies in IEEE Std 112-
2004 Test Methods A and B, IEEE Std 114-2010, CSA C390-10, and CSA 
C747, or similar procedures and methodologies for determining the 
energy efficiency of small electric motors. It must have satisfactory 
criteria and procedures for the selection and sampling of electric 
motors tested for energy efficiency. (10 CFR 431.447(b))
    The petition requesting classification as a nationally recognized 
certification program must contain a narrative statement explaining why 
the organization meets the above criteria, be accompanied by 
documentation that supports the narrative statement, and be signed by 
an authorized representative. (10 CFR 431.20(c), and 10 CFR 
431.447(c)).

II. Discussion

    Pursuant to sections 431.20, 431.21, 431.447 and 431.448, on 
February 11, 2019, North Carolina Advanced Energy Corporation 
Efficiency Verification Services (``Advanced Energy'') submitted to DOE 
a Petition for Recognition related to the group's motor efficiency 
verification services. That petition, titled, ``Energy Efficiency 
Evaluation of Electric Motors and Small Electric Motors to US 
Department of Energy Regulations as stipulated in 10 CFR part 431, 
subpart B and Subpart X'' (``Petition'' or ``Advanced Energy 
Petition''), was accompanied by a cover letter from Advanced Energy to 
the Department containing four separate sections including individual 
narrative statements--(1) Standards and Procedures, (2) Independent 
Status, (3) Qualification of Advanced Energy to Operate a Certification 
System, and (4) Expertise in Electric Motor Test Procedures. The 
petition included supporting documentation on these subjects. The 
Department is required to publish in the Federal Register such 
petitions for public notice and solicitation of comments, data and 
information as to whether the Petition should be granted. 10 CFR 
431.21(b) and 10 CFR 431.448(b). A copy of Advanced Energy's petition 
and accompanying cover letter have been placed in the docket.
    The Department hereby solicits comments, data and information on 
whether it should grant the Advanced Energy Petition. 10 CFR 431.21(b) 
and 10 CFR 431.448(b). Any person submitting written comments to DOE 
with respect to the Advanced Energy Petition must also, at the same 
time, send a copy of such comments to Advanced Energy. As provided 
under Sec. Sec.  431.21(c) and 431.448(c), Advanced Energy may submit 
to the Department a written response to any such comments. After 
receiving any such comments and responses, the Department will issue an 
interim and then a final determination on the Advanced Energy Petition, 
in accordance with Sec.  431.21(d) and (e), and Sec.  431.448(d) and 
(e) of 10 CFR part 431.
    In particular, the Department is interested in obtaining comments, 
data, and information respecting the following evaluation criteria:
    (1) Whether Advanced Energy has satisfactory standards and 
procedures for conducting and administering a certification system, 
including periodic follow up activities to assure that basic models of 
electric motors and small electric motors continue to conform to the 
efficiency levels for which they were certified, and for granting a 
certificate of conformity. DOE is also interested in obtaining comments 
as to how rigorously Advanced Energy operates its certification system 
under the guidelines contained in ISO/IEC Guide 65, General 
requirements for bodies operating product certification systems.
    (2) Whether Advanced Energy is independent of electric motor and 
small electric motor manufacturers, importers, distributors, private 
labelers or vendors. To meet this requirement, it cannot be affiliated 
with, have financial ties with, be controlled by, or be under common 
control with any such entity.
    (3) Whether Advanced Energy is expert in the content and 
application of the test procedures and methodologies for both electric 
motors and small electric motors. Specifically, for electric motors, 
that Advanced Energy is expert in the content and application of the 
test procedures and methodologies IEEE Std 112-2004 Test Method B or 
CSA C390-10. (See 10 CFR 431.20(c)(4)). And, for small electric motors, 
that Advanced Energy is expert in the content and application of the 
test procedures and methodologies IEEE Std 112-2004, Test Methods A and 
B, IEEE Std 114-2010, CSA C390-10, and CSA C747 and with similar 
procedures and methodologies. (See 10 CFR 431.447(c)(4)).
    (4) DOE is also interested in receiving comments on whether 
Advanced Energy's criteria and procedures are satisfactory for the 
selection and sampling of electric motors and small electric motors 
tested for energy efficiency.

    Signed in Washington, DC, on June 28, 2019.
Alexander N. Fitzsimmons,
Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency, Energy 
Efficiency and Renewable Energy.

Petition for Recognition

Energy Efficiency Evaluation of Electric Motors to United States 
Department of Energy

Requirements as Documented in 10 CFR part 431--Subpart B and Subpart X

State of NORTH CAROLINA

SS: County of WAKE

    Before me, the undersigned notary public, this day, personally, 
appeared Brian Coble to me known, who being duly sworn according to 
law, deposes the following:

/s/ Brian Coble Subscribed and sworn to before me this 12 day of 
February 2019.

/s/ Terri Bowling, Notary Public

Petition for Recognition

Advanced Energy Motor Efficiency Verification Services
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN08JY19.002

Energy Efficiency Evaluation of Electric Motors and Small Electric 
Motors to US Department of Energy Regulations as stipulated in 10 CFR 
431--Subpart B and Subpart X

State:-----------------------------------------------------------------

County:----------------------------------------------------------------

Before me the undersigned notary public, this day personally appeared 
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[[Page 32439]]

___who being duly sworn according to law, deposes the following:

On behalf of Advanced Energy

__________ (Signature of Affiant)

Brian Coble, Senior Vice President
Advanced Energy

Subscribed and sworn to before me this ____ day of ______ 20_

My Commission Expires:-------------------------------------------------

Contents

1. Program Criteria Narrative
2. Standards and procedures for conducting and administering a 
certification system, and for granting a certificate of conformity 
(CONFIDENTIAL)
    2.1 Scope of Covered Products
    2.2 Summary of Elements of the Certification Program
    2.3 Detailed Description of Key Elements of Certification 
Program
    2.3.1 Application (APP)
    2.3.2 Initial Product Evaluation (EVAL)
    2.3.3 Test Facility Evaluation (TFE)
    2.3.4 Sample Selection (SAMP)
    2.3.5 Motor Build Inspection Analysis and Construction 
Evaluation (MBIA)
    2.3.6 Initial Certification Testing (ICT)
    2.3.7 On-Going Production Testing (OGT)
    2.3.8 Follow-Up Visits and Testing (FUV)
    2.3.9 Non-Conformance (NCF)
    2.3.10 File Review (REVIEW)
    2.3.11 Certification Decision (CERT)
3. Qualifications of Advanced Energy to Certify Motors and its 
Expertise in Test Procedures
    3.1 Introduction
    3.2 Summary of Advanced Energy Qualifications
    3.3 Advanced Energy's Experience with Certification Matters
4. Independent Status of Advanced Energy
5. APPENDICES
    5.1 Accreditation Certificate from ANSI
    5.2 Accreditation Certificate from NVLAP
    5.3 Accreditation Certificate from NOM?
    5.4 Form 103

1. Program Criteria Narrative

    This document is a petition for the recognition, by US Department 
of Energy (DOE), of North Carolina Advanced Energy Corporation 
(Advanced Energy) Efficiency Verification Services as a nationally 
recognized certification program for certifying electric motors to the 
DOE standards currently in effect in the United States.
    North Carolina Advanced Energy Corporation (Advanced Energy) has 
been operating as an independent electric motor efficiency testing 
facility since 1989. In 1992 Advanced Energy began working with the 
U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and many other public stakeholders in 
the Notice of Proposed Rule (NOPR) making process for motor efficiency. 
Our test facility provides motor efficiency testing to various 
entities, including subcontractors of DOE, motor manufacturers, motor 
distributors, motor service centers, motor end users, motor inventors 
and others. Advanced Energy has tested thousands of motors for 
efficiency.
    Below is our summarized responses to each of the four DOE 
evaluation criteria. Detailed response can be found in subsequent 
sections of the document.
    (1) It must have satisfactory standards and procedures for 
conducting and administering a certification system, including periodic 
follow up activities to assure that basic models of electric motor 
continue to conform to the efficiency levels for which they were 
certified, and for granting a certificate of conformity.
    Advanced Energy's test lab has been ISO 17025 certified since 1997. 
ISO 17025 ensures our lab strictly follows standards and adheres to 
procedures to ensure quality. Our lab has been audited annually by the 
National Institute of Standards and Technology since 1997. In addition 
our lab is audited for motor efficiency testing by Asociacion Nacional 
de Normalizacion y Certification (ANCE). We have other programs and 
clients in our lab often requiring a review of our records. As a result 
we are expert in how motor labs should be audited for motor efficiency 
testing.
    Advanced Energy's test lab recently added ISO 17065 for electric 
motor efficiency certification by the American National Standards 
Institute (ANSI). ISO 17065 ensures Advanced Energy's has satisfactory 
standards and procedures for conducting and administering a 
certification system. Our processes for motor efficiency certification, 
including periodic follow up activities to assure basic models conform 
to prescribed efficiency levels, are clearly defined in our required 
ANSI scheme. As our ANSI scheme represent our services for motor 
efficiency certification we provide the full scheme in a section marked 
``confidential''. As a result of our ISO 17065 certification we have 
established and registered a mark with the US Patents and Trademark 
Office (mark is noted on the cover page) and we are capable of issuing 
a certificate of conformity for electric motor efficiency.
    Advanced Energy has well established standards and procedures in 
place for administering Certification programs. The company currently 
operates several Certification programs relating to multiple products, 
such as residential affordable homes, HVAC Contractor systems, Solar 
Installations and Electric Motor Repair. These are described under item 
(3) below.
    (2) It must be independent of electric motor manufacturers, 
importers, distributors, private labelers or vendors. It cannot be 
affiliated with, have financial ties with, be controlled by, or be 
under common control with any such entity.
    Advanced Energy is 501 (c) 3 corporation chartered in North 
Carolina by the North Carolina Utilities Commission in 1980, to fulfil 
the mission for which it was established. Our Board of Directors 
comprises public members appointed by the sitting Governor and our 
electric utility members in North Carolina. Advanced Energy is a 
nonprofit energy services and engineering firm working with electric 
utilities, government agencies, public and private organizations to 
provide research, testing, training, consulting and program design 
services in the residential, commercial and industrial sectors markets. 
Our vision is to ensure energy is clean, affordable, reliable, 
efficient, and safe for all people.
    While Advanced Energy regularly tests electric motors and small 
electric motors for all of the client categories noted at the beginning 
of this narrative, Advanced Energy does not have any affiliation, 
financial or otherwise with any of its clients. Advanced Energy is 
solely controlled by its Management and Board of Directors.
    (3) It must be qualified to operate a certification system in a 
highly competent manner.
    Advanced Energy has offered accreditation services to the motor 
repair industry since 2000. Our Proven Efficiency Verification program 
requires site audits of the motor service center and annual testing to 
prove motor repair processes are not degrading efficiency. We are also 
one of four Electrical Apparatus Service Association auditors for the 
EASA Accreditation program for electric motor repair.
    Advanced Energy has operated a HVAC contractor Certification 
program launched in 2012. Our certification services for HVAC 
contractors was developed in response to and as a requirement of the 
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)'s Energy Star New Homes Program--
HQUITO. Our program serves to not only help HVAC contractors become 
Certified in the ENERGY STAR program, but also supports their growth 
and success with technical assistance and best-in-class training and 
resources.
    SystemVision\TM\ is an Advanced Energy Certification Program for 
affordable homes whereby homes that are built to Advanced Energy's 
specifications are guaranteed a specific heating and cooling energy 
consumption at a specified comfort

[[Page 32440]]

level. SystemVision\TM\ Certified homes that have their heating and 
cooling expenditure above the pre-set threshold are reimbursed by the 
program. Advanced Energy provides the training and technical support 
that helps affordable housing market players in the design, 
construction and certification of energy-efficient affordable homes. 
The SystemVision\TM\ homes are reputed to contribute to improved 
health, safety, durability, comfort and energy efficiency in the state 
of North Carolina.
    (4) It must be expert in the content and application of the test 
procedures and methodologies in IEEE Std. 112-2004 Test Method B or CSA 
C390-10, (incorporated by reference, see Sec.  431.15). It must have 
satisfactory criteria and procedures for the selection and sampling of 
electric motors tested for energy efficiency
    Advanced Energy Motor Engineers actively participate in motor and 
drive test standard development with IEEE, CSA, and IEC. We not only 
conduct these tests daily, our staff contributes to the development of 
these standards and others recognized in 10 CFR 431.15 including IEEE 
114, IEEE 112 Method A, IEC 60034-2-1, IEC 61800-9-2 and many others. 
Our many years of experience operating our ISO 17025 test lab, 
participating on standard setting committees, and participation in 
DOE's NOPR process make us experts in the content and application of 
all prescribed test procedures and methodologies incorporated in 10 CFR 
part 431.15.
    Advanced Energy utilizes a simple random number generator process 
for test sample selection when advising clients requiring random model 
selection. In addition we test drives for the Air Condition Heating and 
Refrigeration Institute's (AHRI) variable frequency drive certification 
program, partnering with Underwriters Laboratories (UL), where samples 
are selected at sites randomly and shipped to our lab for testing.

2. Standards and procedures for conducting and administering a 
certification system, and for granting a certificate of conformity 
(CONFIDENTIAL)

2.1 Scope of Covered Products

    DOE's Energy Efficiency Regulations cover certain electric motors 
and small motors.

Electric motors manufactured and distributed in commerce, as defined by 
42 U.S.C. 6311(7), must meet the energy conservation standards 
specified in the Code of Federal Regulations at 10 CFR 431.25 through 
431.26
Small electric motors manufactured and distributed in commerce, as 
defined by 42 U.S.C. 6291(16), must meet the energy conservation 
standards specified in the Code of Federal Regulations at 10 CFR 
431.446 through 431.448

    Detailed provisions are available in the following references:

Electric Motors: https://www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/appliance_standards/standards.aspx?productid=6&action=viewlive
Small Motors: https://www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/appliance_standards/standards.aspx?productid=7
Electronic Code of Federal Regulations: https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/retrieveECFR?n=pt10.3.431

2.2 Summary of Elements of the Certification Program

    The following is a brief overview of the major elements of Advanced 
Energy's (AE) Motor Energy Efficiency Certification Service used for 
qualifying manufacturers' motors. Detailed descriptions of the items 
below are provided in section 2.3.
Application
    Customer requests motor energy efficiency certification service 
through an application. The application is evaluated. A Motor 
Efficiency Verification Services Agreement shall be executed by both 
sides.
Initial Product Evaluation
    At this stage the Applicant's product is evaluated. The AE staff 
requests pertinent information to that will be required in order to 
properly evaluate the product for compliance. The AE personnel will 
request all data that will help to properly evaluate the product 
including information about the manufacturer's production and test 
facilities used to manufacture and characterize the product.
Test Facility Evaluation
    A client utilizing AE's certification services for motor efficiency 
may or may not utilize AEs lab for testing. For the purposes of 
ensuring that test facilities meet the highest standard required to 
ensure confidence in test result, all test facilities will be evaluated 
by Advanced Energy for conformance to ISO/IEC 17025 Standard (see 
details in Section 3 (TFE)).
Sample Selection
    Manufacturer would provide to AE, a list of all covered motors that 
it manufacturers. Representative samples from the manufacturer's 
production line or stock are selected by AE's engineering staff for 
testing subsequent to evaluation and certification (see below).
Motor Build and Construction Evaluation
    While sample testing provides a good indication of performance of 
samples at a point in time, Advanced Energy is capable of 
comprehensively evaluating the physical product to assess the 
manufacturer's design and construction philosophy in general and to a 
lesser extent, consistency between the electromagnetic design and test 
results. The manufacturer's motor design and construction will be 
evaluated to identify the critical design decisions and construction 
features that would affect its energy efficiency performance.
Initial Certification Testing
    The samples selected per DOE sampling guidelines will be tested in 
an approved facility according to DOE test procedures and the results 
are evaluated in order to determine compliance.
On-Going Production Testing
    After the initial certification, ongoing production testing will be 
required for continued compliance verification. Manufacturers will test 
samples of their products as part of their ongoing production 
procedures to determine continued compliance with the energy efficiency 
requirements. The results of the ongoing tests will be reviewed by AE.
Follow-Up Visits and Testing
    AE staff would reserve the right to conduct follow up visits to 
manufacturer's facilities for random inspections to check compliance of 
production issues or test lab's ability to perform accurate testing of 
products.
Non-Conformance
    For non-conforming test results found during testing at the 
manufacturer's own or other qualified test facilities, or any other 
forms of non-conformance Advanced Energy will apply its procedures to 
resolve the non-conformity of the applicant.
File Review
    A Reviewer shall be appointed to review the work of the Evaluator. 
This is a critical step that precedes the Certification decision. In 
line with the ISO/IEC 17065 Guidelines, the Evaluator shall not serve 
as the Reviewer.
Certification Decision
    Certification decision shall follow Evaluation and Review. After

[[Page 32441]]

determination that the motors meet the applicable standards, through 
the key activities of the preceding steps, the applicant is formally 
notified that the energy efficiency of their motors is duly verified 
and in compliance and is issued a Certificate of Conformity by AE.
Follow Up Service (FUS) Agreement
    Advanced Energy and the manufacturer or Applicant will enter into a 
follow-up services agreement in conformity to ISO/IEC 17065.

2.3 Detailed Description of Key Elements of Certification Program

2.3.1 Application (APP)

    The customer applies for motor energy efficiency verification and 
certification service. The application is made available to download 
online at the Advanced Energy website. Upon receipt of the application, 
AE will assign a qualified staff member to be responsible for handling 
the project. A Motor Efficiency Verification Services Agreement (also 
known as ``Advanced Energy Motor Efficiency Certification Services--
Terms of Service'') shall be sent to the customer and shall be executed 
by both sides. A project initiation checklist (Form 101) shall be 
invoked after the execution of the necessary agreements. The assigned 
staff member will also serve as the Evaluator and proceed with the 
initial product evaluation steps and other subsequent steps as laid out 
below. At the time of appointment of an Evaluator, a File Reviewer will 
be designated. The Evaluator and File Reviewer shall NOT be the same 
person.

2.3.2 Initial Product Evaluation (EVAL)

    As part of the Initial Product Evaluation, the following 
information is obtained by the Evaluator prior to and/or during the 
initial visit (if required) to the manufacturer's or applicant's 
facilities for the purposes of the test facility evaluation step 
(discussed below):
    (a) Description of the products being submitted by basic 
specification such as type, brand name, model designations or model 
number, frame, poles or speed, rated voltage, phase, efficiency and any 
other pertinent information specific to the products.
    (b) Design data and Alternative Efficiency Determination data and 
description of AEDM methods.
    (c) Test data and information on energy consumption, and product 
test methods applied, test conditions, test reports, declaration and 
proof that the tests for the products being submitted were conducted in 
accordance with the applicable DOE test standards and information on 
the test facilities used to obtain the test data.
    (d) Description of test facility, list of major equipment and test 
facility layout such as power supply, autotransformer, loading device, 
ambient control; list of instrumentation and calibration records and 
practices, measurement accuracy of instruments used in making 
measurements; with particular emphasis on torque, speed, electrical 
power, temperature instrumentation, and Accreditation if applicable.
    (e) Information on the product design and construction, including 
the critical product features which would affect product energy 
efficiency performance. Information on quality control practices and 
parameters which must be controlled by the manufacturer in order to 
maintain a consistent product performance.

2.3.3 Test Facility Evaluation (TFE)

    Advanced Energy Motor Efficiency Certification Service may use AE's 
lab, manufacturers' lab or other test facilities approved by AE for 
conducting testing (lab selection process is done using Form 103 Flow 
Chart).
    The use of a manufacturer's test facility or other facility to 
conduct testing upon which Advanced Energy Motor Efficiency 
Certification service can be based, is contingent upon an evaluation 
conducted by Advanced Energy of the test facilities, equipment and 
competence of personnel conducting the testing and overall competency 
and capability of the facility to test motors to applicable DOE test 
procedures while complying with requirements of ISO/IEC 17025. The test 
facility used for conducting the tests shall be either ISO/IEC 17025 
accredited or shall be evaluated for conformance to ISO/IEC 17025 
standard by Advanced Energy using NIST Handbook 150 checklist and NIST 
Handbook 150-10 Checklist. The Evaluator shall follow Advanced Energy's 
Form 103 flow chart for determining the test facility where testing can 
be conducted for Certification purposes.
    Advanced Energy's evaluation of test facility (or Facility 
Evaluation) may include at least two of the following:

 Lab document and management system review
 Site visit for lab audit and witness testing
 Inter-lab test comparison
 Annual re-verification

    The initial lab document review of test facility may include but 
not limited to, review of documents pertaining to equipment 
(specifications), calibration records, test lab layout, wiring and 
specifications, equipment accuracy and tolerances, past test reports, 
operating manuals, and quality system.
    If a site visit is required as part of the Facility evaluation, it 
will involve Advanced Energy visiting the Client's lab to witness 
physical resources of the facility, general lab practices, the lab 
setup and equipment, calibration practices and calibration records, 
operational practices, setup and testing of motors (used to further 
evaluate the equipment), documentation and control of data, processing 
of test data, calculations and general assessment of engineering 
competence of lab staff. It is expected during this trip that data from 
benchmark motors tested in the Client's lab in the presence of Advanced 
Energy will be subjected to calculation of efficiency by both the lab 
and simultaneously and independently by AE. The results of this 
calculation comparison on same set of motors will highlight areas, if 
any, that needs attention in the Client's lab. During this visit the 
detailed evaluation of the calibration procedures and techniques are 
performed that are critical to obtaining the required accuracy of +\-
0.2%. Advanced Energy staff will use personal observation and face to 
face communication during the visit to ensure that the Client's lab is 
suited to perform efficiency testing accurately.
    If inter-lab testing is required as part of the Facility 
evaluation, AE will require the Client to supply three motors for 
comparison (benchmark) testing to be shipped to Advanced Energy's lab 
for testing. These same motors will be shipped back to the Client's 
facility for subsequent testing and the inter-lab results will be 
compared. Advanced Energy will specify the three motors based on the 
equipment list (dynamometers sizes and ranges) such that all equipment 
is evaluated equally. Benchmarking test results between Advanced 
Energy's NVLAP accredited lab and Client's lab will provide a strong 
indication of the relative accuracy of the Client's lab and can be used 
as a guide for lab evaluation.
    If an annual reverification is included as part of the Client 
Facility evaluation it will take the form of one or more of the 
following: subsequent site visit, lab document review, inter-lab test 
comparison, as previously described.

2.3.4 Sample Selection (SAMP)

    Manufacturer would provide a list of all covered motors that it 
manufacturers to AE. Representative samples from the manufacturer's 
production line or stock are selected by AE's engineering staff for

[[Page 32442]]

testing, subsequent to evaluation and certification. The main objective 
in sampling is to ensure that the motors meet the applicable energy 
efficiency standard with high confidence while reducing testing burden. 
The sampling plan that is adopted by AE shall follow the requirements 
of 10 CFR part 431 and statutory revisions applicable at the time of 
application.
    From Advanced Energy's experience, most manufacturers use an 
Alternative Efficiency Determination Method (AEDM) for larger 
populations of covered product. If the manufacturer uses an AEDM, 
information of the AEDM would be submitted and evaluated at the initial 
product evaluation stage (EVAL). AEDM information shall again be 
reviewed during sample selection. Following 10 CFR 431, there shall be 
5 samples of no fewer than 5 motors (25 motors) tested and the 
efficiency results compared with the AEDM predicted values according to 
the regulations.
    The factors to consider, including two of the basic models among 
the five basic models, being with the highest unit volumes of 
production in the prior year, and basic models being of different 
horsepower and frame numbers without duplication, and all other sample 
criteria shall be followed strictly.

2.3.5 Motor Build Inspection Analysis and Construction Evaluation 
(MBIA)

    The manufacturer's motor design and construction is evaluated to 
identify the critical design decisions and construction features that 
would affect its energy efficiency performance. Advanced Energy has 
significant experience in this area. During MBIAs, AE obtains sample 
motors from the customer and tears them down and measures and analyzes 
critical motor dimensions, such as active stack length, air gap, 
lamination thickness, and bearings specifications. The analysis results 
in a detailed report with photographs and data tables. The MBIA is non-
destructive and motors are reassembled to their original as received 
condition. In addition to the evaluation of motor design and build, the 
manufacturer's factory quality assurance procedures in certain areas 
that affect the key performance indicators for energy efficiency will 
be reviewed. The manufacturer's in-process testing during production 
runs will also be reviewed.

2.3.6 Initial Certification Testing (ICT)

    The samples selected shall be tested according to 10 CFR part 431 
and the test results shall be processed in order to determine 
compliance.
    Prior to ICT, Advanced Energy would have already evaluated and 
qualified a test facility that would be used to obtain the test data. 
The qualification would ensure that the lab is capable of performing 
testing according to DOE's test procedures. The test facility shall 
maintain the most up-to-date data processing sheets to perform tests 
according to the relevant standards such as IEEE 112, IEEE 114, CSA 
C390, and CSA C747.
    Advanced Energy reserve the right to request raw data for any 
selected basic model(s) and process same, using data processing sheet 
of its own laboratory in order to check the work of the test facility.
    The test data and full load efficiency of the sample set shall be 
processed in accordance with 10 CFR 431. Non-conformance of test 
results for the ICT would be addressed in accordance with 10 CFR431 and 
in line with Advanced Energy guidelines.

2.3.7 On-Going Production Testing (OGT)

    On-going production testing will be required for continued 
compliance verification. These will be carried out in the same 
facilities as the ICT or in an approved facility. Manufacturers will 
test samples of their products as part of their ongoing production 
procedures to determine continued compliance with the energy efficiency 
requirements.
    The on-going production testing shall include an AEDM subsequent 
verification. Statistically valid samples of the manufacturer's 
production shall be selected for the subsequent verification of the 
AEDM, in line with 10 CFR 431.
    The process for review of results of the ongoing tests by AE will 
be in similar fashion as the review of the ICT test results.

2.3.8 Follow-Up Visits and Testing (FUV)

    Advanced Energy considers it an important goal that manufacturers 
using its Certification Services do not relent in their efforts to 
ensure that their products meet compliance requirements on an on-going 
basis. In order to meet this goal, Advanced Energy would reserve the 
right to conduct follow-up visits for inspections to check compliance 
of production issues or test facility's ability to perform accurate 
testing of products.
    One visit may be conducted to a manufacturer's facility each year 
to observe that the manufacturers' production and control practices are 
consistent with Advanced Energy's expectations and. During this visit, 
samples of the product shall also be selected by the Advanced Energy 
staff representative and tested by the manufacturer for verification. 
Data processing shall follow similar practices as ICT and the test 
results are compared to the AEDM generated values. The manufacturer may 
use the reported data to meet the requirements of the AEDM subsequent 
verification.

2.3.9 Non-Conformance (NCF)

    For non-conforming test results found during testing at an approved 
test facility, or any other forms of non-conformance, including any 
violation or not meeting the conditions of certification, Advanced 
Energy shall inform the client of the nonconformities. Advanced Energy 
shall provide information regarding additional evaluation tasks that 
are needed to verify that all nonconformities have been corrected. If 
the client agrees to completion of the additional evaluation tasks, the 
process of EVAL shall be repeated to complete the additional evaluation 
tasks. The results of all evaluation activities shall be documented for 
the purposes of the file REVIEW step.
    All such non-conformities will be addressed on a case by case 
basis. Options available include but not limited to:
    (a) Remove the non-conforming products from consideration
    (b) perform comprehensive analysis to determine the cause of non-
conformance, determine remedies, evaluate effectiveness of remedies, 
subject to re-evaluation.

2.3.10 File Review (REVIEW)

    This is a critical step that precedes the Certification decision 
and it is meant to ensure that all the important preceding steps and 
requirements are met during the Evaluation of the products for 
Certification. An Advanced Energy staff member shall be appointed as a 
Reviewer to review the work of the Evaluator and to determine if the 
necessary provisions of ISO/IEC 17065 are followed. In line with the 
procedures, the Evaluator shall not serve as the Reviewer.
    The outcome of the REVIEW is a recommendation. The recommendation 
may identify a non-conformity that had been a result of oversight at 
the EVAL stage or may have occurred during the period between the EVAL 
and REVIEW. Recommendation may also be for a Certification decision. 
All recommendations based on the REVIEW shall be documented. It is 
acceptable for the review and the certification decision

[[Page 32443]]

to be completed concurrently by the same AE Staff Member.

2.3.11 Certification Decision (CERT)

    The project for certifying motors, following the application to 
Advanced Energy, Evaluation, Assessment and Qualification of test 
facility, testing to DOE Standards, Review and Processing of Data, File 
Review and Recommendation for Approval concludes with the issuance of a 
Certificate of Conformity by Advanced Energy and subsequent issuance of 
a Compliance Certificate number by the US Department of Energy. The 
designated AE staff member responsible for the Certification decision 
will also be responsible for ensuring that Follow-up surveillance 
activities are in place.

2.3.12 Follow-Up Service (FUS) Agreement

    Advanced Energy and the Applicant will enter into a follow-up 
services agreement. The FUS agreement defines the conditions for 
maintaining certification such as access to manufacturing sites, 
records, follow-up inspections, product re-testing and AEDM Subsequent 
Verification.

3. Qualifications of Advanced Energy To Certify Motors and Its 
Expertise in Test Procedures

3.1 Introduction

    In 1997, Advanced Energy's motor testing lab became the first motor 
lab in the world to be accredited for motor efficiency testing by the 
National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), under the 
National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP Code: 
200081-0). It remains the only independent motor lab in North America 
to hold this accreditation which makes it uniquely qualified to help 
evaluate and validate motors, drives and related products.
    Energy efficiency testing is what Advanced Energy is known for 
globally. Through the testing services of Advanced Energy, several 
motor manufacturers around the globe have been certified to U.S. 
Department of Energy (DOE) requirements for motor efficiency through 
self-certification. Our testing capabilities apply to a wide variety of 
international standards and our knowledge and reputation for accuracy 
has helped Advanced Energy to gain the trust of motor manufacturers and 
users worldwide, and has enabled us to help manufacturers and users to 
validate performance claims and to achieve compliance with US DOE 
regulations and government regulations in other jurisdictions.
    Specifically, with regard to electric motors (and drives), Advanced 
Energy's past activities include:

 Testing to US Department of Energy (USDOE) requirements
 Testing to Natural Resources of Canada (NRCan) requirements
 Testing to IEEE Standards and other International standards
 Testing to International Electro technical Commission (IEC) 
requirements
 Testing to NOM (Mexico) Standards and requirements
 Testing to AHRI standards
 Engineering Services to Develop Electric Motor Labs around the 
world
 Certification of motor energy efficiency and performance for 
global R&D Companies, inventers and product developers
 Engineering Services for Motor Designers and Application 
Customers
 Performance of Motor Build and Inspection Analysis (MBIA)
 Development of Technical Standards for Motor Testing
 Applied Research on Motor Design, Application and Testing
 Research in collaboration with utilities on the effect of 
electric power quality and smart grid on electric motors
 Reliability testing of Motors for OEM Equipment

    The bulk of Advanced Energy motors related work is carried out in 
its state-of-the-art motor test laboratory. The laboratory has 
maintained an ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation since 1997 through NIST/
NVLAP. The lab has also maintained a NOM designation through ANCE, the 
first laboratory outside Mexico to gain such designation. From 2010 to 
2014 the laboratory participated in UL's data acceptance program and 
has worked closely with UL to test motors intended for certification 
for UL clients. The laboratory has also in the past assisted CSA to 
certify motors for its clients, following a witness by CSA staff.
    Advanced Energy's Motor Efficiency Verification Services program is 
an ISO/IEC Guide 17065 compliant program that is subjected to ANSI 
accreditation as evidenced by the issuance of accreditation by this 
august body (see Appendix).
    The certification of motors under AE's Motor Energy Efficiency 
Certification Service is based upon the satisfactory evaluation and 
testing to the requirements of the applicable US DOE standards in 
effect in an approved test facility, which is either the AE test 
facility, the client's facilities or other facility approved by 
Advanced Energy.

3.2 Summary of Advanced Energy Qualifications

    (a) Advanced Energy's credentials in the motor efficiency field is 
unmatched. The company has been testing motors since 1989 and has 
operated an independent test lab since that time. The lab has helped 
motor manufacturers, OEMs, utilities and industrial customers since 
1989. A Motors and Drives group's history and summary of milestones of 
the can be found at: https://www.advancedenergy.org/portal/mad/images/pdf_documents/Motor_History_Timeline_2014.pdf.
    (b) Advanced Energy has maintained an ISO/IEC 17025 based 
accreditation with NVLAP/NIST for the past 20 years. AE is familiar 
with running and operating a quality system. Advanced Energy has 
achieved ISO/IEC 17065 product certification accreditation with ANSI 
and plans to maintain this accreditation on an ongoing basis. With the 
company's strong knowledge of motors, motor testing and DOE rules on 
which the Certification is based, Advanced Energy is capable of 
operating a program for certifying electric motors and small electric 
motors in a highly competent manner.
    (c) Advanced Energy has been involved in DOE rulemaking process 
since 1992 and has extensive knowledge of the regulations. The company 
has actively participated in DOE public meetings for the rule making 
process and has contributed white papers and comments to guide the 
process since 1992. Several comments provided by Advanced Energy for 
the small motors and electric motors rule making are often referenced 
in the Code of Federal Regulations publications.
    (d) Advanced Energy's motor test lab is globally recognized for its 
accuracy in applying the IEEE 112, CSA C390, IEEE 114 and CSA C747 
standard that are required for certifying motors. Advanced Energy's lab 
has served as a benchmark laboratory for other laboratories to evaluate 
their own performance. In this regard, Advanced Energy's test results 
was used as the standard to judge other labs' performance. Advanced 
Energy has also provided engineering services to several other labs 
around the world to enable them achieve ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation 
from NVLAP.
    (e) Advanced Energy has contributed expertise in developing the 
applicable test standards required for the motor tests and is well 
familiar with these standards. Advanced Energy staff have been involved 
in various capacities to

[[Page 32444]]

develop the IEEE and CSA motor efficiency test standards.
    (f) Advanced Energy staff members frequently serve as subject 
matter expertise on motors in several national and international 
forums. Staff members make presentations and conduct several trainings 
yearly on motor basics and applications to industry and utility 
customers. Staff members also write and present technical papers in 
scientific settings and in industry and trade publications of the 
electric motor industry.
    (g) Advanced Energy is independent and does not have or maintain 
any relationship, direct or indirect, with any electric motor 
manufacturer, importer, distributor, or any other related entity that 
might pose a conflict of interest in any way shape or form. The Company 
similarly does not have any relationship with the US Department of 
Energy that might hinder its ability to serve as an independently 
recognized national certification program for operating a certification 
system for certifying the efficiency and compliance of electric motors 
and small electric motors with the applicable energy efficiency 
standards.
    (h) Advanced Energy has developed extensive measures to ensure 
impartiality, through various checks at every stage of a given project.

3.3 Advanced Energy's Experience With Certification Matters

    (1) Advanced Energy has significant experience with certification 
matters. Since 2000, Advanced Energy currently operates its own Quality 
Assurance Program for Motor Repair Centers. This national program, 
known as Proven Efficiency Verification program, conducts audits of 
motor repair centers, including before and after testing and issues 
Motor Repair Centers that have met the requirements a Certificate that 
is renewed every year. Launched in 1999, the PEV program precedes a 
similar program started in 2014 by the Electrical Apparatus Serves 
Association, the trade association for Motor Repair Centers. Advanced 
Energy was consequently selected as one of the approved Auditors for 
the EASA program.
    (2) Advanced Energy runs a certification program in the residential 
housing market called SystemVision\TM\. SystemVision\TM\ is an Advanced 
Energy Certification Program for affordable homes whereby homes that 
are built to Advanced Energy's specifications are guaranteed a specific 
heating and cooling energy consumption at a specified comfort level. 
SystemVision\TM\ Certified homes that have their heating and cooling 
expenditure above the threshold are reimbursed by the program. Advanced 
Energy provides the training and technical support that helps 
affordable housing market players in the design, construction and 
certification of energy-efficient affordable homes. The 
SystemVision\TM\ homes are reputed to contribute to improved health, 
safety, durability, comfort and energy efficiency in the state of North 
Carolina. For the last 17 years the Certification Program has been 
guaranteeing the heating and cooling bills as well as homeowner comfort 
for the residential new construction, affordable housing market in the 
State. For more information visit: https://www.advancedenergy.org/portal/systemvision/.
    (3) Advanced Energy has operated a HVAC contractor Certification 
program, launched in 2012. Advanced Energy's certification services for 
HVAC contractors was developed in response to and as a requirement of 
the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)'s Energy Star New Homes 
Program--HQUITO. Our program serves to not only help HVAC contractors 
become certified in the ENERGY STAR program, but to also support their 
growth and success with technical assistance and best-in-class training 
and resources. More information at: https://www.advancedenergy.org/portal/hvac/.
    (4) Advanced Energy is the only organization in North Carolina 
selected by the utilities to certify solar installations for 
commissioning onto the grid. This activity comprises going on site to 
inspect installations to ensure that they meet the Duke Energy design 
codes as well as related UL and IEEE standards.

4. Independent Status of Advanced Energy

    Advanced Energy is an independent organization, chartered by the 
North Carolina Utilities Commission to fulfill the mission for which it 
was setup. Advanced Energy is a nonprofit energy services and 
engineering firm working with electric utilities, government agencies, 
public and private organizations to provide research, testing, 
training, consulting and program design services in the residential, 
commercial and industrial sectors markets.
    Advanced Energy's delivery team is organized into the following 
business divisions--Building Science, Energy Efficiency Services, 
Transportation Services, Solar, and Motors and Drives. The company does 
business in those key markets.
    As noted above in section 1 (Program Criteria Narrative) Advanced 
Energy does have clients including electric motor manufacturers, 
importers, distributors, private labelers, vendors, trade associations 
and others that utilize our lab for testing and pay us for those 
services. In all cases we perform testing to prescribed standards and 
offer test results. We do not offer advice or consultation in motor 
design or motor efficiency improvement. There are consultants in the 
motor industry that do that and many of them utilize our lab as new 
electric motor products are developed. In these cases Advanced Energy's 
accuracy and repeatability in motor testing is valued and used by 
others to improve products. Other clients use our test data to improve 
their products at times but they do that solely on their own with 
nothing further than test data offered from Advanced Energy. For motor 
efficiency certification clients either pass or fail the test and it is 
solely up to them to determine next steps.
    We also tear motors down documenting findings providing reports of 
all observations and a comment on the overall quality of construction. 
We have done this for costing purposes too with DOE subcontractors 
seeking to define the cost of materials required to achieve prescribed 
efficiency levels in the DOE rules. Providing test data and observation 
reports to our clients for compensation may appear to some to 
constitute a conflict. We assert all other approved DOE third parties 
certification programs for motor efficiency offer similar test services 
to their clients and that by doing so we are all expert in 
certification processes as required by the DOE program criteria.
    We assert that Advanced Energy does not have affiliation, financial 
or otherwise with any motor manufacturer or any of the client 
categories mentioned above. Neither is the company controlled by any 
other entity than its Management and Board of Directors, appointed by 
the sitting Governor of North Carolina.
    Further we assert Advanced Energy has no conflict of interest with 
any of its clients with respect to operating a nationally recognized 
motor certification program.

5. Appendices 2
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \2\ Attachments and data submitted by Advanced Energy with its 
petition for rulemaking are available in the docket at http://www.regulations.gov.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

5.1 Accreditation Certificate From ANSI

(attached)

[[Page 32445]]

5.2 Accreditation Certificate From NVLAP

(attached)

5.3 Accreditation Certificate From NOM?

(attached)

5.4 Form 103

(attached)

5.5 MBIA

(attached)

[FR Doc. 2019-14462 Filed 7-5-19; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 6450-01-P