[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 86 (Monday, May 4, 2020)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 26369-26374]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-08852]
========================================================================
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.
========================================================================
Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 86 / Monday, May 4, 2020 / Proposed
Rules
[[Page 26369]]
DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
10 CFR Part 430
[EERE-2020-BT-TP-0012]
Energy Conservation Program: Test Procedure for Battery Chargers
AGENCY: Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Department of
Energy.
ACTION: Request for information.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
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 battery chargers. As
part of this request, DOE seeks comment and data on whether there have
been changes in product testing methodology or new products on the
market since the last test procedure update that may necessitate
amending the test procedure for battery chargers. To inform interested
parties and to facilitate this process, DOE has also gathered data,
identifying several issues described in detail in this document that
are associated with the currently applicable test procedures on which
DOE is interested in receiving comment. DOE welcomes written comments
from the public on any subject within the scope of this document
(including topics not raised in this request), as well as the
submission of data and other relevant information.
DATES: Written comments and information will be accepted on or before
June 3, 2020.
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-2020-BT-
TP-0012, 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-2020-BT-TP-0012 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. Telephone: (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 for this activity, which includes Federal
Register notices, comments, and other supporting documents/materials,
is available for review at http://www.regulations.gov. All documents in
the docket are listed in the http://www.regulations.gov index. However,
some documents listed in the index, such as those containing
information that is exempt from public disclosure, may not be publicly
available.
The docket web page can be found at http://www.regulations.gov/docket?D=EERE-2020-BT-TP-0012. The docket web page contains
instructions on how to access all documents, including public comments,
in the docket. See section III for information on how to submit
comments through http://www.regulations.gov.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Mr. Jeremy Dommu, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy
Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Building Technologies Office, EE-2J,
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 20585-0121.
Telephone: (202) 586-8145. 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 Definitions
1. Battery Chargers
2. Wireless Chargers
B. Test Procedure
1. Battery Chargers Requiring External Low Voltage Power
2. End of Discharge Voltage
3. Battery Charger Usage Profile
4. Battery Selection
C. Other Test Procedure Topics
1. Test Procedure Waivers
2. Other Topics
III. Submission of Comments
I. Introduction
Battery chargers are included among the consumer products and
industrial equipment for which the U.S. Department of Energy (``DOE'')
is authorized to establish and amend test procedures and energy
conservation standards. (42 U.S.C. 6295(u)) DOE's test procedures for
battery chargers are prescribed at title 10 of the Code of Federal
Regulations (``CFR'') part 430, subpart B, appendix Y, Uniform Test
Method for Measuring the Energy Consumption of Battery Chargers
(``Appendix Y''). The following sections discuss DOE's authority to
establish and amend test procedures for battery chargers, as well as
relevant background information regarding DOE's consideration of test
procedures for this product.
A. Authority and Background
The Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975, as amended
(``EPCA''), \1\ authorizes, among other things, DOE to regulate the
energy efficiency of a
[[Page 26370]]
number of consumer products and certain industrial equipment. (42
U.S.C. 6291-6317) Title III, Part B \2\ of EPCA established the Energy
Conservation Program for Consumer Products Other Than Automobiles,
which sets forth a variety of provisions designed to improve energy
efficiency. These products include battery chargers, the subject of
this Request for Information (``RFI''). (42 U.S.C. 6295(u))
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\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 B was redesignated Part A.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
The energy conservation program under EPCA consists essentially of
four parts: (1) Testing, (2) labeling, (3) Federal energy conservation
standards, and (4) certification and enforcement procedures. Relevant
provisions of EPCA specifically include definitions (42 U.S.C. 6291),
test procedures (42 U.S.C. 6293), labeling provisions (42 U.S.C. 6294),
energy conservation standards (42 U.S.C. 6295), and the authority to
require information and reports from manufacturers (42 U.S.C. 6296).
Federal energy efficiency requirements for covered products
established under EPCA generally supersede State laws and regulations
concerning energy conservation testing, labeling, and standards. (42
U.S.C. 6297) DOE may, however, grant waivers of Federal preemption for
particular State laws or regulations, in accordance with the procedures
and other provisions of EPCA. (42 U.S.C. 6297(d))
The Federal testing requirements consist of test procedures that
manufacturers of covered products must use as the basis for: (1)
Certifying to DOE that their products comply with the applicable energy
conservation standards adopted pursuant to EPCA (42 U.S.C. 6295(s)),
and (2) making representations about the efficiency of those consumer
products (42 U.S.C. 6293(c)). Similarly, DOE must use these test
procedures to determine whether the products comply with relevant
standards promulgated under EPCA. (42 U.S.C. 6295(s))
Under 42 U.S.C. 6293, EPCA sets forth the criteria and procedures
DOE must follow when prescribing or amending test procedures for
covered products. EPCA requires that any test procedures prescribed or
amended under this section be reasonably designed to produce test
results which measure energy efficiency, energy use or estimated annual
operating cost of a covered product during a representative average use
cycle or period of use and not be unduly burdensome to conduct. (42
U.S.C. 6293(b)(3))
In addition, EPCA requires that DOE amend its test procedures for
all covered products to integrate measures of standby mode and off mode
energy consumption into the overall energy efficiency, energy
consumption, or other energy descriptor, taking into consideration the
most current versions of Standards 62301 and 62087 of the International
Electrotechnical Commission (``IEC''), unless the current test
procedure already incorporates the standby mode and off mode energy
consumption, or if such integration is technically infeasible. (42
U.S.C. 6295(gg)(2)(A)) If an integrated test procedure is technically
infeasible, DOE must prescribe separate standby mode and off mode
energy use test procedures for the covered product, if a separate test
is technically feasible. (Id.)
EPCA also requires that, at least once every 7 years, DOE evaluate
test procedures for each type of covered product, including battery
chargers, to determine whether amended test procedures would more
accurately or fully comply with the requirements for the test
procedures to not be unduly burdensome to conduct and be reasonably
designed to produce test results that reflect energy efficiency, energy
use, and estimated operating costs during a representative average use
cycle or period of use. (42 U.S.C. 6293(b)(1)(A)) If the Secretary
determines, on his own behalf or in response to a petition by any
interested person, that a test procedure should be prescribed or
amended, the Secretary shall promptly publish in the Federal Register
proposed test procedures and afford interested persons an opportunity
to present oral and written data, views, and arguments with respect to
such procedures. The comment period on a proposed rule to amend a test
procedure shall be at least 60 days and may not exceed 270 days. In
prescribing or amending a test procedure, the Secretary shall take into
account such information as the Secretary determines relevant to such
procedure, including technological developments relating to energy use
or energy efficiency of the type (or class) of covered products
involved. (42 U.S.C. 6293(b)(2)). 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. 6293(b)(1)(A))
B. Rulemaking History
On December 8, 2006, in response to amendments to EPCA made by the
Energy Policy Act of 2005 (Pub. L. 109-58 (August 8, 2005)) DOE
published a final rule that prescribed test procedures for a variety of
products. 71 FR 71340 (``December 2006 Final Rule''). As part of the
December 2006 Final Rule, DOE established definitions and test
procedures for battery chargers. Id.
On March 27, 2009, DOE published a final rule incorporating standby
and off mode measurements into the DOE test procedures for battery
chargers. 74 FR 13318, 13334-13336. On June 1, 2011, DOE published a
final rule that again amended the test procedures for battery chargers
by inserting a new test procedure to measure the energy consumption of
battery chargers in active mode to assist in the development of energy
conservation standards and amending the battery charger test procedure
to decrease the testing time of battery chargers in standby and off
modes. 76 FR 31750 (``June 2011 Final Rule'').
DOE again amended the battery charger test procedures in a final
rule published on May 20, 2016. 81 FR 31827 (``May 2016 Final Rule'').
The May 2016 Final Rule harmonized the battery charger test procedure
with the latest version of the IEC 62301 standard by providing specific
resolution and measurement tolerances; amended the battery selection
criteria for multi-voltage and multi-capacity battery chargers to limit
the number of batteries selected for testing to one; defined and
excluded backup battery chargers embedded in continuous use devices
from being required to be tested under the battery charger test
procedure; allowed lead acid batteries to be conditioned prior to
testing; added product-specific certification reporting requirements to
10 CFR 429.39(b); and corrected several cross-reference and
typographical errors. Id.
II. Request for Information
As an initial matter, DOE seeks comment on whether there have been
changes in product testing methodology or new products on the market
since the last test procedure update that may necessitate amendments to
the test procedure for battery chargers. Specifically, DOE seeks data
and information pertinent to whether amended test procedures would more
accurately or fully comply with the requirement that they be reasonably
designed to produce results that measure energy use of battery chargers
during a representative average use cycle or period of use and not be
unduly burdensome to conduct. DOE also seeks information on whether an
existing private-sector developed test procedure
[[Page 26371]]
would produce such results and should be adopted by DOE rather than DOE
establishing its own test procedure, either entirely or by adopting
only certain provisions of one or more private-sector developed tests.
In the following sections, DOE has also 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 battery chargers would more accurately or fully comply
with the requirements in EPCA that test procedures: (1) Be reasonably
designed to produce test results reflecting energy use during a
representative average use cycle or period of use of the covered
product at issue, and (2) not be unduly burdensome to conduct. (42
U.S.C. 6293(b)(3))
Further, DOE issued an RFI to seek more information on whether its
test procedures are reasonably designed, as required by EPCA, to
produce results that measure the energy use or efficiency of a product
during a representative average use cycle or period of use. 84 FR 9721
(March 18, 2019). DOE seeks comment on this issue as it pertains to the
test procedure for battery chargers.
Additionally, DOE welcomes comments on other issues relevant to the
conduct of this process. In particular, DOE notes that under Executive
Order 13771, ``Reducing Regulation and Controlling Regulatory Costs,''
Executive Branch agencies such as DOE are directed to manage the costs
associated with the imposition of expenditures required to comply with
Federal regulations. See 82 FR 9339 (February 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 battery chargers consistent with the requirements of EPCA.
A. Scope and Definitions
1. Battery Chargers
A battery charger is a device that charges batteries for consumer
products, including battery chargers embedded in other consumer
products. 10 CFR 430.2. (See also 42 U.S.C. 6291(32)) Functionally, a
battery charger is a power conversion device used to transform input
voltage to a suitable voltage for charging batteries used to power
consumer products, such as cell phones and digital cameras. As stated
in the definition, they may be wholly embedded in another consumer
product, wholly separate from another consumer product, or partially
embedded in another consumer product.
2. Wireless Battery Chargers
DOE established energy conservation standards for battery chargers
in a final rule published on June 13, 2016. 81 FR 38266 (``June 2016
Final Rule''). In the June 2016 Final Rule, DOE stated that regarding
battery chargers with inductive connections, only those that are
designed to operate in a wet environment are subject to standards. 81
FR 38266, 38282. In making this determination, DOE set standards for
the mature technology found in electric toothbrushes, while avoiding
unintentional restrictions on the development of newer, less mature
inductively-charged products. Id.
The marketplace shows trends towards two types of battery chargers
that rely on inductive (i.e., wireless) connections: charging mats (for
cell phones, smartwatches, etc.) and ``wet environment'' products
(e.g., battery chargers for electric toothbrushes, waterjets and
shavers). The wet environment products require sealing to prevent
moisture ingress and typically use a locating feature, such as a peg,
cradle or a dock, to confine the physical engagement of the receiver
and the transmitter. This confinement provides relatively consistent
placement of the receiver during testing.
Charging mats that provide a wider freedom of receiver placement
potentially would allow for less consistency in placement for the
purpose of testing. Differences in a receiver's position in relation to
the transmitter can affect charging efficiency. DOE is currently
unaware of any published industry test methods that specifically
address the testing of wireless charging mats.
Issue 1: DOE seeks feedback on whether DOE should define a term
that refers to ``wet environment'' installations, and if so, how such
terminology should be defined to clearly delineate the scope of
wireless battery chargers that are subject to the existing battery test
procedure and energy conservation standards.
Issue 2: DOE seeks feedback on possible approaches to testing
wireless battery chargers other than those designed for use in a wet
environment (i.e., other than using locating features such as a peg or
a cradle). In particular, DOE requests information on whether any
industry test procedures have been developed or are being developed to
specifically address such products.
Issue 3: DOE requests any data on how wireless chargers are used in
the field, particularly with regard to the placement of the receiver.
B. Test Procedure
DOE is requesting information and data to update its understanding
of consumer use of battery chargers. DOE's current test procedure for
battery chargers is codified at Appendix Y and addresses standby mode,
off mode and active mode energy use.
1. Battery Chargers Requiring External Low Voltage Power
Some battery chargers are powered by a low-voltage direct current
(``DC'') or alternating current (``AC'') input and typically utilize a
wall adapter that converts 120 volt (``V'') AC to the low voltage input
required by the battery charger. These wall adapters are part of the
battery charger system and Section 3.1.4 of Appendix Y requires
manufacturers to test with such the wall adapter, provided it is sold
or recommended for use with the battery charger being tested. If the
unit being tested is designed for operation only on DC input voltage
and a wall adapter is neither shipped nor recommended, the unit is
tested at 5.0 V DC for products drawing power from a computer USB port
or the midpoint of the rated input voltage range for all other
products, with the input voltage under both cases remaining within
1 percent of the above specified voltage. Appendix Y,
Section 3.1.4(c).
The measured unit energy consumption of these latter products can
be highly dependent on the wall adapter used during testing. Further,
the wall adapter selected for testing may not be representative of the
wall adapter typically paired with the battery charger in actual use.
Issue 4: DOE seeks information on the characteristics of the wall
adapters typically used when testing battery chargers that are not
shipped with a wall adapter and for which a wall adapter is not
recommended. DOE also seeks detailed technical information and data on
the characteristics of the wall adapters typically used in the real
world with such battery chargers including, but not limited to, input
and output voltages, output wattage, power supply topologies, output
connector type and the impact of these on average efficiencies.
Issue 5: Additionally, DOE seeks comment on whether testing such
battery chargers using a reference wall adapter would be appropriate,
and if so, how a reference wall adapter should be defined.
[[Page 26372]]
2. End of Discharge Voltage
The battery charger test procedure requires that prior to
performing a charge and maintenance mode test, the battery must be
properly discharged at a specified discharge rate until it reaches the
appropriate end-of-discharge voltage stipulated in Table 3.3.2 of
Appendix Y. Similarly, the energy stored in the battery after the
charge and maintenance mode test must also be measured by discharging
the battery again until it reaches the same end-of-discharge voltage.
Appendix Y, Section 3.3.8. Since the publication of the May 2016 Final
Rule, batteries with new chemistries or characteristics not covered by
Table 3.3.2 may have been introduced in the marketplace. Requiring that
these batteries be tested down to the end-of-discharge voltage
prescribed in Table 3.3.2 may be inappropriate or result in a final
value for battery energy that is not representative of its real-world
application.
Issue 6: DOE requests information on any new battery chemistries
not covered by the categories listed in Table 3.3.2 of Appendix Y.
Issue 7: DOE requests information on any aspect of a battery's
chemistry that warrants an end-of-discharge voltage different than one
already specified in Table 3.2.2 of Appendix Y. For example, if a new
battery employs a lithium compound as its electrode (i.e., a lithium-
ion or lithium polymer battery) but has an end of discharge voltage
that is substantially different from what is prescribed in Table 3.3.2,
DOE requests information on the specific characteristics of the battery
warranting a different end-of-discharge voltage.
3. Battery Charger Usage Profile
The unit energy consumption (``UEC'') represents the annualized
amount of the non-useful energy consumed by a battery charger in all
modes of operation. Non-useful energy is all the energy consumed by a
battery charger that is not transferred and stored in a battery as a
result of charging; i.e., the losses. The UEC equation combines various
performance parameters including 24-hour energy, measured battery
energy, maintenance mode power, standby mode power, off mode power,
charge test duration, and usage profiles. Appendix Y, Section 3.3.13.
In order to calculate UEC, Table 3.3.3 of Appendix Y defines usage
profiles that represent time spent in each mode of operation, specific
to each defined product class. These usage profiles are incorporated
into the overall UEC calculation in section 3.3.13 of Appendix Y. Table
3.3.3 includes assigned values for time spent in active and maintenance
mode (``ta&m''), standby mode (``tsb''), off mode
(``toff''), number of charges per day (``n'') and threshold
charge time. The usage profiles are based on data for a variety of
applications and that primarily consisted of user surveys, metering
studies, and stakeholder input that DOE considered as part of the
rulemaking culminating in the June 2016 Final Rule. 81 FR 38287. A
detailed breakdown of the usage profile cases used to derive Table
3.3.3 of Appendix Y is addressed in Chapter 7 of the June 2016 Final
Rule Technical Support Document (``TSD''). Collectively, the analyzed
applications for which DOE has empirical usage data accounted for more
than 80 percent of annual aggregate battery charger energy use. Where
usage data were lacking, DOE assigned the application a generic usage
profile, detailed in section 7.2.2 of the TSD. For most residential
applications, DOE based the values in Table 3.3.3 on a single usage
profile to represent all users (i.e. for other applications that have
both residential and commercial usage, DOE developed multiple usage
profiles to account for different users). These values can be found in
Appendix 7A of the TSD.
Issue 8: DOE requests information on any updates to the consumer
usage data as represented by the usage profiles in Table 3.3.3 of
Appendix Y, DOE is particularly interested in data specific to end-use
device type and battery voltage, if available.
4. Battery Selection
Appendix Y specifies battery selection criteria for testing certain
multi-voltage and multi-capacity battery chargers.\3\ Appendix Y, Table
3.2.1. These criteria apply to multi-voltage and multi-capacity battery
chargers packaged or sold without a battery or packaged and sold with
more than one battery. Specifically, Table 3.2.1 specifies that testing
is performed using the associated battery with the highest voltage and/
or highest capacity, and if multiple batteries exist at the highest
capacity and voltage, then the battery that results in the highest
maintenance mode power must be used. The battery selection criteria
result in only one set of test results, and after application of the
sampling plan, a single represented value for each basic model of
battery charger.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\3\ A ``multi-voltage charger'' is a battery charger that, by
design, can charge a variety of batteries (or batches of batteries,
if also a batch charger) that are of different nameplate battery
voltages. A multi-voltage charger can also be a multi-port charger
if it can charge two or more batteries simultaneously with
independent voltages and/or current regulation. Appendix Y, Section
2.18. A battery charger is considered ``multi-capacity'' if there
are associated batteries or configurations of batteries that have
different nameplate battery charge capacities. Appendix Y, Section
3.2.3(c)(2).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Some battery chargers (e.g., lead-acid battery chargers) can charge
numerous combinations of batteries from third-party vendors, and these
battery chargers generally do not have a maximum battery capacity limit
because theoretically, multiple batteries can be connected in parallel
to a single charger. For these devices, manufacturers must certify
their basic model by locating a battery that results in the most
consumptive maintenance mode power such that all other combinations of
third-party batteries will result in a UEC that is less than the
certified value. However, finding the most consumptive combination of
charger and battery could require a number of trials.
Issue 9: DOE requests feedback on the current battery selection
criteria and whether they require revision, particularly for battery
chargers that do not ship with batteries or that can be used with
batteries from different manufacturers by the end user. DOE requests
information on how manufacturers are currently certifying such
products.
Issue 10: DOE also requests feedback on possible alternate
approaches to testing battery chargers that do not ship with batteries
or that can be used with batteries from different manufacturers. For
example, one question under consideration, among others, is whether it
would it be appropriate to test a battery charger with a reference load
exhibiting the same characteristics as the battery designed to work
with the charger. If this approach is appropriate, DOE also seeks
feedback on how to model different battery chemistries using such a
reference load.
C. Other Test Procedure Topics
1. Test Procedure Waivers
Any interested person may seek a waiver from the test procedure
requirements for a particular basic model of a type of covered product
when the basic model for which the petition for waiver is submitted
contains one or more design characteristics that: (1) Prevent testing
according to the prescribed test procedure, or (2) cause the prescribed
test procedures to evaluate the basic model in a manner so
unrepresentative of its true energy consumption characteristics as to
provide materially inaccurate comparative data. 10 CFR 430.27(a)(1).
DOE has granted a waiver from the DOE test procedure for battery
chargers,
[[Page 26373]]
and an extension of that waiver, for specified battery charger basic
models incorporated into robotic vacuum cleaners.\4\ As described in
the petition for waiver, the battery charger basic models subject to
the Order granting the waiver have a number of settings and management
features associated with the vacuum cleaner, not associated with the
battery charging function, that must remain at all times. The
Petitioner explained that it would be inappropriate to make these
functions user-controllable, as they are integral to the function of
the robot. 82 FR 16580, 16581 (April 5, 2017). The DOE test procedure
for battery chargers requires that any function controlled by the user
and not associated with the battery charging process must be switched
off or, for functions not possible to switch off, be set to the lowest
power-consuming mode. Appendix Y, Section 3.2.4.b. DOE determined that
the current test procedure at Appendix Y would evaluate the battery
charger basic models specified in the Order granting the waiver and the
Order granting the extension in a manner so unrepresentative of its
true energy consumption characteristics as to provide materially
inaccurate comparatively data. See id. and 84 FR 12240, 12241 (April 1,
2019). Pursuant to the Orders, the specified basic models must be
tested and rated such that power to functions not associated with the
battery charging process are disabled by isolating a terminal of the
battery pack using isolating tape. Id.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\4\ Decision and Order Granting a Waiver to Dyson, Inc. From the
Department of Energy Battery Charger Test Procedure (Case No. BC-
001) and Extension of Waiver Dyson, Inc. From the Department of
Energy Battery Charger Test Procedure (Case No. 2018-012). See 82 FR
16580 (April 5, 2017) and 84 FR 12240 (April 1, 2019), respectively.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Issue 11: DOE requests feedback on whether the test procedure
waiver approach for battery chargers incorporated into robotic vacuum
cleaners is generally appropriate for testing basic models with these
features.
2. Other Topics
In addition to the issues identified earlier in this document, DOE
welcomes comment on any other aspect of the existing test procedures
for battery chargers. As noted, DOE recently issued an RFI to seek more
information on whether its test procedures are reasonably designed, as
required by EPCA, to produce results that measure the energy use or
efficiency of a product during a representative average use cycle or
period of use. 84 FR 9721 (March 18, 2019). DOE seeks comment on this
issue as it pertains to the test procedure for battery chargers.
DOE also requests comments on whether potential amendments based on
the issues discussed would result in a test procedure that is unduly
burdensome to conduct, particularly in light of any new products
entering the market since the last test procedure update. If commenters
believe that any such potential amendments, if adopted, would result in
a procedure that is, in fact, unduly burdensome to conduct, DOE seeks
information on whether an existing private sector-developed test
procedure would be more appropriate. DOE also requests comment on the
benefits and burdens of adopting any industry/voluntary consensus-based
or other appropriate test procedure, without modification. DOE
incorporated IEC standard 62301, which includes additional instructions
for measuring of standby power as well as resolution parameters for
test equipment.
Additionally, DOE requests comment on whether the existing test
procedures limit a manufacturer's ability to provide additional
features to consumers on battery chargers. DOE particularly seeks
information on how the test procedures could be amended to reduce the
cost of new or additional features and make it more likely that such
features are included on battery chargers, while still meeting the
requirements of EPCA.
DOE also requests comments on any potential amendments to the
existing test procedures that would address impacts on manufacturers,
including small businesses.
Finally, DOE published an RFI on the emerging smart technology
appliance and equipment market. 83 FR 46886 (September 17, 2018). In
that RFI, DOE sought information to better understand market trends and
issues in the emerging market for appliances and commercial equipment
that incorporate smart technology. DOE's intent in issuing the RFI was
to ensure that DOE did not inadvertently impede such innovation in
fulfilling its statutory obligations in setting efficiency standards
for covered products and equipment. DOE seeks comments, data and
information on the issues presented in the RFI as they may be
applicable to battery chargers.
III. Submission of Comments
DOE invites all interested parties to submit in writing by June 3,
2020, comments and information on matters addressed in this document
and on other matters relevant to DOE's consideration of amended test
procedures for battery chargers. These comments and information will
aid in the development of a test procedure NOPR for battery chargers if
DOE determines that amended test procedures may be appropriate for
these products.
Submitting comments via http://www.regulations.gov. The http://www.regulations.gov web page will require you to provide your name and
contact information. Your contact information will be viewable to DOE
Building Technologies staff only. Your contact information will not be
publicly viewable except for your first and last names, organization
name (if any), and submitter representative name (if any). If your
comment is not processed properly because of technical difficulties,
DOE will use this information to contact you. If DOE cannot read your
comment due to technical difficulties and cannot contact you for
clarification, DOE may not be able to consider your comment.
However, your contact information will be publicly viewable if you
include it in the comment or in any documents attached to your comment.
Any information that you do not want to be publicly viewable should not
be included in your comment, nor in any document attached to your
comment. Persons viewing comments will see only first and last names,
organization names, correspondence containing comments, and any
documents submitted with the comments.
Do not submit to http://www.regulations.gov information for which
disclosure is restricted by statute, such as trade secrets and
commercial or financial information (hereinafter referred to as
Confidential Business Information (``CBI'')). Comments submitted
through http://www.regulations.gov cannot be claimed as CBI. Comments
received through the 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/courier, or postal
mail. Comments and documents submitted via email, hand delivery/
courier, or
[[Page 26374]]
postal 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 postal mail
or hand delivery/courier, 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/courier 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.
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 via email at
[email protected].
Signing Authority
This document of the Department of Energy was signed on April 2,
2020, by Alexander N. Fitzsimmons, Deputy Assistant Secretary for
Energy Efficiency, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, pursuant to
delegated authority from the Secretary of Energy. That document with
the original signature and date is maintained by DOE. For
administrative purposes only, and in compliance with requirements of
the Office of the Federal Register, the undersigned DOE Federal
Register Liaison Officer has been authorized to sign and submit the
document in electronic format for publication, as an official document
of the Department of Energy. This administrative process in no way
alters the legal effect of this document upon publication in the
Federal Register.
Signed in Washington, DC, on April 22, 2020.
Treena V. Garrett,
Federal Register Liaison Officer, U.S. Department of Energy.
[FR Doc. 2020-08852 Filed 5-1-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6450-01-P