[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 57 (Thursday, March 24, 2022)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 16830-16884]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-04269]
[[Page 16829]]
Vol. 87
Thursday,
No. 57
March 24, 2022
Part II
Department of Energy
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10 CFR Parts 429 and 430
Energy Conservation Program: Test Procedure for Test Procedures for
Central Air Conditioners and Heat Pumps; Proposed Rule
Federal Register / Vol. 87 , No. 57 / Thursday, March 24, 2022 /
Proposed Rules
[[Page 16830]]
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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
10 CFR Parts 429 and 430
[EERE-2021-BT-TP-0030]
RIN 1904-AF29
Energy Conservation Program: Test Procedure for Test Procedures
for Central Air Conditioners and Heat Pumps
AGENCY: Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Department of
Energy.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking and request for comment.
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SUMMARY: The U.S. Department of Energy (``DOE'') proposes to amend the
test procedures for central air conditioners and heat pumps that will
be required for certification of compliance with applicable energy
conservation standards starting January 1, 2023 to address a limited
number of specific issues. DOE is seeking comment from interested
parties on the proposal.
DATES: DOE will accept comments, data, and information regarding this
proposal no later than May 23, 2022. See section V, ``Public
Participation,'' for details. DOE will hold a webinar on Monday, April
18, 2022, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. See section V, ``Public
Participation,'' for webinar registration information, participant
instructions, and information about the capabilities available to
webinar participants.
ADDRESSES: Interested persons are encouraged to submit comments using
the Federal eRulemaking Portal at www.regulations.gov. Follow the
instructions for submitting comments. Alternatively, interested persons
may submit comments, identified by docket number EERE-2021-BT-TP-0030
by any of the following methods:
1. Federal eRulemaking Portal: www.regulations.gov. Follow the
instructions for submitting comments.
2. Email: to [email protected]. Include
docket number EERE-2021-BT-TP-0030 in the subject line of the message.
No telefacsimiles (``faxes'') will be accepted. For detailed
instructions on submitting comments and additional information on this
process, see section V of this document.
Although DOE has routinely accepted public comment submissions
through a variety of mechanisms, including postal mail and hand
delivery/courier, the Department has found it necessary to make
temporary modifications to the comment submission process in light of
the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. DOE is currently suspending receipt of
public comments via postal mail and hand delivery/courier. If a
commenter finds that this change poses an undue hardship, please
contact Appliance Standards Program staff at (202) 586-1445 to discuss
the need for alternative arrangements. Once the COVID-19 pandemic
health emergency is resolved, DOE anticipates resuming all of its
regular options for public comment submission, including postal mail
and hand delivery/courier.
Docket: The docket, which includes Federal Register notices, public
meeting attendee lists and transcripts, comments, and other supporting
documents/materials, is available for review at www.regulations.gov.
All documents in the docket are listed in the 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 www.regulations.gov/docket/EERE-2021-BT-TP-0030. The docket web page contains instructions on how
to access all documents, including public comments, in the docket. See
section V for information on how to submit comments through
www.regulations.gov.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Ms. Catherine Rivest, 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) 586-7335. Email [email protected].
Mr. Pete Cochran, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of the General
Counsel, GC-33, 1000 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20585-0121.
Telephone: (202) 586-9496. Email: [email protected].
For further information on how to submit a comment, review other
public comments and the docket, or participate in a public meeting,
contact the Appliance and Equipment Standards Program staff at (202)
287-1445 or by email: [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: DOE proposes to maintain the following
previously approved incorporations by references in 10 CFR part 430:
ANSI/AHRI 210/240-2008 with Addenda 1 and 2, 2008 Standard for
Performance Rating of Unitary Air-Conditioning & Air-Source Heat Pump
Equipment, ANSI approved October 27, 2011;
ANSI/AHRI 1230-2010 with Addendum 2, 2010 Standard for Performance
Rating of Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) Multi-Split Air-Conditioning
and Heat Pump Equipment, ANSI approved August 2, 2010.
Copies of AHRI 210/240-2008 and AHRI 1230-2010 can be obtained from
the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute, 2111 Wilson
Boulevard, Suite 500, Arlington, VA 22201, (703) 524-8800, or by going
to www.ahrinet.org.
ANSI/ASHRAE 23.1-2010, Methods of Testing for Rating the
Performance of Positive Displacement Refrigerant Compressors and
Condensing Units that Operate at Subcritical Temperatures of the
Refrigerant, ANSI approved January 28, 2010;
ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 37-2009, Methods of Testing for Rating
Electrically Driven Unitary Air-Conditioning and Heat Pump Equipment,
ANSI approved June 25, 2009;
ANSI/ASHRAE 41.1-2013, Standard Method for Temperature Measurement,
ANSI approved January 30, 2013;
ANSI/ASHRAE 41.2-1987 (Reaffirmed 1992), ``Standard Methods for
Laboratory Airflow Measurement,'' ANSI approved April 20, 1992;
ANSI/ASHRAE 41.6-2014, Standard Method for Humidity Measurement,
ANSI approved July 3, 2014;
ANSI/ASHRAE 41.9-2011, Standard Methods for Volatile-Refrigerant
Mass Flow Measurements Using Calorimeters, ANSI approved February 3,
2011;
ANSI/ASHRAE 116-2010, Methods of Testing for Rating Seasonal
Efficiency of Unitary Air Conditioners and Heat Pumps, ANSI approved
February 24, 2010.
Copies of ASHRAE 23.1-2010, ANSI/ASHRAE 37-2009, ANSI/ASHRAE 41.1-
2013, ASHRAE 41.2-1987 (RA 1992), ASHRAE 41.6-2014, ASHRAE 41.9-2011,
and ASHRAE 116-2010 can be purchased from www.ashrae.org/resources_
publications.
ANSI/AMCA 210-2007, ANSI/ASHRAE 51-2007, Laboratory Methods of
Testing Fans for Certified Aerodynamic Performance Rating, Figure 2A
and Figure 12, ANSI approved August 17, 2007.
Copies of AMCA 210-2007 can be purchased from www.amca.org/store/index.php.
For a further discussion of these standards, see section IV.M of
this document.
[[Page 16831]]
Table of Contents
I. Authority and Background
A. Authority
B. Background
C. Deviation From Appendix A
II. Synopsis of the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
III. Discussion
A. Scope of Applicability
B. Topics Arising From Test Procedure Waivers
1. Fan Power at Reduced Airflows for Coil-Only Systems
2. Variable-Speed Coil-Only Test Procedure
3. Space-Constrained Coil-Only CAC Ratings
C. Other Test Procedure Revisions
1. Air Volume Rate Changing With Outdoor Conditions
2. Wet Bulb Temperature for H4 5 [deg]F Heating Tests
3. Hierarchy of Manufacturer Installation Instructions
4. Adjusting Airflow Measurement Apparatus To Achieve Desired
SCFM at Part-Load Conditions
5. Revision of Equations Representing Full-Speed Variable-Speed
Heat Pump Operation at and Above 45 [deg]F Ambient Temperature
6. Calculations for Triple-Capacity Northern Heat Pumps
7. Heating Nominal Air Volume Rate for Variable-Speed Heat Pumps
8. Clarifications for HSPF2 Calculation
9. Distinguishing Central Air Conditioners and Heat Pumps From
Commercial Equipment
10. Additional Test Procedure Revisions
D. Other Representation Proposed Revisions
1. Required Represented Values for Models Certified Compliant
With Regional Standards
E. Test Procedure Costs and Impact
F. Compliance Date and Waivers
IV. Procedural Issues and Regulatory Review
A. Review Under Executive Order 12866
B. Review Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act
C. Review Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995
D. Review Under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969
E. Review Under Executive Order 13132
F. Review Under Executive Order 12988
G. Review Under the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995
H. Review Under the Treasury and General Government
Appropriations Act, 1999
I. Review Under Executive Order 12630
J. Review Under Treasury and General Government Appropriations
Act, 2001
K. Review Under Executive Order 13211
L. Review Under Section 32 of the Federal Energy Administration
Act of 1974
M. Description of Materials Incorporated by Reference
V. Public Participation
A. Submission of Comments
B. Issues on Which DOE Seeks Comment
C. Participation in the Webinar
D. Conduct of the Webinar
VI. Approval of the Office of the Secretary
I. Authority and Background
Central air conditioners (``CACs'') and central air conditioning
heat pumps (``HPs'') (collectively, ``CAC/HPs'') are included in the
list of ``covered products'' for which DOE is authorized to establish
and amend energy conservation standards and test procedures (42 U.S.C.
6292(a)(3)). DOE's energy conservation standards and test procedures
for CAC/HPs are currently prescribed at title 10 of the Code of Federal
Regulations (``CFR''), part 430 section 32(c), and 10 CFR part 430
subpart B appendices M (``Appendix M'') and M1 (``Appendix M1''). The
following sections discuss DOE's authority to establish test procedures
for CAC/HPs and relevant background information regarding DOE's
consideration of test procedures for this product.
A. Authority
The Energy Policy and Conservation Act, as amended (``EPCA''),\1\
authorizes DOE to regulate the energy efficiency of a 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 CAC/HPs,\3\ the subject of this document. (42 U.S.C.
6292(a)(3))
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\1\ All references to EPCA in this document refer to the statute
as amended through the Energy Act of 2020, Public Law 116-260 (Dec.
27, 2020).
\2\ For editorial reasons, upon codification in the U.S. Code,
Part B was redesignated Part A.
\3\ This rulemaking uses the term ``CAC/HP'' to refer
specifically to central air conditioners (which include heat pumps)
as defined by EPCA. (42 U.S.C. 6291(21))
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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).
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))
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))
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))
If the Secretary determines, on her 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. (42 U.S.C. 6293(b)(2)) The comment
period on a proposed rule to amend a test procedure shall be at least
60 days and may not exceed 270 days. Id. 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. (Id.)
DOE's regulations at 10 CFR 430.27 provide that any interested
person may seek a waiver from the test procedure requirements if
certain conditions are met. A waiver allows manufacturers to use an
alternate test procedure in situations in which the DOE test procedure
cannot be used to test the product or equipment, or use of the DOE test
procedure would generate unrepresentative results. 10 CFR 430.27(a)(1).
DOE's regulations at 10 CFR 430.27(l) require that as soon as
practicable after the granting of any waiver, DOE will publish in the
Federal Register a NOPR to amend its
[[Page 16832]]
regulations so as to eliminate any need for the continuation of such
waiver. As soon thereafter as practicable, DOE will publish in the
Federal Register a final rule. 10 CFR 430.27(l). DOE is publishing this
NOPR for the limited purpose of addressing its obligations under the
waiver process regulations at 10 CFR 430.27.
B. Background
As discussed, DOE's existing test procedures for CAC/HPs appear at
appendix M and appendix M1 (both titled ``Uniform Test Method for
Measuring the Energy Consumption of Central Air Conditioners and Heat
Pumps'').
On January 5, 2017, DOE published a final rule regarding the
Federal test procedure for CAC/HPs. 82 FR 1426 (``January 2017 Final
Rule''). The January 2017 Final Rule amended appendix M and established
appendix M1, use of which is required beginning January 1, 2023 for any
representations, including compliance certifications, made with respect
to the energy use or efficiency of CAC/HPs. appendix M provides for the
measurement of the cooling and heating performance of CAC/HPs using the
seasonal energy efficiency ratio (``SEER'') metric and heating seasonal
performance factor (``HSPF'') metric, respectively. appendix M1
specifies a revised SEER metric (i.e., SEER2) and a revised HSPF metric
(``HSPF2'').
Since the publication of the January 2017 Final Rule, DOE has
granted various petitions for waiver and interim waiver from certain
provisions of appendix M and/or M1.\4\ Additionally, DOE has become
aware of certain provisions in appendix M1 for which additional detail
and direction may be needed to avoid potential confusion and reduce
test burden. Therefore, DOE is proposing changes to improve the
functionality of appendix M1 to address these issues.
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\4\ Waivers granted to GD Midea Heating and Ventilating
Equipment Co., Ltd. (83 FR 56065), Johnson Controls, Inc. (83 FR
12735 and 84 FR 52489), and TCL Air Conditioner (Zhongshan) Co.,
Ltd. (84 FR 11941);, interim waivers granted to National Comfort
Products, Inc. (83 FR 24754), Aerosys Inc. (83 FR 24762), LG
Electronics U.S.A., Inc. (85 FR 40272), and Goodman Manufacturing
Company, L.P. (86 FR 40534).
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In addition, on May 8, 2019, AHRI submitted a comment responding to
the notice of proposal to revise and adopt procedures, interpretations,
and policies for consideration of new or revised energy conservation
standards (2020 Process Rule NOPR, 84 FR 3910, Feb. 13, 2019). The
comment included as Exhibit 2 a ``List of Errors Found in both appendix
M and appendix M1'' (``AHRI Exhibit 2'', EERE-2017-BT-STD-0062-0117 at
pp. 23-24). Many of the errors pointed out by AHRI regard typographical
errors in appendix M and appendix M1. DOE is addressing these issues in
this rulemaking.
C. Deviation From Appendix A
In accordance with section 3(a) of 10 CFR part 430, subpart C,
appendix A (``Appendix A''), DOE notes that it is deviating from the
provision in appendix A regarding the early assessment process prior to
the NOPR stage to notify stakeholders that DOE is considering a
rulemaking to amend a test procedure and solicit comment on whether an
amended test procedure would more accurately measure energy efficiency,
energy use, water use (as specified in EPCA), or estimated annual
operating cost of a covered product during a representative average use
cycle or period of use without being unduly burdensome to conduct or
reduce testing burden. DOE is opting to deviate from this provision by
proposing changes to the test procedure in this proposed rule without
first having gone through the early assessment process because DOE has
already been made aware by stakeholders that the test procedure for
CACs/HPs could be enhanced to improve repeatability,
representativeness, and accuracy, and reduce testing burden, and the
proposals in this document are aimed at addressing those issues.
Additionally, resolution of these issues has some urgency because the
test procedure the proposals address is required to be used for testing
starting on January 1, 2023. Hence, because DOE is aware that the test
procedure could be improved to be more repeatable and representative,
and less burdensome, a general early assessment process of request of
comments, data, and information prior to the NOPR stage is not
considered necessary.
II. Synopsis of the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
In this notice of proposed rulemaking (``NOPR''), DOE proposes to
update appendix M1 to subpart B of part 430, ``Uniform Test Method for
Measuring the Energy Consumption of Central Air Conditioners and Heat
Pumps.'' DOE has identified certain provisions of appendix M1 that may
benefit from additional detail and/or instruction. The proposed updates
are as follows:
(1) Adjusting the default fan power for two-stage coil-only systems
when testing at low stage with reduced air volume rate to be more
representative of fan input power trends as air volume rate reduces;
(2) Defining ``Variable-speed Communicating Coil-only Central Air
Conditioner or Heat Pump'' and ``Variable-speed Non-communicating Coil-
only Central Air Conditioner or Heat Pump'' and establishing procedures
specific for testing such systems;
(3) Allowing the adjustment of the air volume rate as a function of
outdoor air temperature during testing for blower coil systems with
either multiple-speed or variable-speed indoor fans and with a control
system capable of adjusting air volume rate as function of outdoor air
temperature;
(4) Adjusting the maximum wet bulb temperature from 3 [deg]F to 4
[deg]F for the H4 test condition;
(5) Specifying in section 2(B) of appendix M1, that the
instructions presented in the labels attached to the unit take
precedence over the installation manuals printed and shipped with a
product;
(6) Specifying in sections 3.1.4.1.1, 3.1.4.1.2, and 3.1.4.4.3 of
appendix M1 that the airflow measurement apparatus fan must be adjusted
if necessary to maintain the same air volume rate for different test
conditions for systems not including multiple-speed or variable-speed
indoor fans with control system capability to adjust air volume rate as
function of operating conditions such as outdoor air temperature; and
(7) Revising the equations representing full-capacity operation of
variable-speed heat pumps at and above 45 [deg]F ambient temperature to
be consistent with the intent for nominal capacity operation.
Additionally, in this notice of proposed rulemaking (``NOPR''), DOE
proposes to update 10 CFR part 429, ``Certification, Compliance, and
Enforcement for Consumer Products and Commercial and Industrial
Equipment''. DOE has identified certain provisions of part 429 that may
benefit from additional detail and/or instruction. The proposed updates
are as follows:
(1) Clarifying the language for required represented values for
single-stage and two-stage coil-only CACs; and
(2) Providing additional direction regarding the regional standard
requirements in part 429.
DOE's proposed substantive actions are summarized in Table II.1
compared to the current test procedure as well as the reason for the
proposed change (``attribution''). Additional proposed
[[Page 16833]]
incidental changes are summarized in Tables III-2 and III-3 in section
III.C.10 of this document.
Table II-1--Summary of Changes in Proposed Test Procedure Relative to
Current Test Procedure
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Proposed test
Current DOE test procedure procedure Attribution
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Calculate indoor fan power of Calculate indoor fan Improve
two-stage coil-only CACs and power of two-stage representativen
HPs using constant default coil-only CACs and ess.
fan power values that do not HPs for reduced air
vary with air volume rate volume rate tests
(441W/1000 scfm for most two- using new default fan
stage coil-only CACs and HPs power values air
and 406 W/1000 scfm for volume rate (360 W/
mobile-home and space- 1000 scfm for most
constrained CACs and HPs). two-stage coil-only
CACs and HPs and 331
W/1000 scfm for
mobile-home and space-
constrained CACs and
HPs).
No test procedure provisions Test procedures and Incorporate test
for variable-speed, coil-only requirements procedures
CACs and HPs. established for contained in
variable-speed coil- test procedure
only systems, include waivers.
new definitions for
``Variable-speed
Communicating Coil-
only Central Air
Conditioner or Heat
Pump'' and ``Variable-
speed Non-
communicating Coil-
only Central Air
Conditioner or Heat
Pump'', for which the
newly established
test procedures have
more flexibility.
Appendix M1 currently does not For blower coil Improve
explicitly allow for systems with multiple- representativen
variation of air volume rate speed or variable- ess for certain
as outdoor temperature speed indoor fans and models.
changes when testing blower the control system
coil systems. capability to adjust
air volume rate as a
function of outdoor
air temperature,
allow such air volume
rate variation during
testing.
Appendix M1 contains Amend the wet bulb Reduce test
provisions for conducting an test condition for burden by
optional H4 heating test at a the H4 test to be 4 reducing the
5 [deg]F outdoor ambient dry- [deg]F maximum time needed to
bulb temperature and, at a instead of the remove
maximum, a 3 [deg]F outdoor current condition of sufficient
wet-bulb temperature. 3 [deg]F maximum. moisture to
achieve the wet
bulb
requirement.
Clarification regarding which Add direction to Improve
form of installation prioritize the representativen
instructions to use, if instructions ess and
multiple forms are provided, presented in the repeatability.
only for VRF multisplit label attached to the
systems. unit over the
installation
instructions shipped
with the unit for all
CAC/HP products.
Appendix M1 currently is not Add specific Improve
clear about how to achieve instruction to adjust representativen
the same air volume rate for the airflow ess and
different test conditions. measurement apparatus repeatability.
fan but not the fan
of the unit under
test to achieve the
same air volume rate
for different tests.
The equations for full- Revise the equations Improve
capacity operation for for full-capacity representativen
variable-speed heat pumps at operation at and ess.
and above 45 [deg]F ambient above 45 [deg]F to be
temperature are based on more consistent with
operating in this range with compressor speed used
a compressor speed the same in normal operation
as its operation in 17 [deg]F for this temperature
ambient temperature. range, represented by
the nominal heating
test condition, H1N.
10 CFR part 429 provides Reinforce the language Improve clarity.
requirements regarding explaining regional
regional CAC/HP efficiency requirements.
standards.
10 CFR 429.16(a)(1) provides Modify the Improve
requirements for represented instructions in that repeatability.
values of single-stage and section to improve
two-stage coil-only CACs that clarity without
can lead to different changing meaning.
interpretation.
10 CFR 430.2 defines central Add exclusions for Improved
air conditioner, excluding additional commercial representativen
two commercial package air- package air- ess.
conditioning and heating conditioning and
categories--packaged terminal heating categories
air conditioners and packaged that justifiably are
terminal heat pumps. not central air
conditioners.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
As mentioned previously, DOE is also fixing typographical errors in
appendix M and appendix M1 that were commented upon by AHRI. DOE is
addressing these issues in this rulemaking.
Under 42 U.S.C. 6293(e)(1), DOE is required to determine whether an
amended test procedure will alter the measured energy use of any
covered product. If an amended test procedure does alter measured
energy use, DOE is required to make a corresponding adjustment to the
applicable energy conservation standard to ensure that minimally
compliant covered products remain compliant. (42 U.S.C. 6293(e)(2)) DOE
has tentatively determined that the proposed amendments described in
section III of this NOPR would not alter the measured efficiency of
CAC/HPs that are rated using the test procedure that is currently
required for testing, i.e., appendix M. The proposals applicable for
appendix M are simply fixing errors within the current test procedure.
With respect to appendix M1, many of the proposals clarify test
procedures rather than making changes that would affect the
measurements. Variable-speed coil-only systems are not addressed
currently in appendix M, so this proposal is establishing a method of
test for those products. For two-stage coil-only systems, DOE is
proposing to adjust the fan power to be more representative as further
described in section X, which DOE believes will slightly improve the
measured efficient of these combinations as compared to their current
representative values. Given that two-sage combinations are not
representative of minimally compliant combinations, DOE has tentatively
determined that this proposal would not require an adjustment to the
energy conservation standard for central air conditioners and heat
pumps to ensure that minimally compliant central air conditioners and
heat pumps would remain compliant. Additionally, DOE has tentatively
determined that the proposed amendments, if made final, would not
increase the cost of testing. Discussion of DOE's proposed actions are
addressed in detail in section III of this NOPR.
[[Page 16834]]
III. Discussion
A. Scope of Applicability
DOE is proposing to amend the test procedures at appendix M1 for
CAC/HP and to implement a few minor clerical revisions to the test
procedures at appendix M. A Central air conditioner or central air
conditioner heat pump is defined as a product, other than a packaged
terminal air conditioner or packaged terminal heat pump, which is
powered by single phase electric current, air cooled, rated below
65,000 British thermal units per hour (``Btu/h''), not contained within
the same cabinet as a furnace, the rated capacity of which is above
225,000 Btu/h, and is a heat pump or a cooling unit only. A central air
conditioner or central air conditioning heat pump may consist of: A
single-package unit; an outdoor unit and one or more indoor units; an
indoor unit only; or an outdoor unit with no match. In the case of an
indoor unit only or an outdoor unit with no match, the unit must be
tested and rated as a system (combination of both an indoor and an
outdoor unit). 10 CFR 430.2.
Appendix M1 applies to the following CACs/HPs:
(a) Split-system air conditioners, including single-split, multi-
head mini-split, multi-split (including VRF), and multi-circuit
systems;
(b) Split-system heat pumps, including single-split, multi-head
mini-split, multi-split (including VRF), and multi-circuit systems;
(c) Single-package air conditioners;
(d) Single-package heat pumps;
(e) Small-duct, high-velocity systems (including VRF);
(f) Space-constrained products--air conditioners; and
(g) Space-constrained products--heat pumps.
See Section 1.1 of appendix M1.
DOE is not proposing to change the scope of CACs/HPs covered by
appendix M1.
B. Topics Arising From Test Procedure Waivers
1. Fan Power at Reduced Airflows for Coil-Only Systems
Coil-only systems are indoor units that are distributed in commerce
without an indoor blower or separate designated air mover. Such systems
installed in the field rely on a separately installed furnace or a
modular blower for indoor air movement. Because coil-only CAC/HPs do
not include their own indoor fan to circulate air, the DOE test
procedures prescribe equations that are used to calculate the assumed
(i.e., ``default'') power input and heat output of an average furnace
fan with which the test procedure assumes the indoor coil is pared in a
field installation. The resulting fan power input value is added to the
electrical power consumption measured during testing. The resulting fan
heat output value is subtracted from the measured cooling capacity of
the CAC/HP for cooling mode tests and added to the measured heating
capacity for heating mode tests. In appendix M1, separate fan power and
fan heat equations are provided for different types of coil-only
systems (i.e., the equations for mobile home or space-constrained are
different than for ``conventional'' non-mobile home and non-space-
constrained). In each equation, the measured airflow rate (in cubic
feet per minute of standard air (``scfm'')) is multiplied by a defined
coefficient (expressed in Watts (``W'') per 1,000 scfm (``W/1000
scfm'') for fan power, and British Thermal Units (``Btu'') per hour
(``Btu/h'') per 1,000 scfm (``Btu/h/1000 scfm'') for fan heat),
hereafter referred to as the ``default fan power coefficient'' and
``default fan heat coefficient.''
In appendix M, the default fan power coefficient is defined as 365
W/1000 scfm, and the default fan heat coefficient is defined as 1,250
Btu/h/1000 scfm.\5\ (appendix M, section 3.3.d). For testing of two-
stage coil-only systems, appendix M requires testing at two load
conditions: (1) Full-load, operating at full compressor stage, and (2)
low-load (also referred to as part-load), operating at the lower
compressor stage. The test procedure defines the relative air volume
rates to use for each test; in general, the part-load test has a lower
air volume rate than the full-load test.\6\ For both the default fan
power coefficient and default fan heat coefficient, the same
coefficient is used for both the full-load and part-load tests.\7\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\5\ For example, for a CAC/HP test conducted at an airflow rate
of 1640 scfm, the default fan power would be calculated as (365 W/
1000 scfm x 1,640 scfm = 599 W); and the default fan heat would be
calculated as (1,250 Btu/1000 scfmh x 1,640 scfm = 2,050 Btu/h).
\6\ Specifically, the indoor air volume rate to be used for
testing at part-load (i.e., the ``cooling minimum air volume rate'')
is the higher of (1) the rate specified by the installation
instructions included with the unit by the manufacturer, or (2) 75
percent of the cooling full-load air volume rate (see section
3.1.4.2.c of appendix M).
\7\ For example, for a two-stage coil-only system that has a
cooling full-load air volume rate of 1,640 scfm and a cooling
minimum (i.e., part-load) air volume rate of 1,230, the default fan
power at full load would be calculated as (365 W/1000 scfm x 1,640
scfm = 599 W); and default fan power at part-load would be
calculated as (365 W/1000 scfm x 1,230 scfm = 449 W).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
The January 2017 Final Rule adopted certain values in appendix M1
to be more representative of field conditions, as compared to appendix
M (i.e., consistent with indoor fan power consumption at the increased
minimum required external static pressures defined in appendix M1). 82
FR 1426, 1451-1453. Specifically, appendix M1 defines separate default
fan power coefficients and default fan heat coefficients for coil-only
systems intended for installation in mobile-home applications and for
space-constrained systems, as opposed to those intended for all other
``conventional'' applications. Id. Specifically, for coil-only units
installed in mobile-home and space-constrained systems, appendix M1
defines a default fan power coefficient of 406 W/1000 scfm and a
default fan heat coefficient of 1,385 Btu/h/1000 scfm. For coil-only
units installed in conventional (i.e., non-mobile-home and non-space-
constrained) systems, appendix M1 defines a default fan power
coefficient of 441 W/1000 scfm and a default fan heat coefficient of
1,505 Btu/h/1000 scfm. (10 CFR part 430, subpart B, appendix M1,
section 3.3.d). As with appendix M, in appendix M1, for both the
default fan power coefficient and default fan heat coefficient, the
same coefficient is used for both the full-load and part-load tests.
In updating the default fan power coefficients and default fan heat
coefficients for coil-only systems in appendix M1, DOE relied on indoor
fan electrical power consumption data collected from product
literature, testing, and exchanges with manufacturers during a previous
furnace fan rulemaking (see 79 FR 500, 506; Jan. 3, 2014) to determine
appropriate values for these coefficients for coil-only products. 80 FR
69277, 69318.
By letter dated September 7, 2021, Nortek filed a petition for
waiver and interim waiver from the test procedure for CAC/HPs set forth
in appendix M1.\8\ Specifically, Nortek requested waivers for basic
models of ducted, coil-only, two-stage CAC/HPs. Nortek asserted that
appendix M1 contains errors in the calculations for capacity adjustment
and power consumption for the indoor fan at part-load conditions
resulting from a faulty assumption of default fan wattage at reduced
airflows. (Nortek, EERE-2021-BT-WAV-0025, No. 1 at p. 1) Nortek
asserted that by applying the same default fan power coefficient and
default fan heat coefficient to both the full-load and part-load tests,
appendix M1 incorrectly establishes a linear
[[Page 16835]]
relationship between indoor airflow and fan power (and fan heat);
whereas, according to Nortek, a cubic relationship should be applied
instead, citing the theoretical fan affinity laws that describe the
relationship between fan power and airflow. (Nortek, EERE-2021-BT-WAV-
0025, No. 1 at p. 2) Nortek recommended an alternate test procedure
that would define lower default fan power coefficients and default fan
heat coefficients for the part-load tests, instead of applying the same
coefficients to both the full-load and part-load tests, as is done in
appendix M1. (Nortek, EERE-2021-BT-WAV-0025, No. 1 at pp. 4-9)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\8\ As noted, appendix M1 is the test procedure applicable to
CAC/HPs beginning January 1, 2023.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
On November 16, 2021, DOE published a notification that announced
its receipt of the petition for waiver and denial of Nortek's petition
for an interim waiver. 86 FR 63357 (``Notification of Petition for
Waiver''). In the Notification of Petition for Waiver, DOE noted that
applying the modified default fan power coefficients and default fan
heat coefficients in appendix M1 to products such as those that are the
subject of Nortek's petition was determined to be representative of the
systems' performance and reflected the adoption of the recommendations
of a working group formed to negotiate a notice of proposed rulemaking
for energy conservation standards for CAC/HPs; and that the modified
coefficients were subject to public comment during the 2016 test
procedure rulemaking for CAC/HPs. 82 FR 1426, 1452 (January 5, 2017).
DOE also noted that Nortek commented in support of the modified
coefficients during the 2016 rulemaking. Id.
In response to the issue raised by Nortek, DOE re-examined the
furnace fan electrical power consumption data collected for the furnace
fans rulemaking (see 79 FR 506, Jan. 3, 2014) that was used to develop
the default fan power coefficients and default fan heat coefficients
for coil-only products in appendix M1. In establishing the current
coefficients, for each furnace fan in DOE's furnace fan dataset, DOE
developed correlations of airflow and power consumption as functions of
external static pressure (``ESP''), and then applied those correlations
to a reference ductwork system curve to predict the actual operating
airflow and power consumption at each fan speed setting for the furnace
fan.
DOE has extended the prior analysis to examine both full-load and
part-load air volume rates.\9\ DOE correlated the predicted power
consumption with the predicted air volume rate for each furnace fan to
determine adjusted values of the default fan power coefficients that
may result in a more representative estimate of fan power and fan heat
at reduced airflow conditions, compared to the coefficients currently
defined in appendix M1. DOE's analysis indicates that at a reduced air
volume rate of 75 percent, the average indoor fan power coefficient
would be 360 W/1000 scfm for coil-only CAC/HPs in a conventional (i.e.,
non-mobile-home and non-space-constrained) installation. For mobile-
home and space-constrained systems, to the average indoor fan power
coefficient would be 331 W/1000 scfm. DOE also calculated the
associated fan heat coefficients associated with these power input
levels. The average indoor fan heat coefficients would be 1,228 Btu/hr/
1000 scfm and 1,130 Btu/h/1000 scfm for conventional (i.e., non-mobile-
home and non-space-constrained) and mobile-home/space-constrained
installations, respectively.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\9\ To ensure consistency across analyses, DOE aggregated the
data by applying market weightings to each type and brand of furnace
model, using the same market shares that were used in the previous
analysis for the 2016 CAC TP Rulemaking.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
The analysis conducted by DOE resulted in higher default fan power
coefficients and default fan heat coefficients at the reduced 75
percent air volume rate than the values presented in the Nortek waiver
petition. DOE tentatively concludes that its analysis is a more
appropriate representation of average furnace fan power consumption
than the results presented by Nortek for the following reasons: (1)
DOE's analysis relied on test and specification data from a collection
of actual furnaces operating at reduced air volume rates, whereas the
Nortek analysis derived default fan power values using a theoretical
relationship between full-load and part-load conditions; (2) DOE's
analysis applied the same weighting factors that were used to develop
the full-load default values during the 2016 CAC TP Rulemaking, whereas
Nortek's analysis introduced new weighting factors and motor efficiency
data without indicating the source of the data; and (3) DOE's analysis
considered performance data from an additional type of fan motor not
considered by Nortek (specifically, constant-torque brushless-
permanent-magnet ``X13'' motors). Therefore, in this NOPR DOE proposes
to amend the default fan power coefficients and default fan heat
coefficients for coil-only fan power when operating at reduced air
volume rates to reflect the results of its analysis. Specifically, when
operating at 75 percent air volume rate (or higher manufacturer-
specified air volume rate that is between the 75 percent air volume
rate and the full-load air volume rate as described in appendix M1,
section 3.1.4.2.c), DOE proposes to specify for ducted two-capacity
coil-only systems a default fan power coefficient of 360 W/1000 scfm
and a default fan heat coefficient of 1,228 Btu/h/1000 scfm for units
installed in conventional systems; and a default fan power coefficient
of 331 W/1000 scfm and a default fan heat coefficient of 1,130 Btu/h/
1000 scfm for mobile home and space-constrained systems.\10\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\10\ For example, under DOE's proposed changes to Appendix M1,
for a two-stage coil-only system in a conventional application that
has a cooling full-load air volume rate of 1,640 scfm and a cooling
minimum (i.e., part-load) air volume rate of 1,230, the default fan
power at full load would be calculated as (441 W/1000 scfm x 1,640
scfm = 723 W); and default fan power at part-load would be
calculated as (371 W/1000 scfm x 1,230 scfm = 456 W).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
The reduced air volume rate used for low-stage operation of two-
stage coil-only systems may be higher than 75 percent of the full-load
air volume rate, if the manufacturer's instructions specify a higher
part-load air volume rate. DOE is proposing that in such cases, the
default fan power values associated with full-load air volume rate be
used. However, the appropriate default fan power coefficient and
default fan heat coefficient may be values between the reduced values
discussed above and the values used for full-load air volume rate. For
such cases, DOE could consider alternative options, other than
requiring use of the full-load air volume default fan power and fan
heat coefficients. Two alternative options include (1) allowing the
reduced value up to a threshold value, e.g., 80 percent of full-load
air volume rate, above which the full-load value would be required, and
(2) requiring a linear interpolation of the default fan power
coefficient between the reduced value at 75 percent of full-load air
volume rate to the full-load value at 100 percent.\11\ DOE seeks
comment on whether one these alternate approaches should be adopted
instead of the proposed use of the single reduced coefficients for the
category discussed previously.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\11\ For example, for non-mobile-home and non-space-constrained
systems, if a linear interpolation of the default fan power
coefficient is required, it would be equal to 371 + (441-
371)*(%FLAVR-75%)/(100%-75%), where %FLAVR is the reduced air volume
rate used for the test expressed as a percentage of the full load
air volume rate.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
DOE requests comment on its proposal to specify a reduced default
fan power coefficient and default fan heat coefficient at part-load
airflows in the calculations of SEER2 and HSPF2
[[Page 16836]]
for ducted two-stage coil-only systems. DOE requests comment on the
specific default fan power coefficients and default fan heat
coefficients proposed. If the proposed values are not appropriate, DOE
seeks data to support selection of alternative values. Additionally,
DOE requests comment on whether a single default fan power coefficient
(and default fan heat coefficient) should be used for each product
class group regardless of the actual air volume rate used for low-stage
tests, or whether one of the alternative approaches discussed in the
NOPR should be considered, or any other alternative. DOE also requests
comment on whether any two-stage systems use a part-load air volume
rate higher than 75 percent of the full-load air volume rate, and if
so, whether the ratio is a value less than 100 percent.
2. Variable-Speed Coil-Only Test Procedure
As discussed, appendix M1 contains provisions for testing split-
system CAC/HPs equipped with ``coil only'' indoor units that, in a
field installation, are paired with an existing furnace or other air
handler in order to circulate conditioned air through ductwork. These
provisions apply to single-stage and two-stage systems.\12\ appendix M1
does not include provisions for testing variable-speed systems equipped
with coil-only indoor units.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\12\ Section 3.1.4.2 (cooling minimum air volume rate), section
3.1.4.3 (cooling intermediate air volume rate), and section 3.1.4.6
(heating intermediate air volume rate) of appendix M1.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Since the publication of the January 2017 Final Rule, DOE has
granted test procedure waivers to GD Midea Heating & Ventilating
Equipment Co., Ltd. (``GD Midea'') (83 FR 56065 (Nov. 9, 2018)) and TCL
air conditioner (zhongshan) Co. Ltd. (``TCL AC'') (84 FR 11941 (Mar.
29, 2019)), and an interim waiver for LG Electronics U.S.A., Inc.
(``LGE'') (85 FR 40272 (July 6, 2020)), for specified basic models of
variable-speed, coil-only CAC/HPs. In each of these cases, the
petitioners identified their variable-speed coil only systems as ``non-
communicative'' systems for which compressor speed varies based only on
controls located on the outdoor unit, and for which the indoor unit
maintains a constant indoor blower fan speed (see, e.g., 83 FR 24767,
24769 (May 30, 2018)). As required under the specified alternate test
procedures, the subject systems must be tested according to the
appendix M provisions applicable to variable-speed systems (e.g., three
different compressor speeds in the cooling mode), except that the
subject systems must be tested using the full-load cooling air volume
rate at all test conditions, commensurate with the constant indoor
blower fan speed that these units would experience (GD Midea, EERE-
2017-BT-WAV-0060, No. 1, pp. 1-3; TCL, EERE-2018-BT-WAV-0013, No. 1,
pp. 2-4; LG, EERE-2019-BT-WAV-0023, No. 1, pp 3-4). DOE notes that the
waivers for these models were granted for appendix M only and will
expire on Jan 1, 2023--the date when use of appendix M1 becomes
required for any representations, including compliance certifications,
made with respect to the energy use, power, or efficiency of CAC/HPs.
DOE notes also that the waivers for ``non-communicative'' variable-
speed coil-only systems did not address comprehensively how the outdoor
units are controlled to turn on or off in cooling mode or in heating
mode, nor how the compressor speeds are set to match the internal
building load. Regarding the latter, the waivers indicated only that
``compressor speed varies based only on controls located on the outdoor
unit'' (GD Midea, EERE-2017-BT-WAV-0060, No. 1, p. 6; TCL, EERE-2018-
BT-WAV-0013, No. 1, p. 4; LG, EERE-2019-BT-WAV-0023, No. 1, pp 2). DOE
did not receive information in the waiver petitions regarding, nor has
it evaluated, the compressor speed selections used for different test
conditions specified in appendix M or appendix M1. Further, DOE has not
compared these speed selections with those used by blower-coil variable
speed systems for the same test conditions. Based on the information
received and evaluated, DOE has yet to receive sufficient evidence that
can be relied on to conclude that the alternate test procedures
specified in the waivers are representative of average use cycles of
CAC/HPs other than those subject to the granted waivers, as required by
EPCA for DOE test procedures.
DOE has also granted an interim test procedure waiver to Goodman
Manufacturing Company, L.P. (``Goodman'') (86 FR 40534 (July 28, 2021))
for their basic models of variable-speed, coil-only CAC/HPs. Unlike the
aforementioned test procedure waivers, Goodman represented, and
supported in their petition, that their systems have communicative
controls, where both the outdoor unit and indoor coil communicate with
each other to control both the variable-speed compressor and multi-
speed indoor fan. 86 FR 40534, 40539. As a result, the alternate test
procedure prescribed under the interim waiver requires use of two
different indoor air volume rates during testing to simulate the
impacts of communicative control that would be realized in a typical
field installation. 86 FR 40534, 40538. Specifically, the Goodman
waiver requires use of the cooling full-load air volume rate for the
full-load cooling and full-load heating tests; and the cooling minimum
air volume rate for the cooling minimum, heating minimum, cooling
intermediate, and heating intermediate tests. Id.
In response to the notice of petition for waiver, Rheem questioned
the approach of the alternate test procedure in specifying two
different indoor air volume rates during testing of these basic models.
(Rheem, EERE-2021-BT-WAV-0001, No. 7 at p. 1). Rheem expressed concern
that the alternate test procedure would allow Goodman an unfair
competitive advantage, (i.e., by allowing reduced airflow rates at low-
load test conditions while other variable-speed coil-only products
would be required to test at full-load cooling air volume rate for all
test conditions), that it would be unlikely that installers would
correctly install the communicative products to enable the indoor fan
control requested in Goodman's proposed alternate test procedure, and
that most furnace fans currently installed are not capable of adding
controls to set multiple airflow rates. In response to the Rheem
comment, Goodman stated that almost all two-stage coil-only ratings
today utilize a lower indoor air volume rate for low-stage compressor
operation, and highlighted training procedures and other best-practices
put in place to ensure proper installation of communicating systems.
(Goodman, EERE-2021-BT-WAV-0001, No. 8 at pp. 1-4)
As stated in a final rule published in 2005, use of a lower air
volume rate for low-stage operation is based on the assumption that the
two-capacity coil-only unit would most often be used with an existing
multi-tap furnace blower (i.e., a furnace fan capable of multiple
speeds). 70 FR 59122, 59128 (October 11, 2005). The two-stage coil-only
test provisions in the DOE test procedure are premised on the
installation location having two-stage thermostat wiring (Final Rule
Technical Supporting Document, EERE-2014-BT-STD-0048, No. 98, p. 8-25).
DOE similarly assumes the presence of the necessary wiring for the
installation of variable-speed systems.
As mentioned in the notification of the interim waiver issued in
response to the Goodman petition, DOE reviewed numerous materials
relevant to the control of the Goodman variable-speed coil-only system,
including additional materials Goodman provided in support of the
petition. 86 FR 40534, 40537 (July
[[Page 16837]]
28, 2021). These materials included installation manuals and other
information that confirmed similarities between the system's control
and the control of more conventional variable-speed blower-coil systems
(including the use of communicating controls), providing justification
for claims that the alternate test procedure specified in the waiver
would be representative of average use.
DOE notes that Goodman's interim waiver was granted for both
appendix M and appendix M1. The waiver for appendix M will expire on
the date representations are required to be based on testing according
to appendix M1 (Jan 1, 2023), and the waiver for appendix M1 will
expire on the date on which use of an amended test procedure that
addresses the issues presented in the Goodman waiver is required to
demonstrate compliance. 10 CFR 430.27(h)(3).
In this NOPR, DOE proposes to add testing provisions addressing
variable-speed coil-only systems in appendix M1. DOE also proposes to
define ``communicating control'' in the context of variable-speed,
coil-only CAC/HPs in order to differentiate between the test procedure
provisions that would be applicable to communicating systems from those
applicable to non-communicating systems.
DOE is proposing provisions as generally prescribed in the relevant
waivers, except that DOE is proposing to require that all variable-
speed coil-only systems, regardless of communicative capability, would
be tested using the cooling minimum air volume rate for the cooling
minimum, heating minimum, cooling intermediate, and heating
intermediate tests. This proposal is consistent with the conditions
specified in the interim waiver granted to Goodman. DOE further
proposes to require that non-communicative variable-speed coil-only
systems be tested using the newly proposed provisions for variable-
speed compressor with non-communicating coil-only systems (i.e.,
eliminating the EV test for cooling and H2V for
heating as well as including H22, H21 and
H31 for heating), whereas systems that meet the newly
proposed criteria for ``communicating'' control would follow the
existing variable-speed test procedure.
Regarding indoor air volume rate, the proposed test procedure would
utilize the same procedure as for ducted two-capacity coil-only units.
As discussed previously, the two-stage coil-only test procedure is
premised on the capability of controlling an existing multi-tap furnace
fan at two air volume rates for cooling operation. DOE is not proposing
to amend this approach. DOE is proposing to apply a similar approach to
the testing of variable-speed coil-only systems. As such, DOE proposes
to align the requirements for minimum air volume rate between two-
capacity and variable-speed coil-only indoor units, regardless of
communicating capabilities. This includes adopting the reduced default
fan power and default fan heat coefficients at reduced air volume rates
discussed in section I.B.1. However, if the system does not include the
capability to control an existing furnace fan at two air volume rates,
the manufacturer has the option of specifying minimum/intermediate air
volume rates equal to the full-load air volume rate. Regarding
compressor speed, the proposed test procedure would limit use of the
variable-speed testing provisions to those systems meeting the newly
proposed criteria for communicating control.
As previously stated, the test procedure for two-stage coil-only
systems is premised on the system using a two-stage thermostat and
associated wiring that responds to indoor temperature measurements and
sends voltage signals that enable two-stage control of both the
compressor speed and the indoor fan speed. A more sophisticated control
approach is required to enable a variable speed system to modulate
compressor speed control (e.g., proprietary thermostat, serial
communication wiring, and/or electronic sensors at the indoor coil).
DOE proposes to define ``Communicating Variable-speed Coil-only Central
Air Conditioner or Heat Pump'' in section 1.2 of appendix M1 to
distinguish variable-speed coil-only systems with such control as the
following:
Variable-Speed Communicating Coil-Only Central Air Conditioner or
Heat Pump means a variable-speed compressor system having a coil-only
indoor unit that is installed with a control system that (a)
communicates the difference in space temperature and space setpoint
temperature (not a setpoint value inferred from on/off thermostat
signals) to the control that sets compressor speed; (b) provides a
signal to the indoor fan to set fan speed appropriate for compressor
staging and air volume rate; and (c) has installation instructions
indicating that the required control system meeting both (a) and (b)
must be installed.
DOE also proposes to define variable-speed systems that do not have
this communicating feature as the following:
Variable-Speed Non-communicating Coil-Only Central Air Conditioner
or Heat Pump means a variable-speed compressor system having a coil-
only indoor unit that does not meet the definition of variable-speed
communicating coil-only central air conditioner or heat pump.
Variable-speed coil-only systems that meet the ``communicating''
definition would be tested like any other variable-speed system, except
that the heating full-load air volume rate would be equal to the
cooling full-load air volume rate, and the intermediate and minimum
cooling and heating air volume rates would all be the higher of (1) the
rate specified by the installation instructions included with the unit
by the manufacturer, and (2) 75 percent of the full-load cooling air
volume rate.
DOE proposes that those variable-speed coil-only systems that are
not ``communicating'' as defined above would be tested with additional
limitations as if they have some variable-speed system characteristics
and some two-stage coil-only system characteristics. Specifically, (a)
the outdoor unit and/or the indoor unit would be provided with a
control signal indicating operation at high or low stage, rather than
testing with compressor speed fixed at specified speeds, and (b) air
volume rates would be determined consistent with the requirement for
two-stage coil-only systems. A key implication of (a) is that there
would be no intermediate compressor speed operation. Many of the
requirements associated with variable-speed operation would, however,
be retained. For example, such systems would be allowed to have
``minimum speed-limiting'' control for heat pump mode (see the
alternative calculations representing minimum-speed operation in
appendix M1, section 4.2.4.b). The test method for non-communicating
variable-speed coil-only systems would include requiring tests for
minimum-speed operation for both the 35 [deg]F and 17 [deg]F heating
test conditions so that the HSPF2 calculations utilize test results for
appropriate compressor speeds. Also, the full compressor speed during
heating mode operation would be allowed to vary with outdoor
temperature, there would be an H1N test to represent the
nominal capacity, and the same provisions for calculation of full-speed
capacity and power applied to conventional variable-speed systems would
be used (see, e.g., the calculations in appendix M1, sections 3.6.4,
4.2.4.c, and 4.2.4.d). If a manufacturer chooses to run the optional
H12 test (i.e. if compressor speed for the H1N
test is different than compressor speed for the H32 test,
and
[[Page 16838]]
the manufacturer chooses to run the H12 test rather than use
the standardized slope factors described in appendix M1 section
3.6.4.b), then the test would be run with over-ride of compressor speed
using the same speed as used for the H32 test--this is the
only test for which such over-ride would be allowed.
To ensure consistency of testing, it may be necessary for
manufacturers to certify whether a variable-speed coil-only rating is
based on non-communicating or communicating control. However, this
change is not being proposed in this NOPR and may be considered in a
separate rulemaking.
DOE requests comment on its proposals related to test procedures
for variable-speed coil-only CAC/HPs and on its proposed definitions
for variable-speed communicating and non-communicating coil-only CAC/
HPs.
DOE recognizes that there may be variable-speed control technology
that cannot be tested according to the proposed test approach described
previously for non-communicating variable-speed coil-only systems.
Specifically, the test approach may not result in tests that meet the
stability requirements for testing (i.e., the measurements might not
meet the tolerance requirements in Table 2 of ANSI/ASHRAE 37-2009,
``Methods of Testing for Rating Electrically Driven Unitary Air-
Conditioning and Heat Pump Equipment,'' (``ASHRAE 37-2009''), which is
incorporated by reference by the DOE test procedure). Or the proposed
test procedure might evaluate such a basic model in a manner so
unrepresentative of its true energy consumption characteristics as to
provide materially inaccurate comparative data. In this case, the
manufacturer may petition DOE for a waiver and include a suggested
alternate test procedure. See 10 CFR 430.27. As part of its review of
such a waiver and alternate test procedure, DOE would consider the
correlation between results of a suggested alternate test procedure and
results of testing when using the two-stage two-wire controls expected
to be available in a general coil-only system installation, recognizing
that the latter testing may involve dynamics that exceed the
measurement tolerances discussed above. DOE would also consider the
control hardware involved in achieving appropriate control for indoor
and outdoor conditions and some understanding of how the control works.
DOE is aware that installations using non-communicating controls
may not be limited only to variable-speed coil-only systems, but could
also occur with variable-speed blower-coil systems. DOE's proposal
makes a distinction between the testing approach used for coil-only
configurations and the testing approach used for blower-coil
configurations. As coil-only installations are much more likely than
blower-coil installations to involve use of both the existing furnace
fan and existing controls, the test procedure should be reflective of
coil-only installations because they are more representative than
blower coil installations.
DOE has considered whether the current test procedures for
variable-speed systems generally give manufacturers too much
flexibility in specifying fixed settings of the compressor and indoor
fan for testing without requiring the selected settings to be
demonstrated using native control testing. DOE is well aware that there
is ongoing work addressing questions about whether the current DOE test
procedure for variable-speed systems is fully representative of native
control operation. However, DOE has initiated this rulemaking not as a
comprehensive revision that will satisfy the 7-year lookback
requirements (see 42 U.S.C. 6293(b)(1)(A)), but instead as an action
that will address a focused group of known issues, including those that
have been raised through the test procedure waiver process. Thus, DOE
is limiting its proposals addressing potential concerns about variable-
speed systems to coil-only systems, for which there are clear
differences in system controls architecture, particularly when using
non-communicating controls, which impact the performance of these
systems in the field. However, DOE may more comprehensively address
these issues for all variable-speed systems in a future rulemaking.
Coil-Only Variable-Speed System Representations and Testing
Coil-only testing approaches for variable-speed systems address the
installation of variable-speed technology in which the newly-installed
system uses existing components, for example an existing furnace fan.
For single-capacity and two-capacity air-conditioners, certification
requirements anticipate this potential gap by requiring that such
models include performance representations with a coil-only combination
representative of the least-efficient combination in which the outdoor
unit is sold (see 10 CFR 429.16(a)(1)). DOE considered whether such a
requirement may be appropriate for variable-speed systems.
A review of manufacturing materials, such as product datasheets and
installation instructions, indicates that there is a wide range of
instruction provided regarding the need to pair a variable-speed
outdoor unit with specific models of indoor units and/or air movers
(e.g., furnaces) whose controls can be coordinated with those of the
outdoor unit to optimize performance. Some literature is very clear
that achieving the rated performance requires installation with
specific models of mating components with variable-speed indoor fans
and communicating controls. However, other models have literature that
does not mention the need for such pairing of components. The latter
group is not limited to brands that have received test procedure
waivers or interim waivers for variable-speed coil-only systems. Thus,
it is possible that variable-speed systems are being installed in coil-
only applications for which the system representations may not be
representative of actual performance because the representations are
blower-coil based. Realizing this possibility, DOE considered the
approaches that could be applied to address this issue.
Currently, every single-split system AC with other than single-
stage and two-stage compressors must represent every individual
combination distributed in commerce, including all coil-only and blower
coil combinations. 10 CFR 429.16(a)(1). These regulations, when
combined with the test procedure proposals in this NOPR, would require
manufacturers to represent variable-speed ACs based on how they
distribute them in commerce, which includes whether they are coil-only
communicating, coil-only noncommunicating, or blower coil, as
applicable to a given model of outdoor unit. DOE would evaluate how
manufacturers distribute models of outdoor units based on review of
product datasheets, installation and operation manuals, product
marketing, relevant databases (including the AHRI database),
manufacturer websites, and other related materials that help inform the
consumer how the outdoor unit should be installed.
As noted previously, representations of efficiency for single-split
air conditioners with a single-stage or two-stage compressor must
include at least one coil-only combination representative of the least-
efficient combination distributed in commerce with that outdoor unit.
10 CFR 429.16(a)(1). As part of this rulemaking, DOE considered
adopting such an approach for all single-split outdoor units, including
variable speed models, to ensure that representations include all
installations that may occur in the field. However, based on the
[[Page 16839]]
information DOE has from the previous energy conservation standards
rulemaking pertaining to central air conditioners and heat pumps, less
than 5 percent of variable-speed system installations are coil-only
installations. 82 FR 1786. Further, the number of certified
combinations of variable-speed coil-only systems is a small percentage
of all of the variable-speed system certifications.\13\ Based on this
information, DOE concludes that installations of variable-speed systems
in coil-only applications are not likely to be representative of
variable-speed system operation as a whole. For this reason, DOE is not
proposing a blanket coil-only representation requirement for variable-
speed systems. However, DOE may revisit this possibility if it
determines that there is significant distribution in commerce of coil-
only variable-speed systems using outdoor units that do not include a
coil-only representation.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\13\ For example, there are roughly 27,000 combinations listed
in the AHRI Database for which a non-zero intermediate indoor air
volume rate is listed, indicating that the combination is a
variable-speed model. DOE reviewed the current certifications in the
certification compliance management system and found that there are
approximately 400 variable-speed coil-only combinations,
representing roughly 1.5 percent of the total variable speed
combinations certified to the Department.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
In order improve representativeness of the representations of
variable-speed systems used in coil-only combinations, DOE proposes to
require a coil-only tested combination for any variable-speed outdoor
unit distributed in commerce in a coil-only combination. In addition,
DOE proposes to require that, if a manufacturer distributes in commerce
an outdoor unit basic model with other than a single-stage or two-stage
compressor in non-communicating coil-only combinations, the combination
selected for testing be a non-communicating coil-only combination. If a
manufacturer distributes in commerce an outdoor unit basic model with
other than a single-stage or two-stage compressor only in communicating
coil-only combinations, then the combination selected for testing that
outdoor model would be a communicating coil-only combination. Finally,
if the manufacturer does not distribute in commerce any coil-only
combinations, then the individual combination selected for testing for
split-system AC and HP with other than a single-stage or two-stage
compressor would be a blower-coil combination.
DOE notes that the variable-speed coil-only waiver petitions
addressed both air-conditioners and heat pumps. Thus, DOE's considered
whether the coil-only tested combination requirement should apply to
variable speed heat pumps and/or to single-stage and/or two-stage heat
pumps. DOE notes that coil-only heat pumps allow the heating system to
provide heat either using the furnace or the heat pump. There has been
greater interest in such systems in recent years, since they provide
heating with a furnace in extreme cold conditions for which a heat pump
may have limited capacity and/or reduced efficiency.\14\ DOE is
proposing in this NOPR to require coil-only tested combinations for
variable-speed heat pumps, but not for single- and two-stage heat
pumps, because DOE expects that the representativeness of blower-coil
tests would deviate more from coil-only tests for variable-speed
systems, due to the use of a variable-speed indoor fan and use of an
intermediate air volume rate used for intermediate-speed testing for
variable-speed systems. The test procedures for single-stage and two-
stage heat pumps are more restrictive with regard to allowed air volume
rates and thus performance differences between blower-coil and coil-
only operation would be less.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\14\ https://www.trane.com/residential/en/resources/glossary/dual-fuel-heat-pump/(last accessed 2/4/2022).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regarding variable-speed coil-only systems using indoor units
manufactured by independent coil manufacturers (``ICMs''), the
regulations require certification of the performance of any variable-
speed coil-only combinations distribution in commerce, and whether any
given combination is coil-only (see 10 CFR 429.16(a)(1)). However, DOE
notes that a tested combination for an ICM indoor unit must include the
least-efficient outdoor unit with which the indoor unit is distributed
in commerce (see 10 CFR 429.6(b)(2)(i)). DOE does not believe any
changes are needed to this proposal with respect to ICM certifications
as the current regulations already encompass representing all
combinations distributed in commerce, including noncommunicating and
communicating variable-speed coil only systems.
DOE requests comment on its approach for variable speed coil-only
systems. More specifically, DOE seeks comment on its proposal to
require coil-only tested combinations for variable-speed systems, both
air-conditioners and heat pumps, that are distributed in commerce with
coil-only combinations. DOE also requests comment on the proposal to
require that the tested combination be a non-communicating coil-only
combination, if the outdoor unit is distributed in commerce in a non-
communicating coil-only combination.
3. Space-Constrained Coil-Only CAC Ratings
DOE's regulations at 10 CFR 429.16 prescribe certification
requirements for CAC/HPs. Paragraph (a)(1) of that section includes a
table specifying the required represented values for each ``tested
combination'' of CAC/HPs. Table III-1 is an excerpt from the table in
10 CFR 429.16(a)(1) showing represented value requirements for
different varieties of split-system CAC/HPs.
Table III-1--Required Represented Values for Split-System CAC/HPs
[Excerpted from 429.16(a)(1)]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Equipment Required represented
Category subcategory values
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Outdoor Unit and Indoor Unit Single-Split- Every individual
(Distributed in Commerce by System AC with combination
OUM). Single-Stage or distributed in
Two-Stage commerce must be
Compressor rated as a coil-only
(including Space- combination. For
Constrained and each model of
Small-Duct, High outdoor unit, this
Velocity Systems must include at
(SDHV)). least one coil-only
value that is
representative of
the least efficient
combination
distributed in
commerce with that
particular model of
outdoor unit.
Additional blower-
coil representations
are allowed for any
applicable
individual
combinations, if
distributed in
commerce.
Single-Split- Every individual
System AC with combination
Other Than distributed in
Single-Stage or commerce, including
Two-Stage all coil-only and
Compressor blower coil
(including Space- combinations.
Constrained and
SDHV).
[[Page 16840]]
Single-Split- Every individual
System HP combination
(including Space- distributed in
Constrained and commerce.
SDHV).
Multi-Split, For each model of
Multi-Circuit, outdoor unit, at a
or Multi-Head minimum, a non-
Mini-Split Split ducted ``tested
System--non-SDHV combination.'' For
(including Space- any model of outdoor
Constrained). unit also sold with
models of ducted
indoor units, a
ducted ``tested
combination.'' When
determining
represented values
on or after January
1, 2023, the ducted
``tested
combination'' must
comprise the highest
static variety of
ducted indoor unit
distributed in
commerce (i.e.,
conventional, mid-
static, or low-
static). Additional
representations are
allowed, as
described in
paragraph (c)(3)(i)
of this section.
Multi-Split, For each model of
Multi-Circuit, outdoor unit, an
or Multi-Head SDHV ``tested
Mini-Split Split combination.''
System--SDHV. Additional
representations are
allowed, as
described in
paragraph (c)(3)(ii)
of this section.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
As presented in Table III-1, single-split CACs with single-stage or
two-stage compressors are required to provide represented values for
every individual combination distributed in commerce, each rated as a
coil-only combination. For each model of outdoor unit, this must
include at least one coil-only value that is representative of the
least efficient combination distributed in commerce with that model of
outdoor unit. Additional blower-coil ratings are allowed (i.e.,
optional) for any applicable individual combinations, if distributed in
commerce. DOE has become aware that these provisions may contain
ambiguity over the precise rating requirements for single-split CACs.
For example, if the least efficient combination distributed in commerce
for a given basic model includes a blower-coil indoor unit (as opposed
to the assumption that a coil-only combination would be least
efficient), the existing provisions are unclear on which combination
would be used to rate the basic model. Accordingly, DOE is proposing to
amend the language in the table found in 10 CFR 429.16(a)(1) to clarify
the rating requirements pertaining to single-split CACs with single-
stage or two-stage compressors.\15\
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\15\ DOE's proposed clarifications would require every single-
stage and two-stage outdoor unit of single-split CAC to have a
compliant rating with a coil-only combination that is distributed in
commerce and representative of the least efficient combination
distributed in commerce for that particular model of outdoor unit
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
DOE requests comment on its proposal to clarify the language for
required represented values of coil-only CACs found in the table at 10
CFR 429.16(a)(1)
The requirement to provide coil-only ratings for each basic model
also applies to single split CACs designed for space-constrained
applications (``SC-CAC''). DOE has received three petitions for test
procedure waivers related to the represented value requirements for SC-
CACs. The first was a petition from National Comfort Products, Inc.
(``NCP'') dated March 20, 2017 (Docket No. EERE-2017-BT-WAV-0030-0001);
the second was a petition from AeroSys, Inc. (``AeroSys'') dated May
29, 2017 (Docket No. EERE-2017-BT-WAV-0042-0001); and the third was a
petition from First Company (``First Co.'') dated May 25, 2018 (Docket
No. EERE-2018-BT-WAV-0012-0002). Each petitioner claimed that specified
basic models of SC-CAC outdoor units listed in their respective
petitions are designed and intended to be sold only with proprietary
blower-coil indoor units equipped with high-efficiency electronically
commutated (``ECM'') fan motors, and not as a coil-only combination
(NCP, EERE-2017-BT-WAV-0030, No. 1 at p. 1; AeroSys, EERE-2017-BT-WAV-
0042; No. 1 at p. 1, First Co., EERE-2018-BT-WAV-0012, No. 2 at p. 1)
Each petitioner also claimed that the identified blower-coil indoor
units operate at a much lower wattage than the default fan power
required by appendix M for coil-only combinations and asserted that
appendix M would not result in a representative rating for the
specified basic models (NCP, Id. at p. 2; AeroSys, Id. at p. 1, First
Co., Id. at pp. 2-3) Each petitioner requested waivers requiring that
the specified basic models be tested according to appendix M and that
representations be determined by pairing models only with blower-coil
indoor units (i.e., requesting exemption from the requirement in 10 CFR
429.16(a)(1) to provide represented values based on a coil-only
combination). (NCP, Id. at p. 3; AeroSys, Id. at p. 6, First Co., Id.
at p. 6) These waiver requests were predicated on the premise that the
basic models of outdoor units identified by NCP, AeroSys, and First Co.
are not intended to be sold with a coil-only indoor unit pairing and
are designed to be sold with only the specified blower-coil indoor
units containing high-efficiency ECM fans.
In a notice published May 30, 2021, DOE granted AeroSys's petition
for interim waiver. Since that time, AeroSys filed for bankruptcy and
thus DOE stopped further evaluation of the AeroSys test procedure
waiver request.
With respect to First Co.'s petition, DOE has concluded that
statements provided in product specification sheets and installation
instructions for the subject basic models appear inconsistent with
First Co.'s assertion that the subject basic models are distributed in
commerce exclusively for use with blower-coil indoor units. For
example, installation instructions for affected models include language
describing these units as replacements for R-22 systems, and the
existing indoor units are unlikely to have the high-efficiency motors
used in the described blower-coil indoor units. Additionally, some spec
sheets include additional language indicating that installation is
intended with existing indoor units that are unlikely to have high
efficiency motors.
As NCP's waiver petition and the prescribed alternate test
procedure are specific to appendix M, the interim waiver will terminate
on the date on which testing is required under appendix M1 (i.e.,
January 1, 2023); there is no need for continuation of the waiver once
testing is required under appendix M1. Moreover, as discussed in the
following paragraphs, DOE has tentatively determined that it would be
inappropriate to amend appendix M1 to provide for the testing of split-
system
[[Page 16841]]
CACs as requested in the waiver petitions.
DOE is required per EPCA to prescribe test procedures that are
reasonably designed to produce test results which measure energy
efficiency during a representative average use cycle or period of use,
as determined by the Secretary. (42 U.S.C. 6293(b)(3)) For split-system
central air conditioner and heat pump outdoor units, determination of
what constitutes a representative average use cycle or period of use
must include consideration of combinations in which a unit is paired in
field installations. DOE published an energy conservation standard
final rule to set new standards for central air conditioners and heat
pumps on January 6, 2017. 82 FR 1786. In the rulemaking that culminated
in this final rule, DOE examined the typical installations for split-
system CACs and HPs as part of its assessment of life-cycle costs. DOE
determined that 39 percent of split-system CAC installations in 2021
\16\ would be full-system replacements including a blower-coil indoor
unit. Of the 61 percent remaining CAC installations, DOE's determined
that 75 percent of these would require replacement of the entire system
(i.e., both outdoor unit and coil-only indoor unit) and 25 percent
would involve solely replacement of the outdoor unit (i.e., leaving the
existing coil-only indoor unit and refrigerant line-sets intact).
(Docket No. EERE-2014-BT-STD-0048-0098, p. 8-8).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\16\ DOE based its life-cycle analysis on the assumption that
the year of product purchase date would be 2021, which at the time
was the assumed effective date of energy conservation standards for
CACs and HPs. Accordingly, all installation figures were forecast
through the year 2021.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
DOE's analysis indicates that installations involving blower-coil
indoor units are in the minority for split-system CACs. While DOE does
not have data showing the installation breakdown specifically for
space-constrained systems, DOE assumes in the absence of such data that
the general installation trends would apply to equally to space-
constrained systems. Additionally, DOE has observed instances for which
outdoor units designed for space-constrained applications are being
distributed in commerce without a corresponding blower-coil indoor
unit,\17\ indicating the potential for pairing a replacement outdoor
unit with an existing indoor unit using a legacy fan that would not
likely be comparable to the ECM fan of the blower-coil indoor unit on
which the system rating is based. DOE notes that the cited example is
for sale of an NCP outdoor unit, which indicates that it is impossible
to ensure that installations are of systems with blower-coil indoor
units, as suggested by NCP's waiver petition.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\17\ www.ferguson.com/product/national-comfort-products-3000-series-25-tons-12-seer-r-410a-27200-btuh-room-air-conditioner-nncpe4303010/_/R-4397660.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Consequently, DOE tentatively concludes that measuring the
performance of space-constrained systems exclusively with high-
efficiency blower-coil combinations, as requested in the NCP, AeroSys,
and First Co. waiver petitions, is not generally representative of
field operation. Based on this tentative conclusion, amendment to the
existing requirements for represented values in 10 CFR 429.16 to allow
manufacturers to avoid the coil-only test requirement for single-speed
and two-stage space-constrained CACs would provide test results that
are not representative of an average use cycle or period of use. DOE is
not proposing amendments to appendix M1 regarding the test procedure
waiver granted to NCP.
DOE requests comment on its planned approach not to propose waiving
the coil-only rating requirement for space-constrained air conditioners
and heat pumps. To support any comments suggesting that DOE reverse
this decision, DOE requests shipment and/or installation data for
space-constrained systems to clarify the characteristics of
representative installations.
C. Other Test Procedure Revisions
1. Air Volume Rate Changing With Outdoor Conditions
When testing CAC/HP systems under appendix M1, section 3.1.4
requires determining airflow setting(s) before testing begins; unless
otherwise specified, no changes are to be made to the airflow
setting(s) after initiation of testing. The subsections of section
3.1.4 provide instructions for establishing air volume rates for the
following test conditions: Cooling full-load (section 3.1.4.1), cooling
minimum (section 3.1.4.2), cooling intermediate (section 3.1.4.3),
heating full-load (section 3.1.4.4), heating minimum (section 3.1.4.5),
heating intermediate (section 3.1.4.6), and heating nominal (section
3.1.4.7).
For example, section 3.1.4.1.1.a of appendix M1 provides
instructions for determining the cooling full-load air volume rate for
ducted blower coil systems other than those having a constant-air-
volume-rate indoor blower. Within that section, a seven-step process is
followed to determine the final fan speed or control settings to be
used for testing. Step (7) of the process specifies using the measured
air volume rate as the cooling full-load air volume rate, and to use
the final fan speed or control settings for all tests that use the
cooling full-load air volume rate. Sections 3.1.4.2.a and 3.1.4.4.3.a
specify a similar process for determining cooling minimum air volume
rate and heating full-load air volume rate, respectively. These
sections similarly specify using use the measured air volume rate and
final fan speed or control settings for all tests that use the cooling
minimum air volume rate or heating full-load air volume rate,
respectively.
As noted, sections 3.1.4.1.1.a, 3.1.4.2.a, and 3.1.4.3.a of
appendix M1 specify using the air volume rates determined in those
respective sections for all tests. By contrast, sections 3.2.2.2,
3.2.3.b, and 3.2.4.b specify using air volume rates that represent a
``normal installation'' when testing units having a single-speed
compressor where the indoor section uses a single variable-speed
variable-air-volume rate indoor blower or multiple indoor blowers
(3.2.2.2), when testing units having a two-capacity compressor
(3.2.3.b), and when testing units having a variable-speed compressor
(3.2.4.b). In some cases, reference to ``air volume rates that
represent a normal installation'' could conflict with the air volume
rates determined in sections 3.1.4.1.1.a, 3.1.4.2.a, and 3.1.4.3.a.
For example, many modern blower-coil systems have multiple-speed or
variable-speed indoor fans and control systems (i.e. the type of units
covered under section 3.2.2.2) that may have the capability to vary fan
speed in response to operating conditions in order to optimize
performance. Under ``normal installation'' for such units, air volume
rate changes in response to operating conditions such as outdoor air
temperature. For these types of systems, the instructions in sections
3.1.4.1.1.a, 3.1.4.2.a, and 3.1.4.3.a to use a fixed (constant) air
volume rate for all tests conflict with the instructions in sections
3.2.2.2, 3.2.3.b, and 3.2.4.b to use air volume rates that represent a
normal installation.
For units with multiple-speed or variable-speed indoor fans and
control systems that have the capability to vary fan speed in response
to operating conditions, requiring air volume rate to remain constant
as outdoor air temperature changes during testing may not provide test
results that are representative of field operation.
To address this issue, DOE proposes to explicitly state in Step 7
of sections 3.1.4.1.1.a, 3.1.4.2.a, and 3.1.4.3.a that,
[[Page 16842]]
for blower coil systems in which the indoor blower capacity modulation
correlates with outdoor dry bulb temperature or sensible to total
cooling capacity ratio, use an air volume rate that represents a normal
operation. To ensure consistency of testing, it may be necessary for
manufacturers to certify whether the system varies blower speeds with
outdoor air conditions. However, this change is not being proposed in
this notice and may be addressed in a separate rulemaking.
DOE requests comments on its proposal to add language clarifying
how to implement variation of blower speed for different ambient
temperature test conditions.
2. Wet Bulb Temperature for H4 5 [deg]F Heating Tests
Appendix M1 specifies required and optional heating mode test
conditions for heat pumps, designated as ``H'' conditions. See Tables
11 through 15 of appendix M1. appendix M1 provides for conducting
optional ``H4'' heating tests at a 5 [deg]F outdoor ambient dry-bulb
temperature and, at a maximum, a 3 [deg]F outdoor wet-bulb
temperature.\18\ DOE initially proposed a target wet-bulb temperature
for the H4 test of 3.5 [deg]F in an SNOPR published in August 2016
(``August 2016 SNOPR''). 81 FR 58164, 58193. ACEEE, NRDC, and ASAP
agreed with DOE's proposal of a target wet bulb temperature of 3.5
[deg]F for the optional 5 [deg]F test. (ACEEE, NRDC, and ASAP, EERE-
2016-BT-TP-0029, No. 33 at p. 8) Carrier/UTC, Lennox, JCI, Ingersoll
Rand, Goodman, Nortek, NEEA, Rheem, the CA IOUs, AHRI, and Mitsubishi
all recommended that the target wet bulb temperature for the 5 [deg]F
test should be 3 [deg]F or less, rather than the proposed 3.5 [deg]F
target. The commenters indicated that holding tight tolerances on the
wet bulb temperature at such low temperatures is very challenging, but
the frost loading for this temperature is so low that the variation in
the wet bulb temperature level would not affect the test significantly.
Unico made a similar recommendation but suggested a maximum of 4 [deg]F
wet bulb temperature. (Carrier/UTC, No. 36 at p. 12; Lennox, EERE-2016-
BT-TP-0029, No. 25 at p. 15; JCI, EERE-2016-BT-TP-0029, No. 24 at p.
17; Ingersoll Rand, EERE-2016-BT-TP-0029, No. 38 at p. 7, Goodman No.
39 at p. 11; Nortek, EERE-2016-BT-TP-0029, No. 22 at p. 16; Unico,
EERE-2016-BT-TP-0029, No. 30 at p. 7; NEEA, EERE-2016-BT-TP-0029, No.
35 at p. 3; Rheem, EERE-2016-BT-TP-0029, No. 37 at p. 6; CA IOU, EERE-
2016-BT-TP-0029, No.32 at p.4; AHRI, EERE-2016-BT-TP-0029, No. 27 at
p.19; Mitsubishi, No. 29 at p.4).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\18\ The tests at this condition are optional for heat pumps,
except for Triple-Capacity Northern heat pumps.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
In the January 2017 TP Final Rule, DOE agreed that the amount of
moisture in 5 [deg]F air would be sufficiently low that imposing a
maximum wet bulb temperature of 3 [deg]F would be adequate to ensure
test repeatability; hence DOE adopted the suggestion to require a 3
[deg]F maximum wet bulb temperature in the January 2017 TP Final Rule
(82 FR 1426). Since the publication of the 2017 Final Rule, DOE and
other stakeholders have gained additional experience testing to the new
appendix M1, including testing at the 5 [deg]F H4 heating condition.
DOE has received informal comments and has independently observed that
holding the wet-bulb tolerance of maximum 3 [deg]F is difficult for
some test labs, especially for extended periods of time, and that even
if this low humidity level can be attained, the additional 0.5 to 1.0
[deg]F wet bulb reduction adds significant time to testing (as compared
to maximum wet bulb requirements of 3.5 [deg]F and 4 [deg]F,
respectively).
The 3 [deg]F wet bulb condition represents an extremely dry air
condition, which is difficult to attain and maintain due to issues with
infiltration and ground moisture passing through the floor in some
laboratory setups. Accordingly, DOE is proposing to amend the wet bulb
test condition for all H4 tests to be 4 [deg]F maximum instead of the
current condition of 3 [deg]F maximum. Because, as previously
identified in comments, there is very little moisture content in the
air at 5 [deg]F dry-bulb temperature, DOE does not expect that the
change in wet bulb temperature condition will have a significant impact
on test results.
DOE seeks comment on its proposal to amend the wet bulb temperature
condition for the H4 heating tests from the existing 3 [deg]F maximum
temperature to a maximum temperature of 4 [deg]F.
3. Hierarchy of Manufacturer Installation Instructions
Instructions for installation of CAC/HP products can take multiple
forms, including documents shipped with the product, labels affixed to
the outdoor unit and/or indoor unit, and online documents.
Section 2(A) of appendix M1 provides requirements regarding the
installation instructions to be used and their order of precedence
(i.e., installation instruction hierarchy) for variable refrigerant
flow (``VRF'') multi-split systems. Section 2(A) specifies that
installation instructions that appear in the labels applied to the unit
take precedence over installation instructions that are shipped with
the unit. Further, Section 2(A) specifies that the term
``manufacturer's installation instructions'' does not include online
manuals. Appendix M1 does not specify installation instruction
hierarchy for any other types of CAC/HP products.
Throughout appendix M1, references to manufacturer's installation
instructions are made regarding refrigerant charging requirements
(section 2.2.5), installation of an air supply plenum adapter accessory
for testing small-duct, high-velocity systems (section 2.4.1.c), and
control circuit connections between the furnace and the outdoor unit
for coil-only systems (section 3.13.1.a).
DOE notes that it initially proposed in a supplemental NOPR
published November 9, 2015 (``November 2015 SNOPR'') that the hierarchy
of installation instructions be located in proposed section 2.2.5.1 of
appendix M1, which pertains to refrigerant charging requirements. See
80 FR 69278, 69350.\19\ However, as finalized in the June 2016 Final
Rule, the installation instruction hierarchy provision was located
within section 2(A) of appendix M1, and therefore applies only to
testing of VRF multi-split systems. 81 FR 36992, 37060. The June 2016
Final Rule did not provide a discussion of this change.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\19\ DOE also notes that as initially proposed, installation
instructions that are shipped with the unit were to take precedence
over installation instructions that appear in the labels applied to
the unit, but this hierarchy was reversed in the final rule. 81 FR
36992, 37060.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
The requirements regarding installation instruction would be
equally applicable to classes of CAC/HP other than VRF multi-split
systems. As noted, manufacturer's installation instructions are
referenced in a number of provisions in appendix M1. Therefore, DOE is
proposing to add in section 2(B) of appendix M1, ``Testing Overview and
Conditions for Systems Other than VRF,'' the same requirements
associated with installation instructions that are in section 2(A),
i.e. what instructions can be used and what instructions take
precedence. This proposal would align the approach for all classes of
CAC/HP with the current approach for VRF CAC.
DOE requests comment on the proposed alignment of the VRF and non-
VRF test procedures when it comes to instruction precedence.
[[Page 16843]]
4. Adjusting Airflow Measurement Apparatus To Achieve Desired SCFM at
Part-Load Conditions
DOE is aware that the specifications for cooling full-load air
volume rates for both ducted and non-ducted units may require
additional detail to provide improved repeatability. Sections
3.1.4.1.1, 3.1.4.2, and 3.1.4.4.3 of appendix M1 each specify seven
steps for achieving the correct air volume rate to be used for testing
(cooling full-load air volume rate, cooling minimum air volume rate,
and heating full-load air volume rate, respectively). In each section,
Step 7 mentions ``fan speed'' and ``control settings'' without
indicating whether they are the speed and settings of the unit under
test, of the airflow measurement apparatus, or both. DOE notes that
cooling full-load air volume rate, cooling minimum air volume rate, and
heating full-load air volume rate may each be used for multiple test
conditions. However, when using this same air-volume rate at different
test conditions, it may be necessary to adjust one of the fans to
achieve the same air-volume rate, due to differences in air density
and/or loading of condensate on the indoor coil.\20\ In sections
3.1.4.1.1, 3.1.4.2, and 3.1.4.4.3 of appendix M1, Step 7 identifies the
air volume rate (cooling full-load, cooling minimum, and heating full-
load, respectively) to be used for all test conditions that use the
same air volume rate, but it does not indicate what adjustments are
allowed or required to obtain it.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\20\ When operating in cooling mode, water vapor in the return
air may condense and collect and flow down the coil into the indoor
unit's drain pan. This removal of water vapor is called
dehumidification--it occurs only in cooling mode and its magnitude
depends on the test conditions.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
These sections may be misinterpreted to indicate that both the fan
speed of the unit under test and the airflow measurement apparatus fan
speed should not be adjusted during testing. As previously described,
if both the test unit fan speed and the measurement apparatus fan speed
are fixed, differences in air density and/or loading of condensate
could cause differences in measured air volume rate at different test
conditions, with no recourse for correction. This interpretation could
then cause tests to be conducted at different air volume rates across
test conditions, whereas the test procedure at sections 3.1.4.1.1,
3.1.4.2, and 3.1.4.4.3 of appendix M1 requires the tests to be
conducted at the same air volume rate across different conditions. To
minimize the potential for misinterpretation, DOE is proposing to
explicitly require that the airflow measurement apparatus fan be
adjusted if needed to maintain constant air volume rate for all tests
using the same air volume rate. Similarly, the section would explicitly
state that the speed and settings of the fan of the unit under test are
not to be adjusted.
DOE requests comment on its proposal to add more specific direction
to step 7 of sections 3.1.4.1.1, 3.1.4.2, and 3.1.4.4.3.
5. Revision of Equations Representing Full-Speed Variable-Speed Heat
Pump Operation at and Above 45 [deg]F Ambient Temperature
A compressor's speed at full speed may change as the outdoor
temperature changes. While the compressor speed at full speed may
differ at different outdoor temperatures, accuracy of predictions using
the test results from two temperature conditions to calculate the
performance for a third temperature condition is maximized when the
same compressor speed is used for the tests at the two different
ambient temperature conditions (see, e.g., 81 FR 58164, 58178 (August
24, 2016)).
For calculation of full-compressor performance in the temperature
ranges less than 17 [deg]F and greater than or equal to 45 [deg]F, the
test procedure determines performance based on the H32 and
H12 tests, which are conducted at 17 [deg]F and 47 [deg]F,
respectively (see appendix M1, sections 4.2.4.c, which refers to
equations 4.2.2-3 and 4.2.2-4 in Section 4.2.2). As indicated in
appendix M1 in the Table 14 footnotes, the H12 test is run
with the compressor speed that represents normal operation at 17 [deg]F
conditions. However, for many variable-speed heat pumps, this is a
higher compressor speed than would be normal for operation at 47 [deg]F
conditions.
The H1N test represents normal 47 [deg]F operation, as
indicated in the Table 14 footnotes. For heat pumps with different
normal speeds for 17 [deg]F and 47 [deg]F conditions, the full-
compressor performance equation is not appropriately representative for
temperatures greater than or equal to 45 [deg]F. For example, at 47
[deg]F, the equation would indicate that the capacity is equal to the
H12 capacity, even though the H1N test is
specifically intended to represent capacity at 47 [deg]F. To rectify
this issue, DOE proposes to amend the portion of the equations
representing performance in conditions warmer than 45 [deg]F.
Specifically, the capacity equation for this temperature range would be
multiplied by the ratio of the capacities of the H1N and
H12 tests. Similarly, the power input equation for this
range would be multiplied by the ratio of the power inputs measured in
the H1N and H12 tests. This would change the
calculated capacity and power input for the range of temperature above
45 [deg]F to be consistent with the compressor speed of the
H1N test (which is intended to represent performance in this
range), rather than with the compressor speed of the H32
test, which is conducted in a 17 [deg]F ambient temperature.
While DOE believes that the proposed amendments would provide more
representative results, DOE does not expect that such changes would
significantly affect heat pump HSPF2 measurements. This is because the
full-capacity performance would affect HSPF2 only when the calculated
building load exceeds the calculated intermediate capacity of a
variable-speed heat pump, which DOE believes to be a rare occurrence in
the ambient temperature range above 45 [deg]F. In the cases that would
affect HSPF2, the change would increase the measured efficiency, since
H1N COP is expected to be higher than H12 COP due
to its lower compressor speed.
DOE requests comment on the proposed change to the full-capacity
performance equations for variable-speed heat pumps in the ambient
temperature range above 45 [deg]F, adjusting the equations for capacity
and power by the ratio of capacity and power, respectively, associated
with H1N and H12 operation.
6. Calculations for Triple-Capacity Northern Heat Pumps
Section 4.2.6 of appendix M1 includes additional steps for
calculating HSPF2 of a heat pump having a triple-capacity compressor.
Heat pumps with triple-capacity compressors respond to building heating
load by operating at low (k=1), high (k=2), or booster (k=3) capacity
or by cycling on and off at one or more of those stages. Section
4.2.6.5 covers the scenario where the heat pump alternates between high
(k=2) and booster (k=3) compressor capacity to satisfy the building
load. In this scenario, the total electrical power consumption is
determined by calculating the fraction of time the system spends
operating in the high and booster stage, respectively, and then
weighting the steady-state power consumption at each operating state
accordingly. Section 4.2.6.5 gives equations for calculating the
fraction of load addressed by the high compressor stage, denoted as
``Xk=2(Tj)'', as well as the fraction of load
addressed by the booster compressor stage
``Xk=3(Tj)''. These proportions should, by
definition, be complementary because the system is
[[Page 16844]]
either operating in high compressor stage or boost compressor stage.
However, the equation for the booster capacity load factor
``Xk=3(Tj)'' is erroneously set equal to the
high-capacity load factor ``Xk=2(Tj)'' as opposed
to the complementary value ``1 Xk=2(Tj).''
Therefore, DOE is proposing to correct the booster capacity load factor
equation to be defined as Xk=3(Tj) = 1 -
Xk=2(Tj).
DOE seeks comment on its proposal to revise the calculation for
booster capacity load factor equation for triple-capacity northern heat
pumps.
7. Heating Nominal Air Volume Rate for Variable-Speed Heat Pumps
Appendix M1 includes procedures for calculating the heating
capacity and power input for variable-speed heat pumps at various test
conditions. The H1N test is used to calculate the nominal
heating capacity of the system at 47 [deg]F ambient temperature,
whereas the H12 test is used to calculate maximum heating
capacity at 47 [deg]F and the H11 test is used to calculate
minimum heating capacity at 47 [deg]F. Section 3.1.4.7 of appendix M1
requires that manufacturers must specify a heating nominal air volume
rate for each variable-speed heat pump system and must provide
instructions for setting the fan speed or controls. The heating full-
load air volume rate is defined in section 3.1.4.4 of appendix M1,
which ties the heating full-load air volume rate to the cooling full-
load air volume rate and denotes static pressure requirements. However,
in Table 14 to appendix M1 (which specifies heating mode test
conditions for units having a variable-speed compressor), the
H1N test (used for calculating nominal heating capacity at
47 [deg]F) is erroneously specified as using the ``Heating Full-load''
air volume rate instead of the heating nominal air volume rate. Because
the H1N test is intended to represent nominal heating
capacity, DOE is proposing to amend Table 14 to specify the ``heating
nominal air volume rate'' as defined in section 3.1.4.7 of appendix M1
as opposed to the ``heating full-load air volume rate''. As discussed
in section I.B.2 of this NOPR, DOE is also proposing to amend the test
provisions for variable-speed compressor systems with coil-only indoor
units. The proposal mentioned in this section would only apply to
variable-speed systems equipped with blower-coil indoor units, while
variable-speed coil-only systems would be required to test using the
heating full-load air volume rate at the H1N test condition.
DOE requests comment on its proposal to specify heating nominal air
volume rate as the air volume rate to be used for the H1N
heating test for variable-speed heat pumps.
8. Clarifications for HSPF2 Calculation
Section 4.2 of appendix M1 contains methodologies for calculating
HSPF2 for all heat pumps. DOE has identified an instance where
additional instruction may be warranted to make clear the calculation
procedure across different types of heat pump systems. DOE proposes to
clarify the appropriate slope adjustment factor to be used in the
calculation for building heating load (Equation 4.2-2).
As written, Equation 4.2-2 refers to the heating load line slope
adjustment factor ``C'', which varies by climate region according to
Table 20. However, Table 20 includes both the ``C'' factor as well as a
factor denoted ``CVS''--the variable-speed slope factor,
which includes different coefficients that impact calculation of HSPF2.
CVS is not explicitly referenced in the definitions
surrounding Equation 4.2-2, therefor DOE is proposing to amend the
language of that paragraph to indicate that the slope adjustment factor
``C'' should be used when calculating building heating load except for
variable-speed compressor systems, where the variable-speed slope
adjustment factor ``CVS'' should be used instead.
DOE seeks comment on its proposal to clarify the calculation
process for heating load line slope factor as it pertains to variable-
speed heat pumps.
9. Distinguishing Central Air Conditioners and Heat Pumps From
Commercial Equipment
EPCA defines ``industrial equipment'' as equipment of a type which,
among other requirements, is not a covered product under section
6291(a)(2), i.e., not a covered consumer product. (42 U.S.C.6311(2)(A))
Small, large, and very large commercial package air conditioning and
heating equipment are included as types of covered industrial
equipment. (42 U.S.C.6311(1)(B,C,D))
EPCA defines ``central air conditioner'' as a product, other than a
packaged terminal air conditioner, which is powered by single phase
electric current, is air-cooled, is rated below 65,000 Btu per hour, is
not contained within the same cabinet as a furnace the rated capacity
of which is above 225,000 Btu per hour, and is a heat pump or a cooling
only unit. DOE understands that there are basic models that exists on
the market that meet the central air conditioner definition but are
exclusively distributed in commerce for commercial and industrial
applications. In DOE's view, there are certain types of equipment that
meet the definition of CAC but that EPCA was not intended to regulate
as consumer products. To clarify that any such model is not a central
air conditioner, DOE proposes to revise the central air conditioner
definition so that it explicitly excludes these equipment categories,
similar to the way the definition excludes packaged terminal air
conditioners and packaged terminal heat pumps. The exclusion for
single-package vertical air-conditioners and heat pumps would refer
specifically to those models that could be confused with central air
conditioners, i.e., those that are single-phase with capacity less than
65,000 Btu/h, for which the test procedure notice of proposed
rulemaking for single-package vertical air conditioners and heat pumps
has proposed new definitions. 87 FR 2490, 2518 (January 14, 2022).
DOE emphasizes that the exclusion from the central air conditioner
definition for a given model depends on whether it meets the definition
for one of the excluded categories. For example, a model must meet the
packaged terminal air conditioner definition to be considered to be a
packaged terminal air conditioner. Suppose a model meets the
characteristics listed in the central air conditioner definition, but
otherwise has similarities to packaged terminal air conditioners. If
such a model is not ``intended for mounting through the wall,'' it
would be missing a key characteristic of the packaged terminal air
conditioner definition (see 10 CFR 431.92), and, unless it met the
definition for one of the other categories proposed to be excluded, it
is considered a central air conditioner irrespective of whether it gets
installed in a consumer or commercial building.
10. Additional Test Procedure Revisions
On May 8, 2019, AHRI submitted a comment responding to the notice
of proposal to revise and adopt procedures, interpretations, and
policies for consideration of new or revised energy conservation
standards (2020 Process Rule NOPR, 84 FR 3910, Feb. 13, 2019). The
comment included as Exhibit 2 a ``List of Errors Found in appendix M
and appendix M1'' (``AHRI Exhibit 2'', EERE-2017-BT-STD-0062-0117 at
pp. 23-24). Many of the errors pointed out by AHRI regard typographical
errors in appendix M and appendix M1. DOE published a notice of
corrections to appendices M and M1 on December 2, 2021 (``December 2021
Corrections Notice''). 86 FR 68389. The December 2021 Corrections
Notice
[[Page 16845]]
addressed some of the ``Errors'' identified in AHRI Exhibit 2, but not
all of them. DOE is proposing to address additional ``Errors''
identified in AHRI Exhibit 2 in this NOPR to improve accuracy and
representativeness of the test procedures.
a. Revisions Specific to Appendix M
AHRI's comment identified three areas of appendix M where they
requested changes. These are detailed in Table III-2. Additionally, DOE
has identified one transcription error in the December 2021 Corrections
Notice related to changes made in section 3.6.4 of appendix M. DOE is
making corresponding revisions in this NOPR to correct that
transcription error.
Table III-2--AHRI-Identified Errors to Appendix M
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Original appendix M
Section language AHRI comment summary Proposed change
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1.2........................ ``Nominal cooling capacity The H1N test is required Remove the ``Optional H1N
is approximate to the air in section 3.6.4, and test'' and replace the
conditioner cooling section 3.6.4 designates ``H12'' with ``H1N''.
capacity tested at A or A2 the H1N test--not the H12
condition. Nominal heating test.
capacity is approximate to
the heat pump heating
capacity tested in H12
test (or the optional H1N
test)''.
4.1.4.2.................... ........................... The EER\k=1\(Tj) should be Revise the formula to
EER\k=2\(Tj) because the implement this change to
coefficient ``A'' only EER\k=2\(Tj).
utilizes the maximum
speed temperature, T2.
4.2.c...................... ``For a variable-speed heat 2017 and later versions of Accurately implement the
pump, Qh\k\(47) = appendix M use H\k=2\calc change intended by the
Qh\k=N\(47), the space for all conditions, as December 2021 Corrections
heating capacity explained in 3.6.4. This Notice.
determined from the H1N should not be an
test''. exception for the rest of
the calculations.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The following sections discuss proposed changes to the language of
appendix M that DOE believes will improve clarity regarding how tests
and calculations are to be conducted to determine capacity levels and
efficiency metrics.
i. Definition of Nominal Cooling Capacity
AHRI commented that the definition of Nominal Cooling Capacity in
Section 1.2 of appendix M incorrectly references the H1N
test as ``optional.'' AHRI claimed that, on the contrary, the
H1N test is required for heat pumps. DOE agrees with the
AHRI comment, since Section 3.6.4, ``Tests for a Heat Pump Having a
Variable-Speed Compressor,'' requires the H1N test.
Therefore, DOE is proposing to revise the definition of ``Nominal
Capacity'' to remove the references to the H12 test in its
entirety. Referring to the H1N test will avoid confusion.
ii. Revising Energy Efficiency Ratio Equation at Intermediate
Compressor Speed
In section 4.1.4.2 of appendix M, there are a series of equations
used to calculate EER\k=i\(Tj), the steady-state energy
efficiency ratio of the test unit when operating at an intermediate
compressor speed (k=i) for outdoor temperature Tj. This
value is calculated using a quadratic equation: EER\k=i\(Tj)
= A + B*Tj + C*Tj\2\. These coefficients (A, B
and C) are calculated by their own respective formulae.
AHRI commented that the formula for the ``A'' coefficient has an
error. Specifically, EER\k=1\(T2) in the equation should be
EER\k=2\(T2) because the coefficient ``A'' only utilizes
maximum-speed temperature T2. As described further in this
section, DOE is proposing to revise this calculation such that it uses
the intended ``k=2''. The use of ``k=2'' is supported both by its
appearance in ASHRAE 116-2010, ``Methods for Testing for Rating
Seasonal Efficiency of Unitary Air Conditioners and Heat Pumps'' (see
page 25) and also in the DOE test procedure final rule that first
established test methods for variable-speed systems. 49 FR 8304, 8316
(March 14, 1987).
iii. Clarification of Compressor Speed Limits in Heating Tests for Heat
Pumps Having a Variable-Speed Compressor
In the December 2021 Corrections Notice, DOE discussed corrections
to the compressor speed limitations for the H1N heating mode
test for both appendix M and appendix M1. 86 FR 68389, 68390. However,
when setting out the correcting language in the amendatory instruction
for appendix M, the instructions erroneously directed to revise the
fifth sentence of paragraph a to section 3.6.4, when the instructions
were intended to revise the seventh sentence of the same paragraph. As
currently printed, the text in paragraph a of section 3.6.4 to appendix
M includes two sentences starting with ``for a cooling/heating heat
pump . . .'' that give conflicting instructions. Accordingly, DOE is
proposing to revise this paragraph to reflect the intent of the
December 2021 Corrections Notice and, by extension, the January 2017
Final Rule.
b. Revisions Specific to Appendix M1
AHRI's comment identified one area of appendix M1 where they
requested changes. This requested change is detailed in Table III-2.
[[Page 16846]]
Table III-3--AHRI-Identified Errors to Appendix M1
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Original
Section appendix M1 AHRI comment Proposed change
language summary
------------------------------------------------------------------------
4.2.................. Qh(47 [deg]F): For variable Revise the
the heating speed heat language to be
capacity at 47 pumps, the clearer about
[deg]F language what capacity
determined should be to use for
from the H2 clarified to different
H12 or H1N H\k=2\ calc.. types of
test, Btu/h.. heating-only
heat pumps.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The following sections discuss proposed changes to the language of
appendix M1 that DOE believes will improve clarity regarding how tests
and calculations are to be conducted to determine capacity levels and
efficiency metrics.
i. Detailed Descriptions of Capacity for Different Subcategories
AHRI commented that in Section 4.2 of appendix M1, which describes
the calculation for HSPF2 for different subcategories of heat pumps,
there is a lack of clarity in the term for heating capacity measured at
47 [deg]F, ``Qh(47 [deg]F),'' in Equation 2-2, the building
load, ``BL(Tj),'' equation. Currently, the description of
Qh(47 [deg]F) says that it is ``determined from the H,
H12 or H1N test.'' Additionally, the first ``H''
is missing an additional character to specify the appropriate test
point. DOE agrees with AHRI's assessment of this description, and DOE
is proposing to revise this description to include specific
instructions for which test point is appropriate for different heat
pump subcategories. DOE is proposing to specify that the H1 test is for
a heat pump with a single-speed compressor, the H12 test is
for a heat pump with a two-speed compressor, and the H1N
test is for a heat pump with a variable-speed compressor.
However, AHRI commented regarding a ``H\k=2\calc'' term.
DOE notes that this term does not exist in this section of appendix M1.
While DOE is revising this section to add clarity in light of AHRI's
general comment, DOE will not be proposing to make the exact edit AHRI
proposes.
c. Revisions to Both Appendix M and Appendix M1
AHRI's comment claimed that there are two sections in both appendix
M and appendix M1 that contain similar errors. These errors are
detailed below in Table III-4.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP24MR22.000
The following sections discuss proposed changes to the language of
both appendix M and appendix M1 that DOE believes will improve clarity
regarding how tests and calculations are to be conducted to determine
capacity levels and efficiency metrics.
i. Revising Part Load Factor Equation for Heat Pumps in Section 4.2.3.3
AHRI's comment claims that the part load factor (PLF) equation in
section 4.2.3.3 of both appendix M and appendix M1 contain two errors.
The first error is that the equation is missing a closing square
bracket, and the second is that the heating mode low-capacity load
factor, ``X\k=1\(Tj),'' is incorrectly referenced instead of
the high-capacity load factor, ``X\k=2\(Tj).'' DOE notes
that this equation is actually correct in appendix M1. The high-
capacity load factor is appropriate in this equation because section
4.2.3.3 applies to heat pumps that only operate at high (k=2)
compressor capacity. Therefore, the high-capacity load factor should be
used in this case for the part load factor. DOE is proposing to revise
this formula in appendix M to include the closing square bracket and to
use the high-capacity load factor.
ii. Revising the Ratio of Electrical Energy Used for Resistive Space
Heating Equation in Section 4.2.3.4
AHRI has identified an error in the equation for electrical energy
consumed by the heat pump for electric resistance auxiliary heating for
bin temperature, Tj divided by the total number of hours in
the heating season, ``RH(Tj)/N,'' used in section 4.2.3.4 of
both appendix M and appendix M1. AHRI indicated that the equation used
in section 4.2.3.4
[[Page 16847]]
includes a multiplication operator where it should have subtraction.
The subtraction operator is consistent with all other instances of
RH(Tj)/N in both appendix M and appendix M1. DOE agrees that
the equation for RH(Tj)/N in section 4.2.3.4 of both
appendix M and appendix M1 is incorrect, and therefore DOE is proposing
to revise this equation to include the subtraction operator rather than
a multiplication operator.
DOE requests comments on the proposals to implement the correcting
revisions described in this section.
D. Other Representation Proposed Revisions
Manufacturers, including importers, must use product-specific
certification templates to certify compliance to DOE. For CAC/HPs, the
certification template reflects the general certification requirements
specified at 10 CFR 429.12 and the product-specific requirements
specified at 10 CFR 429.16. As discussed in the previous paragraphs,
DOE is not making any proposals related to certification requirements
in this rulemaking and any such changes may be addressed in a future
rulemaking.
1. Required Represented Values for Models Certified Compliant With
Regional Standards
DOE's standards for CAC at 10 CFR 430.32(c) include both amended
national standards with which compliance is required for models
manufactured on or after January 1, 2023, and amended regional
standards with which compliance is required for units installed on or
after January 1, 2023. See 10 CFR 430.32(c)(5)-(6). In addition, as
discussed in section III.B.3, DOE's regulations at 10 CFR 429.16
describe certification requirements for central air conditioners and
central air conditioning heat pumps, and paragraph (a)(1) of this
section requires single-split CACs with single-stage or two-stage
compressors, at a minimum, to rate each outdoor model as part of a
coil-only combination representative of the least efficient combination
distributed in commerce with that particular outdoor unit.
On December 16, 2021, DOE issued final guidance regarding whether a
model of outdoor unit for a single-split-system AC with single-stage or
two-stage compressor whose coil-only rating under M1 does not meet
regional standards, but where certain blower-coil combinations that
include the outdoor model do meet regional standards, can be installed
in the SE or SW region. DOE's guidance states that ``In order to be
installed in the SE or SW region, the outdoor unit must have at least
one coil-only combination that is compliant with the regional standard
applicable at the time of installation.''
As background, DOE notes that it finalized provisions related to
this issue in a June 2016 Test Procedure Final Rule (81 FR 36992, June
8, 2016) with minor revisions in a January 2017 Test Procedure Final
Rule (82 FR 1426, January 5, 2017); a July 2016 Enforcement Final Rule
(81 FR 45387, July 14, 2016); and a January 2017 Energy Conservation
Standards Direct Final Rule (82 FR 1786, January 6, 2017). These
provisions were based on consensus recommendations by two ASRAC Working
Groups--a Regional Standards Enforcement Working Group (``Enforcement
WG'') that concluded on October 24, 2014 (See final report: Docket No.
EERE-2011-BT-CE-0077, No. 70), and a Central Air Conditioner and Heat
Pump Energy Conservation Standards Working Group (``ECS WG'') that
concluded on January 19, 2016 (See term sheet: Docket No. EERE-2014-BT-
STD-0048, No. 76).
The July 2016 Enforcement Final Rule adopted several provisions of
relevance here, with a focus on enforcement of the existing energy
conservation standards:
10 CFR 429.102(c)(4) contains provisions regarding what a
``product installed in violation'' includes, specifying, among other
things: ``(i) A complete central air conditioning system that is not
certified as a complete system that meets the applicable standard.
Combinations that were previously validly certified may be installed
after the manufacturer has discontinued the combination, provided the
combination meets the currently applicable standard. . . . [and] (iii)
An outdoor unit that is part of a certified combination rated less than
the standard applicable in the region in which it is installed.'' 81 FR
45387, 45393-45394.
10 CFR 429.158(a) specifies that if DOE determines a model
of outdoor unit fails to meet the applicable regional standard(s) when
tested in a combination certified by the same manufacturer, then the
outdoor unit basic model will be deemed noncompliant with the regional
standard(s). 81 FR 45387, 45397.
10 CFR 430.32(c)(3)-(4) provides that any outdoor unit
model that has a certified combination with a rating below 14 SEER
cannot be installed in either the southern or southwest region. 81 FR
45387, 45391.
The June 2016 TP Final Rule adopted several certification
provisions of relevance here, with a focus on the amended energy
conservation standards recommended by the ECS WG. In particular, the
June 2016 TP Final Rule noted that the ECS WG recommended energy
conservation standards for central air conditioners based on coil-only
ratings. 81 FR 36992, 37002. (June 8, 2016). The recommended standard
levels for split system air conditioners may very well have been higher
if they had been based on blower-coil ratings. For example, the
recommended standard levels for split system heat pumps, which are
based on blower-coil ratings, are approximately one point higher than
those for split system air conditioners.
In addition, the ECS WG recommended that DOE implement the
requirement that every single-split air conditioner combination
distributed in commerce must be rated, and that every single-stage and
two-stage condensing (outdoor) unit distributed in commerce (other than
a condensing unit for a 1-to-1 mini split) must have at least 1 coil-
only rating that is representative of the least efficient coil
distributed in commerce with a particular condensing unit. Every
condensing unit distributed in commerce must have at least 1 tested
combination, and for single-stage and two-stage condensing units (other
than condensing units for a 1-to-1 mini split) this must be a coil-only
combination. (Docket No. EERE-2014-BT-STD-0048, No. 76, Recommendation
#7) In the June 2016 Final Rule, DOE adopted these recommendations
along with regional limitations for represented values of individual
combinations:
10 CFR 429.16(a)(1) contains provisions for required
represented values, stating that for single-split system AC with
single-stage or two-stage compressor, every individual combination
distributed in commerce must be rated as a coil-only combination. For
each model of outdoor unit, this must include at least one coil-only
value that is representative of the least efficient combination
distributed in commerce with that particular model of outdoor unit.
Additional blower-coil representations are allowed for any applicable
individual combinations, if distributed in commerce. 81 FR 36992,
37002.
10 CFR 429.16(b)(2)(i) specifies that for each basic model
of single-split system AC with single-stage or two-stage compressor,
the model of outdoor unit must be tested with a model of coil-only
indoor unit. 81 FR 36992, 37002.
10 CFR 429.16(a)(4)(i) [as modified in the January 2017 TP
Final Rule] states that a basic model may only be certified as
compliant with a regional standard if all individual combinations
within that basic model meet the
[[Page 16848]]
regional standard for which it is certified, and that a model of
outdoor unit that is certified below a regional standard can only be
rated and certified as compliant with a regional standard if the model
of outdoor unit has a unique model number and has been certified as a
different basic model for distribution in each region. 81 FR 36992,
37012 [as 10 CFR 429.16(a)(3)(i)]; 82 FR 1426.
DOE notes that the July 2016 Enforcement Final Rule stated that the
adopted provisions in 10 CFR 430.32(c)(3)-(4) were meant to be
complementary to the regional limitations adopted in the June 2016 TP
Final Rule at 10 CFR 429.16(a)(3)(i) [now 10 CFR 429.16(a)(4)(i)]. 81
FR 45387, 45391. In the January 2017 CAC DFR, DOE adopted additional
language in 10 CFR 430.32 relevant to the amended standards:
10 CFR 430.32(c)(6)(ii) provides that any outdoor unit
model that has a certified combination with a rating below the
applicable standard level(s) for a region cannot be installed in that
region. The least-efficient combination of each basic model must comply
with this standard. 82 FR 1786, 1857.
Finally, DOE notes that the general enforcement provisions in
Subpart C to part 429 also apply to CAC standards (both national and
regional), including:
10 CFR 429.102(a)(1), specifying that the failure of a
manufacturer to properly certify covered products in accordance with 10
CFR 429.12 and 429.14 through 429.62 is a prohibited act subject to
enforcement action.
Taken together, the regional standards, certification, and
enforcement provisions require that, in order to comply with a regional
standard, the least efficient combination of each basic model must
comply. 10 CFR 430.32(c)(6)(ii). Further, each basic model of single-
split system AC with single-stage or two-stage compressor must include
a represented value for a coil-only combination representative of the
least efficient combination distributed in commerce with the model of
outdoor unit, and each model of outdoor unit must be tested with a
model of coil-only indoor unit. (10 CFR 429.16(a)(1) and
429.16(b)(2)(i)). While manufacturers can create a regional-specific
basic model under 10 CFR 429.16(a)(4)(i), such a basic model must still
be certified properly according to the other provisions in that
section. As such, in order to comply with a regional standard, a
regional-specific basic model of single-split system AC with single-
stage or two-stage compressor must include at least one coil-only
combination that complies with the regional standard. Failure to
certify a regional-specific basic model according to the provisions in
10 CFR 429.16(a)(1) and 429.16(b)(2)(i) is a prohibited act under 10
CFR 429.102(a)(1).
Similarly, while 10 CFR 429.102(c)(4)(i) states that combinations
that were previously validly certified may be installed after the
manufacturer has discontinued the combination, provided the combination
meets the currently applicable standard. The provision at 10 CFR
429.102(c)(4)(i) was designed to allow sell-through of inventory that
manufacturers had discontinued for reasons other than non-compliance
with a regional standard. 81 FR 45387, 45393. It was not intended, nor
in the light of all other provisions can it be read, as allowing
installation of models of outdoor unit that do not comply with the
applicable regional standard at the time of installation (i.e., have no
combinations of coil-only units that comply with the amended regional
standards, which, as stated previously, were developed based on coil-
only ratings).
Based on this background, the CAC regional guidance states in part:
In general, a basic model may be certified as compliant with a
regional standard (and, as of January 1, 2023, meets the applicable
amended regional standard) only if all individual combinations within
that basic model meet the regional standard for which it is certified.
All individual model combinations within a basic model must include,
for single-split-system AC with single-stage or two-stage compressor
(including space-constrained and SDHV systems), a coil-only combination
representative of the least-efficient combination in which the specific
outdoor unit is distributed in commerce. See 10 CFR 429.16(a)(1);
429.16(a)(4)(i); 430.32(c)(6).
A manufacturer may sell an outdoor unit of identical design in the
SE and SW regions, if the manufacturer separates the basic model (i.e.
outdoor unit model) into different basic models with unique model
numbers for distribution in each region, provided that the basic models
for the SE and SW regions: (1) Do not include any individual
combinations that are not compliant with the regional standard
applicable at the time of installation; and (2) include at least one
coil-only combination that is representative of the least-efficient
combination in which the specific outdoor unit is distributed in
commerce. Id.
DOE notes that the install-through provisions in 10 CFR
429.102(c)(4)(i) allows existing stock of discontinued basic model
combinations to be installed in the SE or SW regions as long as they
were previously validly certified as compliant to the regional
standards applicable at the time of installation. DOE further notes
that the term ``previously validly certified'' means that all
combinations within the basic model must show compliance with the
regional standard applicable at the time of installation, including,
for single-split-system AC with single-stage or two-stage compressor
(including space-constrained and SDHV systems), a coil-only combination
representative of the least-efficient combination in which the specific
outdoor unit is distributed in commerce, in order for the install-
through provisions to apply.
DOE proposes to add additional direction to the regulatory text in
10 CFR 429.16(a)(1) and (a)(4)(i), 10 CFR 429.102(c)(4)(i) and (iii),
and 10 CFR 430.32(c)(6)(ii) to more explicitly cross-reference the
existing regulatory text to clarify the interplay of the existing
requirements and reinforce the guidance.
In addition, DOE notes that the table in 10 CFR 429.16(a)(1) states
that the required coil-only value must be ``representative of the least
efficient combination distributed in commerce with that particular
model of outdoor unit'' (emphasis added). Sections 429.140 through
429.158 provide enforcement procedures specific to regional standards,
10 CFR 429.142 includes records retention of information regarding
sales of outdoor units, indoor units, and single-package units, and 10
CFR 429.144 specifies requirements for records requests. When
determining if a model of indoor unit is distributed in commerce with a
particular model of outdoor unit, DOE may review catalogs, product
literature, installation instructions, and advertisements, and may also
request sales records.
Finally, 10 CFR 429.158 discusses products determined noncompliant
with regional standards. Paragraphs (a) and (b) cross-reference 10 CFR
429.102(c), stating that the certifying manufacturer is liable for
distribution of noncompliant units in commerce. DOE notes that 10 CFR
429.102(c) refers to distributors, contractors, and dealers, while 10
CFR 429.102(a)(10) states that it is prohibited ``for any manufacturer
or private labeler to knowingly sell a product to a distributor,
contractor, or dealer with knowledge that the entity routinely violates
any regional standard applicable to the product.'' Therefore, DOE
proposes that 10 CFR 429.158(a)-(b) cross-reference 10 CFR
429.102(a)(10) rather than 10 CFR 429.102(c).
[[Page 16849]]
DOE requests comment on its proposals to the regulatory text in 10
CFR part 429, and in particular, whether they clarify the requirements
and align with DOE's issued guidance or whether additional
clarification is needed.
E. Test Procedure Costs and Impact
As discussed, DOE's existing test procedures for CAC/HPs appear at
appendix M and appendix M1 (both titled ``Uniform Test Method for
Measuring the Energy Consumption of Central Air Conditioners and Heat
Pumps''). In this NOPR, DOE proposes to amend the existing test
procedure for CACs and HPs to provide additional detail and instruction
to ensure the representativeness of the test procedure and to reduce
potential burden. As discussed, DOE is proposing limited amendments to
appendix M1, which is the required test procedure beginning January 1,
2023.
DOE has tentatively determined that the proposed amendments in this
NOPR would improve the representativeness, accuracy, and
reproducibility of the test results, and they would not be unduly
burdensome for manufacturers to conduct or result in increased testing
cost as compared to the current test procedure.
The proposed amendment to the wet bulb temperature maximum for the
5 [deg]F ambient temperature condition, discussed in section III.C.2,
would amend the condition from 3 [deg]F to 4 [deg]F. This change is
proposed based, in part, on feedback from manufacturers that the
proposed change to 4 [deg]F would be easier to achieve than 3 [deg]F.
As such, DOE does not anticipate that this provision would increase the
burden of conducting testing under appendix M1.
With regards to the additional test procedure proposals introduced
in sections III.B and III.C of this NOPR, DOE does not believe that
these will cause manufacturers to incur any additional test procedure
costs. The proposals to (a) define revised fan wattages for low-stage
testing of two-stage coil-only units, and (b) revise the equations for
full-capacity operation of variable-speed heat pumps at and above 45
[deg]F affect calculations rather than testing. The proposals for
variable-speed coil-only air conditioners and heat pumps provide
instructions for testing such models that are currently the subject of
test procedure waivers. The proposals to (a) revise text regarding
variation of fan speed with ambient temperature, (b) explicitly
indicate that the airflow measurement apparatus fan should be adjusted
to maintain constant airflow for certain models, and (c) clarify that
the instructions on a label affixed to the unit take precedence over
the instructions shipped with the unit provide additional instruction
to improve consistency of testing but would not increase either the
number of tests or the duration of tests. Finally, the proposed changes
in 10 CFR part 429 neither modify the test procedure nor increase the
number of units that would be required to be tested. Thus, DOE does not
anticipate these additional procedures would cause any increased test
procedure costs.
F. Compliance Date and Waivers
EPCA prescribes that, if DOE amends a test procedure, all
representations of energy efficiency and energy use, including those
made on marketing materials and product labels, must be made in
accordance with that amended test procedure, beginning 180 days after
publication of such a test procedure final rule in the Federal
Register. (42 U.S.C. 6293(c)(2))
If DOE were to publish an amended test procedure EPCA provides an
allowance for individual manufacturers to petition DOE for an extension
of the 180-day period if the manufacturer may experience undue hardship
in meeting the deadline. (42 U.S.C. 6293(c)(3)) To receive such an
extension, petitions must be filed with DOE no later than 60 days
before the end of the 180-day period and must detail how the
manufacturer will experience undue hardship. (Id.)
Upon the compliance date of test procedure provisions of an amended
test procedure, should DOE issue a such an amendment, any waivers that
had been previously issued and are in effect that pertain to issues
addressed by such provisions are terminated. 10 CFR 430.27(h)(3).
Recipients of any such waivers would be required to test the products
subject to the waiver according to the amended test procedure as of the
compliance date of the amended test procedure. The amendments proposed
in this document pertain to issues addressed by waivers granted to GD
Midea Heating and Ventilating Equipment Co., (83 FR 56065, Case No.
2017-013), and TCL AC (84 FR 11941, Case No. 2018-009); and interim
waivers granted to Aerosys (83 FR 24762, Case No. 2017-008), LG
Electronics (85 FR 40272, Case No. 2019-008), and Goodman (86 FR 40534,
Case No. 2021-001). To the extent such waivers and interim waivers
permit the petitioner to test according to an alternate test procedure
to appendix M, such waivers and interim waivers will terminate on the
date testing is required according to appendix M1 (i.e., January 1,
2023), independent of this rulemaking. To the extent that such waivers
and interim waivers permit the petitioner to test according to an
alternate test procedure to appendix M1 at such time as testing is
required according to appendix M1, such waivers and interim waivers
would terminate on January 1, 2023, if the amendments in this NOPR are
adopted as proposed.
DOE notes that the waiver issued to Johnson Controls (83 FR 12735,
Case No. CAC-051; 84 FR 52489, Case No. CAC-050) and interim waiver
granted to National Comfort Products (83 FR 24754, Case No. 2017-008)
will terminate on January 1, 2023, the date beginning which testing
according to appendix M1 is required, independent of this NOPR.
IV. Procedural Issues and Regulatory Review
A. Review Under Executive Order 12866
The Office of Management and Budget (``OMB'') has determined that
this test procedure rulemaking does not constitute a ``significant
regulatory action'' under section 3(f) of Executive Order (``E.O.'')
12866, Regulatory Planning and Review, 58 FR 51735 (Oct. 4, 1993).
Accordingly, this action was not subject to review under the Executive
order by the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (``OIRA'') in
OMB.
B. Review Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act
The Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) requires
preparation of an initial regulatory flexibility analysis (``IRFA'')
for any rule that by law must be proposed for public comment, unless
the agency certifies that the rule, if promulgated, will not have a
significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities.
As required by Executive Order 13272, ``Proper Consideration of Small
Entities in Agency Rulemaking,'' 67 FR 53461 (August 16, 2002), DOE
published procedures and policies on February 19, 2003, to ensure that
the potential impacts of its rules on small entities are properly
considered during the DOE rulemaking process. 68 FR 7990. DOE has made
its procedures and policies available on the Office of the General
Counsel's website: http://energy.gov/gc/office-general-counsel">energy.gov/gc/office-general-counsel.
DOE reviewed this proposed rule under the provisions of the
Regulatory Flexibility Act and the procedures and policies published on
February 19, 2003. DOE certifies that the proposed rule, if adopted,
would not have significant economic impact on a substantial number of
small entities.
[[Page 16850]]
The factual basis of this certification is set forth in the following
paragraphs.
Under 42 U.S.C. 6293, the statute 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 must 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))
DOE is proposing a limited number of amendments to the test
procedure for central air conditioners and heat pumps (``CAC/HPs'') to
address specific issues that have been raised in test procedure waivers
regarding appendix M1 to subpart B of 10 CFR part 430.
In this NOPR, DOE proposes the following updates to the test
procedure for CACs/HPs:
1. Update default fan power for coil-only CACs and HPs that can
utilize different fan speeds and the 75% intermediate airflow.
2. Define ``Communicating Variable-speed Coil-only Central Air
Conditioner or Heat Pump'' and prescribing an appropriate test
procedure.
3. Add the control system capability to adjust air volume rate as a
function of outdoor air temperature for blower coil systems with
multiple-speed or variable-speed indoor fans.
4. Amend the wet bulb test condition for the 5 [deg]F dry, outdoor
ambient test to have a 4 [deg]F maximum.
5. Add direction to prioritize the instructions presented in the
label attached to the unit over the instructions included in the
installation instructions shipped with the unit.
6. Add specific instruction to adjust the exhaust fan speed to
achieve a constant cooling full-load air volume rate through the
airflow measurement apparatus.
7. Revise the equations representing full-capacity performance of
variable-speed heat pumps for the temperature range above 45 [deg]F to
be more consistent with field operation.
8. Providing additional direction regarding the regional standard
requirements in 10 CFR part 429.
For manufacturers of CACs/HPs, the Small Business Administration
(``SBA'') has set a size threshold, which defines those entities
classified as ``small businesses'' for the purposes of the statute. DOE
used the SBA's small business size standards to determine whether any
small entities would be subject to the requirements of the rule. See 13
CFR part 121. The equipment covered by this rule is classified under
North American Industry Classification System (``NAICS'') code
333415,\21\ ``Air-Conditioning and Warm Air Heating Equipment and
Commercial and Industrial Refrigeration Equipment Manufacturing.'' In
13 CFR 121.201, the SBA sets a threshold of 1,250 employees or fewer
for an entity to be considered as a small business for this category.
DOE identified manufacturers using DOE's Compliance Certification
Database (``CCD''),\22\ the AHRI database,\23\ the California Energy
Commission's Modernized Appliance Efficiency Database System
(``MAEDbS''),\24\ the ENERGY STAR Product Finder database,\25\ and the
prior CAC/HP rulemakings. DOE used the publicly available information
and subscription-based market research tools (e.g., reports from Dun &
Bradstreet \26\) to identify 33 original equipment manufacturers
(``OEMs'') of the covered equipment. Of the 33 OEMs, DOE identified
eight domestic manufacturers of CACs/HPs that meet the SBA definition
of a ``small business.''
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\21\ The size standards are listed by NAICS code and industry
description and are available at: www.sba.gov/document/support--
table-size-standards (Last accessed on October 1, 2021).
\22\ DOE's Compliance Certification Database is available at:
www.regulations.doe.gov/ccms (last accessed October 11, 2021).
\23\ The AHRI Database is available at: www.ahridirectory.org/
(last accessed October 1, 2021).
\24\ California Energy Commission's MAEDbS is available at
cacertappliances.energy.ca.gov/Pages/ApplianceSearch.aspx (last
accessed October 1, 2021).
\25\ The ENERGY STAR Product Finder database is available at
energystar.gov/productfinder/ (last accessed September 22, 2021).
\26\ app.dnbhoovers.com.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
This NOPR proposes amendments to the test procedure for CAC/HP for
which compliance is not required until January 1, 2023. As discussed in
more detail in section III.E of this document, DOE has initially
determined that the proposed amendments to the test procedure would not
require retesting or re-rating, with the potential exception of
variable-speed coil-only units. While DOE believes the variable-speed
coil-only units will be isolated to a very small fraction of models
distributed in commerce (i.e., less than 1 percent based on
manufacturer representations in DOE's current Compliance Management
Database), a manufacturer will have need to ensure their
representations are made in accordance with these amendments if
finalized. DOE notes that none of the variable-speed coil-only basic
models certified currently with DOE are manufactured by small
manufacturers. Additionally, the test procedure amendments would not
result in any change in burden associated the DOE test procedure for
CACs/HP. Therefore, DOE initially concludes that the test procedure
amendments proposed in this NOPR would not have a ``significant
economic impact on a substantial number of small entities,'' and that
the preparation of an IRFA is not warranted. DOE will transmit the
certification and supporting statement of factual basis to the Chief
Counsel for Advocacy of the Small Business Administration for review
under 5 U.S.C. 605(b). DOE welcomes comment on the Regulatory
Flexibility certification conclusion.
C. Review Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995
Manufacturers of CAC/HP must certify to DOE that their products
comply with any applicable energy conservation standards. To certify
compliance, manufacturers must first obtain test data for their
products according to the DOE test procedures, including any amendments
adopted for those test procedures. DOE has established regulations for
the certification and recordkeeping requirements for all covered
consumer products and commercial equipment, including CACs/HPs. (See
generally 10 CFR part 429.) The collection-of-information requirement
for the certification and recordkeeping is subject to review and
approval by OMB under the Paperwork Reduction Act (``PRA''). This
requirement has been approved by OMB under OMB control number 1910-
1400. Public reporting burden for the certification is estimated to
average 35 hours per response, including the time for reviewing
instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and
maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the
collection of information.
Notwithstanding any other provision of the law, no person is
required to respond to, nor shall any person be subject to a penalty
for failure to comply with, a collection of information subject to the
requirements of the PRA, unless that collection of information displays
a currently valid OMB Control Number.
D. Review Under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969
In this NOPR, DOE proposes test procedure amendments that it
expects will be used to develop and implement future energy
conservation standards for CAC/HP. DOE has determined that this
proposed rule falls into a class of actions that are categorically
excluded from review under the National
[[Page 16851]]
Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) and DOE's
implementing regulations at 10 CFR part 1021. Specifically, DOE has
determined that adopting test procedures for measuring energy
efficiency of consumer products and industrial equipment is consistent
with activities identified in 10 CFR part 1021, appendix A to subpart
D, A5 and A6. Accordingly, neither an environmental assessment nor an
environmental impact statement is required.
E. Review Under Executive Order 13132
Executive Order 13132, ``Federalism,'' 64 FR 43255 (Aug. 4, 1999)
imposes certain requirements on agencies formulating and implementing
policies or regulations that preempt State law or that have federalism
implications. The Executive order requires agencies to examine the
constitutional and statutory authority supporting any action that would
limit the policymaking discretion of the States and to carefully assess
the necessity for such actions. The Executive order also requires
agencies to have an accountable process to ensure meaningful and timely
input by State and local officials in the development of regulatory
policies that have federalism implications. On March 14, 2000, DOE
published a statement of policy describing the intergovernmental
consultation process it will follow in the development of such
regulations. 65 FR 13735. DOE has examined this proposed rule and has
determined that it would not have a substantial direct effect on the
States, on the relationship between the national government and the
States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the
various levels of government. EPCA governs and prescribes Federal
preemption of State regulations as to energy conservation for the
products that are the subject of this proposed rule. States can
petition DOE for exemption from such preemption to the extent, and
based on criteria, set forth in EPCA. (42 U.S.C. 6297(d)) No further
action is required by Executive Order 13132.
F. Review Under Executive Order 12988
Regarding the review of existing regulations and the promulgation
of new regulations, section 3(a) of Executive Order 12988, ``Civil
Justice Reform,'' 61 FR 4729 (Feb. 7, 1996), imposes on Federal
agencies the general duty to adhere to the following requirements: (1)
Eliminate drafting errors and ambiguity, (2) write regulations to
minimize litigation, (3) provide a clear legal standard for affected
conduct rather than a general standard, and (4) promote simplification
and burden reduction. Section 3(b) of Executive Order 12988
specifically requires that executive agencies make every reasonable
effort to ensure that the regulation (1) clearly specifies the
preemptive effect, if any, (2) clearly specifies any effect on existing
Federal law or regulation, (3) provides a clear legal standard for
affected conduct while promoting simplification and burden reduction,
(4) specifies the retroactive effect, if any, (5) adequately defines
key terms, and (6) addresses other important issues affecting clarity
and general draftsmanship under any guidelines issued by the Attorney
General. Section 3(c) of Executive Order 12988 requires Executive
agencies to review regulations in light of applicable standards in
sections 3(a) and 3(b) to determine whether they are met, or it is
unreasonable to meet one or more of them. DOE has completed the
required review and determined that, to the extent permitted by law,
the proposed rule meets the relevant standards of Executive Order
12988.
G. Review Under the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995
Title II of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (``UMRA'')
requires each Federal agency to assess the effects of Federal
regulatory actions on State, local, and Tribal governments and the
private sector. Public Law 104-4, sec. 201 (codified at 2 U.S.C. 1531).
For a proposed regulatory action likely to result in a rule that may
cause the expenditure by State, local, and Tribal governments, in the
aggregate, or by the private sector of $100 million or more in any one
year (adjusted annually for inflation), section 202 of UMRA requires a
Federal agency to publish a written statement that estimates the
resulting costs, benefits, and other effects on the national economy.
(2 U.S.C. 1532(a), (b)) The UMRA also requires a Federal agency to
develop an effective process to permit timely input by elected officers
of State, local, and Tribal governments on a proposed ``significant
intergovernmental mandate,'' and requires an agency plan for giving
notice and opportunity for timely input to potentially affected small
governments before establishing any requirements that might
significantly or uniquely affect small governments. On March 18, 1997,
DOE published a statement of policy on its process for
intergovernmental consultation under UMRA. 62 FR 12820; also available
at http://energy.gov/gc/office-general-counsel. DOE examined this
proposed rule according to UMRA and its statement of policy and
determined that the rule contains neither an intergovernmental mandate,
nor a mandate that may result in the expenditure of $100 million or
more in any year, so these requirements do not apply.
H. Review Under the Treasury and General Government Appropriations Act,
1999
Section 654 of the Treasury and General Government Appropriations
Act, 1999 (Pub. L. 105-277) requires Federal agencies to issue a Family
Policymaking Assessment for any rule that may affect family well-being.
This proposed rule would not have any impact on the autonomy or
integrity of the family as an institution. Accordingly, DOE has
concluded that it is not necessary to prepare a Family Policymaking
Assessment.
I. Review Under Executive Order 12630
DOE has determined, under Executive Order 12630, ``Governmental
Actions and Interference with Constitutionally Protected Property
Rights'' 53 FR 8859 (March 18, 1988), that this proposed regulation
would not result in any takings that might require compensation under
the Fifth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
J. Review Under Treasury and General Government Appropriations Act,
2001
Section 515 of the Treasury and General Government Appropriations
Act, 2001 (44 U.S.C. 3516 note) provides for agencies to review most
disseminations of information to the public under guidelines
established by each agency pursuant to general guidelines issued by
OMB. OMB's guidelines were published at 67 FR 8452 (Feb. 22, 2002), and
DOE's guidelines were published at 67 FR 62446 (Oct. 7, 2002). Pursuant
to OMB Memorandum M-19-15, Improving Implementation of the Information
Quality Act (April 24, 2019), DOE published updated guidelines which
are available at www.energy.gov/sites/prod/files/2019/12/f70/DOE%20Final%20Updated%20IQA%20Guidelines%20Dec%.pdf. DOE has reviewed
this proposed rule under the OMB and DOE guidelines and has concluded
that it is consistent with applicable policies in those guidelines.
K. Review Under Executive Order 13211
Executive Order 13211, ``Actions Concerning Regulations That
Significantly Affect Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use,'' 66 FR 28355
(May 22, 2001), requires Federal agencies to prepare and submit to OMB,
a Statement of Energy Effects for any proposed significant energy
action. A
[[Page 16852]]
``significant energy action'' is defined as any action by an agency
that promulgated or is expected to lead to promulgation of a final
rule, and that (1) is a significant regulatory action under Executive
Order 12866, or any successor order; and (2) is likely to have a
significant adverse effect on the supply, distribution, or use of
energy; or (3) is designated by the Administrator of OIRA as a
significant energy action. For any proposed significant energy action,
the agency must give a detailed statement of any adverse effects on
energy supply, distribution, or use should the proposal be implemented,
and of reasonable alternatives to the action and their expected
benefits on energy supply, distribution, and use.
The proposed regulatory action to amend the test procedure for
measuring the energy efficiency of CAC/HPs is not a significant
regulatory action under Executive Order 12866. Moreover, it would not
have a significant adverse effect on the supply, distribution, or use
of energy, nor has it been designated as a significant energy action by
the Administrator of OIRA. Therefore, it is not a significant energy
action, and, accordingly, DOE has not prepared a Statement of Energy
Effects.
L. Review Under Section 32 of the Federal Energy Administration Act of
1974
Under section 301 of the Department of Energy Organization Act
(Pub. L. 95-91; 42 U.S.C. 7101), DOE must comply with section 32 of the
Federal Energy Administration Act of 1974, as amended by the Federal
Energy Administration Authorization Act of 1977. (15 U.S.C. 788;
``FEAA'') Section 32 essentially provides in relevant part that, where
a proposed rule authorizes or requires use of commercial standards, the
notice of proposed rulemaking must inform the public of the use and
background of such standards. In addition, section 32(c) requires DOE
to consult with the Attorney General and the Chairman of the Federal
Trade Commission (``FTC'') concerning the impact of the commercial or
industry standards on competition.
The proposed modifications to the test procedure for CACs/HPs would
maintain the incorporation of testing methods contained in certain
sections of the following commercial standards: ANSI/AHRI 210/240-2008
with Addenda 1 and 2, (``AHRI 210/240-2008''): 2008 Standard for
Performance Rating of Unitary Air-Conditioning & Air-Source Heat Pump
Equipment, ANSI approved October 27, 2011; ANSI/AHRI 1230-2010 with
Addendum 2, (``AHRI 1230-2010''): 2010 Standard for Performance Rating
of Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) Multi-Split Air-Conditioning and
Heat Pump Equipment, ANSI approved August 2, 2010; ANSI/ASHRAE 23.1-
2010, (``ASHRAE 23.1-2010''): Methods of Testing for Rating the
Performance of Positive Displacement Refrigerant Compressors and
Condensing Units that Operate at Subcritical Temperatures of the
Refrigerant, ANSI approved January 28, 2010; ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 37-
2009, (``ANSI/ASHRAE 37-2009''), Methods of Testing for Rating
Electrically Driven Unitary Air-Conditioning and Heat Pump Equipment,
ANSI approved June 25, 2009; ANSI/ASHRAE 41.1-2013, (``ANSI/ASHRAE
41.1-2013''): Standard Method for Temperature Measurement, ANSI
approved January 30, 2013; ANSI/ASHRAE 41.6-2014, (``ASHRAE 41.6-
2014''): Standard Method for Humidity Measurement, ANSI approved July
3, 2014; ANSI/ASHRAE 41.9-2011, (``ASHRAE 41.9-2011''): Standard
Methods for Volatile-Refrigerant Mass Flow Measurements Using
Calorimeters, ANSI approved February 3, 2011; ANSI/ASHRAE 116-2010,
(``ASHRAE 116-2010''): Methods of Testing for Rating Seasonal
Efficiency of Unitary Air Conditioners and Heat Pumps, ANSI approved
February 24, 2010; ANSI/ASHRAE 41.2-1987 (Reaffirmed 1992), (``ASHRAE
41.2-1987 (RA 1992)''): ``Standard Methods for Laboratory Airflow
Measurement'', ANSI approved April 20, 1992; and ANSI/AMCA 210-2007,
ANSI/ASHRAE 51-2007, (``AMCA 210-2007'') Laboratory Methods of Testing
Fans for Certified Aerodynamic Performance Rating, ANSI approved August
17, 2007.
DOE has evaluated these standards and is unable to conclude whether
they fully comply with the requirements of section 32(b) of the FEAA
(i.e., whether it was developed in a manner that fully provides for
public participation, comment, and review.) DOE will consult with both
the Attorney General and the Chairman of the FTC concerning the impact
of these test procedures on competition, prior to prescribing a final
rule.
M. Description of Materials Incorporated by Reference
The following standard was previously approved for incorporation by
reference in appendix M1 where it appears and no change is proposed:
ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 37-2009, Methods of Testing for Rating
Electrically Driven Unitary Air-Conditioning and Heat Pump Equipment,
ANSI approved June 25, 2009;
V. Public Participation
A. Submission of Comments
DOE will accept comments, data, and information regarding this
proposed rule no later than the date provided in the DATES section at
the beginning of this proposed rule.\27\ Interested parties may submit
comments using any of the methods described in the ADDRESSES section at
the beginning of this document.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\27\ DOE has historically provided a 75-day comment period for
test procedure NOPRs pursuant to the North American Free Trade
Agreement, U.S.-Canada-Mexico (``NAFTA''), Dec. 17, 1992, 32 I.L.M.
289 (1993); the North American Free Trade Agreement Implementation
Act, Public Law 103-182, 107 Stat. 2057 (1993) (codified as amended
at 10 U.S.C.A. 2576) (1993) (``NAFTA Implementation Act''); and
Executive Order 12889, ``Implementation of the North American Free
Trade Agreement,'' 58 FR 69681 (Dec. 30, 1993). However, on July 1,
2020, the Agreement between the United States of America, the United
Mexican States, and the United Canadian States (``USMCA''), Nov. 30,
2018, 134 Stat. 11 (i.e., the successor to NAFTA), went into effect,
and Congress's action in replacing NAFTA through the USMCA
Implementation Act, 19 U.S.C. 4501 et seq. (2020), implies the
repeal of E.O. 12889 and its 75-day comment period requirement for
technical regulations. Thus, the controlling laws are EPCA and the
USMCA Implementation Act. Consistent with EPCA's public comment
period requirements for consumer products, the USMCA only requires a
minimum comment period of 60 days. Consequently, DOE now provides a
60-day public comment period for test procedure NOPRs.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submitting comments via www.regulations.gov. The
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 www.regulations.gov information for which
disclosure is restricted by statute, such as trade
[[Page 16853]]
secrets and commercial or financial information (hereinafter referred
to as Confidential Business Information (``CBI'')). Comments submitted
through 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 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 www.regulations.gov
provides after you have successfully uploaded your comment.
Submitting comments via email. Comments and documents submitted via
email also will be posted to 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. No 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. Pursuant 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 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. 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).
B. Issues on Which DOE Seeks Comment
Although DOE welcomes comments on any aspect of this proposal, DOE
is particularly interested in receiving comments and views of
interested parties concerning the following issues:
(1) DOE requests comment on its proposal to specify a reduced
default fan power coefficient and default fan heat coefficient at part-
load airflows in the calculations of SEER2 and HSPF2 for ducted two-
stage coil-only systems. DOE requests comment on the specific default
fan power coefficients and default fan heat coefficients proposed. If
the proposed values are not appropriate, DOE seeks data to support
selection of alternative values. Additionally, DOE requests comment on
whether a single default fan power coefficient (and default fan heat
coefficient) should be used for each product class group regardless of
the actual air volume rate used for low-stage tests, or whether one of
the alternative approaches discussed in the NOPR should be considered,
or any other alternative. If an alternative approach should be used,
DOE requests details indicating how such an alternative should be
implemented, and justification for its use rather than the proposed
approach. See section III.B.1.
(2) DOE requests comment on its proposals related to test
procedures for variable-speed coil-only CAC/HPs and on its proposed
definitions for variable-speed communicating and non-communicating
coil-only CAC/HPs. See section III.B.2.
(3) DOE requests comment on its proposal to clarify the language
for required represented values of coil-only CACs found in the table at
10 CFR 429.16(a)(1). See section III.B.3.
(4) DOE requests comment on its planned approach to require the
coil-only rating requirement for space-constrained air conditioners and
heat pumps. DOE requests shipment and/or installation data for space-
constrained systems to clarify the characteristics of representative
installations. See section III.B.3.
(5) DOE requests comments on its proposal to add language
clarifying how to implement variation of blower speed for different
ambient temperature test conditions. See section III.C.1.
(6) DOE seeks comment on its proposal to amend the wet bulb
temperature condition for the H4 heating tests from the existing 3
[deg]F maximum temperature to a maximum temperature of 4 [deg]F. See
section III.C.2.
(7) DOE requests comment on the proposed alignment of the VRF and
non-VRF test procedures when it comes to instruction precedence. See
section III.C.3.
(8) DOE requests comment on its proposal to add more specific
direction to step 7 of sections 3.1.4.1.1, 3.1.4.2, and 3.1.4.4.3. See
section III.C.4.
(9) DOE requests comment on the proposed change to the full-
capacity performance equations for variable-speed heat pumps in the
ambient temperature range above 45 [deg]F, adjusting the equations for
capacity and power by the ratio of capacity and power, respectively,
associated with H1N and H12 operation. See section III.C.5.
(10) DOE requests comment on its proposals to the regulatory text
in 10 CFR part 429. See section III.D.1.
C. Participation in the Webinar
The time and date of the webinar are listed in the DATES section at
the beginning of this document. If no participants register for the
webinar, it will be cancelled.
Webinar registration information, participant instructions, and
information about the capabilities available to webinar participants
will be published on DOE's website: https://www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/appliance_standards/standards.aspx?productid=48&action=viewlive. Participants are
responsible for ensuring their systems are compatible with the webinar
software. Procedure for Submitting Prepared General Statements for
Distribution. Any person who has an interest in the topics addressed in
this notice, or who is representative of a group or class of persons
that has an interest in these issues, may request an opportunity to
make an oral presentation at the webinar. Such persons may submit to
[email protected]. Persons who wish to speak
should include with their request a computer file in WordPerfect,
Microsoft Word, PDF, or text (ASCII) file format that briefly describes
the nature of their interest in this rulemaking and the
[[Page 16854]]
topics they wish to discuss. Such persons should also provide a daytime
telephone number where they can be reached.
Persons requesting to speak should briefly describe the nature of
their interest in this rulemaking and provide a telephone number for
contact. DOE requests persons selected to make an oral presentation to
submit an advance copy of their statements at least two weeks before
the webinar. At its discretion, DOE may permit persons who cannot
supply an advance copy of their statement to participate, if those
persons have made advance alternative arrangements with the Building
Technologies Office. As necessary, requests to give an oral
presentation should ask for such alternative arrangements.
D. Conduct of the Webinar
DOE will designate a DOE official to preside at the webinar/public
meeting and may also use a professional facilitator to aid discussion.
The meeting will not be a judicial or evidentiary-type public hearing,
but DOE will conduct it in accordance with section 336 of EPCA (42
U.S.C. 6306). A court reporter will be present to record the
proceedings and prepare a transcript. DOE reserves the right to
schedule the order of presentations and to establish the procedures
governing the conduct of the webinar/public meeting. There shall not be
discussion of proprietary information, costs or prices, market share,
or other commercial matters regulated by U.S. anti-trust laws. After
the webinar/public meeting and until the end of the comment period,
interested parties may submit further comments on the proceedings and
any aspect of the rulemaking.
The webinar/public meeting will be conducted in an informal,
conference style. DOE will present a summary of the proposals, allow
time for prepared general statements by participants, and encourage all
interested parties to share their views on issues affecting this
rulemaking. Each participant will be allowed to make a general
statement (within time limits determined by DOE), before the discussion
of specific topics. DOE will permit, as time permits, other
participants to comment briefly on any general statements.
At the end of all prepared statements on a topic, DOE will permit
participants to clarify their statements briefly. Participants should
be prepared to answer questions by DOE and by other participants
concerning these issues. DOE representatives may also ask questions of
participants concerning other matters relevant to this rulemaking. The
official conducting the webinar/public meeting will accept additional
comments or questions from those attending, as time permits. The
presiding official will announce any further procedural rules or
modification of the above procedures that may be needed for the proper
conduct of the webinar/public meeting.
A transcript of the webinar/public meeting will be included in the
docket, which can be viewed as described in the Docket section at the
beginning of this document. In addition, any person may buy a copy of
the transcript from the transcribing reporter.
VI. Approval of the Office of the Secretary
The Secretary of Energy has approved publication of this proposed
rule.
List of Subjects
10 CFR Part 429
Administrative practice and procedure, Confidential business
information, Energy conservation, Household appliances, Imports,
Intergovernmental relations, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements,
Small businesses.
10 CFR Part 430
Administrative practice and procedure, Confidential business
information, Energy conservation, Household appliances, Imports,
Incorporation by reference, Intergovernmental relations, Small
businesses.
Signing Authority
This document of the Department of Energy was signed on February
22, 2022, by Kelly J. Speakes-Backman, Principal Deputy Assistant
Secretary for 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 February 24, 2022.
Treena V. Garrett,
Federal Register Liaison Officer, U.S. Department of Energy.
For the reasons stated in the preamble, DOE is proposing to amend
parts 429 and 430 of chapter II of title 10, Code of Federal
Regulations as set forth below:
PART 429--CERTIFICATION, COMPLIANCE, AND ENFORCEMENT FOR CONSUMER
PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT
0
1. The authority citation for part 429 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 42 U.S.C. 6291-6317; 28 U.S.C. 2461 note.
0
2. Section 429.16 is amended by:
0
a. Revising the table 1 to paragraph (a)(1);
0
b. Revising paragraph (a)(4)(i); and
0
c. Revising the table in paragraph (b)(2)(i).
The revisions read as follows:
Sec. 429.16 Central air conditioners and central air conditioning
heat pumps.
(a) * * *
(1) * * *
Table 1 to Paragraph (a)(1)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Equipment Required represented
Category subcategory values
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Single-Package Unit........... Single-Package AC Every individual
(including space- model distributed in
constrained). commerce.
Single-Package HP
(including space-
constrained).
[[Page 16855]]
Outdoor Unit and Indoor Unit Single-Split- Every individual
(Distributed in Commerce by System AC with combination
OUM). Single-Stage or distributed in
Two-Stage commerce. Each model
Compressor of outdoor unit must
(including Space- include a
Constrained and represented value
Small-Duct, High for at least one
Velocity Systems coil-only individual
(SDHV)). combination that is
distributed in
commerce and which
is representative of
the least efficient
combination
distributed in
commerce with that
particular model of
outdoor unit. For
that particular
model of outdoor
unit, additional
represented values
for coil-only and
blower-coil
individual
combinations are
allowed, if
distributed in
commerce.
Single-Split Every individual
System AC with combination
Other Than distributed in
Single-Stage or commerce, including
Two-Stage all coil-only and
Compressor blower-coil
(including Space- combinations.
Constrained and
SDHV).
Single-Split- Every individual
System HP combination
(including Space- distributed in
Constrained and commerce.
SDHV).
Multi-Split, For each model of
Multi-Circuit, outdoor unit, at a
or Multi-Head minimum, a non-
Mini-Split Split ducted ``tested
System--non-SDHV combination.'' For
(including Space- any model of outdoor
Constrained). unit also sold with
models of ducted
indoor units, a
ducted ``tested
combination.'' When
determining
represented values
on or after January
1, 2023, the ducted
``tested
combination'' must
comprise the highest
static variety of
ducted indoor unit
distributed in
commerce (i.e.,
conventional, mid-
static, or low-
static). Additional
representations are
allowed, as
described in
paragraphs (c)(3)(i)
and (c)(3)(ii) of
this section,
respectively.
Multi-Split, For each model of
Multi-Circuit, outdoor unit, an
or Multi-Head SDHV ``tested
Mini-Split Split combination.''
System--SDHV. Additional
representations are
allowed, as
described in
paragraph
(c)(3)(iii) of this
section.
Indoor Unit Only Distributed Single-Split- Every individual
in Commerce by ICM. System Air combination
Conditioner distributed in
(including Space- commerce.
Constrained and
SDHV).
Single-Split-
System Heat Pump
(including Space-
Constrained and
SDHV).
Multi-Split, For a model of indoor
Multi-Circuit, unit within each
or Multi-Head basic model, an SDHV
Mini-Split Split ``tested
System--SDHV. combination.''
Additional
representations are
allowed, as
described in section
(c)(3)(iii) of this
section.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Outdoor Unit with no Match Every model of
outdoor unit
distributed in
commerce (tested
with a model of coil-
only indoor unit as
specified in
paragraph (b)(2)(i)
of this section).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
* * * * *
(4) * * *
(i) Regional. A basic model (model of outdoor unit) may only be
certified as compliant with a regional standard if all individual
combinations within that basic model meet the regional standard for
which it is certified, including the coil-only combination as specified
in paragraph (a)(1) of this section, as applicable. A model of outdoor
unit that is certified below a regional standard can only be rated and
certified as compliant with a regional standard if the model of outdoor
unit has a unique model number and has been certified as a different
basic model for distribution in each region, where the basic model(s)
certified as compliant with a regional standard meet the requirements
of the first sentence. An ICM cannot certify an individual combination
with a rating that is compliant with a regional standard if the
individual combination includes a model of outdoor unit that the OUM
has certified with a rating that is not compliant with a regional
standard. Conversely, an ICM cannot certify an individual combination
with a rating that is not compliant with a regional standard if the
individual combination includes a model of outdoor unit that an OUM has
certified with a rating that is compliant with a regional standard.
* * * * *
(b) * * *
(2) * * *
(i) * * *
Table 2 to Paragraph (b)(2)(i)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Category Equipment subcategory Must test: With:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Single-Package Unit.............. Single-Package AC The individual model N/A.
(including Space- with the lowest SEER
Constrained). (when testing in
Single-Package HP accordance with
(including Space- appendix M to subpart B
Constrained). of part 430) or SEER2
(when testing in
accordance with
appendix M1 to subpart
B of part 430).
[[Page 16856]]
Outdoor Unit and Indoor Unit Single-Split-System AC The model of outdoor A model of coil-only
(Distributed in Commerce by OUM). with Single-Stage or Two- unit. indoor unit.
Stage Compressor
(including Space-
Constrained and Small-
Duct, High Velocity
Systems (SDHV)).
Single-Split-System HP The model of outdoor A model of indoor unit.
with Single-Stage or Two- unit.
Stage Compressor
(including Space-
Constrained and SDHV).
Single-Split System AC or The model of outdoor A model of coil-only
HP with Other Than unit. indoor unit. If the
Single-Stage or Two- outdoor unit is
Stage Compressor having distributed in commerce
a coil-only individual in a non-communicating
combination (including variable-speed coil-
Space-Constrained and only combination, the
SDHV). tested combination must
be non-communicating.
Single-Split System AC or The model of outdoor A model of indoor unit.
HP with Other Than unit.
Single-Stage or Two-
Stage Compressor without
a coil-only individual
combination (including
Space-Constrained and
SDHV).
Multi-Split, Multi- The model of outdoor At a minimum, a ``tested
Circuit, or Multi-Head unit. combination'' composed
Mini-Split Split System-- entirely of non-ducted
non-SDHV (including indoor units. For any
Space-Constrained). models of outdoor units
also sold with models
of ducted indoor units,
test a second ``tested
combination'' composed
entirely of ducted
indoor units (in
addition to the non-
ducted combination). If
testing under appendix
M1 to subpart B of part
430, the ducted
``tested combination''
must comprise the
highest static variety
of ducted indoor unit
distributed in commerce
(i.e., conventional,
mid-static, or low-
static).
Multi-Split, Multi- The model of outdoor A ``tested combination''
Circuit, or Multi-Head unit. composed entirely of
Mini-Split Split System-- SDHV indoor units.
SDHV.
Indoor Unit Only (Distributed in Single-Split-System Air A model of indoor unit.. The least efficient
Commerce by ICM). Conditioner (including model of outdoor unit
Space-Constrained and with which it will be
SDHV). paired where the least
efficient model of
outdoor unit is the
model of outdoor unit
in the lowest SEER
combination (when
testing under appendix
M to subpart B of part
430) or SEER2
combination (when
testing under appendix
M1 to subpart B of part
430) as certified by
the OUM. If there are
multiple models of
outdoor unit with the
same lowest SEER (when
testing under appendix
M to subpart B of part
430) or SEER2 (when
testing under appendix
M1 to subpart B of part
430) represented value,
the ICM may select one
for testing purposes.
Single-Split-System Heat Nothing, as long as an ........................
Pump (including Space- equivalent air
Constrained and SDHV). conditioner basic model
has been tested. If an
equivalent air
conditioner basic model
has not been tested,
must test a model of
indoor unit.
[[Page 16857]]
Multi-Split, Multi- A model of indoor unit.. A ``tested combination''
Circuit, or Multi-Head composed entirely of
Mini-Split Split System-- SDHV indoor units,
SDHV. where the outdoor unit
is the least efficient
model of outdoor unit
with which the SDHV
indoor unit will be
paired. The least
efficient model of
outdoor unit is the
model of outdoor unit
in the lowest SEER
combination (when
testing under appendix
M to subpart B of part
430) or SEER2
combination (when
testing under appendix
M1 to subpart B of part
430) as certified by
the OUM. If there are
multiple models of
outdoor unit with the
same lowest SEER
represented value (when
testing under appendix
M to subpart B of part
430) or SEER2
represented value (when
testing under appendix
M1 to subpart B of part
430), the ICM may
select one for testing
purposes.
Outdoor Unit with No Match....... ......................... The model of outdoor A model of coil-only
unit. indoor unit meeting the
requirements of section
2.2e of appendix M or
M1 to subpart B of part
430.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
0
3. Section 429.102 is amended by revising paragraphs (c)(4)(i) and
(iii) to read as follows:
Sec. 429.102 Prohibited acts subjecting persons to enforcement
action.
* * * * *
(c) * * *
(4) * * *
(i) A complete central air conditioning system that is not
certified as a complete system that meets the applicable standard.
Combinations that were previously validly certified may be installed
after the manufacturer has discontinued the combination, provided all
combinations within the basic model, including for single-split-system
AC with single-stage or two-stage compressor at least one coil-only
combination as specified in paragraph (a)(1) of this section, comply
with the regional standard applicable at the time of installation.
* * * * *
(iii) An outdoor unit that is part of a certified combination rated
less than the standard applicable in the region in which it is
installed or, where applicable, an outdoor unit with no certified coil-
only combination as specified in paragraph (a)(1) of this section that
meets the standard applicable in the region in which it is installed.
Sec. 429.158 [Amended]
0
4. Section 429.158 is amended by removing ``Sec. 429.102(c)'' in
paragraphs (a) and (b) and adding in its place ``Sec.
429.102(b)(10)''.
PART 430--ENERGY CONSERVATION PROGRAM FOR CONSUMER PRODUCTS
0
5. The authority citation for part 430 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 42 U.S.C. 6291-6309; 28 U.S.C. 2461 note.
0
6. Section 430.2 is amended by revising the definition for ``Central
air conditioner or central air conditioning heat pump'' to read as
follows:
Sec. 430. 2 Definitions.
* * * * *
Central air conditioner or central air conditioning heat pump means
a product, other than a packaged terminal air conditioner, packaged
terminal heat pump, single-phase single-package vertical air
conditioner with cooling capacity less than 65,000 Btu/h, single-phase
single-package vertical heat pump with cooling capacity less than
65,000 Btu/h, computer room air conditioner, or unitary dedicated
outdoor air system as these equipment categories are defined at 10 CFR
431.92, which is powered by single phase electric current, air cooled,
rated below 65,000 Btu per hour, not contained within the same cabinet
as a furnace, the rated capacity of which is above 225,000 Btu per
hour, and is a heat pump or a cooling unit only. A central air
conditioner or central air conditioning heat pump may consist of: A
single-package unit; an outdoor unit and one or more indoor units; an
indoor unit only; or an outdoor unit with no match. In the case of an
indoor unit only or an outdoor unit with no match, the unit must be
tested and rated as a system (combination of both an indoor and an
outdoor unit). For all central air conditioner and central air
conditioning heat pump-related definitions, see appendix M or M1 of
subpart B of this part.
* * * * *
0
7. Section 430.32 is amended by revising paragraph (c)(6)(ii) to read
as follows:
Sec. 430.32 Energy and water conservation standards and their
compliance dates.
* * * * *
(c) * * *
(6) * * *
(ii) Any model of outdoor unit that has a certified combination
with a rating below the applicable standard level(s) for a region
cannot be installed in that region. The least-efficient combination of
each basic model, which for single-split-system AC with single-stage or
[[Page 16858]]
two-stage compressor (including Space-Constrained and Small-Duct High
Velocity Systems (SDHV)) must be a coil-only combination, must comply
with the applicable standard. See 10 CFR 429.16(a)(1) and (a)(4)(i) of
this chapter.
* * * * *
0
8. Appendix M to subpart B of part 430 is amended by:
0
a. Revising the definition of ``Nominal Capacity'' in section 1.2;
0
b. Revising paragraph a of section 3.6.4;
0
c. Revising section 4.1.4.2;
0
d. Revising the introductory text to section 4.2.3;
0
e. Revising the equation following the word ``Where:'' in section
4.2.3.3; and
0
f. Revising section 4.2.3.4.
The revisions read as follows:
Appendix M to Subpart B of Part 430--Uniform Test Method for Measuring
the Energy Consumption of Central Air Conditioners and Heat Pumps
* * * * *
1. * * *
1.2 * * *
Nominal Cooling Capacity is approximate to the air conditioner
cooling capacity tested at A or A2 condition. Nominal
heating capacity is approximate to the heat pump heating capacity
tested in H1N test.
* * * * *
3. * * *
3.6.4 * * *
a. Conduct one maximum temperature test (H01), two high
temperature tests (H1N and H11), one frost
accumulation test (H2V), and one low temperature test
(H32). Conducting one or both of the following tests is
optional: An additional high temperature test (H12) and an
additional frost accumulation test (H22). If desired,
conduct the optional maximum temperature cyclic (H0C1) test
to determine the heating mode cyclic-degradation coefficient,
CD\h\. If this optional test is conducted but yields a
tested CD\h\ that exceeds the default CD\h\ or if
the optional test is not conducted, assign CD\h\ the default
value of 0.25. Test conditions for the eight tests are specified in
Table 14. The compressor shall operate at the same heating full speed,
measured by RPM or power input frequency (Hz), for the H12,
H22 and H32 tests. For a cooling/heating heat
pump, the compressor shall operate for the H1N test at a
speed, measured by RPM or power input frequency (Hz), no lower than the
speed used in the A2 test if the tested H1N
heating capacity is less than the tested A2 cooling
capacity. The compressor shall operate at the same heating minimum
speed, measured by RPM or power input frequency (Hz), for the
H01, H1C1, and H11 tests. Determine
the heating intermediate compressor speed cited in Table 14 using the
heating mode full and minimum compressors speeds and:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP24MR22.001
Where a tolerance on speed of plus 5 percent or the next higher
inverter frequency step from the calculated value is allowed.
* * * * *
4. * * *
4.1.4.2 Unit Operates at an Intermediate Compressor Speed (k=i) In
Order To Match the Building Cooling Load at Temperature Tj,Qck=1(Tj) <
BL(Tj) < Qck=2(Tj).
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP24MR22.002
where:
Qck=i(Tj) = BL(Tj), the
space cooling capacity delivered by the unit in matching the
building load at temperature Tj, Btu/h. The matching
occurs with the unit operating at compressor speed k=i.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP24MR22.003
EERk=i(Tj) = the steady-state energy
efficiency ratio of the test unit when operating at a compressor
speed of k=i and temperature Tj, Btu/h per W.
Obtain the fractional bin hours for the cooling season,
nj/N, from Table 19. For each temperature bin where the unit
operates at an intermediate compressor speed, determine the energy
efficiency ratio EERk=i(Tj) using,
EERk=i(Tj) = A + B * Tj + C * Tj2.
For each unit, determine the coefficients A, B, and C by conducting
the following calculations once:
A = EERk=2(T2)-(B * T2)-(C * T22)
[[Page 16859]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP24MR22.004
where:
T1 = the outdoor temperature at which the unit, when
operating at minimum compressor speed, provides a space cooling
capacity that is equal to the building load
(Qck=1(T1) = BL(T1)),
[deg]F. Determine T1 by equating Equations 4.1.3-1 and
4.1-2 and solving for outdoor temperature.
Tv = the outdoor temperature at which the unit, when
operating at the intermediate compressor speed used during the
section 3.2.4 Ev test of this appendix, provides a space
cooling capacity that is equal to the building load
(Qck=v(Tv) = BL(Tv)),
[deg]F. Determine Tv by equating Equations 4.1.4-3 and
4.1-2 and solving for outdoor temperature.
T2 = the outdoor temperature at which the unit, when
operating at full compressor speed, provides a space cooling
capacity that is equal to the building load
(Qck=2(T2) = BL(T2)),
[deg]F. Determine T2 by equating Equations 4.1.3-3 and
4.1-2 and solving for outdoor temperature.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP24MR22.005
* * * * *
4.2 * * *
4.2.3
Additional Steps for Calculating the HSPF of a Heat Pump Having a Two-
Capacity Compressor
The calculation of the Equation 4.2-1 quantities differ depending
upon whether the heat pump would operate at low capacity (section
4.2.3.1 of this appendix), cycle between low and high capacity (section
4.2.3.2 of this appendix), or operate at high capacity (sections
4.2.3.3 and 4.2.3.4 of this appendix) in responding to the building
load. For heat pumps that lock out low capacity operation at low
outdoor temperatures, the outdoor temperature at which the unit locks
out must be that specified by the manufacturer in the certification
report so that the appropriate equations can be selected.
* * * * *
4.2.3.3 Heat Pump Only Operates at High (k=2) Compressor Capacity at
Temperature Tj and Its Capacity Is Greater Than the Building Heating
Load, BL(Tj) < Qhk=2(Tj)
* * * * *
Xk=2(Tj) = BL(Tj)/Qhk=2(Tj); and
PLFj = 1-CDh (k=2) * [1-Xk=2(Tj)].
* * * * *
4.2.3.4 Heat Pump Must Operate Continuously at High (k=2) Compressor
Capacity at Temperature Tj, BL(Tj) = Qhk=2(Tj)
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP24MR22.006
where:
[[Page 16860]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP24MR22.007
* * * * *
0
9. Appendix M1 to subpart B of part 430 is amended by:
0
a. Adding in alphabetical order definitions for ``Variable-speed
Communicating Coil-only Central Air Conditioner or Heat Pump'' and
``Variable-speed Non-communicating Coil-only Central Air Conditioner or
Heat Pump'' in section 1.2;
0
b. Revising paragraph (B) and the undesignated paragraph following it
in section 2;
0
c. Revising section 3.1.2;
0
d. Revising paragraphs a. and b. in section 3.1.4.1.1;
0
e. Revising paragraphs a. and b. and adding paragraph f in section
3.1.4.2:
0
f. Revising paragraph b. and adding paragraph d. in section 3.1.4.3;
0
g. Revising paragraph a. in section 3.1.4.4.3;
0
h. Adding paragraph d. in section 3.1.4.6;
0
i. Revising section 3.1.4.7;
0
j. Revising paragraph a., adding paragraph d., and revising Table 8 in
section 3.2.4;
0
k. Revising paragraph d., redesignating paragraph e. as paragraph f.,
and adding a new paragraph e. in section 3.3;
0
l. Revising the introductory text, redesignating paragraphs a. and b.
as c. and d., respectively, adding new paragraphs a. and b., and
revising newly redesignated paragraph c. in section 3.5.1;
0
m. Revising Table 11 in section 3.6.1;
0
n. Revising Table 12 in section 3.6.2;
0
o. Revising Table 13 in section 3.6.3
0
p. Revising section 3.6.4 and adding sections 3.6.4.1 and 3.6.4.2.;
0
q. Revising Table 15 in section 3.6.6;
0
r. Revising paragraph c., redesignating paragraphs d. and e. as e. and
f., respectively, and adding new paragraph d. in section 3.7;
0
s. Revising paragraph b. in section 3.8;
0
t. Revising paragraph b. in section 3.9.1;
0
u. Revising section 4.1.4;
0
v. Adding sections 4.1.4.2.1 and 4.1.4.2.2;
0
w. Revising the language after ``Table 20'' and before paragraph a.,
including Equation 4.2-2, in section 4.2;
0
x. Revising the introductory text for section 4.2.3.;
0
y. Revising section 4.2.3.4;
0
z. Revising paragraphs a., b., c., and e., in section 4.2.4;
0
aa. Revising sections 4.2.4.1 and 4.2.4.2; and
0
bb. Removing the language ``and Xk=3(Tj) =
Xk=2(Tj)'' and adding in its place ``and
Xk=3(Tj) = 1 - Xk=2(Tj),''
in section 4.2.6.5.
The revisions and additions read as follows:
Appendix M1 to Subpart B of Part 430--Uniform Test Method for Measuring
the Energy Consumption of Central Air Conditioners and Heat Pumps
* * * * *
1.2 * * *
Variable-speed Communicating Coil-only Central Air Conditioner
or Heat Pump means a variable-speed compressor system having a coil-
only indoor unit that is installed with a control system that:
(a) Communicates the difference in space temperature and space
setpoint temperature (not a setpoint value inferred from on/off
thermostat signals) to the control that sets compressor speed;
(b) Provides a signal to the indoor fan to set fan speed
appropriate for compressor staging; and
(c) Has installation instructions indicating that the control
system having these capabilities must be installed.
* * * * *
Variable-speed Non-communicating Coil-only Central Air
Conditioner or Heat Pump means a variable-speed compressor system
having a coil-only indoor unit that is does not meet the definition
of variable-speed communicating coil-only central air conditioner or
heat pump.
* * * * *
2 * * *
(B) For systems other than VRF, only a subset of the sections
listed in this test procedure apply when testing and determining
represented values for a particular unit. Table 1 shows the sections
of the test procedure that apply to each system. This table is meant
to assist manufacturers in finding the appropriate sections of the
test procedure. Manufacturers are responsible for determining which
sections apply to each unit tested based on the model
characteristics. The appendix sections provide the specific
requirements for testing. To use Table 1, first refer to the
sections listed under ``all units''. Then refer to additional
requirements based on:
(1) System configuration(s),
(2) The compressor staging or modulation capability, and
(3) Any special features.
Testing requirements for space-constrained products do not
differ from similar products that are not space-constrained, and
thus space-constrained products are not listed separately in this
table. Air conditioners and heat pumps are not listed separately in
this table, but heating procedures and calculations apply only to
heat pumps.
The ``manufacturer's published instructions,'' as stated in
section 8.2 of ASHRAE Standard 37-2009 (incorporated by reference,
see Sec. 430.3) and ``manufacturer's installation instructions''
discussed in this appendix mean the manufacturer's installation
instructions that come packaged with the unit or appear in the
labels applied to the unit. Manufacturer's installation instructions
do not include online manuals. Installation instructions that appear
in the labels applied to the unit shall take precedence over
installation instructions that come packaged with the unit.
* * * * *
3.1.2 Manufacturer-Provided Equipment Overrides
Where needed, the manufacturer must provide a means for
overriding the controls of the test unit so that the compressor(s)
operates at the specified speed or capacity and the indoor blower
operates at the specified speed or delivers the specified air volume
rate. For variable-speed non-communicating coil-only air
conditioners and heat pumps, the control system shall be provided
with a control signal indicating operation at high or low stage,
rather than testing with the compressor speed fixed at specific
speeds, with the exception that compressor speed override may be
used for heating mode test H12.
* * * * *
3.1.4.1.1 * * *
a. For all ducted blower coil systems, except those having a
constant-air-volume-rate indoor blower:
Step (1) Operate the unit under conditions specified for the A
test (for single-stage units) or A2 test (for non-single-
stage units) using the certified fan speed or controls settings, and
adjust the exhaust fan of the airflow
[[Page 16861]]
measuring apparatus to achieve the certified Cooling full-load air
volume rate;
Step (2) Measure the external static pressure;
Step (3) If this external static pressure is equal to or greater
than the applicable minimum external static pressure cited in Table
4, the pressure requirement is satisfied; proceed to step 7 of this
section. If this external static pressure is not equal to or greater
than the applicable minimum external static pressure cited in Table
4, proceed to step 4 of this section;
Step (4) Increase the external static pressure by adjusting the
exhaust fan of the airflow measuring apparatus until the first to
occur of:
(i) The applicable Table 4 minimum is equaled or
(ii) The measured air volume rate equals 90 percent or less of
the Cooling full-load air volume rate;
Step (5) If the conditions of step 4 (i) of this section occur
first, the pressure requirement is satisfied; proceed to step 7 of
this section. If the conditions of step 4 (ii) of this section occur
first, proceed to step 6 of this section;
Step (6) Make an incremental change to the setup of the indoor
blower (e.g., next highest fan motor pin setting, next highest fan
motor speed) and repeat the evaluation process beginning above, at
step 1 of this section. If the indoor blower setup cannot be further
changed, increase the external static pressure by adjusting the
exhaust fan of the airflow measuring apparatus until the applicable
Table 4 minimum is equaled; proceed to step 7 of this section;
Step (7) The airflow constraints have been satisfied. Use the
measured air volume rate as the Cooling full-load air volume rate.
Use the final indoor fan speed or control settings of the unit under
test for all tests that use the Cooling full-load air volume rate.
Adjust the fan of the airflow measurement apparatus if needed to
obtain the same full-load air volume rate (in scfm) for all such
tests, unless the system modulates indoor blower speed with outdoor
dry bulb temperature or to adjust the sensible to total cooling
capacity ratio--in this case, use an air volume rate that represents
a normal installation and calculate the target external static
pressure as described in section 3.1.4.2 of this appendix.
b. For ducted blower coil systems with a constant-air-volume-
rate indoor blower. For all tests that specify the Cooling full-load
air volume rate, obtain an external static pressure as close to (but
not less than) the applicable Table 4 value that does not cause
either automatic shutdown of the indoor blower or a value of air
volume rate variation QVar, defined as follows, that is
greater than 10 percent.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP24MR22.008
Where:
Qmax = maximum measured airflow value
Qmin = minimum measured airflow value
QVar = airflow variance, percent
Additional test steps as described in section 3.3.f of this
appendix are required if the measured external static pressure exceeds
the target value by more than 0.03 inches of water.
* * * * *
3.1.4.2 * * *
a. For a ducted blower coil system without a constant-air-volume
indoor blower, adjust for external static pressure as follows:
Step (1) Operate the unit under conditions specified for the
B1 test using the certified fan speed or controls settings,
and adjust the exhaust fan of the airflow measuring apparatus to
achieve the certified cooling minimum air volume rate;
Step (2) Measure the external static pressure;
Step (3) If this pressure is equal to or greater than the minimum
external static pressure computed above, the pressure requirement is
satisfied; proceed to step 7 of this section. If this pressure is not
equal to or greater than the minimum external static pressure computed
above, proceed to step 4 of this section;
Step (4) Increase the external static pressure by adjusting the
exhaust fan of the airflow measuring apparatus until either:
(i) The pressure is equal to the minimum external static pressure,
[Delta]Pst_i, computed above or
(ii) The measured air volume rate equals 90 percent or less of the
cooling minimum air volume rate, whichever occurs first;
Step (5) If the conditions of step 4 (i) of this section occur
first, the pressure requirement is satisfied; proceed to step 7 of this
section. If the conditions of step 4 (ii) of this section occur first,
proceed to step 6 of this section;
Step (6) Make an incremental change to the setup of the indoor
blower (e.g., next highest fan motor pin setting, next highest fan
motor speed) and repeat the evaluation process beginning above, at step
1 of this section. If the indoor blower setup cannot be further
changed, increase the external static pressure by adjusting the exhaust
fan of the airflow measuring apparatus until it equals the minimum
external static pressure computed above; proceed to step 7 of this
section;
Step (7) The airflow constraints have been satisfied. Use the
measured air volume rate as the cooling minimum air volume rate. Use
the final indoor fan speed or control settings of the unit under test
for all tests that use the cooling minimum air volume rate. Adjust the
fan of the airflow measurement apparatus if needed to obtain the same
cooling minimum air volume rate (in scfm) for all such tests, unless
the system modulates the indoor blower speed with outdoor dry bulb
temperature or to adjust the sensible to total cooling capacity ratio--
in this case, use an air volume rate that represents a normal
installation and calculate the target minimum external static pressure
as described in this section 3.1.4.2.
b. For ducted units with constant-air-volume indoor blowers,
conduct all tests that specify the cooling minimum air volume rate--
(i.e., the A1, B1, C1, F1,
and G1 Tests)--at an external static pressure that does not
cause either an automatic shutdown of the indoor blower or a value of
air volume rate variation QVar, defined in section
3.1.4.1.1.b of this appendix, that is greater than 10 percent, while
being as close to, but not less than the target minimum external static
pressure. Additional test steps as described in section 3.3.f of this
appendix are required if the measured external static pressure exceeds
the target value by more than 0.03 inches of water.
* * * * *
f. For ducted variable-speed compressor systems tested with a coil-
only indoor unit, the cooling minimum air volume rate is the higher of:
(1) The rate specified by the installation instructions included
with the unit by the manufacturer; or
(2) 75 percent of the cooling full-load air volume rate. During the
laboratory tests on a coil-only (fanless) system, obtain this cooling
minimum air volume rate regardless of the pressure drop across the
indoor coil assembly.
* * * * *
3.1.4.3 * * *
b. For a ducted blower coil system with a constant-air-volume
indoor blower, conduct the EV Test at an external static
pressure that does not cause either an automatic shutdown of the indoor
blower or a value of air volume rate variation QVar, defined
in section 3.1.4.1.1.b of this appendix, that is greater than 10
percent, while being as close to, but not less than the target minimum
external static pressure. Additional test steps as described in section
3.3.f of this appendix are required if the measured external static
pressure exceeds the target value by more than 0.03 inches of water.
* * * * *
d. For ducted variable-speed compressor systems tested with a coil-
only indoor unit, use the cooling minimum air volume rate as determined
in section 3.1.4.2(f) of this appendix, without regard to the pressure
drop across the indoor coil assembly.
* * * * *
[[Page 16862]]
3.1.4.4.3 * * *
a. For all ducted heating-only blower coil system heat pumps,
except those having a constant-air-volume-rate indoor blower: Conduct
the following steps only during the first test, the H1 or
H12 test:
Step (1) Adjust the exhaust fan of the airflow measuring apparatus
to achieve the certified heating full-load air volume rate.
Step (2) Measure the external static pressure.
Step (3) If this pressure is equal to or greater than the Table 4
minimum external static pressure that applies given the heating-only
heat pump's rated heating capacity, the pressure requirement is
satisfied; proceed to step 7 of this section. If this pressure is not
equal to or greater than the applicable Table 4 minimum external static
pressure, proceed to step 4 of this section;
Step (4) Increase the external static pressure by adjusting the
exhaust fan of the airflow measuring apparatus until either:
(i) The pressure is equal to the applicable Table 4 minimum
external static pressure; or
(ii) The measured air volume rate equals 90 percent or less of the
heating full-load air volume rate, whichever occurs first;
Step (5) If the conditions of step 4 (i) of this section occur
first, the pressure requirement is satisfied; proceed to step 7 of this
section. If the conditions of step 4 (ii) of this section occur first,
proceed to step 6 of this section;
Step (6) Make an incremental change to the setup of the indoor
blower (e.g., next highest fan motor pin setting, next highest fan
motor speed) and repeat the evaluation process beginning above, at step
1 of this section. If the indoor blower setup cannot be further
changed, increase the external static pressure by adjusting the exhaust
fan of the airflow measuring apparatus until it equals the applicable
Table 4 minimum external static pressure; proceed to step 7 of this
section;
Step (7) The airflow constraints have been satisfied. Use the
measured air volume rate as the heating full-load air volume rate. Use
the final indoor fan speed or control settings of the unit under test
for all tests that use the heating full-load air volume rate. Adjust
the fan of the airflow measurement apparatus if needed to obtain the
same heating full-load air volume rate (in scfm) for all such tests,
unless the system modulates indoor blower speed with outdoor dry bulb
temperature--in this case, use an air volume rate that represents a
normal installation and calculate the target minimum external static
pressure as described in section 3.1.4.2 of this appendix.
* * * * *
3.1.4.6 * * *
d. For ducted variable-speed compressor systems tested with a coil-
only indoor unit, use the heating minimum air volume rate, which (as
specified in section 3.1.4.5.1.a.(3) of this appendix) is equal to the
cooling minimum air volume rate, without regard to the pressure drop
across the indoor coil assembly.
* * * * *
3.1.4.7 Heating Nominal Air Volume Rate
The manufacturer must specify the heating nominal air volume rate
and the instructions for setting fan speed or controls. Calculate
target minimum external static pressure as described in section 3.1.4.2
of this appendix. Make adjustments as described in section 3.1.4.6 of
this appendix for heating intermediate air volume rate so that the
target minimum external static pressure is met or exceeded. For ducted
variable-speed compressor systems tested with a coil-only indoor unit,
use the heating full-load air volume rate as the heating nominal air
volume rate.
* * * * *
3.2.4 * * *
a. Conduct five steady-state wet coil tests: The A2,
EV, B2, B1, and F1 Tests
(the EV test is not applicable for variable speed non-
communicating coil-only air conditioners and heat pumps). Use the two
optional dry-coil tests, the steady-state G1 Test and the
cyclic I1 Test, to determine the cooling mode cyclic
degradation coefficient, CDc. If the two optional
tests are conducted and yield a tested CDc that
exceeds the default CDc or if the two optional
tests are not conducted, assign CDc the default
value of 0.25. Table 8 specifies test conditions for these seven tests.
The compressor shall operate at the same cooling full speed, measured
by RPM or power input frequency (Hz), for both the A2 and
B2 tests. The compressor shall operate at the same cooling
minimum speed, measured by RPM or power input frequency (Hz), for the
B1, F1, G1, and I1 tests.
Determine the cooling intermediate compressor speed cited in Table 8,
as required, using:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP24MR22.009
where a tolerance of plus 5 percent or the next higher inverter
frequency step from that calculated is allowed.
* * * * *
d. For variable-speed non-communicating coil-only air conditioners
and heat pumps, the manufacturer-provided equipment overrides for full
and minimum compressor speed described in section 3.1.2 of appendix M1
shall be limited to two stages of digital on/off control.
[[Page 16863]]
Table 8--Cooling Mode Test Condition for Units Having a Variable-Speed Compressor
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air entering indoor unit Air entering outdoor unit
temperature ([deg]F) temperature ([deg]F)
Test description ---------------------------------------------------------------- Compressor speed Cooling air volume rate
Dry bulb Wet bulb Dry bulb Wet bulb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A2 Test--required (steady, wet coil). 80 67 95 \1\ 75 Cooling Full............ \2\ Cooling Full-Load.
B2 Test--required (steady, wet coil). 80 67 82 \1\ 65 Cooling Full............ \2\ Cooling Full-Load.
EV Test--required \7\ (steady, wet 80 67 87 \1\ 69 Cooling Intermediate.... \3\ Cooling
coil). Intermediate.
B1 Test--required (steady, wet coil). 80 67 82 \1\65 Cooling Minimum......... \4\ Cooling Minimum.
F1 Test--required (steady, wet coil). 80 67 67 \1\53.5 Cooling Minimum......... \4\ Cooling Minimum.
G1 Test \5\--optional (steady, dry- 80 (\6\) 67 .............. Cooling Minimum......... \4\ Cooling Minimum.
coil).
I1 Test \5\--optional (cyclic, dry- 80 (\6\) 67 .............. Cooling Minimum......... (\6\)
coil).
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ The specified test condition only applies if the unit rejects condensate to the outdoor coil.
\2\ Defined in section 3.1.4.1 of this appendix.
\3\ Defined in section 3.1.4.3 of this appendix.
\4\ Defined in section 3.1.4.2 of this appendix.
\5\ The entering air must have a low enough moisture content so no condensate forms on the indoor coil. DOE recommends using an indoor air wet bulb
temperature of 57 [deg]F or less.
\6\ Maintain the airflow nozzle(s) static pressure difference or velocity pressure during the ON period at the same pressure difference or velocity
pressure as measured during the G1 Test.
\7\ The EV test is not applicable for variable-speed non-communicating coil-only air conditioners and heat pumps.
* * * * *
3.3 * * *
d. For mobile home and space-constrained ducted coil-only system
tests,
(1) For two-stage or variable-speed systems, for all steady-state
wet coil tests that specify the cooling minimum air volume rate or
cooling intermediate air volume rate (i.e., the A1,
B1, EV, and F1 tests) and for which
the minimum or intermediate air volume rate is 75 percent of the
cooling full-load air volume rate:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP24MR22.010
(2) For two-stage or variable-speed systems, for all steady-state
wet coil tests that specify the cooling full-load air volume rate
(i.e., the A2 and B2 tests) or tests using a
minimum or intermediate air volume rate that is greater than 75 percent
of the cooling full-load air volume rate:
[[Page 16864]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP24MR22.011
where VS is the average measured indoor air volume rate
expressed in units of cubic feet per minute of standard air (scfm).
e. For non-mobile, non-space-constrained home ducted coil-only
system tests,
(1) For two-stage or variable-speed systems, for all steady-state
wet coil tests that specify the cooling minimum air volume rate or
cooling intermediate air volume rate (i.e., the A1,
B1, EV, and F1 tests) and for which
the minimum or intermediate air volume rate is 75 percent of the
cooling full-load air volume rate:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP24MR22.012
(2) For two-stage or variable-speed systems, for all steady-state
wet coil tests that specify the cooling full-load air volume rate
(i.e., the A2 and B2 tests) or tests using a
minimum or intermediate air volume rate that is greater than 75 percent
of the cooling full-load air volume rate:
[[Page 16865]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP24MR22.013
where VS is the average measured indoor air volume rate
expressed in units of cubic feet per minute of standard air (scfm).
Table 9--Test Operating and Test Condition Tolerances for Section 3.3
Steady-State Wet Coil Cooling Mode Tests and Section 3.4 Dry Coil
Cooling Mode Tests
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Test operating Test condition
tolerance \1\ tolerance \1\
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Indoor dry-bulb, [deg]F:
Entering temperature................ 2.0 0.5
Leaving temperature................. 2.0 ..............
Indoor wet-bulb, [deg]F:
Entering temperature................ 1.0 \2\ 0.3
Leaving temperature................. \2\ 1.0 ..............
Outdoor dry-bulb, [deg]F:
Entering temperature................ 2.0 0.5
Leaving temperature................. \3\ 2.0 ..............
Outdoor wet-bulb, [deg]F:
Entering temperature................ 1.0 \4\ 0.3
Leaving temperature................. \3\ 1.0 ..............
External resistance to airflow, inches 0.05 \5\ 0.02
of water...............................
Electrical voltage, % of reading........ 2.0 1.5
Nozzle pressure drop, % of reading...... 2.0 ..............
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ See section 1.2 of this appendix, Definitions.
\2\ Only applies during wet coil tests; does not apply during steady-
state, dry coil cooling mode tests.
\3\ Only applies when using the outdoor air enthalpy method.
\4\ Only applies during wet coil cooling mode tests where the unit
rejects condensate to the outdoor coil.
\5\ Only applies when testing non-ducted units.
* * * * *
3.5.1 * * *
The automatic controls that are installed in the test unit must
govern the OFF/ON cycling of the air moving equipment on the indoor
side (i.e. the exhaust fan of the airflow measuring apparatus and the
indoor blower of the test unit). For ducted coil-only systems rated
based on using a fan time-delay relay, control the indoor coil airflow
according to the OFF delay listed by the manufacturer in the
certification report. For ducted units having a variable-speed indoor
blower that has been disabled (and possibly removed), start and stop
the indoor airflow at the same instances as if the fan were enabled.
For all other ducted coil-only systems, cycle the indoor coil airflow
in unison with the cycling of the compressor. If air damper boxes are
used, close them on the inlet and outlet side during the OFF period.
Airflow through the indoor coil should stop within 3 seconds after the
automatic controls of the test unit de-energize (or if the airflow
system has been disabled (and possibly removed), within 3 seconds after
the automatic controls of the test unit would have de-energized) the
indoor blower.
a. For mobile home and space-constrained ducted coil-only systems,
(1) For two-stage or variable-speed systems, for all cyclic dry-
coil tests that specify the cooling minimum air volume rate (i.e., the
D1 and I1 tests) and for which the minimum air
volume rate is 75 percent of the cooling full-load air volume rate,
increase ecyc,dry by the quantity,
[[Page 16866]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP24MR22.014
where VS is the average indoor air volume rate from the
section 3.4 dry coil steady-state test and is expressed in units of
cubic feet per minute of standard air (scfm).
(2) For two-stage or variable-speed systems, for all cyclic dry-
coil tests that specify the cooling full-load air volume rate (i.e.,
the D2 test) or tests using a minimum air volume rate that
is greater than 75 percent of the cooling full-load air volume rate
increase ecyc,dry by the quantity,
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP24MR22.015
(3) For single-stage systems, for all cyclic dry-coil tests (i.e.,
the D test) increase ecyc,dry by the quantity calculated in
Equation 3.5-4 and decrease qcyc,dry by the quantity
calculated in Equation 3.5-5
b. For ducted, non-mobile, non-space-constrained home coil-only
units,
(1) For two-stage or variable-speed systems, for all cyclic dry-
coil tests that specify the cooling minimum air volume rate (i.e., the
D1 and I1 tests) and for which the minimum air
volume rate is 75 percent of the cooling full-load air volume rate,
increase ecyc,dry by the quantity,
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP24MR22.016
(2) For two-stage or variable-speed systems, for all cyclic dry-
coil tests that specify the cooling full-load air volume rate (i.e.,
the D2 test) or tests using a minimum air volume rate that
is greater than 75 percent of the cooling full-load air volume rate
increase ecyc,dry by the quantity,
[[Page 16867]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP24MR22.017
(3) For single-stage systems, for all cyclic dry-coil tests (i.e.,
the D test) increase ecyc,dry by the quantity calculated in
Equation 3.5-8 and decrease qcyc,dry by the quantity
calculated in Equation 3.5-9
c. For units having a variable-speed indoor blower that is disabled
during the cyclic test, increase ecyc,dry and decrease
qcyc,dry based on: The product of [[tau]2-
[tau]1] and the indoor blower power (in W) measured during
or following the dry coil steady-state test; or,
* * * * *
3.6 * * *
3.6.1 Tests for a Heat Pump Having a Single-Speed Compressor and Fixed
Heating Air Volume Rate
* * * * *
Table 11--Heating Mode Test Conditions for Units Having a Single-Speed Compressor and a Fixed-Speed Indoor
Blower, a Constant Air Volume Rate Indoor Blower, or Coil-Only
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air entering indoor unit Air entering outdoor unit
temperature ([deg]F) temperature ([deg]F) Heating air
Test description ------------------------------------------------------------------ volume rate
Dry bulb Wet bulb Dry bulb Wet bulb
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
H1 test (required, steady)... 70 60 (max)....... 47 43............. Heating Full-
Load.\1\
H1C test (optional, cyclic).. 70 60 (max)....... 47 43............. (\2\)
H2 test (required)........... 70 60 (max)....... 35 33............. Heating Full-
Load.\1\
H3 test (required, steady)... 70 60 (max)....... 17 15............. Heating Full-
Load.\1\
H4 test (optional, steady)... 70 60 (max)....... 5 4 (max)........ Heating Full-
Load.\1\
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Defined in section 3.1.4.4 of this appendix.
\2\ Maintain the airflow nozzle(s) static pressure difference or velocity pressure during an ON period at the
same pressure or velocity as measured during the H1 test.
* * * * *
3.6.2 Tests for a Heat Pump Having a Single-Speed Compressor and a
Single Indoor Unit Having Either (1) a Variable-Speed, Variable-Air-
Rate Indoor Blower Whose Capacity Modulation Correlates With Outdoor
Dry Bulb Temperature or (2) Multiple Indoor Blowers
* * * * *
Table 12--Heating Mode Test Conditions for Units With a Single-Speed Compressor That Meet the Section 3.6.2
Indoor Unit Requirements
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air entering indoor unit Air entering outdoor unit
temperature ([deg]F) temperature ([deg]F) Heating air
Test description ------------------------------------------------------------------ volume rate
Dry bulb Wet bulb Dry bulb Wet bulb
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
H12 test (required, steady).. 70 60 (max)....... 47 43............. Heating Full-
Load.\1\
H11 test (required, steady).. 70 60 (max)....... 47 43............. Heating
Minimum.\2\
H1C1 test (optional, cyclic). 70 60 (max)....... 47 43............. (\3\)
H22 test (required).......... 70 60 (max)....... 35 33............. Heating Full-
Load.\1\
H21 test (optional).......... 70 60 (max)....... 35 33............. Heating
Minimum.\2\
H32 test (required, steady).. 70 60 (max)....... 17 15............. Heating Full-
Load.\1\
H31 test (required, steady).. 70 60 (max)....... 17 15............. Heating
Minimum\2\
H42 test (optional, steady).. 70 60 (max)....... 5 4 (max)........ Heating Full-
Load.\1\
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Defined in section 3.1.4.4 of this appendix.
\2\ Defined in section 3.1.4.5 of this appendix.
[[Page 16868]]
\3\ Maintain the airflow nozzle(s) static pressure difference or velocity pressure during an ON period at the
same pressure or velocity as measured during the H11 test.
* * * * *
3.6.3 Tests for a Heat Pump Having a Two-Capacity Compressor (see
Section 1.2 of This Appendix, Definitions), Including Two-Capacity,
Northern Heat Pumps (see Section 1.2 of This Appendix, Definitions)
* * * * *
Table 13--Heating Mode Test Conditions for Units Having a Two-Capacity Compressor
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air entering indoor unit temperature Air entering outdoor unit
([deg]F) temperature ([deg]F) Heating air volume
Test description ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Compressor capacity rate
Dry bulb Wet bulb Dry bulb Wet bulb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
H01 test (required, steady)...... 70 60 (max)............ 62 56.5................ Low................. Heating Minimum.\1\
H12 test (required, steady)...... 70 60 (max)............ 47 43.................. High................ Heating Full-
Load.\2\
H1C2 test (optional,\7\ cyclic).. 70 60 (max)............ 47 43.................. High................ (\3\)
H11 test (required, steady)...... 70 60 (max)............ 47 43.................. Low................. Heating Minimum.\1\
H1C1 test (optional, cyclic)..... 70 60 (max)............ 47 43.................. Low................. (\4\)
H22 test (required).............. 70 60 (max)............ 35 33.................. High................ Heating Full-
Load.\2\
H21 test\5,6\ (required)......... 70 60 (max)............ 35 33.................. Low................. Heating Minimum.\1\
H32 test (required, steady)...... 70 60 (max)............ 17 15.................. High................ Heating Full-
Load.\2\
H31 test\5\ (required, steady)... 70 60 (max)............ 17 15.................. Low................. Heating Minimum.\1\
H42 test (optional, steady)...... 70 60 (max)............ 5 4 (max)............. High................ Heating Full-
Load.\2\
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Defined in section 3.1.4.5 of this appendix.
\2\ Defined in section 3.1.4.4 of this appendix.
\3\ Maintain the airflow nozzle(s) static pressure difference or velocity pressure during an ON period at the same pressure or velocity as measured
during the H12 test.
\4\ Maintain the airflow nozzle(s) static pressure difference or velocity pressure during an ON period at the same pressure or velocity as measured
during the H11 test.
\5\ Required only if the heat pump's performance when operating at low compressor capacity and outdoor temperatures less than 37 [deg]F is needed to
complete the section 4.2.3 HSPF2 calculations.
\6\ If table note #5 applies, the section 3.6.3 equations for Q hk=1 (35) and E hk=1 (17) may be used in lieu of conducting the H21 test.
\7\ Required only if the heat pump locks out low-capacity operation at lower outdoor temperatures.
* * * * *
3.6.4 Tests for a Heat Pump Having a Variable-Speed Compressor
3.6.4.1. Variable-Speed Compressor Other Than Non-communicating Coil-
Only Heat Pumps
a. Conduct one maximum temperature test (H01), two high
temperature tests (H1N and H11), one frost
accumulation test (H2V), and one low temperature test
(H32). Conducting one or more of the following tests is
optional: an additional high temperature test (H12), an
additional frost accumulation test (H22), and a very low
temperature test (H42). Conduct the optional high
temperature cyclic (H1C1) test to determine the heating mode
cyclic-degradation coefficient, CDh. If this
optional test is conducted and yields a tested
CDh that exceeds the default
CDh or if the optional test is not conducted,
assign CD\h\ the default value of 0.25. Test conditions for
the nine tests are specified in Table 14A. The compressor shall operate
for the H12, H22 and H32 Tests at the
same heating full speed, measured by RPM or power input frequency (Hz),
as the maximum speed at which the system controls would operate the
compressor in normal operation in 17 [deg]F ambient temperature. The
compressor shall operate for the H1N test at the maximum
speed at which the system controls would operate the compressor in
normal operation in 47 [deg]F ambient temperature. Additionally, for a
cooling/heating heat pump, the compressor shall operate for the
H1N test at a speed, measured by RPM or power input
frequency (Hz), no lower than the speed used in the A2 test
if the tested H1N heating capacity is less than the tested
A2 cooling capacity. The compressor shall operate at the
same heating minimum speed, measured by RPM or power input frequency
(Hz), for the H01, H1C1, and H11
Tests. Determine the heating intermediate compressor speed cited in
Table 14A using the heating mode full and minimum compressors speeds
and:
[[Page 16869]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP24MR22.018
where a tolerance of plus 5 percent or the next higher inverter
frequency step from that calculated is allowed.
b. If one of the high temperature tests (H12 or
H1N) is conducted using the same compressor speed (RPM or
power input frequency) as the H32 test, set the 47 [deg]F
capacity and power input values used for calculation of HSPF2 equal to
the measured values for that test:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP24MR22.019
Qhk=2(47) is the capacity measured in the
high temperature test (H12 or H1N) that used the
same compressor speed as the H32 test, and
Ehk=2(47) is the power input measured in the
high temperature test (H12 or H1N) which used the
same compressor speed as the H32 test.
Evaluate the quantities Qhk=2(47) and
Ehk=2(47) according to section 3.7 of this
appendix.
Otherwise (if no high temperature test is conducted using the same
speed (RPM or power input frequency) as the H32 test),
calculate the 47 [deg]F capacity and power input values used for
calculation of HSPF2 as follows:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP24MR22.020
Qhk=2(17) is the capacity measured in the
H32 test,
Ehk=2(17) is the power input measured in the
H32 test,
CSF is the capacity slope factor, equal to 0.0204/[deg]F for split
systems and 0.0262/[deg]F for single-package systems, and
PSF is the Power Slope Factor, equal to 0.00455/[deg]F.
c. If the H22 test is not done, use the following
equations to approximate the capacity and electrical power at the
H22 test conditions:
[[Page 16870]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP24MR22.021
Qhk=2(17) and Ehk=2(17)
and are the capacity and power input measured in the H32
test.
d. Determine the quantities Qhk=2(17) and
Ehk=2(17) from the H32 test, determine
the quantities Qhk=2(5) and
Ehk=2(5) from the H42 test, and
evaluate all four according to section 3.10 of this appendix.
e. For multiple-split heat pumps (only), the following procedures
supersede the above requirements. For all Table 14A tests specified for
a minimum compressor speed, turn off at least one indoor unit. The
manufacturer shall designate the particular indoor unit(s) to be turned
off. The manufacturer must also specify the compressor speed used for
the Table 14A H2V test, a heating mode intermediate
compressor speed that falls within \1/4\ and \3/4\ of the difference
between the full and minimum heating mode speeds. The manufacturer
should prescribe an intermediate speed that is expected to yield the
highest COP for the given H2V test conditions and bracketed
compressor speed range. The manufacturer can designate that one or more
specific indoor units are turned off for the H2V test.
Table 14A--Heating Mode Test Conditions for Units Having a Variable-Speed Compressor Other Than Variable-speed Non-communicating Coil-Only Heat Pumps
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air entering indoor unit temperature Air entering outdoor unit
([deg]F) temperature ([deg]F) Heating air volume
Test description ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Compressor speed rate
Dry bulb Wet bulb Dry bulb Wet bulb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
H01 test (required, steady)...... 70 60 (max)............ 62 56.5................ Heating Minimum..... Heating Minimum.\1\
H12 test (optional, steady)...... 70 60 (max)............ 47 43.................. Heating Full \4\.... Heating Full-
Load.\3\
H11 test (required, steady)...... 70 60 (max)............ 47 43.................. Heating Minimum..... Heating Minimum.\1\
H1N test (required, steady)...... 70 60 (max)............ 47 43.................. Heating Full \5\.... Heating Nominal\7\
H1C1 test (optional, cyclic)..... 70 60 (max)............ 47 43.................. Heating Minimum..... (\2\)
H22 test (optional).............. 70 60 (max)............ 35 33.................. Heating Full \4\.... Heating Full-
Load.\3\
H2V test (required).............. 70 60 (max)............ 35 33.................. Heating Intermediate Heating
Intermediate.\6\
H32 test (required, steady)...... 70 60 (max)............ 17 15.................. Heating Full \4\.... Heating Full-
Load.\3\
H42 test (optional, steady)...... 70 60 (max)............ 5 4 (max)............. Heating Full \8\.... Heating Full-
Load.\3\
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Defined in section 3.1.4.5 of this appendix.
\2\ Maintain the airflow nozzle(s) static pressure difference or velocity pressure during an ON period at the same pressure or velocity as measured
during the H11 test.
\3\ Defined in section 3.1.4.4 of this appendix.
\4\ Maximum speed that the system controls would operate the compressor in normal operation in 17 [deg]F ambient temperature. The H12 test is not needed
if the H1N test uses this same compressor speed.
\5\ Maximum speed that the system controls would operate the compressor in normal operation in 47 [deg]F ambient temperature.
\6\ Defined in section 3.1.4.6 of this appendix.
\7\ Defined in section 3.1.4.7 of this appendix.
\8\ Maximum speed that the system controls would operate the compressor in normal operation at 5 [deg]F ambient temperature.
3.6.4.2. Variable-Speed Compressor With Non-communicating Coil-Only
Heat Pumps
a. Conduct one maximum temperature test (H01), two high
temperature tests (H1N and H11), two frost
accumulation test (H22 and H21), and two low
temperature tests (H32 and H31). Conducting one
or both of the following tests is optional: An additional high
temperature test (H12) and a very low temperature test
(H42). Conduct the optional high temperature cyclic
(H1C1) test to determine the heating mode cyclic-degradation
coefficient, CDh. If this optional test is
conducted and yields a tested CDh that exceeds
the default CDh or if the optional test is not
conducted, assign CDh the default value of 0.25.
Test conditions for the ten tests are specified in Table 14B. The
compressor shall operate for the H12 and H32
tests at the same heating full speed, measured by RPM or power input
frequency (Hz), as the maximum speed at which the system controls would
operate the compressor in normal operation in 17 [deg]F ambient
temperature. The compressor shall operate for the H1N test
at the maximum speed at which the system controls would operate the
compressor in normal operation in 47 [deg]F ambient temperature.
Additionally, for a cooling/heating heat pump, the compressor shall
operate for the H1N test at a speed, measured by RPM or
power input frequency (Hz), no lower than the speed used in the
A2 test if the tested H1N heating capacity is
less than the tested A2 cooling capacity. The compressor
shall operate at the same heating minimum speed, measured by RPM or
power input frequency (Hz), for the H01, H1C1,
and H11 tests.
b. If one of the high temperature tests (H12 or
H1N) is conducted using the same compressor speed (RPM or
power
[[Page 16871]]
input frequency) as the H32 test, set the 47 [deg]F capacity
and power input values used for calculation of HSPF2 equal to the
measured values for that test:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP24MR22.022
Qhk=2(47) is the capacity measured in the
high temperature test (H12 or H1N) which used the
same compressor speed as the H32 test, and
Ehk=2(47) is the power input measured in the
high temperature test (H12 or H1N) which used the
same compressor speed as the H32 test.
Evaluate the quantities Qhk=2(47) and
Ehk=2(47) according to section 3.7 of this
appendix.
Otherwise (if no high temperature test is conducted using the same
speed (RPM or power input frequency) as the H32 test),
calculate the 47 [deg]F capacity and power input values used for
calculation of HSPF2 as follows:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP24MR22.023
Qhk=2(17) is the capacity measured in the
H32 test,
Ehk=2(17) is the power input measured in the
H32 test,
CSF is the capacity slope factor, equal to 0.0204/[deg]F for split
systems, and
PSF is the Power Slope Factor, equal to 0.00455/[deg]F.
c. Determine the quantities Qhk=2(17) and
Ehk=2(17) from the H32 test, determine
the quantities Qhk=2(5) and
Ehk=2(5) from the H42 test, and
evaluate all four according to section 3.10 of this appendix.
Table 14B--Heating Mode Test Conditions for Variable-Speed Non-communicating Coil-Only Heat Pumps
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air entering indoor unit temperature Air entering outdoor unit
([deg]F) temperature ([deg]F) Heating air volume
Test description ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Compressor speed rate
Dry bulb Wet bulb Dry bulb Wet bulb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
H01 test (required, steady)...... 70 60 (max)............ 62 56.5................ Heating Minimum..... Heating Minimum.\1\
H12 test (optional, steady)...... 70 60 (max)............ 47 43.................. Heating Full \4\.... Heating Full-
Load.\3\
H11 test (required, steady)...... 70 60 (max)............ 47 43.................. Heating Minimum..... Heating Minimum.\1\
H1N test (required, steady)...... 70 60 (max)............ 47 43.................. Heating Full \5\.... Heating Full-
Load.\3\
H1C1 test (optional, cyclic)..... 70 60 (max)............ 47 43.................. Heating Minimum..... (\2\)
H22 test (required).............. 70 60 (max)............ 35 33.................. Heating Full \6\.... Heating Full-
Load.\3\
H21 test (required).............. 70 60 (max)............ 35 33.................. Heating Minimum \7\. Heating Minimum.\1\
H32 test (required, steady)...... 70 60 (max)............ 17 15.................. Heating Full \4\.... Heating Full-
Load.\3\
[[Page 16872]]
H31 test (required, steady)...... 70 60 (max)............ 17 15.................. Heating Minimum \8\. Heating Minimum.\1\
H42 test (optional, steady)...... 70 60 (max)............ 5 4 (max)............. Heating Full \9\.... Heating Full-
Load.\3\
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Defined in section 3.1.4.5 of this appendix.
\2\ Maintain the airflow nozzle(s) static pressure difference or velocity pressure during an ON period at the same pressure or velocity as measured
during the H11 test.
\3\ Defined in section 3.1.4.4 of this appendix.
\4\ Maximum speed that the system controls would operate the compressor in normal operation in 17 [deg]F ambient temperature. The H12 test is not needed
if the H1N test uses this same compressor speed.
\5\ Maximum speed that the system controls would operate the compressor in normal operation in 47 [deg]F ambient temperature.
\6\ Maximum speed that the system controls would operate the compressor in normal operation in 35 [deg]F ambient temperature.
\7\ Minimum speed that the system controls would operate the compressor in normal operation in 35 [deg]F ambient temperature.
\8\ Minimum speed that the system controls would operate the compressor in normal operation in 17 [deg]F ambient temperature.
\9\ Maximum speed that the system controls would operate the compressor in normal operation in 5 [deg]F ambient temperature.
* * * * *
3.6.6. Heating Mode Tests for Northern Heat Pumps with Triple-Capacity
Compressors
* * * * *
Table 15--Heating Mode Test Conditions for Units With a Triple-Capacity Compressor
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air entering indoor unit ([deg]F) Air entering outdoor unit ([deg]F)
Test description ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Compressor capacity Heating air volume
Dry bulb Wet bulb Dry bulb Wet bulb rate
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
H01 Test (required, steady)...... 70 60 (max)............ 62 56.5................ Low................. Heating Minimum.\1\
H12 (required, steady)........... 70 60 (max)............ 47 43.................. High................ Heating Full-
Load.\2\
H1C2 Test (optional,\8\ cyclic... 70 60 (max)............ 47 43.................. High................ (\3\)
H11 Test (required, steady)...... 70 60 (max)............ 47 43.................. Low................. Heating Minimum.\1\
H1C1 Test (optional, cyclic)..... 70 60 (max)............ 47 43.................. Low................. (\4\)
H23 Test (optional, steady)...... 70 60 (max)............ 35 33.................. Booster............. Heating Full-
Load.\2\
H22 Test (required).............. 70 60 (max)............ 35 33.................. High................ Heating Full-
Load.\2\
H21 Test (required).............. 70 60 (max)............ 35 33.................. Low................. Heating Minimum.\1\
H33 Test (required, steady)...... 70 60 (max)............ 17 15.................. Booster............. Heating Full-
Load.\2\
H3C3 Test 5 6 (optional, cyclic). 70 60 (max)............ 17 15.................. Booster............. (\7\)
H32 Test (required, steady)...... 70 60 (max)............ 17 15.................. High................ Heating Full-
Load.\2\
H31 Test \5\ (required, steady).. 70 60 (max)............ 17 15.................. Low................. Heating Minimum.\1\
H43 Test (required, steady)...... 70 60 (max)............ 5 4 (max)............. Booster............. Heating Full-
Load.\2\
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Defined in section 3.1.4.5 of this appendix.
\2\ Defined in section 3.1.4.4 of this appendix.
\3\ Maintain the airflow nozzle(s) static pressure difference or velocity pressure during the ON period at the same pressure or velocity as measured
during the H12 test.
\4\ Maintain the airflow nozzle(s) static pressure difference or velocity pressure during the ON period at the same pressure or velocity as measured
during the H11 test.
\5\ Required only if the heat pump's performance when operating at low compressor capacity and outdoor temperatures less than 37 [deg]F is needed to
complete the section 4.2.6 HSPF2 calculations.
\6\ If table note \5\ applies, the section 3.6.6 equations for Qhk=1(35) and Ehk=1(17) may be used in lieu of conducting the H21 test.
\7\ Maintain the airflow nozzle(s) static pressure difference or velocity pressure during the ON period at the same pressure or velocity as measured
during the H33 test.
\8\ Required only if the heat pump locks out low-capacity operation at lower outdoor temperatures
* * * * *
3.7 * * *
c. For mobile home and space-constrained ducted coil-only system
tests,
(1) For two-stage or variable-speed systems, for all steady-state
maximum temperature and high temperature tests that specify the heating
minimum air volume rate or the heating intermediate air volume rate
(i.e., the H01 and H11 tests) and for which the
minimum or intermediate air volume rate is 75 percent of the cooling
full-load air volume rate:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP24MR22.024
[[Page 16873]]
(2) For two-stage or variable-speed systems, for all steady-state
maximum temperature and high temperature tests that specify the heating
full-load air volume rate or the heating nominal air volume rate (i.e.,
the H12 and the H1N tests) or tests using a
minimum or intermediate air volume rate that is greater than 75 percent
of the cooling full-load air volume rate:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP24MR22.025
(3) For single-stage systems, for all steady-state maximum
temperature and high temperature tests (i.e., the H1 test)--
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP24MR22.026
Where VS is the average measured indoor air volume rate
expressed in units of cubic feet per minute of standard air (scfm).
d. For non-mobile, non-space-constrained home ducted coil-only
system tests,
(1) For two-stage or variable-speed systems, for all steady-state
maximum temperature and high temperature tests that specify the heating
minimum air volume rate or the heating intermediate air volume rate
(i.e., the H01 and H11 tests) and for which the
minimum or intermediate air volume rate is 75 percent of the cooling
full-load air volume rate:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP24MR22.027
(2) For two-stage or variable-speed systems, for all steady-state
maximum temperature and high temperature tests that specify the heating
full-load air volume rate or the heating nominal air volume rate (i.e.,
the H12 and the H1N tests) or tests using a
minimum or intermediate air volume rate that is greater than 75 percent
of the cooling full-load air volume rate:
[[Page 16874]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP24MR22.028
where VS is the average measured indoor air volume rate
expressed in units of cubic feet per minute of standard air (scfm).
* * * * *
3.8 * * *
b. For ducted coil-only system heat pumps (excluding the special
case where a variable-speed fan is temporarily removed),
(1) For mobile home and space-constrained ducted coil-only systems
(i) For two-stage or variable-speed systems, for all cyclic heating
tests that specify the heating minimum air volume rate (i.e., the
H1C1 test), increase qcyc by the amount
calculated using Equation 3.5-3. Additionally, increase ecyc
by the amount calculated using Equation 3.5-2.
(ii) For two-stage or variable-speed systems, for all cyclic
heating tests that specify the heating full-load air volume rate (i.e.,
the H1C2 test), increase qcyc by the amount
calculated using Equation 3.5-5. Additionally, increase ecyc
by the amount calculated using Equation 3.5-4.
(iii) For single-stage systems, for all cyclic heating tests (i.e.,
the H1C and H1C1 tests), increase qcyc by the
amount calculated using Equation 3.5-5. Additionally, increase
ecyc by the amount calculated using Equation 3.5-4.
(2) For non-mobile home and non-space-constrained ducted coil-only
systems
(i) For two-stage or variable-speed systems, for all cyclic heating
tests that specify the heating minimum air volume rate (i.e., the
H1C1 test)--increase qcyc by the amount
calculated using Equation 3.5-7. Additionally, increase ecyc
by the amount calculated using Equation 3.5-6.
(ii) For two-stage or variable-speed systems, for all cyclic
heating tests that specify the heating full-load air volume rate (i.e.,
the H1C2 test)--increase qcyc by the amount
calculated using Equation 3.5-9. Additionally, increase ecyc
by the amount calculated using Equation 3.5-8.
(iii) For single-stage systems, for all cyclic heating tests (i.e.,
the H1C and H1C1 tests)--increase qcyc by the
amount calculated using Equation 3.5-9. Additionally, increase
ecyc by the amount calculated using Equation 3.5-8.
In making these calculations, use the average indoor air volume
rate (VS) determined from the section 3.7 of this appendix
steady-state heating mode test conducted at the same test conditions.
* * * * *
3.9.1 * * *
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP24MR22.029
(1) For mobile home and space-constrained ducted coil-only system
tests,
(i) For two-stage or variable-speed systems, for all frost
accumulation tests that specify the heating minimum air volume rate or
the heating intermediate air volume rate (i.e., the H21 and
H2V tests) and for which the minimum or intermediate air
volume rate is 75 percent of the cooling full-load air volume rate,
[[Page 16875]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP24MR22.030
(ii) For two-stage and variable-speed systems, for all frost
accumulation tests that specify the heating full-load air volume rate
or the heating nominal air volume rate (i.e., the H22 test)
or tests using a minimum or intermediate air volume rate that is
greater than 75 percent of the cooling full-load air volume rate:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP24MR22.031
where VS is the average measured indoor air volume rate
expressed in units of cubic feet per minute of standard air (scfm).
(2) For non-mobile home and non-space-constrained ducted coil-only
systems,
(i) For two-stage or variable-speed systems, for all frost
accumulation tests that specify the heating minimum air volume rate or
the heating intermediate air volume rate (i.e., the H21 and H2V tests)
and for which the minimum or intermediate air volume rate is 75 percent
of the cooling full-load air volume rate,
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP24MR22.032
(ii) For two-stage and variable-speed systems, for all frost
accumulation tests that specify the heating full-load air volume rate
or the heating nominal air volume rate (i.e., the H22 test) or tests
using a minimum or intermediate air volume rate that is greater than 75
percent of the cooling full-load air volume rate:
[[Page 16876]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP24MR22.033
where VS is the average measured indoor air volume rate
expressed in units of cubic feet per minute of standard air (scfm).
* * * * *
4.1.4 SEER2 Calculations for an Air Conditioner or Heat Pump Having a
Variable-Speed Compressor
Calculate SEER2 using Equation 4.1-1. Evaluate the space cooling
capacity, Qck=1(Tj), and electrical
power consumption, Eck=1(Tj), of the
test unit when operating at minimum compressor speed and outdoor
temperature Tj.. Use,
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP24MR22.034
where Qck=1(82) and
Eck=1(82) are determined from the B1
test, Qck=1(67) and
Eck=1(67) are determined from the F1 test, and
all four quantities are calculated as specified in section 3.3 of this
appendix. Evaluate the space cooling capacity,
Qck=2(Tj), and electrical power
consumption, Eck=2(Tj), of the test
unit when operating at full compressor speed and outdoor temperature
Tj. Use Equations 4.1.3-3 and 4.1.3-4, respectively, where
Qck=2(95) and Eck=2(95) are
determined from the A2 test, Qck=2(82)
and Ec\k=2\(82) are determined from the B2 test,
and all four quantities are calculated as specified in section 3.3 of
this appendix. For units other than variable-speed non-communicating
coil-only air-conditioners or heat pumps, calculate the space cooling
capacity, Qck=v(Tj), and electrical
power consumption, Eck=v(Tj), of the
test unit when operating at outdoor temperature Tj and the
intermediate compressor speed used during the section 3.2.4 (and Table
8) EV test of this appendix using,
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP24MR22.035
where Qck=v(87) and
Eck=v(87) are determined from the EV
test and calculated as specified in section 3.3 of this appendix.
Approximate the slopes of the k=v intermediate speed cooling capacity
and electrical power input curves, MQ and ME, as
follows:
[[Page 16877]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP24MR22.036
Use Equations 4.1.4-1 and 4.1.4-2, respectively, to calculate
Qck=1(87) and Eck=1(87).
* * * * *
4.1.4.2.1 Units That Are Not Variable-Speed Non-Communicating Coil-Only
Air Conditioners or Heat Pumps
If the unit operates at an intermediate compressor speed (k=i) in
order to match the building cooling load at temperature Tj,
Qck=1(Tj) < BL(Tj) <
Qck=2(Tj).
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP24MR22.037
Where:
Qck=1(Tj) = BL(Tj), the
space cooling capacity delivered by the unit in matching the building
load at temperature Tj, in Btu/h. The matching occurs with
the unit operating at compressor speed k = i.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP24MR22.038
EERk=i(Tj) = the steady-state energy efficiency
ratio of the test unit when operating at a compressor speed of k = i
and temperature Tj, Btu/h per W.
Obtain the fractional bin hours for the cooling season, nj/
N, from Table 19 of this section. For each temperature bin where the
unit operates at an intermediate compressor speed, determine the energy
efficiency ratio EERk=i(Tj) using the following
equations,
For each temperature bin where
Qck=1(Tj) < BL(Tj) <
Qck=v(Tj),
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP24MR22.039
where:
EERk=1(Tj) is the steady-state energy
efficiency ratio of the test unit when operating at minimum
compressor speed and temperature Tj, in Btu/h per W, calculated
using capacity Qck=1(Tj) calculated
using Equation 4.1.4-1 and electrical power consumption
Eck=1(Tj) calculated using Equation
4.1.4-2;
EERk=v(Tj) is the steady-state energy
efficiency ratio of the test unit when operating at intermediate
compressor speed and temperature Tj, in Btu/h per W, calculated
using capacity Qck=v(Tj) calculated
using Equation 4.1.4-3 and electrical power consumption
Eck=v(Tj) calculated using Equation
4.1.4-4;
EERk=2(Tj) is the steady-state energy
efficiency ratio of the test unit when operating at full compressor
speed and temperature Tj, Btu/h per W, calculated using capacity
Qck=2(Tj) and electrical power
consumption Eck=2(Tj), both
calculated as described in section 4.1.4 of this appendix; and
BL(Tj) is the building cooling load at temperature
Tj, Btu/h.
[[Page 16878]]
4.1.4.2.2 Variable-Speed Non-Communicating Coil-Only Air Conditioners
or Heat Pumps
If the unit alternates between high (k=2) and low (k=1) compressor
capacity to satisfy the building cooling load at temperature
Tj, Qck=1(Tj) <
BL(Tj) < Qck=2(Tj).
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP24MR22.040
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP24MR22.041
Xk=2(Tj) = 1-Xk=1(Tj), the
cooling mode, high capacity load factor for temperature bin j
(dimensionless).
Obtain the fractional bin hours for the cooling season, nj/
N, from Table 19. Obtain Qck=1(Tj),
Eck=1(Tj),
Qck=2(Tj), and
Eck=2(Tj) as described in section
4.1.4 of this appendix.
* * * * *
4.2 * * *
Evaluate the building heating load using
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP24MR22.042
where,
Tj = the outdoor bin temperature, [deg]F;
Tzl = the zero-load temperature, [deg]F, which varies by
climate region according to Table 20;
C = slope (adjustment) factor, which varies by climate region
according to Table 20. When calculating building load for a
variable-speed compressor system, substitute CVS for C;
Qc(95 [deg]F) = the cooling capacity at 95 [deg]F
determined from the A or A2 test, Btu/h. For heating-only
heat pump units, replace Qc(95 [deg]F) in Equation 4.2-2
with Qh(47 [deg]F);
Qh(47 [deg]F) = the heating capacity at 47 [deg]F
determined from the H1 test for units having a single-speed
compressor, H12 for units having a two-capacity
compressor, and H1N test for units having a variable-
speed compressor, Btu/h.
* * * * *
4.2.3 * * *
The calculation of the Equation 4.2-1 quantities differ depending
upon whether the heat pump would operate at low capacity (section
4.2.3.1 of this appendix), cycle between low and high capacity (section
4.2.3.2 of this appendix), or operate at high capacity (sections
4.2.3.3 and 4.2.3.4 of this appendix) in responding to the building
load. For heat pumps that lock out low capacity operation at low
outdoor temperatures, the outdoor temperature at which the unit locks
out must be that specified by the manufacturer in the certification
report so that the appropriate equations can be selected.
* * * * *
4.2.3.4 Heat Pump Must Operate Continuously at High (k=2) Compressor
Capacity at Temperature Tj, BL(Tj) =
Qhk=2(Tj)
[[Page 16879]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP24MR22.043
4.2.4 * * *
a. Minimum Compressor Speed.
For units other than variable-speed non-communicating coil-only
heat pumps, evaluate the space heating capacity,
Qhk=1(Tj), and electrical power
consumption, Ehk=1(Tj), of the heat
pump when operating at minimum compressor speed and outdoor temperature
Tj using
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP24MR22.044
where Qhk=1(62) and
Ehk=1(62) are determined from the H01
test, Qhk=1(47) and
Ehk=1(47) are determined from the H11
test, and all four quantities are calculated as specified in section
3.7 of this appendix.
For variable-speed non-communicating coil-only heat pumps, when
Tj is greater than or equal to 47 [deg]F, evaluate the space
heating capacity, Qhk=1(Tj), and
electrical power consumption,
Ehk=1(Tj), of the heat pump when
operating at minimum compressor speed as described in Equations 4.2.4-1
and 4.2.4-2, respectively. When Tj is less than 47 [deg]F,
evaluate the space heating capacity,
Qhk=1(Tj), and electrical power
consumption, Ehk=1(Tj) using
[[Page 16880]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP24MR22.045
and
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP24MR22.046
where Qhk=1(47) and
Ehk=1(47) are determined from the H11
test, and both quantities are calculated as specified in section 3.7 of
this appendix; Qhk=1(35) and
Ehk=1(35) are determined from the H21
test, and are calculated as specified in section 3.9 of this appendix;
Qhk=1(17) and Ehk=1(17) are
determined from the H31 test, and are calculated as
specified in section 3.10 of this appendix; and
Qhk=2(Tj) and
Ehk=2(Tj) are calculated as described
in section 4.2.4.c or 4.2.4.d of this appendix, as appropriate.
b. Minimum Compressor Speed for Minimum-speed-limiting Variable-
speed Heat Pumps: For units other than variable-speed non-communicating
coil-only heat pumps, evaluate the space heating capacity,
Qhk=1(Tj), and electrical power
consumption, Ehk=1(Tj), of the heat
pump when operating at minimum compressor speed and outdoor temperature
Tj using
[[Page 16881]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP24MR22.047
where Qhk=1(62) and
Ehk=1(62) are determined from the H01
test, Qhk=1(47) and
Ehk=1(47) are determined from the H11
test, and all four quantities are calculated as specified in section
3.7 of this appendix; Qhk=v(35) and
Ehk=v(35) are determined from the H2v
test and are calculated as specified in section 3.9 of this appendix;
and Qhk=v(Tj) and
Ehk=v(Tj) are calculated using
equations 4.2.4-7 and 4.2.4-8, respectively.
For variable-speed non-communicating coil-only heat pumps, evaluate
the space heating capacity, Qhk=1(Tj),
and electrical power consumption,
Ehk=1(Tj), of the heat pump as
described in section 4.2.4.a, using Equations 4.2.4-1, 4.2.4-2, 4.2.4-3
and 4.2.4-4, as appropriate.
c. Full Compressor Speed for Heat Pumps for which the
H42 test is not conducted.
Evaluate the space heating capacity,
Qhk=2(Tj), and electrical power
consumption, Ehk=2(Tj), of the heat
pump when operating at full compressor speed and outdoor temperature
Tj using
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP24MR22.048
and
[[Page 16882]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP24MR22.049
Determine Qhk=N(47) and
Ehk=N(47) from the H1N test and the
calculations specified in section 3.7 of this appendix. See section
3.6.4.b of this appendix regarding determination of the capacity
Qhcalck=2(47) and power input
Ehcaclk=2(47) used in the HSPF2 calculations to
represent the H12 Test. Determine
Qhk=2(35) and Ehk=2(35)
from the H22 test and the calculations specified in section
3.9 of this appendix or, if the H22 test is not conducted,
by conducting the calculations specified in section 3.6.4 of this
appendix. Determine Qhk=2(17) and
Ehk=2(17) from the H32 test and the
methods specified in section 3.10 of this appendix.
* * * * *
e. Intermediate Compressor Speed. For units other than variable-
speed non-communicating coil-only heat pumps, calculate the space
heating capacity, Qhk=v(Tj), and
electrical power consumption,
Ehk=v(Tj), of the heat pump when
operating at outdoor temperature Tj and the intermediate
compressor speed used during the section 3.6.4 H2V test
using
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP24MR22.050
where Qhk=v(35) and
Ehk=v(35) are determined from the H2V
test and calculated as specified in section 3.9 of this appendix.
Approximate the slopes of the k=v intermediate speed heating capacity
and electrical power input curves, MQ and ME, as
follows:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP24MR22.051
Use Equations 4.2.4-1 and 4.2.4-2, respectively, to calculate
Qhk=1(35) and Ehk=1(35),
whether or not the heat pump is a minimum-speed-limiting variable-speed
heat pump.
For variable-speed non-communicating coil-only heat pumps, there is
no intermediate speed.
4.2.4.1 Steady-State Space Heating Capacity When Operating at Minimum
Compressor Speed is Greater Than or Equal to the Building Heating Load
at Temperature Tj, Qhk=1(Tj
=BL(Tj).
Evaluate the Equation 4.2-1 quantities
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP24MR22.052
as specified in section 4.2.3.1 of this appendix. Except now use
Equations 4.2.4-1 and 4.2.4-2 (for heat pumps that are not minimum-
speed-limiting and are not variable-speed non-communicating coil-only
heat pumps), Equations 4.2.4-1, 4.2.4-2, 4.2.4-3 and 4.2.4-4 as
appropriate (for variable-speed non-communicating coil-only heat
pumps), or Equations 4.2.4-5 and 4.2.4.-6 (for minimum-speed-limiting
variable-speed heat pumps that are not variable-speed non-communicating
coil-only heat pumps) to evaluate
Qhk=1(Tj) and
Ehk=1(Tj), respectively, and replace
section 4.2.3.1 references to ``low capacity'' and section 3.6.3 of
this
[[Page 16883]]
appendix with ``minimum speed'' and section 3.6.4 of this appendix.
4.2.4.2 Heat Pump Operates at an Intermediate Compressor Speed (k=i)
or, for a Variable-Speed Non-Communicating Coil-Only Heat Pump, Cycles
Between High and Low Speeds, in Order to Match the Building Heating
Load at a Temperature Tj,
Qhk=1(Tj) j)
hk=2(Tj).
For units that are not variable-speed non-communicating coil-only
heat pumps, calculate
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP24MR22.053
and [delta](Tj) is evaluated using Equation 4.2.3-3, while
Qhk=i(Tj) = BL(Tj), the
space heating capacity delivered by the unit in matching the building
load at temperature (Tj), in Btu/h. The matching occurs with
the heat pump operating at compressor speed k=i, and
COPk=i(Tj) = the steady-state coefficient of
performance of the heat pump when operating at compressor speed k=i and
temperature Tj (dimensionless).
For each temperature bin where the heat pump operates at an
intermediate compressor speed, determine
COPk=i(Tj) using the following equations,
For each temperature bin where
Qhk=1(Tj) j)
hk=v(Tj),
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP24MR22.054
For each temperature bin where
Qhk=v(Tj) <=BL(Tj)
hk=2(Tj),
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP24MR22.055
[[Page 16884]]
where:
COPhk=1(Tj) is the steady-state
coefficient of performance of the heat pump when operating at
minimum compressor speed and temperature Tj, dimensionless,
calculated using capacity Qhk=1(Tj)
calculated using Equation 4.2.4-1 or 4.2.4-3 and electrical power
consumption Ehk=1(Tj) calculated
using Equation 4.2.4-2 or 4.2.4-4;
COPhk=v(Tj) is the steady-state
coefficient of performance of the heat pump when operating at
intermediate compressor speed and temperature Tj, dimensionless,
calculated using capacity Qhk=v(Tj)
calculated using Equation 4.2.4-7 and electrical power consumption
Ehk=v(Tj) calculated using Equation
4.2.4-8;
COPhk=2(Tj) is the steady-state
coefficient of performance of the heat pump when operating at full
compressor speed and temperature Tj (dimensionless), calculated
using capacity Qhk=2(Tj) and
electrical power consumption
Ehk=2(Tj), both calculated as
described in section 4.2.4; and
BL(Tj) is the building heating load at temperature
Tj, in Btu/h.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP24MR22.056
* * * * *
[FR Doc. 2022-04269 Filed 3-23-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6450-01-P