[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 102 (Thursday, May 27, 2010)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 29824-29876]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-11957]
[[Page 29823]]
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Part II
Department of Energy
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10 CFR Part 430
Energy Conservation Program for Consumer Products: Test Procedures for
Refrigerators, Refrigerator-Freezers, and Freezers; Proposed Rule
Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 102 / Thursday, May 27, 2010 /
Proposed Rules
[[Page 29824]]
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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
10 CFR Part 430
[Docket No. EERE-2009-BT-TP-0003]
RIN 1904-AB92
Energy Conservation Program for Consumer Products: Test
Procedures for Refrigerators, Refrigerator-Freezers, and Freezers
AGENCY: Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Department of
Energy.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking and public meeting.
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SUMMARY: The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today is issuing a notice
of proposed rulemaking (NOPR) to amend the test procedures for
refrigerators, refrigerator-freezers, and freezers. The NOPR consists
of two parts. First, it proposes amending the current procedure by
adding test procedures to account for refrigerator-freezers equipped
with variable anti-sweat heater controls, amending the long-time
automatic defrost test procedure to capture all energy use associated
with the defrost cycle expended during testing, establishing test
procedures for refrigerator-freezers equipped with more than two
compartments, making minor adjustments to the language to eliminate any
potential ambiguity regarding how to conduct tests, and requiring
certain information in certification reports to clarify how some
products are tested to determine their energy ratings. Second, the
notice proposes amended test procedures for refrigerators,
refrigerator-freezers, and freezers that would be required for
measuring energy consumption once DOE promulgates new energy
conservation standards for these products. These new standards are
currently under development in a separate rulemaking activity. Pursuant
to the Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975, as amended, these
new standards would apply to newly manufactured products starting on
January 1, 2014. While the amended test procedures would be based
largely on the test methodology used in the existing test procedures,
they also include significant revisions with respect to the measurement
of compartment temperatures and compartment volumes that would provide
a more comprehensive accounting of energy usage by these products.
Finally, the new test procedure for 2014 would incorporate into the
energy use metric the energy use associated with icemaking for products
with automatic icemakers. This NOPR also discusses the proposed
treatment of combination wine storage-freezer products that were the
subject of a recent test procedure waiver, the testing of refrigeration
products with the anti-sweat heater switch turned off, the treatment of
auxiliary features used in refrigeration products, the treatment of
electric heaters in the current and proposed test procedures, and the
incorporation of icemaking energy use in the test procedure.
DATES: DOE will hold a public meeting on Tuesday, June 22, 2010, from 9
a.m. to 4 p.m., in Washington, DC. DOE must receive requests to speak
at the public meeting before 4 p.m., Tuesday, June 8, 2010. DOE must
receive a signed original and an electronic copy of statements to be
given at the public meeting before 4 p.m., Tuesday, June 15, 2010.
DOE will accept comments, data, and information regarding this NOPR
before and after the public meeting, but no later than August 10, 2010.
See section V, ``Public Participation,'' of this NOPR for details.
ADDRESSES: The public meeting will be held at the U.S. Department of
Energy, Forrestal Building, Room 8E-089, 1000 Independence Avenue, SW.,
Washington, DC 20585-0121. To attend the public meeting, please notify
Ms. Brenda Edwards at (202) 586-2945. (Please note that foreign
nationals visiting DOE Headquarters are subject to advance security
screening procedures. Any foreign national wishing to participate in
the public meeting should advise DOE as soon as possible by contacting
Ms. Edwards to initiate the necessary procedures.)
Any comments submitted must identify the NOPR on Test Procedures
for Refrigerators, Refrigerator-Freezers, and Freezers, and provide the
docket number EERE-2009-BT-TP-0003 and/or Regulatory Information Number
(RIN) 1904-AB92. Comments may be submitted using any of the following
methods:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov.
Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
E-mail: [email protected]. Include docket
number EERE-2009-BT-TP-0003 and/or RIN 1904-AB92 in the subject line of
the message.
Mail: Ms. Brenda Edwards, U.S. Department of Energy,
Building Technologies Program, Mailstop EE-2J, 1000 Independence
Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20585-0121. Please submit one signed paper
original.
Hand Delivery/Courier: Ms. Brenda Edwards, U.S. Department
of Energy, Building Technologies Program, 950 L'Enfant Plaza, SW.,
Suite 600, Washington, DC 20024. Telephone: (202) 586-2945. Please
submit one signed paper original.
For detailed instructions on submitting comments and additional
information on the rulemaking process, see section V, ``Public
Participation,'' of this document.
Docket: For access to the docket to read background documents or
comments received, visit the U.S. Department of Energy, Resource Room
of the Building Technologies Program, 950 L'Enfant Plaza, SW., Suite
600, Washington, DC 20024, (202) 586-2945, between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. Please call Ms. Brenda
Edwards at the above telephone number for additional information about
visiting the Resource Room.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Lucas Adin, U.S. Department of
Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Building
Technologies Program, EE-2J, 1000 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington,
DC 20585-0121. Telephone: (202) 287-1317. E-mail:
[email protected].
Mr. Michael Kido, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of the General
Counsel, GC-72, 1000 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20585-
0121. Telephone: (202) 586-8145. E-mail: [email protected].
For information on how to submit or review public comments and on
how to participate in the public meeting, contact Ms. Brenda Edwards,
U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable
Energy, Building Technologies Program, EE-2J, 1000 Independence Avenue,
SW., Washington, DC 20585-0121. Telephone: (202) 586-2945. E-mail:
[email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Background and Authority
II. Summary of the Proposal
III. Discussion
A. Products Covered by the Proposed Revisions
B. Combination Wine Storage-Freezer Units
C. Establishing New Appendices A and B, and Compliance Date for
the Amended Test Procedures
D. Amendments to Take Effect Prior to a New Energy Conservation
Standard
1. Procedures for Test Sample Preparation
2. Product Clearances to Walls During Testing
3. Alternative Compartment Temperature Sensor Locations
4. Median Temperature Settings for Electronic Control Products
[[Page 29825]]
5. Test Procedures for Convertible Compartments and Special
Compartments
6. Establishing a Temperature-Averaging Procedure for Auxiliary
Compartments
7. Modified Definition for Anti-Sweat Heater
8. Testing With the Anti-Sweat Heater Switch Turned Off
9. Incorporation of Test Procedures for Products With Variable
Anti-Sweat Heating Control Waivers
10. Modification of Long-Time and Variable Defrost Test Method
To Capture Precooling Energy
11. Establishing Test Procedures for Multiple Defrost Cycle
Types
12. Elimination of Part 3 of the Variable Defrost Test
13. Corrections and Other Test Procedure Language Changes
14. Including in Certification Reports Basic Information
Clarifying Energy Measurements
E. Amendments To Take Effect Simultaneously With a New Energy
Conservation Standard
1. Incorporating by Reference AHAM Standard HRF-1-2008 for
Measuring Energy and Internal Volume of Refrigerating Appliances
2. Establishing New Compartment Temperatures
3. Establishing New Volume Calculation Method
4. Control Settings for Refrigerators and Refrigerator-Freezers
During Testing
5. Icemakers and Icemaking
F. Other Issues Under Consideration
1. Electric Heaters
2. Rounding Off Energy Test Results
G. Compliance With Other EPCA Requirements
1. Test Burden
2. Potential Amendments To Include Standby and Off Mode Energy
Consumption
IV. Procedural Requirements
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 the 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
V. Public Participation
A. Attendance at the Public Meeting
B. Procedure for Submitting Requests To Speak
C. Conduct of Public Meeting
D. Submission of Comments
E. Issues on Which DOE Seeks Comment
VI. Approval of the Office of the Secretary
I. Background and Authority
Title III of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (42 U.S.C.
6291, et seq.; ``EPCA'' or, ``the Act'') sets forth a variety of
provisions designed to improve energy efficiency. (All references to
EPCA refer to the statute as amended through the Energy Independence
and Security Act of 2007 (EISA 2007), Public Law 110-140 (Dec. 19,
2007)). Part A of title III (42 U.S.C. 6291-6309) establishes the
``Energy Conservation Program for Consumer Products Other Than
Automobiles,'' which includes refrigerators, refrigerator-freezers, and
freezers, all of which are referred to below as ``covered products''.
(42 U.S.C. 6291(1)-(2) and 6292(a)(1)) ``Refrigerators, refrigerator-
freezers, and freezers'' are referred to below, collectively, as
``refrigeration products''. Under the Act, this program consists
essentially of three parts: (1) Testing, (2) labeling, and (3) Federal
energy conservation standards. The testing requirements consist of test
procedures that, pursuant to EPCA, manufacturers of covered products
must use (1) as the basis for certifying to the DOE that their products
comply with applicable energy conservation standards adopted under
EPCA, and (2) for making representations about the efficiency of those
products. Similarly, DOE must use these test requirements to determine
whether the products comply with any relevant standards promulgated
under EPCA.
By way of background, the National Appliance Energy Conservation
Act of 1987 (NAECA), Public Law 100-12, amended EPCA by including,
among other things, performance standards for residential refrigeration
products. (42 U.S.C. 6295(b)). On November 17, 1989, DOE amended these
performance standards for products manufactured on or after January 1,
1993. 54 FR 47916. DOE subsequently published a correction to revise
these new standards for three product classes. 55 FR 42845 (October 24,
1990). DOE again updated the performance standards for refrigeration
products on April 28, 1997, for products manufactured on or after July
1, 2001. 62 FR 23102.
EISA 2007 amended EPCA to require DOE to determine by December 31,
2010, whether amending the energy conservation standards in effect for
refrigeration products would be justified. (42 U.S.C. 6295(b)(4)) As a
result, DOE has initiated a standards rulemaking for these products. On
September 18, 2008, DOE announced the availability of a framework
document to initiate that rulemaking. (73 FR 54089) On September 29,
2008, DOE held a public workshop to discuss the framework document and
issues related to the rulemaking. The framework document identified
several test procedure issues, including: (1) Compartment temperature
changes; (2) modified volume calculation methods; (3) products that
deactivate energy-using features during energy testing; (4) variable
anti-sweat heaters; (5) references to the updated Association of Home
Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) HRF-1 test standard, ``Energy and
Internal Volume of Refrigerating Appliances'', published in 2008 (HRF-
1-2008); (6) convertible compartments; and (7) harmonization with
international test procedures. (``Energy Conservation Standards
Rulemaking Framework Document for Residential Refrigerators,
Refrigerator-Freezers, and Freezers'', RIN 1904-AB79, Docket No. EERE-
2008-BT-STD-0012) Separately, DOE raised the issue of how to address
various aspects related to the icemaker, including the manner in which
to measure icemaking energy usage as well as set-up issues during
testing. (``Additional Guidance Regarding Application of Current
Procedures for Testing Energy Consumption of Refrigerator-Freezers with
Automatic Ice Makers'', (December 18, 2009) published at 75 FR 2122
(January 14, 2010)) The test procedure rulemaking announced by today's
notice seeks to address these issues and to establish a procedure that
will be used for determining compliance with the new energy
conservation standards under development.
General Test Procedure Rulemaking Process
Under 42 U.S.C. 6293, EPCA sets forth the criteria and procedures
for DOE's adoption and amendment of such test procedures. EPCA provides
in relevant part that ``[a]ny test procedures prescribed or amended
under this section shall be reasonably designed to produce test results
which measure energy efficiency, energy use * * * or estimated annual
operating cost of a covered product during a representative average use
cycle or period of use, as determined by the Secretary [of Energy], and
shall not be unduly burdensome to conduct.'' (42 U.S.C. 6293(b)(3))
In addition, if DOE determines that a test procedure amendment is
warranted, it must publish proposed test procedures and offer the
public an opportunity to present oral and written comments. (U.S.C.
6293(b)(2)) Finally, in any rulemaking to amend a test procedure, DOE
must determine ``to what extent, if any, the proposed test procedure
would alter the measured energy efficiency * * * of any covered
[[Page 29826]]
product as determined under the existing test procedure.'' (42 U.S.C.
6293(e)(1)) If DOE determines that the amended test procedure would
alter the measured efficiency of a covered product, DOE must amend the
applicable energy conservation standard accordingly. (42 U.S.C.
6293(e)(2))
With respect to today's rulemaking, DOE has tentatively determined
that at least some of the amendments it is proposing may result in a
change in measured efficiency when compared to the current test
procedure, although DOE has not quantified the full impact of these
anticipated changes. In such situations, EPCA requires a standards
rulemaking to address such changes in measured energy efficiency. (42
U.S.C. 6293(e)(2)) However, DOE is presently under an obligation under
42 U.S.C. 6295(b)(4) to conduct an amended standards rulemaking for
refrigeration products by December 31, 2010. Consequently, DOE will
consider the impacts of the test procedure changes that are affected by
this rulemaking in the context of that standards rulemaking. DOE
requests comments regarding what impacts, if any, would be associated
with the test procedure amendments proposed to be adopted prior to the
effective date of the new energy conservation standards. These comments
should specifically address the amendments proposed in section III.D.
DOE also considers the activity initiated by today's notice
sufficient to satisfy the 7-year review requirement established by
Section 302 of EISA 2007 to review its test procedures for all covered
products at least once every seven years, including refrigeration
products, and either amend the applicable test procedures or publish a
determination in the Federal Register not to amend it. (42 U.S.C.
6293(b)(1)(A))
Because DOE's existing test procedures for these products were
already in place on December 19, 2007, when the 7-year test procedure
review provisions of EPCA were enacted (42 U.S.C. 6293(b)(1)(A)), DOE
would have had to review these test procedures by December 2014.
However, since DOE is already considering changes to the test procedure
in anticipation of the 2014 rulemaking required by Congress, DOE is
satisfying this requirement in advance of that date. This rulemaking
satisfies those review requirements in that it constitutes a review of
the current procedures and proposes amendments to those procedures for
refrigeration products.
Refrigerators and Refrigerator-Freezers
DOE's test procedures for refrigerators and refrigerator-freezers
are found at 10 CFR part 430, subpart B, Appendix A1. DOE initially
established its test procedures for refrigerators and refrigerator-
freezers in a final rule published in the Federal Register on September
14, 1977. 42 FR 46140. Industry representatives viewed these test
procedures as too complex and eventually developed alternative test
procedures in conjunction with AHAM that were incorporated into the
1979 version of HRF-1, ``Household Refrigerators, Combination
Refrigerator-Freezers, and Household Freezers'' (HRF-1-1979). Using
this industry-created test procedure, DOE revised its test procedures
on August 10, 1982. 47 FR 34517. On August 31, 1989, DOE published a
final rule establishing test procedures for variable defrost control (a
system that varies the time intervals between defrosts based on the
defrost need). 54 FR 36238. DOE most recently amended these test
procedures in a final rule published March 7, 2003, which modified the
test period used for products equipped with long-time automatic
defrost. 68 FR 10957. The term ``long-time automatic defrost''
identifies the use of an automatic defrost control in which successive
defrosts are separated by more than 14 hours of compressor run time.
The test procedures include provisions for determining the annual
energy use in kilowatt-hours (kWh) and the annual operating cost for
electricity for refrigerators and refrigerator-freezers.
Also, consistent with the regulations set out in 10 CFR part 430,
the 1989 and 2003 final rules terminated all the previous refrigerator
and refrigerator-freezer test procedure waivers that DOE had previously
granted to manufacturers before the issuance of the 2003 rule. Since
the issuance of that rule, DOE has granted four waivers and three
interim waivers. First, on April 24, 2007, DOE permitted Liebherr
Hausger[auml]te to test a combination wine storage-freezer line of
appliances using a standardized temperature of 55 [deg]F for the wine
storage compartment, as opposed to the 45 [deg]F prescribed for fresh
food compartments of refrigerators and refrigerator-freezers. 72 FR
20333, 20334.
Second, DOE has granted waivers and interim waivers allowing
manufacturers to use a modified procedure to test refrigeration
products that use ambient condition sensors that adjust anti-sweat
heater power consumption. These heaters prevent condensation on the
external surfaces of refrigerators and refrigerator-freezers. The new
control addressed by the waivers uses sensors that detect ambient
conditions to energize the heaters only when needed. The procedure
described by these waivers provides a method for manufacturers to
determine the energy consumed by a refrigerator using this type of
variable control system. The first of these waivers was granted to the
General Electric Company (GE) on February 27, 2008. 73 FR 10425. DOE
granted a similar waiver to Whirlpool Corporation on May 5, 2009. 74 FR
20695. DOE published a petition for a third waiver from Electrolux Home
Products, Inc. (Electrolux) and granted its application for an interim
waiver on June 4, 2009. 74 FR 26853. On December 15, 2009, DOE granted
a waiver to Electrolux (74 FR 66338) and published a petition for a
second waiver to Electrolux seeking to extend the coverage of this
waiver to additional basic models. 74 FR 66344. On December 15, 2009,
DOE also published a petition from Samsung Electronics America
(Samsung) seeking a waiver for variable control of anti-sweat heaters
and granted the company an interim waiver. 74 FR 66340.
After granting a waiver, DOE regulations generally direct the
agency to initiate a rulemaking that would amend the regulations to
eliminate the continued need for the waiver. 10 CFR 430.27(m). Today's
notice addresses this requirement. Once this rule becomes effective,
any waivers it addresses will terminate.
Freezers
DOE's test procedures for freezers are found at 10 CFR part 430,
subpart B, Appendix B1. DOE established its test procedures for
freezers in a final rule published in the Federal Register on September
14, 1977. 42 FR 46140. As with DOE's test procedures for refrigerators
and refrigerator-freezers, industry representatives viewed the freezer
test procedures as too complex and worked with AHAM to develop
alternative test procedures, which were incorporated into the 1979
version of HRF-1. DOE revised its test procedures for freezers based on
this AHAM standard on August 10, 1982. 47 FR 34517. The test procedures
were amended on September 20, 1989, to correct the effective date
published in the August 31, 1989 rule. See 54 FR 38788. The test
procedures include provisions for determining the annual energy use in
kWh and annual electrical operating costs for freezers.
DOE has not issued any waivers from the freezer test procedures
since the promulgation of the 1989 final rule.
[[Page 29827]]
II. Summary of the Proposal
The proposed rule contains two basic parts. First, it would amend
the current DOE test procedures for refrigerators, refrigerator-
freezers, and freezers, to clarify the manner in which to test for
compliance with existing energy conservation standards. As indicated in
greater detail below, these proposed amendments, if adopted, would
apply strictly to the current procedures in Appendices A1 and B1. These
minor amendments would eliminate any potential ambiguity contained in
these appendices and clarify regulatory text to ensure that regulated
entities fully understand the long-standing views and interpretations
that the Department holds with respect to the application and
implementation of the test procedures that are in place. The current
procedures would also be amended to account for, among other things,
the various waivers granted by DOE.
Second, the proposal would establish comprehensive changes to the
manner in which the procedures are conducted by creating new Appendices
A and B. Elements from the proposed amendments to Appendices A1 and B1
would also be carried over into the new Appendices A and B. The
procedures contained in these new appendices would apply only to those
products that would be covered by any new standard that DOE promulgates
and would be organized separately from the current test procedures
found in Appendices A1 and B1. EPCA requires these new standards to
take effect by January 1, 2014. While DOE is proposing to retain
current Appendices A1 and B1 for this rulemaking to cover products
manufactured before the effective date of the new standards, once the
new standards become effective, these appendices would be replaced by
Appendices A and B, respectively. Consequently, DOE would apply the
procedures detailed in the proposed Appendices A and B to potential
revisions to the energy conservation standards for refrigerators,
refrigerator-freezers, and freezers.
The proposed amendments discussed in this notice would, if adopted,
take effect 30 days after issuance of the final rule. However,
manufacturers would not need to use Appendices A and B until the
compliance date for the 2014 standards, which has been set by Congress
through EISA 2007 (i.e. January 1, 2014). See EISA 2007, sec. 311(a)(3)
(42 U.S.C. 6295(b)(4))
The proposed revisions of Appendices A1 and B1 would achieve four
primary goals: (1) Address issues raised in the framework document, by
stakeholders during the framework workshop, and in written comments;
(2) incorporate test procedures for refrigerator-freezers with variable
anti-sweat heater controls that were the subject of test procedure
waivers granted to General Electric, Whirlpool, and Electrolux and an
interim waiver granted to Samsung, (3) modify the long-time automatic
defrost test procedure to ensure that the test procedure measures all
energy use associated with the defrost function, and (4) clarify the
test procedures for addressing special compartments and those
refrigerator-freezers that are equipped with more than two
compartments. The revisions also address areas of potential
inconsistency in the current procedure, and eliminate an optional test
that DOE understands is not used by the industry.
The test procedure revisions in the new Appendices A and B would
include (1) new compartment temperatures for refrigerators and
refrigerator-freezers, and (2) new methods for measuring compartment
volumes for all refrigeration products. These two amendments would
improve harmonization with relevant international standards and test
repeatability. The compartment temperature changes would significantly
impact the energy use measured by the test for refrigerators and
refrigerator-freezers. The new volume calculation method being proposed
would change the adjusted volume for all refrigeration products. The
proposed temperature changes would also affect the calculated adjusted
volume, which is equal to the fresh food compartment volume plus a
temperature-dependent adjustment factor multiplied by the freezer
compartment volume. Since the standards for refrigeration products are
expressed as equations that specify maximum energy use as a function of
adjusted volume, the proposed modifications would impact the allowable
energy use for all of these products. The proposed changes would also
change the energy factor, which is equal to adjusted volume divided by
daily energy consumption.
This notice also discusses the combination wine storage-freezer
products that were the subject of the Liebherr Hausger[auml]te test
procedure waiver. While DOE expects to propose modified product
definitions to include coverage of wine storage products in a separate
future rulemaking addressing just these products, DOE proposes in this
current rulemaking to establish consistency in its treatment of wine
coolers and wine storage-freezers.
Lastly, this notice also discusses (1) the measurement of energy
use of electric heaters in refrigeration products, (2) the energy use
of auxiliary features, and (3) the incorporation of the measurement of
icemaking energy use into the test procedure. Incorporating the
measurement of icemaking energy use would add the energy used to
produce ice in refrigeration products that are equipped with automatic
icemakers. This addition would improve the consistency of the
measurement with the representative use cycle for such products.
III. Discussion
Table 1 below summarizes the subsections of this section and
indicates where the proposed amendments would appear in each appendix.
Three of the subsections address proposed changes in sections of 10 CFR
430 other than appendices A1, B1, A, or B, and four of the subsections
would not have any proposed test procedure changes associated with
them.
Table 1--Section III Subsections
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Affected appendices
Section Title ---------------------------------------------------------------
A1 B1 A B
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A.............................................. Products Covered by the Proposed No proposed change is associated with this section of the
Revisions. NOPR.
---------------------------------------------------------------
B.............................................. Combination Wine Storage-Freezer Units. *
---------------------------------------------------------------
C.............................................. Establishing New Appendices A and B, [check] [check] [check] [check]
and Compliance Date for the Amended
Test Procedures.
[[Page 29828]]
D.1............................................ Procedures for Test Sample Preparation. [check] [check] [check] [check]
D.2............................................ Product Clearances to Walls During [check] [check] [check] [check]
Testing.
D.3............................................ Alternative Compartment Temperature [check] [check] [check] [check]
Sensor Locations.
D.4............................................ Median Temperature Settings for [check] [check] [check] [check]
Electronic Control Products.
D.5............................................ Test Procedures for Convertible [check] .............. [check] ..............
Compartments and Special Compartments.
D.6............................................ Establishing a Temperature-Averaging [check] [check] [check] [check]
Procedure for Auxiliary Compartments.
D.7............................................ Modified Definition for Anti-Sweat [check] [check] [check] [check]
Heater.
---------------------------------------------------------------
D.8............................................ Testing with the Anti-Sweat Heater **
Switch Turned Off.
---------------------------------------------------------------
D.9............................................ Incorporation of Test Procedures for [check] .............. [check] ..............
Products with Variable Anti-Sweat
Heating Control Waivers.
D.10........................................... Modification of Long-Time and Variable [check] [check] [check] [check]
Defrost Test Method to Capture
Precooling Energy.
D.11........................................... Establishing Test Procedures for [check] .............. [check] ..............
Multiple Defrost Cycle Types.
D.12........................................... Elimination of Part 3 of the Variable [check] [check] [check] [check]
Defrost Test.
D.13.A......................................... A: Simplification of Energy Use [check] [check] [check] [check]
Equation for Products with Variable
Defrost Control.
D.13.B......................................... B: Energy Testing and Energy Use [check] .............. [check] ..............
Equation for Products with Dual
Automatic Defrost.
---------------------------------------------------------------
D.14........................................... Including in Certification Reports ***
Basic Information Clarifying Energy
Measurements.
---------------------------------------------------------------
E.1............................................ Incorporating by Reference AHAM .............. .............. [check] [check]
Standard HRF-1-2008 for Measuring
Energy and Internal Volume of
Refrigerating Appliances.
E.2............................................ Establishing New Compartment .............. .............. [check] [check]
Temperatures.
E.3............................................ Establishing New Volume Calculation .............. .............. [check] [check]
Method.
E.4............................................ Control Settings for Refrigerators and .............. .............. [check] [check]
Refrigerator-Freezers During Testing.
E.5............................................ Icemakers and Icemaking................ .............. .............. [check] [check]
---------------------------------------------------------------
F.1............................................ Electric Heaters....................... No proposed changes to the regulatory language are associated
with these sections of the NOPR.
F.2............................................ Rounding Off Energy Test Results.......
G.1............................................ Test Burden............................
G.2............................................ Potential Amendments to Include Standby
and Off Mode Energy Consumption.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\*\ This amendment would appear in 10 CFR 430.2.
\**\ This amendment would appear in 10 CFR 430.23.
\***\ This amendment would appear in 10 CFR 430.62.
A. Products Covered by the Proposed Revisions
The current regulations define the terms ``refrigerators,''
``refrigerator-freezers,'' and related terms as follows:
``Refrigerator'' means an electric refrigerator.
``Refrigerator-freezer'' means an electric refrigerator-freezer.
``Electric refrigerator'' means a cabinet designed for the
refrigerated storage of food at temperatures above 32 [deg]F and below
39 [deg]F, configured for general refrigerated food storage, and having
a source of refrigeration requiring single phase, alternating current
electric energy input only. An electric refrigerator may include a
compartment for the freezing and storage of food at temperatures below
32 [deg]F, but does not provide a separate low temperature compartment
designed for the freezing and storage of food at temperatures below 8
[deg]F.
``Electric refrigerator-freezer'' means a cabinet which consists of
two or more compartments with at least one of the compartments designed
for the refrigerated storage of food at temperatures above 32 [deg]F
and with at least one of the compartments designed for the freezing and
storage of food at temperatures below 8 [deg]F which may be adjusted by
the user to a temperature of 0 [deg]F or below. The source of
refrigeration requires single phase, alternating current electric
energy input only.
10 CFR 430.2.
This rulemaking proposes to change the definition for electric
refrigerator-freezer to limit the fresh food compartment temperature
range to a maximum temperature of 39 [deg]F, consistent with the
definition for electric refrigerator. This specific
[[Page 29829]]
proposal is discussed further in section III.B. No change is being
proposed to the definition for electric refrigerator but DOE is open to
comments on possible improvements to enhance the clarity of this term
and may incorporate such changes in the final rule.
DOE notes that its regulations currently define a freezer as ``a
cabinet designed as a unit for the freezing and storage of food at
temperatures of 0 [deg]F or below, and having a source of refrigeration
requiring single phase, alternating current electric energy input
only.'' 10 CFR 430.2. No change in this definition is being proposed at
this time but, as with the definition for electric refrigerator-
freezers, DOE is interested in receiving comments on this issue to help
improve the definition's clarity and may decide to modify the
definition based on these comments.
B. Combination Wine Storage-Freezer Units
DOE amended its definition of electric refrigerators to exclude
wine storage products on November 19, 2001. 66 FR 57845. Specifically,
the definition was changed to exclude products that do not maintain
internal temperatures below 39 [deg]F. The final rule explained that
these products ``are configured with special storage racks for wine
bottles and in general do not attain as low a storage temperature as a
standard refrigerator. These characteristics make them unsuitable for
general long-term storage of perishable foods.'' 66 FR 57846. The final
rule also stated that ``sales of these products are small and excluding
them from coverage would not have any significant impacts.'' Id.
DOE, however, did not change the definition of electric
refrigerator-freezers to exclude products such as the Liebherr line of
wine storage-freezer appliances, which contain both freezer and wine
storage compartments. DOE believes that the arguments made in favor of
excluding wine storage products from the definition of electric
refrigerators also apply to combination appliances such as these wine
storage-freezer combination appliances--i.e., the wine storage
compartment does not attain temperatures which are suitable for long-
term storage of perishable foods, and the sales levels of such products
are small.
The current test procedure does not address the treatment of wine
storage-freezer products. Because of this gap, Liebherr Hausger[auml]te
(Liebherr) petitioned the agency for a test procedure waiver to address
this product. (72 FR 20333) DOE granted a test procedure waiver to
Liebherr on April 24, 2007 (Liebherr waiver) that permitted the company
to test and certify its combination wine storage-freezer line of
appliances. (72 FR 20333) The waiver specified that testing shall be
conducted following the test procedures for refrigerator-freezers,
except that the standard temperature for the wine-storage compartment
shall be 55 [deg]F, as opposed to 45 [deg]F as specified in the test
procedures for refrigerator-freezers. (72 FR 20334)
Under DOE's regulations, DOE must publish a NOPR to amend the DOE
test procedures to eliminate the continued need for the waiver. A final
rule must issue ``as soon thereafter as practicable.'' The waiver would
then terminate on the effective date of the final rule. 10 CFR
430.27(m). Accordingly, to address this requirement and the treatment
of these products, DOE proposes to modify the definition of electric
refrigerator-freezers in order to exclude products with wine storage or
other compartments that do not attain suitable temperatures for food
storage. The proposed modified definition is as follows:
``Electric refrigerator-freezer'' means a cabinet which consists
of two or more compartments with at least one of the compartments
designed for the refrigerated storage of food at temperatures above
32 [deg]F and below 39 [deg]F and with at least one of the
compartments designed for the freezing and storage of food at
temperatures below 8 [deg]F which may be adjusted by the user to a
temperature of 0 [deg]F or below. Additional compartments shall be
designed for temperatures in any range up to 39 [deg]F. The source
of refrigeration requires single phase, alternating current electric
energy input only.
This definition of refrigerator-freezer, if adopted, would exclude
the Liebherr product line and other similar products from coverage
under the test procedures and energy conservation standards for
refrigerator-freezers. DOE is proposing this approach to maintain
consistency with treatment of single-compartment wine storage products,
which were eliminated from coverage by the definition change for
refrigerators discussed above in this section, and to clarify that
energy conservation standards have not been established for these
products. DOE expects to propose modifications to cover wine storage
products in a separate future rulemaking.
DOE notes that beer refrigerators, in contrast to wine coolers,
generally are designed to operate with compartment temperature below
39[deg]F. Hence, these products are, and would continue to be treated
as, refrigerators and would continue to remain subject to the current
test procedures and energy conservation standards of 10 CFR 430.
C. Establishing New Appendices A and B, and Compliance Date for the
Amended Test Procedures
As briefly discussed above, the effective date for all of today's
proposed amendments would be 30 days after publication of a final rule.
However, only the amendments to Appendices A1 and B1 would have an
immediate impact on manufacturers.
For purposes of representations, under 42 U.S.C. 6293(c)(2),
effective 180 days after amending a test procedure, manufacturers
cannot make representations regarding energy use and efficiency unless
the product was tested in accordance with the amended test procedure. A
manufacturer, distributor, retailer or private labeler may petition DOE
to obtain an extension of time for making these representations. (42
U.S.C. 6293(c)(3))
However, manufacturers would need to use proposed Appendices A and
B once amended energy conservation standards become effective on
January 1, 2014. Likewise, the proposed Appendices A and B would be
mandatory for representations regarding energy use or operating cost of
these products once the new energy conservation standards take effect.
Under EPCA, DOE must determine by no later than December 31, 2010,
whether to amend energy conservation standards that would apply to
refrigeration products manufactured on or after January 1, 2014. As
discussed earlier, because the proposed modified test procedures of
Appendices A and B would change the measured energy use of these
products, DOE is planning to amend its energy conservation standards
for these products. (42 U.S.C. 6293(e)(2)) These amended test
procedures would be used in analyzing and developing any amended
standards.
D. Amendments To Take Effect Prior to a New Energy Conservation
Standard
1. Procedures for Test Sample Preparation
Current DOE test procedures generally address product features and
functions available at the time that the test procedures were written.
Advances in technology and product design, however, can lead to
operating conditions and/or product features and functions that are not
addressed in current applicable test procedures. In particular, these
existing test procedures may not specifically address these new
features or functions that are in addition to (and not involved in) the
primary functions of maintaining temperatures suitable for food storage
(i.e. temperatures up to 39 [deg]F). To the extent
[[Page 29830]]
that these new features or functions may be directly involved with the
primary functions, in DOE's view, the energy use impact of these
secondary functions should be included when measuring the overall
energy consumption of a covered product under the DOE test procedure.
Because DOE's test procedures provide a measurement of a
representative average use cycle, the procedures need to reflect the
changes in technology and product design that are present in current
products. If installation of a refrigeration product according to its
accompanying instructions does not clearly explain how to set up
products with new technology or design features, concerns may arise as
to whether a given test can be conducted in a fashion that would
measure the representative energy use of the product.
HRF-1-1979, parts of which are included in the current DOE test
procedure by reference, requires that, ``the cabinet with its
refrigerating mechanism is to be assembled and set up as nearly as
practicable in accordance with the printed instructions supplied with
the cabinet.'' HRF-1-1979, section 7.4.2. Similarly, HRF-1-2008, parts
of which are proposed to be included in the new Appendices A and B, has
an essentially identical requirement: ``The cabinet with its
refrigerating mechanism shall be assembled and set up as nearly as
practical in accordance with the printed instructions supplied with the
cabinet.'' HRF-1-2008, section 5.5.2. DOE proposes to emphasize this
set-up requirement by eliminating the words, ``as nearly as
practical'', and providing specific (permitted and required) deviations
from this set-up requirement as warranted. DOE is proposing the use of
these specific deviations in order to ensure that the procedure is
clear and yields consistent test results. This provision would be
inserted directly into section 2 of Appendices A1, B1, A, and B.
Permitted deviations from this requirement would include set-up
details that are required for consumer installation but do not affect
measured energy use. Examples include:
Connection of water lines and installation of water
filters (not required).
Anchoring or otherwise securing a product to prevent
tipping during energy testing (also not required, but encouraged if
necessary to ensure safety during testing).
Required deviations needed to achieve the necessary testing
conditions and obtain consistent results would include, but are not
limited to, the following:
Clearance requirements: Establishing a consistent approach
for wall-to-cabinet clearances that would limit the clearance ranges
when compared to actual field installations.
The electric power supply: Establishing a tighter
tolerance on the voltage of the power supply than would be found during
field use.
Temperature control settings: Establishing standardized
compartment temperatures to ensure meaningful comparisons of test
results.
All of the permitted and required deviations from the printed
instructions included with the manufacturer's product would be listed
in section 2 of Appendices A1, B1, A, and B. DOE conducted a review of
product installation instructions to determine which instructions would
require specific language describing allowed or required deviations
during testing. However, there may be other specific installation
instructions that would affect energy use or would otherwise not be
necessary to conduct the test. DOE seeks comment on whether these
proposed deviations are sufficient to ensure that the procedure is
clear and produces consistent results.
DOE recognizes that in some cases there may still be questions
about how to set up a product for testing. In cases where the proposed
modified language does not address the specific type of situation
presented by a particular basic model, a test procedure waiver would be
the appropriate course of action to allow test procedures to be
developed for the specific characteristics of the product. DOE proposes
to incorporate language into the test procedure instructing
manufacturers to apply for a test procedure waiver in such cases. DOE
proposes adding language to the set-up instructions of section 2 to
alert manufacturers to this issue.
In addition, DOE proposes to add a new section 7 to the test
procedure that explains when a test procedure waiver would be needed:
To the extent that the procedures contained in this appendix do
not provide a means for determining the energy consumption of a
refrigerator or refrigerator-freezer, a manufacturer must obtain a
waiver under 10 CFR 430.27 to establish an acceptable test procedure
for each such product. Such instances could, for example, include
situations where the test set-up for a particular refrigerator or
refrigerator-freezer basic model is not clearly defined by the
provisions of section 2. For details regarding the criteria and
procedures for obtaining a waiver, please refer to 10 CFR 430.27.
DOE proposes to add this language to Appendices A1, B1, A, and B.
In addition to questions about product set-up during testing, the
introduction of new technology in refrigeration products may cause the
product to operate in a manner inconsistent with a representative
average use cycle. An example of such technology in modern
refrigerators is the variable anti-sweat heater control described in
section III.D.9. This type of control, which responds to ambient
humidity, generally will not allow the anti-sweat heaters to operate in
a fashion consistent with a representative use cycle when tested in
accordance with the required 90 [deg]F ambient temperature. This occurs
because the control operates on the basis of relative humidity, which
is not required to be controlled and is typically lower in a test
chamber at 90 [deg]F than in the temperatures typically found in homes
(approximately 70 [deg]F). (See, e.g,, Appendix A1, section 2.1).
Measuring the energy use of such a product using the current test
procedure would not be repeatable because the measurement can be
affected by this uncontrolled parameter. Hence, the modifications
provided by the current waivers associated with this control (and by
the proposed amended test procedure) provide a reasonably designed
procedure to obtain energy costs during a representative average use
cycle.
In order to address these types of situations, AHAM introduced the
following additional language in AHAM standard HRF-1-2007:
The following principles of interpretation should be applied to
AHAM HRF-1, and should apply to and guide any revisions to the test
procedure. The intent of the energy test procedure is to simulate
typical room conditions (approximately 70 [deg]F) with door
openings, by testing at 90 [deg]F without door openings.
Except for operating characteristics that are affected by
ambient temperature (for example, compressor percent run time), the
unit, when tested under this standard, shall operate equivalent to
the unit in typical room conditions. The energy used by the unit
shall be calculated when a calculation is provided by the standard.
Energy consuming components that operate in typical room
conditions (including as a result of door openings, or a function of
humidity), and that are not exempted by this standard, shall operate
in an equivalent manner during energy testing under this standard,
or be accounted for by all calculations as provided for in the
standard.
Examples:
1. Energy saving features that are designed to operate when
there are no door openings for long periods of time shall not be
functional during the energy test.
2. The defrost heater should not either function or turn off
differently during the
[[Page 29831]]
energy test than it would when in typical room conditions.
3. Electric heaters that would normally operate at typical room
conditions with door openings should also operate during the energy
test.
4. Energy used during adaptive defrost shall continue to be
tested and adjusted per the calculation provided for in this
standard.
(HRF-1-2007, section 1.2)
HRF-1-2008 incorporates this language and ENERGY STAR adopted it as
part of its Program Requirements that took effect in April 2008. (see
``ENERGY STAR Program Eligibility Criteria for Residential
Refrigerators and/or Freezers'', section 4 (August 3, 2007)).
DOE proposes to use similar language in 10 CFR 430.23(a) to address
the testing of refrigerators and refrigerator-freezers, and 10 CFR
430.23(b) to address the testing of freezers. The new text would read
as follows:
The energy test procedure is designed to provide a measurement
consistent with representative average consumer use of the product,
even if the test conditions and/or procedures may not themselves all
be representative of average consumer use (e.g, 90 [ordm]F ambient
conditions, no door openings, use of temperature settings unsafe for
food preservation, etc.). If (1) a product contains energy consuming
components that operate differently during the prescribed testing
than they would during representative average consumer use and (2)
applying the prescribed test to that product would evaluate it in a
manner that is unrepresentative of its true energy consumption
(thereby providing materially inaccurate comparative data), the
prescribed procedure may not be used. Examples of products that
cannot be tested using the prescribed test procedure include those
products that can exhibit operating parameters (e.g, duty cycle or
input wattage) for any energy using component that are not smoothly
varying functions of operating conditions or control inputs--such as
when a component is automatically shut off when test conditions or
test settings are reached. A manufacturer wishing to test such a
product must obtain a waiver in accordance with the relevant
provisions of 10 CFR 430.
DOE's proposal reflects the statutory requirement, and the
Department's longstanding view, that the overall objective of the test
procedure is to measure the product's energy consumption during a
representative average use cycle or period of use. 42 U.S.C.
6293(b)(3). Further, the test procedure requires specific conditions
during testing that are designed to ensure repeatability while avoiding
excessive testing burdens. Although certain test conditions specified
in the test procedure may deviate from representative use, such
deviations are carefully designed and circumscribed in order to attain
an overall calculated measurement of the energy consumption during
representative use. Thus, it is--and has always been--DOE's view that
products should not be designed such that the energy consumption drops
during test condition settings in ways that would bias the overall
measurement to make it unrepresentative of average consumer use. While
DOE may consider imposing design requirements to prohibit certain
control schemes, the agency believes that addressing this issue through
the applicable test procedure and related requirements is appropriate
at this time. Accordingly, DOE's proposed language both (1) makes
explicit in the regulatory text the Department's long held
interpretation that the purpose of the test procedure is to measure
representative use and (2) proposes a specific mechanism--the waiver
process--as a mandatory requirement for all products for which the test
procedure would not properly capture the energy consumption during
representative use.
DOE seeks comment on this proposed language to address products
equipped with controls or other features that modify the operation of
energy using components during testing. The language does not identify
specific product characteristics that could make the test procedure
unsuitable for testing certain products (e.g, modification of operation
based on ambient temperature) but rather describes such characteristics
generally, in order to assure that the language can apply to any
potential features that would yield measurements unrepresentative of
the product's energy consumption during a representative use cycle.
While the proposed language does not delineate what constitutes
representative average consumer use, in DOE's view, this use would
include a variety of factors, including ranges of ambient temperature
and humidity, multiple door openings of a variety of durations, food
product loading, and ice production, among others. DOE seeks comment on
this issue and invites commenters to submit any data that would help
define the representative average use setting for each of these
parameters and seeks comment and data on this issue. DOE also seeks
comment on whether more specificity is needed to define (1) the types
of product characteristics that would make the test procedure
unsuitable to use and (2) the concept of representative average use.
2. Product Clearances to Walls During Testing
Wall clearance is a necessary element to refrigerator and
refrigerator-freezer energy efficiency testing because the restriction
of airflow due to close proximity to the wall can affect the cooling
performance of the condenser. The condenser removes heat from the
refrigeration system to the ambient air. In this regard, the current
procedure references the steps outlined in HRF-1-1979, which provides
that ``[t]he space between the back [of the cabinet] and the wall shall
be in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions or as determined
by mechanical stops on the back of the cabinet.'' (HRF-1-1979, section
7.4.2).
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) examined
the repeatability of energy testing based on the current DOE procedure
and observed that the procedure does not provide clear guidance
regarding the required clearance between the rear of a test sample
cabinet and the wall of the test chamber or another simulated wall
during testing. (Yashar, D.A. Repeatability of Energy Consumption Test
Results for Compact Refrigerators, September 2000. U.S. Department of
Commerce, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg,
MD. NISTIR.6560, available at http://www.fire.nist.gov/bfrlpubs/build00/PDF/b00055.pdf). The alternative instruction provided by the
current procedure--i.e. ``as determined by mechanical stops on the back
of the cabinet''--implies that a minimum distance from the wall
applies. HRF-1-2008 provides greater specificity by providing that
``the space between the back and the test room wall or simulated wall
shall be the minimum distance in accordance with the manufacturer's
instructions or as determined by mechanical stops on the back of the
cabinet.'' (HRF-1-2008, section 5.5.2).
Refining this requirement is particularly important for products
equipped with static condensers, which rely on free convection (i.e.
heat transfer by air movement induced by the buoyancy effects of
temperature differences rather than by fans) to cool the condenser.
Static condensers are generally mounted on the back of the refrigerator
or refrigerator-freezer. Manufacturers of most full-size refrigerators
and refrigerator-freezers have replaced static condensers with forced-
convection condensers (fan-cooled condensers), which are generally
mounted at the base of the refrigerator near the compressor.
However, many manufacturers of compact refrigerators and freezers
still use static condensers. Compact refrigerators are defined as
refrigerators and freezers ``with total volume less than 7.75 cubic
feet * * * and 36 inches * * * or less in height.'' 10 CFR
[[Page 29832]]
part 430.2. While the performance of refrigeration products with static
condensers tends to be sensitive to rear clearance, the performance of
products with forced-convection condensers tends to be less sensitive
to this factor. DOE believes that most refrigerators are installed with
the back of the refrigerator positioned with at the minimum distance
from the wall as specified in the manufacturer's instructions. The
limited potential for increasing exterior dimensions is often cited by
the industry as a reason why increasing insulation thickness is not a
viable design option to improve efficiency for these products. DOE
noted this limitation in its technical support document that
accompanied the 1997 final rule. See 62 FR 23102 (April 28, 1997)
(noting that ``[s]ince kitchen dimensions and designed spaces for
refrigerator-freezers are limited, there are restrictions on increasing
the exterior size of the product''). (U.S. Department of Energy-Office
of Codes and Standards, Technical Support Document: Energy Efficiency
Standards for Consumer Products: Refrigerators, Refrigerator-Freezers,
and Freezers, DOE/EE-0064, at 3-6 (July 1995)). If there were any
significant space between the rear wall of the cabinet and the kitchen
wall, this limitation would not be present. Accordingly, positioning a
refrigerator or refrigerator-freezer more than the minimum distance
from the wall may not produce repeatable or representative performance
results during the representative average use cycle or period.
DOE proposes to include in the test procedures of Appendices A1,
B1, A, and B, the following language, which more thoroughly addresses
clearance to the cabinet walls:
2.9 The space between the back of the cabinet and the test room
wall or simulated wall shall be the minimum distance in accordance
with the manufacturer's instructions. If the instructions do not
specify a minimum distance, the cabinet shall be located such that
the rear of the cabinet touches the test room wall or simulated
wall. The test room wall facing the rear of the cabinet or the
simulated wall shall be flat within [frac14] inch, and vertical to
within 1 degree. The cabinet shall be leveled to within 1 degree of
true level, and positioned with its rear wall parallel to the test
chamber wall or simulated wall immediately behind the cabinet. Any
simulated wall shall be solid and shall extend vertically from the
floor to above the height of the cabinet and horizontally beyond
both sides of the cabinet.
The additional specifications in this proposed language, including
touching the rear wall, flatness and vertical orientation of the wall
behind the product, use of a solid wall (i.e. rather than a perforated
wall or screen), size of the simulated wall, and product orientation to
be level and parallel with the wall would collectively help ensure the
consistent application of simulated walls in energy testing. DOE
believes that these additional requirements are consistent with the
current test procedures, as well as the clearance requirements found in
HRF-1-1979 and HRF-1-2008, but have the added advantage of providing
greater assurance that the intended product installation set-up is used
for testing. DOE seeks comment on this approach.
3. Alternative Compartment Temperature Sensor Locations
The current test procedures indicate that temperature sensor
locations shall be as indicated in HRF-1-1979, Figures 7.1 and 7.2.
(see for example Appendix A1, section 5.1). The test procedure
indicates what a manufacturer would do in case the cabinet layout is
not consistent with these figures:
If the interior arrangements of the cabinet do not conform with
those shown in Figure 7.1 and 7.2 of HRF-1-1979, measurements shall
be taken at selected locations chosen to represent approximately the
entire refrigerated compartment. The locations selected shall be a
matter of record.
Appendix A1, section 5.1
In order to provide clearer instructions, and to avoid the
potential for significant deviation from the standard temperature
sensor locations, DOE proposes to modify this requirement, allowing
manufacturer selection of new locations only for small deviations from
the standard locations, and otherwise requiring a waiver to allow for
the development of a new diagram addressing the new compartment
configuration. DOE proposes the following amended text for section 5.1:
If the interior arrangements of the cabinet do not conform with
those shown in Figure 7.1 and 7.2 of HRF-1-1979, the product may be
tested by relocating the temperature sensors from the locations
specified in the Figures by no more than 2 inches to avoid
interference with hardware or components within the cabinet, in
which case the specific locations used for the temperature sensors
shall be noted in the test data records maintained by the
manufacturer in accordance with 10 CFR 430.62(d). For those products
equipped with a cabinet that does not conform with Figures 7.1 or
7.2 and cannot be tested in the manner described above, the
manufacturer must obtain a waiver under 10 CFR 430.27 to establish
an acceptable test procedure for each such product.
DOE expects that the processing of several such waivers and
subsequent development and incorporation into the test procedures of
new figures describing the test sensor location requirements for
modified cabinet styles will help to improve energy testing
consistency. DOE proposes to make these changes in Appendices A1 and
B1, and to include these requirements in Appendices A and B. DOE seeks
comment on the frequency of temperature sensor location revisions from
the specifications of the figures of HRF-1-1979, and on whether the
exception allowing for minor relocation of sensors is sufficient to
limit to a reasonable level the potential number of waivers associated
with the proposed requirement.
In order to ensure that manufacturers make DOE aware of small
changes in temperature sensor locations to avoid interference with
internal hardware, DOE further proposes to include a requirement that
manufacturers report that such a change has been made as part of the
certification reporting requirements. This additional proposal is
discussed in more detail in section III.D.14.
4. Median Temperature Settings for Electronic Control Products
The procedure related to temperature control settings is detailed
in section 3 of Appendix A1. The procedure specifies how to set
thermostatic controls for the freezer and fresh food compartments of
refrigerators and refrigerator-freezers to permit testing that yields
results that are interpolated based on compartment temperatures to
represent the energy use of these products when operated with the
compartment temperatures set at the specified standardized
temperatures. Interpolation in this context means calculating the
energy use associated with a standardized compartment temperature using
two tests. In one test, the compartment temperature is lower than the
standardized temperature. In the other test, the compartment
temperature is higher than the standardized temperature. This approach
is used so that the test measurement can be based on the standardized
temperature without requiring the numerous trial and error attempts it
generally takes to exactly match this temperature during testing.
Most refrigeration products have user-operable temperature
controls, for which the procedures of section 3.2 apply. While section
3.2 provides a number of alternative control setting options, the
specific provisions of section 3.2.1 are most often applied because the
provisions of sections 3.2.2 and 3.2.3 have special conditions that
typically do not apply, such as the
[[Page 29833]]
inability to achieve the standardized temperature in the compartment.
Section 3.2.1 currently specifies the adjustment of settings as
follows:
A first test shall be performed with all compartment temperature
controls set at their median position midway between their warmest
and coldest settings. Knob detents shall be mechanically defeated if
necessary to attain a median setting. A second test shall be
performed with all controls set at either their warmest or their
coldest setting (not electrically or mechanically bypassed),
whichever is appropriate, to attempt to achieve compartment
temperatures measured during the two tests which bound (i.e., one is
above and one is below) the standardized temperature for the type of
product being tested. (10 CFR part 430, subpart B, Appendix A1,
section 3.2.1)
DOE is aware of some issues associated with this procedure. First,
the section describes the defeating of mechanical detents of controls
that do not allow controls to be set in the median position. Many
current products have electronic controls, which generally have
setpoints indicating specific control temperatures. For these controls,
an average of the coldest and warmest temperature settings is generally
used as the median. However, in some cases there is no temperature
setting exactly equal to this average, and the controls cannot be
mechanically defeated as described in the procedure. To address this
situation, DOE proposes to modify the test procedure language to
specify that products equipped with such electronic controls be tested
using one of the following three options: (1) Use of a setting equal to
the average of the coldest and warmest settings, (2) use of the setting
that is closest to this average, or (3) if there are two settings whose
difference with the average is the same, use of the higher of these two
such settings. This modification is being proposed for Appendices A1
and B1, and they would be retained for Appendices A and B.
Additional issues and proposed amendments addressing them for
Appendices A and B are discussed in section III.E.4.
5. Test Procedures for Convertible Compartments and Special
Compartments
Manufacturers recently introduced refrigerator-freezers with
compartments that consumers can convert from fresh food to freezer use
and vice versa. Under the current DOE test procedure, which references
section 7.4.2 of HRF-1-1979, ``compartments which are convertible from
refrigerator to freezer are operated in the highest energy usage
position.'' (This section of HRF-1-1979 is referenced in Appendix A1,
section 2.2.) DOE believes that the highest energy use position would
most likely be the freezer mode since additional energy is required to
maintain the colder temperatures required for freezer use when compared
to fresh food compartment use. However, DOE recognizes that the
requirement does not clarify whether such a compartment is to be
controlled as a freezer compartment, or whether the controls are to be
set in the absolute highest energy position.
To ascertain how manufacturers might be treating these compartments
during testing, DOE examined data reported to the ENERGY STAR program,
which are available at http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?fuseaction=refrig.display_products_excel. Based on DOE's
analysis of these data, the entries suggest that some manufacturers may
have rated their own products based on the operation of these
convertible compartments as fresh food compartments. DOE came to this
conclusion after noticing that the calculated adjusted volume matches
the reported adjusted volumes when the convertible compartment is
treated as a fresh food compartment. Accordingly, to ensure
manufacturer clarity, DOE proposes including the following language in
section 2 of Appendices A1 and A: ``Compartments that are convertible
(e.g,, from fresh food to freezer) shall be operated in [their] highest
energy use position.''
A related situation applies to special compartments that are not
convertible from fresh food to freezer. The procedure for such
compartments is also described in HRF-1-1979:
Other temperature controllable compartments (such as crispers
convertible to meat keepers and temperature adjustable meat keepers)
are considered special compartments and are tested with controls set
to provide the coldest temperature. (HRF-1-1979 section 7.4.2)
To simplify the requirements of this provision, DOE proposes to add
similar language as discussed above into section 2 of Appendices A and
A1: ``Other temperature controllable compartments (such as crispers
convertible to meat keepers), with the exception of butter
conditioners, shall also be tested with controls set in the highest
energy use position.'' DOE believes that this language would retain the
purpose contained in the original provisions (i.e. to maximize energy
usage during energy efficiency testing) while simplifying the language
of the procedure.
DOE seeks comment on this proposed change to its procedure.
6. Establishing a Temperature-Averaging Procedure for Auxiliary
Compartments
The current DOE test procedure defines a refrigerator-freezer as
``a cabinet which consists of two or more compartments with at least
one of the compartments designed for the refrigerated storage of food
at temperatures above 32 [deg]F and with at least one of the
compartments designed for the freezing and storage of food at
temperatures below 8 [deg]F.'' 10 CFR 430.2. Hence, a refrigerator-
freezer includes at least one fresh food compartment and at least one
freezer compartment. The definition does not specify the
characteristics of any additional compartments.
Some refrigeration products have an additional freezer compartment
or an additional fresh food compartment, or both, and some have
enclosed compartments within the primary compartments that have
separate temperature controls and may represent a substantial fraction
of the primary compartment volume. DOE notes that, with respect to the
latter group of products, it is not yet proposing a value of this
fraction (i.e. such as 25% or 35%). However, this concept is necessary
in order to distinguish such auxiliary compartments from the ``special
compartments'' discussed in section III.D.5. For the purposes of this
discussion, auxiliary compartments are additional compartments in a
refrigerator or refrigerator-freezer that are large enough that
treatment as special compartments is not appropriate (generally, 2
cubic feet or greater).\1\
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\1\ Auxiliary compartments could be entirely separate from the
main two compartments of a typical refrigerator-freezer (the freezer
compartment and the fresh food compartment), or they could be
substantial-volume, separately-controllable compartments located
within main compartments. In the latter case, they are referred to
as ``sub-compartments'' for the purposes of this discussion.
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As discussed earlier in Section III.D.5, products with additional
convertible compartments are examples of refrigerator-freezers equipped
with more than two compartments. In such cases, the convertible
compartment could be considered an auxiliary compartment.
While the special compartments discussed in section III.D.5 would
be tested with their controls set to the highest energy use position
under the proposed test procedure modification, the compartments
addressed in this section are relatively large (i.e. 2 cubic feet or
larger) and represent instances in which employing the highest energy
use position would be inappropriate. The requirements for setting such
a compartment at the absolute highest energy use position are
inappropriate
[[Page 29834]]
because (1) such a compartment would likely be used for general food
storage rather than for a limited special purpose and (2) the energy
use impact during testing when the controls are set for the absolute
highest energy use position would be very significant and would not
necessarily be consistent with consumer use.
Both HRF-1-1979 and HRF-1-2008 include definitions and special test
procedures for special compartments. However, neither the current test
procedure (i.e. setting them to their coldest temperature) nor the
proposed one (i.e. setting them in the highest energy use position)
would necessarily be consistent with the required representative
average use cycles for compartments representing a substantial fraction
of the product's total refrigerated volume. DOE is not aware of many
products currently being sold in the U.S. market that have auxiliary
compartments. This section discusses issues associated with testing
refrigerator-freezers with all such auxiliary compartments.
DOE notes that a large drawer without separate temperature control
that is located within a compartment would not be considered a sub-
compartment for the purpose of this discussion. Such a drawer would be
part of the compartment in which it is housed. In contrast, for the
purposes of this discussion, a larger compartment with a separate door
without separate temperature control would be considered an auxiliary
compartment, since it is not part of any other compartment. Further, if
one or more drawers or doors that open to the exterior serve a space
inside a refrigeration product that is a single compartment, the status
as a single compartment is not affected by the presence of the
additional drawer(s) or door(s).
While there is no size limit for classification as a special
compartment under the current DOE test procedure, and DOE is not
currently proposing such a limit, DOE seeks comment on whether such a
size limit should be imposed, and what the size limit should be.
As discussed in section III.D.5, the DOE test procedures require
that a convertible auxiliary compartment must be tested in the
``highest energy usage position.'' However, the current test procedures
do not state whether the temperature for the compartment must be set at
a level to ensure energy use is at its absolute maximum, or whether the
temperature must be the standardized test temperature for the higher
energy use compartment type (5 [deg]F for a freezer compartment and 45
[deg]F for a fresh food compartment for the current DOE test
procedures). DOE proposes that a convertible auxiliary compartment with
separate exterior doors be tested as a freezer compartment or fresh
food compartment, depending on which of these represents the highest
energy usage position. For these compartments, and for nonconvertible
auxiliary compartments with separate exterior doors whose operating
temperature range specifies their status as freezer or fresh food
compartments, DOE proposes that these energy measurements be determined
based on the compartment's standardized temperature.
In contrast, DOE proposes that sub-compartments (i.e., auxiliary
compartments located entirely within main compartments) be tested with
their settings in the absolute highest energy use position. Although
the discussion of this section is intended to address large sub-
compartments, the common sub-compartments with separate temperature
controls found in U.S. refrigerator-freezer products usually occupy a
relatively small portion of the fresh food compartment. Examples
include ice compartments, meat drawers, deli drawers, and butter
conditioning compartments. Hence, DOE believes that the proposed
procedures for special compartments described in section III.D.5 (i.e.
that the consumer-adjustable setting be in its highest energy-use
position) are appropriate for these compartments.
In contrast, auxiliary compartments that have their own external
doors often have large volumes, which are comparable to the volumes of
other compartments associated with the products. An example of such a
product is the Samsung RM257ACRS, which has an 11.8 cubic foot fresh
food compartment, a 7.0 cubic foot freezer compartment, and two
convertible compartments of volumes 3.5 and 2.3 cubic feet.
Given that auxiliary compartments with external doors would be
tested as either freezer or fresh food compartments, requirements must
be established for (1) temperature settings during testing, (2)
measurement of auxiliary compartment temperature, and (3) incorporation
of the auxiliary compartment temperature in the calculation of energy
consumption. To address these issues, DOE proposes the following
changes:
(1) Temperature settings, generally--Consistent with current
temperature setting requirements, the temperature settings for
auxiliary compartments with external doors that have individual
temperature control capability would be the same median, cold, or warm
setting required for all compartments when performing testing as
described in section III.D.4.
(2) Auxiliary compartment temperature measurements--Measurement of
compartment temperature during testing is done using temperature
sensors. The placement of temperature sensors (typically thermocouples)
is specified in HRF-1-1979 in section 7.4.3.2 and Figure 7.1 for fresh
food compartments and in section 7.4.3.3 and Figure 7.2 for freezer
compartments. The DOE test procedures incorporate by reference these
sections of HRF-1-1979. They provide further instructions on
determination of compartment temperature, stating that the ``measured
temperature of a compartment is to be the average of all sensor
temperature readings taken in that compartment at a particular time.''
(10 CFR part 430, subpart B, Appendix A1, section 5.1.1), and the
``compartment temperature for each test period shall be an average of
the measured temperatures taken in a compartment during a complete
cycle or several complete cycles of the compressor motor (one
compressor cycle is one complete motor `on' and one complete motor
`off' period).'' Id. at section 5.1.2. The same procedures for
measuring the compartment temperature during testing would be used for
auxiliary compartments with external doors.
(3) Incorporation of auxiliary compartment temperature measurements
in the test procedure calculations--Calculation of freezer temperature
for a product with more than one freezer compartment (including one or
more auxiliary freezer compartments with external doors) would be a
weighted average of the compartment temperatures measured within each
freezer compartment. The weighting factors for this average would be
the calculated compartment volumes. Likewise, calculation of fresh food
temperature for a product with more than one fresh food compartment
(including one or more auxiliary fresh food compartments with external
doors) would be a volume-weighted average of the measured compartment
temperatures. These freezer and fresh food temperatures would be used
both in the determination of the appropriate temperature settings for
subsequent testing, and in the energy use calculation. The calculation
of daily energy consumption, described for refrigerators or
refrigerator-freezers in section 6.2.2 of Appendix A1, uses the freezer
or fresh food compartment temperature in the equation. This
[[Page 29835]]
approach would be adopted for auxiliary compartments using the volume-
weighted average temperatures.
DOE proposes these amendments to address auxiliary compartments
with external doors in Appendices A1 and A. DOE proposes similar
amendments to address auxiliary compartments of freezers in Appendices
B1 and B. DOE further proposes a definition for ``separate auxiliary
compartments'' to refer to these auxiliary compartments with external
doors that would be treated in the test procedures as described in this
section. This definition would read as follows:
``Separate auxiliary compartment'' means a freezer compartment
or a fresh food compartment of a refrigerator or refrigerator-
freezer having more than two compartments that is not the first
freezer compartment or the first fresh food compartment. Access to a
separate auxiliary compartment is through a separate exterior door
or doors rather than through the door or doors of another
compartment. Separate auxiliary compartments may be convertible
(e.g,, from fresh food to freezer).
DOE seeks comment on this proposed approach.
7. Modified Definition for Anti-Sweat Heater
The DOE test procedure for refrigerators and refrigerator-freezers
defines an ``anti-sweat heater'' as ``a device incorporated into the
design of a refrigerator or refrigerator-freezer to prevent the
accumulation of moisture on exterior surfaces of the cabinet under
conditions of high ambient humidity.'' 10 CFR part 430, subpart B,
appendix A1, section 1.3. (This accumulated moisture is commonly
referred to as ``sweat'', and the process of accumulation of such
moisture is called ``sweating''.) Similarly, the DOE test procedure for
freezers defines an ``anti-sweat heater'' as ``a device incorporated
into the design of a freezer to prevent the accumulation of moisture on
exterior surfaces of the cabinet under conditions of high ambient
humidity.'' 10 CFR part 430, subpart B, Appendix B1, section 1.2. Some
refrigerator-freezers also use anti-sweat heaters to prevent moisture
accumulation on internal surfaces of the cabinet. In particular,
manufacturers of French door refrigerator-freezers with through the
door (TTD) ice service have used anti-sweat heaters to prevent
accumulation of moisture inside the fresh food compartment near the air
duct that carries refrigerated air to the ice compartment.
In DOE's view, to obtain consistency and an accurate measurement of
all energy consuming components, the anti-sweat heater regulations
should apply to any anti-sweat heater regardless of the heater
location. To ensure that this result occurs, DOE proposes to modify the
definitions of anti-sweat heater for both the refrigerator and
refrigerator-freezer test procedures and for the freezer test
procedures to apply to both interior and exterior surfaces. DOE
proposes to make these changes in Appendices A1 and B1, and to include
these modified definitions in Appendices A and B.
This proposed modification does not change the test procedure.
Rather, it clarifies that interior heaters used to prevent sweating are
to be treated as anti-sweat heaters for purposes of calculating energy
usage under the procedure.
DOE seeks comment on this proposed clarification.
Additionally, in DOE's view, the current and proposed definitions
of an anti-sweat heater encompass devices that prevent moisture
accumulation. However, DOE is considering modifying the anti-sweat
heater definition to indicate that a heater that prevents the
accumulation of moisture, irrespective of whether that heater is
designated as an anti-sweat heater, should be defined as an anti-sweat
heater. DOE is interested in whether additional specificity is required
to bring further clarity to this concept, and seeks public comment.
8. Testing With the Anti-Sweat Heater Switch Turned Off
The energy conservation standards for refrigeration products are
based on annual energy use calculated for these products. The annual
energy use is calculated based on a ``standard cycle,'' which is
defined as ``the cycle type in which the anti-sweat heater control,
when provided, is set in the highest energy consuming position.'' This
term is applied throughout the regulatory provisions governing
refrigeration products. See, e.g, 10 CFR 430.23(a)(5) and (b)(5)
(applying the term ``standard cycle''), 10 CFR part 430, subpart B,
Appendix A1, section 1.7 (defining ``standard cycle'' for refrigerators
and refrigerator-freezers), and 10 CFR part 430, subpart B, Appendix
B1, section 1.5 (defining ``standard cycle'' for freezers).
In contrast, the annual operating cost, which serves as the basis
for the figures reported on the Federal Trade Commission's EnergyGuide
label, can be calculated based on the average of energy consumption
test results using the standard cycle and a cycle with the anti-sweat
heater switch positioned as it is when shipped from the factory. See 10
CFR 430.23(a)(2) and (b)(2). DOE understands that most manufacturers
test refrigeration products equipped with anti-sweat heater switches in
this fashion, and use the same results for reporting both energy use
and annual operating cost.
DOE added the energy use calculation requirements to the test
procedure on February 7, 1989. 54 FR 6062. At the time of the final
rule's publication, the annual operating cost calculation had already
been established in the test procedure. The final rule, however, did
not discuss the different treatment between the calculation for energy
use and the calculation of annual operating cost.
It is unclear to DOE whether a need exists for the distinction
between the annual operating cost and the energy use calculations.
Accordingly, DOE is proposing to modify the calculation for annual
energy use to ensure consistency with the annual operating cost
calculation. These changes would be implemented by making changes to 10
CFR 430.23(a) and 10 CFR 430.23(b).
This test procedure modification would not affect the way
manufacturers test products to establish their ratings or alter the
measured energy use of these products.
9. Incorporation of Test Procedures for Products With Variable Anti-
Sweat Heating Control Waivers
On February 27, 2008, DOE published a decision and order granting
GE with a waiver from the DOE test procedure (``GE waiver'') to allow
the company to use a modified test procedure for a line of appliances
that use ambient condition sensors to adjust the wattage of anti-sweat
heaters. 73 FR 10425. These sensors use the detected humidity levels to
adjust anti-sweat heater operation to prevent condensation. DOE granted
a similar waiver to Whirlpool Corporation on May 5, 2009. 74 FR 20695.
DOE published a petition for a third such waiver from Electrolux Home
Products, Inc. (Electrolux) and granted the application for an interim
waiver on June 4, 2009. 74 FR 26853. This waiver was granted on
December 15, 2009. 74 FR 66338. Electrolux also submitted a petition to
extend the initial waiver to additional products--DOE published this
petition and granted the associated application for an interim waiver
on December 15, 2009. 74 FR 66344. Samsung also petitioned DOE for a
waiver for this type of control for anti-sweat heaters. The Samsung
petition was published and the associated application for interim
waiver granted on December 15, 2009. 74 FR 66340.
[[Page 29836]]
Because ambient humidity of the test chamber is not specified in
the DOE test procedures, the current test procedure is unable to
accurately determine the annual energy use contribution of anti-sweat
heaters. The test procedure allowed under the GE waiver involves (1)
conducting energy testing with the anti-sweat heater switch in the
``off'' position, and (2) adding a correction factor to account for the
additional energy use associated with the anti-sweat heater for a
standard cycle (i.e., a cycle with the anti-sweat heater switch in the
``on'' position). 73 FR 10427. While the test procedure allowed under
the GE waiver assumes that the anti-sweat heater operates on a switch
that can turn off the heater, this feature would not necessarily be
present on all products equipped with variable anti-sweat heater
control systems.
The test procedure allowed under the GE waiver specifies
calculation of the correction factor as follows:
Correction Factor = (Anti-sweat Heater Power x System-loss Factor)
x (24 hrs/1 day) x (1 kW/1000 W)
Where: Anti-sweat Heater Power
= A1 * (Heater Watts at 5%RH)
+ A2 * (Heater Watts at 15%RH)
+ A3 * (Heater Watts at 25%RH)
+ A4 * (Heater Watts at 35%RH)
+ A5 * (Heater Watts at 45%RH)
+ A6 * (Heater Watts at 55%RH)
+ A7 * (Heater Watts at 65%RH)
+ A8 * (Heater Watts at 75%RH)
+ A9 * (Heater Watts at 85%RH)
+ A10 * (Heater Watts at 95%RH)
Where A1-A10 are from the following table:
A1 = 0.034
A2 = 0.211
A3 = 0.204
A4 = 0.166
A5 = 0.126
A6 = 0.119
A7 = 0.069
A8 = 0.047
A9 = 0.008
A10 = 0.015
73 FR 10427
The System-Loss Factor noted in the above calculation accounts for
additional energy use (a) of the refrigeration system to overcome the
increased cabinet load imposed by the anti-sweat heater, and (b) of the
controls associated with the anti-sweat heater. 73 FR 10427. The GE
waiver specifies a System-Loss Factor of 1.3, based on experience-
related data developed by GE. Factors A1 through A10 represent the
national average frequency of occurrence for various ambient relative
humidity ranges that a refrigerator is likely to experience in a
typical consumer household. GE determined these factors based on 30
years of weather data for 50 major population centers within the United
States. 73 FR 10427. The GE waiver defines the Heater Watts parameter
of Equation 1 as ``the nominal watts used by all heaters at that
specific relative humidity, 72 [deg]F ambient, and DOE reference
temperatures of fresh food (FF) average temperature of 45 [deg]F and
freezer (FZ) average temperature of 5 [deg]F.'' 73 FR 10427.
However, the alternate test procedure permitted under the GE waiver
does not state how the Heater Watts parameter is determined during an
energy test conducted under the waiver. It also does not disclose the
associated number of heater-watts for each product equipped with
variable anti-sweat control features. Hence, it would be impossible to
independently verify published energy consumption measured under the
GE, Whirlpool, Electrolux, or Samsung waivers. To address these
deficiencies, DOE is proposing to incorporate a modified version of the
GE waiver procedure into Appendices A and A1.
Proposed Amendment
DOE proposes amending its test procedures to require measurements
of variable anti-sweat heater energy contribution under various
specific ambient air conditions to permit laboratory verification of
the resulting energy consumption estimates. DOE also proposes using the
relative humidity factors A1 through A10 established in the GE waiver.
The proposed changes would be implemented by modifications in various
sections of Appendix A1, which would also be implemented in Appendix A.
These humidity factors represent the national average frequency of the
relative humidity levels for refrigeration product ambient conditions.
While field test data corroborating the methodology for determining
typical consumer household humidity levels were not provided as part of
the waiver petition, DOE is unaware of more accurate or comprehensive
information to better represent field conditions.
Although the GE waiver includes a calculation involving ten
relative humidities, testing to determine performance of variable anti-
sweat heater control systems would not require ten separate
measurements. The proposed approach is based on the fact that the rate
of heat energy input supplied by the electric anti-sweat heaters
required to prevent condensation at a fixed ambient temperature and
compartment temperature should vary linearly with dew point temperature
(i.e., the temperature of a given mixture of dry air and water vapor at
100% relative humidity). This means that the wattage increment
associated with the heater control system needs to be determined for
only two humidity conditions. DOE defines this type of anti-sweat
heater control as ``ideal''.
Based on DOE's analysis, at a fixed ambient air dry-bulb
temperature such as the 72 [deg]F ambient specified in the GE waiver,
ideal anti-sweat heater power varies linearly as a function of dew
point temperature, increasing from zero power at some dew point
temperature lower than the ambient dry bulb temperature (i.e., at low
relative humidity) to a maximum requirement at a dew point temperature
equal to the ambient dry bulb temperature (i.e., at 100% relative
humidity). DOE conducted this analysis for a surface that (1) loses
heat to the refrigerator interior at a rate proportional to the
difference in temperature between the surface and the interior, (2)
gains heat from the ambient air at a rate proportional to the
difference in temperature between the ambient air and the surface, and
(3) gains a controlled amount of heat from the anti-sweat heater to
maintain the surface at a fixed small temperature difference (such as 1
[deg]F) above the dew-point temperature of the ambient air.
One can establish correlations for the ideal heater wattage once
the heat-flow characteristics from the heated surfaces to the
refrigerator interior and the ambient air are understood. The linear
nature of these correlations with respect to ambient dew point suggests
that tests conducted at a limited number of ambient humidity conditions
could provide sufficient information about the operating
characteristics of a variable anti-sweat heating system. Based on DOE's
analysis, for operation in a normal ambient near 72 [deg]F, the freezer
compartment of a typical refrigerator-freezer should require no anti-
sweat heating at relative humidities below roughly 50 percent and the
fresh food compartment of a typical refrigerator-freezer should require
no anti-sweat heating at relative humidities below roughly 65 percent.
However, the actual relative humidity at which no anti-sweat heat is
needed would vary among products and even at different surfaces of the
same product, depending on design details.
DOE proposes to amend the DOE test procedures to determine the
incremental energy contribution of the variable anti-sweat heater in
the manner described below.
a. DOE proposes specifying that tests be conducted in a chamber
with both temperature and humidity control to
[[Page 29837]]
verify the behavior of the variable anti-sweat heater control. Three
tests would be conducted, as described below.
i. Ambient Conditions: The tests would be conducted in a chamber
controlled to 72 1 [deg]F dry bulb temperature, at three
different relative humidities, 95 2 percent, 65 2 percent, and 25 10 percent. DOE proposes wide
tolerances in the relative humidity for the 25 percent relative
humidity test because it is expected that the anti-sweat heater would
be turned off throughout this range of conditions, thus obviating the
need for tight control. The 25 percent relative humidity test would
determine energy use of the refrigerator-freezer with the anti-sweat
heaters turned off in the 72 [deg]F dry bulb condition specified for
these tests. The difference in energy use measured during this test and
energy use measured during the tests conducted at 65 percent and 95
percent relative humidities would be the energy use contribution of the
anti-sweat heaters at the higher humidities.
ii. Cabinet Temperatures: Appendix A1, as amended, would specify
cabinet temperatures of 5 2 [deg]F in the freezer
compartment and 38 2 [deg]F in the fresh food compartment
for the variable anti-sweat heater tests. Appendix A would specify
cabinet temperatures of 0 [deg]F 2 [deg]F in the freezer
compartment and 39 [deg]F 2 [deg]F in the fresh food
compartment, consistent with the new compartment temperatures
prescribed in HRF-1-2008. These modified cabinet temperatures would be
more consistent with the modified standardized cabinet temperatures
used for all of the testing conducted under Appendix A.
iii. Test Period: Each test would be similar to an energy test for
a refrigerator without automatic defrost (as described in section 4.1.1
of 10 CFR part 430 subpart B Appendix A1), including compressor cycling
but no defrost cycles.
iv. Stabilization: The test would require waiting to achieve steady
state conditions as the test starts. However, for each test that is
conducted immediately following another test in which the ambient dry
bulb temperature is maintained between tests, the standard
stabilization period may be waived, and the test can proceed two hours
after the required ambient humidity conditions have been established.
b. The energy use in kilowatt-hours per day for the 25-percent
relative humidity test would be subtracted from the energy use per day
for the 95-percent and 65-percent relative humidity tests to determine
energy use contributions of the anti-sweat heaters at 95-percent and
65-percent relative humidities.
c. DOE proposes calculating the anti-sweat heater energy
contributions for the same ten relative humidities specified in the GE
waiver based on the measured energy use contributions of the variable
anti-sweat heaters at 95-percent and 65-percent relative humidity,
assuming that the anti-sweat heater energy contribution varies linearly
with dew point, but with a minimum energy contribution of zero
kilowatt-hours (i.e., the anti-sweat heater cannot have negative energy
use, which would represent electric energy generation). The correction
factor would be calculated using the ten RH factors (A1 through A10),
but without using the system adjustment factor (1.3 in the GE waiver)
and without converting from watts to kilowatt-hours.
d. The correction factor would be added to the energy use measured
for a normal energy test as conducted in 90 [deg]F ambient temperature.
e. For a product with an anti-sweat heater switch, DOE proposes to
require that all tests be conducted with the switch in the on position,
in order to ensure proper measurement of the energy use associated with
the ambient sensing functions of the variable anti-sweat heating
control, and to reduce the possibility of circumvention associated with
the switch--i.e. using this switch to control heaters or components
other than the anti-sweat heater. In order to ensure that the anti-
sweat heater itself is not energized during the normal energy test
conducted in 90 [deg]F ambient conditions, this energy test would be
conducted in a chamber with sufficiently low humidity to prevent
activation of the heater. DOE proposes adding the following language to
Appendix A1, section 2.1: ``If the product being tested has variable
anti-sweat heater control, the ambient relative humidity shall be no
more than 35%.''
f. DOE proposes eliminating the averaging of tests with the anti-
sweat heater switch on and off for products with variable anti-sweat
heater control. The GE waiver specifies that the correction factor for
the energy use associated with the variable anti-sweat heaters would be
applied to the standard cycle. 73 FR 10427. Under the current test
procedure, the standard cycle is a cycle with the anti-sweat heater
switch turned on. (10 CFR part 430, subpart B, appendix A1, section
1.7). The calculation of annual operating cost for a product with an
anti-sweat heater switch is based on an average of a test with (1) the
switch set in its position just prior to shipping from the factory
(typically off) and (2) a test of the standard cycle. 10 CFR
430.23(a)(2).
However, this approach of averaging of the standard cycle and the
cycle for a test with the anti-sweat heater switch turned off is
inappropriate for products with variable anti-sweat heater control
because the position of the switch would impact the operation of the
anti-sweat heaters only during times when ambient conditions are
sufficiently humid to trigger the operation of the anti-sweat heater.
For this reason, it is unlikely that the switch would be moved to the
off position during times when it could save energy. Hence, it is
unlikely that the anti-sweat heater switch could generate any
significant energy savings in addition to the savings provided by the
variable control. Accordingly, DOE proposes to eliminate the averaging
of tests with the anti-sweat heater switch turned on and with the
switch turned off for products equipped with variable anti-sweat
heating.
The above proposed modifications to the test procedure to address
variable anti-sweat heater control would be made in both Appendices A1
and A. DOE is proposing at this time to implement the variable anti-
sweat heater test only for refrigerators and refrigerator-freezers
because of the limited use of electric anti-sweat heaters in freezers.
DOE seeks comments as to whether a similar requirement in Appendices B1
and B should also apply to freezers.
DOE seeks comments regarding the proposed test procedures for
measurement of energy use of products with variable anti-sweat heater
control.
10. Modification of Long-Time and Variable Defrost Test Method To
Capture Precooling Energy
DOE is proposing to modify the test method for products with long-
time or variable defrost to capture precooling energy. Precooling
involves cooling the compartment(s) of a refrigerator-freezer to
temperatures significantly lower than the user-selected temperature
settings prior to an automatic defrost cycle. Before DOE established
test procedures for long-time defrost (defrost control in which
compressor run time between defrosts exceeds 14 hours) and variable
defrost (defrost control in which the time interval between defrosts is
adjusted based on the need, i.e. on the amount of moisture collecting
on the evaporator as frost), the DOE test procedures had captured
energy use associated with defrost by specifying that duration of an
energy test be ``from one point during a defrost period to the same
point during the next defrost
[[Page 29838]]
period.'' 10 CFR part 430, subpart B, Appendix A1, section 4.1.2. In
1982, DOE amended the test procedures to include the alternative
procedure for long-time defrost (section 4.1.2.1 of Appendix A1) to
accommodate long periods of time between defrosts (i.e. significantly
greater than 24 hours of test time) without making the energy test
period unduly burdensome. 47 FR 34517 (August 10, 1982).
The current long-time defrost test consists of two parts. The first
part measures the steady cycling energy use of the refrigerator-freezer
with no contribution from the defrost cycle. The second part measures
all of the energy use contribution associated with the defrost cycle.
The equation for total energy use for a 24-hour period combines these
two energy use contributions and weights the measurement of the second
part of the test based on the reciprocal of compressor run time between
defrosts. 10 CFR part 430, subpart B, Appendix A1, section 5.2.1.2.
The variable defrost test, introduced in 1989, accommodates even
longer times between defrosts compared to the time periods in the long-
time defrost test. (See 54 FR 36238 discussing calculated values of CT
(hours of compressor run time between defrosts to be used in the
equation for energy consumption) with values ranging from 28.96 to 45
hours, as compared to approximately 14 hours for long-time defrost).
The current DOE test procedures provide an optional step (Part 3) to
measure the mean time between defrosts based on ``typical'' ambient and
door-opening conditions. This optional step would be used in cases
where a manufacturer chooses to measure the mean time between defrosts
rather than using the default value prescribed by the test procedure.
10 CFR part 430, subpart B, Appendix A1.
When DOE first introduced the test method for long-time defrost in
1982, few refrigerator-freezers, if any, employed electronic controls.
Instead, refrigerator-freezers controlled defrost using mechanical
defrost controllers. Because of their simpler nature, mechanical
defrost controllers are incapable of performing any of the more complex
control functions handled by models equipped with electronic controls.
On August 3, 2001, DOE granted an interim test procedure waiver to
Electrolux Home Products (Electrolux) for products that use a
sophisticated control algorithm. 66 FR 40689. The associated test
procedure modification was incorporated into the DOE test procedure on
March 7, 2003. 68 FR 10957. The modified procedure allows a delay
between the end of the last compressor on-cycle and the start of the
defrost cycle. This delay saves energy by allowing the evaporator to
warm naturally after the compressor turns off. 66 FR 40690. The
modified test method only applies to products using long-time or
variable defrost. If such a control strategy were applied to a product
not equipped with long-time or variable defrost, the product would be
tested in accordance with Appendix A1, section 4.1.2, which specifies a
test period ``from one point during a defrost period to the same point
during the next defrost period.'' Such a test would measure the
reduction in energy use from the natural warming of the evaporator,
making this modified procedure unnecessary.
Precooling before defrost also requires a more sophisticated
control system than a defrost timer. A precooling control system
initiates an extra long compressor run (i.e. a compressor on-cycle that
continues for at least 10% of the length of a typical compressor on-
cycle after the compartment temperature has dropped down to the
temperature at which the compressor typically turns off during steady
state cycling operation between defrosts) before the defrost cycle to
reduce the temperature of the cabinet or one of its compartments
significantly more than would occur during a normal compressor cycle.
Precooling before defrost may prevent unacceptable increases in freezer
compartment temperature during the defrost cycle. Precooling will also
reduce the recovery time after a defrost cycle, which could reduce the
measured energy use of the recovery portion of the defrost cycle.
However, the long time automatic defrost test procedure does not
consider the energy use of compressor operation to provide precooling,
since the second part of the test starts after compressor operation has
stopped but prior to the initiation of a defrost cycle. The measured
energy use of a refrigerator-freezer or freezer using precooling before
the defrost cycle may underrepresent the product's actual energy
consumption.
DOE intends for its test procedures to capture all of the energy
use associated with defrost and to provide results that accurately
represent the energy use of the product by consumers. In light of this
intent and the recognized limitations present in the current procedure,
DOE proposes modifying the test method for long-time defrost in a
manner consistent with what Fisher Paykel suggested in its comment to
the Electrolux petition for waiver mentioned above. 68 FR 10958. Fisher
Paykel proposed amending the third sentence of section 4.1.2.1 of the
test procedure to read as follows: ``The second part would start at the
last compressor off [-cycle] that is part of steady-state operation (or
at a point still within stable operation if there are no temperature
swings) before a defrost is initiated * * *.'' 68 FR 10958. Currently,
section 4.1.2.1 calls for the second part of the test to start either
when the defrost heater is energized or at the end of the last
compressor on-cycle prior to defrost. If this last compressor on-cycle
is an extended run for precooling, its energy use impact will be
captured neither in the first part nor the second part of the test.
Amending the test procedure as described would enable the test to
capture such an increase in compressor run time needed to accomplish
precooling before the defrost cycle occurs.
The language suggested by Fisher-Paykel addressing the ``no
temperature swings'' scenario apparently referred to systems with
variable-speed compressors that modulate capacity over a wide range
such that the compressor operates at a low speed but does not turn off
during steady-state operation between defrosts. DOE is aware that such
products have been commercialized. However, DOE believes that the
instructions suggested by Fisher Paykel for this type of operation are
not sufficiently clear to ensure consistent application of the test
procedure because such stable operation has not been defined. DOE
proposes to clarify that the second part of the test would start when
the compartment temperatures are within their measured ranges during
steady state operation or within 0.5 [deg]F of their average
temperature during steady state operation if this range is 1 [deg]F or
less when testing products that do not experience compressor off cycles
during steady-state operation between defrosts. Language addressing the
end of the second part of the test for products for which there is no
compressor off-cycle between defrosts is not needed, because this
possibility is already addressed by the maximum time for the test of 4
hours after the defrost heater is first energized.
Accordingly, DOE proposes modifying the description of the long
time automatic defrost test procedure found in section 4.1.2.1 as
follows for Appendices A1, A, B1, and B:
4.1.2.1 Long-time Automatic Defrost. If the model being tested
has a long-time automatic defrost system, the two-part test
described in this section may be used. The first part is the same as
the test for a unit
[[Page 29839]]
having no defrost provisions (section 4.1.1). The second part starts
when the compressor turns off at the end of a period of steady-state
cycling operation just before initiation of the defrost control
sequence. If the compressor does not cycle during steady-state
operation between defrosts, the second part starts at a time when
the compartment temperatures are within their ranges measured during
steady state operation, or within 0.5 [deg]F of the average during
steady state operation for a compartment with a temperature range
during steady state operation no greater than 1 [deg]F. This control
sequence may include additional compressor operation prior to
energizing the defrost heater. The second part terminates when the
compressor turns on the second time after the defrost control
sequence or 4 hours after the defrost heater is energized, whichever
occurs first. See Figure 1.
In conjunction with these changes, DOE proposes modifying the
current illustration in Appendix A1, which shows how to measure long-
time defrost and would be modified to reflect the proposed language
discussed above. DOE also proposes adding a second illustration showing
the appropriate measurement technique when there is precooling. These
amendments are proposed for both Appendices A1 and A.
DOE anticipates that these proposed modifications could affect the
energy use measurement for those products that employ precooling.
However, these products represent a minority of the products available
on the market. Adjustment of energy use standards to address the small
increase in the measurement for these products would be a relaxation of
energy use standards for all other products. If an adjustment were made
to accommodate the minority of products with precooling, the energy use
of a given product class would be increased. This would represent an
increase in allowable energy use for the majority of products of the
class for which the new test would make no change in measured energy
use.
DOE is aware that sophisticated control systems could be used to
reduce the energy use measured in the second part of the test through
the use of partial temperature recovery after the defrost, followed
later by a full recovery. This control scheme cuts short the first on-
cycle of the compressor after the defrost heater has been energized,
before cabinet temperatures recover fully. The second part of the test
then stops when the compressor starts operating a second time. The
second compressor on-cycle is allowed to run long enough for full
cabinet temperature recovery, but this additional energy use is not
captured in the test. A number of options could be considered to
address this issue including, but not limited to, the following: (1)
Requiring the recovery to continue until the average freezer
temperature is within a specified temperature difference of the average
lowest temperature attained during steady-state cycling operation, (2)
requiring that the test continue for a specified extended time period
after completion of defrost, and (3) requiring that the average
temperature of the compartment during the second part of the test be
incorporated into the freezer temperature calculation. DOE requests
comments on whether consideration should be given to further
modification of the test to avoid partial recovery and, if so, what
type of changes would be appropriate.
11. Establishing Test Procedures for Multiple Defrost Cycle Types
DOE is aware of products that use more than one control sequence
for defrost cycles. Examples include products with refrigeration
systems equipped with a single compressor and two evaporators, in which
the evaporators have different defrost frequencies. Each defrost cycle
type may have a different control sequence. For example, one defrost
cycle type may involve defrosting the freezer evaporator while another
may involve defrosting the fresh food evaporator. Alternatively, one
defrost cycle type may involve defrosting both evaporators, while
another may involve defrosting the fresh food evaporator, which may
require more frequent defrost cycles. The current test procedures do
not address products that employ these types of defrost cycles. DOE
proposes to remedy this omission by defining the term ``defrost cycle
type'' as follows.
``Defrost cycle type'' means a distinct sequence of control
whose function is to remove frost and/or ice from a refrigerated
surface. There may be variations in the sequence of control for
defrost such as the number of defrost heaters energized. Each such
variation establishes a separate distinct defrost cycle type.
In cases where these systems use automatic defrost control with
less than fourteen hours of compressor run time between defrosts for
all defrost cycle types, and in which compressor run hours for distinct
defrost cycle types are multiples of each other (e.g., the freezer
defrost occurs every 12 hours of compressor run time and the fresh food
defrost occurs every 6 hours of compressor run time), the automatic
defrost test procedure of 10 CFR 430, subpart B, Appendix A1, section
4.1.2 applies. This procedure includes a single test period, which
lasts ``from one point during a defrost period to the same point during
the next defrost period.'' (10 CFR part 430, subpart B, appendix A1
section 4.1.2). As currently written, the defrost period can be
interpreted as being associated with the defrost cycle type with the
longest compressor run time between defrosts, which would enable the
test procedure to measure all energy use, including the defrost energy
use of the product. DOE proposes to amend the language in the current
procedure to ensure that the defrost period used during testing is the
period associated with the defrost cycle type with the longest time
between defrosts.
In particular, DOE proposes to establish a procedure that addresses
the energy contribution of each of the defrost cycle types. Appendix A1
currently provides a procedure for long time defrost that allows
separate measurement of the energy use associated with the defrost
cycle in a second part of the test. 10 CFR part 430, subpart B,
Appendix A1, section 4.1.2.1. DOE proposes that this second part of the
test be applied separately to each of the defrost cycle types and that
the energy use contribution associated with each of these defrost cycle
types be included in the energy use calculation. The calculation would
be adjusted as appropriate according to the applicable frequency of the
cycle types.
DOE proposes to incorporate these changes into Appendix A1 and the
new Appendix A. The changes are not considered to be applicable to
freezers, making similar changes to Appendices B and B1 unnecessary.
DOE seeks comments on this approach and its related assumptions and
analyses.
12. Elimination of Part 3 of the Variable Defrost Test
As described in section III.D.10, language addressing variable
defrost was introduced in the test procedures in August 1989. 54 FR
36238. This test procedure amendment established a three-part test for
products equipped with variable defrost. Part 1 measures the steady-
state energy use between defrosts. Part 2 measures the energy use
associated with each defrost cycle. Part 3, which is optional, provides
a measurement of the time interval between defrosts. 10 CFR part 430,
subpart B, appendix A1, sections 4.1.2.1 and 4.1.2.2 (describing Parts
1 and 2 of the variable defrost test).
Part 3 reads as follows:
4.1.2.3 Variable defrost control optional test. After steady-
state conditions with no door openings are achieved in accordance
with section 3.3 above, the test is continued
[[Page 29840]]
using the above daily door-opening sequence until stabilized
operation is achieved. Stabilization is defined as a minimum of
three consecutive defrost cycles with times between defrosts that
will allow the calculation of a Mean Time Between Defrosts (MTBD1)
that satisfies the statistical relationship of 90 percent
confidence. The test is repeated on at least one more unit of the
model and until the Mean Time Between Defrosts for the multiple unit
tests (MTBD2) satisfies the statistical relationship. If the time
between defrosts is greater than 96 hours (compressor ``on'' time)
and this defrost period can be repeated on a second unit, the test
may be terminated at 96 hours (CT) and the absolute time value used
for MTBD for each unit.
10 CRF part 430, subpart B, appendix A1, section 4.1.2.3.
The time required to conduct this part of the test ranges from 1 to
2 weeks, which can double since a second unit must also be tested.\2\
DOE had previously estimated that the energy use captured during this
part of the test to comprise between 1.5 to 7 percent of a tested
unit's total energy consumption. See 47 FR 34522 and 54 FR 36238. DOE's
testing of refrigeration products to support the energy conservation
standard rulemaking involved testing one product using the third part
of the test, as described above. Using the optional Part 3, the test
yielded a CT value of 20.9 hours, while using the default CT
calculation (using the default value 0.2 for F, as specified in
Appendix A1 section 5.2.1.3) resulted in a value of 24.0 hours. The
energy use calculated using the CT determined by the test differs from
the energy use determined using the default value of CT by less than
0.4%.\3\ In this case, use of the default results in a lower energy
use, but achieving a reduction of 0.4% in the measured energy use would
generally not be sufficient to justify running the Part 3 test. Because
of the high test burden and the small amount of energy use involved, a
manufacturer may decide not to use this optional step. DOE is unaware
of any manufacturer that has used the test to rate a refrigeration
product.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\2\ As an example, DOE contracted with a test facility to
conduct such a test in October 2008. This test was started on
October 10 at 4 p.m. and continued until October 21 at 8 p.m., a
total duration of more than 11 days.
\3\ The energy use contribution of defrost is inversely
proportional to the value of CT, which represents hours of
compressor run time between defrosts.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Manufacturers that choose not to conduct the optional third part of
the test instead use a prescribed equation to determine the appropriate
time interval between defrosts for use when calculating energy
consumption. The equation is described as follows:
CT = (CTL x CTM)/(F x (CTM-
CTL) + CTL)
CTL = least or shortest time between defrosts in tenths
of an hour (greater than or equal to six but less than or equal to
12 hours)
CTM = maximum time between defrost cycles in tenths of an
hour (greater than CTL but not more than 96 hours)
10 CFR part 430, subpart B, appendix A1, section 5.2.1.3
In the equation for CT, the value F is the ratio of per day energy
consumption in excess of the least energy and the maximum difference in
per day energy consumption, and is set equal to 0.2 if the optional
part of the test is not conducted to determine CT directly. (Appendix
A1, section 5.2.1.3). For example, if using the maximum time between
defrosts and the minimum time between defrosts in the equation for
defrost contribution to energy use gives results of 0.1 and 0.2
kilowatt-hours per day, a value of CT would be selected so that the
defrost energy use contribution is set equal to 0.1 + 0.2 x (0.2-0.1),
equal to 0.12 kilowatt-hours per day.
Since the alternative energy calculation method can be used, the
optional step is not necessary. As mentioned above, DOE is unaware of
any manufacturers that use this optional part, which indicates that the
industry generally considers the equation for CT described above to be
an adequate representation of the performance of variable defrost
systems. For this reason, and to simplify the test procedure, DOE
proposes to eliminate this optional test. This amendment would be made
in both Appendices A1 and B1.
13. Corrections and Other Test Procedure Language Changes
This section discusses two other proposed amendments to the current
test procedure.
A: Simplification of Energy Use Equation for Products With Variable
Defrost Control
Section 5.2.1.3 of Appendix A1 provides the equation for ET, energy
use in kilowatt-hours per day, for refrigerators and refrigerator-
freezers with variable defrost:
ET = (1440 x EP1/T1) + (EP2-(EP1 x T2/T1)) x (12/CT)
where 1440 is defined in 5.2.1.1 and EP1, EP2, T1, T2 and 12 are
defined in 5.2.1.2.
CT = (CTL x CTM)/(F x (CTM-CTL) +
CTL)
CTL = least or shortest time between defrosts in tenths
of an hour (greater than or equal to six but less than or equal to
12 hours)
CTM = maximum time between defrost cycles in tenths of an
hour (greater than CTL but not more than 96 hours)
F = ratio of per day energy consumption in excess of the least
energy and the maximum difference in per day energy consumption and
is equal to
F = (1/CT - 1/CTM)/(1/CTL - 1/CTM)
= (ET-ETL)/(ETM -ETL) or 0.20 in
lieu of testing to find CT.
ETL = least electrical energy used (kilowatt hours)
ETM = maximum electrical energy used (kilowatt hours)
For variable defrost models with no values for CTL and
CTM in the algorithm the default values of 12 and 84
shall be used, respectively.
10 CFR part 430, subpart B, Appendix A1, section 5.2.1.3.
Should DOE adopt the changes to the variable defrost control test
as discussed in Section III.D.12 above,--i.e., eliminating it--much of
the language describing the factor F (i.e., the ratio of daily energy
consumption in excess of the difference between the maximum and minimum
(``least'') daily energy consumption) explained above in section
III.D.12) would no longer be necessary and would be dropped. For cases
in which the optional Part 3 is not conducted, CT is calculated based
on the default value of F, and either the manufacturer-specified or the
default values of CTM and CTL. If, on the other
hand, DOE retains the optional step, the agency believes that the
clarifying equations for F, ETL (least electrical energy
used (kilowatt hours)), and ETM (maximum electrical energy
used (kilowatt hours)) are not needed, as described below. For cases in
which the optional step is conducted to measure the value of CT (i.e.,
hours of compressor run time between defrosts to be used in the
equation for energy consumption), this value is used directly in the
equation for ET. The value of F does not need to be calculated for any
of these situations.
Regarding specific issues that DOE is proposing to amend, DOE notes
that the values of CT, CTM, and CTL should be in
units of hours to the nearest tenth of an hour rather than in units of
tenths of an hour. Section 5.2.1.2 indicates clearly that CT is in
units of hours: ``CT = Defrost timer run time in hours required to
cause it to go through a complete cycle, to the nearest tenth hour per
cycle'' (Appendix A1 section 5.2.1.2). DOE proposes to modify Appendix
A1 to remove the clarifying equations for F, ETM, and
ETL, to eliminate reference to the optional third part of
the test, and to correct the units in the definitions for
CTM (maximum time between defrosts in hours of compressor
run time) and CTL (lowest
[[Page 29841]]
time between defrosts in hours of compressor run time). If the optional
part of the test is retained, DOE would propose all of these changes
except elimination of the reference to the optional step. DOE is also
proposing that parallel changes be made in Appendices B1, A, and B. (In
Appendix B1, the change would be made in the current section 5.2.1.3.)
B: Energy Testing and Energy Use Equation for Products With Dual
Automatic Defrost
Section 4.1.2.4 of Appendix A1 describes the manner in which to
test products equipped with a dual automatic defrost cycle. The section
provides:
4.1.2.4 Dual compressor systems with automatic defrost. If the
model being tested has separate compressor systems for the
refrigerator and freezer sections, each with its own automatic
defrost system, then the two part method in 4.1.2.1 shall be used.
The second part of the method will be conducted separately for each
automatic defrost system. The auxiliary components (fan motors,
anti-sweat heaters, etc.) will be identified for each system and the
energy consumption measured during each test.
10 CFR part 430, subpart B, Appendix A1, section 4.1.2.4.
The energy use of each compressor system must be measured
separately in order to properly measure the energy use associated with
each defrost system. Section 4.1.2.4 does not describe all of the key
components--e.g., the compressor and the defrost heater are not
mentioned--that must have their energy use separately measured. DOE
proposes to modify the text to explicitly include the compressor and
defrost heater in the list of components associated with each system
that must have their energy use separately measured to clarify the
required procedure.
Additionally, DOE is proposing to modify the current energy use
equation for products equipped with dual automatic defrost cycles.
Currently, the energy use equation for products with dual automatic
defrost in section 5.2.1.5 of Appendix A1 reads as follows:
ET = (1440 x EP1/T1) + (EP2F - (EPF x T2/T1)) x
12/CTF + (EP2R - (EPR x T3/T1)) x 12/
CTR
Where 1440, EP1, T1, EP2, 12, and CT are defined in 5.2.1.2
EPF = energy expended in kilowatt-hours during the second
part of the test for the freezer system by the freezer system.
EP2F = total energy expended during the second part of
the test for the freezer system.
EPR = energy expended in kilowatt-hours during the second
part of the test for the refrigerator system by the refrigerator
system.
EP2R = total energy expended during the second part of
the test for the refrigerator system.
T2 and T3 = length of time in minutes of the second test part for
the freezer and refrigerator systems respectively.
CTF = compressor ``on'' time between freezer defrosts
(tenths of an hour).
CTR = compressor ``on'' time between refrigerator
defrosts (tenths of an hour).
10 CFR part 430, subpart B, Appendix A1, section 5.2.1.5.
DOE proposes correcting several errors in the above definitions.
The value EPF, defined as the energy use of the freezer
system during the second part of the test for the freezer system,
should instead be defined as the energy use of the freezer system
during the first part of the test. Similarly, EPR should be
the energy use of the refrigerator system during the first part of the
test rather than the second part of the test.
Also, the value EP2F should be the energy use of the
freezer system for the second part of the test for the freezer system,
rather than the total energy use for the second part of the test for
the freezer system. The total energy would include the fresh food
system energy. Calculating defrost contributions for each system
requires that the measurements be conducted only for that particular
system. Subtracting the total energy use for steady state operation
(adjusted for the time period of the defrost part of the test) from the
total energy use for the freezer defrost, the fresh food part of these
measurements will not necessarily cancel out, because they will not
necessarily include a whole number of compressor cycles. The situation
created by the current equation's definitions can result in the
measurement being erroneously adjusted based on the random nature of
when the fresh food compressor cycles on and off, rather than
calculated based just on the operation of the freezer system.
Similarly, EP2R should be the energy use of the
refrigerator system during the second part of the test for the
refrigerator system. The values CTF and CTR
should also be denoted in hours to the nearest tenths of an hour.
DOE proposes to amend the test procedure of Appendix A1 to correct
these errors. The corrected text would also appear in Appendix A.
14. Including in Certification Reports Basic Information Clarifying
Energy Measurements
This section discusses a proposal to include information in
certification reports that would clarify how products with advanced
controls features (e.g., variable defrost control or variable anti-
sweat heater control) or with modifications from standard temperature
sensor locations are tested. Section III.D.10 discusses test procedures
for products with long-time or variable defrost, section III.D.9
discusses test procedures for products with variable anti-sweat heater
control, and section III.D.3 discusses alternative temperature sensor
locations. Measurement of energy use of such products cannot be
conducted properly without knowledge of specific information regarding
these control systems or without knowledge that the temperature sensor
locations have been modified from their standard locations. This
information impacts how such a product is tested and how its energy use
is calculated. In order to allow verification of the energy use ratings
for such products by parties other than their manufacturers, DOE
proposes that this information be included in certification reports.
The calculation of energy use for products with variable defrost
control involves either use of control parameters CTL and
CTM or a test to determine the appropriate compressor run
time between defrosts. (see for example Appendix A1, section 5.2.1.3).
Section III.D.12 above proposes elimination of the approach using the
test, because DOE believes that this approach is rarely if ever used in
rating products. In order to properly measure the defrost portion of
the energy use for a product, a test technician must know (1) whether
the product has variable defrost control, and (2) the values
CTL and CTM. DOE proposes that these three sets
of data be provided in certification reports for refrigeration
products.
The proposed procedure for calculation of energy use for products
with variable anti-sweat heater control is described in section III.D.9
above. Proper energy use measurement for such a product according to
the proposed procedure requires the disclosure of whether a particular
product has this type of control. Hence, DOE proposes that this
information be provided in certification reports.
The inclusion of details regarding the relocation of temperature
sensor locations in test reports to be maintained by manufacturers is
discussed in section III.D.3 above. However, knowledge that such
modification has been made to conduct a test would not generally be
available unless DOE requested the test records. Hence, DOE proposes
that notification be provided in the certification report
[[Page 29842]]
for a product if such an adjustment has been made.
These modifications would be introduced into the regulations by
modifying 10 CFR 430.62(a)(4)(xii), which requires the reporting of
information specific to refrigeration products that must be provided in
certification reports. Reporting of the presence of variable defrost or
variable anti-sweat heater control would be required for all such
products, while reporting of the variable defrost parameters
CTL and CTM would be required only for products
equipped with this type of control. If specific values of these
parameters are not used in the control algorithm, the default defrost
parameters specified for example in Appendix A1 section 5.2.1.3 would
be reported. In the case of products with multiple defrost cycle types
(see section III.D.11 above), the defrost cycle parameters for all of
the defrost cycle types would be provided.
DOE requests comment on whether this proposal would be sufficient
to allow accurate testing, and, if this information is not sufficient,
what additional or alternative information should be provided.
E. Amendments To Take Effect Simultaneously With a New Energy
Conservation Standard
In addition to the proposed changes discussed above, DOE is
considering additional changes to the test procedure that would become
effective in conjunction with a final rule amending the energy
conservation standards for these products. These proposed changes are
discussed below.
1. Incorporating by Reference AHAM Standard HRF-1-2008 for Measuring
Energy and Internal Volume of Refrigerating Appliances
The current DOE test procedures for refrigerators and refrigerator-
freezers reference sections of AHAM Standard HRF-1-1979. The referenced
sections specify the test facility, test sample set-up, measurement
procedure, and volume calculation requirements that manufacturers must
follow when testing their products. The most recent version of this
industry procedure, HRF-1-2008, incorporates many changes, including
the specification of new requirements for compartment temperatures and
new methods of volume calculation, discussed further in sections
III.E.2 and III.E.3 of this notice.
Adopting the provisions in HRF-1-2008 for new compartment
temperatures and new volume calculation methods into the DOE test
procedures for refrigeration products would alter the measured energy
efficiency of these products. These new compartment temperatures are
lower for refrigerator-freezers and refrigerators with freezer
compartments larger than 0.5 cubic ft. in size. This proposed change
would create a greater temperature difference between the exterior and
interior of the cabinet during the test, which in turn would increase
thermal loads placed on the tested unit. In addition, the refrigeration
systems of refrigerator-freezers would operate with a greater
temperature lift (i.e., the rise in temperature between the
refrigeration system's evaporator, where heat is absorbed, and the
system's condenser, where heat is transferred to the ambient air),
which would reduce its coefficient of performance (COP, refrigeration
provided divided by power input). Both factors would increase the
measured energy use for these products, the first by increasing the
amount of heat that must be removed by the refrigeration system, and
the second by reducing the refrigeration system's effectiveness in
removing heat.
The proposed changes in the volume calculation method would change
the calculated refrigerated volume and the adjusted volume because both
factors depend on the volume measurements.
2. Establishing New Compartment Temperatures
Working Group 12 of Technical Committee 59 of the IEC is developing
IEC 62552, a new international test procedure for refrigeration
products. DOE understands that one of the chief goals of this effort is
to harmonize the energy test procedure for countries that comprise key
markets for these products. Among the procedures addressed in IEC 62552
is the treatment of compartment temperatures for refrigeration
products.
In developing HRF-1-2008, AHAM incorporated some of the provisions
being considered for IEC 62552. Among these provisions, AHAM changed
the compartment temperatures for refrigerator and refrigerator-freezer
testing. These temperature changes include (1) lowering the standard
test temperatures from 5[deg]F to 0[deg]F for the freezer compartment
of a refrigerator-freezer and from 45[deg]F to 39[deg]F for the fresh
food compartment, (2) raising the standard test temperature from
38[deg]F to 39[deg]F for an all-refrigerator, and (3) lowering the
standard test temperature from 45[deg]F to 39[deg]F for the fresh food
compartment of a refrigerator having a freezer compartment. (HRF-1-
2008, section 5.6.2). AHAM believes the new temperatures more closely
represent compartment temperatures typically experienced during normal
use of these products. (See AHAM (Framework Comments), No. 11 at p. 2.
See also Godwin, S.L. et al., ``A Comprehensive Evaluation of
Temperatures within Home Refrigerators'', Food Protection Trends, Vol.
27, No. 3, pp. 168-73, International Association for Food Protection,
2007 (assessing the actual temperatures at which cold foods are stored
in homes and noting the need to maintain refrigeration temperatures at
40[deg]F or lower) and Kosa, K. et al., ``Consumer Home Refrigeration
Practices: Findings from a Consumer Survey'', presented at the ADA Food
& Nutrition Conference & Expo, Honolulu, Hawaii, (September, 2006)
(noting the need to maintain refrigeration temperatures at 40[deg]F or
lower and the significant number of surveyed households that did not
follow this practice).)
These compartment temperature changes also led AHAM to change the
volume adjustment factors, which depend on compartment temperatures.
AHAM changed the volume adjustment factor for (1) freezer compartments
of refrigerator-freezers from 1.63 to 1.76, (2) freezers from 1.73 to
1.76, and (3) freezer compartments of refrigerators from 1.44 to 1.47.
(Compare HRF-1-1979, section 10.4 with HRF-1-2008, section 6.3).
Volume adjustment factors are used in the calculation of adjusted
volumes, which are the basis of the energy conservation standard
equations for refrigeration products. Adjusted volume is defined for
refrigerators and refrigerator-freezers as ``the sum of (i) the fresh
food compartment volume as defined in HRF-1-1979 in cubic feet, and
(ii) the product of an adjustment factor and the net freezer
compartment volume as defined in HRF-1-1979, in cubic feet.'' 10 CFR
part 430, subpart B, Appendix A1, section 1.2.
DOE proposes to adopt the new compartment temperatures of HRF-1-
2008 and their associated volume adjustment factors in the DOE test
procedures. It is doing so to improve the ability of the required
procedure to produce measurements that are more representative of field
energy use and to help facilitate the international harmonization of
appliance test procedures. Reducing the energy test compartment
temperatures for refrigerators (excluding all-refrigerators) and
refrigerator-freezers will result in higher energy test numbers because
of the higher thermal load associated with the increased temperature
difference between ambient conditions and the compartments. Chapter 7
of the preliminary Technical Support
[[Page 29843]]
Document for the ongoing rulemaking on Energy Conservation Standards
for Refrigerators, Refrigerator-Freezers, and Freezers addressed field
energy use for refrigeration products. This analysis was developed
using the U.S. DOE's Energy Information Agency's Residential Energy
Consumption Survey (RECS) of 2005. For all product classes for which
data were available in the RECS database, the field energy use was
determined to be greater than the energy use associated with an energy
test using the new compartment temperatures that are under
consideration in today's proposal. Part of this energy use increase is
associated with icemaking, which is not covered by the current energy
test procedure. However, DOE's initial analysis shows that the higher
energy use measured using the new compartment temperatures provides a
more accurate representation of energy use during typical consumer use
of refrigeration products. This observation reinforces the position
that energy tests conducted using the new compartment temperatures are
more representative of field energy use than the temperatures used in
the current test procedures.
Under today's proposal, these new compartment temperatures and
their associated volume adjustment factors would be incorporated into
the proposed Appendices A and B to coincide with the compliance date
for any new standards that manufacturers would need to meet in 2014.
3. Establishing New Volume Calculation Method
In HRF-1-2008, AHAM simplified the volume calculation method. (See
HRF-1-2008, preface). Specifically, the revised calculation involves
far fewer instructions regarding the inclusion or exclusion of various
components and regions of the compartments, and provides far fewer
diagrams illustrating these varied instructions. AHAM provided DOE with
data illustrating the impact that the new volume calculation method
would have for certain representative product classes. These data show
that calculated compartment volumes change in the range of 1 to 3
percent. (``Impact of HRF-1 Test Procedure Change on Reported Adjusted
Volume and Reported Energy Consumption Values'', RIN 1904-AB79, Docket
No. EERE-2008-BT-STD-0012 (data provided by AHAM for the Rulemaking for
Energy Conservation Standards for Refrigerators, Refrigerator-Freezers,
and Freezers)).
DOE proposes to amend the DOE test procedures to adopt the volume
calculation procedure used in HRF-1-2008. The new volume calculation
method is simpler and leaves less room for subjective interpretation by
test technicians in developing a volume estimate when compared to the
current method. Adoption of the simplified method is expected to
improve the accuracy of volume reporting. Further, since the energy
conservation standard is based on the adjusted volume determined from
volume measurements, this improved accuracy is also expected to improve
compliance with the energy standard.
Questions have surfaced during DOE review of AHAM HRF-1-2008 in
regard to requirements for the treatment of icemakers and related
hardware for the purposes of volume calculations. HRF-1-2008 does
explicitly mention whether automatic icemakers or ice storage bins
should be considered part of the internal volume. The key clause of
this standard, which specifies components whose volumes are to be
included in the volume measurement, reads, ``(w)hen the volume is
determined, internal fittings such as shelves, removable partitions,
containers and interior light housings shall be considered as not being
in place.'' (HRF-1-2008, section 4.2.2).
In contrast, HRF-1-1979 specifically addresses the volume of the
icemaker and the ice storage bin:
Volumes to be included. The total refrigerated volume is to include
volume occupied by special features, such as baskets, crispers, meat
pans, chiller trays, icemakers (including storage bins for automatic
icemakers) and water coolers. (HRF-1-1979, section 4.2.1.1(a))
Volumes to be deducted. The total refrigerated volume is not to
include volume occupied by fixed projections, such as control knobs,
shelf hangers, shelf and pan rails, and thermostat escutcheons, which
collectively, exceed a volume of more than 0.05 cubic foot (1.4 liters)
per compartment. (Id., section 4.2.1.2(e))
DOE does not intend to change the test procedure for volume
calculation to require excluding the volume of the icemaker and the ice
storage bin in the volume calculation. Hence, DOE proposes to include
the following clarifying language to this effect in section 5.3 of
Appendix A:
In the case of refrigerators or refrigerator-freezers with
automatic icemakers, the volume occupied by the automatic icemaker,
including its ice storage bin, is to be included in the volume
measurement.
DOE proposes a similar amendment to Appendix B, recognizing that
freezers may also incorporate automatic icemakers.
As with the proposed incorporation of new compartment temperatures,
DOE plans to incorporate the proposed volume calculation changes as
part of the procedures that manufacturers would apply when certifying
compliance to any standards that apply in 2014. These changes (i.e.,
temperature and volume measurements) would have a significant impact on
the overall standards for refrigeration products and necessitate, in
DOE's view, that sufficient time be provided to manufacturers to adjust
to these changes. In light of this belief, DOE believes it appropriate
to require that manufacturers use these new calculations within the
initiation of any required standards for 2014. These amendments would
appear in the new Appendices A and B.
4. Control Settings for Refrigerators and Refrigerator-Freezers During
Testing
Section III.D.4 above introduces one issue associated with the
current test procedure requirements for temperature control settings.
Additional issues and proposed amendments to resolve these issues are
discussed in this section.
The use of two tests conducted at different temperature control
settings is described above in section III.D.4. Appendix A1, section
3.2.1 requires the adjustment of settings in the second test so that
the compartment temperatures measured during the two tests bound the
standardized temperature for the product under test. The standardized
temperatures for the products covered by Appendix A1 are defined in
section 3.2: All-refrigerator, 38 [deg]F (3.3 [deg]C) for the fresh
food compartment temperature; Refrigerator, 15 [deg]F (-9.4 [deg]C) for
the freezer compartment temperature; Refrigerator-freezer, 5 [deg]F (-
15 [deg]C) for the freezer compartment temperature. For refrigerators
and refrigerator-freezers, the current procedure requires that the
settings adjustment for the second test be based only on the freezer
temperature measured during the first test, even though the product's
energy use would also be impacted by the temperature of the fresh food
compartment during the test. Hence, ensuring consistency of the test
measurement with the representative use cycle of these products should
also require consideration of bounding of the standardized temperature
of the fresh food compartment.
DOE understands that manufacturers conduct tests of refrigerator-
freezers and of refrigerators that are not all-refrigerators with
consideration of the fresh food compartment temperature. The controls
are set to their warmest
[[Page 29844]]
position(s) for the second test only if during the first test all
compartment temperatures are lower than their standardized
temperatures. Otherwise, the controls are all set to their coldest
position for the second test required under the procedure. The fresh
food compartment's standardized temperature under the practice followed
by the manufacturers is 45 [deg]F, which is consistent with the
temperature used for the energy use calculation (interpolation) based
on fresh food compartment temperature of Appendix A1, section 6.2.2.2.
DOE understands that manufacturers have adopted this approach to ensure
that the energy use calculation provides an interpolation to a setpoint
condition for which the temperatures of all compartments are either
equal to or lower than the standardized temperatures for the
compartments. This practice is most clearly described in the Canadian
Standards Association Standard C300-08, ``Energy performance and
capacity of household refrigerators, refrigerator-freezers, freezers,
and wine chillers'' (CSA C300-08), section 6.1.3.2.2, which states:
If the first test produces average compartment temperatures that
fall into quadrants B, C, or D of Figure A.1, the second test shall
be performed with all controls at their coldest setting(s). If the
first test produces average compartment temperatures that fall into
quadrant A of Figure A.1, the second test shall be performed with
all controls at their warmest setting(s).
CSA C300-08, section 6.1.3.2.2.
In Figure A.1 of C300-08 at least one of the compartment
temperatures is above its standardized temperature for quadrants B, C,
or D, but only for quadrant A are both compartment temperatures lower
than their standardized temperatures.
DOE proposes to modify the energy test procedure to make it
consistent with the procedure manufacturers already use to adjust
settings. Specifically, by requiring that the second test be conducted
with all controls at their warmest settings only if both compartment
temperatures during the first test were lower than the standardized
temperatures, DOE will help ensure that the required procedure is more
rigorous than what is currently in place in its test procedure. It
would also create a procedure that is consistent with current industry
practices. DOE proposes also to modify the specification of
standardized compartment temperatures by adding a standardized
compartment temperature for the fresh food compartment of refrigerators
and refrigerator-freezers. The standardized fresh food temperature
would be specified as 39 [deg]F in Appendix A.
Conducting a Third Test
DOE also notes that the current DOE test procedure specifies that
as many as three tests may need to be conducted for calculating energy
use. In particular, it specifies when the first two tests are
sufficient for calculating energy use and when a third test is
required. The current test procedure provides:
If the compartment temperatures measured during these two tests
bound the appropriate standardized temperature, then these test
results shall be used to determine energy consumption. If the
compartment temperature measured with all controls set at their
coldest setting is above the standardized temperature, a third test
shall be performed with all controls set at their warmest setting
and the result of this test shall be used with the result of the
test performed with all controls set at their coldest setting to
determine energy consumption. If the compartment temperature
measured with all controls set at their warmest setting is below the
standardized temperature; and the fresh food compartment temperature
is below 45 [deg]F (7.22 [deg]C) in the case of a refrigerator or a
refrigerator-freezer, excluding an all-refrigerator, then the result
of this test alone will be used to determine energy consumption.
(10 CFR 430, subpart B, Appendix A1, section 3.2.1).
Test Results Not Addressed in the Current Test Procedure
Table 2 below illustrates the logic behind the temperature setting
requirements for refrigerator and refrigerator-freezer testing. This
logic is based on the current test procedure and incorporates the
clarification regarding the treatment of fresh food and freezer
compartment temperatures for the first test, as described above. The
tests for Cases 2, 5, and 6 in Table 2 are not clearly addressed in the
current test procedure--specifically, while the freezer compartment
temperature is lower than the setpoint for both tests, the fresh food
compartment temperature is higher than 45 [deg]F for at least one of
the tests. The current procedure does not explicitly state which set of
results are to be used when calculating energy consumption in these
cases.
Table 2--Temperature Setting Chart for Refrigerators and Refrigerator-Freezers
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
First test Second test
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Third test settings Energy calculation Case No.
Settings Results Settings Results based on
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fzr Mid............... Fzr Low............... Fzr Warm.............. Fzr Low............... None................. Second Test Only.... 1
FF Mid............... FF Low................ FF Warm............... FF Low................
Fzr Low............... None................. Not Clear: Propose 2
use of First and
Second Test.
FF High...............
Fzr High.............. None................. First and Second 3
Test.
FF Low................
Fzr High.............. None................. First and Second 4
Test.
FF High...............
Fzr Low............... Fzr Cold.............. Fzr Low............... None................. Not Clear: Propose 5
requiring a Third
test with Warm/Warm
settings and use of
the Second and
Third Tests.
FF High............... FF Cold............... FF High...............
Fzr Low............... None................. Not Clear: Propose 6
use of First and
Second Test.
FF Low................
Fzr High.............. Fzr Cold.............. Fzr High.............. Fzr Warm............. Second and Third 7
Tests.
FF Low................ FF Cold............... FF Low................ FF Warm..............
Fzr Low............... None................. First and Second 8
Tests.
FF Low................
Fzr High.............. Fzr Cold.............. Fzr Low............... None................. First and Second 9
Tests.
FF High............... FF Cold............... FF Low................
Fzr Low............... None................. First and Second 10
Tests.
FF High...............
[[Page 29845]]
Fzr High.............. Fzr Warm............. Second and Third 11
Tests.
FF Low................ FF Warm..............
Fzr High.............. Fzr Warm............. Second and Third 12
Tests.
FF High............... FF Warm..............
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notes: Fzr = Freezer Compartment, FF = Fresh Food Compartment.
DOE proposes that for cases 2 and 6 that the results of the first
and second tests be used for the energy consumption calculation, since
this calculation will ensure that all compartment temperatures do not
exceed their standardized temperatures at the calculated condition.
Warm Compartments
Similarly, cases 5, 7, 10, 11, and 12 all involve at least one
compartment that is warmer than its standardized temperature when all
controls are at their coldest setting. These cases represent
substandard product performance, but the test procedure allows for the
rating of products under some of these scenarios. When one of the
warmer compartments is the freezer compartment (as in cases 7, 11, and
12), the current test procedure calls for conducting a third test with
all controls set at their warmest setting and using the second and
third tests to determine energy use. For case 10, the results for the
freezer compartment comply with the requirements of the current test
procedure (using the results from the first and second tests to
calculate energy use), even though the fresh food compartment
temperature is higher than the standardized temperature when the unit
is tested at the compartment's coldest setting. As mentioned above, the
current test procedure provides no guidance for case 5, where the
freezer compartment temperature is below the standardized temperature
but the fresh food compartment temperature at its coldest setting is
higher than the standardized temperature.
These amendments are proposed for new Appendix A.
Alternative Approach for High Compartment Temperatures
While DOE proposes that a third test be required for case 5, and
that the results of the second and third tests be used to calculate
energy consumption, the agency is considering an alternative to address
the nonstandard performance of all of these test cases in a manner
described below. While the current proposal does not incorporate this
alternative, DOE seeks comment on whether it should be implemented to
discourage designs for which any of the standardized compartment
temperatures are not achieved.
The alternative would be to modify the test procedure to prevent
the rating of products if any measured compartment temperature exceeds
its standardized temperature when all controls are at their coldest
settings. If a tested unit's fresh food compartment exceeds its
standardized temperature, the product would not meet the refrigerator
definition, which specifies the use of ``temperatures above 32 [deg]F
and below 39 [deg]F''. (10 CFR 430.2). Under the proposed definition
for a refrigerator-freezer (see section III.B), the product would also
fail to meet that product definition. Similarly, if the freezer
compartment temperature of a refrigerator-freezer exceeded its
standardized temperature, the product would not comply with the current
requirement that the freezer compartment ``may be adjusted by the user
to a temperature of 0 [deg]F or below.'' (10 CFR 430.2). The maximum
temperature for the freezer compartment of a refrigerator is 32 [deg]F,
substantially higher than the 15 [deg]F standardized temperature (10
CFR 430.2). Hence, a modification to the test procedure preventing a
rating would not directly be supported by the product definition for
the case of a refrigerator whose freezer compartment is warmer than the
15[deg]F standardized temperature.
Precedent for disallowing the rating of a product for which a
compartment is above its standardized temperature when the product is
tested with temperature controls at their coldest settings is found in
CSA C300-08:
5.2.7.3 Noncompliance and Product Description
For the standard and alternative testing sequences, the conditions
of noncompliance with prescribed thermal performance shall be as
follows:
(a) if, with all compartment controls at their coldest settings,
the freezer temperature remains above the standard operating
temperature specified in Clause 5.2.6.2, the product description shall
be revised in accordance with the measured temperature; and
(b) energy consumption shall then be declared in accordance with
the revised product description.
CSA C300-08 Section 5.2.7.3
DOE seeks comment on a possible general test procedure requirement
that would provide that any product that exhibits such substandard
performance would be ineligible of being rated as a product associated
with the standardized temperature that was not achieved. DOE further
seeks comment on whether such a provision should be considered for
current Appendices A1 and B1 as well as proposed new Appendices A and
B. Note that the reduction of some of the standardized temperatures
upon transition to Appendices A and B would increase the level of
performance required for these products.
Alternative Test Methods Involving Just Warm and/or Cold Settings
The DOE test procedure allows two alternative approaches: (1) Using
just a test with controls at their warm settings and (2) conducting two
tests with controls at their cold settings for one test and at their
warm settings for the second test. (see Appendix A1 sections 3.2.2 and
3.2.3). For the second of these approaches, the compartment temperature
is higher than the standardized temperature at the coldest setting.
Depending on the results of these tests, they can be used to determine
energy consumption. Except for the fact that a test with median
temperature setting has not been conducted as the first test, these
cases are equivalent to the cases listed in Table 2. In these cases
(cases 1, 6, 7, 11, and 12), the results of the first test are not used
in the energy consumption calculation.
General
DOE proposes to add a modified version of Table 2 to the test
procedure. The proposed changes would clarify the energy consumption
calculation by dictating both the (1) temperature
[[Page 29846]]
settings of subsequent tests and (2) test results that would be used
when calculating energy consumption. These changes would apply to
Appendices A.
DOE also proposes that the equivalent of the logic chart
represented by Table 2 be included in the test procedures to describe
the temperature settings and tests to use for the energy use
calculation for all-refrigerators and freezers. An example of such a
chart is shown in Table 3 below. This change would be made in
Appendices A and B.
Table 3--Temperature Setting Chart for All--Refrigerators and Freezers
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
First test Second test
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Third test Energy calculation based on:
Settings Results Settings Results settings
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mid............................. Low................ Warm............... Low................ None.............. Second Test Only.
High............... None.............. First and Second Tests.
High............... Cold............... Low................ None.............. First and Second Tests.
High............... Warm.............. Second and Third Tests.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DOE seeks comment on these proposed amendments, on whether the
circumstances listed in Table 2 and Table 3 adequately address all test
result possibilities for their respective products, whether the
proposed approaches for the currently unclear cases 2, 5, and 6 as
indicated in Table 2 are appropriate, and whether the alternative
approach disallowing a rating in the case of warm compartment
temperatures should be adopted. DOE also seeks comment as to whether
its understanding regarding manufacturer practices with respect to
setting adjustments during testing are accurate and, if not, what those
practices are and how best to address them within the context of DOE's
proposed amendments. Finally, DOE requests comment on whether any of
these amendments should be directly applied to Appendices A1 and B1 so
that they would take effect prior to the effective date of new energy
conservation standards; such comments should indicate whether
implementing these changes would make any impact on measured energy
use.
5. Icemakers and Icemaking
Nearly all refrigerator-freezers currently sold either have an
automatic icemaker or are ``icemaker-ready'', meaning that they have
the necessary water tubing, valve(s), and icemaker mounting hardware
already installed to allow quick conversion to icemaking operation if
an automatic icemaker is installed at any time after product shipment.
Production of ice increases the energy use of a refrigerator-freezer in
two ways: (1) Additional refrigeration is required to cool and freeze
the incoming water, and (2) some icemaker components (e.g, the mold
heater, the gear motor) also consume energy.
The current test procedure for refrigerators and refrigerator-
freezers does not measure the energy use associated with ice production
(HRF-1-1979, section 7.4.2). (This is a separate issue from energy used
by heaters as part of the icemaking system, which is addressed in
section III.F.1.) Limited information has been publicly available
regarding ice production energy use, which depends on the product's
efficiency in producing ice and the rate of ice production. Publicly
available information on this issue includes the following:
Measurements of the impact of ice making on energy use in
tests which were otherwise consistent with the DOE energy test
procedure for four refrigerator-freezers meeting 1993 energy standards
show energy use increase of 72 to 121 kWh/year. (Alan Meier and Mark
Martinez. 1996. Energy Use of Icemaking in Domestic Refrigerators.
ASHRAE Transactions: Symposia. AT-96-19-2)
Similar measurements with a single refrigerator showed
energy use increase of 130 to 150 kWh/year. (Haider, Imam; He Feng; and
Reinhard Radermacher. Experimental Results of a Household Automatic
Icemaker in a Refrigerator/Freezer. ASHRAE Transactions: Symposia. SA-
96-7-3)
Energy impact at full production of ice was estimated at
250 kWh per year, average ice production is suggested to be 500 grams
(g) per day (roughly one-quarter of full production), and the overall
impact is estimated to be about 10% of the rated refrigerator energy
use. This is based on testing of refrigerators that likely were
compliant with the 1993 energy standards, considering the 1995 date of
the report referenced in the article. (Alan Meier, Energy Use of Ice
Making in Domestic Refrigerators, http://eetd.lbl.gov/EA/1995_Ann_Rpt/Buildings/energy.use.of.ice.html)
DOE conducted testing to determine icemaking energy use. The
average energy consumption and ice production rates were measured for
extended periods of refrigerator-freezer operation involving multiple
icemaking cycles during the steady-state operation of the products
between defrost cycles for three refrigerator-freezers. Two of these
products were bottom-mount refrigerator-freezers with TTD ice service.
The other was a side-mount refrigerator-freezer with TTD ice service.
The results of the tests are summarized in Table 1 below. The results
show a fairly consistent energy use per pound of ice in the range 175
to 200 Watt-hours.
Table 4--Refrigerator Icemaking Test Results
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Refrigerator type Bottom-mount Bottom-mount Side-mount
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Refrigerated Volume (cubic ft.)........................ 26 25 26
Rated Annual Energy Consumption (kWh).................. 540 547 728
Test Average Wattage
With Icemaking..................................... 85.1 130.0 98.2
Without Icemaking.................................. 75.6 104.5 60.9
Differential....................................... 10 25 37
Ice Production Rate (lb/day)........................... 1.35 3.44 4.6
Production Efficiency (Watt-hours/lb).................. 178 174 193
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 29847]]
Assuming a daily ice production rate of 1 pound per day (consistent
with the 1995 Meier report), the energy use increase associated with
icemaking is in the range of 64 to 73 kWh represents 10% to 15% of the
rated energy use of the tested products. While the energy use in kWh is
consistent with the 1995 Meier report (one-quarter of 250 kWh, or 63
kWh), the percentage of rated annual energy use is higher. DOE believes
this discrepancy is due to the lower annual energy consumption of
current products. DOE concludes from these data that icemaking energy
use can be a significant portion of overall energy use of refrigerator-
freezers.
DOE notes that AHAM has been developing a test procedure for
measuring icemaking energy use. Preliminary work on this effort was
presented to DOE on November 19, 2009. The handout for this
presentation, ``AHAM Update to DOE on Status of Ice Maker Energy Test
Procedure'', November 19, 2009, has been incorporated into the docket
for this rulemaking (RIN 1904-AB92, Docket No. EERE-2009-BT-TP-0003).
While AHAM has not completed its icemaking test procedure, the
presentation provides measurements of icemaking energy use determined
using a preliminary test method. The average of these measurements is
128 Watt-hours per pound. The preliminary AHAM procedure specified a
daily production rate of 1.8 pounds of ice--thus, the average daily
energy use associated with icemaking of these preliminary measurements
is 0.23 kWh and the average annual energy use is 84 kWh.
In light of the amount of overall energy use that icemaking appears
to require, DOE is considering incorporating a test procedure for
measuring icemaking energy use in the energy test for refrigerators,
refrigerator-freezers, and freezers. However, as described in the AHAM
presentation handout, and as noted in several comments associated with
the refrigeration product energy conservation standard rulemaking (see
for example comments provided by AHAM, No. 34 at p. 2, RIN 1904-AB79,
Docket No. EERE-2008-BT-STD-0012), development of an icemaking test
procedure is complex and consensus has not been reached that a
satisfactory procedure has been developed. Consequently, rather than
incorporate a measurement of icemaking energy use into the procedure at
this time, DOE proposes to introduce the inclusion of a fixed
placeholder value for icemaking energy use into the calculation for the
energy use of refrigeration products with automatic icemakers. This
approach would satisfy the need for improved accuracy in reporting the
representative energy use of products, since the reported energy use
would no longer be omitting icemaking energy consumption.
DOE proposes use of the average daily icemaking energy use value
reported by AHAM, 0.23 kWh per daily cycle. While there are questions
about the suitability of the test method used to determine this value,
the data reported by AHAM represents the most thorough and complete
test series addressing this issue that is available for consideration.
DOE welcomes comment on this approach. Further, DOE will consider
updated information, such as revised data based on a more thoroughly
developed test.
DOE proposes incorporation of icemaking energy use for products
that have automatic icemakers. This includes products either with or
without TTD ice service, and could include freezers and refrigerators
as well as refrigerator-freezers. While the icemaking energy use of
products having automatic icemakers could vary significantly, accurate
data that would allow the development of fixed icemaking energy use
values that are a function of product class or other product
characteristics is not available.
DOE proposes incorporation of the icemaking energy use into the
energy use calculation by integrating the icemaking energy use value,
designated IET and measured in kWh per cycle, into the equations for
energy use per cycle, which would be included in the proposed
Appendices A and B in section 6.2. For example, the energy use per
cycle for refrigerators or refrigerator-freezers in which the
compartment temperatures are lower than the standardized temperatures
during the test with control settings in their warmest positions would
be determined as follows:
6.2.2.1 If the fresh food compartment temperature is at or below 39
[deg]F (3.9 [deg]C) in both tests and the freezer compartment
temperature is at or below 15 [deg]F (-9.4 [deg]C) in both tests of a
refrigerator or at or below 0 [deg]F (-17.8 [deg]C) in both tests of a
refrigerator-freezer, the per-cycle energy consumption shall be:
E = ET1 + IET
Where:
ET is defined in 5.2.1;
IET, expressed in kilowatt-hours per cycle, equals 0.23 for a
product with an automatic icemaker and otherwise equals 0 (zero);
and
number 1 indicates the test period during which the highest freezer
compartment temperature was measured.
These amendments would be incorporated in the proposed new
Appendices A and B.
DOE may consider modifying the test procedure requirements
associated with icemaking energy use to incorporate testing to
determine the icemaking energy use of particular products. If a
suitable test procedure for this purpose can be developed in time for
incorporation in the final rule for this rulemaking, DOE will consider
adopting such an amendment. However, such a step will involve issuance
of a supplementary NOPR (SNOPR) prior to the final rule. Stakeholders
are invited to provide comments including recommendations for the test
procedure if DOE were to propose an SNOPR. DOE expects to consider the
following factors in developing a proposal for test measurement of
icemaking energy use:
(1) Applicability of the test procedure for all types of automatic
ice makers;
(2) Submitted test data demonstrating accuracy and repeatability of
the procedure;
(3) Proposal of an ice production rate in pounds per day (or per
year) so that daily or annual icemaking energy use can be calculated
and data supporting the production rate; and
(4) The degree of consensus among industry representatives that the
test is viable and that burden is not excessive.
One issue that has come to DOE's attention during consideration of
a test for icemaking energy use is the possible impact on energy use
measurements of the presence of ice in the ice bin. (See, for example,
comment 9 from the July 14, 2009 HRF-1 Task Force meeting, included in
information provided by AHAM, No. 34 at p. 2, RIN 1904-AB79, Docket No.
EERE-2008-BT-STD-0012). The current test procedure does not clarify
whether ice may be in the bin during the energy test. Appendix A1
section 2.2 references sections 7.2 through section 7.4.3.3 of HRF-1-
1979. (Appendix A1 section 2.2). Section 7.4.2 of HRF-1-1979 states,
``[i]ce bins of automatic ice makers are to be full of frozen food
packages;'' (HRF-1-1979 section 7.4.2). However, Appendix A1 section
2.3 states, ``For automatic defrost refrigerator-freezers, the freezer
compartments shall not be loaded with any frozen food packages.''
(Appendix A1 section 2.3). The test procedures are currently silent
regarding the presence of ice in the ice bin during the test. DOE
requests comment on whether a requirement regarding presence of ice in
the bin should be incorporated into the test procedure. Such a
requirement would be implemented by inclusion of appropriate language
into the set-up
[[Page 29848]]
requirements in sections 2 of Appendices A1, B1, A, and B.
F. Other Issues Under Consideration
1. Electric Heaters
Refrigeration products use electric heaters for a variety of
functions. This section identifies some of those functions, discusses
established approaches to heater operation during energy testing, and
highlights sections of this notice that address modifications to the
current test requirements for heaters.
Anti-Sweat Heaters
The DOE test procedures have always incorporated provisions
addressing the operation of anti-sweat heaters. These components are
defined in both Appendices A1 and B1 (See 10 CFR part 430, subpart B,
appendix A1, section 1.3 and 10 CFR part 430, subpart B, appendix B1,
section 1.2) as devices designed to prevent moisture accumulation on a
product's exterior surfaces under conditions of high ambient humidity.
For products that have an anti-sweat heater switch that controls
operation of anti-sweat heaters, both Appendices A1 and B1 require
tests to be conducted with the anti-sweat heater switch in both the on
and off positions. (See 10 CFR part 430, subpart B, appendix A1,
section 2.2 and 10 CFR part 430, subpart B, appendix B1, section 2.2).
The ``standard cycle'' is defined as a 24-hour cycle of operation of a
refrigeration product with the anti-sweat heater switch on. (10 CFR
part 430 subpart B appendix A1 section 1.7, 10 CFR part 430, subpart B,
appendix B1, section 1.5). Calculation of annual operating cost for
refrigerators, refrigerator-freezers, and freezers involves averaging
the energy use of a standard cycle and a cycle with the anti-sweat
heater switch in its position just prior to shipping from the factory.
(10 CFR 430.23(a)(2) and 430.23(b)(2)).
Section III.D.7 of this NOPR discusses a proposed modification to
the definition of what constitutes an anti-sweat heater under DOE's
regulations. Section III.D.8 addresses a proposed change that would
address anti-sweat heater switch positions during testing. Finally,
section III.D.9 discusses incorporating procedures for variable anti-
sweat heating controls that were most recently addressed by waivers.
Any electric heater that falls under the current definition of anti-
sweat heater must be tested according to the current test procedures as
defined in the current Appendices A1 and B1. Likewise, any electric
heater that falls under the proposed definition would be required to be
tested according to the proposed test procedures of Appendices A1 and
B1 prior to the date that new energy conservation standards take
effect. Manufacturers would use proposed Appendices A and B, which
incorporate the proposed changes to Appendices A1 and B1, on and after
the date that the new standards take effect.
Defrost Heaters
Defrost heaters, including both heaters used to remove frost from
evaporators and heaters used to prevent defrost water from refreezing
in the drip pan or discharge tubing are addressed by the DOE test
procedures. Automatic defrost is defined in Appendices A1 and B1. (See
10 CFR part 430, subpart B, appendix A1, section 1.8 and 10 CFR part
430, subpart B, appendix B1, section 1.7). Additional definitions are
provided for long-time automatic defrost and variable defrost control.
(10 CFR part 430 subpart B appendix A1 section 1, 10 CFR part 430
subpart B appendix B1 section 1). The test procedures were modified on
August 31, 1989 to respond to the development of adaptive defrost
technology. 54 FR 36238. Section 4 of both Appendices A1 and B1 address
the test time period for automatic defrost and its variations (See 10
CFR part 430, subpart B, appendix A1, section 4 and 10 CFR part 430,
subpart B, appendix B1, section 4). The methods for measuring daily
energy use that incorporate the energy use of defrost heaters for
different automatic defrost systems are specified in section 5 of both
Appendices A1 and B1. (10 CFR part 430, subpart B, appendix A1, section
5 and 10 CFR part 430, subpart B, appendix B1, section 5).
Section III.D.10 of this NOPR discusses DOE's proposed modification
of the long time defrost test procedure to address the energy usage of
modern defrost control approaches, which are not comprehensively
captured by the current procedure. Section III.D.13.B discusses a
proposed correction to the procedure for measuring defrost energy use
of dual compressor systems with dual defrost. All energy use associated
with defrost, including both the energy input for the heater(s) and all
of the energy use of the refrigeration system(s) required to remove the
defrost heat or to provide precooling to minimize the impact of cabinet
warmup during defrost should be captured by the energy test.
Heaters for Temperature Control
Heaters that adjust the temperatures of refrigerated compartments
are addressed indirectly through control setting requirements. The
current test procedures require compartment temperature settings
consistent with the standardized temperatures for these compartments.
While compartment temperature control is primarily achieved by
compressor cycling and the adjustment of dampers controlling the air
flow to different compartments, some products may use electric heaters
to enhance temperature control precision. The control setting
requirements, among other things, specify the procedures for setting
the temperature control of main compartments. (See 10 CFR part 430,
subpart B, appendix A1, section 3 and 10 CFR part 430, subpart B,
appendix B1, section 3). They also include specific procedures for
special compartments as defined in HRF-1-1979, section 7.4.2. Section
III.D.5 discusses proposed modifications to procedures for special
compartments to make the procedures for these compartments consistent
with procedures for convertible compartments.
However, in instances where a refrigerator-freezer has more than
two compartments, or where manufacturers have incorporated sub-
compartments with separate temperature controls, or both, the
instructions in the current test procedure for adjusting temperature
control settings and for weighted averaging of energy measurements
based on measured compartment temperatures are less clear. Section
III.D.6 discusses issues associated with these situations and the
agency's proposed approaches for addressing both of these
circumstances.
Because the purpose of these test procedures is to provide a
measurement of energy use (including those of temperature control
heaters) that is representative of typical consumer use, DOE recognizes
the need to explicitly address the setting of compartment temperatures
for more advanced products equipped with more complicated
configurations. Refinement of the procedures for setting the
temperatures of compartments during testing in the manner proposed in
today's notice will improve the consistency of test measurements with
representative use cycles of products in the field.
Icemaker Heaters
Manufacturers also use electric heaters in automatic icemakers. For
example, many icemakers use mold heaters (or ``harvest heaters'') to
free the ice from the icemaker mold. Some refrigerator-freezers also
have heaters integrated with the icemaker fill tubes to ensure that
water does not freeze in the
[[Page 29849]]
tube transferring water to the icemaker. This topic has been recently
addressed in a document issued on the refrigerator rulemaking Web site
(``Additional Guidance Regarding Application of Current Procedures for
Testing Energy Consumption of Refrigerator-Freezers with Automatic Ice
Makers'', December 2009, http://www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/appliance_standards/residential/pdfs/rf_test_procedure_addl_guidance.pdf).
These views would continue to apply to the newly proposed
Appendices A and B.
However, energy used by these heaters during ice production may not
be sufficiently captured using the current energy test. Consideration
of test procedures for measurement of icemaking energy use is discussed
in section III.E.5 of this notice.
Exterior Heaters for Evaporation of Defrost Water
Heaters may be used on the exterior of refrigeration products to
evaporate defrost melt water collected in the defrost water pan. The
current test procedures provide no specific requirements for these
heaters.
These heaters may not operate in the high-ambient closed-door
operational conditions found during typical energy testing, since, for
example, under such test conditions, no significant amount of defrost
water would collect in a defrost water pan. The key sources of such
water in normal operating conditions are (1) water vapor that enters
with the air during door-openings, and (2) moisture from food products.
Since energy testing is conducted with the doors closed and with no
food products in the refrigerator, these key sources of moisture are
absent and the pans generally remain dry. Hence, the energy test cannot
provide measurements consistent with the representative use cycles for
products with these components. DOE requests comments on the prevalence
of the use of such heaters and their likely energy use. DOE may
consider a test procedure amendment requesting manufacturers to
petition for a waiver for products having these heaters to modify the
test procedure to incorporate a measurement addressing their energy
use.
Other Heaters
There may be additional uses for electric resistance heaters in
refrigeration products that are not mentioned in this section. DOE
requests comment regarding what such uses might be, how they contribute
to energy use in normal operating conditions and during testing in
accordance with the current DOE energy test, and whether the current
procedure with or without the proposed amendments discussed in this
notice requires additional modifications to more accurately reflect
their energy usage.
2. Rounding Off Energy Test Results
The current energy test procedure for refrigeration products
references HRF-1-1979, which specifies the level of precision to apply
when measuring electric energy consumption (0.01 kWh) and the accuracy
of that measurement (within 0.5%). (HRF-1-1979 section
7.3.2). HRF-1-2008 specifies an increased level of precision (0.001
kWh) for digital watt-hour meters, but retains the same requirement of
0.5% accuracy for energy measurements (HRF-1-2008, section
5.4.2).
The energy use of refrigeration products covers a broad range.
However, a minimally compliant 20-cubic foot refrigerator-freezer with
automatic defrost and a top-mounted freezer would have an energy use of
roughly 500 kWh. Applying the above requirements, the required accuracy
of this measurement is, at best, 2.5 kWh (500 kWh x 0.5%).
The DOE regulations currently do not specify the level of precision
that refrigeration product manufacturers must follow when reporting the
energy use of their products--see, for example, 10 CFR 430.23(a)(5).
The above example suggests that a precision level exceeding 1 kilowatt-
hour may not be warranted but DOE is interested in receiving comment on
this issue. Based on comments received, DOE may consider adopting a
more precise level of reported energy usage (e.g., to the tenths or
hundredths level) or a level that would require reporting to the
nearest kilowatt-hour. Such a requirement would be implemented in 10
CFR 430.23(a)(5), for refrigerators and refrigerator-freezers, and in
10 CFR 430.23(b)(5), for freezers.
DOE recognizes that, if energy use is reported to the nearest
kilowatt-hour, the specification of maximum allowable energy use must
also be rounded to the nearest kilowatt-hour, to prevent a reporting
error. For example, if the energy standard was 500.7 kWh for a product
whose energy use measurement was 500.6 kWh, rounding the measurement to
501 kWh might appear to show energy use higher than the maximum
allowable under the standard. DOE will consider proposing that the
maximum allowable energy use under the energy conservation standard be
rounded to the nearest kilowatt-hour or some other fraction as part of
the energy conservation standard rulemaking.
DOE requests comment on the achievable accuracy in measurement of
refrigeration product energy use, the appropriate level of precision
for reporting of energy use and on the need to provide a similar
rounding for maximum allowable energy use under the energy conservation
standard.
G. Compliance With Other EPCA Requirements
In addition, DOE examined its other obligations under EPCA in
developing this particular rulemaking notice. These requirements are
addressed in greater detail below.
1. Test Burden
Section 323(b)(3) of EPCA requires that ``any test procedures
prescribed or amended under this section shall be reasonably designed
to produce test results which measure energy efficiency, energy use * *
* or estimated annual operating cost of a covered product during a
representative average use cycle or period of use * * * and shall not
be unduly burdensome to conduct.'' (42 U.S.C. 6293(b)(3)) For the
reasons that follow, DOE has tentatively concluded that the proposed
amendments to DOE test procedures would satisfy this requirement.
The proposed amendments generally incorporate minor adjustments to
test sample set-up procedures, the treatment of certain product
features such as convertible compartments, compartment temperatures,
and volume calculation methods. Most of these proposed amendments would
require no changes in the current requirements for equipment and
instrumentation for testing or the time required for testing. With
respect to the proposed test method for variable anti-sweat heaters,
this proposal would specify testing in a humidity-controlled test
chamber and require conducting three tests to measure energy use for
steady-state cycling operation of a refrigerator-freezer. As a result,
this change would require manufacturers of products equipped with
variable anti-sweat heater controls to conduct additional testing. DOE
estimates that the additional testing is expected to represent roughly
a doubling of test time for these products, from roughly 5 days to
roughly 10 days, which is consistent with the additional test burden
associated with an anti-sweat heater switch, the approach used by some
manufacturers to reduce the energy impact of anti-sweat heaters prior
to granting of the variable anti-sweat heater control waivers.
Among the options that DOE considered in preparation of today's
[[Page 29850]]
notice include: (1) Allowing the test procedure to be conducted exactly
as described in the waivers or interim waivers granted to GE,
Whirlpool, Electrolux, and Samsung, and (2) harmonizing ambient
temperature of the test with the 90 [deg]F generally used for energy
testing. After reviewing these options, DOE believes that the
additional testing required for variable anti-sweat heaters is the
least burdensome approach to determine the energy use of variable anti-
sweat heaters while helping to ensure that these components are
sufficiently addressed in the agency's test procedure.
At least two reasons support this view. First, manufacturers of
refrigerator-freezers generally have test chambers with humidity
control that would be appropriate for testing products with variable
anti-sweat heaters since manufacturers would need such test chambers in
the first instance to verify the effectiveness of anti-sweat and
defrost devices in their products. While the additional testing that
would be required may double the test time for products with variable
anti-sweat heater control, it is unclear that any less-burdensome
approaches could reliably verify that the control systems work as
described.
Second, relatively few products would require the variable anti-
sweat test, which would mean that the overall cost on the industry
would be low. (An example of such a product would be a refrigerator-
freezer equipped with French doors, for which anti-sweat heating for
the seal between the French doors cannot be provided with customary
hot-liquid refrigerant heating.) Accordingly, DOE does not anticipate
that manufacturers would need to outlay significant capital
expenditures for new testing facilities or equipment to comply with the
proposed variable anti-sweat test method and has tentatively concluded
that the proposed test procedure amendments would not be unduly
burdensome to conduct.
As an option to reduce the test burden associated with the variable
anti-sweat control test procedure, DOE may consider allowing
certification of products having such a feature based on the anti-sweat
heater energy use contribution measured for a product with the same
variable anti-sweat heating system design. Such an approach would
require energy test measurements made in support of certification to be
made as currently required for all products. However, the value of the
``Correction Factor'' representing the energy use contribution of the
anti-sweat heaters could be based on measurements conducted for a
product with the same variable anti-sweat heating system design. The
same system design would include use of the same heater wattages in the
same locations of the product, and control using the same algorithms.
DOE seeks comment on whether such an approach would be acceptable, and
whether the characterization of ``same variable anti-sweat heater
system design'' is appropriate. Further, DOE seeks information
justifying this suggested approach for reducing the test burden
associated with the proposed variable anti-sweat heater control test
procedure, including data demonstrating that it would provide an
accurate and repeatable representation of energy use. DOE also seeks
information regarding any alternative approach that could be considered
to address this test burden issue, with supporting information and data
to support such an alternative.
2. Potential Amendments To Include Standby and Off Mode Energy
Consumption
EPCA directs DOE to amend test procedures ``to include standby mode
and off mode energy consumption * * * with such energy consumption
integrated into the overall energy efficiency, energy consumption, or
other energy descriptor for each covered product, unless the Secretary
determines that--(i) the current test procedures for a covered product
already fully account for and incorporate the standby and off mode
energy consumption of the covered product * * * '' 42 U.S.C.
6295(gg)(2)(A)(i). The DOE test procedures for refrigeration products
involve measuring the energy use of these products during extended time
periods that include periods when the compressor and other key
components are cycled off. All of the energy these products use during
the ``off cycles'' is included in the measurements. The refrigeration
product could include any auxiliary features which draw power in a
standby or off mode. HRF-1-1979 and HRF-1-2008 provide instructions
that certain auxiliary features should be set to the lowest power
position during testing. In this lowest power position, any standby or
off mode energy use of such auxiliary features would be included in the
energy measurement. Hence, no separate changes are needed to account
for standby and off mode energy consumption, since the current
procedures (and as proposed) address these modes.
IV. Procedural Requirements
A. Review Under Executive Order 12866
The Office of Management and Budget has determined that test
procedure rulemakings do not constitute ``significant regulatory
actions'' under section 3(f) of Executive Order 12866, Regulatory
Planning and Review, 58 FR 51735 (Oct. 4, 1993). Accordingly, this
proposed action was not subject to review under the Executive Order by
the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) in the Office
of Management and Budget (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 for any rule
that by law must be proposed for public comment, unless the agency
certifies that the proposed 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 rulemaking process. 68 FR 7990. DOE has made its
procedures and policies available on the Office of the General
Counsel's Web site (http://www.gc.doe.gov).
DOE reviewed the test procedures considered in today's notice of
proposed rulemaking under the provisions of the Regulatory Flexibility
Act and the procedures and policies published on February 19, 2003.
This proposed rule prescribes test procedures that would be used to
test compliance with energy conservation standards for the products
that are the subject of this rulemaking.
The Small Business Administration (SBA) considers an entity to be a
small business if, together with its affiliates, it employs less than a
threshold number of workers specified in 13 CFR part 121, which relies
on size standards and codes established by the North American Industry
Classification System (NAICS). The threshold number for NAICS code
335222, which applies to Household Refrigerator and Home Freezer
Manufacturing, is 1,000 employees.
DOE searched the SBA Web site (http://dsbs.sba.gov/dsbs/search/dsp_dsbs.cfm) to identify manufacturers within this NAICS code that
produce refrigerators, refrigerator-freezers, and/or freezers. Most of
the manufacturers
[[Page 29851]]
supplying these products are large multinational corporations with more
than 1,000 employees. There are several small businesses involved in
the sale of refrigeration products that are listed on the SBA Web site
under the NAICS code for this industry. However, DOE believes that only
U-Line Corporation of Milwaukee, Wisconsin is a small business that
manufactures these products. U-Line primarily manufactures compact
refrigerators and related compact products such as wine coolers and
icemakers (these icemakers are distinguished from the automatic
icemakers installed in many residential refrigeration products in that
they are complete icemaking appliances using either typical residential
icemaking technology or the clear icemaking technology used extensively
in commercial icemakers--they are distinguished from refrigerators in
that their sole purpose is production and storage of ice).
DOE has tentatively concluded that the proposed rule would not have
a significant impact on small manufacturers under the provisions of the
Regulatory Flexibility Act. The proposed rule would amend DOE's energy
test procedures for refrigeration products. The amendments do not
require use of test facilities or test equipment that differ
significantly from the test facilities or test equipment that
manufacturers currently use to evaluate the energy efficiency of these
products. Further, the amended test procedures would not be
significantly more difficult or time-consuming to conduct than current
DOE energy test procedures except for the amendments addressing testing
of products with variable anti-sweat heating controls. The products
that currently have such control, refrigerator-freezers with bottom-
mounted freezers and French doors serving the fresh food compartment,
are all manufactured by large manufacturers. U-Line, the only small
business manufacturer that has been identified, does not manufacture
these products.
For these reasons, DOE tentatively concludes and certifies that the
proposed rule would not have a significant economic impact on a
substantial number of small entities. Accordingly, DOE has not prepared
a regulatory flexibility analysis for this rulemaking. DOE will
transmit the certification and supporting statement of factual basis to
the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the SBA for review under 5 U.S.C.
605(b).
C. Review Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995
This proposed rulemaking will impose no new information collection
or record-keeping requirements. Accordingly, OMB clearance is not
required under the Paperwork Reduction Act. (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.)
D. Review Under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969
In this notice, DOE proposes to amend its test procedure for
refrigerators, refrigerator-freezers, and freezers. These amendments
would improve the ability of DOE's procedures to more accurately
account for the energy consumption of products that incorporate a
variety of new technologies that were not contemplated when the current
procedure was promulgated. The proposed amendments would also be used
to develop and implement future energy conservation standards for
refrigeration products. DOE has determined that this rule falls into a
class of actions that are categorically excluded from review under the
National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) and
DOE's implementing regulations at 10 CFR part 1021. Specifically, this
rule amends an existing rule without changing its environmental effect,
and, therefore, is covered by the Categorical Exclusion in 10 CFR part
1021, subpart D, paragraph A5. The exclusion applies because this rule
would establish revisions to existing test procedures that would not
affect the amount, quality, or distribution of energy usage, and,
therefore, would not result in any environmental impacts. Accordingly,
neither an environmental assessment nor an environmental impact
statement is required.
E. Review Under Executive Order 13132
Executive Order 13132, ``Federalism,'' imposes certain requirements
on agencies formulating and implementing policies or regulations that
preempt State law or that have Federalism implications. 64 FR 43255
(August 10, 1999). 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 that it will follow in developing such
regulations. 65 FR 13735. DOE examined this proposed rule and
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 today's 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) 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 specifies the following: (1) The
preemptive effect, if any; (2) any effect on existing Federal law or
regulation; (3) a clear legal standard for affected conduct while
promoting simplification and burden reduction; (4) the retroactive
effect, if any; (5) definitions of key terms; and (6) 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 whether 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, this 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) (Pub.
L. 104-4; 2 U.S.C. 1501 et seq.) requires each Federal agency to assess
the effects of Federal regulatory actions on State,
[[Page 29852]]
local, and Tribal governments and the private sector. 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 estimates of the resulting costs, benefits,
and other effects on the national economy. (2 U.S.C. 1532(a)-(b)) 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 such governments. On March 18, 1997, DOE published a statement
of policy on its process for intergovernmental consultation under UMRA.
62 FR 12820. (The policy is also available at http://www.gc.doe.gov).
Today's proposed rule contains neither an intergovernmental mandate nor
a mandate that may result in an 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.
Today's 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 the 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). DOE has
reviewed today's proposed rule under 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 OIRA
a Statement of Energy Effects for any proposed significant energy
action. A ``significant energy action'' is defined as any action by an
agency that promulgates 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 if the proposal is implemented, and
of reasonable alternatives to the action and their expected benefits on
energy supply, distribution, and use. Today's proposed regulatory
action is not a significant regulatory action under Executive Order
12866. It has likewise not been designated as a significant energy
action by the Administrator of OIRA. Moreover, it would not have a
significant adverse effect on the supply, distribution, or use of
energy. 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 DOE Organization Act (Pub. L. 95-91; 42
U.S.C. 7101 et seq.), 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 (FEAA). (15 U.S.C. 788)
Section 32 essentially provides in part that, where a proposed rule
authorizes or requires use of commercial standards, the 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 procedures addressed by this
proposed action incorporate testing methods contained in certain
sections of the commercial standards, AHAM Standards HRF-1-1979 and
HRF-1-2008. DOE has evaluated these two versions of this standard and
is unable to conclude whether it fully complies 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 the Attorney General and the Chairman of
the FTC about the impact on competition of using the methods contained
in this standard, before prescribing a final rule.
V. Public Participation
A. Attendance at the Public Meeting
The time, date, and location of the public meeting are listed in
the DATES and ADDRESSES sections at the beginning of this NOPR. To
attend the public meeting, please notify Ms. Brenda Edwards at (202)
586-2945. As explained in the ADDRESSES section, foreign nationals
visiting DOE Headquarters are subject to advance security screening
procedures.
B. Procedure for Submitting Requests To Speak
Any person who has an interest in today's notice, or who is a
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 public meeting. Such persons may hand-deliver requests to speak
to the address shown in the ADDRESSES section at the beginning of this
notice between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays. Requests may also be sent by mail or e-mail to Ms. Brenda
Edwards, U.S. Department of Energy, Building Technologies Program,
Mailstop EE-2J, 1000 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20585-
0121, or [email protected]. Persons who wish to speak should
include in their request a computer diskette or CD in WordPerfect,
Microsoft Word, PDF, or text (ASCII) file format that briefly describes
the nature of their interest in this rulemaking and the topics they
wish to discuss. Such persons should also provide a daytime
[[Page 29853]]
telephone number where they can be reached.
DOE requests persons scheduled to make an oral presentation to
submit an advance copy of their statements at least one week before the
public meeting. 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
Program. Requests to give an oral presentation should ask for such
alternative arrangements.
C. Conduct of Public Meeting
DOE will designate an agency official to preside at the 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 5 U.S.C. 553 and 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 public meeting. After the public meeting,
interested parties may submit further comments on the proceedings as
well as on any aspect of the rulemaking until the end of the comment
period.
The public meeting will be conducted in an informal, conference
style. DOE will present summaries of comments received before the
public meeting, allow time for presentations by participants, and
encourage all interested parties to share their views on issues
affecting this rulemaking. Each participant will be allowed to make a
prepared general statement (within time limits determined by DOE),
before the discussion of specific topics. DOE will permit other
participants to comment briefly on any general statements. At the end
of all prepared statements on each specific topic, DOE will permit
participants to clarify their statements briefly and to comment on
statements made by others.
Participants should be prepared to answer DOE's and other
participants' questions. DOE representatives may also ask participants
about other matters relevant to this rulemaking. The official
conducting the 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 public
meeting.
DOE will make the entire record of this proposed rulemaking,
including the transcript from the public meeting, available for
inspection at the U.S. Department of Energy, 6th Floor, 950 L'Enfant
Plaza, SW., Washington, DC 20024, (202) 586-2945, between 9 a.m. and 4
p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. Copies of the
transcript are available for purchase from the transcribing reporter.
D. Submission of Comments
DOE will accept comments, data, and information regarding the
proposed rule before or after the public meeting, but no later than the
date provided at the beginning of this notice. Comments, data, and
information submitted to DOE's e-mail address for this rulemaking
should be provided in WordPerfect, Microsoft Word, PDF, or text (ASCII)
file format. Stakeholders should avoid the use of special characters or
any form of encryption, and wherever possible, comments should include
the electronic signature of the author. Comments, data, and information
submitted to DOE via mail or hand delivery/courier should include one
signed original paper copy. No telefacsimiles (faxes) will be accepted.
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 two copies: one copy of the document that
includes all of the information believed to be confidential, and one
copy of the document with that information deleted. DOE will determine
the confidential status of the information and treat it accordingly.
Factors of interest to DOE when evaluating requests to treat
submitted information as confidential include the following: (1) A
description of the items; (2) whether and why such items are
customarily treated as confidential within the industry; (3) whether
the information is generally known by or available from other sources;
(4) whether the information was previously made available to others
without obligation concerning its confidentiality; (5) an explanation
of the competitive injury to the submitting person that would result
from public disclosure; (6) when such information might lose its
confidential character due to the passage of time; and (7) why
disclosure of the information would be contrary to the public interest.
E. Issues on Which DOE Seeks Comment
DOE is particularly interested in receiving comments and views of
interested parties on the following issues:
1. Electric Refrigerator Definition:
DOE requests comment on whether any clarifications are needed
regarding the definition for electric refrigerators.
2. Measured Energy Impacts of Amendments Proposed To Take Effect
Prior to the Effective Date of the New Energy Conservation Standards:
DOE invites comment on whether any of the amendments proposed to
take effect prior to the effective date of the new energy conservations
standards (scheduled per EPCA to be January 1, 2014), have a
significant impact on measured energy use. DOE requests information
quantifying these impacts, if any.
3. Incorporating by Reference AHAM Standard HRF-1-2008:
DOE invites comment on the approach proposed for incorporating
provisions of AHAM Standard HRF-1-2008, including (a) maintaining the
reference to AHAM Standard HRF-1-1979 in Appendices A1 and B1, which
will continue to be in effect until the new energy conservation
standards become mandatory; (b) incorporating directly into Appendices
A1 and B1 language from AHAM Standard HRF-1-2008 to clarify test
procedures; and (c) changing all references to HRF-1-2008 for
Appendices A and B, which will take effect simultaneously with the new
energy conservation standards.
4. Test Sample Preparation:
DOE invites comments on the proposed clarifications of test
procedures for preparing test samples. DOE has proposed allowed and
required deviations from set-up according to installation instructions
and invites comments on whether additional such deviations should be
incorporated into the test procedure.
5. Test Procedure Waivers for Products for Which Test Measurements
Are not Representative:
DOE seeks comment on the proposed language requiring petition for
waivers to address products equipped with controls or other features
that modify the operation of energy using components during the energy
test. DOE seeks comment on whether more specific definition could or
should be provided to define either the product characteristics that
would make the test procedure unsuitable for use or to define
representative average use.
6. Temperature Sensor Locations:
DOE seeks comment regarding frequency of testing using temperature
sensor locations not specifically shown in Figures 7.1 and 7.2 of HRF-
1-1979. DOE also seeks comment on whether the proposed exception to
proposed requirements for waivers associated with non-standard sensor
location
[[Page 29854]]
arrangements are reasonable for limiting the frequency of such waivers.
7. Convertible Temperature Compartments and Special Compartments:
DOE invites comment on the proposed clarifications of test
procedures for treatment of convertible-temperature and the proposed
amendments to the test procedures for special compartments. DOE also
requests comment on whether a size limit should be established for
classification of a special compartment, and what a reasonable size
limit might be.
8. Auxiliary Compartments:
DOE invites comment on the proposed approach to modification of the
test procedures to address auxiliary compartments with external doors.
9. Anti-Sweat Heater Definition:
DOE invites comment on the proposal to allow the anti-sweat heater
definition to include condensation of moisture on all rather than just
exterior cabinet surfaces. DOE also seeks comment regarding whether
additional clarity beyond the proposed amendments is required.
10. Elimination of the Optional Third Part of the Test for
Refrigerator-Freezers With Variable Defrost:
DOE invites comment on the proposed elimination of the optional
third part of the test for testing refrigerator-freezers with variable
defrost. In particular, DOE requests information indicating that the
third part of the procedure has been used in recent years for rating a
product, and whether it provides a more accurate indication of the
frequency of defrosts for such products than the default equation for
this parameter.
11. Test Method for Variable Anti-Sweat Heating Energy
Contribution:
DOE invites comment on the proposal to incorporate into the test
procedures a determination of the energy use associated with variable
anti-sweat heater controls involving test measurements. DOE also
invites comment on whether the variable anti-sweat heater test
procedure should also be incorporated into Appendices B and B1 for
freezers. Finally, DOE invites comment on the suggested approach for
reduction of test burden associated with the proposed test; DOE
requests information and data providing justification for adopting this
approach.
12. New Compartment Temperatures:
DOE invites comment on the establishment of new compartment
temperatures for testing of refrigerators and refrigerator-freezers and
the new volume adjustment factors for testing refrigeration products.
13. New Volume Calculation Method:
DOE invites comment on the establishment of a new volume
calculation method. DOE also invites comment on the proposed
clarification of the HRF-1-2008 volume calculation method addressing
treatment of automatic icemakers and ice storage bins in the volume
calculation method. Finally, DOE requests comment on whether this
clarification should be applied also to freezers.
14. Defrost Precooling Energy:
DOE invites comment on the proposals to include precooling energy
in the procedures for testing products with long-time or variable
defrost controls. DOE also invites comment regarding whether additional
test procedure amendments are appropriate in order to address possible
use of partial recovery to reduce energy use of this part of the test.
15. Multiple Defrost Cycle Types:
DOE requests comments on the proposed amendments addressing test
procedures for products with long-time or variable defrost that
incorporate multiple types of defrost cycles.
16. Wall Clearance:
DOE invites comment on the proposed procedures regarding clearance
between the rear of a tested cabinet and the test chamber or simulated
wall.
17. Combination Wine Storage-Freezer Products:
DOE invites comment on its proposal to modify the definition of
refrigerator-freezer to exclude products which combine a freezer and a
wine storage compartment.
18. Icemaking:
DOE requests comments on the proposed approach for integrating
icemaking energy use into the energy use metrics for refrigeration
products. DOE requests recommendations for development of a test method
for determination of icemaking energy use, including data to show the
viability of recommended approaches. DOE requests comments on whether
refrigerators with freezer compartments could include icemakers.
Finally, DOE requests any updated data supporting determination of a
representative daily ice production factor.
19. Presence of Ice in the Ice Bin During Testing:
DOE seeks comment on whether a requirement should be adopted in the
test procedure specifying whether ice may be in the ice bin during
energy testing.
20. Temperature Settings:
DOE requests comment on proposed modifications to the test
procedures to clarify requirements for temperature settings, including
whether DOE's understanding regarding the approach used by
manufacturers is correct, and comment on whether these requirements
should be incorporated into Appendices A1 and B1 as well as Appendices
A and B. DOE also request comment on whether rating of products should
be disallowed in case of tests in which compartment temperatures are
higher than their standardized temperatures with temperature controls
in their coldest position, and whether such an amendment should be
introduced immediately in Appendices A1 and B1, or whether they should
be considered only for Appendices A and B.
21. Electric Heaters:
DOE requests comment regarding electric heaters: what types exist
that are not already discussed in section III.F.1; how do they
contribute to energy use in typical consumer use and during the energy
test; and whether modifications are needed (and if so what types) to
more accurately reflect their energy use impact?
22. Energy Use Measurement Round-Off:
DOE requests comment on the achievable accuracy in measurement of
refrigeration product energy use and the guidance under consideration
to specify reporting of energy use to the nearest kilowatt-hour and on
the need to provide a similar rounding for maximum allowable energy use
under the energy conservation standard.
23. Certification Report Amendments:
DOE requests comments on the proposed additions to certification
reports that will clarify the approach used to test the product.
VI. Approval of the Office of the Secretary
The Secretary of Energy has approved publication of this notice of
proposed rulemaking.
List of Subjects in 10 CFR part 430
Administrative practice and procedure, Confidential business
information, Energy conservation, Household appliances, Imports,
Intergovernmental relations, Small businesses.
Issued in Washington, DC, on April 1, 2010.
Cathy Zoi,
Assistant Secretary, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.
For the reasons stated in the preamble, DOE proposes to amend part
430 of chapter II of title 10, of the Code of Federal Regulations, as
set forth below:
[[Page 29855]]
PART 430--ENERGY CONSERVATION PROGRAM FOR CONSUMER PRODUCTS
1. The authority citation for part 430 continues to read as
follows:
Authority: 42 U.S.C. 6291-6309; 28 U.S.C. 2461 note.
2. Section 430.2 is amended by revising the definition for
``electric refrigerator-freezer'' to read as follows:
Sec. 430.2 Definitions.
* * * * *
Electric refrigerator-freezer means a cabinet which consists of two
or more compartments with at least one of the compartments designed for
the refrigerated storage of food at temperatures above 32 [deg]F and
below 39 [deg]F and with at least one of the compartments designed for
the freezing and storage of food at temperatures below 8 [deg]F which
may be adjusted by the user to a temperature of 0 [deg]F or below.
Additional compartments shall be designed for temperature in any range
up to 39 [deg]F. The source of refrigeration requires single phase,
alternating current electric energy input only.
* * * * *
3. Section 430.3 is amended by redesignating paragraph (g)(1) as
(g)(2) and adding new paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(3), to read as follows:
Sec. 430.3 Materials incorporated by reference.
(g) * * *
(1) ANSI/AHAM HRF-1-1979, (``HRF-1-1979''), American National
Standard, Household Refrigerators, Combination Refrigerator-Freezers
and Household Freezers, approved May 17, 1979, IBR approved for
Appendices A1 and B1 to Subpart B.
* * * * *
(3) AHAM Standard HRF-1-2008, (``HRF-1-2008''), Association of Home
Appliance Manufacturers, Energy, Performance and Capacity of Household
Refrigerators, Refrigerator-Freezers and Freezers, approved September
13, 2008, as modified by Errata published November 17, 2009, IBR
approved for Appendices A and B to Subpart B.
* * * * *
3. Section 430.23 is amended by revising paragraphs (a) and (b) to
read as follows:
Sec. 430.23 Test procedures for the measurement of energy and water
consumption.
(a) Refrigerators and refrigerator-freezers. (1) The estimated
annual operating cost for electric refrigerators and electric
refrigerator-freezers with variable anti-sweat heater control or
without an anti-sweat heater switch shall be the product of the
following three factors:
(i) The representative average-use cycle of 365 cycles per year;
(ii) The average per-cycle energy consumption for the standard
cycle in kilowatt-hours per cycle, determined according to 6.2 (6.3.6
for externally vented units) of Appendix A1 of this subpart before
Appendix A becomes mandatory and 6.2 (6.3.6 for externally vented
units) of Appendix A of this subpart after Appendix A becomes mandatory
(see the note at the beginning of Appendix A); and
(iii) The representative average unit cost of electricity in
dollars per kilowatt-hour as provided by the Secretary, the resulting
product then being rounded off to the nearest dollar per year.
(2) The estimated annual operating cost for electric refrigerators
and electric refrigerator-freezers with an anti-sweat heater switch and
without variable anti-sweat heater control shall be the product of the
following three factors:
(i) The representative average-use cycle of 365 cycles per year;
(ii) Half the sum of the average per-cycle energy consumption for
the standard cycle and the average per-cycle energy consumption for a
test cycle type with the anti-sweat heater switch in the position set
at the factory just before shipping, each in kilowatt-hours per cycle,
determined according to 6.2 (6.3.6 for externally vented units) of
Appendix A1 of this subpart before Appendix A becomes mandatory and 6.2
(6.3.6 for externally vented units) of Appendix A of this subpart after
Appendix A becomes mandatory (see the note at the beginning of Appendix
A); and
(iii) The representative average unit cost of electricity in
dollars per kilowatt-hour as provided by the Secretary, the resulting
product then being rounded off to the nearest dollar per year.
(3) The estimated annual operating cost for any other specified
cycle type for electric refrigerators and electric refrigerator-
freezers shall be the product of the following three factors: (i) The
representative average-use cycle of 365 cycles per year;
(ii) The average per-cycle energy consumption for the specified
cycle type, determined according to 6.2 (6.3.6 for externally vented
units) of Appendix A1 to this subpart before Appendix A becomes
mandatory and 6.2 (6.3.6 for externally vented units) of Appendix A of
this subpart after Appendix A becomes mandatory (see the note at the
beginning of Appendix A); and
(iii) The representative average unit cost of electricity in
dollars per kilowatt-hour as provided by the Secretary, the resulting
product then being rounded off to the nearest dollar per year.
(4) The energy factor for electric refrigerators and electric
refrigerator-freezers, expressed in cubic feet per kilowatt-hour per
cycle, shall be:
(i) For electric refrigerators and electric refrigerator-freezers
with variable anti-sweat heater control or without an anti-sweat heater
switch, the quotient of:
(A) The adjusted total volume in cubic feet, determined according
to 6.1 of Appendix A1 of this subpart before Appendix A becomes
mandatory and 6.1 of Appendix A of this subpart after Appendix A
becomes mandatory (see the note at the beginning of Appendix A),
divided by--
(B) The average per-cycle energy consumption for the standard cycle
in kilowatt-hours per cycle, determined according to 6.2 (6.3.6 for
externally vented units) of Appendix A1 of this subpart before Appendix
A becomes mandatory and 6.2 (6.3.6 for externally vented units) of
Appendix A of this subpart after Appendix A becomes mandatory (see the
note at the beginning of Appendix A), the resulting quotient then being
rounded off to the second decimal place; and
(ii) For electric refrigerators and electric refrigerator-freezers
having an anti-sweat heater switch and without variable anti-sweat
heater control, the quotient of--
(A) The adjusted total volume in cubic feet, determined according
to 6.1 of Appendix A1 of this subpart before Appendix A becomes
mandatory and 6.1 of Appendix A of this subpart after Appendix A
becomes mandatory (see the note at the beginning of Appendix A),
divided by--
(B) Half the sum of the average per-cycle energy consumption for
the standard cycle and the average per-cycle energy consumption for a
test cycle type with the anti-sweat heater switch in the position set
at the factory just before shipping, each in kilowatt-hours per cycle,
determined according to 6.2 (6.3.6 for externally vented units) of
Appendix A1 of this subpart before Appendix A becomes mandatory and 6.2
(6.3.6 for externally vented units) of Appendix A of this subpart after
Appendix A becomes mandatory (see the note at the beginning of Appendix
A), the resulting quotient then being rounded off to the second decimal
place.
(5) The annual energy use of electric refrigerators and electric
refrigerator-
[[Page 29856]]
freezers, expressed in kilowatt-hours per year, shall be:
(i) For electric refrigerators and electric refrigerator-freezers
with variable anti-sweat heater control or without an anti-sweat heater
switch, the representative average use cycle of 365 cycles per year
multiplied by the average per-cycle energy consumption for the standard
cycle in kilowatt-hours per cycle, determined according to 6.2 (6.3.6
for externally vented units) of Appendix A1 of this subpart before
Appendix A becomes mandatory and 6.2 (6.3.6 for externally vented
units) of Appendix A of this subpart after Appendix A becomes mandatory
(see the note at the beginning of Appendix A), and
(ii) For electric refrigerators and electric refrigerator-freezers
having an anti-sweat heater switch and without variable anti-sweat
heater control, the representative average use cycle of 365 cycles per
year times half the sum of the average per-cycle energy consumption for
the standard cycle and the average per-cycle energy consumption for a
test cycle type with the anti-sweat heater switch in the position set
at the factory just before shipping, each in kilowatt-hours per cycle,
determined according to 6.2 (6.3.6 for externally vented units) of
Appendix A1 of this subpart before Appendix A becomes mandatory and 6.2
(6.3.6 for externally vented units) of Appendix A of this subpart after
Appendix A becomes mandatory (see the note at the beginning of Appendix
A).
(6) Other useful measures of energy consumption for electric
refrigerators and electric refrigerator-freezers shall be those
measures of energy consumption for electric refrigerators and electric
refrigerator-freezers that the Secretary determines are likely to
assist consumers in making purchasing decisions which are derived from
the application of Appendix A1 of this subpart before Appendix A
becomes mandatory Appendix A of this subpart after Appendix A becomes
mandatory (see the note at the beginning of Appendix A).
(7) The estimated regional annual operating cost for externally
vented electric refrigerators and externally vented electric
refrigerator-freezers with variable anti-sweat heater control or
without an anti-sweat heater switch shall be the product of the
following three factors: (i) The representative average-use cycle of
365 cycles per year,
(ii) The regional average per-cycle energy consumption for the
standard cycle in kilowatt-hours per cycle, determined according to
6.3.7 of Appendix A1 of this subpart before Appendix A becomes
mandatory and 6.3.7 of Appendix A of this subpart after Appendix A
becomes mandatory (see the note at the beginning of Appendix A); and
(iii) The representative average unit cost of electricity in
dollars per kilowatt-hour as provided by the Secretary, the resulting
product then being rounded off to the nearest dollar per year.
(8) The estimated regional annual operating cost for externally
vented electric refrigerators and externally vented electric
refrigerator-freezers with an anti-sweat heater switch and without
variable anti-sweat heater control shall be the product of the
following three factors:
(i) The representative average-use cycle of 365 cycles per year;
(ii) Half the sum of the average per-cycle energy consumption for
the standard cycle and the regional average per-cycle energy
consumption for a test cycle with the anti-sweat heater switch in the
position set at the factory just before shipping, each in kilowatt-
hours per cycle, determined according to 6.3.7 of Appendix A1 of this
subpart before Appendix A becomes mandatory and 6.3.7 of Appendix A of
this subpart after Appendix A becomes mandatory (see the note at the
beginning of Appendix A); and
(iii) The representative average unit cost of electricity in
dollars per kilowatt-hour as provided by the Secretary, the resulting
product then being rounded off to the nearest dollar per year.
(9) The estimated regional annual operating cost for any other
specified cycle for externally vented electric refrigerators and
externally vented electric refrigerator-freezers shall be the product
of the following three factors:
(i) The representative average-use cycle of 365 cycles per year;
(ii) The regional average per-cycle energy consumption for the
specified cycle, in kilowatt-hours per cycle, determined according to
6.3.7 of Appendix A1 of this subpart before Appendix A becomes
mandatory and 6.3.7 of Appendix A of this subpart after Appendix A
becomes mandatory (see the note at the beginning of Appendix A); and
(iii) The representative average unit cost of electricity in
dollars per kilowatt-hour as provided by the Secretary, the resulting
product then being rounded off to the nearest dollar per year.
(10) The energy test procedure is designed to provide a measurement
consistent with representative average consumer use of the product,
even if the test conditions and/or procedures may not themselves all be
representative of average consumer use (e.g, 90 [deg]F ambient
conditions, no door openings, use of temperature settings unsafe for
food preservation, etc.). If a product contains energy consuming
components that operate differently during the prescribed testing than
they would during representative average consumer use and applying the
prescribed test to that product would evaluate it in a manner that is
unrepresentative of its true energy consumption (thereby providing
materially inaccurate comparative data), the prescribed procedure may
not be used. Examples of products that cannot be tested using the
prescribed test procedure include those products that can exhibit
operating parameters (e.g, duty cycle or input wattage) for any energy
using component that are not smoothly varying functions of operating
conditions or control inputs--such as when a component is automatically
shut off when test conditions or test settings are reached. A
manufacturer wishing to test such a product must obtain a waiver in
accordance with the relevant provisions of 10 CFR 430.
(b) Freezers. (1) The estimated annual operating cost for freezers
without an anti-sweat heater switch shall be the product of the
following three factors:
(i) The representative average-use cycle of 365 cycles per year;
(ii) The average per-cycle energy consumption for the standard
cycle in kilowatt-hours per cycle, determined according to 6.2 of
Appendix B1 of this subpart before Appendix B becomes mandatory and 6.2
of Appendix B of this subpart after Appendix B becomes mandatory (see
the note at the beginning of Appendix B); and
(iii) The representative average unit cost of electricity in
dollars per kilowatt-hour as provided by the Secretary, the resulting
product then being rounded off to the nearest dollar per year.
(2) The estimated annual operating cost for freezers with an anti-
sweat heater switch shall be the product of the following three
factors:
(i) The representative average-use cycle of 365 cycles per year;
(ii) Half the sum of the average per-cycle energy consumption for
the standard cycle and the average per-cycle energy consumption for a
test cycle type with the anti-sweat heater switch in the position set
at the factory just before shipping, each in kilowatt-hours per cycle,
determined according to 6.2 of Appendix B1 of this subpart before
Appendix B becomes mandatory and 6.2 of Appendix B of this subpart
after
[[Page 29857]]
Appendix B becomes mandatory (see the note at the beginning of Appendix
B); and
(iii) The representative average unit cost of electricity in
dollars per kilowatt-hour as provided by the Secretary, the resulting
product then being rounded off to the nearest dollar per year.
(3) The estimated annual operating cost for any other specified
cycle type for freezers shall be the product of the following three
factors:
(i) The representative average-use cycle of 365 cycles per year;
(ii) The average per-cycle energy consumption for the specified
cycle type, determined according to 6.2 of Appendix B1 of this subpart
before Appendix B becomes mandatory and 6.2 of Appendix B of this
subpart after Appendix B becomes mandatory (see the note at the
beginning of Appendix B); and
(iii) The representative average unit cost of electricity in
dollars per kilowatt-hour as provided by the Secretary, the resulting
product then being rounded off to the nearest dollar per year.
(4) The energy factor for freezers, expressed in cubic feet per
kilowatt-hour per cycle, shall be:
(i) For freezers not having an anti-sweat heater switch, the
quotient of--
(A) The adjusted net refrigerated volume in cubic feet, determined
according to 6.1 of Appendix B1 of this subpart before Appendix B
becomes mandatory and 6.1 of Appendix B of this subpart after Appendix
B becomes mandatory (see the note at the beginning of Appendix B),
divided by--
(B) The average per-cycle energy consumption for the standard cycle
in kilowatt-hours per cycle, determined according to or 6.2 of Appendix
B1 of this subpart before Appendix B becomes mandatory and 6.2 of
Appendix B of this subpart after Appendix B becomes mandatory (see the
note at the beginning of Appendix B), the resulting quotient then being
rounded off to the second decimal place; and
(ii) For freezers having an anti-sweat heater switch, the quotient
of--
(A) The adjusted net refrigerated volume in cubic feet, determined
according to 6.1 of Appendix B1 of this subpart before Appendix B
becomes mandatory and 6.1 of Appendix B of this subpart after Appendix
B becomes mandatory (see the note at the beginning of Appendix B),
divided by--
(B) Half the sum of the average per-cycle energy consumption for
the standard cycle and the average per-cycle energy consumption for a
test cycle type with the anti-sweat heater switch in the position set
at the factory just before shipping, each in kilowatt-hours per cycle,
determined according to 6.2 of Appendix B1 of this subpart before
Appendix B becomes mandatory and 6.2 of Appendix B of this subpart
after Appendix B becomes mandatory (see the note at the beginning of
Appendix B), the resulting quotient then being rounded off to the
second decimal place.
(5) The annual energy use of all freezers, expressed in kilowatt-
hours per year, shall be:
(i) For freezers not having an anti-sweat heater switch, the
representative average use cycle of 365 cycles per year multiplied by
the average per-cycle energy consumption for the standard cycle in
kilowatt-hours per cycle, determined according to 6.2 of Appendix B1 of
this subpart before Appendix B becomes mandatory and 6.2 of Appendix B
of this subpart after Appendix B becomes mandatory (see the note at the
beginning of Appendix B), and
(ii) For freezers having an anti-sweat heater switch, the
representative average use cycle of 365 cycles per year times half the
sum of the average per-cycle energy consumption for the standard cycle
and the average per-cycle energy consumption for a test cycle type with
the anti-sweat heater switch in the position set at the factory just
before shipping, each in kilowatt-hours per cycle, determined according
to 6.2 of Appendix B1 of this subpart before Appendix B becomes
mandatory and 6.2 of Appendix B of this subpart after Appendix B
becomes mandatory (see the note at the beginning of Appendix B).
(6) Other useful measures of energy consumption for freezers shall
be those measures the Secretary determines are likely to assist
consumers in making purchasing decisions and are derived from the
application of Appendix B1 of this subpart before Appendix B becomes
mandatory Appendix B of this subpart after Appendix B becomes mandatory
(see the note at the beginning of Appendix B).
(7) The energy test procedure is designed to provide a measurement
consistent with representative average consumer use of the product,
even if the test conditions and/or procedures may not themselves all be
representative of average consumer use (e.g, 90 [deg]F ambient
conditions, no door openings, etc.). If a product contains energy
consuming components that operate differently during the prescribed
testing than they would during representative average consumer use and
applying the prescribed test to that product would evaluate it in a
manner that is unrepresentative of its true energy consumption (thereby
providing materially inaccurate comparative data), the prescribed
procedure may not be used. Examples of products that cannot be tested
using the prescribed test procedure include those products that can
exhibit operating parameters (e.g, duty cycle or input wattage) for any
energy using component that are not smoothly varying functions of
operating conditions or control inputs--such as when a component is
automatically shut off when test conditions or test settings are
reached. A manufacturer wishing to test such a product must obtain a
waiver in accordance with the relevant provisions of 10 CFR 430.
* * * * *
4. Add a new Appendix A to subpart B of part 430 to read as
follows:
Appendix A to Subpart B of Part 430--Uniform Test Method for Measuring
the Energy Consumption of Electric Refrigerators and Electric
Refrigerator-Freezers
The provisions of Appendix A shall apply to all products
manufactured on or after the effective date of any amended standards
promulgated by DOE pursuant to Section 325(b)(4) of the Energy
Policy and Conservation Act of 1975, as amended by the Energy
Independence and Security Act of 2007 (to be codified at 42 U.S.C.
6295(b)(4)).
1. Definitions
Section 3, Definitions, of HRF-1-2008 (incorporated by
reference; see Sec. 430.3) is applicable to this test procedure.
1.1 ``Adjusted total volume'' means the sum of:
(i) The fresh food compartment volume as defined in HRF-1-2008
(incorporated by reference; see Sec. 430.3) in cubic feet, and
(ii) The product of an adjustment factor and the net freezer
compartment volume as defined in HRF-1-2008 in cubic feet.
1.2 ``All-refrigerator'' means an electric refrigerator that
does not include a compartment for the freezing and long time
storage of food at temperatures below 32 [deg]F (0.0 [deg]C). It may
include a compartment of 0.50 cubic feet capacity (14.2 liters) or
less for the freezing and storage of ice.
1.3 ``Anti-sweat heater'' means a device incorporated into the
design of a refrigerator or refrigerator-freezer to prevent the
accumulation of moisture on the exterior or interior surfaces of the
cabinet.
1.4 ``Anti-sweat heater switch'' means a user-controllable
switch or user interface which modifies the activation or control of
anti-sweat heaters.
1.5 ``Automatic defrost'' means a system in which the defrost
cycle is automatically initiated and terminated, with resumption of
normal refrigeration at the conclusion of the defrost operation. The
system automatically prevents the permanent formation of frost on
all refrigerated surfaces. Nominal refrigerated
[[Page 29858]]
food temperatures are maintained during the operation of the
automatic defrost system.
1.6 ``Automatic icemaker'' means a device, that can be supplied
with water without user intervention, either from a pressurized
water supply system or by transfer from a water reservoir located
inside the cabinet, that automatically produces, harvests, and
stores ice in a storage bin, with means to automatically interrupt
the harvesting operation when the ice storage bin is filled to a
pre-determined level.
1.7 ``Cycle'' means the period of 24 hours for which the energy
use of an electric refrigerator or electric refrigerator-freezer is
calculated as though the consumer activated compartment temperature
controls were set so that the standardized temperatures (see section
3.2) were maintained.
1.8 ``Cycle type'' means the set of test conditions having the
calculated effect of operating an electric refrigerator or electric
refrigerator-freezer for a period of 24 hours, with the consumer
activated controls other than those that control compartment
temperatures set to establish various operating characteristics.
1.9 ``Defrost cycle type'' means a distinct sequence of control
whose function is to remove frost and/or ice from a refrigerated
surface. There may be variations in the sequence of control for
defrost such as the number of defrost heaters energized. Each such
variation establishes a separate distinct defrost cycle type.
1.10 ``Externally vented refrigerator or refrigerator-freezer''
means an electric refrigerator or electric refrigerator-freezer that
has an enclosed condenser or an enclosed condenser/compressor
compartment and a set of air ducts for transferring the exterior air
from outside the building envelope into, through, and out of the
refrigerator or refrigerator-freezer cabinet; is capable of mixing
exterior air with the room air before discharging into, through, and
out of the condenser or condenser/compressor compartment; includes
thermostatically controlled dampers or controls that enable the
mixing of the exterior and room air at low outdoor temperatures, and
the exclusion of exterior air when the outdoor air temperature is
above 80 [deg]F or the room air temperature; and may have a
thermostatically actuated exterior air fan.
1.11 ``HRF-1-2008'' means the Association of Home Appliance
Manufacturers standard Energy, Performance and Capacity of Household
Refrigerators, Refrigerator-Freezers and Freezers that was approved
September 13, 2008. Only sections of HRF-1-2008 (incorporated by
reference; see Sec. 430.3) specifically referenced in this test
procedure are part of this test procedure. In cases where there is a
conflict, the language of the test procedure in this appendix takes
precedence over HRF-1-2008.
1.12 ``Long-time automatic defrost'' means an automatic defrost
system whose successive defrost cycles are separated by 14 hours or
more of compressor operating time.
1.13 ``Separate auxiliary compartment'' means a freezer
compartment or a fresh food compartment of a refrigerator or
refrigerator-freezer having more than two compartments that is not
the first freezer compartment or the first fresh food compartment.
Access to a separate auxiliary compartment is through a separate
exterior door or doors rather than through the door or doors of
another compartment. Separate auxiliary compartments may be
convertible (e.g., from fresh food to freezer).
1.14 ``Stabilization period'' means the total period of time
during which steady-state conditions are being attained or
evaluated.
1.15 ``Standard cycle'' means the cycle type in which the anti-
sweat heater control, when provided, is set in the highest energy-
consuming position.
1.16 ``Variable anti-sweat heater control'' means an anti-sweat
heater control that varies the average power input of the anti-sweat
heater(s) based on operating condition variable(s) and/or ambient
condition variable(s).
1.17 ``Variable defrost control'' means a long-time automatic
defrost system (except the 14-hour defrost qualification does not
apply) in which successive defrost cycles are determined by an
operating condition variable or variables other than compressor
operating time. This includes any electrical or mechanical device
performing this function. Demand defrost is a type of variable
defrost control.
2. Test Conditions
2.1 Ambient Temperature and Humidity. The ambient temperature
shall be 90.0 1 [deg]F (32.2 0.6 [deg]C)
during the stabilization period and the test period. If the product
being tested has variable anti-sweat heater control, the ambient
relative humidity shall be no more than 35%. For the variable anti-
sweat heater test described in section 4.1.3, the ambient
temperature shall be 72 1 [deg]F (22.2 0.6
[deg]C) dry bulb. The relative humidities for the three portions of
the test shall be 25 10%, 65 2%, and 95
2%.
2.2 Operational Conditions. The electric refrigerator or
electric refrigerator-freezer shall be installed and its operating
conditions maintained in accordance with HRF-1-2008, (incorporated
by reference; see Sec. 430.3), section 5.3 through section 5.5.5.5
(excluding section 5.5.5.4), except that the vertical ambient
temperature gradient at locations 10 inches (25.4 cm) out from the
centers of the two sides of the unit being tested is to be
maintained during the test. Unless the area is obstructed by shields
or baffles, the gradient is to be maintained from 2 inches (5.1 cm)
above the floor or supporting platform to a height of 1 foot (30.5
cm) above the unit under test. Defrost controls are to be operative.
Other exceptions and clarifications to the cited sections of HRF-1-
2008 are noted in sections 2.3 through 2.7, and 5.1 of this test
procedure.
2.3 Anti-Sweat Heaters.
(a) User-Controllable Anti-Sweat Heaters. The anti-sweat heater
switch is to be on during one test and off during a second test.
(b) Variable Anti-Sweat Heaters. In the case of an electric
refrigerator-freezer equipped with variable anti-sweat heater
control, the test shall be conducted with the anti-sweat heater
controls activated to allow the anti-sweat heater to be energized
but operating in their minimum energy state corresponding to
operation in low humidity conditions, as a result of testing
conducted using an ambient relative humidity level as specified in
section 2.1. If the product has an anti-sweat heater switch, it
shall be switched on. The variable anti-sweat heater test (described
in section 4.1.3) shall be conducted to determine the energy
consumption of the anti-sweat heater in higher humidity conditions.
The standard cycle energy consumption shall be determined using the
equation described in section 6.2.3.
2.4 Conditions for Automatic Defrost Refrigerator-Freezers. For
automatic defrost refrigerator-freezers, the freezer compartments
shall not be loaded with any frozen food packages during testing.
Cylindrical metallic masses of dimensions 1.12 0.25
inches (2.9 0.6 cm) in diameter and height shall be
attached in good thermal contact with each temperature sensor within
the refrigerated compartments. All temperature measuring sensor
masses shall be supported by low-thermal-conductivity supports in
such a manner to ensure that there will be at least 1 inch (2.5 cm)
of air space separating the thermal mass from contact with any
interior surface or hardware inside the cabinet. In case of
interference with hardware at the sensor locations specified in
section 5.1, the sensors shall be placed at the nearest adjacent
location such that there will be a 1-inch air space separating the
sensor mass from the hardware.
2.5 Conditions for All-Refrigerators. There shall be no load in
the freezer compartment during the test.
2.6 The cabinet and its refrigerating mechanism shall be
assembled and set up in accordance with the printed consumer
instructions supplied with the cabinet. Set-up of the refrigerator
or refrigerator-freezer shall not deviate from these instructions,
unless explicitly required or allowed by this test procedure.
Specific required or allowed deviations from such set-up include the
following:
(a) Connection of water lines and installation of water filters
are not required;
(b) Clearance requirements from surfaces of the product shall be
as described in section 2.8 below;
(c) The electric power supply shall be as described in HRF-1-
2008 (incorporated by reference; see Sec. 430.3), section 5.5.1;
(d) Temperature control settings for testing shall be as
described in section 3 below. Settings for convertible compartments
and other temperature-controllable or special compartments shall be
as described in section 2.7 below; and
(e) The product does not need to be anchored or otherwise
secured to prevent tipping during energy testing.
For cases in which set-up is not clearly defined by this test
procedure, manufacturers must submit a petition for a waiver (see
section 7).
2.7 Compartments that are convertible (e.g,, from fresh food to
freezer) shall be operated in the highest energy use position. For
the special case of convertible separate auxiliary compartments,
this means that the compartment shall be treated as a freezer
compartment or a fresh food compartment,
[[Page 29859]]
depending on which of these represents higher energy use. Other
compartments with separate temperature control (such as crispers
convertible to meat keepers), with the exception of butter
conditioners, shall also be tested with controls set in the highest
energy use position.
2.8 The space between the back of the cabinet and the test room
wall or simulated wall shall be the minimum distance in accordance
with the manufacturer's instructions. If the instructions do not
specify a minimum distance, the cabinet shall be located such that
the rear of the cabinet touches the test room wall or simulated
wall. The test room wall facing the rear of the cabinet or the
simulated wall shall be flat within \1/4\ inch, and vertical to
within 1 degree. The cabinet shall be leveled to within 1 degree of
true level, and positioned with its rear wall parallel to the test
chamber wall or simulated wall immediately behind the cabinet. Any
simulated wall shall be solid and shall extend vertically from the
floor to above the height of the cabinet and horizontally beyond
both sides of the cabinet.
2.9 Steady-State Condition. Steady-state conditions exist if the
temperature measurements in all measured compartments taken at 4-
minute intervals or less during a stabilization period are not
changing at a rate greater than 0.042 [deg]F (0.023 [deg]C) per hour
as determined by the applicable condition of A or B, described
below.
A. The average of the measurements during a 2-hour period if no
cycling occurs or during a number of complete repetitive compressor
cycles occurring through a period of no less than 2 hours is
compared to the average over an equivalent time period with 3 hours
elapsing between the two measurement periods.
B. If A above cannot be used, the average of the measurements
during a number of complete repetitive compressor cycles occurring
through a period of no less than 2 hours and including the last
complete cycle before a defrost period (or if no cycling occurs, the
average of the measurements during the last 2 hours before a defrost
period) are compared to the same averaging period before the
following defrost period.
2.10 Exterior Air for Externally Vented Refrigerator or
Refrigerator-Freezer. An exterior air source shall be provided with
adjustable temperature and pressure capabilities. The exterior air
temperature shall be adjustable from 30 1 [deg]F (1.7
0.6 [deg]C) to 90 1 [deg]F (32.2 0.6 [deg]C).
2.10.1 Air Duct. The exterior air shall pass from the exterior
air source to the test unit through an insulated air duct.
2.10.2 Air Temperature Measurement. The air temperature entering
the condenser or condenser/compressor compartment shall be
maintained to 3 [deg]F (1.7 [deg]C) during the
stabilization and test periods and shall be measured at the inlet
point of the condenser or condenser/compressor compartment
(``condenser inlet''). Temperature measurements shall be taken from
at least three temperature sensors or one sensor per 4 square inches
of the air duct cross-sectional area, whichever is greater, and
shall be averaged. For a unit that has a condenser air fan, a
minimum of three temperature sensors at the condenser fan discharge
shall be required. Temperature sensors shall be arranged to be at
the centers of equally divided cross-sectional areas. The exterior
air temperature, at its source, shall be measured and maintained to
1 [deg]F (0.6 [deg]C) during the test period. The
temperature measuring devices shall have an error no greater than
0.5 [deg]F ( 0.3 [deg]C). Measurements of
the air temperature during the test period shall be taken at regular
intervals not to exceed 4 minutes.
2.10.3 Exterior Air Static Pressure. The exterior air static
pressure at the inlet point of the unit shall be adjusted to
maintain a negative pressure of 0.20
0.05 water column (62 Pascals 12.5 Pascals)
for all air flow rates supplied to the unit. The pressure sensor
shall be located on a straight duct with a distance of at least 7.5
times the diameter of the duct upstream and a distance of at least 3
times the diameter of the duct downstream. There shall be four
static pressure taps at 90[deg] angles apart. The four pressures
shall be averaged by interconnecting the four pressure taps. The air
pressure measuring instrument shall have an error no greater than
0.01 water column (2.5 Pascals).
3. Test Control Settings
3.1 Model with no User Operable Temperature Control. A test
shall be performed to measure the compartment temperatures and
energy use. A second test shall be performed with the temperature
control electrically short circuited to cause the compressor to run
continuously.
3.2 Models with User Operable Temperature Control. Testing shall
be performed in accordance with one of the following sections using
the following standardized temperatures:
All-Refrigerator: 39 [deg]F (3.9 [deg]C) fresh food compartment
temperature;
Refrigerator: 15 [deg]F (-9.4 [deg]C) freezer compartment
temperature, 39 [deg]F (3.9 [deg]C) fresh food compartment
temperature;
Refrigerator-Freezer: 0 [deg]F (-17.8 [deg]C) freezer compartment
temperature, 39 [deg]F (3.9 [deg]C) fresh food compartment
temperature; and
Variable Anti-Sweat Heater Model (Temperatures for variable anti-
sweat heater test of section 4.1.3): 0 [deg]F (-17.8 [deg]C) freezer
compartment temperature and 39 2 [deg]F (3.9 1.1 [deg]C) fresh food compartment temperature during steady-
state conditions with no door-openings. If both settings cannot be
obtained, then test with the fresh food compartment temperature at
39 2 [deg]F (3.9 1.1 [deg]C) and the
freezer compartment as close to 0 [deg]F (-17.8 [deg]C) as possible.
For the purposes of comparing compartment temperatures with
standardized temperatures, as described in sections 3.2.1 through
3.2.3, the freezer compartment temperature shall be equal to a
volume-weighted average of the temperatures of all applicable
freezer compartments, and the fresh food compartment temperature
shall be equal to a volume-weighted average of the temperatures of
all applicable fresh food compartments. Applicable compartments for
these calculations may include a first freezer compartment, a first
fresh food compartment, and any number of separate auxiliary
compartments.
3.2.1 A first test shall be performed with all compartment
temperature controls set at their median position midway between
their warmest and coldest settings. For mechanical control systems,
knob detents shall be mechanically defeated if necessary to attain a
median setting. For electronic control systems, the test shall be
performed with all compartment temperature controls set at the
average of the coldest and warmest settings--if there is no setting
equal to this average, the setting closest to the average shall be
used. If there are two such settings equally close to the average,
the higher of these temperature control settings shall be used. A
second test shall be performed with all controls set at their
warmest setting or all controls set at their coldest setting (not
electrically or mechanically bypassed). For all-refrigerators, this
setting shall be the appropriate setting that attempts to achieve
compartment temperatures measured during the two tests which bound
(i.e., one is above and one is below) the standardized temperature
for all-refrigerators. For refrigerators and refrigerator-freezers,
the second test shall be conducted with all controls at their
coldest setting, unless all compartment temperatures measured during
the first part of the test are lower than the standardized
temperatures, in which case the second test shall be conducted with
all controls at their warmest setting. Refer to Table 1 for all-
refrigerators or Table 2 for refrigerators with freezer compartments
and refrigerator-freezers to determine if a third test is required,
and which test results to use in the energy consumption calculation.
Table 1--Temperature Settings for All--Refrigerators
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
First test Second test
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Third test Energy calculation based on:
Settings Results Settings Results settings
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mid............................. Low................ Warm............... Low................ None.............. Second Test Only.
High............... None.............. First and Second Tests.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
High............... Cold............... Low................ None.............. First and Second Tests.
[[Page 29860]]
High............... Warm.............. Second and Third Tests.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Table 2--Temperature Settings for Refrigerators With Freezer Compartments and Refrigerator-Freezers
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
First test Second test
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Third test Energy calculation based on:
Settings Results Settings Results settings
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fzr Mid......................... Fzr Low............ Fzr Warm........... Fzr Low............ None.............. Second Test Only.
FF Mid.......................... FF Low............. FF Warm............ FF Low
Fzr Low............ None.............. First and Second Tests.
FF High
Fzr High........... None.............. First and Second Tests.
FF Low
Fzr High........... None.............. First and Second Tests.
FF High
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fzr Low............ Fzr Cold........... Fzr Low............ Fzr Warm.......... Second and Third Tests.
FF High............ FF Cold............ FF High............ FF Warm
Fzr Low............ None.............. First and Second Tests.
FF Low
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fzr High........... Fzr Cold........... Fzr High........... Fzr Warm.......... Second and Third Tests.
FF Low............. FF Cold............ FF Low............. FF Warm
Fzr Low............ None.............. First and Second Tests.
FF Low
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fzr High........... Fzr Cold........... Fzr Low............ None.............. First and Second Tests.
FF High............ FF Cold............ FF Low
Fzr Low............ None.............. First and Second Tests.
FF High
Fzr High........... Fzr Warm.......... Second and Third Tests.
FF Low............. FF Warm
Fzr High........... Fzr Warm.......... Second and Third Tests.
FF High............ FF Warm
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notes: Fzr = Freezer Compartment, FF = Fresh Food Compartment.
3.2.2 Alternatively, a first test may be performed with all
temperature controls set at their warmest setting. If all
compartment temperatures are below the appropriate standardized
temperatures, then the result of this test alone will be used to
determine energy consumption. If the above conditions are not met,
then the unit shall be tested in accordance with 3.2.1.
3.2.3 Alternatively, a first test may be performed with all
temperature controls set at their coldest setting. If (1) for all-
refrigerators the compartment temperature is above the appropriate
standardized temperature, or (2) for refrigerators and refrigerator-
freezers the freezer compartment temperature is above the
appropriate standardized temperature, a second test shall be
performed with all controls set at their warmest control setting and
the results of these two tests shall be used to determine energy
consumption. If the above condition is not met, then the unit shall
be tested in accordance with 3.2.1.
4. Test Period
4.1 Test Period. Tests shall be performed by establishing the
conditions set forth in section 2, and using control settings set
forth in section 3.
4.1.1 Nonautomatic Defrost. If the model being tested has no
automatic defrost system, the test time period shall start after
steady-state conditions have been achieved and be no less than 3
hours in duration. During the test period, the compressor motor
shall complete two or more whole compressor cycles. (A compressor
cycle is a complete ``on'' and a complete ``off'' period of the
motor). If no ``off'' cycling will occur, as determined during the
stabilization period, the test period shall be 3 hours. If
incomplete cycling occurs (i.e. less than two compressor cycles
during a 24-hour period), the results of the 24-hour period shall be
used.
4.1.2 Automatic Defrost. If the model being tested has an
automatic defrost system, the test time period shall start after
steady-state conditions have been achieved and be from one point
during a defrost period to the same point during the next defrost
period. If the model being tested has a long-time automatic defrost
system, the alternative provisions of 4.1.2.1 may be used. If the
model being tested has a variable defrost control, the provisions of
section 4.1.2.2 shall apply. If the model has a dual compressor
system with automatic defrost for both systems, the provisions of
4.1.2.3 shall apply. If the model being tested has long-time
automatic or variable defrost control involving multiple defrost
cycle types, such as for a system with a single compressor with two
or more evaporators in which the evaporators are defrosted at
different frequencies, the provisions of section 4.1.2.4 shall
apply. If the model being tested has multiple defrost cycle types
for which compressor run time between defrosts is a fixed time less
than 14 hours for all such cycle types, and for which the compressor
run time between defrosts for different defrost cycle types are
equal to or multiples of each other, the test time period shall be
from one point of the defrost cycle type with the longest compressor
run time between defrosts to the same point during the next
occurrence of this defrost cycle type. For such products, energy
consumption shall be calculated as described in section 5.2.1.1.
4.1.2.1 Long-time Automatic Defrost. If the model being tested
has a long-time automatic defrost system, the two-part test
described in this section may be used. The first part is the same as
the test for a unit having no defrost provisions (section 4.1.1).
The second part starts when the compressor turns off at the end of a
period of steady-state cycling operation just before initiation of
the defrost control sequence. If the compressor does not cycle
during steady-state operation between defrosts, the second part
starts at a
[[Page 29861]]
time when the compartment temperatures are within their ranges
measured during steady state operation, or within 0.5 [deg]F of the
average during steady state operation for a compartment with a
temperature range during steady state operation no greater than 1
[deg]F. This control sequence may include additional compressor
operation prior to energizing the defrost heater. The second part
terminates when the compressor turns on the second time after the
defrost control sequence or 4 hours after the defrost heater is
energized, whichever occurs first. See Figure 1.
BILLING CODE 6450-01-P
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP27MY10.000
[[Page 29862]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP27MY10.001
BILLING CODE 6450-01-C
4.1.2.2 Variable Defrost Control. If the model being tested has
a variable defrost control system, the test shall consist of the
same two parts as the test for long-time automatic defrost (section
4.1.2.1).
4.1.2.3 Dual Compressor Systems with Automatic Defrost. If the
model being tested has separate compressor systems for the
refrigerator and freezer sections, each with its own automatic
defrost system, then the two-part method in 4.1.2.1 shall be used.
The second part of the method will be conducted separately for each
automatic defrost system. The components (compressor, fan motors,
defrost heaters, anti-sweat heaters, etc.) associated with each
system will be identified and their energy consumption will be
separately measured during each test.
4.1.2.4 Systems with Multiple Defrost Frequencies. This section
is applicable to models with long-time automatic or variable defrost
control with multiple defrost cycle types, such as models with
single compressors and multiple evaporators in which the evaporators
have different defrost frequencies. The two-part method in 4.1.2.1
shall be used. The second part of the method will be conducted
separately for each distinct defrost cycle type.
4.1.3 Variable Anti-Sweat Heater Test. The test shall be
conducted three times with the test conditions at three different
relative humidities as set forth in section 2 and the test control
settings as set forth in section 3. For a product with an anti-sweat
heater switch, the tests shall be conducted with the switch in the
on position. Each of the three portions of the test shall be
conducted in the same manner as for a unit having no automatic
defrost (section 4.1.1). If during the time between one of the
portions of the test and the next portion the ambient temperature
conditions are maintained, the procedure for evaluating steady state
(section 2.9) is not required for the second of these two portions
of the test. However, in such a case, a control stabilization period
of two hours is required after the ambient humidity conditions have
reached the required range before start of the test.
5. Test Measurements
5.1 Temperature Measurements. Temperature measurements shall be
made at the locations prescribed in Figures 5.1 and 5.2 of HRF-1-
2008 (incorporated by reference; see Sec. 430.3) and shall be
accurate to within 0.5 [deg]F (0.3 [deg]C). No freezer
temperature measurements need be taken in an all-refrigerator model.
If the interior arrangements of the cabinet do not conform with
those shown in Figure 7.1 and 7.2 of HRF-1-1979, the product may be
tested by relocating the temperature sensors from the locations
specified in the Figures by no more than 2 inches to avoid
interference with hardware or components within the cabinet, in
which case the specific locations used for the temperature sensors
shall be noted in the test data records maintained by the
manufacturer in accordance with 10 CFR 430.62(d). For those products
equipped with a cabinet that does not conform with Figures 7.1 or
7.2 and cannot be tested in the manner described above, the
manufacturer must obtain a waiver under 10 CFR 430.27 to establish
an acceptable test procedure for each such product.
5.1.1 Measured Temperature. The measured temperature of a
compartment is to be the average of all sensor temperature readings
taken in that compartment at a particular point in time.
Measurements shall be taken at regular intervals not to exceed 4
minutes.
5.1.2 Compartment Temperature. The compartment temperature for
each test period shall be an average of the measured temperatures
taken in a compartment during one or more complete compressor
cycles. One compressor cycle is one complete motor ``on'' and one
complete motor ``off'' period. For long-time automatic defrost
models, compartment temperatures shall be those measured in the
first part of the test period specified in section 4.1.2.1. For
models equipped with variable defrost controls, compartment
temperatures shall be those measured in the first part of the test
period specified in section 4.1.2.2.
5.1.2.1 The number of complete compressor cycles over which the
measured temperatures in a compartment are to be averaged to
determine compartment temperature shall be equal to the number of
minutes between measured temperature readings, rounded up to the
next whole minute or a number of complete compressor cycles over a
time period exceeding 1 hour, whichever is greater. One of the
compressor cycles shall be the last complete compressor cycle during
the test period.
5.1.2.2 If no compressor cycling occurs, the compartment
temperature shall be the
[[Page 29863]]
average of the measured temperatures taken during the last 32
minutes of the test period.
5.1.2.3 If incomplete compressor cycling occurs, the compartment
temperatures shall be the average of the measured temperatures taken
during the last three hours of the last complete compressor ``on''
period.
5.2 Energy Measurements.
5.2.1 Per-Day Energy Consumption. The energy consumption in
kilowatt-hours per day, ET, for each test period shall be the energy
expended during the test period as specified in section 4.1 adjusted
to a 24-hour period. The adjustment shall be determined as follows.
5.2.1.1 Nonautomatic and Automatic Defrost Models. The energy
consumption in kilowatt-hours per day shall be calculated equivalent
to:
ET = EP x 1440/T
Where:
ET = test cycle energy expended in kilowatt-hours per day;
EP = energy expended in kilowatt-hours during the test period;
T = length of time of the test period in minutes; and
1440 = conversion factor to adjust to a 24-hour period in minutes
per day.
5.2.1.2 Long-time Automatic Defrost. If the two-part test method
is used, the energy consumption in kilowatt-hours per day shall be
calculated equivalent to:
ET = (1440 x EP1/T1) + (EP2 - (EP1 x T2/T1)) x (12/CT)
Where:
ET and 1440 are defined in 5.2.1.1;
EP1 = energy expended in kilowatt-hours during the first part of the
test;
EP2 = energy expended in kilowatt-hours during the second part of
the test;
T1 and T2 = length of time in minutes of the first and second test
parts respectively;
CT = defrost timer run time in hours required to cause it to go
through a complete cycle, to the nearest tenth hour per cycle; and
12 = factor to adjust for a 50 percent run time of the compressor in
hours per day.
5.2.1.3 Variable Defrost Control. The energy consumption in
kilowatt-hours per day shall be calculated equivalent to:
ET = (1440 x EP1/T1) + (EP2 - (EP1 x T2/T1)) x (12/CT),
Where:
1440 is defined in 5.2.1.1 and EP1, EP2, T1, T2, and 12 are defined
in 5.2.1.2;
CT = (CTL x CTM)/(F x (CTM -
CTL) + CTL);
CTL = least or shortest time between defrosts in hours
rounded to the nearest tenth of an hour (greater than or equal to 6
but less than or equal to 12 hours);
CTM = maximum time between defrost cycles in hours
rounded to the nearest tenth of an hour (greater than CTL
but not more than 96 hours);
F = ratio of per day energy consumption in excess of the least
energy and the maximum difference in per-day energy consumption and
is equal to 0.20; and
For variable defrost models with no values for CT L and
CTM in the algorithm, the default values of 12 and 84
shall be used, respectively.
5.2.1.4 Dual Compressor Systems with Dual Automatic Defrost. The
two-part test method in section 4.1.2.4 must be used, and the energy
consumption in kilowatt-hours per day shall be calculated equivalent
to:
ET = (1440 x EP1/T1) + (EP2F - (EPF x T2/T1)) x
(12/CTF) + (EP2R - (EPR x T3/T1)) x
(12/CTR)
Where:
1440, EP1, T1, EP2, 12, and CT are defined in 5.2.1.2;
EPF = freezer system energy in kilowatt-hours expended
during the first part of the test;
EP2F = freezer system energy in kilowatt-hours expended
during the second part of the test for the freezer system;
EPR= refrigerator system energy in kilowatt-hours
expended during the first part of the test;
EP2R = refrigerator system energy in kilowatt-hours
expended during the second part of the test for the refrigerator
system;
T2 and T3 = length of time in minutes of the second test part for
the freezer and refrigerator systems respectively;
CTF = compressor ``on'' time between freezer defrosts (in
hours to the nearest tenth of an hour); and
CTR = compressor ``on'' time between refrigerator
defrosts (in hours to the nearest tenth of an hour).
5.2.1.5 Variable Anti-Sweat Heater Test. The energy consumption
in kilowatt-hours per day for each of the portions of the test shall
be calculated equivalent to:
ETXX = EPXX x 1440/TXX
Where:
1440 is defined in 5.2.1.1;
subscript XX = 25, 65, and 95, representing the three relative
humidities for which the test is conducted;
ETXX = test cycle energy expended in kilowatt-hours per
day;
EPXX = energy expended during the test period in
kilowatt-hours; and
TXX = length of time of the test period in minutes.
5.2.1.6 Long-time or Variable Defrost Control for Systems with
Multiple Defrost cycle Types. The energy consumption in kilowatt-
hours per day shall be calculated equivalent to:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP27MY10.004
Where:
1440 is defined in 5.2.1.1 and EP1, T1, and 12 are defined in
5.2.1.2;
i is a variable that can equal 1, 2, or more that identifies the
distinct defrost cycle types applicable for the refrigerator or
refrigerator-freezer;
EP2i = energy expended in kilowatt-hours during the
second part of the test for defrost cycle type i;
T2i = length of time in minutes of the second part of the
test for defrost cycle type i;
CTi is the compressor run time between instances of
defrost cycle type i, for long time automatic defrost control equal
to a fixed time, and for variable defrost control equal to
(CTLi x CTMi)/(F x (CTMi -
CTLi) + CTLi);
CTLi = least or shortest time between instances of
defrost cycle type i in hours rounded to the nearest tenth of an
hour (greater than or equal to 6 but less than or equal to 12
hours);
CTMi = maximum time between instances of defrost cycle
type i in hours rounded to the nearest tenth of an hour (greater
than CTLi but not more than 96 hours);
F = default defrost energy consumption factor, equal to 0.20.
For variable defrost models with no values for CT Li and
CTMi in the algorithm, the default values of 12 and 84
shall be used, respectively.
D is the total number of distinct defrost cycle types.
5.3 Volume Measurements. The electric refrigerator or electric
refrigerator-freezer total refrigerated volume, VT, shall be
measured in accordance with HRF-1-2008, (incorporated by reference;
see Sec. 430.3), section 3.30 and sections 4.2 through 4.3, and be
calculated equivalent to:
VT = VF + VFF
Where:
VT = total refrigerated volume in cubic feet,
VF = freezer compartment volume in cubic feet, and
VFF = fresh food compartment volume in cubic feet.
In the case of refrigerators or refrigerator-freezers with automatic
icemakers, the volume occupied by the automatic icemaker, including
its ice storage bin, is to be included in the volume measurement.
5.4 Externally Vented Refrigerator or Refrigerator-Freezer
Units. All test measurements for the externally vented refrigerator
or refrigerator-freezer shall be made in accordance with the
requirements of other sections of this Appendix, except as modified
in this section or other sections expressly applicable to externally
vented refrigerators or refrigerator-freezers.
5.4.1 Operability of ``Thermostatic'' and ``Mixing of Air''
Controls. Before conducting energy consumption tests, the
operability of thermostatic controls that permit the mixing of
exterior and ambient air when exterior air
[[Page 29864]]
temperatures are less than 60 [deg]F (15.6 [deg]C) must be verified.
The operability of such controls shall be verified by operating the
unit under ambient air temperature of 90 [deg]F (32.2 [deg]C) and
exterior air temperature of 45 [deg]F (7.2 [deg]C). If the inlet air
entering the condenser or condenser/compressor compartment is
maintained at 60 3 [deg]F (15.6 1.7
[deg]C), energy consumption of the unit shall be measured under
5.4.2.2 and 5.4.2.3. If the inlet air entering the condenser or
condenser/compressor compartment is not maintained at 60 3 [deg]F (15.6 1.7 [deg]C), energy consumption
of the unit shall also be measured under 5.4.2.4.
5.4.2 Energy Consumption Tests.
5.4.2.1 Correction Factor Test. To enable calculation of a
correction factor, K, two full cycle tests shall be conducted to
measure energy consumption of the unit with air mixing controls
disabled and the condenser inlet air temperatures set at 90 [deg]F
(32.2 [deg]C) and 80 [deg]F (26.7 [deg]C). Both tests shall be
conducted with all compartment temperature controls set at the
position midway between their warmest and coldest settings and the
anti-sweat heater switch off. Record the energy consumptions
ec90 and ec80, in kWh/day.
5.4.2.2 Energy Consumption at 90 [deg]F. The unit shall be
tested at 90 [deg]F (32.2 [deg]C) exterior air temperature to record
the energy consumptions (e90)i in kWh/day. For
a given setting of the anti-sweat heater, the value i corresponds to
each of the two states of the compartment temperature control
positions.
5.4.2.3 Energy Consumption at 60 [deg]F. The unit shall be
tested at 60 [deg]F (26.7 [deg]C) exterior air temperature to record
the energy consumptions (e60)i in kWh/day. For
a given setting of the anti-sweat heater, the value i corresponds to
each of the two states of the compartment temperature control
positions.
5.4.2.4 Energy Consumption if Mixing Controls do not Operate
Properly. If the operability of temperature and mixing controls has
not been verified as required under 5.4.1, the unit shall be tested
at 50 [deg]F (10.0 [deg]C) and 30 [deg]F (-1.1 [deg]C) exterior air
temperatures to record the energy consumptions
(e50)i and (e30)i. For a
given setting of the anti-sweat heater, the value i corresponds to
each of the two states of the compartment temperature control
positions.
6. Calculation of Derived Results From Test Measurements
6.1 Adjusted Total Volume.
6.1.1 Electric Refrigerators. The adjusted total volume, VA, for
electric refrigerators under test shall be defined as:
VA = (VF x CR) + VFF
Where:
VA = adjusted total volume in cubic feet;
VF and VFF are defined in 5.3; and
CR = dimensionless adjustment factor of 1.47 for refrigerators other
than all-refrigerators, or 1.0 for all-refrigerators.
6.1.2 Electric Refrigerator-Freezers. The adjusted total volume,
VA, for electric refrigerator-freezers under test shall be
calculated as follows:
VA = (VF x CRF) + VFF
Where:
VF and VFF are defined in 5.3 and VA is defined in 6.1.1, and
CRF = dimensionless adjustment factor of 1.76.
6.2 Average Per-Cycle Energy Consumption. For the purposes of
calculating per-cycle energy consumption, as described in this
section, freezer compartment temperature shall be equal to a volume-
weighted average of the temperatures of all applicable freezer
compartments, and fresh food compartment temperature shall be equal
to a volume-weighted average of the temperatures of all applicable
fresh food compartments. Applicable compartments for these
calculations may include a first freezer compartment, a first fresh
food compartment, and any number of separate auxiliary compartments.
6.2.1 All-Refrigerator Models. The average per-cycle energy
consumption for a cycle type, E, is expressed in kilowatt-hours per
cycle to the nearest one hundredth (0.01) kilowatt-hour and shall
depend upon the temperature attainable in the fresh food compartment
as shown below.
6.2.1.1 If the fresh food compartment temperature is always
below 39.0 [deg]F (3.9 [deg]C), the average per-cycle energy
consumption shall be equivalent to:
E = ET1
Where:
ET is defined in 5.2.1; and
number 1 indicates the test period during which the highest fresh
food compartment temperature is measured.
6.2.1.2 If one of the fresh food compartment temperatures
measured for a test period is greater than 39.0 [deg]F (3.9 [deg]C),
the average per-cycle energy consumption shall be equivalent to:
E = ET1 + ((ET2 - ET1) x (39.0 - TR1)/(TR2 - TR1))
Where:
ET is defined in 5.2.1;
TR = fresh food compartment temperature determined according to
5.1.2 in degrees F; numbers 1 and 2 indicate measurements taken
during the first and second test period as appropriate; and
39.0 = standardized fresh food compartment temperature in degrees F.
6.2.2 Refrigerators and Refrigerator-Freezers. The average per-
cycle energy consumption for a cycle type, E, is expressed in
kilowatt-hours per-cycle to the nearest one hundredth (0.01)
kilowatt-hour and shall be defined in one of the following ways as
applicable.
6.2.2.1 If the fresh food compartment temperature is at or below
39 [deg]F (3.9 [deg]C) in both tests and the freezer compartment
temperature is at or below 15 [deg]F (-9.4 [deg]C) in both tests of
a refrigerator or at or below 0 [deg]F (-17.8 [deg]C) in both tests
of a refrigerator-freezer, the per-cycle energy consumption shall
be:
E = ET1 + IET
Where:
ET is defined in 5.2.1;
IET, expressed in kilowatt-hours per cycle, equals 0.23 for a
product with an automatic icemaker and otherwise equals 0 (zero);
and
number 1 indicates the test period during which the highest freezer
compartment temperature was measured.
6.2.2.2 If the conditions of 6.2.2.1 do not exist, the per-cycle
energy consumption shall be defined by the higher of the two values
calculated by the following two formulas:
E = ET1 + ((ET2 - ET1) x (39.0 - TR1)/(TR2 - TR1)) + IET and
E = ET1 + ((ET2 - ET1) x (k - TF1)/(TF2 - TF1)) + IET
Where:
E is defined in 6.2.1.1;
ET is defined in 5.2.1;
IET is defined in 6.2.2.1;
TR and the numbers 1 and 2 are defined in 6.2.1.2;
TF = freezer compartment temperature determined according to 5.1.2
in degrees F;
39.0 is a specified fresh food compartment temperature in degrees F;
and
k is a constant 15.0 for refrigerators or 0.0 for refrigerator-
freezers, each being standardized freezer compartment temperatures
in degrees F.
6.2.3 Variable Anti-Sweat Heater Models. The energy consumption
of an electric refrigerator-freezer having a variable anti-sweat
heater control, EVASH, expressed in kilowatt-hours per
day, shall be calculated equivalent to:
EVASH = E + (Correction Factor), where E is determined by
6.2.1.1, 6.2.1.2, 6.2.2.1, or 6.2.2.2, whichever is appropriate, with
the anti-sweat heater in its minimum energy state corresponding to low
ambient humidity during the test.
Where:
Correction Factor
= 0.034 * (Energy Difference at 5% Relative Humidity (RH)),
+ 0.211 * (Energy Difference at 15% RH)
+ 0.204 * (Energy Difference at 25% RH)
+ 0.166 * (Energy Difference at 35% RH)
+ 0.126 * (Energy Difference at 45% RH)
+ 0.119 * (Energy Difference at 55% RH)
+ 0.069 * (Energy Difference at 65% RH)
+ 0.047 * (Energy Difference at 75% RH)
+ 0.008 * (Energy Difference at 85% RH)
+ 0.015 * (Energy Difference at 95% RH)
Where:
Energy Difference at 65% RH = ED65 - ET65-
ET25;
Energy Difference at 95% RH = ED95 - ET95-
ET25;
ET25, ET65, and ET95 are determined
in accordance with section 5.2.1.6; and
Energy Difference EDRH at each other relative humidity RH
is the greater of zero or the following:
EDRH = ED65 + (ED95-
ED65) x (DPRH-DP65)/
(DP95-DP65),
Where the dew points DPRH at each of the relative
humidities RH in the equation are as follows:
DP5 = 5.06;
DP15 = 27.53;
DP25 = 38.75;
[[Page 29865]]
DP35 = 46.43;
DP45 = 52.32;
DP55 = 57.13;
DP65 = 61.20;
DP75 = 64.74;
DP85 = 67.87;
DP95 = 70.69.
6.3 Externally vented refrigerator or refrigerator-freezers.
Per-cycle energy consumption measurements for an externally vented
refrigerator or refrigerator-freezer shall be calculated in
accordance with the requirements of this Appendix, as modified in
sections 6.3.1-6.3.7.
6.3.1 Correction Factor. The correction factor, K, shall be
calculated as:
K = ec90/ec80
Where:
ec90 and ec80 are measured in section 5.4.2.1.
6.3.2 Combining Test Results of Different Settings of
Compartment Temperature Controls. For a given setting of the anti-
sweat heater, follow the calculation procedures of 6.2 to combine
the test results for energy consumption of the unit at different
temperature control settings for each condenser inlet air
temperature tested under 5.4.2.2, 5.4.2.3, and 5.4.2.4, where
applicable, (e90)i,
(e60)i, (e50)i, and
(e30)i. The combined values,
[egr]90, [egr]60, [egr]50, and
[egr]30, where applicable, are expressed in kWh/day.
6.3.3 Energy Consumption Corrections. For a given setting of the
anti-sweat heater, adjust the energy consumptions
[egr]90, [egr]60, [egr]50, and
[egr]30 calculated in 6.3.2 by multiplying the correction
factor K to obtain the corrected energy consumptions per day in kWh/
day:
E90 = K x [egr]90,
E60 = K x [egr]60,
E50 = K x [egr]50, and
E30 = K x [egr]30
Where:
K is determined under section 6.3.1; and [egr]90,
[egr]60, [egr]50, and [egr]30 are
determined under section 6.3.2.
6.3.4 Energy Profile Equation. For a given setting of the anti-
sweat heater, calculate the energy consumption EX, in
kWh/day, at a specific exterior air temperature between 80 [deg]F
(26.7 [deg]C) and 60 [deg]F (15.6 [deg]C) using the following
equation:
EX = E60 + (E90 - E60) x
(TX - 60)/30
Where:
TX is the exterior air temperature in [deg]F;
60 is the exterior air temperature for the test of section 6.4.2.3;
30 is the difference between 90 and 60;
E60 and E90 are determined in section 6.3.3.
6.3.5 Energy Consumption at 80 [deg]F (26.7 [deg]C), 75 [deg]F
(23.9 [deg]C) and 65 [deg]F (18.3 [deg]C). For a given setting of
the anti-sweat heater, calculate the energy consumptions at 80
[deg]F (26.7 [deg]C), 75 [deg]F (23.9 [deg]C) and 65 [deg]F (18.3
[deg]C) exterior air temperatures, E80, E75
and E65, respectively, in kWh/day, using the equation in
6.3.4.
6.3.6 National Average Per-Cycle Energy Consumption. For a given
setting of the anti-sweat heater, calculate the national average
energy consumption, EN, in kWh/day, using one of the
following equations:
EN = 0.523 x E60 + 0.165 x E65 + 0.181
x E75 + 0.131 x E80, for units not tested under
section 5.4.2.4; and
EN = 0.257 x E30 + 0.266 x E50 + 0.165
x E65 + 0.181 x E75 + 0.131 x E80, for
units tested under section 5.4.2.4
Where:
E30, E50, and E60 are defined in
6.3.3;
E65, E75, and E80 are defined in
6.3.5; and
the coefficients 0.523, 0.165, 0.181, 0.131, 0.257 and 0.266 are
weather-associated weighting factors.
6.3.7 Regional Average Per-Cycle Energy Consumption. If regional
average per-cycle energy consumption is required to be calculated
for a given setting of the anti-sweat heater, calculate the regional
average per-cycle energy consumption, ER, in kWh/day, for
the regions in Figure 2. Use one of the following equations and the
coefficients in Table A:
ER = a1 x E60 + c x E65 + d
x E75 + e x E80, for a unit that is not required
to be tested under section 5.4.2.4; or
ER = a x E30 + b x E50 + c x
E65 + d x E75 + e x E80, for a unit
tested under section 5.4.2.4
Where:
E30, E50, and E60 are defined in
section 6.3.3;
E65, E75, and E80 are defined in
section 6.3.5; and
a1, a, b, c, d, and e are weather-associated weighting
factors for the regions, as specified in Table A.
Table A--Coefficients for Calculating Regional Average per-Cycle Energy Consumption
[Weighting factors]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regions a1 a b c d e
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I........................................... 0.282 0.039 0.244 0.194 0.326 0.198
II.......................................... 0.486 0.194 0.293 0.191 0.193 0.129
III......................................... 0.584 0.302 0.282 0.178 0.159 0.079
IV.......................................... 0.664 0.420 0.244 0.161 0.121 0.055
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 29866]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP27MY10.006
7. Test Procedure Waivers
To the extent that the procedures contained in this appendix do
not provide a means for determining the energy consumption of a
refrigerator or refrigerator-freezer, a manufacturer must obtain a
waiver under 10 CFR 430.27 to establish an acceptable test procedure
for each such product. Such instances could, for example, include
situations where the test set-up for a particular refrigerator or
refrigerator-freezer basic model is not clearly defined by the
provisions of section 2. For details regarding the criteria and
procedures for obtaining a waiver, please refer to 10 CFR 430.27.
6. Appendix A1 to subpart B of part 430 is amended by:
a. Adding an introductory note after the appendix heading;
b. Revising section 1. Definitions;
c. In section 2. Test Conditions, by:
1. Redesignating sections 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.6.1, 2.6.2 and
2.6.3 as 2.4, 2.5, 2.9, 2.10, 2.10.1, 2.10.2 and 2.10.3;
2. Revising sections 2.1, 2.2 and redesignated section 2.4;
3. Adding new sections 2.3, and 2.6 through 2.8;
d. In section 3. Test Control Settings, by:
1. Revising sections 3.2 and 3.2.1;
2. Removing section 3.3;
e. In section 4. Test Period, by:
1. Revising sections 4.1.1, 4.1.2, 4.1.2.1, and 4.1.2.2;
2. Removing section 4.1.2.3;
3. Redesignating section 4.1.2.4 as 4.1.2.3 and revising
redesignated 4.1.2.3;
2. Revising Figure 1 to section 4;
3. Adding new sections 4.1.2.4 and 4.1.3;
f. In section 5. Test Measurements, by:
1. Revising existing sections 5.1, 5.1.2, 5.1.2.1, 5.1.2.2,
5.1.2.3, and 5.2.1.3;
2. Removing section 5.2.1.4;
3. Redesignating section 5.2.1.5 as 5.2.1.4 and revising
redesignated 5.2.1.4;
2. Adding new sections 5.2.1.5 and 5.2.1.6;
g. In section 6. Calculation of Derived Results from Test
Measurements, by:
1. Revising Section 6.2;
2. Adding new section 6.2.3;
3. Redesignating Figure 1 in section 6 as Figure 2.
h. Adding a new section 7, Test Procedure Waivers.
The additions and revisions read as follows:
Appendix A1 to Subpart B of Part 430--Uniform Test Method for Measuring
the Energy Consumption of Electric Refrigerators and Electric
Refrigerator-Freezers
The provisions of Appendix A1 shall apply to all products
manufactured prior to the effective date of any amended standards
promulgated by DOE pursuant to Section 325(b)(4) of the Energy
Policy and Conservation Act of 1975, as amended by the Energy
Independence and Security Act of 2007 (to be codified at 42 U.S.C.
6295(b)(4)).
1. Definitions
Section 3, Definitions, of HRF-1-1979 (incorporated by
reference; see Sec. 430.3) is applicable to this test procedure.
1.1 ``Adjusted total volume'' means the sum of (i) the fresh
food compartment volume as defined in HRF-1-1979 in cubic feet, and
(ii) the product of an adjustment factor and the net freezer
compartment volume as defined in HRF-1-1979, in cubic feet.
1.2 ``All-refrigerator'' means an electric refrigerator which
does not include a compartment for the freezing and long time
[[Page 29867]]
storage of food at temperatures below 32 [deg]F. (0.0 [deg]C.). It
may include a compartment of 0.50 cubic feet capacity (14.2 liters)
or less for the freezing and storage of ice.
1.3 ``Anti-sweat heater'' means a device incorporated into the
design of a refrigerator or refrigerator-freezer to prevent the
accumulation of moisture on exterior or interior surfaces of the
cabinet.
1.4 ``Anti-sweat heater switch'' means a user-controllable
switch or user interface which modifies the activation or control of
anti-sweat heaters.
1.5 ``Automatic defrost'' means a system in which the defrost
cycle is automatically initiated and terminated, with resumption of
normal refrigeration at the conclusion of the defrost operation. The
system automatically prevents the permanent formation of frost on
all refrigerated surfaces. Nominal refrigerated food temperatures
are maintained during the operation of the automatic defrost system.
1.6 ``Automatic icemaker'' means a device that can be supplied
with water without user intervention, either from a pressurized
water supply system or by transfer from a water reservoir located
inside the cabinet, that automatically produces, harvests, and
stores ice in a storage bin, with means to automatically interrupt
the harvesting operation when the ice storage bin is filled to a
pre-determined level.
1.7 ``Cycle'' means the period of 24 hours for which the energy
use of an electric refrigerator or electric refrigerator-freezer is
calculated as though the consumer activated compartment temperature
controls were set so that the standardized temperatures (see section
3.2) were maintained.
1.8 ``Cycle type'' means the set of test conditions having the
calculated effect of operating an electric refrigerator or electric
refrigerator-freezer for a period of 24 hours, with the consumer
activated controls other than those that control compartment
temperatures set to establish various operating characteristics.
1.9 ``Defrost cycle type'' means a distinct sequence of control
whose function is to remove frost and/or ice from a refrigerated
surface. There may be variations in the sequence of control for
defrost such as the number of defrost heaters energized. Each such
variation establishes a separate distinct defrost cycle type.
1.10 ``Externally vented refrigerator or refrigerator-freezer''
means an electric refrigerator or electric refrigerator-freezer
that: has an enclosed condenser or an enclosed condenser/compressor
compartment and a set of air ducts for transferring the exterior air
from outside the building envelope into, through and out of the
refrigerator or refrigerator-freezer cabinet; is capable of mixing
exterior air with the room air before discharging into, through, and
out of the condenser or condenser/compressor compartment; includes
thermostatically controlled dampers or controls that enable the
mixing of the exterior and room air at low outdoor temperatures, and
the exclusion of exterior air when the outdoor air temperature is
above 80 [deg]F or the room air temperature; and may have a
thermostatically actuated exterior air fan.
1.11 ``HRF-1-1979'' means the Association of Home Appliance
Manufacturers standard for household refrigerators, combination
refrigerator-freezers, and household freezers, also approved as an
American National Standard as a revision of ANSI B 38.1-1970. Only
sections of HRF-1-1979 (incorporated by reference; see Sec. 430.3)
specifically referenced in this test procedure are part of this test
procedure. In cases where there is a conflict, the language of the
test procedure in this appendix takes precedence over HRF-1-1979.
1.12 ``Long-time Automatic Defrost'' means an automatic defrost
system where successive defrost cycles are separated by 14 hours or
more of compressor-operating time.
1.13 ``Separate auxiliary compartment'' means a freezer
compartment or a fresh food compartment of a refrigerator or
refrigerator-freezer having more than two compartments that is not
the first freezer compartment or the first fresh food compartment.
Access to a separate auxiliary compartment is through a separate
exterior door or doors rather than through the door or doors of
another compartment. Separate auxiliary compartments may be
convertible (e.g., from fresh food to freezer).
1.14 ``Stabilization Period'' means the total period of time
during which steady-state conditions are being attained or
evaluated.
1.15 ``Standard cycle'' means the cycle type in which the anti-
sweat heater control, when provided, is set in the highest energy
consuming position.
1.16 ``Variable anti-sweat heater control'' means an anti-sweat
heater control that varies the average power input of the anti-sweat
heater(s) based on operating condition variable(s) and/or ambient
condition variable(s).
1.17 ``Variable defrost control'' means a long-time automatic
defrost system (except the 14-hour defrost qualification does not
apply) where successive defrost cycles are determined by an
operating condition variable or variables other than solely
compressor operating time. This includes any electrical or
mechanical device. Demand defrost is a type of variable defrost
control.
2. Test Conditions
2.1 Ambient Temperature and Humidity. The ambient temperature
shall be 90.0 1 [deg]F (32.2 0.6 [deg]C)
during the stabilization period and the test period. If the product
being tested has variable anti-sweat heater control, the ambient
relative humidity shall be no more than 35%. For the variable anti-
sweat heater test described in section 4.1.3, the ambient
temperature shall be 72 1 [deg]F (22.2 0.6
[deg]C) dry bulb and the relative humidities for the three portions
of the test shall be 25 10%, 65 2%, and 95
2%.
2.2 Operational Conditions. The electric refrigerator or
electric refrigerator-freezer shall be installed and its operating
conditions maintained in accordance with HRF-1-1979, (incorporated
by reference; see Sec. 430.3), section 7.2 through section 7.4.3.3,
except that the vertical ambient temperature gradient at locations
10 inches (25.4 cm) out from the centers of the two sides of the
unit being tested is to be maintained during the test. Unless the
area is obstructed by shields or baffles, the gradient is to be
maintained from 2 inches (5.1 cm) above the floor or supporting
platform to a height 1 foot (30.5 cm) above the unit under test.
Defrost controls are to be operative. Other exceptions and
provisions to the cited sections of HRF-1-1979 are noted in sections
2.3 through 2.8, and 5.1 below.
2.3 Anti-Sweat Heaters.
(a) User-Controllable Anti-Sweat Heaters. The anti-sweat heater
switch is to be on during one test and off during a second test.
(b) Variable Anti-Sweat Heaters. In the case of an electric
refrigerator-freezer equipped with variable anti-sweat heater
control, the test shall be conducted with the anti-sweat heater
controls activated to allow the anti-sweat heater to be energized
but operating in their minimum energy state corresponding to
operation in low humidity conditions, as a result of testing
conducted using an ambient relative humidity level as specified in
section 2.1. If the product has an anti-sweat heater switch, it
shall be switched on. The variable anti-sweat heater test (described
in section 4.1.3) shall be conducted to determine the energy
consumption of the anti-sweat heater in higher humidity conditions.
The standard cycle energy consumption shall be determined using the
equation described in section 6.2.3.
2.4 Conditions for Automatic Defrost Refrigerator-Freezers. For
automatic defrost refrigerator-freezers, the freezer compartments
shall not be loaded with any frozen food packages during testing.
Cylindrical metallic masses of dimensions 1.12 0.25
inches (2.9 0.6 cm) in diameter and height shall be
attached in good thermal contact with each temperature sensor within
the refrigerated compartments. All temperature measuring sensor
masses shall be supported by low-thermal-conductivity supports in
such a manner to ensure that there will be at least 1 inch (2.5 cm)
of air space separating the thermal mass from contact with any
interior surface or hardware inside the cabinet. In case of
interference with hardware at the sensor locations specified in
section 5.1, the sensors shall be placed at the nearest adjacent
location such that there will be a 1-inch air space separating the
sensor mass from the hardware.
* * * * *
2.6 The cabinet and its refrigerating mechanism shall be
assembled and set up in accordance with the printed consumer
instructions supplied with the cabinet. Set-up of the refrigerator
or refrigerator-freezer shall not deviate from these instructions,
unless explicitly required or allowed by this test procedure.
Specific required or allowed deviations from such set-up include the
following:
(a) Connection of water lines and installation of water filters
are not required;
(b) Clearance requirements from surfaces of the product shall be
as described in section 2.8 below;
(c) The electric power supply shall be as described in HRF-1-
1979 (incorporated by reference; see Sec. 430.3) section 7.4.1;
(d) Temperature control settings for testing shall be as
described in section 3 below. Settings for convertible compartments
and other temperature-controllable or special
[[Page 29868]]
compartments shall be as described in section 2.7 below; and
(e) The product does not need to be anchored or otherwise
secured to prevent tipping during energy testing.
For cases in which set-up is not clearly defined by this test
procedure, manufacturers must submit a petition for a waiver (see
section 7).
2.7 Compartments that are convertible (e.g., from fresh food to
freezer) shall be operated in the highest energy use position. For
the special case of convertible separate auxiliary compartments,
this means that the compartment shall be treated as a freezer
compartment or a fresh food compartment, depending on which of these
represents higher energy use. Other compartments with separate
temperature control (such as crispers convertible to meat keepers),
with the exception of butter conditioners, shall also be tested with
controls set in the highest energy use position.
2.8 The space between the back of the cabinet and the test room
wall or simulated wall shall be the minimum distance in accordance
with the manufacturer's instructions. If the instructions do not
specify a minimum distance, the cabinet shall be located such that
the rear of the cabinet touches the test room wall or simulated
wall. The test room wall facing the rear of the cabinet or the
simulated wall shall be flat within \1/4\ inch, and vertical to
within 1 degree. The cabinet shall be leveled to within 1 degree of
true level, and positioned with its rear wall parallel to the test
chamber wall or simulated wall immediately behind the cabinet. Any
simulated wall shall be solid and shall extend vertically from the
floor to above the height of the cabinet and horizontally beyond
both sides of the cabinet.
* * * * *
3. Test Control Settings
* * * * *
3.2 Model with User Operable Temperature Control. Testing shall
be performed in accordance with one of the following sections using
the standardized temperatures of:
All-Refrigerator: 38 [deg]F (3.3 [deg]C) fresh food compartment
temperature;
Refrigerator: 15 [deg]F (-9.4 [deg]C) freezer compartment
temperature;
Refrigerator-Freezer: 5 [deg]F (-15 [deg]C) freezer compartment
temperature; and
Variable Anti-Sweat Heater Model (Temperatures for the variable
anti-sweat heater test of section 4.1.3): 5 [deg]F (-15 [deg]C)
freezer compartment temperature and 38 2 [deg]F (3.3
1.1 [deg]F) fresh food compartment temperature during
steady-state conditions with no door-openings. If both settings
cannot be obtained, then test with the fresh food compartment
temperature at 38 2 [deg]F (3.3 1.1
[deg]C) and the freezer compartment as close to 5 [deg]F (-15
[deg]C) as possible.
For the purposes of comparing compartment temperatures with
standardized temperatures, as described in sections 3.2.1 through
3.2.3, the freezer compartment temperature shall be equal to a
volume-weighted average of the temperatures of all applicable
freezer compartments, and the fresh food compartment temperature
shall be equal to a volume-weighted average of the temperatures of
all applicable fresh food compartments. Applicable compartments for
these calculations may include a first freezer compartment, a first
fresh food compartment, and any number of separate auxiliary
compartments.
3.2.1 A first test shall be performed with all compartment
temperature controls set at their median position midway between
their warmest and coldest settings. For mechanical control systems,
knob detents shall be mechanically defeated if necessary to attain a
median setting. For electronic control systems, the test shall be
performed with all compartment temperature controls set at the
average of the coldest and warmest settings--if there is no setting
equal to this average, the setting closest to the average shall be
used. If there are two such settings equally close to the average,
the higher of these temperature control settings shall be used. If
the compartment temperature measured during the first test is higher
than the standardized temperature, the second test shall be
conducted with the controls set at the coldest settings. If the
compartment temperature measured during the first test is lower than
the standardized temperature, the second test shall be conducted
with the controls set at the warmest settings. If the compartment
temperatures measured during these two tests bound the standardized
temperature for the product being tested, then these test results
shall be used to determine energy consumption. If the compartment
temperature measured with all controls set at their coldest setting
is above the standardized temperature, a third test shall be
performed with all controls set at their warmest setting and the
result of this test shall be used with the result of the test
performed with all controls set at their coldest setting to
determine energy consumption. If the compartment temperature
measured with all controls set at their warmest setting is below the
standardized temperature; and the fresh food compartment temperature
is below 45 [deg]F (7.22 [deg]C) in the case of a refrigerator or a
refrigerator-freezer, excluding an all-refrigerator, then the result
of this test alone will be used to determine energy consumption.
* * * * *
4. Test Period
* * * * *
4.1.1 Nonautomatic Defrost. If the model being tested has no
automatic defrost system, the test time period shall start after
steady state conditions have been achieved, and be of not less than
three hours in duration. During the test period the compressor motor
shall complete two or more whole compressor cycles (a compressor
cycle is a complete ``on'' and a complete ``off'' period of the
motor). If no ``off'' cycling will occur, as determined during the
stabilization period, the test period shall be 3 hours. If
incomplete cycling occurs (less than two compressor cycles during a
24-hour period), the results of the 24-hour period shall be used.
4.1.2 Automatic Defrost. If the model being tested has an
automatic defrost system, the test time period shall start after
steady-state conditions have been achieved and be from one point
during a defrost period to the same point during the next defrost
period. If the model being tested has a long-time automatic defrost
system, the alternative provisions of 4.1.2.1 may be used. If the
model being tested has a variable defrost control, the provisions of
section 4.1.2.2 shall apply. If the model has a dual compressor
system with automatic defrost for both systems, the provisions of
4.1.2.3 shall apply. If the model being tested has long-time
automatic or variable defrost control involving multiple defrost
cycle types, such as for a system with a single compressor with two
or more evaporators in which the evaporators are defrosted at
different frequencies, the provisions of section 4.1.2.4 shall
apply. If the model being tested has multiple defrost cycle types
for which compressor run time between defrosts is a fixed time less
than 14 hours for all such cycle types, and for which the compressor
run time between defrosts for different defrost cycle types are
equal to or multiples of each other, the test time period shall be
from one point of the defrost cycle type with the longest compressor
run time between defrosts to the same point during the next
occurrence of this defrost cycle type. For such products, energy
consumption shall be calculated as described in section 5.2.1.1.
4.1.2.1 Long-time Automatic Defrost. If the model being tested
has a long-time automatic defrost system, the two-part test
described in this section may be used. The first part is the same as
the test for a unit having no defrost provisions (section 4.1.1).
The second part starts when the compressor turns off at the end of a
period of steady-state cycling operation just before initiation of
the defrost control sequence. If the compressor does not cycle
during steady-state operation between defrosts, the second part
starts at a time when the compartment temperatures are within their
ranges measured during steady state operation, or within 0.5 [deg]F
of the average during steady state operation for a compartment with
a temperature range during steady state operation no greater than 1
[deg]F. This control sequence may include additional compressor
operation prior to energizing the defrost heater. The second part
terminates when the compressor turns on the second time after the
defrost control sequence or 4 hours after the defrost heater is
energized, whichever occurs first. See Figure 1.
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BILLING CODE 6450-01-C
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4.1.2.2 Variable Defrost Control. If the model being tested has
a variable defrost control system, the test shall consist of the
same two parts as the test for long-time automatic defrost (section
4.1.2.1).
4.1.2.3 Dual Compressor Systems with Automatic Defrost. If the
model being tested has separate compressor systems for the
refrigerator and freezer sections, each with its own automatic
defrost system, then the two-part method in 4.1.2.1 shall be used.
The second part of the method will be conducted separately for each
automatic defrost system. The components (compressor, fan motors,
defrost heaters, anti-sweat heaters, etc.) associated with each
system will be identified and their energy consumption will be
separately measured during each test.
4.1.2.4 Systems with Multiple Defrost Frequencies. This section
is applicable to models with long-time automatic or variable defrost
control with multiple defrost cycle types, such as models with
single compressors and multiple evaporators in which the evaporators
have different defrost frequencies. The two-part method in 4.1.2.1
shall be used. The second part of the method will be conducted
separately for each distinct defrost cycle type.
4.1.3 Variable Anti-Sweat Heater Test. The test shall be
conducted three times with the test conditions at three different
relative humidities as set forth in section 2 and the test control
settings as set forth in section 3. For a product with an anti-sweat
heater switch, the tests shall be conducted with the switch in the
on position. Each of the three portions of the test shall be
conducted in the same manner as for a unit having no automatic
defrost (section 4.1.1). If during the time between one of the
portions of the test and the next portion the ambient temperature
conditions are maintained, the procedure for evaluating steady state
(section 2.9) is not required for the second of these two portions
of the test. However, in such a case, a control stabilization period
of two hours is required after the ambient humidity conditions have
reached the required range before start of the test.
5. Test Measurements
5.1 Temperature Measurements. Temperature measurements shall be
made at the locations prescribed in Figures 7.1 and 7.2 of HRF-1-
1979 (incorporated by reference; see Sec. 430.3) and shall be
accurate to within 0.5 [deg]F (0.3 [deg]C). No freezer
temperature measurements need be taken in an all-refrigerator model.
If the interior arrangements of the cabinet do not conform with
those shown in Figure 7.1 and 7.2 of HRF-1-1979, the product may be
tested by relocating the temperature sensors from the locations
specified in the Figures by no more than 2 inches to avoid
interference with hardware or components within the cabinet, in
which case the specific locations used for the temperature sensors
shall be noted in the test data records maintained by the
manufacturer in accordance with 10 CFR 430.62(d). For those products
equipped with a cabinet that does not conform with Figures 7.1 or
7.2 and cannot be tested in the manner described above, the
manufacturer must obtain a waiver under 10 CFR 430.27 to establish
an acceptable test procedure for each such product.
* * * * *
5.1.2 Compartment Temperature. The compartment temperature for
each test period shall be an average of the measured temperatures
taken in a compartment during one or more complete compressor
cycles. One compressor cycle is one complete motor ``on'' and one
complete motor ``off'' period. For long-time automatic defrost
models, compartment temperatures shall be those measured in the
first part of the test period specified in section 4.1.2.1. For
models equipped with variable defrost controls, compartment
temperatures shall be those measured in the first part of the test
period specified in section 4.1.2.2.
5.1.2.1 The number of complete compressor cycles over which the
measured temperatures in a compartment are to be averaged to
determine compartment temperature shall be equal to the number of
minutes between measured temperature readings, rounded up to the
next whole minute or a number of complete compressor cycles over a
time period exceeding 1 hour, whichever is greater. One of the
compressor cycles shall be the last complete compressor cycle during
the test period.
5.1.2.2 If no compressor cycling occurs, the compartment
temperature shall be the average of the measured temperatures taken
during the last 32 minutes of the test period.
5.1.2.3 If incomplete compressor cycling occurs, the compartment
temperatures shall be the average of the measured temperatures taken
during the last three hours of the last complete compressor ``on''
period.
* * * * *
5.2.1.3 Variable Defrost Control. The energy consumption in
kilowatt-hours per day shall be calculated equivalent to:
ET = (1440 x EP1/T1) + (EP2 - (EP1 x T2/T1)) x (12/CT),
Where:
1440 is defined in 5.2.1.1 and EP1, EP2, T1, T2, and 12 are defined
in 5.2.1.2;
CT = (CTL x CTM)/(F x (CTM -
CTL) + CTL);
CTL = least or shortest time between defrosts in hours
rounded to the nearest tenth of an hour (greater than or equal to 6
but less than or equal to 12 hours);
CTM = maximum time between defrost cycles in hours
rounded to the nearest tenth of an hour (greater than CTL
but not more than 96 hours);
F = ratio of per day energy consumption in excess of the least
energy and the maximum difference in per-day energy consumption and
is equal to 0.20;
For variable defrost models with no values for CT L and
CTM in the algorithm, the default values of 12 and 84
shall be used, respectively.
* * * * *
5.2.1.4 Dual Compressor Systems with Dual Automatic Defrost. The
two-part test method in section 4.1.2.4 must be used, and the energy
consumption in kilowatt-hours per day shall be calculated equivalent
to:
ET = (1440 x EP1/T1) + (EP2F - (EPF x T2/T1)) x
(12/CTF)
+ (EP2R - (EPR x T3/T1)) x (12/CTR)
Where:
1440, EP1, T1, EP2, 12, and CT are defined in 5.2.1.2;
EPF = freezer system energy in kilowatt-hours expended
during the first part of the test;
EP2F = freezer system energy in kilowatt-hours expended
during the second part of the test for the freezer system;
EPR= refrigerator system energy in kilowatt-hours
expended during the first part of the test;
EP2R = refrigerator system energy in kilowatt-hours
expended during the second part of the test for the refrigerator
system;
T2 and T3 = length of time in minutes of the second test part for
the freezer and refrigerator systems respectively;
CTF = compressor ``on'' time between freezer defrosts (in
hours to the nearest tenth of an hour); and
CTR = compressor ``on'' time between refrigerator
defrosts (in hours to the nearest tenth of an hour).
* * * * *
5.2.1.5 Variable Anti-Sweat Heater Test. The energy consumption
in kilowatt-hours per day for each portion of the test shall be
calculated equivalent to:
ETXX = EPXX x 1440/TXX
Where:
1440 is defined in 5.2.1.1;
subscript XX = 25, 65, and 95, representing the three relative
humidities for which the test is conducted;
ETXX = test cycle energy expended in kilowatt-hours per day;
EPXX = energy expended during the test period in kilowatt-
hours;
TXX = length of time of the test period in minutes.
5.2.1.6 Long-time or Variable Defrost Control for Systems with
Multiple Defrost cycle Types. The energy consumption in kilowatt-hours
per day shall be calculated equivalent to
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP27MY10.005
[[Page 29871]]
Where:
1440 is defined in 5.2.1.1 and EP1 and T1 are defined in 5.2.1.2;
i is a variable that can equal 1, 2, or more that identifies the
distinct defrost cycle types applicable for the refrigerator or
refrigerator-freezer;
EP2i = energy expended in kilowatt-hours during the
second part of the test for defrost cycle type i;
T2i = length of time in minutes of the second part of the
test for defrost cycle type i;
CTi is the compressor run time between instances of
defrost cycle type i, for long time automatic defrost control equal
to a fixed time, and for variable defrost control equal to
(CTLi x CTMi)/(F x (CTMi -
CTLi) + CTLi);
CTLi = least or shortest time between instances of
defrost cycle type i in hours rounded to the nearest tenth of an
hour (greater than or equal to 6 but less than or equal to 12
hours);
CTMi = maximum time between instances of defrost cycle
type i in hours rounded to the nearest tenth of an hour (greater
than CTLi but not more than 96 hours);
F = default defrost energy consumption factor, equal to 0.20 in lieu
of testing to find CTi;
For variable defrost models with no values for CT Li and
CTMi in the algorithm, the default values of 12 and 84
shall be used, respectively.
D is the total number of distinct defrost cycle types.
* * * * *
6. Calculation of Derived Results From Test Measurements
* * * * *
6.2 Average Per-Cycle Energy consumption.
For the purposes of calculating per-cycle energy consumption, as
described in this section, the freezer compartment temperature shall
be equal to a volume-weighted average of the temperatures of all
applicable freezer compartments, and the fresh food compartment
temperature shall be equal to a volume-weighted average of the
temperatures of all applicable fresh food compartments. Applicable
compartments for these calculations may include a first freezer
compartment, a first fresh food compartment, and any number of
separate auxiliary compartments.
* * * * *
6.2.3 Variable Anti-Sweat Heater Models. The energy consumption
of an electric refrigerator-freezer having a variable anti-sweat
heater control, EVASH, expressed in kilowatt-hours per
day, shall be calculated equivalent to:
EVASH = E + (Correction Factor), where E is determined by
6.2.1.1, 6.2.1.2, 6.2.2.1, or 6.2.2.2, whichever is appropriate,
with the anti-sweat heater in its minimum energy state corresponding
to low ambient humidity during the test.
Where Correction Factor:
= 0.034 * (Energy Difference at 5% Relative Humidity (RH)),
+ 0.211 * (Energy Difference at 15% RH)
+ 0.204 * (Energy Difference at 25% RH)
+ 0.166 * (Energy Difference at 35% RH)
+ 0.126 * (Energy Difference at 45% RH)
+ 0.119 * (Energy Difference at 55% RH)
+ 0.069 * (Energy Difference at 65% RH)
+ 0.047 * (Energy Difference at 75% RH)
+ 0.008 * (Energy Difference at 85% RH)
+ 0.015 * (Energy Difference at 95% RH)
Where:
Energy Difference at 65% RH = ED65 = ET65 -
ET25;
Energy Difference at 95% RH = ED95 = ET95 -
ET25;
ET25, ET65, and ET95 are determined
in accordance with section 5.2.1.6; and
Energy Difference DERH at each other relative humidity RH
is the greater of zero or the following:
EDRH = ED65 + (ED95 -ED
65) x (DPRH - DP65)/
(DP95 - DP65),
Where the dew points DPRH at each of the relative
humidities RH in the equation are as follows:
DP5 = 5.06
DP15 = 27.53;
DP25 = 38.75;
DP35 = 46.43;
DP45 = 52.32;
DP55 = 57.13;
DP65 = 61.20;
DP75 = 64.74;
DP85 = 67.87;
DP95 = 70.69.
* * * * *
7. Test Procedure Waivers
To the extent that the procedures contained in this appendix do
not provide a means for determining the energy consumption of a
refrigerator or refrigerator-freezer, a manufacturer must obtain a
waiver under 10 CFR 430.27 to establish an acceptable test procedure
for each such product. Such instances could, for example, include
situations where the test set-up for a particular refrigerator or
refrigerator-freezer basic model is not clearly defined by the
provisions of section 2. For details regarding the criteria and
procedures for obtaining a waiver, please refer to 10 CFR 430.27.
7. Add a new Appendix B to subpart B of part 430 to read as
follows:
Appendix B to Subpart B of Part 430--Uniform Test Method for Measuring
the Energy Consumption of Freezers
The provisions of Appendix B shall apply to all products
manufactured on or after the effective date of any amended standards
promulgated by DOE pursuant to Section 325(b)(4) of the Energy
Policy and Conservation Act of 1975, as amended by the Energy
Independence and Security Act of 2007 (to be codified at 42 U.S.C.
6295(b)(4)).
1. Definitions
Section 3, Definitions, of HRF-1-2008 (incorporated by
reference; see Sec. 430.3) is applicable to this test procedure.
1.1 ``Adjusted total volume'' means the product of the freezer
volume as defined in HRF-1-2008 (incorporated by reference; see
Sec. 430.3) in cubic feet times an adjustment factor.
1.2 ``Anti-sweat heater'' means a device incorporated into the
design of a freezer to prevent the accumulation of moisture on
exterior or interior surfaces of the cabinet under conditions of
high ambient humidity.
1.3 ``Anti-sweat heater switch'' means a user-controllable
switch or user interface which modifies the activation or control of
anti-sweat heaters.
1.4 ``Automatic defrost'' means a system in which the defrost
cycle is automatically initiated and terminated, with resumption of
normal refrigeration at the conclusion of defrost operation. The
system automatically prevents the permanent formation of frost on
all refrigerated surfaces. Nominal refrigerated food temperatures
are maintained during the operation of the automatic defrost system.
1.5 ``Automatic icemaker'' means a device, that can be supplied
with water without user intervention, either from a pressurized
water supply system or by transfer from a water reservoir located
inside the cabinet, that automatically produces, harvests, and
stores ice in a storage bin, with means to automatically interrupt
the harvesting operation when the ice storage bin is filled to a
pre-determined level.
1.6 ``Cycle'' means the period of 24 hours for which the energy
use of a freezer is calculated as though the consumer-activated
compartment temperature controls were preset so that the
standardized temperatures (see section 3.2) was maintained.
1.7 ``Cycle type'' means the set of test conditions having the
calculated effect of operating a freezer for a period of 24 hours
with the consumer-activated controls other than the compartment
temperature control set to establish various operating
characteristics.
1.8 ``HRF-1-2008'' means the Association of Home Appliance
Manufacturers standard Energy, Performance and Capacity of Household
Refrigerators, Refrigerator-Freezers and Freezers that was approved
September 13, 2008. Only sections of HRF-1-2008 (incorporated by
reference; see Sec. 430.3) specifically referenced in this test
procedure are part of this test procedure. In cases where there is a
conflict, the language of the test procedure in this appendix takes
precedence over HRF-1-2008.
1.9 ``Long-time automatic defrost'' means an automatic defrost
system where successive defrost cycles are separated by 14 hours or
more of compressor operating time.
1.10 ``Quick freeze'' means an optional feature on freezers that
is initiated manually and shut off manually. It bypasses the
thermostat control and places the compressor in a steady-state
operating condition until it is shut off.
1.11 ``Separate auxiliary compartment'' means a freezer
compartment of a freezer having more than one compartment that is
not the first freezer compartment. Access to a separate auxiliary
compartment is through a separate exterior door or doors rather than
through the door or doors of another compartment.
1.12 ``Stabilization period'' means the total period of time
during which steady-state conditions are being attained or
evaluated.
1.13 ``Standard cycle'' means the cycle type in which the anti-
sweat heater switch, when provided, is set in the highest energy-
consuming position.
[[Page 29872]]
1.14 ``Variable defrost control'' means a long-time automatic
defrost system (except the 14-hour defrost qualification does not
apply) where successive defrost cycles are determined by an
operating condition variable or variables other than compressor
operating time. This includes any electrical or mechanical device
performing this function. Demand defrost is a type of variable
defrost control.
2. Test Conditions
2.1 Ambient Temperature. The ambient temperature shall be 90.0
1.0 [deg]F (32.2 0.6 [deg]C) during the
stabilization period and the test period. The ambient temperature
shall be 80 2 [deg]F (26.7 1.1 [deg]C) dry
bulb and 67 [deg]F (19.4 [deg]C) wet bulb during the stabilization
period and during the test period when the unit is tested in
accordance with section 3.3.
2.2 Operational Conditions. The freezer shall be installed and
its operating conditions maintained in accordance with HRF-1-2008,
(incorporated by reference; see Sec. 430.3), sections 5.3 through
section 5.5.5.5 (but excluding sections 5.5.5.2 and 5.5.5.4), except
that the vertical ambient gradient at locations 10 inches (25.4 cm)
out from the centers of the two sides of the unit being tested is to
be maintained during the test. Unless the area is obstructed by
shields or baffles, the gradient is to be maintained from 2 inches
(5.1 cm) above the floor or supporting platform to a height 1 foot
(30.5 cm) above the unit under test. Defrost controls are to be
operative and the anti-sweat heater switch is to be ``on'' during
one test and ``off'' during a second test. The quick freeze option
shall be switched off except as specified in section 3.1. Additional
clarifications are noted in sections 2.3 through 2.6.
2.3 Conditions for Automatic Defrost Freezers. For automatic
defrost freezers, the freezer compartments shall not be loaded with
any frozen food packages during testing. Cylindrical metallic masses
of dimensions 1.12 0.25 inches (2.9 0.6
cm) in diameter and height shall be attached in good thermal contact
with each temperature sensor within the refrigerated compartments.
All temperature measuring sensor masses shall be supported by low-
thermal-conductivity supports in such a manner to ensure that there
will be at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) of air space separating the thermal
mass from contact with any interior surface or hardware inside the
cabinet. In case of interference with hardware at the sensor
locations specified in section 5.1, the sensors shall be placed at
the nearest adjacent location such that there will be a 1-inch air
space separating the sensor mass from the hardware.
2.4 The cabinet and its refrigerating mechanism shall be
assembled and set up in accordance with the printed consumer
instructions supplied with the cabinet. Set-up of the freezer shall
not deviate from these instructions, unless explicitly required or
allowed by this test procedure. Specific required or allowed
deviations from such set-up include the following:
(a) Clearance requirements from surfaces of the product shall be
as described in section 2.5 below;
(b) The electric power supply shall be as described in HRF-1-
2008 (incorporated by reference; see Sec. 430.3) section 5.5.1;
(c) Temperature control settings for testing shall be as
described in section 3 below; and
(d) The product does not need to be anchored or otherwise
secured to prevent tipping during energy testing.
For cases in which set-up is not clearly defined by this test
procedure, manufacturers must submit a petition for a waiver (see
section 7).
2.5 The space between the back of the cabinet and the test room
wall or simulated wall shall be the minimum distance in accordance
with the manufacturer's instructions. If the instructions do not
specify a minimum distance, the cabinet shall be located such that
the rear of the cabinet touches the test room wall or simulated
wall. The test room wall facing the rear of the cabinet or the
simulated wall shall be flat within \1/4\ inch, and vertical to
within 1 degree. The cabinet shall be leveled to within 1 degree of
true level, and positioned with its rear wall parallel to the test
chamber wall or simulated wall immediately behind the cabinet. Any
simulated wall shall be solid and shall extend vertically from the
floor to above the height of the cabinet and horizontally beyond
both sides of the cabinet.
2.6 Steady State Condition. Steady-state conditions exist if the
temperature measurements taken at four minute intervals or less
during a stabilization period are not changing at a rate greater
than 0.042 [deg]F (0.023 [deg]C) per hour as determined by the
applicable condition of A or B described below.
A--The average of the measurements during a 2-hour period if no
cycling occurs or during a number of complete repetitive compressor
cycles occurring through a period of no less than 2 hours is
compared to the average over an equivalent time period with 3 hours
elapsing between the two measurement periods.
B--If A above cannot be used, the average of the measurements
during a number of complete repetitive compressor cycles occurring
through a period of no less than 2 hours and including the last
complete cycle before a defrost period (or if no cycling occurs, the
average of the measurements during the last 2 hours before a defrost
period) are compared to the same averaging period before the
following defrost period.
3. Test Control Settings
3.1 Model with No User Operable Temperature Control. A test
shall be performed during which the compartment temperature and
energy use shall be measured. A second test shall be performed with
the temperature control electrically short circuited to cause the
compressor to run continuously. If the model has the quick freeze
option, this option must be used to bypass the temperature control.
3.2 Model with User Operable Temperature Control. Testing shall
be performed in accordance with one of the following sections using
the standardized temperature of 0.0 [deg]F (-17.8 [deg]C).
For the purposes of comparing compartment temperatures with
standardized temperatures, as described in sections 3.2.1 through
3.2.3, the freezer compartment temperature shall be equal to a
volume-weighted average of the temperatures of all applicable
freezer compartments. Applicable compartments for these calculations
may include a first freezer compartment and any number of separate
auxiliary freezer compartments.
3.2.1 A first test shall be performed with all temperature
controls set at their median position midway between their warmest
and coldest settings. For mechanical control systems, knob detents
shall be mechanically defeated if necessary to attain a median
setting. For electronic control systems, the test shall be performed
with all compartment temperature controls set at the average of the
coldest and warmest settings--if there is no setting equal to this
average, the setting closest to the average shall be used. If there
are two such settings equally close to the average, the higher of
these temperature control settings shall be used. A second test
shall be performed with all controls set at either their warmest or
their coldest setting (not electrically or mechanically bypassed),
whichever is appropriate, to attempt to achieve compartment
temperatures measured during the two tests which bound (i.e., one is
above and one is below) the standardized temperature. If the
compartment temperatures measured during these two tests bound the
standardized temperature, then these test results shall be used to
determine energy consumption. If the compartment temperature
measured with all controls set at their coldest setting is above the
standardized temperature, a third test shall be performed with all
controls set at their warmest setting and the result of this test
shall be used with the result of the test performed with all
controls set at their coldest setting to determine energy
consumption. If the compartment temperature measured with all
controls set at their warmest setting is below the standardized
temperature, then the result of this test alone will be used to
determine energy consumption. Also see Table 1 below, which
summarizes these requirements.
Table 1--Temperature Settings for Freezers
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
First test Second test
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Third test Energy calculation based on:
Settings Results Settings Results settings
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mid............................. Low................ Warm............... Low................ None.............. Second Test Only.
[[Page 29873]]
High............... None.............. First and Second Tests.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
High............... Cold............... Low................ None.............. First and Second Tests.
High............... Warm.............. Second and Third Tests.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3.2.2 Alternatively, a first test may be performed with all
temperature controls set at their warmest setting. If the
compartment temperature is below the standardized temperature, then
the result of this test alone will be used to determine energy
consumption. If the above condition is not met, then the unit shall
be tested in accordance with section 3.2.1.
3.2.3 Alternatively, a first test may be performed with all
temperature controls set at their coldest setting. If the
compartment temperature is above the standardized temperature, a
second test shall be performed with all controls set at their
warmest setting and the results of these two tests shall be used to
determine energy consumption. If the above condition is not met,
then the unit shall be tested in accordance with section 3.2.1.
4. Test Period
4.1 Test Period. Tests shall be performed by establishing the
conditions set forth in section 2 and using control settings as set
forth in section 3 above.
4.1.1 Nonautomatic Defrost. If the model being tested has no
automatic defrost system, the test time period shall start after
steady-state conditions have been achieved and be no less than 3
hours in duration. During the test period, the compressor motor
shall complete two or more whole compressor cycles. (A compressor
cycle is a complete ``on'' and a complete ``off'' period of the
motor.) If no ``off'' cycling will occur, as determined during the
stabilization period, the test period shall be 3 hours. If
incomplete cycling occurs (less than two compressor cycles during a
24-hour period), the results of the 24-hour period shall be used.
4.1.2 Automatic Defrost. If the model being tested has an
automatic defrost system, the test time period shall start after
steady-state conditions have been achieved and be from one point
during a defrost period to the same point during the next defrost
period. If the model being tested has a long-time automatic defrost
system, the alternate provisions of 4.1.2.1 may be used. If the
model being tested has a variable defrost control, the provisions of
4.1.2.2 shall apply.
4.1.2.1 Long-time Automatic Defrost. If the model being tested
has a long-time automatic defrost system, the two-part test
described in this section may be used. The first part is the same as
the test for a unit having no defrost provisions (section 4.1.1).
The second part starts when the compressor turns off at the end of a
period of steady-state cycling operation just before initiation of
the defrost control sequence. If the compressor does not cycle
during steady-state operation between defrosts, the second part
starts at a time when the compartment temperatures are within their
ranges measured during steady state operation, or within 0.5 [deg]F
of the average during steady state operation for a compartment with
a temperature range during steady state operation no greater than 1
[deg]F. This control sequence may include additional compressor
operation prior to energizing the defrost heater. The second part
terminates when the compressor turns on the second time after the
defrost control sequence or 4 hours after the defrost heater is
energized, whichever occurs first.
4.1.2.2 Variable Defrost Control. If the model being tested has
a variable defrost control system, the test shall consist of the
same two parts as the test for long-time automatic defrost (section
4.1.2.1).
5. Test Measurements.
5.1 Temperature Measurements. Temperature measurements shall be
made at the locations prescribed in Figure 5-2 of HRF-1-2008
(incorporated by reference; see Sec. 430.3) and shall be accurate
to within 0.5 [deg]F (0.3[deg]C).
If the interior arrangements of the cabinet do not conform with
those shown in Figure 7.2 of HRF-1-1979, the product may be tested
by relocating the temperature sensors from the locations specified
in the Figures by no more than 2 inches to avoid interference with
hardware or components within the cabinet, in which case the
specific locations used for the temperature sensors shall be noted
in the test data records maintained by the manufacturer in
accordance with 10 CFR 430.62(d). For those products equipped with a
cabinet that does not conform with Figure 7.2 and cannot be tested
in the manner described above, the manufacturer must obtain a waiver
under 10 CFR 430.27 to establish an acceptable test procedure for
each such product.
5.1.1 Measured Temperature. The measured temperature is to be
the average of all sensor temperature readings taken at a particular
point in time. Measurements shall be taken at regular intervals not
to exceed 4 minutes.
5.1.2 Compartment Temperature. The compartment temperature for
each test period shall be an average of the measured temperatures
taken during one or more complete compressor cycles. One compressor
cycle is one complete motor ``on'' and one complete motor ``off''
period. For long-time automatic defrost models, compartment
temperature shall be that measured in the first part of the test
period specified in section 4.1.2.1. For models equipped with
variable defrost controls, compartment temperatures shall be those
measured in the first part of the test period specified in section
4.1.2.2.
5.1.2.1 The number of complete compressor cycles over which the
measured temperatures in a compartment are to be averaged to
determine compartment temperature shall be equal to the number of
minutes between measured temperature readings rounded up to the next
whole minute or a number of complete compressor cycles over a time
period exceeding 1 hour. One of the compressor cycles shall be the
last complete compressor cycle during the test period.
5.1.2.2 If no compressor cycling occurs, the compartment
temperature shall be the average of the measured temperatures taken
during the last 32 minutes of the test period.
5.1.2.3 If incomplete compressor cycling occurs (less than one
compressor cycle), the compartment temperature shall be the average
of all readings taken during the last 3 hours of the last complete
compressor ``on'' period.
5.2 Energy Measurements:
5.2.1 Per-Day Energy Consumption. The energy consumption in
kilowatt-hours per day for each test period shall be the energy
expended during the test period as specified in section 4.1 adjusted
to a 24-hour period. The adjustment shall be determined as follows:
5.2.1.1 Nonautomatic and Automatic Defrost Models. The energy
consumption in kilowatt-hours per day shall be calculated equivalent
to:
ET = (EP x 1440 x K)/T
Where:
ET = test cycle energy expended in kilowatt-hours per day;
EP = energy expended in kilowatt-hours during the test period;
T = length of time of the test period in minutes;
1440 = conversion factor to adjust to a 24-hour period in minutes
per day; and
K = dimensionless correction factor of 0.7 for chest freezers and
0.85 for upright freezers to adjust for average household usage.
5.2.1.2 Long-time Automatic Defrost. If the two part test method
is used, the energy consumption in kilowatt-hours per day shall be
calculated equivalent to:
ET = (1440 x K x EP1/T1) + ((EP2-(EP1 x T2/T1)) x K x12/CT)
Where:
ET, 1440, and K are defined in section 5.2.1.1;
EP1 = energy expended in kilowatt-hours during the first part of the
test;
[[Page 29874]]
EP2 = energy expended in kilowatt-hours during the second part of
the test;
CT = defrost timer run time in hours required to cause it to go
through a complete cycle, to the nearest tenth hour per cycle;
12 = conversion factor to adjust for a 50 percent run time of the
compressor in hours per day; and
T1 and T2 = length of time in minutes of the first and second test
parts respectively.
5.2.1.3 Variable Defrost Control. The energy consumption in
kilowatt-hours per day shall be calculated equivalent to:
ET = (1440 x EP1/T1) + (EP2-(EP1 x T2/T1)) x (12/CT),
Where:
ET and 1440 are defined in section 5.2.1.1; EP1, EP2, T1, T2, and 12
are defined in section 5.2.1.2;
CT = (CTL x CTM)/(F x (CTM-
CTL) + CTL)
Where:
CTL = least or shortest time between defrosts in hours
rounded to the nearest tenth of an hour (greater than or equal to 6
hours but less than or equal to 12 hours);
CTM = maximum time between defrosts in hours rounded to
the nearest tenth of an hour (greater than CTL but not
more than 96 hours);
F = ratio of per day energy consumption in excess of the least
energy and the maximum difference in per-day energy consumption and
is equal to 0.20.
For variable defrost models with no values for CTL and
CTM in the algorithm, the default values of 12 and 84
shall be used, respectively.
5.3 Volume Measurements. The total refrigerated volume, VT,
shall be measured in accordance with HRF-1-2008, (incorporated by
reference; see Sec. 430.3), section 3.30 and sections 4.2 through
4.3.
In the case of freezers with automatic icemakers, the volume
occupied by the automatic icemaker, including its ice storage bin,
is to be included in the volume measurement.
6. Calculation of Derived Results From Test Measurements
6.1 Adjusted Total Volume. The adjusted total volume, VA, for
freezers under test shall be defined as:
VA = VT x CF
Where:
VA = adjusted total volume in cubic feet;
VT = total refrigerated volume in cubic feet; and
CF = dimensionless correction factor of 1.76.
6.2 Average Per-Cycle Energy Consumption. For the purposes of
calculating per-cycle energy consumption, as described in this
section, the freezer compartment temperature shall be equal to a
volume-weighted average of the temperatures of all applicable
freezer compartments. Applicable compartments for these calculations
may include a first freezer compartment and any number of separate
auxiliary freezer compartments.
6.2.1 The average per-cycle energy consumption for a cycle type
is expressed in kilowatt-hours per cycle to the nearest one
hundredth (0.01) kilowatt-hour and shall depend on the compartment
temperature attainable as shown below.
6.2.1.1 If the compartment temperature is always below 0.0
[deg]F (-17.8 [deg]C), the average per-cycle energy consumption
shall be equivalent to:
E = ET1 + IET
Where:
E = total per-cycle energy consumption in kilowatt-hours per day;
ET is defined in 5.2.1;
Number 1 indicates the test period during which the highest
compartment temperature is measured; and
IET, expressed in kilowatt-hours per cycle, equals 0.23 for a
product with an automatic icemaker and otherwise equals 0 (zero).
6.2.1.2 If one of the compartment temperatures measured for a
test period is greater than 0.0 [deg]F (17.8 [deg]C), the average
per-cycle energy consumption shall be equivalent to:
E = ET1 + ((ET2 - ET1) x (0.0 - TF1)/(TF2 - TF1)) + IET
Where:
E and IET are defined in 6.2.1.1 and ET is defined in 5.2.1;
TF = compartment temperature determined according to 5.1.2 in
degrees F;
Numbers 1 and 2 indicate measurements taken during the first and
second test period as appropriate; and
0.0 = standardized compartment temperature in degrees F.
7. Test Procedure Waivers
To the extent that the procedures contained in this appendix do
not provide a means for determining the energy consumption of a
freezer, a manufacturer must obtain a waiver under 10 CFR 430.27 to
establish an acceptable test procedure for each such product. Such
instances could, for example, include situations where the test set-
up for a particular freezer basic model is not clearly defined by
the provisions of section 2. For details regarding the criteria and
procedures for obtaining a waiver, please refer to 10 CFR 430.27.
8. Appendix B1 to subpart B of part 430 is amended by:
a. Adding an introductory note after the appendix heading;
b. In section 1. Definitions, by:
1. Adding an introductory note after the heading;
2. Redesignating section 1.1 as 1.7 and revising redesignated 1.7;
3. Revising section 1.2;
4. Redesignating 1.3 as 1.5 and revising redesignated 1.5;
5. Redesignating section 1.4 as 1.6;
6. Redesignating section 1.5 as 1.12;
7. Redesignating section 1.6 as 1.1;
8. Redesignating section 1.7 as 1.4;
9. Redesignating section 1.9 as 1.11;
10. Redesignating section 1.10 as 1.13;
11. Redesignating section 1.11 as 1.9;
12. Adding new sections 1.3, 1.9, and 1.10;
c. In section 2. Test Conditions, by:
1. Revising section 2.2;
2. Redesignating section 2.3 as 2.6;
3. Adding new sections 2.3 through 2.5;
d. In section 3. Test Control Settings, by:
1. Revising sections 3.1, 3.2, and 3.2.1;
2. Removing section 3.3;
e. In section 4, Test Period by:
1. Revising sections 4.1.2.1 and 4.1.2.2;
2. Removing section 4.1.2.3;
f. In section 5, Test Measurements, by:
1. Revising sections 5.1, 5.1.2, 5.1.2.1, 5.1.2.2, 5.1.2.3, and
5.2.1.3;
2. Removing section 5.2.1.4;
g. In section 6. Calculation of Derived Results From Test
Measurements, by revising section 6.2;
h. Adding new section 7, Waivers.
The additions and revisions read as follows:
Appendix B1 to Subpart B of Part 430--Uniform Test Method for Measuring
the Energy Consumption of Freezers
The provisions of Appendix B1 shall apply to all products
manufactured prior to the effective date of any amended standards
promulgated by DOE pursuant to Section 325(b)(4) of the Energy
Policy and Conservation Act of 1975, as amended by the Energy
Independence and Security Act of 2007 (to be codified at 42 U.S.C.
6295(b)(4)).
1. Definitions
Section 3, Definitions, of HRF-1-1979 (incorporated by
reference; see Sec. 430.3) is applicable to this test procedure.
* * * * *
1.2 ``Anti-sweat heater'' means a device incorporated into the
design of a freezer to prevent the accumulation of moisture on
exterior or interior surfaces of the cabinet under conditions of
high ambient humidity.
1.3 ``Anti-sweat heater switch'' means a user-controllable
switch or user interface which modifies the activation or control of
anti-sweat heaters.
* * * * *
1.5 ``Cycle'' means the period of 24 hours for which the energy
use of a freezer is calculated as though the consumer-activated
compartment temperature controls were preset so that the
standardized temperature (see section 3.2) was maintained.
* * * * *
1.7 ``HRF-1-1979'' means the Association of Home Appliance
Manufacturers standard for household refrigerators, combination
refrigerator-freezers, and household freezers, also approved as an
American National Standard as a revision of ANSI B 38.1-1970. Only
sections of HRF-1-1979 (incorporated by reference; see Sec. 430.3)
specifically referenced in this test procedure are part of this test
procedure. In cases where there is a conflict, the language of the
test procedure
[[Page 29875]]
in this appendix takes precedence over HRF-1-1979.
* * * * *
1.10 ``Separate auxiliary compartment'' means a freezer
compartment of a freezer having more than one compartment that is
not the first freezer compartment. Access to a separate auxiliary
compartment is through a separate exterior door or doors rather than
through the door or doors of another compartment.
* * * * *
2.2 Operational Conditions. The freezer shall be installed and
its operating conditions maintained in accordance with HRF-1-1979,
(incorporated by reference; see Sec. 430.3), section 7.2 through
section 7.4.3.3 (but excluding section 7.4.3.2), except that the
vertical ambient gradient at locations 10 inches (25.4 cm) out from
the centers of the two sides of the unit being tested is to be
maintained during the test. Unless the area is obstructed by shields
or baffles, the gradient is to be maintained from 2 inches (5.1 cm)
above the floor or supporting platform to a height 1 foot (30.5 cm)
above the unit under test. Defrost controls are to be operative and
the anti-sweat heater switch is to be ``on'' during one test and
``off'' during a second test. The quick freeze option shall be
switched off except as specified in section 3.1. Additional
clarifications are noted in sections 2.3 through 2.5.
2.3 Conditions for Automatic Defrost Freezers. For automatic
defrost freezers, the freezer compartments shall not be loaded with
any frozen food packages during testing. Cylindrical metallic masses
of dimensions 1.12 0.25 inches (2.9 0.6
cm) in diameter and height shall be attached in good thermal contact
with each temperature sensor within the refrigerated compartments.
All temperature measuring sensor masses shall be supported by low-
thermal-conductivity supports in such a manner to ensure that there
will be at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) of air space separating the thermal
mass from contact with any interior surface or hardware inside the
cabinet. In case of interference with hardware at the sensor
locations specified in section 5.1, the sensors shall be placed at
the nearest adjacent location such that there will be a 1-inch air
space separating the sensor mass from the hardware.
2.4 The cabinet and its refrigerating mechanism shall be
assembled and set up in accordance with the printed consumer
instructions supplied with the cabinet. Set-up of the freezer shall
not deviate from these instructions, unless explicitly required or
allowed by this test procedure. Specific required or allowed
deviations from such set-up include the following:
(a) Clearance requirements from surfaces of the product shall be
as specified in section 2.5 below;
(b) The electric power supply shall be as described in HRF-1-
1979 (incorporated by reference; see Sec. 430.3) section 7.4.1;
(c) Temperature control settings for testing shall be as
described in section 3 below; and
(d) The product does not need to be anchored or otherwise
secured to prevent tipping during energy testing.
For cases in which set-up is not clearly defined by this test
procedure, manufacturers must submit a petition for a waiver (see
section 7).
2.5 The space between the back of the cabinet and the test room
wall or simulated wall shall be the minimum distance in accordance
with the manufacturer's instructions. If the instructions do not
specify a minimum distance, the cabinet shall be located such that
the rear of the cabinet touches the test room wall or simulated
wall. The test room wall facing the rear of the cabinet or the
simulated wall shall be flat within \1/4\-inch, and vertical to
within 1 degree. The cabinet shall be leveled to within 1 degree of
true level, and positioned with its rear wall parallel to the test
chamber wall or simulated wall immediately behind the cabinet. Any
simulated wall shall be solid and shall extend vertically from the
floor to above the height of the cabinet and horizontally beyond
both sides of the cabinet.
* * * * *
3. Test Control Settings
3.1 Model with No User Operable Temperature Control. A test
shall be performed during which the compartment temperature and
energy use shall be measured. A second test shall be performed with
the temperature control electrically short circuited to cause the
compressor to run continuously. If the model has the quick freeze
option, this option must be used to bypass the temperature control.
3.2 Model with User Operable Temperature Control. Testing shall
be performed in accordance with one of the following sections using
the standardized temperature of 0.0 [deg]F (-17.8 [deg]C).
For the purposes of comparing compartment temperatures with
standardized temperatures, as described in sections 3.2.1 through
3.2.3, the freezer compartment temperature shall be equal to a
volume-weighted average of the temperatures of all applicable
freezer compartments. Applicable compartments for these calculations
may include a first freezer compartment and any number of separate
auxiliary freezer compartments.
3.2.1 A first test shall be performed with all temperature
controls set at their median position midway between their warmest
and coldest settings. For mechanical control systems, knob detents
shall be mechanically defeated if necessary to attain a median
setting. For electronic control systems, the test shall be performed
with all compartment temperature controls set at the average of the
coldest and warmest settings--if there is no setting equal to this
average, the setting closest to the average shall be used. If there
are two such settings equally close to the average, the higher of
these temperature control settings shall be used. If the compartment
temperature measured during the first test is higher than the
standardized temperature, the second test shall be conducted with
the controls set at the coldest settings. If the compartment
temperature measured during the first test is lower than the
standardized temperature, the second test shall be conducted with
the controls set at the warmest settings. If the compartment
temperatures measured during these two tests bound the standardized
temperature, then these test results shall be used to determine
energy consumption. If the compartment temperature measured with all
controls set at their coldest settings is above the standardized
temperature, a third test shall be performed with all controls set
at their warmest settings and the result of this test shall be used
with the result of the test performed with all controls set at their
coldest settings to determine energy consumption. If the compartment
temperature measured with all controls set at their warmest settings
is below the standardized temperature, then the result of this test
alone will be used to determine energy consumption.
* * * * *
4. Test Period
* * * * *
4.1.2.1 Long-time Automatic Defrost. If the model being tested
has a long-time automatic defrost system, the two-part test
described in this section may be used. The first part is the same as
the test for a unit having no defrost provisions (section 4.1.1).
The second part starts when the compressor turns off at the end of a
period of steady-state cycling operation just before initiation of
the defrost control sequence. If the compressor does not cycle
during steady-state operation between defrosts, the second part
starts at a time when the compartment temperatures are within their
ranges measured during steady state operation, or within 0.5 [deg]F
of the average during steady state operation for a compartment with
a temperature range during steady state operation no greater than 1
[deg]F. This control sequence may include additional compressor
operation prior to energizing the defrost heater. The second part
terminates when the compressor turns on the second time after the
defrost control sequence or 4 hours after the defrost heater is
energized, whichever occurs first.
4.1.2.2 Variable Defrost Control. If the model being tested has
a variable defrost control system, the test shall consist of the
same two parts as the test for long-time automatic defrost (section
4.1.2.1).
* * * * *
5. Test Measurements
5.1 Temperature Measurements. Temperature measurements shall be
made at the locations prescribed in Figure 7.2 of HRF-1-1979
(incorporated by reference; see Sec. 430.3) and shall be accurate
to within 0.5 [deg]F (0.3 [deg]C).
If the interior arrangements of the cabinet do not conform with
those shown in Figure 7.2 of HRF-1-1979, the product may be tested
by relocating the temperature sensors from the locations specified
in the Figures by no more than 2 inches to avoid interference with
hardware or components within the cabinet, in which case the
specific locations used for the temperature sensors shall be noted
in the test data records maintained by the manufacturer in
accordance with 10 CFR 430.62(d). For those products equipped with a
cabinet that does not conform with Figure 7.2 and cannot be tested
in the manner described above, the manufacturer must
[[Page 29876]]
obtain a waiver under 10 CFR 430.27 to establish an acceptable test
procedure for each such product.
* * * * *
5.1.2 Compartment Temperature. The compartment temperature for
each test period shall be an average of the measured temperatures
taken during one or more complete compressor cycles. One compressor
cycle is one complete motor ``on'' and one complete motor ``off''
period. For long-time automatic defrost models, compartment
temperature shall be that measured in the first part of the test
period specified in section 4.1.2.1. For models equipped with
variable defrost controls, compartment temperatures shall be those
measured in the first part of the test period specified in section
4.1.2.2.
5.1.2.1 The number of complete compressor cycles over which the
measured temperatures in a compartment are to be averaged to
determine compartment temperature shall be equal to the number of
minutes between measured temperature readings rounded up to the next
whole minute or a number of complete compressor cycles over a time
period exceeding 1 hour. One of the compressor cycles shall be the
last complete compressor cycle during the test period before start
of the defrost control sequence for products with automatic defrost.
5.1.2.2 If no compressor cycling occurs, the compartment
temperature shall be the average of the measured temperatures taken
during the last 32 minutes of the test period.
5.1.2.3 If incomplete compressor cycling occurs (less than one
compressor cycle), the compartment temperature shall be the average
of all readings taken during the last 3 hours of the last complete
compressor ``on'' period.
* * * * *
5.2.1.3 Variable Defrost Control. The energy consumption in
kilowatt-hours per day shall be calculated equivalent to:
ET = (1440 x EP1/T1) + (EP2-(EP1 x T2/T1)) x (12/CT),
Where:
ET and 1440 are defined in section 5.2.1.1 and EP1, EP2, T1, T2, and
12 are defined in section 5.2.1.2;
CT = (CTL x CTM)/(Fx (CTM-
CTL) + CTL)
Where:
CTL = least or shortest time between defrosts in hours
rounded to the nearest tenth of an hour (greater than or equal to 6
hours but less than or equal to 12 hours);
CTM = maximum time between defrosts in hours rounded to
the nearest tenth of an hour (greater than CTL but not
more than 96 hours);
F = ratio of per day energy consumption in excess of the least
energy and the maximum difference in per-day energy consumption and
is equal to 0.20.
For variable defrost models with no values for CTL and
CTM in the algorithm, the default values of 12 and 84
shall be used, respectively.
* * * * *
6. Calculation of Derived Results From Test Measurements
* * * * *
6.2 Average Per Cycle Energy Consumption. For the purposes of
calculating per-cycle energy consumption, as described in this
section, the freezer compartment temperature shall be equal to a
volume-weighted average of the temperatures of all applicable
freezer compartments. Applicable compartments for these calculations
may include a first freezer compartment and any number of separate
auxiliary freezer compartments.
* * * * *
7. Test Procedure Waivers
To the extent that the procedures contained in this appendix do
not provide a means for determining the energy consumption of a
freezer, a manufacturer must obtain a waiver under 10 CFR 430.27 to
establish an acceptable test procedure for each such product. Such
instances could, for example, include situations where the test set-
up for a particular freezer basic model is not clearly defined by
the provisions of section 2. For details regarding the criteria and
procedures for obtaining a waiver, please refer to 10 CFR 430.27.
9. In Sec. 430.62, revise paragraph (a)(4)(xii) to read as
follows:
Sec. 430.62 Submission of data.
(a) * * *
(4) * * *
(xii) Refrigerators, refrigerator-freezers, and freezers, the
annual energy use in kWh/yr, total adjusted volume in ft\3\, whether
the product has variable defrost control (in which case, manufacturers
must also report the values, if any, of CTL and
CTM (see for example Appendix A section 5.2.1.3) used in the
calculation of energy consumption), whether the product has variable
anti-sweat heater control, and whether testing has been conducted with
modifications to the standard temperature sensor locations specified by
the figures referenced in section 5.1 of Appendices A1, B1, A, and B.
* * * * *
[FR Doc. 2010-11957 Filed 5-25-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6450-01-P