[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 67 (Monday, April 9, 2007)]
[Notices]
[Pages 17528-17533]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-6608]


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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

[Docket No. EERE-2006-WAV-0147]


Energy Conservation Program for Consumer Products: Decision and 
Order Granting a Waiver From the Department of Energy (DOE) Residential 
and Commercial Package Air Conditioner and Heat Pump Test Procedures to 
Mitsubishi Electric, and Modification of a 2004 Waiver Granted to 
Mitsubishi Electric From the Same DOE Test Procedures (Case No. CAC-
012)

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

ACTION: Decision and Order.

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SUMMARY: Today's notice publishes a Decision and Order (Case No. CAC-
012) granting a Waiver to Mitsubishi Electric and Electronics USA, Inc. 
(``MEUS'') from the existing Department of Energy (DOE) residential and 
commercial package air conditioner and heat pump test procedures for 
specified R410A CITY MULTI products. MEUS shall be required to test and 
rate the R410A CITY MULTI VRFZ products according to the alternate test 
procedure set forth in this notice. DOE is also amending the waiver 
granted to MEUS for its R22 CITY MULTI products in August 2004 to 
explicitly prohibit MEUS from making energy efficiency representations 
regarding these products unless such representations are consistent 
with the alternate test procedure.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Michael G. Raymond, U.S. 
Department of Energy, Building Technologies Program, Mailstop EE-2J, 
Forrestal Building, 1000 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 
20585-0121. Telephone: (202) 586-9611, E-mail: 
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#c984a0aaa1a8aca5e79ba8b0a4a6a7ad89acace7ada6ace7aea6bf"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="ace1c5cfc4cdc9c082fecdd5c1c3c2c8ecc9c982c8c3c982cbc3da">[email protected]</span></a>; or Francine Pinto, Esq., U.S. Department of 
Energy, Office of General Counsel, Mail Stop GC-72, Forrestal Building, 
1000 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20585-0103, (202) 586-
9507; E-mail: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#d492a6b5bab7bdbab1fa84bdbaa0bb94bca5fab0bbb1fab3bba2"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="d690a4b7b8b5bfb8b3f886bfb8a2b996bea7f8b2b9b3f8b1b9a0">[email protected]</span></a>.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In accordance with Title 10, Code of Federal 
Regulations Parts 430.27(l) and 431.401(f)(4), notice is hereby given 
of the issuance of a Decision and Order granting MEUS a Waiver from the 
applicable Department of Energy residential and commercial package air 
conditioner and heat pump test procedures for its R410A CITY MULTI 
Variable Refrigerant Flow Zoning (``VRFZ'') products, subject to a 
condition requiring MEUS to test and rate its R410A CITY MULTI products 
pursuant to the alternate test procedure described in this notice. 
Today's decision requires that any representations concerning the 
energy efficiency of these products are made consistent with the 
provisions and restrictions in the alternate test procedure.
    The waiver granted for MEUS's R22 CITY MULTI VRFZ products on 
August 27, 2004, is hereby amended to prohibit MEUS from making energy 
efficiency representations regarding its R22 CITY MULTI products unless 
such representations are made consistent with the provisions set forth 
in the alternate test procedure described in this notice.

    Issued in Washington, DC, on April 2, 2007.
Alexander A. Karsner,
Assistant Secretary, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.

Decision and Order

    In the Matter of: Mitsubishi Electric and Electronics USA, Inc. 
(``MEUS'') (Case No. CAC-012).

Background

    Title III of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (``EPCA'') sets 
forth a variety of provisions concerning energy efficiency. Part B of 
Title III (42 U.S.C. 6291-6309) provides for the ``Energy Conservation 
Program for Consumer Products other than Automobiles.'' Part C of Title 
III (42 U.S.C. 6311-6317) provides for an energy efficiency program 
entitled ``Certain Industrial Equipment,'' which is similar to the 
program in Part B, and which includes commercial air conditioning 
equipment, packaged boilers, water heaters, and other types of 
commercial equipment.
    Today's notice involves residential products under Part B, and 
commercial equipment under Part C. Both parts specifically provide for 
definitions, test procedures, labeling provisions, energy conservation 
standards, and the authority to require information and reports from 
manufacturers. With respect to test procedures, both parts generally 
authorize the Secretary of Energy to prescribe test procedures that are 
reasonably designed to produce results which reflect energy efficiency, 
energy use and estimated operating costs, and that are not unduly 
burdensome to conduct. (42 U.S.C. 6293(b)(3), 6314(a)(2))
    The test procedure for residential central air conditioning and 
heat pump products is contained in 10 CFR Part 430, Subpart B, Appendix 
M. For commercial package air conditioning and heating equipment, EPCA 
provides that the test procedures shall be those generally accepted 
industry testing or rating procedures developed or recognized by the 
Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute (``ARI'') or by the 
American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning 
Engineers (``ASHRAE''), as referenced in ASHRAE/IES Standard 90.1 and 
in effect on June 30, 1992. (42 U.S.C. 6314(a)(4)(A)) This section also 
provides for the Secretary of Energy to amend the test procedure for a 
product if the industry test procedure is amended, unless the Secretary 
determines that such a modified test procedure does not meet the 
statutory criteria. (42 U.S.C. 6314(a)(4)(B))
    On December 8, 2006, DOE published a final rule adopting test 
procedures for commercial package air conditioning and heating 
equipment, effective January 8, 2007. 71 FR 71340. DOE adopted ARI 
Standard 210/240-2003 for commercial package air conditioning and 
heating equipment with capacities <65,000 Btu/h and ARI Standard 340/
360-2004 for commercial package air conditioning and heating equipment 
with capacities >=65,000 Btu/h and <240,000 Btu/h. Id. at 71371. 
The[MR1] capacities of MEUS's CITY MULTI VRFZ products fall in the 
ranges covered by ARI Standard 340/360-2004 and the DOE test procedure 
for residential products referred to above.
    DOE's regulations contain provisions allowing a person to seek a 
waiver from the test procedure requirements for covered consumer 
products. These provisions are set forth in 10 CFR 430.27. The waiver 
provisions for commercial equipment are substantively identical to 
those for covered consumer products and are found at 10 CFR 431.401.
    The waiver provisions allow the Assistant Secretary for Energy 
Efficiency and Renewable Energy (``Assistant Secretary'') to 
temporarily waive test procedures for a particular basic model when a 
petitioner shows that the basic model contains one or more design

[[Page 17529]]

characteristics that prevent testing according to the prescribed test 
procedures, or when the prescribed test procedures may evaluate the 
basic model in a manner so unrepresentative of its true energy 
consumption as to provide materially inaccurate comparative data. 10 
CFR 430.27(a)(1), 10 CFR 431.401(a)(1).
    The Assistant Secretary may grant the waiver subject to conditions, 
including adherence to alternate test procedures. 10 CFR 430.27 (l), 10 
CFR 431.401 (f)(4). Petitioners are to include in their petition any 
alternate test procedures known to evaluate the basic model in a manner 
representative of its energy consumption. 10 CFR 430.27(b)(1)(iii), 10 
CFR 431.401(b)(1)(iii). Waivers generally remain in effect until final 
test procedure amendments resolving the problem that is the subject of 
the waiver become effective.
    The waiver process also allows the Assistant Secretary to grant an 
Interim Waiver from test procedure requirements to manufacturers that 
have petitioned DOE for a waiver of such prescribed test procedures. 10 
CFR 430.27(a)(2), 10 CFR 431.401(a)(2). An Interim Waiver remains in 
effect for a period of 180 days or until DOE issues its determination 
on the Petition for Waiver, whichever is sooner, and may be extended 
for an additional 180 days, if necessary. 10 CFR 430.27(h), 10 CFR 
431.401(e)(4).
    On November 7, 2005, MEUS filed an Application for Interim Waiver 
and Petition for Waiver from the test procedures applicable to the 
R410A models of its CITY MULTI VRFZ line of residential and commercial 
package air conditioning and heating equipment. MEUS's petition 
requested a waiver from both the residential and commercial test 
procedures. In particular, MEUS requested a waiver from the residential 
test procedures contained in 10 CFR Part 430, subpart B, Appendix M, 
and a waiver from the commercial test procedures contained in ARI 
Standard 210/240-2003 and in ARI Standard 340/360-2000.\1\ MEUS seeks a 
waiver from the applicable test procedures because the design 
characteristics of the R410A systems prevent testing according to the 
currently prescribed test procedures.
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    \1\ In its petition, MEUS also requested a waiver from ARI 
Standard 210/240-2003. Based on a review of the products listed by 
MEUS in its petition, DOE has determined that none of the products 
have the combined features (i.e., 3-phase power and rated capacity 
less than 65,000 Btu/h) that would require a waiver from ARI 
Standard 210/240-2003.
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    On March 24, 2006, DOE published MEUS's Petition for Waiver and 
granted the Application for Interim Waiver.\2\ DOE also published for 
comment an alternate test procedure for MEUS. DOE stated that if it 
specified an alternate test procedure for MEUS in the subsequent 
Decision and Order, DOE would consider applying the procedure to 
similar waivers for residential and commercial central air conditioners 
and heat pumps, including such waivers that previously have been 
granted.\3\ DOE solicited comments, data, and information respecting 
the petition and the proposed alternate test procedure.
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    \2\ Energy Conservation Program for Consumer Products: 
Publication of the Petition for Waiver and Granting of the 
Application for Interim Waiver of Mitsubishi Electric From the DOE 
Residential and Commercial Package Air Conditioner and Heat Pump 
Test Procedures (Case No. CAC-012), 71 FR 14858 (March 24, 2006) 
(hereinafter, March 24th Notice). On April 11, 2006, MEUS submitted 
a Corrected Petition for Waiver of Test Procedure and Application 
for Interim Waiver (``Corrected Petition'') to DOE. The Corrected 
Petition noted five minor errors in the list of model numbers for 
which the waiver and the interim waiver had been requested. MEUS 
requested that the interim waiver granted apply to the corrected 
list of model numbers, and that DOE use the corrected list of model 
numbers in any future actions regarding the Petition for Test 
Procedure Waiver. In a letter dated June 1, 2006, DOE granted MEUS's 
request.
    \3\ March 24th Notice, 71 FR 14861.
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    DOE received written comments from seven companies--Rheem Heating 
and Cooling, Lennox International Inc., Daikin AC (Americas), Inc, 
Samsung and Quietside, Sanyo Fisher Company, United Mechanical and 
MEUS--in response to the March 24th Notice. Only one commenter 
expressed opposition to the MEUS petition.\4\ Additionally, most of the 
commenters responded favorably to DOE's proposed alternate test 
procedure.\5\ Commenters generally agreed that an alternate test 
procedure is necessary while a final test procedure for these types of 
products is being developed.\6\
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    \4\ The only commenter that objected to MEUS's Petition was 
Lennox International Inc.
    \5\ See Comments submitted by Sanyo Fisher Company, Samsung and 
Quietside, United Mechanical, Daikin AC (Americas), Inc., and Rheem 
Heating and Cooling.
    \6\ See Comments submitted by MEUS, Sanyo Fisher Company, 
Samsung and Quietside, Daikin AC (Americas), Inc., and Rheem Heating 
and Cooling.
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Assertions and Determinations

MEUS's Petition for Waiver
    DOE previously granted MEUS a waiver from test procedures in 2004 
for similar CITY MULTI VRFZ models which use R22 as a refrigerant.\7\ 
Given product adjustments to accommodate the new R410A refrigerant, 
MEUS requested a waiver from the test procedures for its new CITY MULTI 
models. The MEUS petition requested that DOE grant a waiver from 
existing test procedures until such time as a representative test 
procedure is developed and adopted for this class of products. MEUS did 
not include an alternate test procedure in its petition and noted that 
it knows of no test procedure that could evaluate its products in a 
representative manner. However, MEUS is actively working with ARI to 
develop test procedures that accurately reflect the operation and 
energy consumption of these types of units.
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    \7\ Energy Conservation Program for Consumer Products: Decision 
and Order Granting a Waiver From the DOE Commercial Package Air 
Conditioner and Heat Pump Test Procedure to Mitsubishi Electric 
(Case No. CAC-008), 69 FR 52660, at 52662 (Aug. 27, 2004) 
(hereinafter, ``2004 Waiver'').
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    MEUS's petition presented several arguments in support of its 
claim. MEUS stated that the design characteristics of the R410A CITY 
MULTI VRFZ systems prevent testing according to the currently 
prescribed test procedures for the same reasons that its R22 models 
were previously granted a waiver. The R410A CITY MULTI systems, like 
the R22 models, can connect more indoor units than the test 
laboratories can physically test at one time. Because of the inability 
to test products with so many indoor units, testing laboratories will 
not be able to test many of the R410A system combinations. Furthermore, 
MEUS asserted that the current DOE test procedures do not provide 
direction for determining what combinations of outdoor and indoor units 
should be tested in the circumstance where a multitude of different 
combinations are possible. Also, the test procedures provide no 
mechanism for sampling component combinations. In addition, MEUS 
asserted that it is not practical to test all of the potentially 
available combinations of indoor and outdoor units, which could number 
in the billions.
    MEUS stated that the R410A CITY MULTI system is designed to be 
flexible, with numerous combinations possible. According to MEUS, each 
of the 108,000 Btu/h rated outdoor units is designed to be connected 
with up to 18 indoor units, while each of the 234,000 Btu/h rated 
outdoor units can be configured with up to 32 indoor units. MEUS offers 
58 different indoor models that can be used in the different 
combinations. Given the above, MEUS asserts the current test procedures 
cannot practically be applied to the CITY MULTI VRFZ systems.
    MEUS claims that many of the benefits of its systems' 
characteristics, including variable refrigerant control and 
distribution, zoning diversity, part-load operation and simultaneous

[[Page 17530]]

heating and cooling, are not credited under the current test 
procedures. For residential systems, there are some deficiencies in the 
current DOE test methods and calculation algorithms when applied to 
multi-split systems. With regard to commercial systems, MEUS asserts 
that the current test procedure for the energy efficiency ratio 
(``EER'') does not capture the energy savings of VRFZ products. The 
same issue was raised by MEUS in its petition for waiver for its R22 
CITY MULTI products. As DOE stated in the waiver granted in August 
2004, ``while this assertion is true, it is irrelevant because the full 
load EER energy efficiency descriptor is one mandated by EPCA for these 
products (42 U.S.C. 6313(a)(1)(c)), and the relevant energy performance 
is the peak load efficiency, not the seasonal energy savings.'' \8\ A 
waiver can only be granted if a test procedure does not fairly 
represent the peak load energy consumption characteristics which EER 
measures. Therefore, the basis for this waiver, as was the case for the 
2004 Waiver, is the problem of being physically unable to test most of 
the complete systems in a laboratory, the regulatory requirement to 
test the highest-sales-volume combination, and the lack of a method for 
predicting the performance of untested combinations.
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    \8\ 69 FR 52662 (Aug. 27, 2004).
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    Lennox International Inc. argued that waivers for VRFZ systems 
should not be granted because the existing DOE test procedures are 
available to rate these systems. DOE agrees that the existing test 
procedures can be used, but only after clarifications are made and 
deficiencies are addressed.
    In August 2004, DOE granted a Petition for Waiver to MEUS relating 
to its R22 CITY MULTI VRFZ products, finding that ``the basic model 
contains one or more design characteristics which * * * prevent testing 
of the basic model according to the prescribed test procedures.'' \9\ 
MEUS's November 2005 Petition for Waiver for its R410A CITY MULTI VRFZ 
products presents virtually the same issues, and thus we find that 
waiver of the test procedures is appropriate. To enable MEUS to make 
energy efficiency representations for the specified CITY MULTI 
products, DOE adopts the alternate test procedure described below.
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    \9\ Ibid.
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DOE's Alternate Test Procedure
    As explained in DOE's March 24th Notice, manufacturers face 
restrictions with respect to making representations about the energy 
consumption and energy consumption costs of products covered by EPCA. 
(42 U.S.C. 6293(c), 42 U.S.C. 6314(d)). The ability of a manufacturer 
to make representations about the energy efficiency of its products is 
important, for instance, to determine compliance with state and local 
energy codes and regulatory requirements. Energy efficiency 
representations also provide valuable consumer purchasing information. 
Therefore, to provide a basis from which manufacturers covered by a 
test procedure waiver for VRFZ products can make valid energy 
efficiency representations, DOE proposed an alternate test procedure 
for MEUS in the March 24th Notice.
    The alternate test procedure has two basic components. First, it 
permits MEUS to designate a ``tested combination'' for each model of 
outdoor unit. The indoor units designated as part of the tested 
combination must meet specific requirements. For example, the tested 
combination must have from two to five indoor units so that it can be 
tested in available test facilities. The tested combination must be 
tested according to the applicable DOE test procedure. Second, it 
permits MEUS to represent the energy efficiency for a non-tested 
combination in two ways. MEUS may represent the energy efficiency of a 
non-tested combination: (1) At an energy efficiency level determined 
under a DOE-approved alternative rating method; or, if method (1) Is 
not available, (2) at the efficiency level of the tested combination 
utilizing the same outdoor unit. Until an alternative rating method is 
developed, all combinations with a particular outdoor unit may use the 
rating of the combination tested with that outdoor unit. DOE believes 
that allowing MEUS to make energy efficiency representations for non-
tested combinations as described above is reasonable because the 
outdoor unit is the principal efficiency driver. The current test 
procedure tends to rate these products conservatively. This is because 
the current test procedure does not account for the product's 
simultaneous heating and cooling capability, which is more efficient 
than requiring all zones to be either heated or cooled. Further, the 
multi-zoning feature of these products, which enables them to cool only 
those portions of the building that require cooling, can use less 
energy than if the unit is operated to cool the entire home or a 
comparatively larger area of a commercial building in response to a 
single thermostat. Additionally, the current test procedure for 
commercial equipment requires full load testing, which disadvantages 
these products because they are optimized for best efficiency when 
operating with less than full loads. In fact, these products normally 
operate at part-load conditions. Therefore, as explained in the March 
24th Notice, the alternate test procedure will provide a conservative 
basis for assessing the energy efficiency for such products.\10\
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    \10\ 71 FR 14862 (March 24, 2006).
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    The alternate test procedure applies to both residential and 
commercial multi-split products. However, some provisions are specific 
to residential or commercial products. Section (A) of the alternate 
test procedure has different provisions for residential and commercial 
products. Section (B), which defines the combinations of indoor and 
outdoor units to test, and section (C), which sets forth the 
requirements for making representations, are the same for both 
residential and commercial products.
    Section (A) distinguishes between residential and commercial 
products for two reasons. First, 10 CFR part 430.24, used for 
residential products, already has requirements for selecting split-
system combinations based on the highest sales volume. Part 431 of 10 
CFR, which applies to commercial products, has no comparable 
requirements. Section (A) modifies the residential and commercial CFR 
requirements so that both residential and commercial products can use 
the same definition of a ``tested combination,'' which definition is 
set forth in section (B). Second, section (A) requires several test 
procedure revisions to determine the SEER and HSPF for the tested 
combination of residential products. No test procedure revisions are 
introduced for commercial products. [P3] The changes for residential 
products relate to: (1) The requirement that all indoor units operate 
during all tests, (2) the restriction on using only one indoor test 
room, (3) the selection of the modulation levels (maximum, minimum, and 
a specified intermediate speed) used when testing, and (4) the 
algorithm for estimating performance over the intermediate speed 
operating range. These changes are proposed in a July 20, 2006, DOE 
notice of proposed rulemaking. 71 FR 41320. For today's Decision and 
Order, the July 20, 2006, proposed changes to test procedure sections 
2.1, 2.2.3, 2.4.1, 3.2.4 (including Table 6), 3.6.4 (including Table 
12), 4.1.4.2, and 4.2.4.2 constitute mandatory elements of the 
alternate test procedure. These changes allow indoor units to cycle 
off, allow the manufacturer to specify the compressor

[[Page 17531]]

speed used during certain tests, and introduce a new algorithm for 
estimating power consumption.
    With regard to the laboratory testing of both residential and 
commercial products, some of the difficulties are avoided by the 
requirements for choosing the indoor units to be used in the 
manufacturer-specified tested combination. For example, in addition to 
limiting the number of indoor units, another requirement is that all of 
the indoor units must be subject to meeting the same minimum external 
static pressure. This requirement allows the test lab to manifold the 
outlets from each indoor unit into a common plenum that supplies air to 
a single airflow measuring apparatus. This requirement eliminates 
situations in which some of the indoor units are ducted and some are 
non-ducted. Without this requirement, the laboratory must evaluate the 
capacity of a subgroup of indoor coils separately, and then sum the 
separate capacities to obtain the overall system capacity. This would 
require that the test lab must be equipped with multiple airflow 
measuring apparatuses (which is unlikely), or that the test lab connect 
its one airflow measuring apparatus to one or more common indoor units 
until the contribution of each indoor unit has been measured.
    DOE stated that if it specified an alternate test procedure for 
MEUS, it would consider applying the procedure to waivers for similar 
residential and commercial central air conditioners and heat pumps 
produced by other manufacturers. Most of the comments received by DOE 
favored the proposed alternate test procedure. Commenters generally 
agreed that an alternate test procedure is appropriate for an interim 
period while a final test procedure for these products is being 
developed.\11\
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    \11\ See Comments submitted by Sanyo Fisher Company (Sanyo, No. 
7), Samsung and Quietside (Samsung, No. 8), Daikin AC (Americas), 
Inc. (Daikin, No. 3), and Rheem Heating and Cooling (Rheem, No. 5).
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    Sanyo and Daikin raised concerns regarding DOE's proposal to allow 
manufacturers to represent the energy efficiency of non-tested 
combinations at the DOE-prescribed minimum efficiency level for the 
product class. They suggested that allowing such ratings without 
testing the product may allow low efficiency products to be installed 
even though equipment that meets or exceeds the minimum requirements is 
available.\12\ DOE believes these commenters misread the proposed 
alternate test procedure. As explained in the March 24th Notice, the 
alternate test procedure adopts a conservative approach for rating VRFZ 
products based on the tested results of a simple system configuration. 
In the proposed alternate test procedure, DOE would allow manufacturers 
to make efficiency representations for non-tested combinations at the 
DOE-prescribed minimum efficiency level for the product class only if 
the tested combination with the same outdoor unit met or exceeded the 
minimum efficiency level. 71 FR 14862, March 24, 2006. DOE is 
eliminating this option because, as explained below, there is no need 
for it.
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    \12\ See Comments submitted by Sanyo Fisher Company, (Sanyo, 
No.7 at page 1) and Daikin AC (Americas), Inc., (Daikin, No. 3 at 
pages 1-2).
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    Rheem suggested that third party testing, or on-site witness 
testing, is the preferred method to verify system performance.\13\ 
Additionally, Rheem requested that, in order to provide fair and 
equitable test methods and ratings to the consumer, the heating test 
points and laboratory operating conditions remain consistent.\14\ DOE's 
alternate test procedure would specify certain parameters for the 
testing of VRFZ products, but would otherwise retain the existing test 
procedure protocols on issues such as where products are tested, test 
points, and laboratory operating conditions. Thus, in these respects, 
VRFZ systems would be tested as other products are tested under the 
existing test procedures.
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    \13\ See Comments submitted by Rheem Heating and Cooling, 
(Rheem, No. 5 at page 2).
    \14\ See Comments submitted by Rheem Heating and Cooling, 
(Rheem, No. 5 at page 2).
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    Lennox suggested that DOE bar sales of non-tested combinations with 
an evaporator capacity of less than 95% of the nominal outdoor unit 
capacity unless an approved ARM (alternative rating method) simulation 
is available to demonstrate conformance to the minimum efficiency 
requirement.\15\ No data was provided to justify this proposed indoor-
to-outdoor sizing limitation and so DOE is inclined not to impose such 
a regulatory limitation on VRFZ configurations at this time. Moreover, 
DOE expects the development of an alternative rating method that is 
applicable to multi-split systems like the MEUS CITY MULTI products 
will follow, and not precede, the work by ARI members to develop a 
multi-split test procedure.
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    \15\ See Comments submitted by Lennox International Inc., 
(Lennox, No. 6 at page 2).
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    Based on the discussion above, DOE believes that the testing 
problems described above do prevent testing of the R410A CITY MULTI 
basic model according to the test procedures prescribed in 10 CFR Part 
430, Subpart B, Appendix M, and[P9] ARI Standard 340/360-2000. After 
reviewing and considering all of the comments submitted regarding the 
proposed alternate test procedure, DOE believes that the proposed 
alternate test procedure, with the clarifications discussed above, 
should be adopted. DOE will also consider applying the same alternate 
test procedure to similar waivers for residential and commercial 
central air conditioners and heat pumps.

MEUS Waiver for R22 Products

    In the previous paragraph, DOE stated its intention to consider 
applying the alternate test procedure to similar waivers. Such a 
similar waiver was granted to MEUS for its R22 CITY MULTI VRFZ products 
on August 27, 2004 (the ``2004 Waiver'', see footnote 7). As discussed 
previously, the R22 products are quite similar to the R410A products 
that are the subject of this waiver. Therefore, today's notice amends 
the 2004 Waiver to prohibit MEUS from making energy efficiency 
representations regarding its R22 CITY MULTI products unless such 
representations are made consistent with the provisions of the 
alternate test procedure.
    DOE consulted with the Federal Trade Commission (``FTC'') 
concerning the MEUS petition. The FTC did not have any objections to 
the issuance of the waiver to MEUS. Thus, DOE is granting MEUS's 
petition.

Conclusion

    After careful consideration of all the material that was submitted 
by MEUS, the comments received, the review by NIST, and consultation 
with the FTC, it is ordered that:
    (1) The ``Petition for Waiver'' filed by Mitsubishi Electric and 
Electronics USA, Inc. (MEUS) (Case No. CAC-012) is hereby granted as 
set forth in the paragraphs below.
    (2) MEUS shall not be required to test or rate its R410A CITY MULTI 
Variable Refrigerant Flow Zoning (``VRFZ'') products listed below on 
the basis of the currently applicable test procedures, but shall be 
required to test and rate such products according to the alternate test 
procedure as set forth in Paragraph (3): \16\
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    \16\ The * denotes engineering differences in the models.
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    CITY MULTI Variable Refrigerant Flow Zoning System R-2 Series 
Outdoor Equipment:
    <bullet> PURY-P72TGMU-*, 72,000 Btu/h 208/230-3-60 split-system 
variable-speed heat pump.

[[Page 17532]]

    <bullet> PURY-P96TGMU-*, 96,000 Btu/h 208/230-3-60 split-system 
variable-speed heat pump.
    <bullet> PURY-P108TGMU-*, 108,000 Btu/h 208/230-3-60 split-system 
variable-speed heat pump.
    <bullet> PURY-P126TGMU-*, 126,000 Btu/h, 208/230-3-60 split-system 
variable-speed heat pump.
    <bullet> PURY-P144TGMU-*, 144,000 Btu/h, 208/230-3-60 split-system 
variable-speed heat pump.
    <bullet> PURY-P168TGMU-*, 168,000 Btu/h, 208/230-3-60 split-system 
variable-speed heat pump.
    <bullet> PURY-P192TGMU-*, 192,000 Btu/h, 208/230-3-60 split-system 
variable-speed heat pump.
    <bullet> PURY-P204TGMU-*, 204,000 Btu/h, 208/230-3-60 split-system 
variable-speed heat pump.
    <bullet> PURY-P216TGMU-*, 216,000 Btu/h, 208/230-3-60 split-system 
variable-speed heat pump.
    <bullet> PURY-P234TGMU-*, 234,000 Btu/h, 208/230-3-60 split-system 
variable-speed heat pump.
    CITY MULTI Variable Refrigerant Flow Zoning System Y-Series Outdoor 
Equipment:
    <bullet> PUHY-P72TGMU-*, 72,000 Btu/h 208/230-3-60 split-system 
variable-speed heat pump.
    <bullet> PUHY-P96TGMU-*, 96,000 Btu/h 208/230-3-60 split-system 
variable-speed heat pump.
    <bullet> PUHY-P108TGMU-*, 108,000 Btu/h 208/230-3-60 split-system 
variable-speed heat pump.
    <bullet> PUHY-P126TGMU-*, 126,000 Btu/h, 208/230-3-60 split-system 
variable-speed heat pump.
    <bullet> PUHY-P144TGMU-*, 144,000 Btu/h, 208/230-3-60 split-system 
variable-speed heat pump.
    <bullet> PUHY-P168TGMU-*, 168,000 Btu/h, 208/230-3-60 split-system 
variable-speed heat pump.
    <bullet> PUHY-P192TGMU-*, 192,000 Btu/h, 208/230-3-60 split-system 
variable-speed heat pump.
    <bullet> PUHY-P204TGMU-*, 204,000 Btu/h, 208/230-3-60 split-system 
variable-speed heat pump
    <bullet> PUHY-P216TGMU-*, 216,000 Btu/h, 208/230-3-60 split-system 
variable-speed heat pump.
    <bullet> PUHY-P234TGMU-*, 234,000 Btu/h, 208/230-3-60 split-system 
variable-speed heat pump.
    CITY MULTI Variable Refrigerant Flow Zoning System S-Series Outdoor 
Equipment:
    <bullet> PUMY-P48NHMU-*, 48,000 Btu/h, 208/230-1-60 split-system 
variable-speed heat pump
    CITY MULTI Variable Refrigerant Flow Zoning System Indoor 
Equipment:
    <bullet> P*FY models, ranging from 6,000 to 96,000 Btu/h, 208/230-
1-60 split-system variable-capacity air conditioner or heat pump.
    <bullet> PCFY Series--Ceiling Suspended--PCFY-P12/18/24/30/36***-*.
    <bullet> PDFY Series--Ceiling Concealed Ducted--PDFY-P06/08/12/15/
18/24/30/36/48***-*.
    <bullet> PEFY Series--Ceiling Concealed Ducted (Low Profile)--PEFY-
P06/08/12***-*.
    <bullet> PEFY Series--Ceiling Concealed Ducted (Alternate High 
Static Option)--PEFY-P15/18/24/27/30/36/48/54/72/96***-*.
    <bullet> PEFY-F Series--Ceiling Concealed Ducted (100% OA Option)--
PEFY-P 30/54/72/96***--*.
    <bullet> PFFY Series--Floor Standing (Concealed)--PFFY-P06/08/12/
15/18/24***-*.
    <bullet> PFFY Series--Floor Standing (Exposed)--PFFY-P06/08/12/15/
18/24***-*.
    <bullet> PKFY Series--Wall-Mounted--PKFY-P06/08/12/18/24/30***-*.
    <bullet> PLFY Series--4-Way Airflow Ceiling Cassette--PLFY-P12/18/
24/30/36***-*.
    <bullet> PMFY Series--1-Way Airflow Ceiling Cassette--PMFY-P06/08/
12/15[MR12]***-*.
    (3) Alternate test procedure.
    (A) MEUS shall be required to test the products listed in Paragraph 
(2) above according to those test procedures for central air 
conditioners and heat pumps prescribed by DOE at 10 CFR Parts 430 and 
431, except that:
    (i) For products covered by 10 CFR Part 430 (consumer products), 
MEUS shall not be required to comply with: (1) The first sentence in 10 
CFR 430.24(m)(2), which refers to ``that combination manufactured by 
the condensing unit manufacturer likely to have the highest volume of 
retail sales;'' and (2) the third sentence in 10 CFR 430(m)(2) and the 
provisions of 10 CFR 430(m)(2)(i) and (ii). Instead of testing the 
combinations likely to have the highest volume of retail sales, MEUS 
may test a ``tested combination'' selected in accordance with the 
provisions of subparagraph (B) of this paragraph. Additionally, instead 
of following the provisions of 10 CFR 430(m)(2)(i) and (ii) for every 
other system combination using the same outdoor unit as the tested 
combination, MEUS shall make representations concerning the R410A CITY 
MULTI products covered in this waiver according to the provisions of 
subparagraph (C) below.
    (ii) For products covered by 10 CFR Part 430 (consumer products), 
MEUS shall be required to comply with 10 CFR 430 Appendix M as amended 
in accordance with designated changes that are listed in the July 20, 
2006 Federal Register Notice. 71 FR 41320, July 20, 2006. These 
designated changes are with respect to the following test procedure 
sections: 2.1, 2.2.3, 2.4.1, 3.2.4 (including Table 6), 3.6.4 
(including Table 12), 4.1.4.2, and 4.2.4.2.
    (iii) For products covered by 10 CFR Part 431 (commercial 
products), MEUS shall test a ``tested combination'' selected in 
accordance with the provisions of subparagraph (B) of this paragraph. 
For every other system combination using the same outdoor unit as the 
tested combination, MEUS shall make representations concerning the 
R410A CITY MULTI products covered in this waiver according to the 
provisions of subparagraph (C) below.
    (B) Tested combination. The term ``tested combination'' means a 
sample basic model comprised of units that are production units, or are 
representative of production units, of the basic model being tested. 
For the purposes of this waiver, the tested combination shall have the 
following features:
    (i) The basic model of a variable refrigerant flow system used as a 
tested combination shall consist of an outdoor unit that is matched 
with between 2 and 5 indoor units.
    (ii) The indoor units shall--
    (a) Represent the highest sales volume type models;
    (b) Together, have a capacity between 95% and 105% of the capacity 
of the outdoor unit;
    (c) Not, individually, have a capacity greater than 50% of the 
capacity of the outdoor unit;
    (d) Have a fan speed that is consistent with the manufacturer's 
specifications; and
    (e) All have the same external static pressure[MR15].
    (C) Representations. MEUS may make representations about the energy 
efficiency of CITY MULTI VRFZ products, for compliance, marketing, or 
other purposes, only to the extent that such representations are made 
consistent with the provisions outlined below:
    (i) For CITY MULTI VRFZ combinations tested in accordance with this 
alternate test procedure, MEUS may make representations based on these 
test results.
    (ii) For CITY MULTI VRFZ combinations that are not tested, MEUS may 
make representations which are based on the testing results for the 
tested combination and which are consistent with either of the two 
following methods, except that only method (a) may be used, if 
available:

[[Page 17533]]

    (a) Representation of non-tested combinations according to an 
Alternative Rating Method (``ARM'') approved by DOE.
    (b) Representation of non-tested combinations at the same energy 
efficiency level as the tested combination with the same outdoor unit.
    (4) The waiver granted for MEUS's R22 CITY MULTI VRFZ products on 
August 27, 2004 \17\ is hereby amended to prohibit MEUS from making 
energy efficiency representations regarding its R22 CITY MULTI products 
unless such representations are made consistent with the provisions set 
forth in Paragraph (3) above.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \17\ 71 FR 14858 (March 24, 2006).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (5) This waiver shall remain in effect from the date of issuance of 
this Order until DOE prescribes final test procedures appropriate to 
the model series manufactured by MEUS and listed above.
    (6) This waiver is conditioned upon the presumed validity of 
statements, representations, and documentary materials provided by the 
petitioner. This waiver may be revoked or modified at any time upon a 
determination that the factual basis underlying the petition is 
incorrect, or DOE determines that the results from the alternate test 
procedure are unrepresentative of the basic models' true energy 
consumption characteristics.

    Issued in Washington, DC, on April 2, 2007.
Alexander A. Karsner,
Assistant Secretary, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.
[FR Doc. E7-6608 Filed 4-6-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6450-01-P


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