## Minutes Conference Call ofParties Interested in Revising the DOE Test Procedures for Clothes Washers Monday, March 13, 2000, 3:00 p.m. 

### Pursuantto a notice sent to parties interested in revising the DOE test procedures for clothes washers, AHAM hosted a conference call on Monday March 13, 2000. The following people pruticipated: AHAM Members: 

### 1. Doug Nagel, Amana 2. Glenn Schwantes, Amana 3. Phil Manthei, Alliance 4. Richard Bollard, Fisher and Paykel 5. Dave Modtland, Frigidaire 6. Mike Griffith, Frigidaire 7. Larry Hawkins, General Electric 8. Dick Stillwell, Maytag 9. Steve Sousek, Magtag 10. Larry Wethje, AHAM staff OtherParticipants: 

### 10. John Dieckmann, Arthur D. Little, Inc. 11. Dick Topping, Arthur D. Little, Inc. 12. Bill Murphy, Arthur D. Little, Inc. 13. Mike Rivest, ArthurD. Little, Inc. 14. Bryan Berringer, DOE 15. Jim Raba, DOE 16. Andy Persily, NIST 17. Natascha Castro, NIST 18. Luther Myers, Textile Innovators Three exhibits were distributed to the interested partiespriorto the conference call as follows: Exhibit 1 -

Exhibit 2 -

Exhibit 3 - Proposed changes to both DOE test procedures for clothes washers, J and JI, as discussed by AHAM members during previous conference calls. Proposed language from Frigidaire regarding changes to the procedure for preconditioningthe test cloth. Draft language from DOE for proposed changes to the JI test procedure, including a method ofpreconditioningthe test cloth, test cloth specs, and determination ofthe RMC correction factor.

## .-

The group discussedthe following topics, as moderated byAHAM staffperson Larry Wethje: 

### 1. ,AHAM Proposed Changes - Exhibit 1 The proposed changes are editorial in nature, and primarily suggest ways to clarifythe original intent ofthe existingprocedures. No one onthe conference call took exceptionwiththe recommendations. 

### 2. !•reconditioningofTest Cloth Clarificationsto the procedure for preconditioningthe test cloth were discussed and the consensus was to accept in concept the draft language ofExhibit 2, with some revisions by DOE and ADL to make it more clear. It was agreed that 5 complete wash/rinse/spin cycles are to be used, the first two withAHAM Standard Detergent 2A and the last 3 without detergent. The test cloth shall be "bone dried" between each cycle, and 25 uses ofthe cloth are permitted after preconditioning. Additionally, it was agreed that a commercially available washer should be specified because some thought using a horizontal vs. vertical machineto precondition could affect the subsequent RMC ofthe test cloth. Therefore, it was agreed to specify a Pellerin Milnormachine, model number 36021RWP, since Textile Innovators will be using it andthey mayprovide preconditioned test cloth. The machine has a load capacity of75 lbs., so it was agreed to precondition 50 lbs. at a time. DOE and ADL agreed to investigate the need for specifying a particularmachine by preconditioning different loads in horizontal and vertical machines, then running extractorRMC tests to see ifthe machine type has an affect on RMC. 

### 3.**~ihrinkage** 

### ofTest Cloth 2

The test procedure prescribes a shrinkage limitation ofthe test cloth to 4%, but no one onthe call knew why. Some manufactures are seeing more than 4% shrinkage. Itwas felt that the shrinkage limitation mightbeunnecessary, giventhatthe test procedure has detailed specifications onthe cloth material. However, the decision to delete the shrinkage limitation will beheld in abeyance pending further investigation of different lots by ADL to see ifthe RMC is aff e:cted by shrinkage. 

### 4. ]B:xtractor RMC TestProcedure and Correction - Factor The: draft language ofExhibit 3, Sections 2.6.5 through 2.8, was discussed. Itwas agreed that the general approach ofcorrectingthe RMC oftest cloth lots to the "standard" values ofTable 2.6.4 (based on "lot 3") seemed like a valid approach, butfurther work bythe manufacturers and ADL will be done to determine ifthe method is sufficiently robust.

### Minor editorial changes to Exhibit 3 were agreed to, as follows:

a. Renumber Section- 2.7, Calculation of RMC Correction Curve, 

### to 2.6.6 (and all subsections accordingly). b. Change reference in 2.7.l to table 2.6.4 (Moderator's note: Table 2.6.4 needs to be referenced in Section 2.6.4 also). c. Incurrent Section 2.7.2, the consequence iftheroot mean square is greater than 2% needs to be stated. d. Renumber Section 2.8,Application of RMCorrection Curve, 

### to 2.6.7 (and all subsections accordingly) 

### 5. NIST concerns: 3



### Andy Persily ofNIST expressed 3 concernsNIST would have ifit were called upon to determine the RMC correction factors offuture test cloth lots as follows: 1. Homogeneity ofa given lot, for consistent correction factor throughout 2. Since the "Standard Lot 3" will notbe around forever, NIST thinks it should have 3 extractors to ensure future measurements are consistent 3. An Uncertainty analysis ofthe RMC correction factor derivation should be developed The group discussed the above concerns. Luther Myers ofTextile Innovators explained that the cloth samples are not all taken from one location in a lot due to the way the cloth is produced and folded so he didn't think number I was an issue. Regarding the extractors, others felt that as long as the rpm's were measured, it was not necessary to have 3 extractors. As for the uncertainty analysis, the issue was not fully discussed. 

### 6. Next Steps All AHAM members were at least cautiously optimistic that the test procedure issues would be resolved satisfactorily. Therefore, there was consensus to proceed with the efficiency standard negotiations, but any potential agreement on a revised standard would have to be contingent upon a satisfactory resolution ofthe test procedure issues. All participants onthe call believed they would complete the additional work discussed above by the end ofApril. It

### was agreed that a tentative workshop (orperhapsjust a conference call) should be held in late May or early June to reviewthe results. 

### 7. Adjournment The call was adjourned at 4:35 p.m. Minutess Prepared by: Lawrence Wethje Vice President, Engineering Services AHAM

## Exhibit 1 AHAM Proposed Changes to DOE Test Procedures J & 

## Jl

I. For the 

## JTest Procedure: A. Re-title Section 2.3 as "Supply Water Requirements for Water andEnergy Consumption Testing". B. Add a Section immediately following Section 2.3 which reads: "Supply WaterRequirements for RMC Testing. For nonwater-heating clothes washers not equippedwith thermostatically controlledwater valves, the temperature of the hot watersupplyshallbe maintainedat 140F±_5Fandthe coldwatersupplyshallbemaintainedat 60F

### ±5F. Allother clothes washers shall be connectedto watersupply temperatures as statedin Section 2.3." C. Add the following definitions for "cold rinse" and "warm rinse" in Section 3.3.1: 4

"ColdRinse is the coldestrinse temperature available on the machine. Warm Rinse is the hottest rinse temperature available on the machine. " Note: In Appendix J, these definitions should not be added in the general definition section because there are other sections in the test procedure referring to cold and warm rinses in which the definitions do not apply. D. Revise Section 2:10 as follows: "Wash time (periodof agitation or tumble) setting. 

### If the maximum available wash time in the normalcycle is greater than 9. 75 minutes, the wash time shallbe not less than 9. 75 minutes. 

### If the maximum available wash time in the normal cycle is less than 9. 75 minutes, the wash time shallbe the maximum available wash time. " E. Revise Section 2.11, Agitation and Spin Speed Settings, by adding the word "speed"justafterthe word "agitation". F. Revise Section 2.11.l by changingthe word "levels" to "speed". 

### II. 

### For the Jl Test Procedure:

A. Add the following definitions to Section 1.0: "Coldrinse means the coldest rinse temperature available on the machine (andshouldbe the same rinse temperature selection tested in Section3. 7)." "Warm rinse means the hottest rinse temperature available on the machine (andshouldbe the same rinse temperature selection tested in Section 3. 7). " B. In Section 4.1.5, for the variables ERx, ER., and ER,., add the words ''per definitions in Section 3. 7.2" afterthe word "cycle". Larry Wethje, 31101005 

## Exhibit 2 Proposed Language for Jl Test Procedure from Frigidaire

March 7, 2000 Larry Wethje VP, Engineering Services AHl\M 1111 19th Street, NW Washington, DC 20036 Re: Clothes Washer Test Procedure -Pre-conditioning ofthe Test Cloth Dear Larry, The following is the subject re-write based on the discussion during the conference call ofFebruary 23, 2000: Revise 2.6.1.l "The energy test cloth shall not be used for more than 25 test runs (after pre-conditioning) and shall be clean and consist ofthe following:

..." Replace 2.6.1.2.1 with the following: "Placethetest cloth in a clothes washer set at the maximum water level. Wash the load for ten minutes in soft water (17 ppm hardness or less) using 6.0 grams per gallon ofwater ofAHAM Standard detergent 2A. The wash temperature is to be controlled to 135°

### ±5° F (57.2° ±_2.8° C) and the rinse temperature is to be controlled to 60°

## ±5° F (15.6°

## ±2.8° C). Repeat the cycle with detergent and then repeat the cycle three additional times without detergent drying the load between cycles (total offive wash cycles)." Revise 2.6.2 to clarify: "Energystuffercloth. The energy stuffercloth

... The number oftestruns on the same energy stuffer cloth shall not exceed 25 runs (after pre-conditioning)." Please forward to the Test Procedure Task Force members. Contact me for clarification and/or if additional assistance is required. Sinc:erely, David B. Modtland Manager

- WasherEngineering

## Exhibit 3 DOE Draft Language for Changes to Jl Test Procedure (Distributed by Bryan Berringer ofDOE on March 3, 2000) Replace the current Section 2.6 in Appendix JI 

### with the following:

2.6 

### Test Cloths.

2.6.I 

### Energy Test Cloth. The energy test cloth shall be made from energy test cloth material, as specified in 2.6.4, that is 24 inches by 36 inches (61.0 cm by 91.4 cm) and has been hemmed to 22 inches by 34 inches (55.9 cm by 86.4 cm) before washing. The maximum shrinkage after five washes shall notbe more than four percent on the length and width. The number oftest runs onthe same energytest cloths shall not exceed 25 runs. 

### 2.6.2 Energy Stuffer Cloth. The energy stuffer cloth shall be made from energy test cloth material, as specified in 2.6.4, and shall consist ofpieces of material that are 12 inches by 12 inches (30.5 cmby 30.5 cm) and have been hemmed to 10 inches by 10 inches (25.4 cm by 25.4 cm) before washing. The maximum shrinkage after five washes shall not be more than four percent on the length and width. The number of test runs onthe same energy stuffer cloths shall not exceed 25 runs. 2.6.3 

### Preconditioning of Test Cloths. The newtest cloths, including energy test cloths and energy stuff er cloths, shall be pre-conditioned in a clothes washer inthe following manner: 2.6.3.I 

### Washthe test cloth using a commercially available clothes washing detergent that is suitable for 135°F (57.2°C) wash water as recommended by the manufacturer, with the washer set onmaximum water level. Place detergent in washer and then place the new load to be conditioned inthe washer. Wash the load for ten minutes in soft water ( l7ppm or less). Wash water is to be hot, and controlled at 135°F±5°F (57.2°C±2.8°C). Rinse watertemperature is to be cold, and controlled at 60°F± 5° F (15.6°C±2.8°C). Rinse the load through a second rinse using the same water temperature (ifan optional second rinse is available on the clothes washer, use it). 2.6.3.2. Dry the Load 2.6.3.3 A final cycle is to be hot water wash with no detergent followed by two cold water rinses 2.6.3.4 Dry the Load 

### 2.6.4 Energy Test Cloth Material. The energy test cloths and energy stuffer cloths shall be made from fabric meeting the following specifications. 

### 2.6.4.1 Nominal Fabric Type. Pure finished bleached cloth, made with a momie or granite weave, which is nominally 50 percent cotton and 50 percent polyester.2.6.4.2 The fabric weight shall be 5.60 ounces per squareyard (190.0 g/m2), ± 5%. 2.6.4.3 The thread count shall be 61 x 54 perinch (warp x fill),± 2%. 2.6.4.4 The warp yarn and filling yarn shall eachhave fiber content of50 percent ± 4 percent cotton, withthe balance beingpolyester, and be openend spun, 15/1 ± 5%cotton countblended yarn. 2.6.4.5 Waterrepellent finishes, such as fluoropolymer stain resistant finishes shall not be applied to the test cloth. The absence ofsuch finishes can be/shall be verified by: 2.6.4.5.1 AATCC-118 Oil 

### Repel/ency Test (DuPont or3Mversion) of each new lot of test cloth (when purchased from the mill) to confirm the absence of Scotchguardor otherwater repellent finish (requiredscores of"D" across the board) 

### 2.6.4.5.2 AATCC- 

### 79 Drop Absorbency Test of each new lot of test cloth (whenpurchased from the mill) to confirm the absence of Scotchguardor otherwater repellent finish (time to absorb one drop shouldbe on the order of1

### second) 2. 6.4. 6 

### The moisture absorption andretention shall be evaluatedby the StandardExtractorRMC Test specified in 2.6.5. 2.6.4. 6.1 

### Repeatthe Standard ExtractorRMC Test 2.6.5 

### three times. 2.6.5 

### StandardExtractorRMC Test Procedure. 2.6.5.l The standard extractor RMC tests shall berun in a Bock Model extractor with a variable speed drive. 2.6.5.2 

### TestLoad. Test cloths shall be preconditioned in accordance with 2.6.3. The load size shall be 8.4 lbs 

### 2.6.5.3 Procedure 2.6.5.3.l Record the bone-dry weight, WI, ofthe test load. 2.6.5.3.2 Soak the test load for 20 minutes in 10 gal ofsoft ( < 17 ppm) water. The water temperature shall be 100°F 

### ± 5°F. 2.6.5.3.3 Remove the test load and allow waterto gravity drain offofthe test cloths. Then manually place the test cloths in the basket ofthe extractor, distributing them evenlyby eye. Spin the load at a fixed speed corresponding to the intended g level ± 1 g for the intended time period ± 5 seconds. 2.6.5.3.4 Record the moist weight, WC, immediately at the completion of the spin. 2.6.5.3.5 Calculate the RMC as (WC-WI)/WI. 2.6.5.3.6 The RMC ofthe test load shall be measured at three (3) g levels: 50 g, 200, 350g, usingtwo different spin times at each g level: 4 minutes, and 15 minutes2.6.5.4 Repeat 2.6.5.3 using soft (<17 ppm) water at 60 F 

### ± 5 F. 

### 2. 7 

### Calculation of RMCcorrection curve. 2.7.1 Perform a linear least-squares fit to relate the standard RMC (RMCstandard) values (shown in table 2.7.1) to the values measured in 2.6.4.6 (RMCc1oth): 

### RMCstandard-A 

## *RMCc101h 

### +B Where A and B are coefficients ofthe linear least squares fit. 2.7.2 Check accuracy oflinear least squares fit usingthe following method: 

### Ifthe root mean square value of: {SALL TESTs[((RMC.m.\LHRD, -A • RMCcwrH-,

- B/)!(N- 2)]} III< 2o/o

- - whereN is the number ofdistincttests (9), where a sum is taken over all ofthe different tests, where

### RMCsrANDARD_i is the RMC standard value for the i-th test, and

### RMCcwTH-_i is the average measured RMC value for the i-th cloth test. 

### 2.8 

### Application of RMCcorrection curve. 2.8.1 Using the coefficients, A&B calculated in 2.7

### .1. RMCcorr 

### =A 

## *RMC 

### +B 2.8.2 Substitute RMCcorr values in calculations in Section 3.8.

# . J

Table 2.6.4 Standard RMCvalues (RMCstandard) ,, RMC% ,;Q. WannSoak 15 min. spin 4 min. spin 50 50.5% 55.8% 200 36.1% 40.9% 350 29.9% 33.6% Note: Numbers shown are preliminary. Cold Soak

. 15 min. spin 4 min. spin

52.8% 59.1% 38.0% 43.5% 30.9% 36.1%

### -· Commercial Building Energy Codes insert 346: INTRODUCTION: The activity develops and promulgates Federal commercial building codes and participates in developing and disseminating voluntary (model) commercial codes in partnership withthe building industry consensus and model code organizations, States, code officials, design professionals, builders, buildingproduct manufacturers, public interest groups, and utilities. Codes are essential to transferring energy-efiicienttechnologies and practices in commercial buildings and help to lowerbuilding operation costs and consumerbills, reduce energy consumption, and reduce carbon emissions. As measures that improve energy efficiency are included in codes and as buildings incorporate those measures, building practices are transformed making further rounds ofenergy efficiency code changes easier. This activity also provides technical assistance and outreach. Technical and financial assistance, training, and outreach activities for commercial building codes are also included in the Community Energy Program under Building Technology Assistance programs.