[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 174 (Tuesday, September 9, 1997)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 47536-47541]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-22379]



[[Page 47535]]

_______________________________________________________________________

Part II





Department of Energy





_______________________________________________________________________



Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy



_______________________________________________________________________



10 CFR Part 430



Energy Conservation Program for Consumer Products: Test Procedures for 
Externally Vented Refrigerators and Refrigerator-Freezers; Final Rule

Federal Register / Vol. 62, No. 174 / Tuesday, September 9, 1997 / 
Rules and Regulations

[[Page 47536]]



DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

10 CFR Part 430

RIN 1904-AA93


Energy Conservation Program for Consumer Products: Test 
Procedures for Externally Vented Refrigerators and Refrigerator-
Freezers

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

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Department of Energy (Department or DOE) today promulgates 
test procedures for measuring the energy consumption of an externally 
vented refrigerator and externally vented refrigerator-freezer, a 
technological innovation which is not covered by the existing test 
procedures. Today's final rule does not change the test procedures 
applicable to refrigerator and refrigerator-freezer designs without 
external venting.

EFFECTIVE DATE: October 9, 1997.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Michael G. Raymond, U.S. Department of Energy, Energy Efficiency and 
Renewable Energy, Mail Station EE-43, Forrestal Building, 1000 
Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C., 20585-0121, (202) 586-9611
Eugene Margolis, Esq., U.S. Department of Energy, Office of General 
Counsel, Mail Station GC-72, Forrestal Building, 1000 Independence 
Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20585-0103, (202) 586-9507

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Introduction

A. Authority

    Part B of Title III of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 
1975, Public Law 94-163, as amended, established the Energy 
Conservation Program for Consumer Products other than Automobiles 
(Program).<SUP>1</SUP> The products currently subject to this Program 
(referred to hereafter as ``covered products'') include electric 
refrigerators and electric refrigerator-freezers.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ Part B of Title III of Energy Policy and Conservation Act, 
as amended, is referred to in this final rule as ``EPCA'' or the 
``Act'' Part B of Title III is codified at 42 U.S.C. 6291-6309.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Under the Act, the Program consists essentially of three parts: 
testing, labeling, and the Federal energy conservation standards. This 
final rule concerns the testing aspect of this program. EPCA, Sec. 323, 
42 U.S.C. 6293. The purpose of the test procedures is to produce test 
results that measure energy efficiency, energy use, water use (in the 
case of showerheads, faucets, water closets and urinals), or estimated 
annual operating cost of a covered product during a representative 
average use cycle or period of use. The test procedures shall not be 
unduly burdensome to conduct. 42 U.S.C. 6293(b)(3). One hundred and 
eighty days after a test procedure for a product is adopted, no 
manufacturer may make representations with respect to energy use, 
efficiency or water use of such product, or the cost of energy consumed 
by such product, except as reflected in tests conducted according to 
the DOE procedure. 42 U.S.C. 6293(c)(2). The Department, with 
assistance from the National Institute of Standards and Technology, may 
amend or establish new test procedures, as appropriate, for any covered 
product.
    Test procedures promulgated by DOE appear at 10 CFR Part 430, 
Subpart B. The ``Uniform Test Method for Measuring the Energy 
Consumption of Electric Refrigerators and Electric Refrigerator-
Freezers'' appears at Appendix A1 to Subpart B.
    Section 323(e) of the Act requires DOE to determine to what extent, 
if any, a proposed test procedure would alter the measured energy 
efficiency, measured energy use or measured water use of any covered 
product as determined under the existing test procedure. If DOE 
determines that an amended test procedure would alter the measured 
efficiency or measured use of a covered product, DOE is required to 
amend the applicable energy conservation standard accordingly. In 
determining the amended energy conservation standard, DOE is required 
to measure the energy efficiency or energy use of a representative 
sample of covered products that minimally comply with the existing 
standard. The average energy use of this representative sample, 
determined under the amended test procedure, constitutes the amended 
standard. EPCA, Sec. 323(e)(2), 42 U.S.C. 6293(e)(2).

B. Background

    On March 14, 1995, Edward Schulak Equities, Inc. (``ESE'') 
submitted a letter to the Department regarding the inapplicability of 
existing test procedures in Appendix A1 to externally vented 
refrigerators. ESE submitted a description of an externally vented 
refrigerator from a recently granted patent. ESE claimed that allowing 
cooler outside air to be passed over the condenser/compressor of a 
refrigerator would reduce energy consumption of the refrigerator. ESE 
explained that the existing test procedures address only a closed 
system without the possibility of transfer of exterior air cooler than 
the ambient room temperature.
    While ESE's letter was submitted as a petition for waiver, the 
Department concluded that its waiver process was not appropriate 
because waivers apply to ``basic models,'' and no models are currently 
being manufactured incorporating this invention, nor is the invention 
being produced for retrofitting. Therefore, the Department published 
ESE's letter and issued a Notice of Inquiry inviting public comment on 
several issues relating to externally vented refrigerators. 60 FR 
37603, 37604 (July 21, 1995). No public comments were received in 
response to this Notice of Inquiry.
    On November 13, 1995, acting upon the Department's suggestion, ESE 
submitted a draft of proposed amendments to the test procedures for 
refrigerators and refrigerator-freezers. The Department referred this 
submittal to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). 
NIST, the Department and ESE representatives extensively discussed the 
requirements for test procedures for externally vented refrigerators 
and refrigerator-freezers.
    On April 8, 1997, DOE published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking 
(NOPR), to amend the test procedures for refrigerators and 
refrigerator-freezers. 62 FR 16739. DOE proposed to add test procedure 
amendments specific to externally vented refrigerators and externally 
vented refrigerator-freezers. The current test procedures for 
refrigerators and refrigerator-freezers, found at 10 CFR Part 430, 
Appendix A1 of Subpart B, do not address testing of externally vented 
refrigerators and refrigerator-freezers. The existing test procedures 
apply to a refrigerator system to which cool outside air cannot be 
introduced for purposes of heat transfer. Externally vented 
refrigerators would be designed to permit outside air to be introduced 
across the refrigerator's condenser and compressor and, in some cases, 
throughout the walls of the refrigerator. The introduction of outside 
air at temperatures lower than the ambient room air temperature permits 
more efficient heat transfer, potentially resulting in energy savings.
    The Department has therefore revised the test procedures to include 
provisions tailored to measuring the energy consumption of externally 
vented refrigerators and refrigerator-freezers. These provisions add 
to, rather

[[Page 47537]]

than replace, the existing test procedures, which remain fully 
applicable to both externally vented vented refrigerators and 
refrigerator-freezers and refrigerators and refrigerator-freezers that 
are not externally vented. The amendments provide a method for 
accurately measuring the energy consumption of an enclosed, externally 
vented refrigerator or refrigerator-freezer unit and take account of 
design features (e.g., enclosed condenser, outside air conduits, 
dampers) peculiar to an externally vented refrigerator or refrigerator-
freezer that circulates outside air around its condenser. With these 
amendments, the test procedures provide a basis for making comparable 
measurements of energy consumption for both externally vented vented 
refrigerators and refrigerator-freezers and refrigerators and 
refrigerator-freezers that are not externally vented. More information 
about these test procedure amendments may be found in the NOPR. 62 FR 
16739 (April 8, 1997).
    Today's rule amends the test procedures for electric refrigerators 
and electric refrigerator-freezers appearing in 10 CFR Part 430, 
Subpart B, Appendix A1 by: (1) adding a definition of externally vented 
refrigerators and refrigerator-freezers to which the revisions are 
applicable, (2) prescribing test conditions for externally vented 
refrigerators and refrigerator-freezers, (3) specifying energy 
consumption measurement tests for externally vented refrigerators and 
refrigerator-freezers, and (4) including calculation methods for 
deriving results from test measurements.
    These test procedure amendments apply only to this product design 
and do not apply to existing product designs of refrigerators and 
refrigerator-freezers without this feature. Existing test procedures 
for non-externally vented refrigerators and refrigerator-freezers 
remain unchanged. The energy conservation standards for refrigerators 
and refrigerator-freezers are unaffected by the adoption or use of the 
new test procedures because the new test procedure amendments do not 
apply to any refrigerator or refrigerator-freezer that is currently 
manufactured.

II. Discussion

    In response to the April 8, 1997, NOPR, the Department received one 
comment, which was from Mark L. Perlis, counsel to ESE, urging the 
adoption of the test procedures in the NOPR. The Department believes it 
is appropriate to proceed to a final rule promulgating the test 
procedures as proposed. The Department today amends the test procedures 
applicable to electric refrigerators and electric refrigerator-freezers 
(10 CFR Part 430, Subpart B, Appendix A1), as follows:
    1. Definitions and applicability of amended test procedures. The 
Department defines ``externally vented refrigerator or refrigerator-
freezer'' as a refrigerator or refrigerator-freezer with an enclosed 
condenser or an enclosed condenser/compressor compartment, and a set of 
air ducts for transferring exterior air from outside the building 
envelope into, through, and out of the refrigerator or refrigerator-
freezer condenser or condenser/compressor compartment (section 1.12). 
Energy consumption savings from an externally vented refrigerator or 
refrigerator-freezer should be achievable for outside air temperatures 
between 60  deg.F and 80  deg.F. Above 80  deg.F, outside air may be 
warmer than ambient room air, making heat transfer in the wrong 
direction for energy savings. Below 60  deg.F, outside air may too cool 
for optimal operation of the unit. The amendments to the test 
procedures are generally predicated upon a design that permits the 
exclusion and/or mixing of outside air that is either above 80  deg.F 
or below 60  deg.F. (In the case that the mixing control is not able to 
maintain an inlet temperature of 60  deg.F, section 5.4.2.4 is invoked, 
and energy performance with inlet temperatures of 50  deg.F and 30 
deg.F are measured.) Accordingly, the amendments to the test procedures 
will apply only under conditions where the externally vented 
refrigerator or refrigerator-freezer design is capable of mixing the 
exterior air drawn in from outside the building envelope with the 
ambient room air. The modification includes thermostatically controlled 
dampers or controls that: (1) enable the proper mixing of outside and 
ambient room air when the outside air temperature is lower than 60 
deg.F, and (2) exclude outside air warmer than 80  deg.F, or warmer 
than room air temperature (section 1.12). Externally vented units could 
have temperature controls that exclude outside air either at a pre-set 
temperature no lower than 80  deg.F or when the outside air temperature 
exceeds the ambient room air temperature (section 1.12). The test 
procedures require that prior to conducting energy consumption tests, 
the operability of thermostatic controls be verified (section 5.4.1). 
All tests must generally be conducted with the thermostatic controls 
operable. A special rule is provided for testing energy consumption 
when mixing controls do not operate properly (section 5.4.2.4). The 
energy consumption of any exterior air fan that draws air to the 
refrigerator cabinet will be included in the total energy consumption 
measurements specified in section 5.2.1.
    2. Exterior air source. The Department recognizes that actual 
testing should take place under conditions of variable exterior air 
temperatures and, therefore, requires that prescribed test conditions 
include the provision of an external air source that provides air at 
adjustable temperature and pressure capabilities (section 2.6). The 
test procedures prescribe the location of temperature sensors for 
measuring the air temperature at the inlet to the condenser/compressor 
compartment (section 2.6.2). Air temperature will also be measured at 
the exterior air source. Temperature measurements are to be made at 
prescribed intervals.
    3. Air ducts. Externally vented refrigerators and refrigerator/
freezers depend upon air ducts to transfer exterior air to the 
refrigerator cabinet. Rather than specifying the length, diameter, 
shape and material of the duct, the Department specifies air pressure 
requirements as a uniform test condition (section 2.6.3). Specifically, 
the test procedures require exterior air pressure at the inlet to the 
refrigerator unit be maintained at a negative pressure of 0.20'' 
<plus-minus> 0.05'' water column (62 Pa <plus-minus> 12.5 Pa). The test 
procedures also specify location distances for the pressure sensors, 
relative to the exterior air source (i.e., the inlet to the building 
envelope) and to the condenser inlet.
    4. Applicability of general test method conditions. The amendments 
to the test procedures are not intended to supplant existing test 
methods applicable to all other refrigerators and refrigerator-
freezers. Accordingly, the amendments provide that, except as expressly 
modified, the test conditions and specifications included in the 
existing test procedures also apply to externally vented refrigerators 
and refrigerator-freezers (section 5.4).
    5. Energy consumption correction factor for test measurements. The 
Department prescribes a series of formulas for determining energy 
consumption from test measurements. First, the Department recognizes 
that energy consumption of any refrigerator will be different with and 
without door openings. Under the existing test procedure, refrigerators 
are tested at 90  deg.F without door openings to simulate the energy 
consumption they would have at normal room temperature with door 
openings. Normal room temperature for the refrigerator test procedure 
is considered to be 80  deg.F, the typical temperature of the ambient 
air

[[Page 47538]]

surrounding the refrigerator's condenser. An externally vented 
refrigerator will show an artificially low energy consumption compared 
to an unvented refrigerator when tested at 90  deg.F room air 
temperature, because 90  deg.F is warmer than normal room temperature. 
The Department therefore requires calculation of a correction factor 
for each basic model of externally vented refrigerator. The correction 
factor is the ratio of the energy consumption of an externally vented 
refrigerator (with external venting disabled) at 90  deg.F inlet air 
temperature to the energy consumption of the unit at 80  deg.F inlet 
air temperature (sections 5.4.2.1 and 6.3.1).
    6. Energy consumption test measurements and calculations. Based on 
analysis by NIST and its derivation of an algebraic equation for 
determining energy consumption over a range of outside air 
temperatures, the Department has determined that test measurements of 
energy consumption need be taken at only two outside air temperatures, 
90  deg.F and 60  deg.F (sections 5.4.2.2 and 5.4.2.3). If the outside 
air temperature is not in this range, mixing controls and dampers will 
keep the condenser inlet temperature within the range. Accordingly, the 
Department prescribes an energy profile equation that will allow for 
the interpolation of energy consumption at outside air temperatures 
within this range (section 6.3.4). The parameters of the energy profile 
equation are determined for each basic model of externally vented 
refrigerator that is tested, based on the measured energy consumption 
during testing at 90  deg.F and 60  deg.F.
    Once the parameters of the energy profile equation are determined, 
the test procedures provide a basis for calculating energy consumption 
at various temperatures. Because temperatures vary across the country, 
throughout a day, and throughout the year, the test procedures specify 
an energy consumption formula that determines a unit's total energy 
consumption based on weighted averaging of the unit's energy 
consumption at different exterior air temperatures. The test procedures 
provide weighting factors for a national average energy consumption 
(section 6.3.6) and weighting factors for four different regions of the 
country, which are identified on a map. This procedure was based on the 
test procedure for heat pumps, for which energy savings are also a 
function of climate. The regional map is the same as that used in the 
heat pump test procedure, except Regions I and II from the heat pump 
test procedure are combined and called Region I. Externally vented 
refrigerators need only be tested at 90  deg.F and 60  deg.F, and from 
such measurements, application of the correction factor, and 
application of the energy profile equation, the unit's average per 
cycle energy consumption can be determined for the nation as a whole 
and for each of the four regions of the country.
    7. Reporting requirements. Refrigerators and refrigerator-freezers 
are required to report annual energy consumption. For externally vented 
products, the annual energy consumption will depend on climate. The 
annual energy consumption reported for externally vented products shall 
be the national average annual energy use. Separate reporting of 
regional energy use is not required.

III. Review Under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969

    In this rule, the Department promulgates amendments to the test 
procedures for refrigerators and refrigerator-freezers to include 
externally vented refrigerators and refrigerator-freezers. The 
Department has determined that this rule is covered under the 
Categorical Exclusion found at paragraph A.5 of Appendix A to Subpart 
D, 10 CFR Part 1021, which applies to the amendment of an existing rule 
that does not change the environmental effect of the rule. 
Implementation of this final rule will not affect the quality or 
distribution of energy usage and therefore will not result in any 
environmental impacts. Accordingly, neither an environmental assessment 
nor an environmental impact statement is required.

IV. Regulatory Review

    Today's final rule has been determined not to be a ``significant 
regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866, ``Regulatory Planning 
and Review,'' (58 FR 51735, October 4, 1993). Accordingly, today's 
action was not subject to review under the Executive Order by the 
Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs.

V. Regulatory Flexibility Review

    This rule has been reviewed under the Regulatory Flexibility Act, 
Pub. L. 96-354 (42 U.S.C. 601-612) which requires preparation of a 
regulatory flexibility analysis for any regulation that will have a 
significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. 
This rule would not have significant economic impact on manufacturers 
of externally vented refrigerators and refrigerator-freezers (there are 
presently no such manufacturers). This rule modifies the testing 
methods to provide a testing procedure for a new design feature of 
refrigerators and refrigerator-freezers. DOE accordingly certifies that 
this final rule will not have a significant economic impact on a 
substantial number of small entities and that preparation of a 
regulatory flexibility analysis is not warranted.

VI. ``Takings'' Assessment Review

    It has been determined pursuant to Executive Order 12630 (52 FR 
8859, March 18, 1988) that this final rule will not result in any 
takings which might require compensation under the Fifth Amendment to 
the United States Constitution.

VII. Federalism Review

    Executive Order 12612 (52 FR 41685, October 30, 1987) requires that 
regulations or rules be reviewed for any substantial direct effects on 
States, on the relationship between the Federal Government and the 
States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among 
various levels of Government. If there are sufficient substantial 
direct effects, the Executive Order 12612 requires the preparation of a 
Federalism assessment to be used in decisions by senior policy makers 
in promulgating or implementing the regulation.
    This final rule will not alter the distribution of authority and 
responsibility to regulate in this area. This rule will only revise a 
currently applicable DOE test procedure to accommodate a technological 
development in the manufacture of refrigerators and refrigerator-
freezers. Accordingly, DOE has determined that preparation of a 
federalism assessment is unnecessary.

VIII. Paperwork Reduction Act Review

    This rule contains no new collections of information under the 
Paperwork Reduction Act, 44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.

IX. Review Under Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995

    Section 202 of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (``Unfunded 
Mandates Act'') requires that the Department prepare a budgetary impact 
statement before promulgating a rule that includes a Federal mandate 
that may result in expenditure by state, local, and tribal governments, 
in the aggregate, or by the private sector, of $100 million or more in 
any one year. The budgetary impact statement must include: (1) 
identification of the Federal law under which the rule is promulgated; 
(2) a qualitative and quantitative assessment of anticipated costs and 
benefits of the Federal

[[Page 47539]]

mandate and an analysis of the extent to which such costs to state, 
local, and tribal governments may be paid with Federal financial 
assistance; (3) if feasible, estimates of the future compliance costs 
and of any disproportionate budgetary effects the mandate has on 
particular regions, communities, non-Federal units of government, or 
sectors of the economy; (4) if feasible, estimates of the effect on the 
national economy; and (5) a description of the Department's prior 
consultation with elected representatives of state, local, and tribal 
governments and a summary and evaluation of the comments and concerns 
presented.
    The Department has determined that this action does not include a 
Federal mandate that may result in estimated costs of $100 million or 
more to state, local or to tribal governments in the aggregate or to 
the private sector. Therefore, the requirements of Sections 203 and 204 
of the Unfunded Mandates Act do not apply to this action.

X. Review Under Executive Order 12988, ``Civil Justice Reform''

    With respect to the review of existing regulations and the 
promulgation of new regulations, Section 3(a) of Executive Order 12988, 
``Civil Justice Reform,'' 61 FR 4729 (February 7, 1996), imposes on 
executive agencies the general duty to adhere to the following 
requirements: (1) eliminate drafting errors and ambiguity; (2) write 
regulations to minimize litigation; and (3) provide a clear legal 
standard for affected conduct rather than a general standard and 
promote simplification and burden reduction. With regard to the review 
required by Section 3(a), Section 3(b) of the Executive Order 
specifically requires that Executive agencies make every reasonable 
effort to ensure that the regulation: (1) clearly specifies the 
preemptive effect, if any; (2) clearly specifies any effect on existing 
Federal law or regulation; (3) provide a clear legal standard for 
affected conduct while promoting simplification and burden reduction; 
(4) specifies the retroactive effect, if any; (5) adequately defines 
key terms; and (6) addresses other important issues affecting clarity 
and general draftsmanship under any guidelines issued by the Attorney 
General. Section 3(c) of the Executive Order requires Executive 
agencies to review regulations in light of applicable standards Section 
3(a) and Section 3(b) to determine whether they are met or it is 
unreasonable to meet one or more of them. DOE reviewed today's 
rulemaking under the standards of Section 3 of the Executive Order and 
determined that, to the extent permitted by law, they meet the 
requirements of those standards.

XI. Congressional Notification

    Consistent with the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Act of 
1996, DOE will submit to Congress a report regarding the issuance of 
today's final rule prior to the effective date set forth at the outset 
of this notice. The report will note the Office of Management and 
Budget's determination that this rule does not constitute a ``major 
rule'' under that Act. 5 U.S.C. 801, 804.

List of Subjects in 10 CFR Part 430

    Administrative practice and procedure, Energy conservation, 
Household appliances.

    Issued in Washington, D.C., on August 1, 1997.
Joseph J. Romm,
Acting Assistant Secretary, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.

    For the reasons set forth in the preamble, part 430 of chapter II 
of title 10, Code of Federal Regulations is amended as follows:

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.

    2. Section 430.23(a) is amended by adding the parenthetical phrase 
``(6.3.6 for externally vented units)'' after ``determined according to 
6.2'' in the following locations: paragraph (a)(1)(ii); paragraph 
(a)(2)(ii); paragraph (a)(3)(ii); paragraph (a)(4)(i)(B); paragraph 
(a)(4)(ii)(B); paragraph (a)(5).
    3. Section 430.23(a) is further amended by adding paragraphs 
(a)(7), (a)(8), and (a)(9) to read as follows:


Sec. 430.23  Test procedures for measures of energy consumption.

    (a) * * *
    (7) The estimated regional annual operating cost for externally 
vented electric refrigerators and externally vented electric 
refrigerator-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 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 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 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 prior to shipping, each in kilowatt-
hours per cycle, determined according to 6.3.7 of appendix A1 of this 
subpart, 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, 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. Section 1 of Appendix A1 to subpart B is amended by adding the 
following definition 1.12:

Appendix A1 to Subpart B of Part 430--Uniform Test Method for 
Measuring the Energy Consumption of Electric Refrigerators and 
Electric Refrigerator-Freezers

1. Definitions

* * * * *
    1.12  ``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,

[[Page 47540]]

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.

    5. Section 2 of Appendix A1 is amended by adding the following new 
sections 2.6 through 2.6.3:

2. Test Conditions

* * * * *
    2.6  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 35<plus-minus>1  deg.F 
(1.7<plus-minus>0.6  deg.C) to 90<plus-minus>1  deg.F 
(32.2<plus-minus>0.6  deg.C).
    2.6.1  Air duct. The exterior air shall pass from the exterior 
air source to the test unit through an insulated air duct.
    2.6.2  Air temperature measurement. The air temperature entering 
the condenser or condenser/compressor compartment shall be 
maintained to <plus-minus>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 
<plus-minus>1  deg.F (0.6  deg.C) during the test period. The 
temperature measuring devices shall have an error not greater than 
<plus-minus>0.5  deg.F (<plus-minus>0.3  deg.C). Measurements of the 
air temperature during the test period shall be taken at regular 
intervals not to exceed four minutes.
    2.6.3  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''<plus-minus>0.05'' water 
column (62 Pa<plus-minus>12.5 Pa) 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 not greater than 0.01'' water column 
(2.5 Pa).

    6. Section 5 of Appendix A1 is amended by adding the following new 
sections 5.4 through 5.4.2.4:

5. Test Measurements

* * * * *
    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 5.4 or other sections expressly applicable to 
externally vented refrigerators or refrigerator-freezers.
    5.4.1  Operability of thermostatic and mixing of air controls. 
Prior to conducting energy consumption tests, the operability of 
thermostatic controls that permit the mixing of exterior and ambient 
air when exterior air temperatures are less than 60  deg.F must be 
verified. The operability of such controls shall be verified by 
operating the unit under ambient air temperature of 90  deg.F and 
exterior air temperature of 45  deg.F. If the inlet air entering the 
condenser or condenser/compressor compartment is maintained at 60 
deg.F, plus or minus three degrees, 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  deg.F, plus or minus three degrees, 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 
ec<INF>90</INF> and ec<INF>80,</INF> 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 (e<INF>90</INF>)<INF>i</INF> in kWh/day. For 
a given setting of the anti-sweat heater, 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 (e<INF>60</INF>)<INF>i</INF> in kWh/day. For 
a given setting of the anti-sweat heater, 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 
(e<INF>50</INF>)<INF>i</INF> and (e<INF>30</INF>)<INF>i</INF>. For a 
given setting of the anti-sweat heater, i corresponds to each of the 
two states of the compartment temperature control positions.

    7. Section 6 of Appendix A1 is amended by adding the following new 
sections 6.3 through 6.3.7, table A and figure 1:

6. Calculation of Derived Results From Test Measurements

* * * * *
    6.3  Externally vented refrigerator or refrigerator-freezers. 
Per-cycle energy consumption measurements for the 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. A correction factor, K, shall be 
calculated as:

K = ec<INF>90</INF>/ec<INF>80</INF>

where ec<INF>90</INF> and ec<INF>80</INF> = the energy consumption 
test results as determined under 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, (e<INF>90</INF>)<INF>i</INF>, 
(e<INF>60</INF>)<INF>i</INF>, (e<INF>50</INF>)<INF>i</INF>, and 
(e<INF>30</INF>)<INF>i</INF>. The combined values are 
<greek-e><INF>90</INF>, <greek-e><INF>60</INF>, 
<greek-e><INF>50</INF>, and <greek-e><INF>30</INF>, where 
applicable, in kWh/day.
    6.3.3  Energy consumption corrections. For a given setting of 
the anti-sweat heater, the energy consumptions 
<greek-e><INF>90</INF>, <greek-e><INF>60</INF>, 
<greek-e><INF>50</INF>, and <greek-e><INF>30</INF> calculated in 
6.3.2 shall be adjusted by multiplying the correction factor K to 
obtain the corrected energy consumptions per day, in kWh/day:

E<INF>90</INF> = K  x  <greek-e><INF>90</INF>,
E<INF>60</INF> = K  x  <greek-e><INF>60</INF>
E<INF>50</INF> = K  x  <greek-e><INF>50</INF>, and
E<INF>30</INF> = K  x  <greek-e><INF>30</INF>

where,

K is determined under section 6.3.1, and <greek-e><INF>90</INF>, 
<greek-e><INF>60</INF>, <greek-e><INF>50</INF>, and 
<greek-e><INF>30</INF> are determined under section 6.3.2.

    6.3.4  Energy profile equation. For a given setting of the anti-
sweat heater, the energy consumption E<INF>X</INF>, in kWh/day, at a 
specific exterior air temperature between 80  deg.F (26.7  deg.C) 
and 60  deg.F (26.7  deg.C) shall be calculated by the following 
equation:

E<INF>X</INF> = a + bT<INF>X</INF>,

where,

T<INF>X</INF> = exterior air temperature in  deg.F;
a = 3E<INF>60</INF>-2E<INF>90</INF>, in kWh/day;
b = (E<INF>90</INF>-E<INF>60</INF>)/30, in kWh/day per  deg.F.

    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, E<INF>80</INF>, E<INF>75</INF> and 
E<INF>65</INF>, 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, E<INF>N</INF>, in kWh/day, using one of 
the following equations:

E<INF>N</INF> = 0.523  x  E<INF>60</INF> + 0.165  x  E<INF>65</INF> 
+ 0.181  x  E<INF>75</INF> + 0.131  x  E<INF>80</INF>, for units not 
tested under 5.4.2.4,
E<INF>N</INF> = 0.257  x  E<INF>30</INF> + 0.266  x  E<INF>50</INF> 
+ 0.165  x  E<INF>65</INF> + 0.181  x  E<INF>75</INF> + 0.131  x  
E<INF>80</INF>, for units tested under 5.4.2.4,

where,

E<INF>30</INF>, E<INF>50</INF>, and E<INF>60</INF> are defined in 
6.3.3,
E<INF>65</INF>, E<INF>75</INF>, and E<INF>80</INF> are defined in 
6.3.5, and
the coefficients are weather associated weighting factors.


[[Page 47541]]


    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, E<INF>R</INF>, in 
kWh/day, for the regions in figure 1 using one of the following 
equations and the coefficients in the table A:

E<INF>R</INF> = a<INF>1</INF>  x  E<INF>60</INF> + c  x  
E<INF>65</INF> + d  x  E<INF>75</INF> + e  x  E<INF>80</INF>, for a 
unit that is not required to be tested under 5.4.2.4,
E<INF>R</INF> = a  x  E<INF>30</INF> + b  x  E<INF>50</INF> + c  x  
E<INF>65</INF> + d  x  E<INF>75</INF> + e  x  E<INF>80</INF>, for a 
unit tested under 5.4.2.4,

where:

E<INF>30</INF>, E<INF>50</INF>, and E<INF>60</INF> are defined in 
6.3.3,
E<INF>65</INF>, E<INF>75</INF>, and E<INF>80</INF> are defined in 
6.3.5, and
a<INF>1</INF>, a, b, c, d, 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                              a<INF>1       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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


BILLING CODE 6450-01-P
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR09SE97.000

Sec. 430.62  [Amended]

    8. Section 430.62(a)(2) is amended by inserting after ``(for 
refrigerators, refrigerator-freezers, and freezers),'' in the first 
sentence, the following: ``the national average annual energy use and 
adjusted volume (for externally vented refrigerators and refrigerator-
freezers),''.

[FR Doc. 97-22379 Filed 9-08-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6450-01-C