1 | Building Technologies Program eere.energy.gov

 

Public Service of Colorado Ponnequin Wind Farm 

Proposed Test Procedures for Battery Chargers and External Power Supplies 

Appliances and Commercial 

Equipment Standards Program 

May 7, 2010 

U.S. Department of Energy 
 

Welcome 

•	 Introductions 

•	 Role of the Facilitator 

•	 Ground Rules (norms) 

–	 Listen as an ally 

–	 Use short, succinct statements/keep to the point 

–	 Hold sidebar conversations outside the room 

–	 Focus on issues, not personalities 

–	 One person speak at a time (raise hand to be recognized; state your 

name for the record) 

–	 Set cell phones to silent/vibrate 

•	 Housekeeping Items 

•	 Agenda Review 

•	 Opening Remarks 

2 | Building Technologies Program eere.energy.gov 
 

 

 

Listening Via the Webcast 

•	 The Department is broadcasting this public meeting live 

over the Internet. 

• DOE is providing the webcast to accommodate
 

stakeholders unable to attend the meeting.
 

•	 The webcast allows stakeholders to listen in and view the 

presentation slides. 

–	 However, only stakeholders physically in attendance may provide 

questions or comments during the meeting. 

3 | Building Technologies Program eere.energy.gov 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Agenda 

9:00 – 9:05 am Welcome
 

9:05 – 9:10 am Introduction and Agenda Review
 

9:10 – 9:40 am Stakeholder Presentations 

9:40 – 9:55 am Legal Authority and Background 

9:55 – 10:55 am BC Active Mode Test Procedure 

10:55 – 11:10 am Break 

11:10 am – 12:10 pm BC Active Mode Test Procedure (cont.) 

12:10 – 12:20 pm BC and EPS Standby and Off Mode Test Procedures 

12:20 – 12:30 pm Single-Voltage EPS Active Mode Test Procedure 

12:30 – 12:40 pm Multiple-Voltage EPS Active Mode Test Procedure 

12:40 – 12:50 pm Final Comments and Adjourn 

* If meeting runs late, there will be a 1 hour break for lunch.
 

4 | Building Technologies Program eere.energy.gov 
 

The Purpose of the Test Procedure 

Public Meeting 

•	 Present an overview of the Statute and all Departmental 

actions regarding battery chargers (BCs) and external 

power supplies (EPSs). 

•	 Present the proposed test procedures for BCs and 

EPSs. 

•	 Seek oral and written comments on the proposed test 

procedure. 

•	 Discuss and respond to specific issues or questions 

related to the proposal. 

5 | Building Technologies Program eere.energy.gov 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DOE Requests Feedback 

Feedback Is Requested
 

Especially on Issues Identified in Handout Materials
 

• In all correspondence, please refer to the Test Procedure by: 

– Test Procedure for Battery Chargers (BCs) and External Power Supplies (EPSs), 

– Docket Number EERE–2009–BT–TP–0019, and 

– Regulatory Identification Number (RIN) 1904–AC03 

• Email: BC&EPS_Test_Proc@ee.doe.gov 

Postal Mail: Courier: 

Ms. Brenda Edwards Ms. Brenda Edwards 

U.S. Department of Energy U.S. Department of Energy 

Building Technologies Program, Building Technologies Program 

Mailstop EE-2J 950 L’Enfant Plaza, S.W., 6th Floor 

1000 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, DC 20024 

Washington, DC 20585-0121 Telephone: (202) 586-2945 

Comment Period Closes June 16, 2010
 

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Issues for Comment 

Issue Box The Department welcomes comments, data, and 

information relating to the BC and EPS test procedure. 

Throughout this presentation specific issues will be brought up

for discussion on slides such as this. The issue numbers 

correspond to those in the NOPR and handout sheets. 

Nonetheless, comments about any part of the document or 

presentation are welcome. 

7 | Building Technologies Program eere.energy.gov 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Agenda 

9:00 – 9:05 am Welcome 

9:05 – 9:10 am Introduction and Agenda Review 

9:10 – 9:40 am Stakeholder Presentations 

9:40 – 9:55 am Legal Authority and Background 

9:55 – 10:55 am BC Active Mode Test Procedure 

10:55 – 11:10 am Break 

11:10 am – 12:10 pm BC Active Mode Test Procedure (cont.) 

12:10 – 12:20 pm BC and EPS Standby and Off Mode Test Procedures 

12:20 – 12:30 pm Single-Voltage EPS Active Mode Test Procedure 

12:30 – 12:40 pm Multiple-Voltage EPS Active Mode Test Procedure 

12:40 – 12:50 pm Final Comments and Adjourn 

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Stakeholder Presentations 

• The floor is now open for stakeholders to present 

introductory comments. 

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Agenda 

9:00 – 9:05 am Welcome 

9:05 – 9:10 am Introduction and Agenda Review 

9:10 – 9:40 am Stakeholder Presentations 

9:40 – 9:55 am Legal Authority and Background 

9:55 – 10:55 am BC Active Mode Test Procedure 

10:55 – 11:10 am Break 

11:10 am – 12:10 pm BC Active Mode Test Procedure (cont.) 

12:10 – 12:20 pm BC and EPS Standby and Off Mode Test Procedures 

12:20 – 12:30 pm Single-Voltage EPS Active Mode Test Procedure 

12:30 – 12:40 pm Multiple-Voltage EPS Active Mode Test Procedure 

12:40 – 12:50 pm Final Comments and Adjourn 

10 | Building Technologies Program eere.energy.gov 
 

 

 

DOE’s Statutory Authority for BC-EPS Comes 

from EPCA and its Amendments 

•	 The Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975 (EPCA) established

energy conservation standards and methods of test procedure 

development for a variety of consumer products. 

•	 The Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT) amended EPCA, adding BCs 

and EPSs to the appliance standards program. 

•	 The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA) further

amended EPCA resulting in the current rulemaking. 

EPCA 

1975 

EPACT 

2005 

EISA 

2007 

Department 

of Energy 

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EISA Requirements Pertaining to

BC-EPS Test Procedures 

•	 Publish test procedures for Standby and Off Mode for 

BCs and EPSs. 

–	 Published on March 27, 2009. 

•	 Publish final rule potentially amending Class A EPS 

standards. 

– EISA Class A EPS standards became effective July 1, 2008. 

•	 Publish final rule potentially setting BC standards. 

• Publish final rule determining whether to set standards
 

for non-Class A EPSs (e.g., multiple-voltage EPSs).
 

12 | Building Technologies Program eere.energy.gov 
 

 

 

 

EISA Seven-Year Review 

Requirement 

•	 Additionally, EISA amended EPCA, requiring DOE to 

review its test procedures every seven years. 

–	 Improve measurement representativeness or accuracy, 

–	 Reduce burden, or 

–	 Determine that such amendments are unnecessary. 

13 | Building Technologies Program eere.energy.gov 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Timeline of Milestones for BC and 

EPS Rulemakings 

2005
 EPACT 2005 

2006
 EPACT En-Masse TP Final Rule 

(Included BC and EPS TPs) 

2007
 

EISA 2007
 

2008
 EISA Class A EPS Standards 

Standby & Off Mode TP Final Rule 

2009
 

2010
 

BC & EPS TP Final Rule
 

2011
 BC & EPS Standards Final Rule 

. . . 

BC & EPS TP NOPR Apr. 2, 2010 

Dec. 8, 2006 

Jul. 1, 2008 

Mar. 27, 2009 

Dec. 2010 (Proj.) 

Jul. 2011 (Proj.) 

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Summary of Existing DOE

BC and EPS Test Procedures 

Covered
 

Product
 

Standby Inactive Active Mode Off Mode Mode Mode 1
 

15 | Building Technologies Program eere.energy.gov 

Class A 

EPS 

General 

App. Z 2, Sec. 

3(a) and 

4(a)(i) 

App. Z, Sec. 

3(a) and 

4(a)(i) 

App. Z, 

Sec. 3(a) and 

4(a)(ii) 

N/A 

SwitchSelectable 

NonClass A 

EPS 

High- Power 

Medical 

Motor-Operated 

/ Detach. Battery 

Multiple-Voltage [Reserved] [Reserved] [Reserved] N/A 

BC General [Reserved] App. Y 3, Sec. 

3 and 4(c) 

App. Y, Sec. 

3 and 4(d) 

App. Y, Sec. 

3 and 4(a) 1. Refers to the DOE inactive mode test measurement which covers maintenance and standby modes. 

Also, “nonactive mode”. 

2. Refers to Appendix Z to subpart B of 10 CFR part 430. 

3. Refers to Appendix Y to subpart B of 10 CFR part 430. 

Product Class
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Agenda 

9:00 – 9:05 am Welcome 

9:05 – 9:10 am Introduction and Agenda Review 

9:10 – 9:40 am Stakeholder Presentations 

9:40 – 9:55 am Legal Authority and Background 

9:55 – 10:55 am BC Active Mode Test Procedure 

10:55 – 11:10 am Break 

11:10 am – 12:10 pm BC Active Mode Test Procedure (cont.) 

12:10 – 12:20 pm BC and EPS Standby and Off Mode Test Procedures 

12:20 – 12:30 pm Single-Voltage EPS Active Mode Test Procedure 

12:30 – 12:40 pm Multiple-Voltage EPS Active Mode Test Procedure 

12:40 – 12:50 pm Final Comments and Adjourn 

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Proposed Amendments to

BC-EPS Test Procedures 

Covered Product Class Product 

General 

Class A 

EPS SwitchSelectable 

Standby Inactive Active Mode Off Mode Mode Mode 

N/A 

NonClass A 

EPS 

High- Power 

Medical 

Motor-Operated 

/ Detach. Battery 

Multiple-Voltage [Reserved] [Reserved] [Reserved] N/A 

BC General [Reserved] 

Existing TP Existing TP Existing TP 

Existing TP Existing TP Existing TP 

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BC Test Procedure Summary 

DOE is proposing changes to the BC test procedure (TP):
 

• Delete all parts of current DOE inactive TP. 

– Based on the EPA ENERGY STAR TP (2005). 

• Add active and maintenance mode TP. 

– Based on the California Energy Commission (CEC) TP (2008). 

– With modifications to ease burden or improve accuracy. 

Issue #9 DOE seeks comment on the removal of the nonactive 

measurement. 

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The Need for a BC Test Procedure 

•	 DOE is required to evaluate 

standards for BCs. 

–	 TP provides consistent method of 

evaluating BC energy consumption. 

–	 TP also necessary for enforcing 

standards once established. 

•	 Test procedure must be 

representative of typical use. 

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Current DOE BC Test Procedure 

Energy Ratio = 

DISCH

MAINT STANDBY

E

+EE

(1) Energy consumption in maint. 

(battery fully charged after 24 hours) 

(2) Energy consumption in standby 

(battery disconnected) 

(3) Energy delivered by the battery 

during controlled discharge 

E BC

MAINT

BC 

ESTANDBY

EDISCH

mains

mains

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Amending the BC Test Procedure 

• Current BC test procedure is not suitable for standards. 

– Does not measure energy consumed during active mode. 

– Cannot repeatably test all types of consumer BCs. 

• DOE researched existing worldwide test procedures: 

– ENERGY STAR TP Same as DOE 

– Canadian Standards Association TP 

– California Energy Commission (CEC) TP 

21 | Building Technologies Program eere.energy.gov 
 

 

 

1

Summary of CEC Test Procedure 

•	 Interested parties expressed support for the CEC TP 

during framework document public meeting (July 16, 

2009). 

•	 Version 2.2 of the CEC TP covers all modes of 

operation: 

–	 Active (charge) – Maintenance 

–	 Standby (no battery) – Off 

•	 DOE has performed numerous tests using this TP and 

considers it to be accurate and appropriate. 

22 | Building Technologies Program eere.energy.gov 
 

 

 

 

 

Summary of CEC Test Procedure 

(cont.) 

•	 DOE proposes to incorporate sections of the CEC TP:
 

–	 Definitions – Test conditions and setup 

–	 Charge and maintenance test – Discharge test
 

(i.e., active mode test)
 

–	 Any departures are discussed in the following slides. 

•	 DOE proposes to retain but amend the current DOE 

standby and off mode test procedures. 

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Summary of CEC Test Procedure 

(cont.) 

(1) Energy consumption in active mode
 

(battery charging over 24 hours)
 

BC 

E24

(2) Energy consumption in maintenance mode 

(battery fully charged, final 4 hours of charge test) 

BC EMAINT

(3) Energy delivered by the battery during controlled discharge
 

EDISCH
 

24 | Building Technologies Program eere.energy.gov 
 

 

 

 

 

Summary of CEC Test Procedure

(cont.) 

Issue #1 DOE seeks comment from interested parties on the 

proposed approach for testing BCs in active mode, in particular 

the adoption and modification of the CEC test procedure. 

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Structure of Current DOE 

BC Test Procedure 

1. Scope 

2. Definitions 

3. Test Apparatus and General Instructions
 

4. Test Measurement 

a. Inactive Mode Measurement 

b. Active Mode Measurement [Reserved] 

c. Standby Mode Measurement 

d. Off Mode Measurement 

26 | Building Technologies Program eere.energy.gov 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Proposed Changes 

1.	 Scope 

–	 Restrict scope to chargers for U.S. operation only 

2.	 Definitions 

–	 Delete nonactive DOE definitions 

–	 Modify and add CEC definitions 

–	 Delete nonactive DOE instructions 

3. Test Apparatus and General Instructions 

–	 Delete nonactive DOE instructions Necessary 

–	 Add CEC instructions
 for Active

(with some modifications)
 Mode Test 

4.	 Test Measurement 

–	 Add CEC instructions
 

(with some modifications)
 

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1. BC Scope: Input Voltage 

•	 The DOE BC test procedure currently encompasses all 

BCs, regardless of input voltage. 

•	 DOE proposes only covering AC-input chargers 

operating at 115 volts and 60 hertz. 

–	 Ensures that all BCs intended for use in the US are covered. 

–	 Provide consistency with the EPS TP. 

–	 DC-input chargers would also be covered. 

Issue #2 The Department seeks comment on limiting the

scope to chargers with DC or AC US-line voltage (115

volts at 60 hertz) input. 

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1. BC Scope: Golf Cars and Other

Consumer Motive Equipment 

•	 The CEC test procedure contains two parts: 

–	 Part 1 applies to BCs with input power 2 kilowatts or less. 

–	 Part 2 applies to larger industrial chargers and chargers for 

golf cars and other consumer motive equipment . 

•	 DOE proposes to include all 

consumer products in scope. 

–	 Proposed TP based on part 1 of the
 

CEC TP.
 

–	 Also applicable to golf cars and other
 

consumer motive equipment.
 

29 | Building Technologies Program eere.energy.gov 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1. BC Scope: Golf Cars and Other

Consumer Motive Equipment (cont.) 

Issue #3 DOE invites comment on both approaches for 

incorporating golf cars and other consumer motive equipment. 

In particular, DOE seeks comment on the applicability of part 1 

of the CEC test procedure to BCs for golf cars and other 

consumer motive equipment and the testing burden of part 2 of 

the CEC test procedure compared to part 1. 

30 | Building Technologies Program eere.energy.gov 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Structure of Current DOE 

BC Test Procedure 

1. Scope 

2. Definitions 

3. Test Apparatus and General Instructions
 

4. Test Measurement 

a. Inactive Mode Measurement 

b. Active Mode Measurement [Reserved] 

c. Standby Mode Measurement 

d. Off Mode Measurement 

31 | Building Technologies Program eere.energy.gov 
 

 

2. BC Definitions: Revisions 

•	 DOE proposes updating definitions to increase clarity or 

provide consistency with CEC test procedure. 

•	 Definitions proposed for modification include: 

–	 Active mode 

–	 Multi-port charger 

–	 Multi-voltage a la carte charger 

–	 Standby mode 

32 | Building Technologies Program eere.energy.gov 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2. BC Definitions: Additions 

• DOE proposes adding definitions to be consistent with
 

CEC, IEEE standard 1515-2000, or DOE EPS TP.
 

•	 Definitions proposed for addition include: 

–	 active power or real power (P) 

–	 ambient temperature 

–	 apparent power (S) 

–	 batch charger 

–	 battery rest period 

–	 rated energy 

–	 capacity 

–	 C-rate 

–	 crest factor 

–	 equalization 

–	 instructions or manufacturer’s 

instructions 

–	 measured charge capacity 

–	 power factor 

–	 rated battery voltage 

–	 rated charge capacity 

–	 total harmonic distortion (THD) 

–	 unit under test (UUT) 

33 | Building Technologies Program eere.energy.gov 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2. BC Definitions: Additions (cont.) 

Example: Rated Charge Capacity 

–	 Used to calculate discharge rate. 

•	 CEC definition: 

–	 “The capacity, usually given in ampere-hours (Ah) or 

milliampere-hours (mAh), specified by the manufacturer . . .” 

•	 Proposed DOE definition: 

– “The capacity the manufacturer declares the battery can store 

under specified test conditions . . . in ampere-hours (Ah) . . .” 

–	 Based on CEC test procedure with clarifications 

Issue #4 DOE invites interested parties to comment on the 

deletion, modification, and addition of definitions to be 

consistent with CEC or international standards. 

34 | Building Technologies Program eere.energy.gov 
 

 

 

Structure of Current DOE 

BC Test Procedure 

1. Scope 

2. Definitions 

3. Test Apparatus and General Instructions
 

4. Test Measurement 

35 | Building Technologies Program eere.energy.gov 
 

 

 

 

 

 

3. BC Test Apparatus and 

General Instructions (cont.) 

•	 DOE proposes to modify the following CEC provisions 

prior to incorporation: 

– Confidence intervals 

– Temperature range Apply to all tests

– AC input voltage and frequency 

– Selection of charge rate for test 

– Treatment of batteries with no rated capacity 

•	 DOE is also considering alternatives and invites 

comment on the following provisions: 

– Selection of batteries for test 

– Treatment of additional functionality 

36 | Building Technologies Program eere.energy.gov 
 

 

 

 

 

3. BC Test Apparatus and General 

Instructions: Confidence Intervals 

•	 The CEC TP specifies measurement uncertainty. 

•	 DOE proposes incorporating the CEC uncertainty 

requirements, with the addition of an explicit confidence 

qualifier. 0.5 W –	 “Measurements of active power of 

0.5 W or greater shall be made with
 

an uncertainty of ≤ 2% at the 95%
 

confidence level.”
 

–	 Consistent with: 

 Standard engineering practice 

 IEC standard 62301. 

± 2%
 

37 | Building Technologies Program eere.energy.gov 
 

 

 

 

 

3. BC Test Apparatus and General 

Instructions: Temperature and Voltage 

•	 DOE proposes raising the temperature 

range for testing to 25°C ± 5°C. 

–	 CEC temperature range is 20°C ± 5°C. 

–	 Lessens testing burden. 

•	 DOE proposes requiring testing only at 115 

volts and 60 hertz for AC chargers. 

–	 Ensures that all US BCs can be tested. 

–	 Provide consistency with the EPS TP 

38 | Building Technologies Program eere.energy.gov 
 

 

 

 

 

 

3. BC Test Apparatus and 

General Instructions: Review 

1. Scope 

2. Definitions 

3. Test Apparatus and General Instructions 

– Confidence intervals 

– Temperature range Apply to all tests 

– AC input voltage and frequency 

– Selection of charge rate for test 

– Treatment of batteries with no rated capacity Apply to 

– Selection of batteries for test special cases 

– Treatment of additional functionality 

4. Test Measurement 

39 | Building Technologies Program eere.energy.gov 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3. BC Test Apparatus and General

Instructions: Charge Rate 

•	 CEC test procedure states: 

–	 ‘‘If the battery charger has user controls to select from two or 

more charge rates . . . the test shall be conducted with each of 

the possible choices.’’ 

•	 DOE believes that users will typically select the fastest 

charge rate recommended for typical operation. 

•	 Therefore, to ease testing burden DOE proposes 

conducting the test at the fastest available charge rate. 

Issue #5 The Department invites comments on only requiring 

testing at the fastest charge rate, when user controls are 

present. 

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3. BC Test Apparatus and General 

Instructions: No Rated Capacity 

• The CEC test procedure does not provide detailed 

instructions for obtaining the discharge current in the 

absence of rated battery charge capacity. 

– “. . . technician shall determine the discharge current which 

meets the following requirements.” 

• DOE proposes an explicit iterative method: 

1. Measure discharge time at 0.5 ampere rate. 

2. Calculate trial discharge rate from discharge time. 

3. Measure discharge time at trial discharge rate; refine if needed. 

Issue #8 The department welcomes comment on the iterative 

process proposed for determining the capacity for batteries with 

no rated capacity. 

41 | Building Technologies Program eere.energy.gov 
 

Apply to all tests

Apply to

special cases

 

 

 

 

 

3. BC Test Apparatus and General 

Instructions: Review 

1. Scope 

2. Definitions 

3. Test Apparatus and General Instructions 

– Confidence intervals 

– Temperature range 

– AC input voltage and frequency 

– Selection of charge rate for test 

– Treatment of batteries with no rated capacity 

– Selection of batteries for test Consistent with CEC, but 

– Treatment of additional functionality seeking comments on

4. Test Measurement alternatives. 

42 | Building Technologies Program eere.energy.gov 
 

 

 

 

 

 

3. BC Test Apparatus and General

Instructions: Batteries 

•	 DOE proposes to adopt the CEC requirement that multivoltage, multi-port, and/or multi-capacity chargers be 

tested numerous times, with a variety of batteries: 

–	 May result in up to 3 days of testing 

•	 DOE is also considering tests using 

only the most typical battery for a 

given BC. 

Issue #6 The Department invites comments on the typical 

batteries used with chargers not typically packaged with 

batteries, e.g., AA/AAA and 12 volt lead-acid chargers. 

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3. BC Test Apparatus and General

Instructions: Additional Functionality 

•	 DOE proposes to incorporate the CEC instructions 

regarding additional functionality of embedded BCs. 

–	 Disconnecting and/or switching off the additional functionality 

should decrease the energy consumption to a negligible level. 

1. Use physical 2. Provide an 

disconnection as a interface to allow 

signal to device to users to turn off 

disable the additional the additional 

functionality. functionality. 

Issue #7 The Department seeks comments on its proposed 

approach for dealing with battery chargers that have additional 

functionality. 

44 | Building Technologies Program eere.energy.gov 
 

 

 

 

 

 

3. BC Test Apparatus and General 

Instructions: Review 

1. Scope 

2. Definitions 

3. Test Apparatus and General Instructions
 

– Confidence intervals 

– Temperature range 

– AC input voltage and frequency 

– Selection of charge rate for test 

– Treatment of batteries with no rated capacity 

– Selection of batteries for test 

– Treatment of additional functionality 

4. Test Measurement 

45 | Building Technologies Program eere.energy.gov 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Agenda 

9:00 – 9:05 am Welcome 

9:05 – 9:10 am Introduction and Agenda Review 

9:10 – 9:40 am Stakeholder Presentations 

9:40 – 9:55 am Legal Authority and Background 

9:55 – 10:55 am BC Active Mode Test Procedure 

10:55 – 11:10 am Break 

11:10 am – 12:10 pm BC Active Mode Test Procedure (cont.) 

12:10 – 12:20 pm BC and EPS Standby and Off Mode Test Procedures 

12:20 – 12:30 pm Single-Voltage EPS Active Mode Test Procedure 

12:30 – 12:40 pm Multiple-Voltage EPS Active Mode Test Procedure 

12:40 – 12:50 pm Final Comments and Adjourn 

46 | Building Technologies Program eere.energy.gov 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Agenda 

9:00 – 9:05 am Welcome 

9:05 – 9:10 am Introduction and Agenda Review 

9:10 – 9:40 am Stakeholder Presentations 

9:40 – 9:55 am Legal Authority and Background 

9:55 – 10:55 am BC Active Mode Test Procedure 

10:55 – 11:10 am Break 

11:10 am – 12:10 pm BC Active Mode Test Procedure (cont.) 

12:10 – 12:20 pm BC and EPS Standby and Off Mode Test Procedures 

12:20 – 12:30 pm Single-Voltage EPS Active Mode Test Procedure 

12:30 – 12:40 pm Multiple-Voltage EPS Active Mode Test Procedure 

12:40 – 12:50 pm Final Comments and Adjourn 

47 | Building Technologies Program eere.energy.gov 
 

 

 

Structure of Current DOE 

BC Test Procedure 

1. Scope 

2. Definitions 

3. Test Apparatus and General Instructions
 

4. Test Measurement 

48 | Building Technologies Program eere.energy.gov 
 

 

 

4. BC Test Measurement 

•	 DOE proposes to modify the following CEC provisions 

prior to incorporation: 

–	 Reorder test procedure; will impact 

• Battery conditioning 

• Battery preparation 

–	 End-of-discharge voltages 

•	 DOE is also considering alternatives and invites 

comment on the following provisions: 

–	 Active and maintenance mode test duration 

49 | Building Technologies Program eere.energy.gov 
 

 

 

 

4. BC Test Measurement: 

Reversing Testing Order 

• The current CEC test procedure requires a charge test 

followed by discharge test. 

0. Preparatory 1. Charge Test 2. Discharge Test 

Discharge • Measured • Measured 

• Not Measured 

•	 Analyzer
 

Required
 

? Battery Voltage 

Time 

50 | Building Technologies Program eere.energy.gov 
 

• Current CEC test procedure:

1. Charge Test

• Measured

2. Discharge Test

• Measured

0. Preparatory

Discharge

• Not Measured

• Analyzer

Required

 

 

 

4. BC Test Measurement: 

Reversing Testing Order (cont.) 

• DOE proposes to reverse the testing order to lessen 

testing burden. 

0. Preparatory 1. Discharge Test 2. Charge Test 

Charge • Measured • Measured 

• Not Measured 

•	 No Analyzer
 

Required
 

Battery Voltage 

Time 

? 

51 | Building Technologies Program eere.energy.gov 
 

 

 

 

4. BC Test Measurement: 

Reversing Testing Order (cont.) 

CEC Test 

Procedure 

0. Preparatory 

Discharge 

•	 Not Measured 

•	 Analyzer 

Required 

0. Preparatory 

Charge 

• Not Measured 

• No Analyzer 

Required 

1. Charge Test 

•	 Measured 

1. Discharge 

Test 

•	 Measured 

2. Discharge 

Test 

•	 Measured 

2. Charge Test 

•	 Measured Proposed 

DOE 

Test 

Procedure 

Issue #11 DOE seeks comment from interested parties on the 

proposed reversal of the CEC test procedure order. 

52 | Building Technologies Program eere.energy.gov 
 

 

 

 

4. BC Test Measurement: 

End-of-Discharge Voltage 

•	 DOE is also proposing discharge conditions for the 

following novel battery chemistries, in addition to those 

currently in the CEC test procedure. 

Battery Chemistry 

Discharge Rate 

C 

End-of-Discharge 

Voltage 

Volts per Cell 

Nanophosphate Lithium Ion 

(power tools) 0.2 2.0 

Silver Zinc 

(notebook computers) 0.2 1.2 

Issue #12 DOE seeks comment on the end-of-discharge 

voltages for novel chemistries. 

53 | Building Technologies Program eere.energy.gov 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4. BC Test Measurement: 

Charge Test Duration 

•	 DOE proposes to adopt the CEC 24-hour charge and 

maintenance mode test. 

–	 24-hour charge provides uniformity between tests of different 

chargers. 

•	 DOE is also considering an optional shortened charge 

and maintenance mode test. 

–	 Majority of BCs tested require 13 hours or less to charge. 

–	 Little new information provided through extended testing. 

–	 Would free up valuable laboratory equipment, decreasing testing 

burden. 

54 | Building Technologies Program eere.energy.gov 
 

 

 

 

 

 

4. BC Test Measurement: 

Charge Test Duration (cont.) 

•	 Testing technician could shorten the test: 

– Run charge test until BC or instructions indicate completion 

•	 If no indication, at least 4 hours. 

–	 Evaluate input power over the next hour. 

–	 If less than 2% change over the next hour, terminate
 

measurement.
 

•	 The data up to this point would be recorded and then 

extrapolated over the remaining 24 hours: 

t =0

E'= E +P X(24 h-t	 ) 24 CHARGE	 t STEADY -STATE STEADY -STATE STEADY -STATE

55 | Building Technologies Program eere.energy.gov 
 

 

 

CEC Test 

Procedure 

and 

Proposed DOE 

Test Procedure 

4. BC Test Measurement: 

Charge Test Duration (cont.) 

24-Hour Charge and Maint. Mode Test 

56 | Building Technologies Program eere.energy.gov 

Optional 

Shortened 

Test Procedure 

Under 

Consideration 

Charge Test 

Eval. Period and Maint. Mode Test 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4. BC Test Measurement: 

Charge Test Duration (cont.) 

• May not capture wake-ups in maintenance mode 

– Resulted in 6.5 percent discrepancy in E24 for one fast charger. 

Issue #10 DOE is proposing using a 24-hour charge and 

maintenance energy measurement consistent with the CEC 

test procedure, but is inviting interested parties to comment on 

incorporating an optional, shorter test period. 

57 | Building Technologies Program eere.energy.gov 
 

 

 

 

 

 

4. BC Test Measurement: 

Issues Excluded from the Proposal 

• DOE presented several additional issues during the
 

Framework Document meeting on July 16, 2009.
 

–	 Incorporating usage profiles. 

–	 Directly measuring the output energy of the battery charger. 

–	 Testing at various depths of discharge. 

•	 DOE is not proposing amendments relating to these 

issues. 

58 | Building Technologies Program eere.energy.gov 
 

 

 

Structure of Current DOE 

BC Test Procedure 

1. Scope 

2. Definitions 

3. Test Apparatus and General Instructions
 

4. Test Measurement 

59 | Building Technologies Program eere.energy.gov 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Agenda 

9:00 – 9:05 am Welcome 

9:05 – 9:10 am Introduction and Agenda Review 

9:10 – 9:40 am Stakeholder Presentations 

9:40 – 9:55 am Legal Authority and Background 

9:55 – 10:55 am BC Active Mode Test Procedure 

10:55 – 11:10 am Break 

11:10 am – 12:10 pm BC Active Mode Test Procedure (cont.) 

12:10 – 12:20 pm BC and EPS Standby and Off Mode Test Procedures 

12:20 – 12:30 pm Single-Voltage EPS Active Mode Test Procedure 

12:30 – 12:40 pm Multiple-Voltage EPS Active Mode Test Procedure 

12:40 – 12:50 pm Final Comments and Adjourn 

60 | Building Technologies Program eere.energy.gov 
 

 

 

Proposed Amendments to

BC-EPS Test Procedures 

Covered Product Class Product 

General 

Class A 

EPS SwitchSelectable 

NonClass A
 

EPS
 

High- Power 

Medical 

Motor-Operated 

/ Detach. Battery 

Multiple-Voltage 

BC General
 

Standby Inactive Active Mode Off Mode Mode Mode

N/A 

[Reserved] [Reserved] [Reserved] N/A 

[Reserved] 

Existing TP Existing TP Existing TP 

Existing TP Existing TP Existing TP 

61 | Building Technologies Program eere.energy.gov 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Standby and Off Mode Test

Procedures for Both BCs and EPSs 

• Standby mode
 

–	 On/off switch set to ON 

–	 One-hour test period 

–	 Connected to power source 

–	 Disconnected from battery or 

load 

•	 Off mode 

ESTANDBY

ON 

OFF 

EPS or BC 

–	 On/off switch set to OFF 

EPS or BC –	 One-hour test period 

–	 Connected to power source 

–	 Disconnected from battery or 

load 

EOFF

ON 

OFF 

62 | Building Technologies Program eere.energy.gov 
 

 

 

 

Standby and Off Mode Test Procedures 

for Both BCs and EPSs (cont.) 

•	 Based on suggestions from interested parties, DOE 

proposes shortening the 1 hour measurement period. 

–	 DOE proposes the following testing period: 

• 30 minute warm-up to achieve thermal stability 

• 10 minute measurement 

Issue #13 The Department invites comments on changes to the 

standby and off mode measurement period. 

63 | Building Technologies Program eere.energy.gov 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Agenda 

9:00 – 9:05 am Welcome 

9:05 – 9:10 am Introduction and Agenda Review 

9:10 – 9:40 am Stakeholder Presentations 

9:40 – 9:55 am Legal Authority and Background 

9:55 – 10:55 am BC Active Mode Test Procedure 

10:55 – 11:10 am Break 

11:10 am – 12:10 pm BC Active Mode Test Procedure (cont.) 

12:10 – 12:20 pm BC and EPS Standby and Off Mode Test Procedures 

12:20 – 12:30 pm Single-Voltage EPS Active Mode Test Procedure 

12:30 – 12:40 pm Multiple-Voltage EPS Active Mode Test Procedure 

12:40 – 12:50 pm Final Comments and Adjourn 

64 | Building Technologies Program eere.energy.gov 
 

 

 

Proposed Amendments to

BC-EPS Test Procedures 

Covered
 

Product
 

Class A
 

EPS
 

NonClass A
 

EPS
 

BC General
 

Standby Inactive Off Mode Mode Mode Product Class Active Mode 

General 

N/A 

SwitchSelectable 

High- Power 

Medical 

Motor-Operated 

/ Detach. Battery 

Multiple-Voltage [Reserved] [Reserved] [Reserved] N/A 

[Reserved] 

Existing TP Existing TP Existing TP 

Existing TP Existing TP Existing TP 

65 | Building Technologies Program eere.energy.gov 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Review of Single-Voltage

EPS Test Procedure 

•	 DOE is considering amending its single-voltage EPS TP 

to resolve ambiguities when testing certain EPSs: 

–	 EPSs that must identify or otherwise exchange information 

(i.e., communicate) with their loads 

–	 EPSs that limit current below nameplate output current 

–	 High-power EPSs that list two nameplate output currents 

•	 Vast majority of EPSs would be tested as before. 

66 | Building Technologies Program eere.energy.gov 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EPSs that Communicate with Loads 

•	 DOE is considering amending its single-voltage EPS TP 

to permit testing of EPSs that communicate. 

– Example: USB compliant EPSs 

–	 TP requires disconnection
 

of all data lines during testing
 

• Disconnecting may impact operation. 

•	 DOE is considering allowing 

manufacturers to supply an appropriate test fixture. 

Issue #14 DOE seeks comment on the possible modification of 

the single-voltage EPS test procedure to accommodate EPSs 

that must communicate with their loads. 

67 | Building Technologies Program eere.energy.gov 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EPSs with Output Current Limiting 

• DOE is considering amending its single-voltage EPS TP 

to clarify testing of EPSs that limit output at less than 

nameplate output current. 

• TP requires 

testing at 100% of 

nameplate output current. 

• Alternatives considered: 

100% 

0% 

20% 

40% 

60% 

80% 

100% 

0% 25% 

Percentage of Nameplate Output Current 

50% 75% 

Efficiency

–	 Exclude affected loading 

point from average. 

–	 Shift the loading points so 

no longer affected. 

–	 Report the efficiency as 0% 

for the affected loading point. 

68 | Building Technologies Program eere.energy.gov 
 

 

High-Power EPSs with Two 

Nameplate Currents 

•	 Some high-power EPSs have more than one nameplate 

output current. 

–	 Maximum continuous versus intermittent current. 

• DOE is considering specifying continuous current to set 

loading points for efficiency testing. 

69 | Building Technologies Program eere.energy.gov 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EPSs with Output Current Limiting

and Two Nameplate Output Currents 

Issue #15 DOE seeks comment on the possible further 

modification of the single-voltage EPS test procedure to 

accommodate EPSs with: 

•output current limiting and 

•high output power. 

70 | Building Technologies Program eere.energy.gov 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Agenda 

9:00 – 9:05 am Welcome 

9:05 – 9:10 am Introduction and Agenda Review 

9:10 – 9:40 am Stakeholder Presentations 

9:40 – 9:55 am Legal Authority and Background 

9:55 – 10:55 am BC Active Mode Test Procedure 

10:55 – 11:10 am Break 

11:10 am – 12:10 pm BC Active Mode Test Procedure (cont.) 

12:10 – 12:20 pm BC and EPS Standby and Off Mode Test Procedures 

12:20 – 12:30 pm Single-Voltage EPS Active Mode Test Procedure 

12:30 – 12:40 pm Multiple-Voltage EPS Active Mode Test Procedure 

12:40 – 12:50 pm Final Comments and Adjourn 

71 | Building Technologies Program eere.energy.gov 
 

 

 

Proposed Amendments to

BC-EPS Test Procedures 

Covered Product Class Product 

General 

Class A 

EPS SwitchSelectable 

NonClass A
 

EPS
 

BC General
 

Standby Inactive Active Mode Off Mode Mode Mode 

N/A High- Power 

Medical 

Motor-Operated 

/ Detach. Battery 

Multiple-Voltage [Reserved] [Reserved] [Reserved] N/A 

[Reserved] 

Existing TP Existing TP Existing TP 

Existing TP Existing TP Existing TP 

72 | Building Technologies Program eere.energy.gov 
 

 

 

 

Multiple Voltage EPS Test Procedure 

•	 DOE proposed a multiple-voltage EPS TP during the 

2008 standby and off mode rulemaking. 

–	 Stakeholders commented that averaging efficiency 

measurements at 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% of nameplate 

output current was not representative of typical use. 

0% 

20% 

40% 

60% 

80% 

100% 

Efficiency 

0% 25% 50% 75% 100%
 

Percentage of Nameplate Output Current
 

73 | Building Technologies Program eere.energy.gov 
 

 

 

 

 

 

Multiple Voltage EPS Test Procedure

(cont.) 

•	 DOE proposes measuring efficiency at each loading 

point without averaging the results. 

–	 TP would output separate efficiency measurements for each 

loading point. 

–	 Results weighted in standard to represent typical use. 

Individual Efficiencies 

Standard 

No-Load Power 

TP: 

4 Active Mode Tests 

1 No-Load Mode Test 

74 | Building Technologies Program eere.energy.gov 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Multiple Voltage EPS Test Procedure

(cont.) 

Issue #16 DOE seeks comments on all issues pertaining to 

testing of multiple-voltage EPSs. 

• In particular, DOE invites comments on reporting 5 separate 

loading conditions (no-load, 25, 50, 75, and 100 percent of 

nameplate output current) without averaging the results. 

•Additionally, DOE seeks comment on how it should weight 

these measurements in an energy conservation standards 

rulemaking for multiple-voltage EPSs. 

75 | Building Technologies Program eere.energy.gov 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Agenda 

9:00 – 9:05 am 

9:05 – 9:10 am 

9:10 – 9:40 am 

9:40 – 9:55 am 

9:55 – 10:55 am 

10:55 – 11:10 am 

11:10 am – 12:10 pm 

12:10 – 12:20 pm 

12:20 – 12:30 pm 

12:30 – 12:40 pm 

12:40 – 12:50 pm 

Welcome 

Introduction and Agenda Review 

Stakeholder Presentations 

Legal Authority and Background 

BC Active Mode Test Procedure 

Break 

BC Active Mode Test Procedure (cont.) 

BC and EPS Standby and Off Mode Test Procedures 

Single-Voltage EPS Active Mode Test Procedure 

Multiple-Voltage EPS Active Mode Test Procedure 

Final Comments and Adjourn 

76 | Building Technologies Program eere.energy.gov 
 

Stakeholder Presentations 

• The floor is now open for stakeholders to present final 

comments. 

77 | Building Technologies Program eere.energy.gov 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DOE Requests Feedback 

Feedback Is Requested
 

Especially on Issues Identified in Handout Materials
 

• In all correspondence, please refer to the Test Procedure by: 

– Test Procedure for Battery Chargers (BCs) and External Power Supplies (EPSs), 

– Docket Number EERE–2009–BT–TP–0019, and 

– Regulatory Identification Number (RIN) 1904–AC03 

• Email: BC&EPS_Test_Proc@ee.doe.gov 

Postal Mail: Courier: 

Ms. Brenda Edwards Ms. Brenda Edwards 

U.S. Department of Energy U.S. Department of Energy 

Building Technologies Program, Building Technologies Program 

Mailstop EE-2J 950 L’Enfant Plaza, S.W., 6th Floor 

1000 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, DC 20024 

Washington, DC 20585-0121 Telephone: (202) 586-2945 

Comment Period Closes June 16, 2010
 

78 | Building Technologies Program eere.energy.gov 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Agenda 

9:00 – 9:05 am 

9:05 – 9:10 am 

9:10 – 9:40 am 

9:40 – 9:55 am 

9:55 – 10:55 am 

10:55 – 11:10 am 

11:10 am – 12:10 pm 

12:10 – 12:20 pm 

12:20 – 12:30 pm 

12:30 – 12:40 pm 

12:40 – 12:50 pm 

Welcome 

Introduction and Agenda Review 

Stakeholder Presentations 

Legal Authority and Background 

BC Active Mode Test Procedure 

Break 

BC Active Mode Test Procedure (cont.) 

BC and EPS Standby and Off Mode Test Procedures 

Single-Voltage EPS Active Mode Test Procedure 

Multiple-Voltage EPS Active Mode Test Procedure 

Final Comments and Adjourn 

79 | Building Technologies Program eere.energy.gov