Source: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2017/03/28/2017-06107/notice-of-petition-for-waiver-of-aht-incorporated-from-the-department-of-energy-commercial
Timestamp: 2017-11-24 12:22:28
Document Index: 212658595

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 431', 'art 431', '§\u20097', 'art 431', 'art 431', 'art 431', '§\u2009431']

Federal Register :: Notice of Petition for Waiver of AHT Incorporated From the Department of Energy Commercial Refrigeration Equipment Test Procedures and Partial Grant of Interim Waiver
Notice of Petition for Waiver of AHT Incorporated From the Department of Energy Commercial Refrigeration Equipment Test Procedures and Partial Grant of Interim Waiver
A Notice by the Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Office on 03/28/2017
DOE will accept comments, data, and information with regard to the AHT petition until April 27, 2017.
15345-15353 (9 pages)
https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2017-06107 https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2017-06107
Notice of petition for waiver and partial grant of interim waiver, and request for public comment.
This notice announces receipt of and publishes a petition for waiver from AHT Cooling Systems GmbH and AHT Cooling Systems USA Inc. (AHT) seeking an exemption from specified portions of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) test procedure for determining the energy consumption of multi-mode commercial refrigeration equipment. ASHRAE Standard 72-2005, incorporated by reference in Appendix B, does not provide for defrost testing with built-in cooling coils into the body of AHT's unique multi-mode commercial refrigeration equipment basic models. Consequently, AHT submitted to DOE an alternate test procedure that allows for testing of six specified basic models with a different defrost cycle. This notice also announces that DOE has granted AHT an interim waiver from the DOE commercial refrigeration equipment test procedures for the specified commercial refrigeration equipment basic models, subject to use of the alternative test procedure as set forth in this notice. DOE solicits comments, data, and information concerning AHT's petition and its suggested alternate test procedure.
You may submit comments, identified by Case Number CR-006, by any of the following methods:Start Printed Page 15346
Email: AS_Waiver_Requests@ee.doe.gov. Include the case number [Case No. CR-006] in the subject line of the message. Submit electronic comments in WordPerfect, Microsoft Word, PDF, or ASCII file format, and avoid the use of special characters or any form of encryption.
Title III, Part C of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975 (EPCA), Public Law 94-163 (42 U.S.C. 6311-6316, as codified) established the Energy Conservation Program for Certain Industrial Equipment, which includes the commercial refrigeration equipment. Part C includes definitions, test procedures, labeling provisions, energy conservation standards, and the authority to require information and reports from manufacturers. Further, Part C authorizes the Secretary of Energy to prescribe test procedures that are reasonably designed to produce results that measure energy efficiency, energy use, or estimated operating costs during a representative average-use cycle, and that are not unduly burdensome to conduct. (42 U.S.C. 6314(a)(3)) The test procedure for commercial refrigeration equipment is contained in Title 10 of the CFR part 431, subpart C, appendix B, Amended Uniform Test Method for the Measurement of Energy Consumption of Commercial Refrigerators, Freezers, and Refrigerator-Freezers.
DOE's regulations set forth at 10 CFR 431.401 contain provisions that allow a person to seek a waiver from the test procedure requirements for a particular basic model of a type of covered industrial equipment when: (1) The petitioner's basic model for which the petition for waiver was submitted contains one or more design characteristics that prevent testing according to the prescribed test procedure, or (2) the prescribed test procedures may evaluate the basic model in a manner so unrepresentative of its true energy consumption characteristics as to provide materially inaccurate comparative data. 10 CFR 431.401(a)(1). A petitioner must include in its petition any alternate test procedures known to the petitioner to evaluate the basic model in a manner representative of its energy consumption. 10 CFR 431.401(b)(1)(iii).
The waiver process also allows DOE to grant an interim waiver if it appears likely that the petition for waiver will be granted and/or if DOE determines that it would be desirable for public policy reasons to grant immediate relief pending a determination on the petition for waiver. 10 CFR 431.401(e)(2). Within one year of issuance of an interim waiver, DOE will either: (i) Publish in the Federal Register a determination on the petition for waiver; or (ii) publish in the Federal Register a new or amended test procedure that addresses the issues presented in the waiver. 10 CFR 431.401(h)(1). When DOE amends the test procedure to address the issues presented in a waiver, the waiver will automatically terminate on the date on which use of that test procedure is required to demonstrate compliance. 10 CFR 431.401(h)(2).
On October 25, 2016, AHT filed a petition for waiver and application for interim waiver from the test procedure applicable to commercial refrigeration equipment set forth in 10 CFR part 431, subpart C, appendix B (AHT subsequently sent DOE a letter on March 6, 2017, which responded to questions from DOE. The information from this letter is also represented in this notice). AHT has designed several basic models multi-mode commercial refrigeration equipment that use unique built-in cooling coils deep freeze, freeze, or refrigerate food as needed. Because the cooling coils are built into the body of the units and do not get covered in frost, the coils do not need to be defrosted prior to testing. However, the DOE test procedure and ASHRAE Standard 72-2005, incorporated by reference in Appendix B, assumes that commercial refrigerators or freezers need to be defrosted, or melt the ice from the evaporator coils, for the equipment to function effectively. In particular, the test procedure requires that all refrigerators and freezers with evaporator coils be tested with a full defrost cycle, along with additional defrost cycles in a 24-hour period, depending on how long the test runs (ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 72-2005, “Method of Testing Commercial Refrigerators and Freezers,” § 7.8 (Defrost Adequacy Assurance). ASHRAE 72-2005 is incorporated by reference in the DOE test procedure. 10 CFR 431.63(d)(1)). AHT appliances, however, have no need to defrost their coils. Thus, rather than running one or more defrosting cycles a day to keep the machines operating efficiently, AHT appliances have a defrost (in the generic sense rather than as defined by DOE/ASHRAE) function that operates, under standard conditions, once per week, and at most (through a manual override) twice per week. As a result, the DOE test procedure, which provides for at least one full defrost cycle in a 24-hour period, is not appropriate for these models. Consequently, AHT submitted to DOE an alternate test procedure that allows for testing of six specified basic models with a different defrost cycle.
As previously noted, an interim waiver may be granted if it appears likely that the petition for waiver will be granted, and/or if DOE determines that Start Printed Page 15347it would be desirable for public policy reasons to grant immediate relief pending a determination of the petition for waiver. See 10 CFR 431.401(e)(2).
AHT's petition for waiver claims that the DOE test procedure at 10 CFR part 431, subpart C, appendix B does not apply to AHT's advanced models, and would grossly overstate the energy used by these models. These models are multi-mode (i.e., are capable of operating in the ice cream freezer, commercial freezer, and commercial refrigerator temperature ranges) and do not have a typical defrosting cycle (i.e., the cooling coils are built into the body and require defrosts once per week).
To address multi-mode operation, AHT requested that the basic models shall be tested and rated only for operation as ice cream freezers (with integrated average temperature of −15 °F ± 2.0 °F and use total display area (TDA) to determine associated energy conservation standards).
To address infrequent defrosts, AHT requested in its October 25, 2016 petition that the basic models shall be subject to an alternate two-part test procedure. AHT specified that the first part would be a 24-hour test starting in steady state conditions and including eight hours of door opening (according to ASHRAE Standard 72). The energy consumed in this test would be recorded ET1. The second part would be a defrost cycle test starting after steady state conditions were established and ending after the defrost cycle was complete. The duration of the defrost cycle, tDI, and the energy consumed during the defrost cycle, ET2, would be recorded and combined with ET1 based on a once-per-week defrost frequency. In AHT's March 6, 2017 letter, AHT noted that although the standard duration of the defrost cycle was once-per-week, the basic models have an optional manual override that allows up to two defrost cycles per week and recommended revising the October 25 test procedure to reflect that. DOE has incorporated this proposal into the alternate test procedure, but requests that AHT or commenting parties provide additional data and/or information on how commonly the manual override is used.
With regard to the first issue, multi-mode operation, DOE has taken the position in the most recent commercial refrigeration equipment test procedure final rule, that self-contained equipment or remote condensing equipment with thermostats capable of operating at temperatures that span multiple equipment categories must be certified and comply with DOE's regulations for each applicable equipment category. See 79 FR 22291. In light of that policy determination, DOE declines at this time to provide AHT an interim waiver allowing testing only in the ice cream freezer mode. However, DOE seeks comment as part of the waiver determination process to determine if its previously stated position provides for a test requirement imposing an undue burden.
Regarding the second issue of infrequent defrosts, DOE has reviewed AHT's alternate procedure (based on the May 6, 2017 modification) and concludes that AHT's alternate test procedure results would be representative of the models' true energy consumptions and allow for the accurate measurement of the energy use of these equipment, while alleviating the testing problems associated with AHT's implementation of commercial refrigeration equipment testing for the specified multi-mode models. DOE also understands that absent a partial grant of an interim waiver, AHT's equipment cannot be tested and rated for energy consumption on a basis representative of its true energy consumption characteristics. Consequently, DOE has determined that this part of AHT's petition for waiver will likely be granted. Furthermore, DOE has determined that it is desirable for public policy reasons to grant AHT immediate relief for this part of the test procedure, pending a determination of the petition for waiver.
For the reasons stated above, DOE has partially granted AHT's application for interim waiver from testing for its specified commercial refrigeration equipment basic models. The substance of the interim waiver is summarized below.
AHT is required to test and rate the AHT commercial refrigeration equipment multi-mode basic models SYDNEY, MIAMI, PARIS, MANHATTAN, MALTA, and IBIZA, according to the alternate test procedure as set forth in section IV, “Alternate Test Procedure.”
AHT is permitted to make representations about the energy use of this basic model for compliance, marketing, or other purposes only to the extent that such products have been tested in accordance with the provisions set forth in the alternate test procedure and such representations fairly disclose the results of such testing in accordance with 10 CFR 431.66.
DOE makes decisions on waivers and interim waivers for only those basic models specifically set out in the petition, not future models that may be manufactured by the petitioner. AHT may request that DOE extend the scope of a waiver or an interim waiver to include additional basic models employing the same technology as the basic models set forth in the original petition consistent with 10 CFR 431.401(g). In addition, DOE notes that granting of an interim waiver or waiver does not release a petitioner from the certification requirements set forth at 10 CFR part 431. See also 10 CFR 431.401(a) and (i).
The interim waiver shall remain in effect consistent with 10 CFR 431.401(h). Furthermore, this interim waiver is conditioned upon the presumed validity of statements, representations, and documents provided by the petitioner. DOE may rescind or modify a waiver or interim waiver at any time upon a determination that the factual basis underlying the petition for waiver or interim waiver is incorrect, or upon a determination that the results from the alternate test procedure are unrepresentative of the basic model's true energy consumption characteristics. See 10 CFR 431.401(k).
EPCA requires that manufacturers use DOE test procedures when making representations about the energy consumption and energy consumption costs of equipment covered by the statute. (42 U.S.C. 6293(c); 6314(d)) Consistent representations about the energy efficiency of covered equipment are important for consumers evaluating equipment when making purchasing decisions and for manufacturers to demonstrate compliance with applicable DOE energy conservation standards. Pursuant to its regulations applicable to waivers and interim waivers from applicable test procedures at 10 CFR 431.401, and after considering public comments on the petition, DOE will announce its decision as to an alternate test procedure for AHT in a subsequent Decision and Order.
During the period of the interim waiver granted in this notice, AHT shall test the multi-mode basic models listed in section III in each mode (ice-cream freezer, freezer, and refrigerator mode) according to the test procedure for commercial refrigeration equipment prescribed by DOE at 10 CFR part 431, subpart C, appendix B, for basic models, with the following modifications for defrost testing in ASHRAE 72-2005 (incorporated by reference at 10 CFR 431.63(d)), laid out in two parts:
The first part shall be a 24-hour test starting in steady state conditions and Start Printed Page 15348including eight hours of door opening (according ASHRAE 72-2005). The energy consumed in this test shall be recorded, ET1.
The second part shall be a defrost cycle test starting after steady state conditions are established. The defrost cycle is initiated and terminates after the defrost cycle is complete. The energy consumed during this defrost cycle, ET2, and the duration of the defrost cycle, tDI, shall be recorded.
ET1 = energy expended during the first part of the test, in kWh;
ET2 = energy expended during the second part of the test, in kWh;
Through this notice, DOE announces receipt of AHT's petition for waiver from the DOE test procedure for certain basic models of AHT commercial refrigeration equipment, and announces DOE's decision to grant AHT an interim waiver from the test procedure for its commercial refrigeration equipment. DOE is publishing AHT's petition for waiver in its entirety, pursuant to 10 CFR 431.401(b)(1)(iv). The petition contains no confidential information. The petition includes a suggested alternate test procedure to determine the energy consumption of its commercial refrigeration equipment. DOE will consider public comments on the petition in issuing its Decision and Order.
DOE solicits comments from interested parties on all aspects of the petition, including the suggested alternate test procedure and calculation methodology. Pursuant to 10 CFR 431.401(d), any person submitting written comments to DOE must also send a copy of such comments to the petitioner. The contact information for the petitioner's representative is Scott Blake Harris, Chairman, Harris, Wiltshire & Grannis, 1919 M Street, Eighth Floor, Washington, DC. 20036. All comment submissions must include the agency name and Case Number CR-006 for this proceeding. Submit electronic comments in WordPerfect, Microsoft Word, Portable Document Format (PDF), or text (American Standard Code for Information Interchange (ASCII)) file format and avoid the use of special characters or any form of encryption. Wherever possible, include the electronic signature of the author. DOE does not accept telefacsimiles (faxes).
Issued in Washington, DC, on March 23, 2017.
Acting Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.
Before the United States Department of Energy, Washington, DC 20585
In the Matter of Energy Efficiency Program: Test Procedure for Commercial Refrigeration Equipment
RIN 1904-AC99
AHT is a world leader in the production of plug-in refrigerators and freezers for the commercial sector. It currently manufactures its products in Austria, and imports them into the United States through its wholly-owned subsidiary in South Carolina. AHT USA is also about to open a new manufacturing facility in the Charleston Start Printed Page 15349area. AHT products are distributed to major supermarket retail chains, convenience stores, wholesalers, and consumer-packaged goods companies throughout the United States and Canada. AHT's pursuit of innovation has led it continuously to develop and market cutting-edge technology. Its philosophy focuses on sustainability, energy efficiency, innovation, and customer benefit. AHT's products, as is reflected by their use of propane as a refrigerant, are among the most energy efficient and environmentally friendly in the world.
The AHT appliances for which we seek a waiver are all multi-mode models; they have three modes of operation among which the user can choose merely by turning a switch. In one mode, the units operate as an ice cream freezer. In another mode, they operate as a regular commercial freezer. In yet another mode, they operate as a commercial refrigerator. The advantage to a user of having a single appliance that can operate in three different modes is obvious. And if a retail operator can purchase one appliance that can operate in three modes, rather than having to buy multiple appliances to meet the same needs, there are sustainability benefits as well. The problem is that the DOE rules implicitly assume that an appliance is exclusively an ice cream freezer, exclusively a standard commercial freezer, or exclusively a commercial refrigerator.[6] And the DOE rules mandate different testing protocols for an ice cream freezer than they do for a standard commercial freezer or a commercial refrigerator.
As the air in the refrigerated space is cooled, water vapor condenses on the surface of the evaporator coil. . . . There are several methods available for defrosting the evaporator coil. . .[9]
AHT appliances, however, have no need to defrost their coils. Rather, small amounts of frost can build up on the inner walls of the cabinet when the Start Printed Page 15350appliances are in a freezer mode. But this is a strictly esthetic matter that is easily resolved. Thus, rather than running one or more defrosting cycles a day to keep the machines operating efficiently, AHT appliances have a defrost (in the generic sense rather than as defined by DOE/ASHRAE) function that operates just once per week to keep the machines looking good.[11] As a result, the test procedure, which provides for at least one full defrost cycle in a 24-hour period is not appropriate for these models. It would overstate the energy usage from the defrosting function by at least a factor of seven.
The basic models shall be tested and rated as ice cream freezers (Integrated Average Temperature of −15 °F +/−2.0 °F and use of TDA).
t NDI = normalized length of defrosting time per day, in minutes;
t DI = length of time of one defrosting cycle, in minutes;
20036, (202) 730-1313
SYDNEY ^ * MIAMI ^ *
MALTA ^ * IBIZA ^ *
II. The models use the following model number layout:
Start Printed Page 15353
2. See 10 CFR § 431.401 (petitions for waiver and interim waiver).
[FR Doc. 2017-06107 Filed 3-27-17; 8:45 am]