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

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).1 The products currently subject to this Program

(referred to hereafter as ``covered products'') include electric

refrigerators and electric refrigerator-freezers.

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\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.

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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''

0.05'' water column (62 Pa 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 351 deg.F

(1.70.6 deg.C) to 901 deg.F

(32.20.6 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 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

1 deg.F (0.6 deg.C) during the test period. The

temperature measuring devices shall have an error not greater than

0.5 deg.F (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''0.05'' water

column (62 Pa12.5 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

ec90 and ec80, 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 (e90)i 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 (e60)i 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

(e50)i and (e30)i. 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 = ec90/ec80

where ec90 and ec80 = 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, (e90)i,

(e60)i, (e50)i, and

(e30)i. The combined values are

90, 60,

50, and 30, where

applicable, in kWh/day.

6.3.3 Energy consumption corrections. For a given setting of

the anti-sweat heater, the energy consumptions

90, 60,

50, and 30 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:

E90 = K x 90,

E60 = K x 60

E50 = K x 50, and

E30 = K x 30

where,

K is determined under section 6.3.1, and 90,

60, 50, and

30 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 EX, 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:

EX = a + bTX,

where,

TX = exterior air temperature in deg.F;

a = 3E60-2E90, in kWh/day;

b = (E90-E60)/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, E80, E75 and

E65, 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, EN, in kWh/day, using one of

the following equations:

EN = 0.523 x E60 + 0.165 x E65

+ 0.181 x E75 + 0.131 x E80, for units not

tested under 5.4.2.4,

EN = 0.257 x E30 + 0.266 x E50

+ 0.165 x E65 + 0.181 x E75 + 0.131 x

E80, for units tested under 5.4.2.4,

where,

E30, E50, and E60 are defined in

6.3.3,

E65, E75, and E80 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, ER, in

kWh/day, for the regions in figure 1 using one of the following

equations and the coefficients in the table A:

ER = a1 x E60 + c x

E65 + d x E75 + e x E80, for a

unit that is not required to be tested under 5.4.2.4,

ER = a x E30 + b x E50 + c x

E65 + d x E75 + e x E80, for a

unit tested under 5.4.2.4,

where:

E30, E50, and E60 are defined in

6.3.3,

E65, E75, and E80 are defined in

6.3.5, and

a1, 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 a1 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