Energy Conservation Program: Test Procedures for Distribution Transformers

Federal RegisterNov 12, 1998

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SUMMARY: Pursuant to Section 346(a) of the Energy Policy and

Conservation Act as amended (EPCA), 42 U.S.C. 6317(a), the Department

of Energy (DOE or the Department) proposes to adopt test procedures for

measuring the energy efficiency of distribution transformers. The

Department proposes to use these test procedures in the process of

evaluating whether and what efficiency standards are appropriate for

distribution transformers. If standards are promulgated, then use of

these test procedures would be required to determine compliance and as

a basis for representations. The proposed rule would incorporate by

reference clauses from test procedures contained in commercial

standards. The Department is proposing to use one of two alternative

sets of standards as the primary references: alternative (A) is

primarily based on American National Standards Institute (ANSI)/

Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) standards

C57.12.90-1993 and C57.12.91-1995, and alternative (B) is based on

National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) standard TP 2-

1998, pending its approval by ANSI.

DATES: The Department will accept comments, data, and information

regarding the proposed rule no later than February 5, 1999. Ten (10)

copies must be submitted. In addition, the Department requests that an

electronic copy (3\1/2\'' diskette) of the comments on

WordPerfectTM 6.1 be provided.

A public hearing will be held on January 6, 1999, in Washington,

DC. Requests to speak at the hearing must be received by the Department

no later than 4:00 p.m., December 23, 1998. Ten (10) copies of

statements to be given at the public hearing must be received by the

Department no later than 4:00 p.m., December 23, 1998, and the

Department requests that a computer diskette (WordPerfectTM

6.1) of each statement also be provided at that time.

ADDRESSES: Requests to make statements at the public hearing and copies

of such statements should be addressed to Ms. Brenda Edwards-Jones, and

written comments should be addressed to Ms. Kathi Epping, each at the

following address: U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy

Efficiency and Renewable Energy, EE-43, 1000 Independence Avenue, SW,

Washington, DC 20585-0121. All such documents should be identified both

on the envelope and on the documents as ``Energy Conservation Program

for Commercial Products: Test Procedures for Distribution Transformers,

Docket No. EE-TP-98-550.'' The hearing will begin at 9:00 a.m., on

January 6, 1999, and will be held in Room 1E-245 at the U.S. Department

of Energy, Forrestal Building, 1000 Independence Avenue, SW,

Washington, DC. For more information concerning public participation in

this rulemaking proceeding, see section IV, ``Public Comment,'' of this

notice.

Copies of the transcript of the public workshop and public comments

received may be read in the Freedom of Information Reading Room (Room

No. 1E-190) at the U.S. Department of Energy, Forrestal Building, 1000

Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC between the hours of 9:00 a.m.

and 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.

Copies of the standards to be incorporated by reference may be

viewed at the Department of Energy's Freedom of Information Reading

Room at the address stated above. Copies of the referenced standards

may be obtained by request from Global Engineering Documents World

Headquarters (for NEMA Standards TP 1-1996 and TP 2-1998), 15 Iverness

Way East, Inglewood, CO 80112-5776 or the American National Standards

Institute (for ISO Standard 9001-1993 and ANSI standards C57.12.90-

1993, C57.12.91-1995, C57.12.00-1993, and C57.12.01-1989), 11 West 42nd

Street, New York, N.Y. 10036.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kathi Epping, U.S. Department of

Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, EE-43, 1000

Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20585-0121, (202) 586-7425,

e-mail: Kathi.E[email protected], or Edward Levy, Esq., U.S. Department

of Energy, Office of General Counsel, GC-72, 1000 Independence Avenue,

S.W., Washington, D.C. 20585, (202) 586-9507, e-mail:

Edward.L[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Introduction

A. Authority

B. Background

C. Summary of the Proposed Test Procedures

II. Discussion

A. Standards to be Incorporated by Reference

B. Distribution transformers not subject to the test procedures

C. Reference Conditions

D. Measures of Energy Consumption

E. Basic Model

F. Number of Units to be Tested

G. New Part 432

III. Procedural Requirements

A. Review Under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969

B. Review Under Executive Order 12866, ``Regulatory Planning and

Review''

C. Review Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act

D. Review Under Executive Order 12612, ``Federalism''

E. Review Under Executive Order 12630, ``Governmental Actions

and Interference with Constitutionally Protected Property Rights''

F. Review Under the Paperwork Reduction Act

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

H. Review Under Section 32 of the Federal Energy Administration

Act of 1974

I. Review Under Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995

IV. Public Comment

A. Written Comment Procedures

B. Public Hearing

1. Procedures for submitting requests to speak

2. Conduct of hearing

C. Issues Requested for Comment

I. Introduction

A. Authority

The National Energy Conservation Policy Act of 1978, Pub. L. 95-

619, amended the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA) to add a

Part C of Title III, which established an energy conservation program

for certain industrial equipment. The most recent amendments to EPCA,

in the Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPAct), Public Law 102-486, included

amendments that expanded Title III of EPCA to include certain

commercial water heaters and heating and air-conditioning equipment,

incandescent and fluorescent lamps, electric motors, and electric

distribution transformers.

Among these amendments is Section 124(a) of EPACT, which amended

Section 346 of EPCA, 42 U.S.C. 6317, to provide that the Secretary of

Energy must prescribe testing requirements and energy conservation

standards for those distribution transformers for which the Secretary

determines that standards ``would be technologically feasible and

[[Page 63361]]

economically justified, and would result in significant energy

savings.'' 42 U.S.C. 6317(a). On October 22, 1997, the Department

issued a notice setting forth its determination (``Determination

notice'') that, based on the best information currently available,

energy conservation standards for electric distribution transformers

are technologically feasible and economically justified and would

result in significant energy savings. 62 FR 54809. Consequently, the

Department is now proceeding to establish, by notice and comment

rulemaking, test procedures for distribution transformers.

In the Determination notice, the Department construed the term

``distribution transformer'' in section 346 of EPCA to mean ``all

transformers with a primary voltage of 480 V to 35 kV, a secondary

voltage of 120 V to 480 V, and a capacity of either 10 to 2500 kVA for

liquid-immersed transformers or 0.25 kVA to 2500 kVA for dry-type

transformers,'' except for transformers which are not continuously

connected to a power distribution system as a distribution transformer.

The Department believes this exception would include regulating

transformers, machine tool transformers, welding transformers,

grounding transformers, testing transformers, and other transformers

which are not designed to transfer electrical energy from a primary

distribution circuit to a secondary distribution circuit, or within a

secondary distribution circuit, or to a consumer's service circuit. The

Department indicated that all products included in this definition of

``distribution transformer'' would be addressed in its rulemakings on

energy efficiency test procedures and standards for transformers.

Subsequently, the Department has learned that industry typically

classifies transformers with a secondary voltage up to 600 V as

distribution transformers. These transformers are included, for

example, in the scope of NEMA standard TP 1. In light of industry usage

and practice, the Department has decided that the term ``distribution

transformer'', in the statute, includes transformers with a secondary

voltage 480 V to 600 V, in addition to those transformers in the above-

mentioned definition. These additional transformers are covered by

today's proposed test procedures, and will be included in the

Department's consideration of efficiency standards for transformers.

B. Background

The Secretary's Determination notice was based, in part, on

analyses conducted by the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). In July

1996, ORNL published a report, entitled ``Determination Analysis of

Energy Conservation Standards for Distribution Transformers, ORNL-

6847'' which assessed several options for setting efficiency standards.

The report was based on information from annual sales data, average

load data, and surveys of existing and potential transformer

efficiencies that were obtained from several organizations. In

September 1997, ORNL published a second report, entitled ``Supplement

to the ``Determination Analysis'' (ORNL-6847) and Analysis of the NEMA

Efficiency Standard for Distribution Transformers, ORNL-6925''. The

purpose of this report was to assess NEMA TP 1 along with the options

considered in the determination study, using the more accurate analysis

model and transformer market and loading data developed subsequent to

the publication of the original ORNL report.

On February 10, 1998, the Department held a public workshop with

representatives from the National Electrical Manufacturers Association

(NEMA), manufacturers, utilities, Federal and state agencies, foreign

government, and other interested parties in Washington, DC. Draft Test

Procedures were presented as a basis for discussion. In addition, the

following issues were discussed: (a) adoption of national and

international consensus standards in the test procedures for

determining energy efficiency of distribution transformers, (b) burden

imposed on industry, especially on manufacturers, by additional testing

and data processing, (c) the definition of ``basic model'' for

distribution transformers, (d) sampling plan for units to be tested,

(e) selection of a measure of energy consumption for distribution

transformers, (f) selection of reference temperatures, (g) requirement

for applying corrections to measurement data of both liquid-immersed

and dry-types of transformers, (h) requirements for quality assurance

in testing, and (i) defining the transformers which are to be covered

by the test procedures. A transcript of the public workshop is

available at the Freedom of Information Reading Room.

NEMA submitted a written statement at the workshop, and 5 comments

were received subsequent to the public workshop. A letter from Don

Ballard (industry consultant) and a letter from the US Department of

Agriculture concerning issues relating to today's notice were submitted

to DOE prior to the public workshop. The Department will consider these

two letters as part of the public comment received. The comments made

at the workshop as well as the written comments were considered in

preparing the test procedure presented in today's proposed rule, and

recommendations were incorporated where appropriate. The reasons for

not incorporating any significant recommendations are explained in

section II of today's proposed rule.

C. Summary of the Proposed Test Procedures

The Department will use the test procedures in today's proposed

rule in the process of evaluating whether and what efficiency standard

levels are appropriate for distribution transformers. If efficiency

standards are promulgated, then manufacturers would be required to use

these test procedures to determine compliance with the standards and as

a basis for representations they make as to the efficiency levels of

the transformers they produce.

The Department is proposing that a uniform set of test procedures

be applied to all distribution transformers for which standards will be

considered, and to all for which standards are ultimately adopted. This

does not necessarily mean, however, that a single standard or set of

labeling requirements will be adopted for all transformers. In possible

future rulemakings addressing standards and labeling, distribution

transformers will be divided into classes, if appropriate. A separate

class and an appropriate standard will be created for each group of

products where the record indicates the product includes a utility or

performance-related feature that affects energy efficiency. Moreover,

in evaluating an efficiency standard in a future rulemaking, the

Department will consider whether the standard would result in any

lessening of the utility or performance of the transformer(s) that

would be covered by the standard. Finally, even if standards are

promulgated for distribution transformers, some classes of transformers

may be excluded from standards.

The Department proposes today to incorporate by reference clauses

from industry standards for measuring the energy efficiency of

distribution transformers. The proposed rule contains two alternative

sets of standards for testing transformers for energy consumption and

efficiency, and the Department intends to select one of

[[Page 63362]]

these alternatives for inclusion in the final rule. Alternative (A) is

primarily based on American National Standards Institute (ANSI)/

Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) standards

C57.12.90-1993 and C57.12.91-1995, and alternative (B) is based on

National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) standard TP 2-

1998. The two reference test standards under alternative (A) are well

established within the industry and have been used for over two

decades. Limited additional reference is made under alternative (A) to

ANSI/IEEE C57.12.00-1993 regarding reference temperatures, loss

tolerances, and measurement tolerances. With respect to actual tests

and measurements for power losses leading to energy consumption and

efficiency, the material in the C57 series standards and TP 2 is nearly

identical. The NEMA standard TP 2-1998, referenced in alternative (B),

combines all information applicable to tests, measurements for energy

consumption, and calculation of efficiency in a single document

applicable to both liquid-immersed and dry-type transformers.

The test procedure involves the measurement of electric power

consumed by the transformer in the form of no-load and load losses, as

well as the determination of certain other quantities needed to

establish the test conditions: temperature of the windings and the

core; current; voltage; frequency and waveform of voltage; and direct

current resistance of the windings. Today's proposed rule also proposes

a sampling plan for testing a basic model to establish its compliance

with standards and to provide a basis for efficiency representations.

In addition to discussing the standards to be incorporated by

reference, the following issues are discussed below: distribution

transformers not subject to the test procedures, the reference

conditions in the test procedure, measures of energy consumption, the

definition of a ``basic model'' to permit grouping of models for

testing purposes, and the sampling plan.

II. Discussion

A. Standards to be Incorporated by Reference

The Department is proposing to incorporate by reference specific

portions of either three widely used commercial standards, or of a

standard being developed by the National Electrical Manufacturers

Association (NEMA), as a test procedure in Appendix A of 10 CFR part

432. The three national standards were prepared by the IEEE and

approved by ANSI: (1) ANSI/IEEE C57.12.90-1993, ``IEEE Standard Test

Code for Liquid-Immersed Distribution, Power and Regulating

Transformers and IEEE Guide for Short Circuit Testing of Distribution

and Power Transformers,'' (2) ANSI/IEEE C57.12.91-1995, ``IEEE Standard

Test Code for Dry-Type Distribution and Power Transformers,'' and (3)

ANSI/IEEE C57.12.00-1993, ``IEEE Standard General requirements for

Liquid-Immersed Distribution, Power and Regulating Transformers.''

ANSI/IEEE C57.12.90-1993 and ANSI/IEEE C57.12.91-1995 are considered

primary references as they address tests and measurements leading to

the energy consumption and efficiency values. ANSI/IEEE C57.12.00-1993

complements the previous two ANSI/IEEE standards by specifying the

reference temperatures and measurement tolerances, which are essential

in fully defining the measurement data. The three aforementioned

standards contain more material than the information that is applicable

to loss or efficiency testing. Hence, only the applicable sections and

clauses are incorporated by reference in today's proposed rulemaking.

The Department is considering referencing a single clause, 4.11.1,

of International Standards Organization (ISO) Standard 9001-1993,

``Quality Systems--Model for quality assurance in design, development,

production, installation, and servicing,'' for guidance purposes only,

concerning compliance with requirements for quality assurance of the

test and measuring equipment.

The remaining reference standard being considered by the Department

was prepared by NEMA: TP 2-1998, ``Test Method for Measuring the Energy

Consumption of Distribution Transformers.'' It is also considered a

primary reference standard. This NEMA publication is planned for

submission to the ANSI C57 committee for review and possible approval

as a national standard, thus including in the approval process a

broader constituency, such as the electric utility industry, which is

the principal user group of distribution transformers.

In addition, IEEE PC57.123, ``Draft Guide for Transformer Loss

Measurement'' is nearing completion and provides additional guidance on

how to conduct transformer loss measurements. The Department is also

aware that a revised version of ANSI/IEEE C57.12.01 is currently being

balloted. If adopted, this revision would make C57.12.01 more

consistent with C57.12.00 in specifying measurement tolerances. DOE

will examine these documents for possible incorporation by reference in

the final DOE test procedures, if they have been approved by IEEE,

their sponsoring organization (and preferably by ANSI as well), prior

to adoption of the final rule. After the final rule is published,

however, any subsequent amendments to any of the referenced standards

by the standard-setting organizations (ANSI, IEEE, NEMA, ISO) would

become part of the DOE test procedure only if DOE amends the test

procedure to incorporate them.

In comments on workshop issues, NEMA recommends TP 2-1998 as the

sole primary reference to be incorporated in the DOE test procedure,

because it combines in one document the subject matter that is now

available in several documents. DOE recognizes the advantages of having

all relevant testing requirements in a single primary reference because

it enhances the convenience for users and will facilitate future

harmonization. However, DOE also desires to incorporate consensus

standards that have the broadest acceptance by the stakeholders, such

as the cited ANSI standards.

The Department is concerned over whether TP 2 has undergone broad-

based scrutiny. In order for DOE to accept TP 2, the Department would

need to have sufficient evidence that all users and stakeholders have

had an opportunity to review TP 2. The Department would like comments

from stakeholders, such as utilities and contractors who specify

transformers for commercial and industrial applications (e.g., retail,

industrial, and office buildings), on the adequacy of TP 2 to measure

transformer efficiency. The Department also is concerned that portions

of the current version of TP 2 have been abbreviated from the ANSI/IEEE

standards, and certain portions are ambiguous and should be made more

explicit. There are also instances in which the terminology should be

changed. In addition, certain portions do not read as if the current

version of TP 2 is a final document. If these concerns with TP 2 are

addressed during the ANSI approval process as the Department believes

is likely, and if TP 2 receives approval from ANSI, the Department

would be inclined to adopt alternative B.

B. Distribution Transformers Not Subject to the Test Procedures

The commercial standards on which today's proposed test procedures

are based are intended to test 60 Hz transformers, although the

standards allow for minor variations in frequency. Many manufacturers

would need to

[[Page 63363]]

modify test equipment in order to accurately conduct tests for

transformers that operate at frequencies that deviate substantially

from 60 Hz. Because such distribution transformers comprise a small

segment of the market, they have little potential for resulting in

significant energy savings. In addition, transformers with frequencies

other than 60 Hz were not included in the ORNL Determination analyses.

Consequently, the Department is proposing that the test procedures in

today's proposed rule cover only 55 to 65 Hz transformers, and the

Department intends to evaluate only 60 Hz transformers in a possible

future standards rulemaking. The Department does not believe this will

cause ``loopholes'' because it would not be beneficial to the

manufacturers to substitute transformers at substantially different

frequencies for 60 Hz applications.

In addition, the Department recognizes that the efficiency of

distribution transformers connected to rectifier and converter circuits

cannot be readily tested or accurately measured by the conventional

loss measurement test procedures outlined in today's proposed rule. The

nameplates of these transformers contain a rating for the fundamental-

frequency apparent output power and a rating for the apparent output

power with non sinusoidal current produced by the converter. The latter

is inherently smaller than the former, because harmonic currents

produce losses in addition to those of the fundamental-frequency

current. As a result of additional physical and electrical requirements

in the design of converter and rectifier transformers, their

performance is optimized for the output power rating with non

sinusoidal current, yielding less than the optimal performance at

fundamental frequencies, as would be required in a general purpose

distribution transformer. Conversely, optimally designed distribution

transformers of other types will not meet the optimal requirements of a

converter and rectifier transformer. These transformers also were not

included in the ORNL Determination analyses. In addition, rectifier and

converter transformers generally have more than two windings per phase,

requiring more magnetic material and resulting in higher no-load

losses. For these reasons, the test procedures in today's proposed rule

will not apply to converter and rectifier transformers with more than 2

windings per phase, and the Department is not inclined to evaluated

these transformers in a possible future standards rulemaking.

For the purposes of these test procedures, the Department proposes

to define the term ``distribution transformer'' to mean all

transformers with a primary voltage of 480 V to 35 kV, a secondary

voltage of 120 V to 600 V, a frequency of 55-65 Hz, and a capacity of

either 10 kVA to 2500 kVA for liquid-immersed transformers or 0.25 kVA

to 2500 kVA for dry-type transformers, except for transformers which

are not designed to be connected to a power distribution system as a

distribution transformer. These exceptions would include regulating

transformers, machine tool transformers, welding transformers,

grounding transformers, testing transformers, and other transformers

which are not designed to transfer electrical energy from a primary

distribution circuit to a secondary distribution circuit, or within a

secondary distribution circuit, or to a consumer's service circuit.

Converter and rectifier transformers with more than two windings per

phase also would not be included.

C. Reference Conditions

There is considerable diversity in the reference conditions

specified in the existing commercial standards. Under the current

industrial practice, the load losses of liquid-immersed transformers

are reported at the rated load and the reference temperature of 85 deg.

C, as specified by ANSI/IEEE C57.12.00. This reference temperature is

based on an ambient temperature of 20 deg. C and the temperature rise

of 65 deg. C. The load losses of dry-type transformers are reported at

the rated load and, depending on the insulation system used, at one of

five specified temperature rises in addition to an ambient temperature

of 20 deg. C, as specified by ANSI C57.12.01. The resulting reference

temperatures are: 80, 100, 135, 150, and 170 deg. C. ANSI standards

C57.12.90 and C57.12.91 provide an identical algorithm for converting

the measured load loss values to specified reference temperatures.

For no-load losses of liquid-immersed transformers, ANSI C57.12.00

specifies the reference temperature of 20 deg. C, thus approximating

ambient conditions. Additionally, ANSI C57.12.90 provides an algorithm

for converting a no-load loss value measured at another temperature to

that at the reference temperature. No reference temperature is

specified for the no-load losses of the dry-type transformers.

Finally, NEMA TP 1-1996 recommends minimum efficiencies and the

following reference conditions for distribution transformers:

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

No-load Load

losses losses

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

Liquid-immersed (50% of rated load)............... 20 deg. C 85 deg. C

Medium-voltage dry-type (50% of the rated load)... 20 deg. C 75 deg. C

Low-voltage dry-type (35% of the rated load)...... 20 deg. C 75 deg. C

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

In order to address the inconsistencies in the reference conditions

among the industry standards, the proposed rule specifies the

following: (1) Use a consistent reference temperature of 20 deg. C for

reporting the no-load losses of both liquid-immersed and dry-type

transformers, and correct the measured no-load loss data of dry-type

transformers to 20 deg. C as required in ANSI standards for liquid-

immersed transformers, if such a correction is significant relative to

required measurement accuracy; (2) correct the measured load loss data

of dry-type transformers for phase angle errors in the measuring

equipment as required in ANSI standards for liquid-immersed

transformers, if such errors are significant relative to required

measurement accuracy; (3) use an efficiency selected at lower than the

rated loading and using a reference temperature for load losses that

approximates the temperature rise at new loading conditions, as opposed

to using temperature rises, as in ANSI/IEEE standards, for rated

nameplate loading; and (4) measure losses of dry-type transformers to

the same accuracy as specified for liquid-immersed transformers.

These reference conditions enhance uniformity in requirements and

facilitate comparison of products using both liquid-immersed and dry-

type insulations. Therefore the proposed rule requires that test

results be reported at the following loads and reference temperatures:

1

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

\1\ Establishing specific loading levels is properly part of the

energy conservation standard, but correction of measurement data to

new reference conditions (including loading levels) must be included

in the test procedure. Today's proposed test procedures use the

loading levels in NEMA TP 1, because they appear to be widely used

in the industry and are reasonable for testing that is conducted to

consider and develop standards. Any standards that are prescribed

for transformers will include specific loading levels, which the

Department will incorporate into the applicable test procedures.

[[Page 63364]]

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

No-load Load

losses losses

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

Liquid-immersed (50% of rated load)............... 20 deg.C 55 deg.C

Medium-voltage \2\ dry-type (50% of the rated

load)............................................ 20 deg.C 75 deg.C

Low-voltage \3\ dry-type (35% of the rated load).. 20 deg.C 75 deg.C

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

Under the proposed rule, the measured no-load and load losses used in

the efficiency computation would be adjusted to the stated reference

conditions, the total uncertainty (including measurement inaccuracy and

uncertainty resulting from lack of reference condition adjustments)

exceeds 3 percent.

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

\2\ Medium voltages are considered to be greater than 1200

volts.

\3\ Low voltages are considered to be no greater than 1200

volts.

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

These reference temperatures were selected with the objectives of

obtaining uniformity in reference conditions, having reference

conditions that best reflect the actual operating conditions, and

maintaining consistency with the practices of the current commercial

standards as much as possible. Fully satisfying all three criteria,

however, was not practical or even possible, due to the previously

mentioned diversity in the existing practice and the inherent

differences between liquid-immersed and dry-type transformers. The

proposed reference temperature to which no-load losses would be

adjusted for both types of transformers is 20 deg.C, which is

consistent with C57.12.00 and TP 1, but not with C57.12.01 which does

not specify the reference temperature for no-load losses of dry-type

transformers. The 20 deg.C reference temperature is close to the

ambient temperature; therefore losses can be easily measured when the

transformer is cold, but this reference temperature does not represent

operating conditions. However, because the changes in the core losses

due to temperature are small (quoted in C57.12.90 as 6.5 x

10-4 per unit per deg.C), these differences will have only

a small effect on the resulting calculated efficiency.

If a transformer is being tested for efficiency at less than full-

rated or nameplate loading (as may be the case for a possible future

efficiency standard), it is proper to adjust the reference temperature

for load losses. A well established algorithm published in ANSI

C57.12.90 and ANSI C57.12.91 is used to perform the computational

operation to convert load losses measured at a given temperature to

equivalent load losses at a different reference temperature. For load

losses of dry-type transformers, TP 1 recommends a single reference

temperature of 75 deg.C, as a substitute for the five temperatures at

the rated load corresponding to the five insulation classes. To assess

the adequacy of this adjustment, reduced operating temperatures were

calculated at 50% and 35% of rated load for all five temperature

classes of dry-type insulation and for liquid-immersed insulation. The

relationship whereby the temperature rise (T) is proportional

to the 0.8th power of the dissipated power (W) was used for this

calculation. Thus, T = kW0.8, where k is a

constant. The assumption was made that, at the rated load, 75% of

dissipated power is the load loss and the remainder is no-load (core)

loss.

The results are summarized in Table 1 for both 50% and 35% of the

rated loads. Note that for dry-type transformers, out of 10 estimated

reference temperatures, five are below 75 deg.C, four are above, and

one is exactly on. Thus, the selected value in TP 1 represents a

reasonable compromise, especially if each of the 10 groups were to have

similar installed kVA capacity.

Table 1.--Calculated Temperature Rises for Transformers Operated at Lower Than The Rated (Nameplate) Load

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

Estm. Estm.

Temperature Reference Temperature reference Temperature reference

Insulation system temperature rating deg.C rise at rated temperature rise at 50% of temperature at rise at 35% of temperature at

load deg.C deg.C rated load 50% of rated rated load 35% of rated

deg.C load deg.C deg.C Load deg.C

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

Liquid-Immersed

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

85...................................................... 65 85 35 55 .............. ..............

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

DryType

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

130..................................................... 60 80 30 50 25 45

150..................................................... 80 100 40 60 35 55

185..................................................... 115 135 60 80 50 70

200..................................................... 130 150 65 85 55 75

220..................................................... 150 170 75 95 65 85

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

Assumptions:

No-load losses 25%; load losses 75%.

Algorithm: T=kW0.8.

T--temperature rise.

W--dissipated power.

k--constant.

T rounded off to the nearest 5 deg.C.

For liquid immersed transformers, in the proposed test procedure

the reference temperature for the load losses is lowered from 85 deg.C

(in C57.12.00 and C57.12.90) to 55 deg.C. This adjustment better

approximates the conditions of the actual use of these transformers,

and was arrived at using the same type of approach that was used to

calculate the adjustment of the load loss reference temperature for

dry-type transformers.

The written comments received in conjunction with the workshop on

February 10, 1998, support 20 deg.C as the reference temperature for

no-load losses of both types of transformers and 75 deg.C as the

reference temperature for load

[[Page 63365]]

losses of dry-type transformers. For load losses of liquid-immersed

transformers, stakeholders agreed with using a reference temperature

lower than 85 deg.C but did not recommend a specific value.

D. Measures of Energy Consumption

The test procedure provides for three interrelated measures of

energy consumption: (a) total transformer losses, (b) transformer

efficiency, and (c) estimated annual energy consumption (EAEC). Under

the test procedure, each measure is computed at the loading parameters

used in NEMA TP 1-1996: 50% of the rated load for liquid-immersed and

medium-voltage dry-type transformers, and at 35% of the rated load for

low-voltage dry-type transformers.

Transformer losses consist of load losses and no load losses. Load

losses vary quadratically with the output current and, hence, with

output power. No load losses vary with excitation volatge. The

efficiency of a transformer varies with the output power as a result of

varying losses.

The industry practice, as required by the cited ANSI standards, has

been to measure and report transformer losses rather than energy

efficiency. DOE believes that efficiency is the preferable energy

descriptor because it is a normalized measure and allows trade-offs

between the two types of losses, load losses and no-load losses.

Workshop participants supported efficiency as a measure for energy

conservation in distribution transformers. Consequently the Department

is inclined to use efficiency as the energy descriptor for any

standards that may be promulgated.

Expressing energy consumption in terms of efficiency presents some

difficulties in calculations and adjustment of test data (e.g. to

reference conditions) because accuracy may be lost in the rounding-off

process to the nearest tenth of one percent. To avoid this loss of

computational accuracy, under the proposed rule, the intermediate

calculations would use transformer losses (in watts) or would use

percent efficiency with two digits after the decimal point. Only the

final efficiency percentage would be rounded off to the nearest one

tenth of one percent.

E. Basic Model

It is common for a manufacturer to make numerous models of a

product covered by EPCA, and under the Act each model is potentially

subject to testing for energy efficiency. Moreover, for appliances

covered by the EPCA energy conservation program, although not for

distribution transformers, several models often are essentially the

same, with each model having some refinement that does not

significantly affect the energy efficiency or performance. In order to

lessen the burden of test procedures, generally appliance models having

essentially identical electrical and mechanical characteristics are

categorized into a family of models. The Department has used the term

``basic model'' to identify a family of such models, which consist of

products or items of equipment whose performance, design, mechanical,

and functional characteristics are essentially the same. Components of

similar design may be substituted in a basic model without requiring

additional testing if the represented measures of energy consumption

continue to satisfy applicable provisions for sampling and testing.

Only representative samples within each ``basic model'' are tested.

Thus, the term ``basic model'' has been defined as follows: ``Basic

model means all units of a given type of covered product (or class

thereof) manufactured by one manufacturer and--* * *[as to dishwashers,

for example] which have electrical characteristics that are essentially

identical, and which do not have any differing physical or functional

characteristics which affect energy consumption.'' 10 CFR 430.2.

At the February 1998 workshop, DOE presented a similar definition

for transformers, but it was opposed by all groups and individuals

because distribution transformers, unlike consumer appliances, are not

produced in large numbers of virtually identical units. However, NEMA

presented an approach in which a basic model could be defined to

include all transformers having the same nominal power (kVA) rating,

the same insulation type (liquid-immersed or dry-type), and the same

number of phases (single or three), and operating within the same

voltage range. Under NEMA's definition, ``rating'' means a standard

output power rating, as tabulated in NEMA TP 1-1996, tables 4-1 and 4-2

(reproduced herein as tables 2 and 3), but will encompass some ratings

that are close but not equal to the standard ratings. These power

ratings are also the preferred ratings from ANSI/IEEE C57.12.00-1993

for liquid-immersed transformers and ANSI/IEEE C57.12.01-1989 for dry-

type transformers.

The Department believes the foregoing approach to defining ``basic

model'' is a sound means to reduce the burden of testing. It would

apply an approach to distribution transformers that has proven

effective in the residential appliance program, but with appropriate

modifications given the nature of distribution transformers. The

factors outlined in this approach are the design variables that affect

a transformer's efficiency. Design considerations cause a transformer's

efficiency to increase as its power rating increases. For dry type

transformers, efficiency decreases as voltage increases, when all other

factors are held constant. In addition, liquid-immersed insulation is

inherently more efficient than dry-type insulation, and multiple phases

slightly decrease efficiency. Consequently, the Department believes the

assignment of minimum efficiencies will likely be made in accordance

with such groupings. For example the Canadian energy conservation

standard for distribution transformers implements this approach.

Therefore, the Department is proposing the definition for ``basic

model'' be based on NEMA's approach.

Table 2.--Preferred Standard kVA Ratings Liquid-Immersed Distribution

Transformers

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

Single-Phase

Power Rating:

10

15

25

37.5

50

75

100

167

250

333

500

667

833

Three-phase

Power Rating:

15

30

45

75

112.5

150

225

300

500

750

1000

1500

2000

2500

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

[[Page 63366]]

Table 3.--Preferred Standard kVA Ratings Dry-Type Distribution

Transformers

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

Medium

Low voltage,

Power rating, kVA voltage, >

1.2 kV 1.2 kV

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

Single-Phase

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

15

25

37.5

50

75

100

167

250

333

500

667

833

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

Three-Phase

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

15

30

45

75

112.5

150

225

300

500

750

1000

1500

2000

2500

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

The Department has some concern, however, that this approach may

allow manufacturers who sell some high efficiency models to

deliberately under design other transformers within that basic model,

while still meeting the standard for the average efficiency of the

basic model. The Department is considering addressing this point by

imposing a maximum efficiency variation within a basic model, similar

to what is now done in ANSI/IEEE C57.12.00 and C57.12.01, as well as

NEMA TP 2. The Department would like comments on this concern.

F. Number of Units to be Tested

As discussed above, the classification of transformers into ``basic

models'' is one step to reduce the burden of testing. The Department

also proposes to permit the use of a statistically meaningful sampling

procedure for selecting test specimens, so as to further reduce the

testing burden on manufacturers while giving sufficient assurance that

the true mean energy efficiency of a basic model meets or exceeds the

efficiency level claimed by the manufacturer.

Although the sampling plan presented in this test procedure rule

might have some application during the evaluation of possible

efficiency standards, it would become operative primarily if and when

standards are promulgated. At that point, the efficiency of each basic

model of distribution transformer would be established initially by

``compliance testing'' for the purposes of determining whether the

transformer complies with the applicable efficiency standard and of

labeling the transformer. A sampling plan for compliance is intended to

provide a statistically meaningful sampling procedure for conducting

tests, so as to reduce the testing burden while giving sufficient

assurance that the true mean energy efficiency of a basic model (i.e.,

the average efficiency of all units manufactured) meets or exceeds a

given performance level.

For this purpose, one product under 10 CFR Part 430, Sec. 430.24,

involves some similarities with distribution transformers. The required

sampling plan for compliance testing of fluorescent lamp ballasts under

Sec. 430.24 (q)(1) states, ``For each basic model of fluorescent lamp

ballasts, as defined in paragraph (14) of Sec. 430.2, a sample of

sufficient size, no less than four, shall be tested to insure that (i)

any represented value of estimated annual operating costs, energy

consumption, or other measure of energy consumption of a basic model

for which consumers would favor a lower value shall be no less than the

higher of (A) the mean of the sample or (B) the upper 99 percent

confidence limit divided by 1.01, and (ii) any represented value of the

ballast efficiency factor or other measure of energy consumption of a

basic model for which consumers would favor a higher value shall be no

greater than the lower of (A) the mean of the sample or (B) the lower

99 percent confidence limit of the true mean divided by 0.99.''

A sampling plan for enforcement, on the other hand, is intended to

provide a statistically meaningful sampling procedure for conducting

tests, so as to reduce the testing burden while giving sufficient

assurance that a distribution transformer found to be in noncompliance

will actually be in noncompliance. The sampling plan for enforcement

testing under Part 430 is provided in 10 CFR 430.70, Appendix B. This

sampling plan is based on the statistical t-test yielding 97.5 percent

probability of obtaining a determination of compliance when the true

mean efficiency is equal to the applicable standard.

At the February 1998 workshop, DOE presented both sampling

approaches for consideration for compliance testing for distribution

transformers. In the comments on workshop issues, NEMA recommended the

enforcement sampling test also be used for demonstration of compliance.

However, after reviewing these approaches more closely, the Department

believes the sampling plan for compliance in Part 430 favors consumers

by providing high statistical probability that the mean performance of

the basic model meets or exceeds the performance level claimed by the

manufacturer based on testing a small number of models. Most of the

error introduced by estimating the performance of the basic model from

a sample (rather than from testing all units) is absorbed by the

producer (manufacturer). The probability of false determination of

compliance is low and is quantifiable from the confidence limit and the

divisor. For example, for transformer losses, using a lower confidence

limit of 95%, 0.97 as the divisor, and assuming a standard deviation of

3% for a basic model and a minimum sample size of five, possible errors

and corresponding probabilities for false determinations of compliance

are:

Error in percent............................. 1.5 2.0 2.9

Probability in percent....................... 10 5 1

Under these constraints there is a probability of less than 5% that the

estimated average losses of the entire population exceed the true

average by 2%.

Conversely, the enforcement sampling approach in Part 430 is based

on a Student's t-test; it generally tests whether there is a

sufficiently high probability to conclude that the average performance

of all units of the basic model is below the standard to warrant

enforcement action. By selecting an upper confidence limit and a

minimum sample size, the probability of the populations not meeting the

standard by a certain amount can be established. For example, for

transformer losses, using the upper 95% confidence limit and a sample

size of five, on a population with standard deviation of 3%, the

possible errors and corresponding probabilities for significant false

determinations of compliance are high as shown in the table below:

Error in percent............................. 0.8 2.9 5.7

Probability in percent....................... 90 50 5

Under these constraints there is a probability of almost 50% that the

estimated average losses of the entire population exceed the true

average by 3%.

Thus, after considerable review, the Department is proposing in

today's proposed rule to use Part 430's sampling

[[Page 63367]]

approach for compliance testing. For transformer losses, the proposed

lower confidence limit is 95%, and the divisor is 0.97, with a minimum

sample size of five.

Some manufacturers, however, particularly small companies, have

limited output of certain basic models; consequently, under today's

proposed sampling plan, a manufacturer would need to test a relatively

high proportion of the units it manufactures of such a basic model.

Moreover, although the Department could provide in its sampling plan

that the minimum number of units tested of a low production basic model

be reduced from five to two or three, any such basic model would be

subject to increased risk of being determined to be in non-compliance

due to the statistical probabilities associated with testing a small

number of units. To allay these concerns, the Department is considering

three possible approaches for sampling limited production models:

(1) Combine two or more limited production basic models of

distribution transformer into an aggregate ``basic model'';

(2) Allow testing of a sample fewer than five units, and also

permit the use of a represented efficiency value that exceeds, by a

specified increment, the average efficiency of the sample, so long as

each tested unit exceeds a

minimum level of efficiency \4\;

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

\4\ DOE is considering, as a method of implementing this

approach, the following: If fewer than 5 units of a basic model are

manufactured in a period of 180 days, all units manufactured within

this period shall be tested, and the average efficiency of the

sample E shall satisfy the condition

E ES [1 - 0.04 n (1 -

ES 100)]

where n is the number of units in the sample, and Es

is the represented value of efficiency.

For sample sizes of two, three, or four transformers, the lowest

efficiency in the sample Emin shall satisfy the condition

Emin ES [1 - 0.08 (1 -

ES 100)]

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

(3) Allow compliance testing over a period of time.

The third alternative would be similar to the Department's approach

for lamps, which permits lamp manufacturers to submit a certification

report up to one year after the date the manufacture of a new model

commences, provided that prior to distribution the manufacturer submits

a statement describing how it determined the model meets the energy

conservation standard. See section 430.62(c)(2) and 42 U.S.C.

6295(i)(7). The Department solicits comments on these possible

approaches.

G. New Part 432

10 CFR part 430 covers consumer products as distinct from

commercial and industrial equipment. The Department proposed to create

a new part 431 in the Code of Federal Regulations (10 CFR part 431) to

cover certain commercial and industrial equipment 61 FR 60439 (November

27, 1996). The Department is now contemplating adding a new Part 432

which would include products addressed under 346 of EPCA.

III. Procedural Requirements

A. Review Under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969

In this rulemaking, the Department proposes provisions to establish

test procedures for electric distribution transformers. These test

procedures would be used initially only for the purpose of considering

the adoption of energy conservation standards. During a subsequent

rulemaking concerning such standards, the Department will address the

extent to which these test procedures would become generally applicable

and binding for determining the energy efficiency of distribution

transformers.

The Department has concluded that this rule would not have a

significant effect on the human environment, and is covered under the

categorical exclusion A.6 of appendix A to Subpart D, 10 CFR Part 1021,

which applies to procedural rulemakings. (10 CFR Part 1021 is a DOE

regulation implementing the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969

(NEPA), and Appendix A to Subpart D sets forth DOE actions excluded

from NEPA review.) Accordingly, neither an environmental assessment nor

an environmental impact statement is required.

B. Review Under Executive Order 12866, ``Regulatory Planning and

Review''

Today's proposed rule has been determined not to be a ``significant

regulatory action,'' as defined in section 3(f) of Executive Order

12866, ``Regulatory Planning and Review.'' 58 FR 51735 (October 4,

1993). Accordingly, this action was not subject to review under the

Executive Order by the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs.

C. Review Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act

The Regulatory Flexibility Act, 5 U.S.C. 603, requires the

preparation of an initial regulatory flexibility analysis for every

rule which by law must be proposed for public comment, unless the

agency certifies that the rule, if promulgated, will not have a

significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities.

A regulatory flexibility analysis examines the impact of the rule on

small entities and considers alternative ways of reducing negative

impacts.

Today's proposed rule prescribes test procedures that will be used

to determine what standards, if any, DOE would adopt, and that would

likely become generally applicable only upon adoption of standards.

Unless and until such standards are adopted, the Department anticipates

that manufacturers will use the test procedures to voluntarily test

their transformers and provide to DOE efficiency information about

their products. No entities, small or large, would be required to

comply with these test procedures. Therefore DOE believes today's

proposed rule does not have a ``significant economic impact on a

substantial number of small entities,'' and the preparation of a

regulatory flexibility analysis is not warranted.

D. Review Under Executive Order 12612, ``Federalism''

Executive Order 12612, ``Federalism,'' 52 FR 41685 (October 30,

1987), requires that regulations, rules, legislation, and any other

policy actions be reviewed for any substantial direct effect on States,

on the relationship between the National Government and States, or in

the distribution of power and responsibilities among various levels of

government. If there are substantial effects, then the Executive Order

requires preparation of a federalism assessment to be used in all

decisions involved in promulgating and implementing a policy action.

The proposed rule published today would not regulate the States. At

this point, it primarily would affect the manner in which DOE

determines whether standards should be adopted, as prescribed under the

Energy Conservation and Policy Act. The proposed rule published today

would not alter the distribution of authority and responsibility to

regulate in this area. Accordingly, DOE has determined that preparation

of a federalism assessment is unnecessary.

E. Review Under Executive Order 12630, ``Governmental Actions and

Interference With Constitutionally Protected Property Rights''

It has been determined pursuant to Executive Order 12630,

``Governmental Actions and Interference with Constitutionally Protected

Property Rights,'' 52 FR 8859 (March 18, 1988), that this regulation

would not result in any takings which might require compensation under

the Fifth Amendment to the United States Constitution.

[[Page 63368]]

F. Review Under the Paperwork Reduction Act

Today's notice of proposed rulemaking would not impose any

compliance certification, labeling or other reporting requirements.

Accordingly, no OMB clearance is required under the Paperwork Reduction

Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.).

G. 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 proposed

regulation under the standards of Section 3 of the Executive Order and

determined that, to the extent permitted by law, it meets the

requirements of those standards.

H. Review Under Section 32 of the Federal Energy Administration Act of

1974

Pursuant to Section 301 of the Department of Energy Organization

Act (Pub. L. 95-91), the Department of Energy is required to comply

with Section 32 of the Federal Energy Authorization Act (FEAA), as

amended by Section 9 of the Federal Energy Administration Authorization

Act of 1977 (Pub. L. 95-70). Section 32 provides in essence that, where

a proposed rule contains or involves use of commercial standards, the

notice of proposed rulemaking must inform the public of the use and

background of such standards.

The rule proposed in this notice incorporates by reference

commercial standards NEMA TP 2. The Department has evaluated these

standards and concludes they were not developed in a manner which fully

provides for public participation, comment, and review. The rule

proposed in this notice also incorporates by reference commercial

standards IEEE/ANSI C57.12.90-1993, C57.12.91-1995, C57.12.00-1993, and

C57.12.01-1989, as well as ISO Standard 9001-1993. The Department has

evaluated these standards and is unable to conclude whether they were

developed in a manner which fully provides for public participation,

comment, and review. However, the Department believes the IEEE/ANSI and

ISO review processes provide for participation from a larger group of

entities than the NEMA standards review process.

As required by Section 32(c) of the Federal Energy Administration

Act, the Department will consult with the Attorney General and the

Chairman of the Federal Trade Commission concerning the impact of these

standards on competition, prior to prescribing a final rule.

I. 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: (i)

identification of the Federal law under which the rule is promulgated;

(ii) a qualitative and quantitative assessment of anticipated costs and

benefits of the Federal mandate and an analysis of the extent to which

such costs to state, local, and tribal governments may be paid with

Federal financial assistance; (iii) 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; (iv) if feasible, estimates

of the effect on the national economy; and (v) 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 the action proposed today 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.

IV. Public Comment

A. Written Comment Procedures

Interested persons are invited to participate in the proposed

rulemaking by submitting data, comments, or information with respect to

the proposed issues set forth in today's proposed rule to Ms. Kathi

Epping, at the address indicated at the beginning of the notice. All

submittals received by the date specified at the beginning of this

notice will be considered by the Department in developing the final

rule.

Pursuant to the provisions of 10 CFR 1004.11, any person submitting

information which he or she believes to be confidential and exempt by

law from public disclosure should submit one complete copy of the

document and ten (10) copies, if possible, from which the information

believed to be confidential has been deleted. The Department of Energy

will make its own determination with regard to the confidential status

of the information and treat it according to its determination.

Factors of interest to the Department when evaluating requests to

treat as confidential information that has been submitted include: (1)

a description of the items; (2) an indication as to whether and why

such items are customarily treated as confidential within the industry;

(3) whether the information is generally known by or available from

other sources; (4) whether the information has previously been made

available to others without obligation concerning its confidentiality;

(5) an explanation of the competitive injury to the submitting person

which would result from public disclosure; (6) an indication as to when

such information might lose its confidential character due to the

passage of time; and (7) why disclosure of the information would be

contrary to the public interest.

[[Page 63369]]

B. Public Hearing

1. Procedures for Submitting Requests To Speak

The time and place of the public hearing are indicated at the

beginning of this notice of proposed rulemaking. The Department invites

any person who has an interest in today's notice of proposed

rulemaking, or who is a representative of a group or class of persons

that has an interest in these proposed issues, to make a request for an

opportunity to make an oral presentation. If you would like to attend

the public hearing, please notify Ms. Brenda Edwards-Jones at (202)

586-2945. Requests to speak may be hand delivered to the address

indicated at the beginning of the notice between the hours of 8:00 a.m.

and 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.

The person making the request should briefly describe the interest

concerned and state why he or she, either individually or as a

representative of a group or class of persons that has such an

interest, is an appropriate spokesperson, and give a telephone number

where he or she may be contacted.

Each person selected to be heard is requested to submit an advance

copy of his or her statement prior to the hearing as indicated at the

beginning of this notice. Any person wishing to testify who cannot meet

this requirement, may at the Department's discretion be permitted to

testify if that person has made alternative arrangements with the

Office of Codes and Standards in advance. The letter making a request

to give an oral presentation shall ask that such alternative

arrangements be made.

2. Conduct of Hearing

A DOE official will be designated to preside at the hearing. The

hearing will not be a judicial or an evidentiary-type hearing, but will

be conducted in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 553 and Section 336 of the

Act. The Department of Energy reserves the right to select the persons

to be heard at the hearing, to schedule the respective presentations,

and to establish the procedures governing the conduct of the hearing.

Each participant will be permitted to make a prepared general

statement, limited to five (5) minutes, prior to the discussion of

specific topics. The general statement should not address these

specific topics, but may cover any other issues pertinent to this

rulemaking. Other participants will be permitted to briefly comment on

any general statements. The hearing will then be divided into segments,

with each segment consisting of one or more topics covered by this

notice, as follows: (1) proposed test procedures; (2) adequacy of TP 2

to meet the requirements of users; (3) distribution transformers not

subject to the test procedures; (4) grouping of transformers for

testing purposes, as manifested by the definition of a basic model; (5)

sampling plan for compliance; and (6) general statutory requirements.

Any issue concerning a definition in the proposed rule should be

addressed during the discussion of the topic(s) to which that issue

pertains.

The Department will introduce each topic with a brief summary of

the relevant provisions of the proposed rule, and the significant

issues involved. Participants in the hearing will then be permitted to

make a prepared statement limited to five (5) minutes on that topic. At

the end of all prepared statements on a topic, each participant will be

permitted to briefly clarify his or her statement and comment on

statements made by others. The Department is particularly interested in

having participants address in their statements the specific issues set

forth below in Section IV-C, ``Issues for Public Comment,'' and

participants should be prepared to answer questions by the Department

concerning these issues. Representatives of the Department may also ask

questions of participants concerning other matters relevant to the

hearing. The total cumulative amount of time allowed for each

participant to make prepared statements shall be 20 minutes.

The official conducting the hearing will accept additional comments

or questions from those attending, as time permits. Any further

procedural rules, or modification of the above procedures, needed for

the proper conduct of the hearing will be announced by the presiding

official.

A transcript of the hearing will be made, and the entire record of

this rulemaking, including the transcript, will be retained by the

Department of Energy and made available for inspection in the

Department's Freedom of Information Reading Room. Any person may

purchase a copy of the transcript from the transcribing reporter.

C. Issues Requested for Comment

The Department of Energy is interested in receiving comments and/or

data concerning the feasibility, workability and appropriateness of the

test procedures proposed in today's proposed rulemaking. Also, DOE

welcomes discussion on improvements or alternatives to these

approaches. In particular, the Department is interested in gathering

comments on the following:

The adequacy of TP 2 to meet the requirements of non-NEMA

manufacturers and users, such as utilities and contractors who specify

transformers for commercial and industrial applications (e.g., retail,

industrial, and office buildings);

Distribution transformers not subject to the test

procedures;

Grouping of transformers for testing purposes, as

manifested by the definition of a basic model; and

The sampling plan for compliance (The Department is

particularly interested in discussing how small populations should be

handled.)

List of Subjects in 10 CFR Part 432

Administrative practice and procedure, Energy conservation,

Household appliances. Incorporation by reference.

Issued in Washington, DC., on October 2, 1998.

Dan W. Reicher,

Assistant Secretary, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.

For the reasons set forth in the preamble, Chapter II of Title 10,

Code of Federal Regulations, is proposed to be amended by adding a new

Part 432 to read as follows.

PART 432--ENERGY CONSERVATION PROGRAM FOR DISTRIBUTION TRANSFORMERS

Sec.

432.1 Purpose and scope [Reserved].

432.2 Definitions.

432.22 Reference Sources.

432.24 Units to be tested.

Appendix A to Part 432--Uniform Test Method for Measuring the Energy

Consumption of Distribution Transformers.

Authority: 42 U.S.C. 6317.

Sec. 432.1 Purpose and scope [Reserved].

Sec. 432.2 Definitions.

Basic model means all units of a given type of distribution

transformer manufactured by a single manufacturer and which have a

comparable nominal output power (kVA) rating, operate within the same

voltage range, have the same insulation type (liquid-immersed or dry

type), and have the same number of phases (single or three).

Converter transformer means a transformer designed for the

dedicated applications of converting direct current (dc) to alternating

current (ac), or converting alternating current to direct current. Its

nameplate contains a rating for the fundamental-frequency apparent

output power and a rating for the apparent output power with non

[[Page 63370]]

sinusoidal current produced by the converter.

Distribution transformer means a transformer with a primary voltage

of 480 V to 35 kV, a secondary voltage of 120 V to 600 V, a frequency

of 55-65 Hz, and a capacity of either 10 to 2500 kVA for liquid-

immersed transformers or 0.25 kVA to 2500 kVA for dry-type

transformers, except for:

(1) Converter and rectifier transformers with more than two

windings per phase, and

(2) Transformers which are not designed to be continuously

connected to a power distribution system as a distribution transformer.

This second exception includes regulating transformers, machine tool

transformers, welding transformers, grounding transformers, testing

transformers, and other transformers which are not designed to transfer

electrical energy from a primary distribution circuit to a secondary

distribution circuit, or within a secondary distribution circuit, or to

a consumer's service circuit.

Dry-type distribution transformer means a distribution transformer

in which the core and coils are immersed in a gaseous or dry-compound

insulating medium.

Efficiency means, for a distribution transformer, the ratio of the

useful output power to the total input power.

Liquid-immersed distribution transformer means a distribution

transformer in which the core and coils are immersed in an insulating

liquid.

Load losses mean, for a distribution transformer, those losses

which are incident to the carrying of a specified load. Load losses

consist of ohmic (I\2\R) loss in the windings due to load and eddy

currents; the loss due to circulating currents in parallel windings or

in parallel winding strands; and stray losses due to leakage fluxes in

the windings, core clamps, and other parts.

Low-voltage dry-type transformer means a distribution transformer

with a primary voltage rated at 1.2 kV and below.

Medium-voltage dry-type transformer means a distribution

transformer with a primary voltage rated above 1.2 kV.

No-load losses mean, for a distribution transformer, those losses

which are incident to the excitation of the transformer. No-load losses

consist of core loss, dielectric loss, conductor loss in the windings

due to exciting current, and conductor loss due to the circulating

currents in parallel windings.

Rectifier transformer means a transformer designed for the

dedicated application of converting alternating current to direct

current. Its nameplate contains a rating for the fundamental-frequency

apparent output power and a rating for the apparent output power with

non sinusoidal current produced by the converter.

Total losses mean, for a distribution transformer, the total of the

no-load and load losses. It does not include losses due to accessories,

such as cooling fans.

Transformer means a static electromagnetic device consisting of a

winding, or two or more coupled windings, with a magnetic core for

introducing inductive coupling between electric circuits, designed to

transfer power by electromagnetic induction between circuits at the

same frequency.

Sec. 432.22 Reference Sources.

(a) Materials Incorporated by Reference. (1) General. The following

standards which are not otherwise set forth in this part 432 are

incorporated by reference. The material listed in paragraph (a)(2) of

this section has been approved for incorporation by reference by the

Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and

1 CFR Part 51. Any subsequent amendment to a standard by the standard-

setting organization will not affect the DOE test procedures unless and

until amended by DOE. Material is incorporated as it exists on the date

of the approval and a notice of any change in the material will be

published in the Federal Register.

(2) Availability of Standards.

Option One for Paragraph (a)(2)(i) \5\

(i) Copies of ANSI standards C57.12.90-1993, C57.12.91-1995, and

C57.12.00-1993 can be obtained from the American National Standards

Institute, 11 West 42nd Street, New York, N.Y., 10036;

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

\5\ In the preamble to this proposed rule, the Department states

its intention to adopt as the test procedure for distribution

transformers either portions of standards prepared by IEEE and

approved by ANSI, or portions of a standard being developed by NEMA.

In the proposed rule language, passages introduced by the phrase

``OPTION ONE FOR PARAGRAPH______'' constitute the language DOE

proposes to use if it decides to adopt the ANSI/IEEE standards, and

the phrase ``OPTION TWO FOR PARAGRAPH______'' introduces the

regulatory language proposes in the event the NEMA standard is

adopted.

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

Option Two for Paragraph (a)(2)(i)

(i) Copies of NEMA Standards Publication TP 2-1998 can be

obtained from Global Engineering Documents World Headquarters, 15

Iverness Way East, Inglewood, CO 80112-5776;

(ii) All standards incorporated by reference are available for

inspection at the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy

Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Hearings and Dockets, Forrestal

Building, 1000 Independence Ave, SW, Washington, DC 20585.

(iii) All standards incorporated by reference are available for

inspection at the Office of the Federal Register Information Center,

800 North Capitol Street, N.W., Washington, DC.

Option One for Paragraph (a)(3)

(3) List of standards incorporated by reference. (i) ANSI/IEEE

Standard C57.12.90-1993, ``IEEE Standard Test Code for Liquid-

Immersed Distribution, Power, and Regulating Transformers and IEEE

Guide for Short-Circuit Testing of Distribution and Power

Transformers'', sections 5 through 5.3.2, sections 8 through 8.4,

and sections 9 through 9.4.1.

(ii) ANSI/IEEE Standard C57.12.00-1993, IEEE Standard General

Requirements for Liquid-Immersed Distribution, Power, and Regulating

Transformers'' clause 9.4.

(iii) ANSI/IEEE Standard C57.12.91-1995, ``IEEE Standard Test

Code for Dry-Type Distribution and Power Transformers'' clauses 5

through 5.4.2.3, clauses 8 through 8.3, and clauses 9 through 9.4.2.

Option Two for Paragraph (a)(3)

(3) Standard incorporated by reference. NEMA Standards

Publication TP 2-1998, ``Standard Test Method for Measuring the

Energy Consumption of Distribution Transformers'' sections 1, 2, 3,

4, 5, and 6. Deviations from these sections are set forth at

Appendix A to Part 432 section 3.2(ii).

Option One for Paragraph (b)

(b) Reference Standard. The following standard is referred to in

the DOE test procedure and elsewhere in 10 CFR part 432 but is not

incorporated by reference and is provided here for guidance: ISO

Standard 9001-1993, ``Quality Systems--Model for quality assurance

in design, development, production, installation, and servicing''

clause 4.11.1.

Option Two Omits Paragraph (b)

Sec. 432.23 Test procedures for measures of energy consumption.

Option One for Paragraph (a)

(a) Total losses, expressed in kilowatts, of a liquid-immersed

distribution transformer operated at 50% of the rated load shall be

determined in accordance with clause 3.1.2 of Appendix A to this

part. Total losses of a dry-type distribution transformer operated

at either 50% or 35% of the rated load, as appropriate, shall be

determined in accordance with clause 3.2.3 of Appendix A to this

part.

Option Two for Paragraph (a)

(a) Total losses, expressed in kilowatts, of a liquid-immersed

distribution transformer operated at 50% of the rated load shall be

determined in accordance with clause 3.3 of Appendix A to this part.

Total losses of a dry-type distribution transformer operated at

either 50% or 35% of the rated load, as appropriate, shall be

determined in accordance with clause 3.4 of Appendix A to this part.

Option One for Paragraph (b)

(b) Efficiency, expressed in percent, of a liquid-immersed

distribution transformer

[[Page 63371]]

operated at 50% of the rated load shall be determined in accordance

with clause 3.1.2 of Appendix A to this part. Efficiency of a dry-

type distribution transformer, expressed in percent, operated at

either 50% or 35% of the rated load shall be determined in

accordance with clause 3.2.3 of Appendix A to this part.

Option Two for Paragraph (b)

(b) Efficiency, expressed in percent, of a liquid-immersed

distribution transformer operated at 50% of the rated load shall be

determined in accordance with clause 3.5 of Appendix A to this part.

Efficiency of a dry-type distribution transformer, expressed in

percent, operated at either 50% or 35% of the rated load shall be

determined in accordance with clause 3.5 of Appendix A to this part.

(c) The estimated annual energy consumption (EAEC), expressed in

kilowatt-hours per year, for a distribution transformer operating

continuously at 50% or 35% of the rated output power, as

appropriate, shall be the product of:

(1) The total losses in kilowatts as determined in paragraph (a)

of this section; and

(2) The representative use cycle of 8766 hours per year.

Sec. 432.24 Units to be tested.

For each basic model of distribution transformers, a random sample

of sufficient size, but no fewer than five production units, shall be

tested to insure that any represented value of efficiency shall be no

greater than the lower of the:

(a) Mean of the sample; or

(b) The lower 95% confidence limit of the estimated true mean

divided by a number equal to [1-0.03(1-Es/100)], where

Es is the represented value of efficiency claimed for that

particular basic model.

Appendix A to Part 432--Uniform Test Method for Measuring the Energy

Consumption of Distribution Transformers

1. Definitions. Use the definitions in 10 CFR 432.21 and the

following:

1.1 ANSI Standard means a standard approved by a committee

accredited by the American National Standards Institute.

1.2 IEEE Standard means a standard developed and approved by

the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. All IEEE

standards referenced in Appendix A have been approved or recognized

by ANSI.

1.3 ISO Standard means a standard developed and approved by the

International Standards Organization.

1.4 NEMA Standards Publication means a standard developed and

approved by National Electrical Manufacturers Association.

1.5 Phase angle error means an error introduced in the phase

angle displacement between voltage and current phasors by the test

equipment. Phase angle error, if significant, can introduce errors

in measured transformer losses.

1.6 Phase angle correction means the adjustment (correction) of

measurement data to negate the effects of phase angle error.

1.7 Reference temperature means the temperature, specified in a

standard, to which the transformer losses shall be corrected and

reported.

1.8 Temperature correction means the adjustment (correction) of

measurements of no load losses and load losses, obtained with the

distribution transformer under test at a temperature that is

different from the reference temperature, to values that would have

been obtained with the distribution transformer at the reference

temperature.

1.9 Test voltage means the voltage of the electric power

supplied to the distribution transformer under test.

1.10 Waveform correction means the adjustment (correction) of

measurement data obtained with a test voltage that is non-sinusoidal

(distorted) to values that would have been obtained with sinusoidal

voltage.

Option One for Paragraph 2

2. References.

2.1 ANSI/IEEE Standard C57.12.90-1993, ``IEEE Standard Test

Code for Liquid-Immersed Distribution, Power, and Regulating

Transformers and IEEE Guide for Short-Circuit Testing of

Distribution and Power Transformers'' (ANSI/IEEE C57.12.90).

2.2 ANSI/IEEE Standard C57.12.00-1993, IEEE Standard General

Requirements for Liquid-Immersed Distribution, Power, and Regulating

Transformers'' (ANSI/IEEE C57.12.00).

2.3 ANSI/IEEE Standard C57.12.91-1995, ``IEEE Standard Test

Code for Dry-Type Distribution and Power Transformers'' (ANSI/IEEE

C57.12.91).

2.4 ISO Standard 9001-1993, ``Quality Systems--Model for

quality assurance in design, development, production, installation,

and servicing.''

Option Two for Paragraph 2

2. References.

NEMA Standards Publication TP 2-1998, ``Standard Test Method for

Measuring the Energy Consumption of Distribution Transformers''

(NEMA TP 2).

Option One for Paragraph 3

3. Test Procedures' Measurements and Instrumentation, Reference

Conditions, Calculations.

The resistance of transformer windings, the no-load losses, and

the load losses of transformers shall be measured, and the total

losses and efficiency shall be computed at the specified loading

levels and reference temperatures, using the methods described in

the following industry standards (with certain specified

modifications and exceptions): ANSI/IEEE standards C57.12.90-1993

and C57.12.91-1995 (primary references); ANSI/IEEE standard

C57.12.00-1993 (supplemental reference). The methods to be used,

including applicable sections and clauses in the referenced

standards, as well as exceptions and modifications to such sections

and clauses, are listed in this appendix: Secs. 3.1-3.3 and their

subclauses.

3.1 Liquid-Immersed Distribution Transformers.

Using the methods specified in ANSI/IEEE standard C57.12.90-1993

sections 5, 8, and 9, measure the resistance of transformer

windings, the no-load losses and load losses of liquid-immersed

distribution transformers. Perform waveform correction on the

measured no-load losses and perform phase angle correction for the

load losses.

3.1.1 Perform temperature corrections for the loss data of

Sec. 3.1 by converting the no-load losses to 20 deg.C and converting

the load losses to 55 deg.C with the loading at 50% of the rated

load. To perform these temperature corrections, the provisions in

sections 8.4 and 9.4.2 of ANSI/IEEE standard C57.12.90-1993 are

applicable. For the conversion to the 50% loading the quadratic

relationship P(L50)=P(LM) (50/M)2

applies, where P(L50) is the load loss power at 50%

loading, P(LM) is the load loss power at M% loading, and

(50/M) is the ratio of the loading at the 50% reference condition to

the loading during the measurement (near 100% loading).

3.1.2 Calculate the total losses (P50) at 50 %

loading by adding the no-load losses and the load losses as computed

in Sec. 3.1.1, and calculate the efficiency at 50 % loading

according to the equation:

E50=100 [P0(50)/

(P0(50)+PL(20))],

where E50 is the efficiency at 50% loading, and

P0(50) and PL(50) are the output power and

total loss power, respectively, at 50% loading.

3.2 Dry-Type Transformers.

Using the methods specified in ANSI/IEEE standard C57.12.91-

1995, sections 5, 8, and 9, measure the resistance of transformer

windings, the no-load losses and load losses of dry-type

distribution transformers. Perform waveform correction on the

measured no-load losses and perform phase angle correction for the

load losses.

3.2.1 In addition to the requirements of ANSI/IEEE standard

C57.12.91-1995, the following two additional requirements apply to

the measurements in section 3.2 of this appendix:

(i) Perform phase angle correction for the measured load losses

as specified in ANSI/IEEE standard C57.12.90-1993, clause 9.4.1 and

Table 1;

(ii) Measure the no-load losses with the transformer at the

reference temperature of 20 deg.C; a temperature tolerance of

10 deg.C is permissible; if no-load loss measurements

are conducted outside this temperature tolerance, perform the

appropriate temperature correction such as that specified in ANSI/

IEEE standard C57.12.90-1993, clause 8.4.

3.2.2 Perform temperature corrections for the loss data by

converting the load losses of medium-voltage dry-type transformers

to 75 deg.C, at 50% of the rated load, and converting the load

losses of low-voltage dry-type transformers to 75 deg.C, at 35% of

the rated load. To perform these temperature corrections, the

provisions of ANSI/IEEE standard C57.12.91-1995, clause 9.4.1 shall

apply. For the conversions to the 50% and 35% loading levels the

algorithm of Sec. 3.1.1 applies.

3.2.3 Calculate the total losses, PL(50)(35), at

either 50% or 35% loading, as appropriate, by adding the no-load

losses and load losses as computed in Sec. 3.2.2, and calculate the

efficiency of the transformer at either 50% or 35% loadings

according to the equation:

E(50)(30)=100 [P0(50)(30)/

(P0(50)(30)+PL(50)(30))],

where E(50)(30) is the efficiency in percent,

P0(50)(30) is the output power in kilowatts, and

[[Page 63372]]

PL(50)(30) is the loss power in kilowatts. The

subscripts, (50) or (35), denote the loading levels, either 50% or

35%.

3.3 Quality Assurance in Testing.

Accuracies required for measuring the winding resistances, the

no-load and load losses, and the temperature of distribution

transformers shall be those specified in ANSI Standard C57.12.00-

1993, Section 9.4.

Test equipment and measuring instruments shall be calibrated and

maintained in their normal operating condition. Calibration records

shall be maintained to demonstrate compliance with the required

measurement accuracies. General guidance as to procedures that will

aid in meeting these objectives is provided by the following Clause

4.11.1 of ISO Standard 9001-1993, ``Quality Systems--Model for

quality assurance in design, development, production, installation,

and servicing.'':

``The supplier shall establish and maintain documented

procedures to control, calibrate and maintain inspection, measuring

and test equipment (including test software) used by the supplier to

demonstrate the conformance of product to the specified

requirements. Inspection, measuring and test equipment shall be used

in a manner which ensures that measurement uncertainty is known and

is consistent with the required measurement capability.''

Option Two for Paragraph 3

3. Test Procedures--Measurements and Instrumentation, Reference

Conditions, Calculations.

The resistance of transformer windings, the no-load losses, and

the load losses of transformers shall be measured, and the total

losses and efficiency shall be computed at the specified loading

levels and reference temperatures, using the methods described in

the following industry standards (with certain specified

modifications and exceptions): NEMA standard TP 2. The methods to be

used, including applicable sections and clauses in the referenced

standards, as well as exceptions and modifications to such sections

and clauses, are listed in this appendix: sections 3.1-3.5 and their

subclauses.

3.1 Liquid-Immersed and Dry-Type Distribution Transformers.

In accordance with NEMA TP 2, sections 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6, do

the following: measure the resistance of transformer windings, the

no-load losses, and the load losses of liquid-immersed and dry-type

transformers; apply waveform corrections, phase angle corrections,

and temperature corrections to the measured data for no-load losses

and load losses; and ensure the quality assurance measures for

testing operations.

3.2 Deviations from NEMA TP 2. For the purpose of this DOE test

procedure the following deviations from TP 2 shall apply:

(i) Section 7 of TP 2, Demonstration of Compliance, shall not be

a part of the DOE test procedure.

(ii) The reference conditions for reporting the data under the

DOE test procedure shall be: 20 deg.C 10 deg.C for

no-load losses of liquid-immersed distribution transformers and dry-

type distribution transformers; 55 deg.C for load losses of liquid-

immersed distribution transformers operated at 50% of the rated

load; 75 deg.C for load losses of medium-voltage dry-type

transformers operated at 50% of the rated load; and 75 deg.C for

load losses of low-voltage dry-type transformers operated at 35% of

the rated load.

(iii) The exceptions listed in item 4 of the Scope of TP 2 do

not apply to the DOE test procedure.

3.3 The total losses of liquid-immersed distribution

transformers, at the specified reference conditions, shall be

computed according to clause 5.2.3 of TP 2.

3.4 The total losses of the dry-type distribution transformers,

at the specified reference conditions, shall be computed data

according to clause 5.3.3 of TP 2.

3.5 Compute the efficiency values of liquid-immersed

distribution transformers and dry-type distribution transformers at

the specified reference conditions using the algorithm provided in

clause 5.4 of TP 2.

[FR Doc. 98-30140 Filed 11-10-98; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 6450-01-P

This is a copy of a public record, reproduced as it was published. It is not legal advice, and it may not be the version a court would rely on. Check the official source before you cite it.

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