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Proposed Rule2022-13897

Energy Conservation Program: Test Procedure for Fans and Blowers

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Published

July 25, 2022

Issuing agencies

Energy Department

Abstract

The U.S. Department of Energy ("DOE") proposes to establish a test procedure for fans and blowers, including air-circulating fans, and to adopt through reference the relevant industry test standards as the DOE test procedure for measuring the fan electrical input power ("FEP") and for determining the fan energy index ("FEI"). DOE also proposes to establish supporting definitions, requirements for alternative energy use determination methods, and sampling requirements to determine the represented values of FEP and FEI. DOE is seeking comment from interested parties on the proposal.

Full Text

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<title>Federal Register, Volume 87 Issue 141 (Monday, July 25, 2022)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 141 (Monday, July 25, 2022)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 44194-44260]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2022-13897]

[[Page 44193]]

Vol. 87

Monday,

No. 141

July 25, 2022

Part II

Department of Energy

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10 CFR Parts 429 and 431

Energy Conservation Program: Test Procedure for Fans and Blowers;
Proposed Rule

Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 141 / Monday, July 25, 2022 /
Proposed Rules

[[Page 44194]]

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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

10 CFR Parts 429 and 431

[EERE-2021-BT-TP-0021]
RIN 1904-AF17

Energy Conservation Program: Test Procedure for Fans and Blowers

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

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking, request for comment, and
announcement of public meeting.

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SUMMARY: The U.S. Department of Energy (``DOE'') proposes to establish
a test procedure for fans and blowers, including air-circulating fans,
and to adopt through reference the relevant industry test standards as
the DOE test procedure for measuring the fan electrical input power
(``FEP'') and for determining the fan energy index (``FEI''). DOE also
proposes to establish supporting definitions, requirements for
alternative energy use determination methods, and sampling requirements
to determine the represented values of FEP and FEI. DOE is seeking
comment from interested parties on the proposal.

DATES: DOE will accept comments, data, and information regarding this
proposal no later than September 23, 2022. See section V, ``Public
Participation,'' for details.
DOE will hold a webinar on Tuesday, August 2, 2022, from 1:00 p.m.
to 4:00 p.m. See section V, ``Public Participation,'' for webinar
registration information, participant instructions, and information
about the capabilities available to webinar participants.

ADDRESSES: Interested persons are encouraged to submit comments using
the Federal eRulemaking Portal at <a href="http://www.regulations.gov">www.regulations.gov</a>, under docket
number EERE-2021-BT-TP-0021. Follow the instructions for submitting
comments. Alternatively, interested persons may submit comments,
identified by docket number EERE-2021-BT-TP-0021, by any of the
following methods:
(1) Email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#8ec8efe0fdcce2e1f9ebfcfdbcbebcbfdadebebebcbfceebeba0eae1eba0e9e1f8">[email&#160;protected]</a>. Include the docket
number EERE-2021-BT-TP-0021 in the subject line of the message.
(2) Postal Mail: Appliance and Equipment Standards Program, U.S.
Department of Energy, Building Technologies Office, Mailstop EE-5B,
1000 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20585-0121. Telephone:
(202) 287-1445. If possible, please submit all items on a compact disc
(``CD''), in which case it is not necessary to include printed copies.
(3) Hand Delivery/Courier: Appliance and Equipment Standards
Program, U.S. Department of Energy, Building Technologies Office, 950
L'Enfant Plaza SW, 6th Floor, Washington, DC 20024. Telephone: (202)
287-1445. If possible, please submit all items on a CD, in which case
it is not necessary to include printed copies.
No telefacsimiles (``faxes'') will be accepted. For detailed
instructions on submitting comments and additional information on this
process, see section V of this document.
Docket: The docket for this activity, which includes Federal
Register notices, public meeting attendee lists and transcripts (if a
public meeting is held), comments, and other supporting documents/
materials, is available for review at <a href="http://www.regulations.gov">www.regulations.gov</a>. All
documents in the docket are listed in the <a href="http://www.regulations.gov">www.regulations.gov</a> index.
However, not all documents listed in the index may be publicly
available, such as information that is exempt from public disclosure.
The docket web page can be found at <a href="http://www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/appliance_standards/product.aspx/productid/65">www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/appliance_standards/product.aspx/productid/65</a>. The docket web page
contains instructions on how to access all documents, including public
comments, in the docket. See section V for information on how to submit
comments through <a href="http://www.regulations.gov">www.regulations.gov</a>.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Mr. Jeremy Dommu, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy
Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Building Technologies Office, EE-2J,
1000 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20585-0121. Telephone:
(202) 586-9879 Email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#05447575696c646b66605671646b616477617654706076716c6a6b764560602b616a602b626a73">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
Ms. Amelia Whiting, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of the
General Counsel, GC-33, 1000 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC
20585-0121. Telephone: (202) 586-2588. Email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#c7a6aaa2abaea6e9b0afaeb3aea9a087afb6e9a3a8a2e9a0a8b1">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
For further information on how to submit a comment, review other
public comments and the docket, or participate in a public meeting (if
one is held), contact the Appliance and Equipment Standards Program
staff at (202) 287-1445 or by email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#39784949555058575a5c6a4d58575d584b5d4a684c5c4a4d5056574a795c5c175d565c175e564f">[email&#160;protected]</a>.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: DOE proposes to incorporate by reference
the following industry standard into 10 CFR parts 429 and 431:

ANSI/AMCA Standard 214-21, ``Test Procedure for Calculating Fan Energy
Index for Commercial and Industrial Fans and Blowers.''

Copies of AMCA 214-21 can be obtained from AMCA International at 30
West University Drive, Arlington Heights, IL 60004-1893, (847) 394-
0150, or by going to <a href="http://www.amca.org">www.amca.org</a>.
DOE proposes to incorporate by reference the following industry
standards into 10 CFR part 431:

American National Standard Institute (ANSI)/Air Movement and Control
Association (AMCA) Standard 99-16 ``Standards Handbook.''
ANSI/AMCA Standard 210/American Society of Heating, Refrigerating
and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) 51-16, ``Laboratory Methods
of Testing Fans for Certified Aerodynamic Performance Rating.''
ANSI/AMCA 230-15 with errata, ``Laboratory Methods of Testing Air
Circulating Fans for Rating and Certification'', with technical
errata sheet for ANSI/AMCA standard 230-15 density corrections.
ANSI/AMCA Standard 240-15 ``Laboratory Methods of Testing Positive
Pressure Ventilators for Aerodynamic Performance Rating.''

Copies of AMCA 99-16, AMCA 210-16, AMCA 214-21, AMCA 230-15, with
errata and AMCA 240-15, can be obtained from AMCA International at 30
West University Drive, Arlington Heights, IL 60004-1893, or by going to
<a href="http://www.amca.org">www.amca.org</a>.

International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 5801:2017,
``Fans--Performance testing using standardized airways,'' approved
2017. ISO 80079-36:2016, ``Explosive atmospheres--Part 36: Non-
electrical equipment for explosive atmospheres--Basic method and
requirements,'' approved 2016.

Copies of ISO 5801:2017-2017 and ISO 80079-36:2016 can be obtained
from the International Organization for Standardization, Chemin de
Blandonnet 8, CP 401, 1214 Vernier, Geneva, Switzerland, or by going to
<a href="http://www.iso.org">www.iso.org</a>.
See section IV.M of this document for a further discussion of these
standards.

Table of Contents

I. Authority and Background
A. Authority
B. Background
C. Deviation From the Process Rule
II. Synopsis of the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
III. Discussion
A. Scope of Applicability
1. Proposed Test Procedure Scope
2. Proposed Fan and Blower Exclusions
3. Proposed Exclusion of Embedded Fans and Blowers
4. Air Circulating Fans

[[Page 44195]]

5. Non-Electric Drivers
6. Replacement Parts
B. Definitions
1. Fan and Blower Categories
2. Basic Model
3. Safety Fans
4. Air Circulating Fans
5. Definitions Related to Heat Rejection Equipment
6. Outlet Area
C. Industry Standards
D. Proposed Adoption of the Test Procedure in AMCA 214-21 and
Modifications to the Test Procedure
1. Motor Efficiency Calculation
2. Combined Motor and Controller Efficiency Calculation
3. Annex A of AMCA 214-21
4. Annex E of AMCA 214-21
5. Section 6.5 of AMCA 214-21 and Annex F
6. Annex H and Annex I of AMCA 214-21
7. Section 8.3 of AMCA 214-21
8. Measurement of PRV Performance
9. Exclusively Embedded Fans
10. Wire-to-Air Testing for Air Circulating Fans
11. Total Pressure Calculation for Air Circulating Fans
12. Appurtenances
13. Voltage, Phase and Frequency
14. Test Speeds for Air Circulating Fans
15. Determination of Equilibrium
16. Test Figures
17. Reference Fan Electrical Input Power Calculation
18. Rounding
19. Location of Extraneous Airflow Measurement
20. Run-In Requirements
21. Transducer Type Barometers
E. Distinguishing Between Fans and Blower and Air Circulating
Fans
F. Metric
G. Efficiency Considerations for Certain Unducted Fans
H. Control Credit Approach
I. Use of a Single Test Procedure Nationally
J. Alternative Energy Determination Methods (AEDM)
1. Validation
2. Additional AEDM Requirements
3. AEDM Verification Testing
K. Sampling Plan
L. Enforcement Provisions
M. Test Procedure Costs and Impact
1. Estimated Costs for Testing Fans and Blowers at a Third-Party
Facility
2. Estimated Cost To Develop, Validate, and Implement an AEDM
3. Voluntary Representations
N. Compliance Date
IV. Procedural Issues and Regulatory Review
A. Review Under Executive Orders 12866 and 13563
B. Review Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act
1. Descriptions of Reasons Why Action Is Being Considered
2. Objectives of, and Legal Basis for, Rule
3. Duplication, Overlap, and Conflict With Other Rules and
Regulations
4. Significant Alternatives to the Rule
C. Review Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995
D. Review Under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969
E. Review Under Executive Order 13132
F. Review Under Executive Order 12988
G. Review Under the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995
H. Review Under the Treasury and General Government
Appropriations Act, 1999
I. Review Under Executive Order 12630
J. Review Under Treasury and General Government Appropriations
Act, 2001
K. Review Under Executive Order 13211
L. Review Under Section 32 of the Federal Energy Administration
Act of 1974
M. Description of Materials Incorporated by Reference
V. Public Participation
A. Participation in the Webinar
B. Procedure for Submitting Prepared General Statements for
Distribution
C. Conduct of the Webinar
D. Submission of Comments
E. Issues on Which DOE Seeks Comment
VI. Approval of the Office of the Secretary

I. Authority and Background

On August 19, 2021, DOE published a coverage determination
classifying fans and blowers as a covered equipment under 42 U.S.C.
6311(2)(A) and 42 U.S.C. 6312(b). 86 FR 46579 (``August 2021 Final
Coverage Determination''). DOE does not currently have a test procedure
or energy conservation standards for fans and blowers. The following
sections discuss DOE's authority to establish a test procedure for fans
and blowers and relevant background information regarding DOE's
consideration of test procedures for this equipment.

A. Authority

The Energy Policy and Conservation Act, as amended (``EPCA''),\1\
authorizes DOE to regulate the energy efficiency of a number of
consumer products and certain industrial equipment. (42 U.S.C. 6291-
6317) Title III, Part C \2\ of EPCA, added by Public Law 95-619, Title
IV, section 441(a), established the Energy Conservation Program for
Certain Industrial Equipment, which sets forth a variety of provisions
designed to improve energy efficiency. EPCA provides that DOE may
include a type of industrial equipment, including fans and blowers, as
covered equipment if it determines that to do so is necessary to carry
out the purposes of Part A-1. (42 U.S.C. 6311(2)(B)(ii) and (iii); 42
U.S.C. 6312(b)). EPCA specifies the types of equipment that can be
classified as industrial equipment. (42 U.S.C. 6311(2)(B)) The purpose
of Part A-1 is to improve the efficiency of electric motors and pumps
and certain other industrial equipment in order to conserve the energy
resources of the Nation. (42 U.S.C. 6312(a)) As stated, on August 19,
2021, DOE published a final determination determining that fans and
blowers meet the three statutory criteria for classifying industrial
equipment as covered (42 U.S.C. 6311(2)(A)), because fans and blowers
are a type of industrial equipment (1) which in operation consume, or
are designed to consume, energy; (2) are to a significant extent
distributed in commerce for industrial or commercial use; and (3) are
not covered under 42 U.S.C. 6291(a)(2). 86 FR 46579, 46586. DOE also
determined that coverage of fans and blowers is necessary to carry out
the purposes of Part A-1. 86 FR 46579, 46588.
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\1\ All references to EPCA in this document refer to the statute
as amended through the Energy Act of 2020, Public Law 116-260 (Dec.
27, 2020), which reflect the last statutory amendments that impact
Parts A and A-1 of EPCA.
\2\ For editorial reasons, upon codification in the U.S. Code,
Part C was redesignated Part A-1 and hereafter referred to as ``Part
A-1''.
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The energy conservation program under EPCA consists essentially of
four parts: (1) testing, (2) labeling, (3) Federal energy conservation
standards, and (4) certification and enforcement procedures. Relevant
provisions of EPCA include definitions (42 U.S.C. 6311), test
procedures (42 U.S.C. 6314), labeling provisions (42 U.S.C. 6315),
energy conservation standards (42 U.S.C. 6313), and the authority to
require information and reports from manufacturers. (42 U.S.C. 6316; 42
U.S.C. 6296)
The Federal testing requirements consist of test procedures that
manufacturers of covered equipment must use as the basis for: (1)
certifying to DOE that their equipment complies with the applicable
energy conservation standards adopted pursuant to EPCA (42 U.S.C.
6316(a); 42 U.S.C. 6295(s)), and (2) making other representations about
the efficiency of that equipment. (42 U.S.C. 6314(d)) Similarly, DOE
must use these test procedures to determine whether the equipment
complies with relevant standards promulgated under EPCA.\3\ (42 U.S.C.
6316(a); 42 U.S.C. 6295(s))
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\3\ There are currently no energy conservation standards for
fans and blowers.
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Federal energy efficiency requirements for covered equipment
established under EPCA supersede State laws and regulations concerning
energy conservation testing, labeling, and standards. (42 U.S.C.
6316(a); 42 U.S.C. 6316(b); 42 U.S.C. 6297) With respect to industrial
equipment for which coverage is established under 42 U.S.C. 6312(b),
e.g., fans and blowers, the preemption provisions in EPCA apply
beginning on the date on which a final rule establishing an energy
conservation standard is issued by the Secretary,

[[Page 44196]]

except that any State or local standard prescribed or enacted or the
equipment before the date on which the final rule is issued shall not
be preempted until the energy conservation standard established by the
Secretary for the equipment takes effect. (42 U.S.C. 6316(a)(10)) DOE
may, however, grant waivers of Federal preemption for particular State
laws or regulations, in accordance with the procedures and other
provisions of EPCA. (42 U.S.C. 6316(b)(2)(D))
Under 42 U.S.C. 6314, EPCA sets forth the criteria and procedures
DOE must follow when prescribing or amending test procedures for
covered equipment. EPCA requires that any test procedures prescribed or
amended under this section must be reasonably designed to produce test
results which reflect energy efficiency, energy use or estimated annual
operating cost of a given type of covered equipment during a
representative average use cycle and requires that test procedures not
be unduly burdensome to conduct. (42 U.S.C. 6314(a)(2))
If the Secretary determines that a test procedure amendment is
warranted, the Secretary must publish proposed test procedures in the
Federal Register and afford interested persons an opportunity (of not
less than 45 days' duration) to present oral and written data, views,
and arguments on the proposed test procedures. (42 U.S.C. 6314(b))

B. Background

As discussed, on August 19, 2021, DOE published in the Federal
Register a final coverage determination classifying fans and blowers as
covered equipment. 86 FR 46579. DOE determined that the term ``blower''
is interchangeable with the term ``fan''. 86 FR 46579, 46583. DOE
defines a fan (or blower) as a rotary bladed machine used to convert
electrical or mechanical power to air power, with an energy output
limited to 25 kilojoule (``kJ'') per kilogram (``kg'') of air. A fan
(or blower) consists of an impeller, a shaft and bearings and/or driver
to support the impeller, as well as a structure or housing. A fan (or
blower) may include a transmission, driver, and/or motor controller. 10
CFR 431.172.
Prior to the August 2021 Final Coverage Determination, DOE
published a notice of intent to establish an Appliance Standards and
Rulemaking Federal Advisory Committee (``ASRAC'') Working Group
(``Working Group'') for fans and blowers. 80 FR 17359 (April 1, 2015).
The Working Group \4\ commenced negotiations at an open meeting on May
18, 2015 and held 16 meetings and three webinars to discuss scope,
metrics, test procedures, and standard levels for fans.\5\ The Working
Group concluded its negotiations on September 3, 2015, and, by
consensus vote,\6\ approved a term sheet containing recommendations for
DOE on the scope of a test procedure, and energy conservation standards
for fans. The term sheet containing the Working Group recommendations
(``term sheet'') is available in the fans energy conservation standard
rulemaking docket. (Docket No. EERE-2013-BT-STD-0006, No. 179) \7\
ASRAC approved the term sheet on September 24, 2015. (Docket No. EERE-
2013-BT-NOC-0005; Public Meeting Transcript, No. 58, at p. 29) Comments
received on issues related to the test procedure during the Working
Group negotiations and not resolved in the term sheet are discussed in
this proposed rulemaking. Discussion of these comments will include a
reference to Docket No. EERE-2013-BT-NOC-0005.
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\4\ The Working Group was comprised of representatives from
AAON, Inc.; AcoustiFLO LLC; AGS Consulting LLC; AMCA; AHRI,
Appliance Standards Awareness Project; Berner International Corp;
Buffalo Air Handling Company; Carnes Company; Daikin/Goodman; ebm-
papst; Greenheck; Morrison Products; Natural Resources Defense
Council; Newcomb & Boyd; Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance; CA
IOUs; Regal Beloit Corporation; Rheem Manufacturing Company; Smiley
Engineering LLC representing Ingersoll Rand/Trane; SPX Cooling
Technologies/CTI; The New York Blower Company; Twin City Companies,
Ltd; U.S. Department of Energy; and United Technologies/Carrier.
\5\ Details of the negotiation sessions can be found in the
public meeting transcripts that are posted to the docket for the
energy conservation standard rulemaking at: <a href="http://www.regulations.gov/docket">www.regulations.gov/docket</a>?D=EERE-2013-BT-STD-0006.
\6\ At the beginning of the negotiated rulemaking process, the
Working Group defined that before any vote could occur, the Working
Group must establish a quorum of at least 20 of the 25 members and
defined consensus as an agreement with less than 4 negative votes.
Twenty voting members of the Working Group were present for this
vote. Two members (Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration
Institute and Ingersoll Rand/Trane) voted no on the term sheet.
\7\ The references are arranged as follows: (commenter name,
comment docket ID number, page of that document). If one comment was
submitted with multiple attachments, the references are arranged as
follows: (commenter name, comment docket ID number. Attachment
number, page of that document). The attachment number corresponds to
the order in which the attachment appears in the docket. The
parenthetical reference provides a reference for information located
in DOE Docket No. EERE-2021-BT-TP-0021. If the information was
submitted to a different DOE docket, the DOE Docket number is
additionally specified in the reference.
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On January 10, 2020, DOE received a notice of petition received
from the Air Movement and Control Association (``AMCA''), Air
Conditioning Contractors of America, and Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning
Contractors of America (``the Petitioners'') requesting that DOE
establish test procedures for certain categories of commercial and
industrial fans based on an industry test method in development, AMCA
214, which was published with a request for public comment on April 23,
2020; \8\ 85 FR 22677 (``April 2020 Notice of Petition''). As part of
the April 2020 Notice of Petition, DOE sought data and information
pertinent to whether an amended test procedures would (1) accurately
measure energy efficiency, energy use, or estimated annual operating
cost of fans during a representative average use cycle; and (2) not be
unduly burdensome to conduct. 85 FR 22677, 22679.
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\8\ At the time of the petition, AMCA 214-21 was available as a
draft version (AMCA 214).
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On October 1, 2021, DOE published a request for information
(``RFI'') pertaining to potential test procedures for fans and blowers.
86 FR 54412 (``October 2021 RFI''). In the October 2021 RFI, DOE
identified a variety of issues on which it sought input to determine
whether, and if so how, potential test procedures for fans and blowers,
including air circulating fans, would (1) comply with the requirements
in EPCA that test procedures be reasonably designed to produce test
results which reflect energy use during a representative average use
cycle, and (2) not be unduly burdensome to conduct. Id. In response to
requests from stakeholders,\9\ DOE extended the comment period 14 days
to November 15, 2021. 86 FR 59308 (Oct. 27, 2021).
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\9\ AMCA requested at 21-day extension (AMCA, No. 2 at p. 1).
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DOE also received comments related to the test procedure from its
February 8, 2022, Energy Conservation Standards for Fans and Blower RFI
(``February 2022 ECS RFI''). 87 FR 7048. Discussion of these comments
will include a

[[Page 44197]]

reference to the docket (EERE-2022-BT-STD-0002).
Stakeholders that submitted written comment in response to the
April 2020 Notice of Petition, the October 2021 RFI, and the February
2022 ECS RFI are listed in Table I-1 of this document.
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\10\ See Docket No. EERE-2020-BT-PET-0003.
\11\ The parenthetical reference provides a reference for
information located in the docket of DOE's rulemaking to develop
test procedures for fans and blowers. Unless otherwise noted, all
comments referenced in this notice are available in DOE's docket for
this test procedure rulemaking. (Docket No., EERE-2021-BT-TP-0021
which is maintained at <a href="http://www.regulations.gov/docket">www.regulations.gov/docket</a> EERE-2021-BT-TP-
0021/). The references are arranged as follows: (commenter name,
comment docket ID number, page of that document).
\12\ See Docket No. EERE-2022-BT-STD-0002.

Table I-1--List of Commenters With Written Submissions in Response to the April 2020 Notice of Petition and October 2021 RFI
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April 2020
Organization(s) Reference in this NOPR Organization type notice of October 2021 TP February 2022
petition \10\ RFI \11\ ECS RFI \12\
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air-Conditioning, Heating, and AHRI........................ Trade Association........... X X ...............
Refrigeration Institute.
Air Movement and Control Association AMCA........................ Trade Association........... X X ...............
International.
Appliance Standards Awareness Project, ASAP, ACEEE, NRDC........... Efficiency Organizations.... X X ...............
American Council for an Energy-Efficient
Economy, Natural Resources Defense
Council.
Appliance Standards Awareness Project, ASAP, ACEEE, NRDC, NEEA..... Efficiency Organizations.... ............... ............... X
American Council for an Energy-Efficient
Economy, Natural Resources Defense
Council, Northwest Energy Efficiency
Alliance.
China World Trade Organization/Technical China WTO/TBT............... Government Agency........... X ............... ...............
Barriers to Trade.
Cooling Technology Institute............. CTI......................... Trade Association........... X ............... ...............
N/A...................................... Corvino..................... Individual.................. ............... X ...............
Daikin Applied........................... Daikin...................... Manufacturer................ X ............... ...............
ebm-papst Inc............................ ebm-papst................... Manufacturer................ X ............... X
Greenheck Group.......................... Greenheck................... Manufacturer................ X ............... ...............
Harry Graves............................. Graves...................... Individual.................. X ............... ...............
Johnson Controls......................... Johnson Controls............ Manufacturer................ X ............... ...............
Lennox International Inc................. Lennox...................... Manufacturer................ X ............... ...............
Marley Engineering Products LLC.......... MEP......................... Manufacturer................ ............... X ...............
Morrison Products Inc.................... Morrison.................... Manufacturer................ ............... X ...............
Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance..... NEEA........................ Efficiency Organization..... ............... X ...............
Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance and NEEA and NWPCC.............. Efficiency Organizations.... X ............... ...............
Northwest Power and Conservation Council.
Pacific Gas and Electric Company, San CA IOUs..................... Utilities................... ............... X X
Diego Gas and Electric, and Southern
California Edison; collectively, the
California Investor-Owned Utilities.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note: ``X'' indicates the notice(s) that each stakeholder commented on.

In response to the April 2020 Notice of Petition, Lennox commented
that DOE should reject the fan test procedure petition because no
coverage determination had been finalized. (Docket No. EERE-2020-BT-
PET-0003, Lennox, No. 5 at p. 1) AHRI and Johnson Controls commented
that DOE would first need to establish fans as covered equipment before
initiating a test procedure rulemaking. (Docket No. EERE-2020-BT-PET-
0003, AHRI, No. 14 at p. 3; Johnson Controls, No. 10 at p. 1) In
response to the October 2021 TP RFI, AHRI and Morrison commented that
they appreciate DOE's efforts to define fans and blowers and commented
that DOE should finalize the coverage determination process to
determine if a stand-alone commercial and industrial fans regulation is
``necessary or appropriate'' to the achievement of EPCA's purposes.
(AHRI, No. 10 at p. 3; Morrison, No. 8 at p. 2)
DOE is publishing this NOPR following the publication of the August
2021 Final Coverage Determination.
Corvino commented that there is a need for fan test procedures and
suggested that DOE investigate costs related to testing. (Corvino, No.
3 at p. 1) MEP commented generally that the steps required to create
new regulations place a tremendous burden upon the industry, especially
for newly covered products. MEP asserted that the first efficiency
rulemaking places a burden on the industry in preparation for the
rulemaking that is larger than the average burden attributed to
subsequent rulemakings during the life cycle cost analysis used in
determining the minimum allowable efficiencies. (MEP, No. 5 at p. 2)
DOE analyzes the costs of any potential test procedure, as
discussed in section III.M. DOE is proposing test procedures for fans
and blowers. DOE is not proposing to establish energy conservation
standards for such covered equipment in this proposed rule. To the
extent that DOE were to propose energy conservation standards for fans
and blowers, DOE would conduct a manufacturer impact analysis in that
rulemaking.

[[Page 44198]]

II. Synopsis of the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking

In this NOPR, DOE proposes to establish a test procedure for fans
and blowers in subpart J of part 431 and to modify part 429, as
follows:

(1) Establish the scope of the test procedure for fans and
blowers as to include standalone and embedded fans and blowers
(i.e., fans and blowers incorporated into other equipment), with fan
shaft input power equal to or greater than 1 horsepower and fan
airpower equal to or less than 150 horsepower that are either: (1)
axial inline fans; (2) axial panel fans; (3) centrifugal housed
fans; (4) centrifugal unhoused fans; (5) centrifugal inline fans;
(6) radial-housed fans; or (7) power roof/wall ventilators
(``PRVs''); air-circulating fans; and excluding some fans that are
exclusively embedded in other products of equipment; and excluding
radial housed unshrouded fans with diameter less than 30 inches or a
blade width of less than 3 inches, safety fans, induced flow fans,
jet fans, and cross-flow fans.
(2) Define ``axial inline fan'', ``axial panel fan'',
``centrifugal housed fan'', ``centrifugal unhoused fan'',
``centrifugal inline fan'', ``radial-housed fan'', ``power roof
ventilator'', ``cross-flow fan'', ``induced flow fan'', ``jet fan'',
``basic model,'' ``safety fan,'' ``air circulating fan,'' and
related terms. Define terms related to heat rejection equipment;
(3) Adopt through reference in newly proposed appendix A to
subpart J of 10 CFR part 431 (``appendix A'') certain provions of
ANSI/AMCA 214-21, ``Test Procedure for Calculating Fan Energy Index
for Commercial and Industrial Fans and Blowers'' (``AMCA 214-21''),
with modifications, as the test procedure for determining FEP and
FEI of fans and blowers other than circulating fans;
(4) Adopt through reference in newly propsoed appendix B to
subpart J of 10 CFR part 431 (``appendix B'') certain provisions of
AMCA 214-21, with modifications, as the test procedure for
determining FEP and FEI of air circulating fans;
(5) Adopt through reference certain provisions of the following
industry standards referenced by AMCA 214-21: ANSI/AMCA 210-16,
(``AMCA 210-16'') ``Laboratory Methods of Testing Fans for Certified
Aerodynamic Performance Rating''; ANSI/AMCA 230-15, (``AMCA 230-15
with errata'') ``Laboratory Methods of Testing Air Circulating Fans
for Rating and Certification'' with errata; and ISO 5801:2017,
``Fans--Performance testing using standardized airways'';
(6) Establish fan and blower sampling requirements and
provisions related to determining represented values in 10 CFR
429.64;
(7) Establish an alternative effiency determination method
(``AEDM'') for fans and blowers in 10 CFR 429.70; and
(8) Establish enforcements provisions for fan and blower basic
models.

The proposal is summarized in Table II.2.

Table II.2--Summary of Proposals in This TP NOPR, Their Proposed Location Within the Code of Federal
Regulations, and the Applicable Preamble Discussion
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Topic Location in CFR Summary of proposals Applicable preamble discussion
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Scope....................... 10 CFR 431.174. Establish the scope of the Section III.A.
test procedure for fans and
blowers as to include
standalone and embedded fans
and blowers (i.e., fans and
blowers incorporated into
other equipment), with fan
shaft input power equal to or
greater than 1 horsepower and
fan airpower equal to or less
than 150 horsepower that are
either: (1) axial inline
fans; (2) axial panel fans;
(3) centrifugal housed fans;
(4) centrifugal unhoused
fans; (5) centrifugal inline
fans; (6) radial-housed fans;
or (7) power roof/wall
ventilators (``PRVs''); air-
circulating fans; and
excluding some fans that are
exclusively embedded in other
products of equipment; and
excluding radial housed
unshrouded fans with diameter
less than 30 inches or a
blade width of less than 3
inches, safety fans, induced
flow fans, jet fans, and
cross-flow fans.
Definitions................. 10 CFR 431.172. Define ``axial inline fan'', Section III.B.
``axial panel fan'',
``centrifugal housed fan'',
``centrifugal unhoused fan'',
``centrifugal inline fan'',
``radial-housed fan'',
``power roof ventilator'',
``cross-flow fan'', ``induced
flow fan'', ``jet fan'',
``basic model,'' ``safety
fan,'' ``air circulating
fan,'' and related terms.
Define terms related to heat
rejection equipment;
Test Procedure.............. 10 CFR 431.174. Establish FEI as the metric Sections III.C, III.D, and III.F.
for fans and blowers,
incorporate by reference AMCA
214-21, AMCA 210-16, AMCA 230-
15 (with errata) and provide
additional instructions for
determining the FEI (and
other applicable performance
characteristics) for fans and
blowers.
Sampling Plan............... 10 CFR 429.66.. Specify the minimum number of Section III.K.
fans or blowers to be tested
to rate a basic model and
determine representative
values.
AEDM........................ 10 CFR 429.70.. Establish requirements for Section III.J.
applying an alternative
energy use determination
method.
Enforcement Provisions...... 10 CFR 429.110 Establish a method for Section III.L.
& 10 CFR determining compliance of fan
429.134. and blower basic models.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

DOE's proposed test method for fans and blowers includes
measurements of pressure, flow rate, and fan shaft or electrical input
power, all of which are required to calculate FEP and FEI, as well as
other quantities to characterize rated fans and blowers performance
(e.g., speed). DOE has tentatively determined that the relevant
sections of AMCA 214-21, AMCA 210-16 and AMCA 230-15 with errata, in
conjunction with the additional provisions proposed in this test
procedure, would produce test results that reflect the energy
efficiency and energy use of a fan or blower during a representative
average use cycle. (42 U.S.C. 6314(a)(2)) Additionally, DOE has
tentatively determined that the proposed test procedure, which is based
on the relevant industry testing standard, would not be unduly
burdensome to conduct. (42 U.S.C. 6314(a)(2)) DOE's analysis of the
burdens associated with the proposed test procedure is presented in
section III.M of this document.

[[Page 44199]]

III. Discussion

In the following sections, DOE proposes to establish test
procedures and related definitions for fans and blowers in subpart J of
part 431, to establish sampling plans for this equipment, to establish
an alternative energy determination method for this equipment, and to
establish enforcement provisions for this equipment. In the following
section, DOE provides relevant background information, explains why the
proposal merits consideration, discusses relevant public comments, and
proposes a potential approach.

A. Scope of Applicability

This rulemaking applies to fans and blowers. A fan or blower is
defined as a rotary bladed machine that is used to convert electrical
or mechanical power to air power with an energy output limited to 25
kilojoule (``kJ'')/kilogram (``kg'') of air. 10 CFR 431.172. It
consists of an impeller, a shaft and bearings and/or driver to support
the impeller, as well as a structure or housing. Id. A fan or blower
may include a transmission, driver, and/or motor controller. Id. As
discussed, DOE has classified fans and blowers as covered equipment. 86
FR 46579. ``Covered equipment'' consists of certain industrial
equipment, which in turn excludes covered products, other than
industrial equipment that is a component of a covered product. (42
U.S.C. 6311(1) and (2)(A)(iii)). DOE explained in the coverage
determination that the fans and blowers, the subject to this
rulemaking, do not include ceiling fans and furnace fans, as defined at
10 CFR 430.2. See 86 FR 46579, 46586.
In the August 2021 Final Coverage Determination, DOE did not
establish definitions for specific categories of fans and blowers. DOE
stated that it would consider specific categories of fans and blowers
and the scope of applicability of test procedures and energy
conservation standards in their respective rulemakings. 86 46579,
46585.
This section discusses the fans and blowers that DOE is proposing
to include in the scope of applicability of the test procedure as well
as proposed exemptions.
1. Proposed Test Procedure Scope
This section discusses fans and blowers, other than air circulating
fans, proposed for inclusion in the scope of applicability of the test
procedure. Air circulating fans are discussed in section III.A.4 of
this document.
The Working Group recommended that the test procedure be applicable
to certain classifications of fans and blowers, listed in Table III-1
of this document. (Docket No. EERE-2013-BT-STD-0006, No. 179,
Recommendation #1 at p. 1) The Working Group did not provide
definitions for the specified classifications of the fans and blowers
identified for inclusion in the scope of a test procedure. AMCA 214-21
provides terms and associated definitions for certain classifications
of fans and blowers that DOE has tentatively determined correspond to
the Working Group recommendation. The Working Group further recommended
that the test procedure apply only to fans with a fan shaft power equal
to or greater than 1 horsepower (``hp'') and fan air power \13\ equal
to or less than 150 hp. The Working Group recommended that airpower be
calculated using static pressure for unducted fans (``static
airpower'') and total pressure for ducted fans (``total
airpower'').\14\ (Docket No. EERE-2013-BT-STD-0006, No. 179,
Recommendation #5, at p. 4)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\13\ The air power of a fan is the fan's output power. It is
proportional to the product of the fan airflow rate and the fan
pressure.
\14\ The terms ``ducted'' and ``unducted'' refer to the
recommended test configuration used when conducting a fan test.
Appendix C of the term sheet specifies which fan categories are
typically ducted (i.e., tested using a ducted outlet and for which
the FEI is calculated on a total pressure basis): axial cylindrical
housed, centrifugal housed, excluding inline and radial, inline and
mixed flow, radial housed; and which fan types are considered
unducted (i.e., tested with a free outlet and for which the FEI is
calculated on a static pressure basis): panel, centrifugal unhoused,
excluding inline and radial, and power roof ventilators.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

On February 24, 2022, the California Energy Commission (``CEC'')
published a proposed rulemaking for fans and blowers that includes
terms and definitions that DOE has tentatively determined correspond to
the Working Group recommendations.\15\ CEC proposes to cover the
following fan categories: axial inline, axial panel, centrifugal
housed, centrifugal unhoused, centrifugal inline, radial housed, and
power roof/wall ventilators, and to define these terms largely based on
the definitions in AMCA 214-21, with revisions to indicate a fan's
intended application and if a fan's inlet or outlet can be (optionally,
as applicable) ducted. In addition, the CEC proposal considers fans and
blowers that have a rated fan shaft power greater than or equal to 1
horsepower, or, for fans without a rated shaft input power, an
electrical input power greater than or equal to 1 kW, and a fan output
power less than or equal to 150 horsepower.\16\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\15\ All documents related to this rulemaking can be found in
the rulemaking Docket 22-AAER-01 accessible at: <a href="http://www.energy.ca.gov/rules-and-regulations/appliance-efficiency-regulations-title-20/appliance-efficiency-proceedings-11">www.energy.ca.gov/rules-and-regulations/appliance-efficiency-regulations-title-20/appliance-efficiency-proceedings-11</a>.
\16\ See Proposed regulatory language for Commercial and
Industrial Fans and Blowers available in the following Docket: 22-
AAER-01 at: <a href="http://efiling.energy.ca.gov/Lists/DocketLog.aspx?docketnumber=22-AAER-01">efiling.energy.ca.gov/Lists/DocketLog.aspx?docketnumber=22-AAER-01</a>.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

The classification of fans and blowers recommended by the Working
Group for coverage under a test procedure and the corresponding terms
and definitions in AMCA 214-21 and the proposed CEC regulations are
presented in Table III-1 of this document.

Table III-1--Scope Recommended by the Working Group, Corresponding Terms and Definitions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Corresponding term and definition
Working group scope recommendations in AMCA 214-21 Corresponding CEC definitions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Axial cylindrical housed fan.......... ``Axial inline fan'' means a fan ``Axial-inline fan'' means a fan
with an axial impeller and a with an axial impeller and a
cylindrical housing with or cylindrical housing with or
without turning vanes. without turning vanes. Inlets and
outlets can optionally be ducted.
Panel fan............................. ``Axial panel fan'' means an axial ``Axial-panel fan'' means a fan
fan, without cylindrical housing, with an axial impeller mounted in
that is mounted in a panel, an a short housing, non-cylindrical,
orifice plate or ring. that can be a panel, ring, or
orifice plate. The housing is
typically mounted to a wall
separating two spaces, and the
fans are used to increase the
pressure across this wall. Inlets
and outlets are not ducted.

[[Page 44200]]

Centrifugal housed fan, excluding ``Centrifugal housed fan'' means a ``Centrifugal housed fan'' means a
inline fan and radial fan. fan with a centrifugal or mixed fan with a centrifugal or mixed
flow impeller in which airflow flow impeller in which airflow
exits into a housing that is exits into a housing that is
generally scroll-shaped to direct generally scroll-shaped to direct
the air through a single fan the air through a single fan
outlet. A centrifugal housed fan outlet. Inlets and outlets can
does not include a radial impeller optionally be ducted. It does not
*. include a radial impeller.
Centrifugal unhoused fan, excluding ``Centrifugal unhoused fan'' means ``Centrifugal unhoused fan'' means
radial fan. a fan with a centrifugal or mixed a fan with a centrifugal or mix-
flow impeller in which airflow flow impeller in which airflow
enters through a panel and enters through a panel and
discharges into free space. Inlets discharges into free space. Inlets
and outlets are not ducted. This and outlets are not ducted. This
fan type also includes fans fan type also includes fans
designed for use in fan arrays designed for use in fan arrays
that have partition walls that have partition walls
separating the fan from other fans separating the fan from other fans
in the array **. in the array.
Inline and mixed-flow fan............. ``Centrifugal inline fan'' means a ``Centrifugal inline fan'' means a
fan with a centrifugal or mixed fan with a centrifugal or mixed-
flow impeller in which airflow flow impeller in which airflow
enters axially at the fan inlet enters axially at the fan inlet
and the housing redirects radial and the housing redirects radial
airflow from the impeller to exit airflow from the impeller to exit
the fan in an axial direction. the fan in an axial direction.
Inlets and outlets can optionally
be ducted.
Radial housed fan..................... ``Radial-housed fan'' means a fan ``Radial-housed fan'' means a fan
with a radial impeller in which with a radial impeller in which
airflow exits into a housing that airflow exits into a housing that
is generally scroll-shaped to is generally scroll-shaped to
direct the air through a single direct the air through a single
fan outlet. Inlets and outlets can fan outlet. Inlets and outlets can
optionally be ducted. optionally be ducted.
Power roof ventilator................. ``Power roof/wall ventilator ``Power roof ventilator (PRV)'' or
(PRV)'' means a fan with an ``power wall ventilator (PWV)''
internal driver and a housing to means a fan with an internal
prevent precipitation from driver and a housing to prevent
entering the building. It has a precipitation from entering the
base designed to fit over a roof building. It has a base designed
or wall opening, usually by means to fit over a roof or wall
of a roof curb. opening, usually by means of a
roof curb.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* The inclusion of ``scroll-shaped'' in this definition excludes inline fans.
** Radial fans are housed and therefore not included in this definition.

In response to the April 2020 Notice of Petition, ebm-papst
commented in favor of a broader test procedure scope and stated that
any limitation on scope should be made in future labeling requirements,
certification requirements, or energy conservation standards. ebm-papst
stated that AMCA 214-21 was designed for fans above 0.745 mechanical
kilowatts shaft power (equivalent to 1 hp) or 0.890 electrical
kilowatts, and below 112 kilowatts (equivalent to 150 hp) air power,
and that these requirements should be the only scope restrictions on
the test procedure. (Docket No. EERE-2020-BT-PET-0003, ebm-papst, No.
9)
In response to the April 2020 Notice of Petition for Rulemaking,
AHRI commented that the scope of the DOE test procedure should ideally
align with the scope of AMCA 214 as finalized and that AHRI was working
with AMCA to resolve scope concerns in AMCA 214 (Docket No. EERE-2020-
BT-PET-0003, AHRI, No. 14 at p. 2).
In this NOPR, DOE proposes to include all fans and blowers that are
included within the scope of AMCA 210-16 (referenced by AMCA 214-21)
and proposes that the test procedure would be applicable to the
following fans and blowers, as proposed in section III.A.10 of this
document and subject to the exclusions discussed in section III.A.2 of
this document: (1) axial inline fan; (2) axial panel fan; (3)
centrifugal housed fan; (4) centrifugal unhoused fan; (5) centrifugal
inline fan; (6) radial-housed fan; and (7) power roof/wall ventilator
(``PRV'').\17\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\17\ PRVs include: Centrifugal PRV exhaust fans; Centrifugal PRV
supply fans; and Axial PRVs, as defined in AMCA 214-21.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

DOE is proposing that the scope of the test procedure cover fans
and blowers with a fan shaft input power equal to or greater than 1
horsepower and a fan static or total air power equal to or less than
150 horsepower.
DOE has tentatively determined that the 1 hp fan shaft power lower
limit may not be a practical unit of measurement for all fans because
some fans are designed such that the measurement of the shaft input
power is not feasible, and the only feasible measurement is the FEP,
which is measured in units of kW. For example, some fans incorporate
the bare-shaft and the motor in the same enclosed housing and do not
provide access to the fan shaft (i.e., between the motor and the fan),
where the measurement of the fan shaft power would be conducted. DOE
relied on the motor efficiency equations provided in Section 6.4.2.3 of
AMCA 214-21 to convert the fan shaft power into electrical input power
\18\ and has tentatively determined that 0.89 kW is appropriate to
establish a standardized equivalent to the 1 hp fan shaft input power
limit. Additionally, Section 6.5.3.1.3 ``Fan Efficiency Requirements''
of ANSI/ASHRAE/IES 90.1, ``Energy Standard for Buildings except Low-
Rise Residential Buildings (2019)'' (``ASHRAE 90.1-2019'') relies on
the value of 0.89 kW as the corresponding threshold to a value of 1 hp
of shaft input power.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\18\ The electrical input power is equal to the fan shaft input
power divided by the motor efficiency.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Accordingly, DOE proposes that the test procedure would be
applicable to a fan or blower with duty points \19\ with the following
characteristics: (1) a fan shaft input power equal to or greater than 1
horsepower and a fan static or total air power equal to or less than
150 horsepower, or (2) a FEP equal to or greater than 0.89 kW and a fan
static or total airpower equal to or less than 150 horsepower.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\19\ A duty point is characterized by a given airflow and
pressure and has a corresponding operating speed.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

DOE further proposes to establish the 150 hp upper limit in terms
of total airpower for fans and blowers that use a total pressure basis
FEI and would be required to be tested with a ducted outlet according
to the proposed provisions adopted through reference to AMCA 214-21.
For fans and blowers that use a static pressure basis FEI and that
would be required to be tested using a free outlet under the provisions
of AMAC 214-21 proposed to be adopted by reference, DOE proposes to
establish the airpower limit in terms of

[[Page 44201]]

static airpower. Table III-9 of this document lists the fan and blower
categories that rely on a total or static pressure basis in accordance
with AMCA 214-21.
DOE proposes the lower 1 hp limit to match the technical
applicability of the AMCA 214-21 and AMCA 210-16 test procedures. DOE
is proposing the upper air power limit at this time because fans that
operate above the proposed upper limit are typically custom orders and
are too large to be tested in a laboratory setting. In addition, these
limits are in line with the Working Group recommendations and the CEC
scope. DOE may consider methods for test for these fans in a future
rulemaking.
Finally, to define total airpower, DOE proposes to rely on the
definition of ``fan output power'' in AMCA 210-16. DOE proposes to
define ``total airpower'' as the total power delivered to air by the
fan; it is proportional to the product of the fan airflow rate, the fan
total pressure, and the compressibility coefficient and is calculated
in accordance with Section 7.8.1 of AMCA 210-16. See the definition of
``fan output power'' in Section 3.1.31 of AMCA 210-16 and calculation
formulas in Section 7.8.1 of AMCA 210-16. DOE also proposes to define
``static air power'' as the static power delivered to air by the fan;
it is proportional to the product of the fan airflow rate, the fan
static pressure, and the compressibility coefficient and is calculated
in accordance with Section 7.8.1 of AMCA 210-16, using static pressure
instead of total pressure.
Fan and blower categories proposed to be exempted from the scope of
this test procedure are discussed in section III.A.2 of this document.
DOE requests comment on the fans and blowers, other than air
circulating fans, proposed for inclusion in the DOE test procedure.
DOE requests comment on the proposed limits based on fan airpower,
fan shaft input power and fan electrical input power for fans other
than air circulating fans. Specifically, DOE requests comment on the
proposed definitions of ``static airpower'' and ``total airpower'' used
to characterize the upper 150 horsepower limit for fans other than air
circulating fans.
2. Proposed Fan and Blower Exclusions
DOE proposes to explicitly exclude certain fans and blowers from
the scope of the test procedure.
The Working Group recommended to exclude circulating fans (also
known as air circulating fans), induced flow fans, jet fans, and cross-
flow fans. (Docket No. EERE-2013-BT-STD-0006, No. 179, Recommendation
#2, at pp. 2-3) The Working Group also recommended to exclude safety
fans due to low operating hours and specific design features that
impair efficiency (e.g., high tip clearance), and a subset of radial
fans that are used for material handling applications \20\ (e.g., to
move paper dust, sand).\21\ (Docket No. EERE-2013-BT-STD-0006, No. 179,
Recommendation #2, at pp. 2-3) Table III-2 of this document presents
the exclusions recommended by the Working Group.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\20\ Specifically, radial housed unshrouded fans, which means a
radial housed fan for which the impeller blades are attached to a
backplate and hub (i.e., open radial blade), or to a hub only (i.e.,
open paddle wheel), and with an open front at the impeller's inlet.
These are different than radial shrouded fans, for which the
impeller blades are attached to a backplate and to a ring or
``shroud'' at the impeller's inlet.
\21\ The discussions of the Working Group related to these
exclusions can be found in the meeting transcripts, available in the
fans energy conservation standard rulemaking docket. (Docket No.
EERE-2013-BT-STD-0006; Public Meeting Transcript, No. 161 at pp. 63-
70; Public Meeting Transcript, No. 85 at pp. 60-62).

Table III-2--Fan Categories Recommended for Exclusion by the Working
Group
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fan category recommended for
exclusion by the working group * Definition in AMCA 214-21
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Radial housed unshrouded fan with Included in the definition ``radial
diameter less than 30 inches or a housed fan'' as noted in Table III-
blade width of less than 3 inches. 1.
Safety fan........................ Not defined in AMCA 214-21.
Induced flow fan.................. ``Induced flow fan'' means a type of
laboratory exhaust fan with a
nozzle and windband; the fan's
outlet airflow is greater than the
inlet airflow due to induced
airflow. All airflow entering the
inlet exits through the nozzle.
Airflow exiting the windband
includes the nozzle airflow plus
the induced airflow.
Jet fan........................... ``Jet fan'' means a fan designed and
marketed specifically for producing
a high velocity air jet in a space
to increase its air momentum. Jet
fans are rated using thrust. Inlets
and outlets are not ducted but may
include acoustic silencers.
Cross-flow fan.................... ``Cross-flow fan'' means a fan with
a housing that creates an airflow
path through the impeller in a
direction at right angles to its
axis of rotation and with airflow
both entering and exiting the
impeller at its periphery. Inlets
and outlets can optionally be
ducted.**
------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Note: the Working Group also recommended to exclude circulating fans,
(Docket No. EERE-2013-BT-STD-0006, No. 179, Recommendation #2, at pp.
2-3) which are defined in AMCA 214-21 as a fan that is not a ceiling
fan that is used to move air within a space that has no provision for
connection to ducting or separation of the fan inlet from its outlet.
The fan is designed to be used for the general circulation of air.
Circulating fans are discussed in Section III.A.4 of this document.
** Excluded from AMCA 214-21 and defined in ANSI/AMCA Standard 208,
``Calculation of the Fan Energy Index for calculating FEI'' (``AMCA
208-18'').

The Petitioners requested that the scope of any future DOE test
procedure be consistent with the scope described in the term sheet, and
requested to exclude fans that cannot be tested per AMCA 210-16 (i.e.,
the physical test method referenced in AMCA 214-21).\22\ The
Petitioners also requested that the scope of the test procedure be
consistent with ASHRAE 90.1-2019. (Docket No. EERE-2020-BT-PET-0003,
The Petitioners, No. 1, attachment ``AMCA Petition to DOE Cover Letter
and Petition [sic] 2020110'' at pp. 7-8)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\22\ For example, circulating fans, ceiling fans, desk fans, jet
tunnel fans, and induced flow fans (e.g., used in laboratory exhaust
systems). This is consistent with the scope of the terms sheet.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Table III-3 of this document compares the scope exclusions
requested by the Petitioners in accordance with the commercial and
industrial fan and blower requirements in ASHRAE 90.1-2019 and the
scope of exclusions as recommended by the Working Group (other than
embedded fans and blowers). DOE reviewed the fan and blower exclusions
to Section 6.5.3.1.3 of ASHRAE 90.1-2019 ``Fan Efficiency
Requirements'' as listed in Table III-3 of this document and has
tentatively

[[Page 44202]]

determined that these exclusions are covered by the exclusions
recommended by the Working Group.

Table III-3--Exceptions to Section 6.5.3.1.3 of ASHRAE 90.1-2019 ``Fan
Efficiency Requirements''
[Other than for embedded fans and blowers]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Exceptions to Section 6.5.3.1.3 of Included in the exclusions
ASHRAE 90.1-2019 ``Fan Efficiency recommended by the Working
Requirements'' Group?
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fans that are not embedded fans with a Yes.
motor nameplate horsepower of less
than 1.0 hp or with a fan nameplate
electrical input power of less than
0.89 ``kW''.
Ceiling fans........................... Yes (Note: ceiling fans are not
within the scope of the
definition of fans and
blowers).
Fans used for moving gases at Yes (safety fans).
temperatures above 482 [deg]F.
Fans used for operation in explosive Yes (safety fans).
atmospheres.
Reversible fans used for tunnel Yes (jet fans, safety fans).
ventilation.
Fans outside the scope of AMCA 208-18.. Yes (AMCA 208-18 references the
scope of AMCA 210-16).
Fans that are intended to operate only Yes (safety fans).
during emergency conditions.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

In response to the April 2020 Notice of Petition, Greenheck
commented in support of a scope consistent with the term sheet and with
ASHRAE 90.1-2019. (Docket No. EERE-2020-BT-PET-0003, Greenheck, No. 6.1
at p. 2) Johnson Controls commented in support of the exclusions
requested by the Petitioners. (Docket No. EERE-2020-BT-PET-0003,
Johnson Controls, No. 10 at pp. 1-2)
In its proposed rulemaking for commercial and industrial fans and
blowers, the CEC proposes to exclude the following categories of fans:
(1) safety fans (see section III.B.3 of this document for more details
on this definition), (2) ceiling fans as defined in 10 CFR 430.2; (3)
circulating fans; (4) induced-flow fans; (5) jet fans; (6) cross-flow
fans; (7) embedded fans as defined in ANSI/AMCA 214-21; \23\ (8) fans
mounted in or on motor vehicles or other mobile equipment; (9) fans
that create a vacuum of 30 in. water gauge or greater; \24\ and (10)
air curtain unit.\25\ See Table III-4 of this document; section III.A.3
of this document for a discussion of embedded fans and air curtain
units; and section III.A.5 of this document for a discussion of fans
mounted in or on motor vehicles or other mobile equipment.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\23\ As defined in ANSI/AMCA 214-21: ``A fan that is part of a
manufactured assembly where the assembly includes functions other
than air movement.''
\24\ CEC proposed excluding these fans because AMCA 214-21 is
not applicable to this equipment. See CEC's Initial Statement of
Reason, available at: <a href="http://efiling.energy.ca.gov/Lists/DocketLog.aspx?docketnumber=22-AAER-01">efiling.energy.ca.gov/Lists/DocketLog.aspx?docketnumber=22-AAER-01</a>.
\25\ The CEC defines an air curtain unit as equipment providing
a directionally controlled stream of air moving across the entire
height and width of an opening that reduces the infiltration or
transfer of air from one side of the opening to the other and/or
inhibits the passage of insects, dust, or debris.

Table III-4 Fans Recommended for Exclusion by the Working Group and the
Corresponding CEC Proposed Exclusions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Corresponding term and definition
Fans recommended for exclusion by proposed for exclusion in CEC
the working group * proposed regulatory text
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Radial housed unshrouded fan with Not excluded by the CEC proposed
diameter less than 30 inches or a regulatory text.
blade width of less than 3 inches.
Safety fan........................ ``Safety Fan'' See section III.B.3
of this document.
Induced flow fan.................. ``Induced-flow fan'' means a type of
laboratory exhaust fan with nozzle
and windband; the fan's outlet
airflow is greater than the inlet
airflow due to induced airflow. All
airflow entering the inlet exits
through the nozzle. Airflow exiting
the windband includes the nozzle
airflow as well as the induced
airflow.
Jet fan........................... ``Jet fan'' means a fan designed and
marketed specifically to produce a
high-velocity air jet in a space to
increase its air momentum. Jet fans
are rated using thrust. Inlets and
outlets are not ducted but may
include acoustic silencers.
Cross-flow fan.................... ``Cross-flow fan'' means a fan with
a housing that creates an airflow
path through the impeller, in a
direction at right angles to the
axis of rotation and with airflow
both entering and exiting the
impeller at the periphery. Inlets
and outlets can optionally be
ducted.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Note: The Working Group also recommended to exclude circulating fans,
which are also excluded from the CEC proposed regulation and defined
as a fan that is not a ceiling fan that is used to move air within a
space, that has no provision for connection to ducting or separation
of the fan inlet from its outlet. The fan is designed to be used for
the general circulation of air. Circulating fans are discussed in
Section III.A.4 of this document.

DOE reviewed the exclusions recommended by the Working Group, the
exclusions requested by Petitioners, the exclusions provided in the
proposed CEC regulations, and comments received. DOE is proposing to
exclude from the proposed DOE test procedure the following fans and
blowers: (1) radial housed unshrouded fans with a diameter less than 30
inches or a blade width of less than 3 inches; (2) safety fans; (3)
induced flow fans; (4) jet fans; and (5) cross-flow fans.
Based on input from AMCA during the ASRAC negotiations, DOE has
tentatively determined that radial housed unshrouded fans with a
diameter less than 30 inches or a blade width of less than 3 inches are
designed for materials handling applications.

[[Page 44203]]

These fans have specific design features (e.g., built to resist the
impact and erosive wear from large quantities of various materials
passing through the fan housing) that generally limit the opportunity
for improved efficiency. (Docket No. EERE-2013-BT-STD-0006; Public
Meeting Transcript, No. 85 at p. 60). Furthermore, testing these fans
based on the test method for clean air fans would not provide a
measurement of energy use or energy efficiency that is representative
of an average use cycle. For these reasons, DOE proposes to exclude
radial housed unshrouded fans with a diameter less than 30 inches or a
blade width of less than 3 inches at this time.
DOE proposes to exclude safety fans at this time, which operate
intermittently and may have specific design features that generally
limit the opportunity for improved efficiency.
DOE also proposes to exclude induced flow fans; jet fans; and
cross-flow fans because a test using AMCA 210-16 would not provide a
measurement of energy use or energy efficiency that is representative
of an average use cycle, as described further in the following
paragraphs.
Induced flow fans are used for laboratory exhaust applications, and
their performance is tested based on AMCA Standard 260-20, ``Laboratory
Methods of Testing Induced Flow Fans for Rating.'' AMCA 260-20 is an
adjunct to AMCA 210-16 in order to accommodate the induced flow fans'
unique characteristics, namely the impact of the windband on
performance. The windband is a component of induced flow fans used to
direct the fume exhaust and maximize plume height and the amount of air
mixed with the lab exhaust to increase the dilution ratio. Induced flow
fans produce a high plume of air at the outlet in order to exhaust
laboratory fumes and hazardous chemicals in such a manner that
diminishes the likelihood that exhausted air will be re-entrained into
the building's intake air. Their performance does not only depend on
the flow of air that they provide, but also on the ``effective plume
height,'' which is the plume rise provided by the induced flow fan
added to the stack height of the fan (i.e., from the roof to the outlet
of the windband). DOE has tentatively determined that a test using AMCA
210-16 would not provide a measurement of energy use or energy
efficiency during a representative average use cycle for induced flow
fans and proposes to exclude these fans from the scope of the test
procedure at this time.
Jet fans are typically used in vehicular tunnels to provide
ventilation and improve air quality. Jet fans can also be used in the
event of a fire in the tunnel to remove the smoke and fumes from the
source of the incident, if necessary, by reversing their airflow. Jet
fan performance is characterized by thrust and horsepower and not based
on the airflow and pressure they can provide. AMCA 250-22 \26\ provides
methods of measuring thrust, volume airflow, and power and includes
provisions for deriving efficiency in terms of ``thrust power ratio''.
Therefore, DOE has tentatively determined that a test using AMCA 210-16
would not provide a measurement of energy use or energy efficiency
during a representative average use cycle of jet fans and proposes to
exclude these fans from the scope of the test procedure.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\26\ ANSI/AMCA 250-22: Laboratory Methods of Testing Jet Tunnel
Fans for Performance. Available at <a href="http://www.amca.org">www.amca.org</a>.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Cross-flow fan performance is related to the ability to produce a
wide, uniform airflow as opposed to the airpower output, which is what
is accounted for in AMCA 210-16. Therefore, DOE has tentatively
determined that cross-flow fans would necessitate consideration of a
different metric to better capture the energy use of these under a
representative cycle of use. Therefore, DOE proposes that cross-flow
fans will not be addressed in its test procedure at this time.
DOE is considering including an exclusion, consistent with the
findings of the CEC, for fans that create a vacuum of 30 inches water
gauge or greater. DOE has tentatively determined that a test using AMCA
210-16 may not result in a measurement of energy use or energy
efficiency during a representative average use cycle for fans that are
exclusively used to create a vacuum rather than produce airflow. DOE
requests additional information on fans exclusively used to create a
vacuum and on the 30 inches water gauge criteria used by the CEC.
DOE requests comment on its proposed exclusions from the proposed
scope of applicability of the test procedure, listed as follows: (1)
radial housed unshrouded fans with a diameter less than 30 inches or a
blade width of less than 3 inches; (2) safety fans; (3) induced flow
fans; (4) jet fans; and (5) cross-flow fans. DOE seeks additional
information to support exclusion from the scope of potential test
procedures.
DOE seeks comment and input on the applicability of AMCA 214-21 and
AMCA 210-16 to fans that create a vacuum of 30 inches water gauge or
greater. DOE requests comment on the 30 inches water gauge limit used
by the CEC.
3. Proposed Exclusion of Embedded Fans and Blowers
In addition to the specific exclusions discussed in the prior
section, DOE has also considered excluding certain ``embedded'' fans
from the scope of the test procedure. Fans can be distributed in
commerce as standalone equipment or can be distributed in commerce
incorporated into other equipment that requires a fan to operate.
Section 3.25.3 of AMCA 214-21 defines a ``standalone fan'' as ``a
fan in at least a minimum testable configuration. This includes any
driver, transmission or motor controller if included in the rated fan.
It also includes any appurtenances included in the rated fan, and it
excludes the impact of any surrounding equipment whose purpose exceeds
or is different than that of the fan.'' \27\ Section 3.25.4 of AMCA
214-21 defines the term ``embedded fan'' in section 3.25.4 as ``a fan
that is part of a manufactured assembly where the assembly includes
functions other than air movement.''
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\27\ Additionally, AMCA 214-21 defines a minimum testable
configuration as ``A fan having at least an impeller; shaft and
bearings and/or driver to support the impeller; and its structure or
its housing''. See Section 3.53 of AMCA 214-21.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Working Group recommended excluding certain embedded fans. See
Table III-5 of this document. (Docket No. EERE-2013-BT-STD-0006, No.
179, Recommendations #2 and #3 at pp. 2-4)

Table III-5--Embedded Fans Recommended for Exclusion by the Working
Group
------------------------------------------------------------------------

-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fans embedded in:
Single-phase central air conditioners and heat pumps rated with a
certified cooling capacity less than 65,000 British thermal units
per hour (``Btu/h''), that are subject to DOE's energy conservation
standard at 10 CFR 430.32(c).
Three-phase, air-cooled, small commercial packaged air-conditioning
and heating equipment rated with a certified cooling capacity less
than 65,000 Btu/h, that are subject to DOE's energy conservation
standard at 10 CFR 431.97(b).

[[Page 44204]]

Residential furnaces that are subject to DOE's energy conservation
standard at 10 CFR 430.32(y).
Transport refrigeration (i.e., Trailer refrigeration, Self-powered
truck refrigeration, Vehicle-powered truck refrigeration, Marine/
Rail container refrigerant), and fans exclusively powered by
internal combustion engines.
Vacuum cleaners.*
Heat Rejection Equipment:
<bullet> Packaged evaporative open circuit cooling towers.
<bullet> Evaporative field-erected open circuit cooling towers.
<bullet> Packaged evaporative closed-circuit cooling towers.
<bullet> Evaporative field-erected closed-circuit cooling towers.
<bullet> Packaged evaporative condensers.
<bullet> Field-erected evaporative condensers.
<bullet> Packaged air-cooled (dry) coolers.
<bullet> Field-erected air-cooled (dry) coolers.
<bullet> Air-cooled steam condensers.
<bullet> Hybrid (water saving) versions of all of the previously
listed equipment that contain both evaporative and air-cooled heat
exchange sections.
Air curtains:
Air-cooled commercial package air conditioners and heat pumps (CUAC,
CUHP) with a certified cooling capacity between 5.5 tons (65,000
Btu/h) and 63.5 tons (760,000 Btu/h) that are subject to DOE's
energy conservation standard at 10 CFR 431.97(b).**
Water-cooled and evaporatively-cooled commercial air conditioners
and water-source commercial heat pumps that are subject to DOE's
energy conservation standard at 10 CFR 431.97(b).**
Single package vertical air conditioners and heat pumps that are
subject to DOE's energy conservation standard at 10 CFR
431.97(d).**
Packaged terminal air conditioners (PTAC) and packaged terminal heat
pumps (PTHP) that are subject to DOE's energy conservation standard
at 10 CFR 431.97(c).**
Computer room air conditioners that are subject to DOE's energy
conservation standard at 10 CFR 431.97(e).**
Variable refrigerant flow multi-split air conditioners and heat
pumps that are subject to DOE's energy conservation standard at 10
CFR 431.97(f).**
------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Although the term sheet specifies ``vacuum'', the term was intended to
designate vacuum cleaners. (Docket No. EERE-2013-BT-STD-0006; AHRI,
Public Meeting Transcript, No. 166 at p. 11).
** The recommendation only applies to supply and condenser fans embedded
in this equipment.

Stated more generally, the exclusions recommended by the Working
Group would exclude from the scope of the test procedure, fans that are
embedded in regulated equipment for which the DOE metric captures the
energy consumption of the fan.\28\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\28\ The Working Group created a subgroup to propose potential
embedded fan exclusions, which were subsequently voted on by the
Working Group. The information used by the subgroup to develop the
proposal is available in the fans energy conservation standard
rulemaking docket. (Docket No. EERE-2013-BT-STD-0006, No. 125.2).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Working Group further recommended for fans embedded in non-
regulated equipment, and/or embedded in regulated equipment other than
listed in appendix B, and/or any fans that are not supply and condense
fans in regulated equipment listed in appendix B that the first
manufacturer of a testable configuration \29\ would be responsible for
certifying the standalone fan performance to DOE. (Docket No. EERE-
2013-BT-STD-0006, No. 179, Recommendation #4 at pp. 4) \30\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\29\ AMCA 214-21 defines the ``minimal testable configuration''
as a fan having at least an impeller; shaft and bearings and/or
driver to support the impeller; and its structure or its housing.
\30\ As part of this recommendation, the Working Group also
recommended that if a manufacturer purchases a standalone fan to
incorporate in a product or in equipment, that manufacturer must
ensure that the design operating range (or design point) of the
embedded fan is within the certified operating range of the
standalone fan and disclose the design operating range (or design
point) of the embedded fan to the end-user. This issue does not
relate to the test procedure and is not discussed in this document.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Petitioners requested that the scope of any DOE test procedure
be consistent with the scope of the term sheet. Petitioners also
requested the test-procedure scope for commercial fans be consistent
with ASHRAE 90.1-2019, and additionally exclude embedded fans that are
part of equipment listed in Section 6.4.1.1 of ASHRAE 90.1-2019. ASHRAE
90.1-2019 (See Table III-7 of this document). (Docket No. EERE-2020-BT-
PET-0003, The Petitioners, No. 1, attachment ``AMCA Petition to DOE
Cover Letter and Petition [sic] 2020110'' at pp. 7-8)
The additional exclusions for embedded fans that are part of
equipment listed in Section 6.4.1.1 of ASHRAE 90.1-2019 as requested by
AMCA is included in the fan and blower exclusions to Section 6.5.3.1.3
of ASHRAE 90.1-2019 ``Fan Efficiency Requirements'' as listed in
section in Section 6.5.3.1.3 of ASHRAE 90.1-2019 and presented in Table
III-6 of this document.

Table III-6--Embedded Fan and Blowers Exclusions to Section 6.5.3.1.3 of
ASHRAE 90.1-2019 ``Fan Efficiency Requirements''
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Embedded fan and blowers exclusions
to Section 6.5.3.1.3 of ASHRAE 90.1- Included in the exclusion
2019 ``Fan Efficiency Requirements'' recommended by the Working Group?

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Embedded fans and fan arrays with a No.
combined motor nameplate horsepower
of 5 hp or less or with a fan
system electrical input power of
4.1 kW or less.
Embedded fans that are part of See Table III-7.
equipment listed under Section
6.4.1.1.
Embedded fans included in equipment No.
bearing a third party-certified
seal for air or energy performance
of the equipment package.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 44205]]

Table III-7--Equipment Listed in Section 6.4.1.1 of ASHRAE 90.1-2019
``Minimum Equipment Efficiencies--Listed Equipment--Standard Rating and
Operating Conditions''
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Included in the embedded fan
Fans embedded in: exclusions recommended by the
Working Group?
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Electrically Operated Unitary Air Partially. This category
Conditioners. includes equipment above
760,000 Btu/h. The exclusions
in the term sheet apply only
to fans embedded in equipment
above 65,000 Btu/h and below
760,000 Btu/h (equivalent to
5.5 tons and 63.5 tons,
respectively as stated in the
term sheet). In addition, the
term sheet specifies that the
exclusions would apply only to
embedded ``supply and
condenser fans.''
Electrically Operated Air-Cooled Partially. This category
Unitary Heat Pumps. includes equipment above
760,000 Btu/h. The exclusions
in the term sheet apply only
to fans embedded in equipment
below 760,000 Btu/h. In
addition, the term sheet
specifies that the exclusion
would apply only to embedded
``supply and condenser fans.''
Air-, water-, and evaporatively cooled Yes, these fans are below 1 hp.
Condensing Units. In addition, it is specified
in Table 6.8.1-1 of ASHRAE
90.1-2019 that this category
only includes equipment
greater than or equal to
135,000 Btu/h.
Water-Chilling Packages................ No.
Electrically Operated Packaged Terminal Yes. However, the term sheet
Air Conditioners, Packaged Terminal specifies that the exclusion
Heat Pumps, Single-Package Vertical would apply only to embedded
Air Conditioners, and Single-Package ``supply and condenser fans.''
Vertical Heat Pumps.
Room Air-conditioners and Air- Yes. These fans are below 1 hp.
conditioner Heat pumps.
Warm-Air Furnaces and Combination Warm- No.
Air Furnaces/Air-Conditioning Units,
Warm-Air Duct Furnaces, and Unit
Heaters.
Gas- and Oil-Fired Boilers............. Partially. Some of these fans
are below 1 hp.
Heat-Rejection Equipment............... Yes.
Electrically Operated Variable- Yes. However, the term sheet
Refrigerant-Flow Air Conditioners. specifies that the exclusion
would apply only to embedded
``supply and condenser fans.''
Electrically Operated Variable- Partially. This category
Refrigerant-Flow and Applied Heat includes ground water source
Pumps. and ground source equipment
that is not regulated by DOE
and that was not included in
the term sheet exclusions. In
addition, the term sheet
specifies that the exclusion
would apply only to embedded
``supply and condenser fans.''
Floor-Mounted Air Conditioners and Partially. This category
Condensing Units Serving Computer includes equipment greater
Rooms. than or equal to 760,000 Btu/
h, which are not regulated by
DOE.
Commercial Refrigerators, Commercial Yes, these fans are below 1 hp.
Freezers, and Refrigeration.
Vapor-Compression-Based Indoor Pool Yes, these fans are below 1 hp.
Dehumidifiers.
Electrically Operated direct-expansion No.
dedicated outdoor air system Units,
Single-Package and Remote Condenser,
without Energy Recovery.
Electrically Operated direct-expansion No.
dedicated outdoor air system Units,
Single-Package and Remote Condenser,
with Energy Recovery.
Electrically Operated Water-Source Heat Partially. This category
Pumps. includes ground water source
and ground source equipment
that is not regulated by DOE
and was not included in the
term sheet exclusions. In
addition, the term sheet
specifies that the exclusion
would apply only to embedded
``supply and condenser fans.''
Heat Pump and Heat Recovery Chiller No.
Packages.
Ceiling-Mounted Computer-Room Air Partially. The term sheet only
Conditioners. excludes embedded fans in
computer room air conditioners
that are subject to DOE energy
conservation standards.
Walk-In Cooler and Freezer Display Door Yes, these fans are below 1 hp.
Walk-In Cooler and Freezer Non-Display Yes, these fans are below 1 hp.
Door.
Walk-In Cooler and Freezer Yes, these fans are below 1 hp.
Refrigeration System.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

As previously noted, in response to the April 2020 Notice of
Petition, Greenheck commented in support of a scope consistent with the
term sheet and with ASHRAE 90.1-2019 (Docket No. EERE-2020-BT-PET-0003,
Greenheck, No. 6.1 at p. 2) Johnson Controls commented in support of
the exclusions requested by the Petitioners (Docket No. EERE-2020-BT-
PET-0003, Johnson Controls, No. 10 at pp. 1).
CTI commented in support of the exclusion of fans used in heat
rejection equipment as requested by the Petitioners. CTI commented that
this exclusion was included in the term sheet scope recommendation
based on the widespread usage of equipment-level energy efficiency
metrics; the low potential for energy savings; the potential unintended
increases in fan and system energy use ; and the associated design
challenges due to the very large size of fans used in heat rejection
equipment. (Docket No. EERE-2020-BT-PET-0003, CTI, No. 11 at pp. 1-2)
AHRI commented in support of the Petitioners' request to exclude
from the scope of the test procedure condenser fans embedded in
commercial and industrial chillers, condensing units, and unregulated
packaged air conditioners and heat pumps with cooling capacity greater
than 760,000 Btu/h, consistent with Section 6.4.1.1 of ASHRAE 90.1-
2019. AHRI also supported the exclusions listed in the

[[Page 44206]]

term sheet for heat rejection equipment, including but not limited to
air cooled condensers, dry coolers, cooling towers, evaporative
condensers, and hybrid wet/dry units. (Docket No. EERE-2020-BT-PET-
0003, AHRI, No. 14 at p. 2) Further, AHRI commented in support of
additional exclusions to exclude all fans in all regulated equipment
and asserted that EPCA does not permit two standards to be applied to
regulated equipment. AHRI stated that the list of equipment in Section
6.4.1.1 of ASHRAE 90.1-2019 strictly applies to air distribution
equipment and does not include all regulated equipment incorporating
fans, such as boilers. (Docket No. EERE-2020-BT-PET-0003, AHRI, No. 14
at p. 2) In addition, AHRI questioned the representativeness of
applying a standalone fan metric for embedded fans in regulated
equipment.\31\ AHRI asserted that the standalone fan metric, after
accounting for system effect, would not provide an appropriate basis
for comparison of performance. (Docket No. EERE-2020-BT-PET-0003, AHRI,
No. 14 at p. 2) Daikin commented in support of all of AHRI's comments
on the petition. (Daikin, No. 8 at p. 1).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\31\ The AMCA 214-21 metric describes fan performance as tested
in a standalone configuration (i.e. not installed inside other
equipment).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Lennox commented that fans embedded in DOE regulated HVACR
equipment should be excluded from the scope to avoid duplicative
burdens for HVACR equipment already subject to DOE regulation. (Docket
No. EERE-2020-BT-PET-0003, Lennox, No. 5 at p. 3)
Several interested parties commented in support of an equipment
level approach (i.e., system approach) that would regulate the HVACR
equipment rather than what they described as a component level
approach. CTI commented that energy conservation standards based on
already established equipment-level metrics are more effective at
reducing energy consumption compared to energy savings obtained by
using a fan efficiency metric, and at a lower regulatory burden.
(Docket No. EERE-2020-BT-PET-0003, CTI, No. 11 at p. 2) Daikin
commented that DOE had recently stated that it may seek to establish
regulatory coverage over equipment, rather than the components in such
equipment. (Docket No. EERE-2020-BT-PET-0003, Daikin, No. 8 at p. 1) In
addition, Daikin commented that the purpose of the FEI established by
AMCA 214 is to help drive fan sizing and better fan selection. Daikin
commented that while there were benefits to improving fan sizing and
incentivizing better fan selection for standalone fans, not all
possible FEI improvement approaches are practical for embedded fans
(e.g., increasing fan size or increasing the number of fans). Daikin
stated that certain equipment incorporating embedded fans must comply
with multiple safety standards and performance standards. Daikin
commented that embedded fans are carefully selected to adhere to such
safety and performance standards, and that component sizes or the
number of components cannot be altered to meet the needs of a component
level test procedure. (Docket No. EERE-2020-BT-PET-0003, Daikin, No. 8
at p. 1)
Daikin generally supported the exclusions requested by the
Petitioners, stating that such exclusions should be reflected in the
scope of AMCA 214. (Docket No. EERE-2020-BT-PET-0003, Daikin, No. 8 at
p. 1). CTI also commented that the exclusions requested by the
Petitioners should be reflected in the scope of AMCA 214 and expressed
concern that the draft AMCA 214 test standard \32\ could allow for the
inclusion of embedded fans at some point in the future. CTI further
stated that AMCA 214 is not suitable for inclusion in a regulatory
program due to testing and accuracy issues. CTI did not provide a
description of these issues. (Docket No. EERE-2020-BT-PET-0003, CTI,
No. 11 at p. 3)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\32\ AMCA 214-21 had not yet published at the time of these
comments.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

In response to the October 2021 RFI, AHRI commented that there have
been many changes since the conclusion of the Working Group. For
example, the introduction of FEI in ASHRAE 90.1, the development of a
new test procedure for FEI, and the publication of AMCA 214. AHRI
commented that itis chiefly concerned with ensuring that the scope of
coverage does not impose double regulation on covered equipment. AHRI
commented that AMCA 214-21 does not specifically exclude embedded fans
other than in the foreword (which states that ``AMCA Standard 214
primarily is for fans that are tested alone or with motors and drives;
it does not apply to fans tested embedded inside of other equipment'');
however, AHRI stated that there is no normative procedure for applying
a stand-alone fan metric to embedded applications. (AHRI, No. 10 at p.
2)
In response to the October 2021 RFI, AHRI and Morrison commented
that any fan and blower regulations should exclude all fans and blowers
used in regulated equipment because EPCA does not permit two standards
to be applied to a single federally regulated product. AHRI and
Morrison cited DOE's discussion in a final rule published July 22, 2009
\33\ in which DOE stated, ``EPCA authorizes DOE to establish a
performance standard or a single design standard. As such, a standard
that establishes both a performance standard and a design requirement
remain beyond the scope of DOE's legal authority.'' AHRI and Morrison,
citing 42 U.S.C. 6313(a)(6)(C), asserted that introducing component
regulation on regulated products creates a secondary redesign cycle
contrary to EPCA. AHRI and Morrison also asserted that EPCA is clear
that DOE is prohibited from setting a new efficiency standard on
products within certain defined time limits. Specifically, AHRI and
Morrison commented that DOE cannot set new efficiency standards for
products manufactured after a date that is the later of (1) the date
that is three years after publication of the final rule establishing a
new standard; or (2) the date that is six years after the effective
date of the current standard for a covered product, citing 42 U.S.C.
6313(a)(6)(C)(iv). AHRI and Morrison commented that introducing a fan
regulation on top of a regulation for covered equipment would
complicate the regulatory, design and compliance cycles. AHRI and
Morrison added that clearly excluding fans in regulated products will
help DOE comply with the legally mandated schedule and parameters laid
out under EPCA. AHRI and Morrison additionally commented that DOE
should maintain consistency in its rulemaking process and seek to
establish regulatory coverage over equipment rather than the components
in such equipment. (AHRI, No. 10 at pp. 3-4; Morrison, No. 8 at p. 2)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\33\ Energy Conservation Program for Certain Industrial
Equipment: Energy Conservation Standards and Test Procedures for
Commercial Heating, Air-Conditioning, and Water-Heating Equipment.
74 FR 36312, 36322 (July 22, 2009).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Morrison added that DOE should only regulate standalone fans and
not those embedded in equipment since none of the referenced test
methods are for embedded fans. Further, Morrison commented that the
vast majority of fans manufactured by <radical>Morrison are
incorporated in HVAC equipment that already have energy efficiency
measures that account for the fan energy, and thus should continue to
be out of scope for this regulation. (Morrison, No. 8 at p. 1)
In its proposed regulation, the CEC proposes to exclude embedded
fans, as defined in AMCA 214-21, including embedded fans in air curtain
units.\34\ In

[[Page 44207]]

its staff report, the CEC stated that its proposal would exclude fans
embedded in regulated and nonregulated equipment where the main
function is other than the movement of air, as long as the fan is not
sold or offered for sale as a standalone product.\35\ As reasons for
exclusion, the CEC stated that these fans are either manufactured by an
original equipment manufacturer (OEM), who embeds the fan in a piece of
equipment where the main function is something other than the movement
of air, or because they are manufactured for the purpose of being
embedded into an appliance after market.\36\ The CEC also discussed the
potential complexity of testing embedded fans and the accuracy of the
results. See section III.D.8 of this document for further discussion
related to testing.\37\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\34\ See Proposed regulatory language for Commercial and
Industrial Fans and Blowers available in the following Docket: 22-
AAER-01 at: <a href="http://efiling.energy.ca.gov/Lists/DocketLog.aspx?docketnumber=22-AAER-01">efiling.energy.ca.gov/Lists/DocketLog.aspx?docketnumber=22-AAER-01</a>.
\35\ See CEC Commercial and Industrial Fans and Blowers Staff
Report, Docket No. 22-AAER-01, TN# 241951, at p. 16.
\36\ Id.
\37\ See CEC Commercial and Industrial Fans and Blowers Staff
Report, Docket No. 22-AAER-01, TN# 241951, at p. 30
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

DOE proposes to exclude fans embedded in equipment listed in Table
III-5, as long as the fan is not distributed in commerce as a
standalone product, consistent with the Working Group term sheet scope
recommendations related to embedded fans. The equipment listed in Table
III-5 includes equipment that is separately regulated by DOE (``covered
equipment'') as well as non-covered equipment (i.e., transportation
refrigeration equipment, vacuum cleaners, heat rejection equipment, and
air curtains).
Fans used in transportation equipment are often designed to
accommodate the limited space available and are built following
specific construction requirements to withstand shock and vibrations.
These design constraints significantly limit potential opportunities
for improvements in efficiency. Consistent with the Working Group term
sheet (Docket No. EERE-2013-BT-STD-0006-0179, Recommendation #2 at p.
2), DOE proposes to exclude fans that are exclusively embedded in
transport refrigeration (i.e., trailer refrigeration, self-powered
truck refrigeration, vehicle-powered truck refrigeration, and marine/
rail container refrigeration) at this time.
DOE proposes to exclude fans that are exclusively embedded in
vacuum cleaners. AHRI initially made this recommendation on the basis
that these fans represent low energy savings potential due to their low
operating hours. (Docket No. EERE-2013-BT-STD-0006; AHRI, Public
Meeting Transcript, No. 166 at p. 11) Fans embedded in vacuums cleaners
are not used to produce airflow. Rather, they are used to create a
vacuum for material handling purposes (i.e., moving dust, small
particles etc.). DOE has tentatively determined that a clean air test
using AMCA 210-16 would not result in a measurement of energy use or
energy efficiency during a representative average use cycle. For this
reason, and consistent with the Working Group term sheet scope
recommendations, DOE proposes to exclude fans embedded in vacuum
cleaners from the scope of the test procedure.
Fans used in heat rejection equipment are primarily fabricated in-
house by the heat rejection equipment manufacturer and that these fans
are not sold in a standalone configuration.\38\ For this reason, and
consistent with the Working Group term sheet scope recommendations, DOE
proposes to exclude fans embedded in heat rejection equipment from the
scope of the test procedure.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\38\ In some cases, the heat rejection equipment manufacturer
may purchase the impeller and assemble the fan in a housing which is
tied to the structure of the heat rejection equipment.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Air curtains are used in entrances to buildings or openings between
two spaces conditioned at different temperatures. Their performance
does not depend on the airpower alone, but on their ability to create a
uniform airstream that separates two spaces from each other. Air
curtains are subject to a separate AMCA testing standard.\39\ This
standard establishes uniform methods for the testing of an air curtain
to determine aerodynamic performance in terms of airflow rate, outlet
air velocity uniformity, power consumption, and air velocity
projection. Air curtains include fans packaged with a motor, filter,
outlet section (a nozzle, discharge grille, etc.), and in some cases a
mounting plate, and/or an electric heater or water heater. The
performance of fans embedded in air curtains is related to airflow
rate, outlet air velocity uniformity, and air velocity projection as
opposed to the airpower output alone, which is what is accounted for in
AMCA 210-16. Therefore, DOE has tentatively determined that fans
embedded in air curtain fans would necessitate consideration of a
different metric to better capture the energy use of air curtain fans
under a representative cycle of use. Therefore, DOE proposes that fans
embedded in air curtains not be addressed in the proposed test
procedure.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\39\ AMCA, Standard 220-21, ``Laboratory Methods of Testing Air
Curtains for Aerodynamic Performance Ratings,'' 2021. Available at
<a href="http://www.amca.org">www.amca.org</a>.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

In addition, at this time, DOE proposes that the test procedure
would exclude fans in covered equipment in which the fan energy use is
already captured in the equipment specific test procedures. DOE is
proposing to adopt an exclusion for fans embedded in equipment listed
in Table III-5,\40\ as long as the fan is not distributed in commerce
as a standalone product. DOE proposes to also exclude fans embedded in
direct-expansion dedicated outdoor systems (``DX-DOAS'') to reflect the
DOE proposed test procedure and metric for DX-DOAS that, if adopted,
would incorporate fan energy use. See 86 FR 72874, 72889-72890
(December 23, 2021). These proposed exclusions are consistent with the
recommendations of the Working Group. The proposed approach would avoid
regulating fans for which existing DOE regulations account for their
energy use by excluding such fans from the test procedure if
distributed solely embedded in the listed equipment. To the extent a
fan is distributed in commerce as a stand-alone fan, and therefore is
not limited to use in specific equipment, or embedded in equipment in
which its energy use is not addressed in a DOE test procedure, such a
fan would be subject to the DOE test procedure.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\40\ DOE notes that while the Working Group recommended to
exclude fans in residential furnaces that are subject to DOE's
energy conservation standard at 10 CFR 430.32(y), furnace fans are
excluded from the definition of ``fan and blower'' and therefore do
not need to be listed as a proposed exclusion.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Table III-8 summarizes the exclusively embedded fans proposed for
exclusions from the scope of the test procedure.

[[Page 44208]]

Table III-8--Exclusively Embedded Fans Proposed for Exclusion From the
Scope of the Test Procedure
------------------------------------------------------------------------

-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fans exclusively embedded in:
Direct-expansion dedicated outdoor systems (``DX-DOASes'') subject
to any DOE test procedures in appendix B to subpart F of part 431.*
Single-phase central air conditioners and heat pumps rated with a
certified cooling capacity less than 65,000 British thermal units
per hour (``Btu/h''), that are subject to DOE's energy conservation
standard at 10 CFR 430.32(c).
Three-phase, air-cooled, small commercial packaged air-conditioning
and heating equipment rated with a certified cooling capacity less
than 65,000 Btu/h, that are subject to DOE's energy conservation
standard at 10 CFR 431.97(b).
Transport refrigeration (i.e., Trailer refrigeration, Self-powered
truck refrigeration, Vehicle-powered truck refrigeration, Marine/
Rail container refrigerant), and fans exclusively powered by fan
combustion engines.
Vacuum cleaners.
Heat Rejection Equipment:
<bullet> Packaged evaporative open circuit cooling towers.
<bullet> Evaporative field-erected open circuit cooling towers.
<bullet> Packaged evaporative closed-circuit cooling towers.
<bullet> Evaporative field-erected closed-circuit cooling towers.
<bullet> Packaged evaporative condensers.
<bullet> Field-erected evaporative condensers.
<bullet> Packaged air-cooled (dry) coolers.
<bullet> Field-erected air-cooled (dry) coolers.
<bullet> Air-cooled steam condensers.
<bullet> Hybrid (water saving) versions of all of the previously
listed equipment that contain both evaporative and air-cooled heat
exchange sections.
Air curtains.
** Air-cooled commercial package air conditioners and heat pumps (CUAC,
CUHP) with a certified cooling capacity between 5.5 tons (65,000 Btu/h)
and 63.5 tons (760,000 Btu/h) that are subject to DOE's energy
conservation standard at 10 CFR 431.97(b).
** Water-cooled and evaporatively-cooled commercial air conditioners and
water-source commercial heat pumps that are subject to DOE's energy
conservation standard at 10 CFR 431.97(b).
** Single package vertical air conditioners and heat pumps that are
subject to DOE's energy conservation standard at 10 CFR 431.97(d).
** Packaged terminal air conditioners (PTAC) and packaged terminal heat
pumps (PTHP) that are subject to DOE's energy conservation standard at
10 CFR 431.97(c).
** Computer room air conditioners that are subject to DOE's energy
conservation standard at 10 CFR 431.97(e).
** Variable refrigerant flow multi-split air conditioners and heat pumps
that are subject to DOE's energy conservation standard at 10 CFR
431.97(f).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
** DX-DOASes are not currently subject to a DOE test procedure. However,
there is an ongoing rulemaking to establish a test procedure for DX-
DOASes that DOE anticipates will be finalized before the final rule of
the fans and blowers rulemaking. Information about this rulemaking can
be found at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under the Docket Number EERE-2017-BT-TP-
0018.
* The exclusion only applies to supply and condenser fans embedded in
this equipment.

As discussed, DOE is proposing to exclude embedded fans that are
not distributed in commerce as standalone fans. DOE acknowledges that
in a number of instances, a standalone fan purchased by a manufacturer
for incorporation into a unit of listed equipment may be
indistinguishable based on physical features from a fan that is
purchased by a manufacturer for incorporation into non-listed equipment
or from a fan used as a standalone fan. During the ASRAC negotiations,
AHRI conducted a survey of its members to determine the number of fans
purchased versus manufactured by the equipment manufacturer. (Docket
No. EERE-2013-BT-STD-0006, AHRI, No. 125.3, at p. 1) AHRI estimated
that over 80 percent of all fans that are used as components across all
commercial regulated equipment are manufactured by the equipment
manufacturer. Id. This percentage was higher for commercial air-
conditioning and heat pump equipment and was estimated to be between 94
and 99 percent. Id.
In order to provide additional specificity as to the fans that
would be subject to the embedded fan exclusion, DOE proposes to use the
term ``exclusively embedded fans'' to designate the fans covered by the
embedded fan exclusion. DOE proposes to define ``exclusively embedded
fan'' as: a fan or blower that is manufactured and incorporated into a
product or equipment manufactured by the same manufacturer and that is
exclusively distributed in commerce embedded in another product or
equipment. Based on this information, DOE has tentatively determined
that the vast majority of fans used as components in regulated
commercial HVACR equipment would meet the proposed definition of
exclusively embedded fan and would not be subject to the test procedure
as proposed in this NOPR.
The following examples illustrate how the proposed definition of
exclusively embedded fan would impact whether a fan must be tested and
certified to DOE:
<bullet> If a manufacturer makes a fan and incorporates it into
equipment that the manufacturer also makes, that fan would meet the
definition of exclusively embedded fan. If the embedded fan is part of
equipment listed in Table III-8 of this document, that fan would be
excluded from the proposed scope of the test procedure so long as the
manufacturer does not also sell that fan as a standalone fan. If the
embedded fan is not part of equipment listed in Table III-8 of this
document, the embedded fan would be included in the proposed scope of
the test procedure and the fan would be subject to the test procedure.
<bullet> If Manufacturer A makes (or imports) a fan and then only
sells it to Manufacturer B who then only distributes that fan in
commerce embedded within a larger piece of equipment, that fan would
not meet the definition of exclusively embedded fan (even if the
equipment is listed in Table III-8 of this document), as it would be
distributed in commerce as a standalone fan by Manufacturer A, and
therefore the fan would be subject to the test procedure under the
proposal.
<bullet> If a fan is exclusively imported as part of a larger piece
of equipment, that fan would meet the definition of exclusively
embedded fan. If the embedded fan is part of equipment listed in Table
III-8 of this document, that fan would be excluded from the proposed
scope of applicability of the test procedure. If the embedded fan is
not part of equipment listed in Table III-8 of this document, the
embedded fan would be included in the proposed

[[Page 44209]]

scope of applicability of the test procedure.
DOE requests comment on the proposed exclusively embedded fan
exclusions listed in Table III-8 of this document.
DOE seeks information on whether it is common practice for
standalone fan manufacturers that supply fans to HVACR equipment
manufacturers to test these fans in accordance with AMCA 214-21 or AMCA
210-16 in a standalone configuration, and to provide fan performance
data for these fans.
DOE seeks information on whether it is common practice for
manufacturers of HVACR equipment that manufacture and incorporate fans
into their equipment to test these fans in accordance with AMCA 214-21
or AMCA 210-16 in a standalone configuration, and to provide fan
performance data to their customers.
DOE seeks comment on the estimates provided for the percentage of
fans that are incorporated in HVACR equipment that are purchased by the
HVACR equipment manufacturer vs. manufactured in-house.
DOE seeks comment and input regarding any physical features that
could be used to distinguish a fan that is exclusively designed for use
in equipment listed in Table III-8 of this document.
DOE seeks comment on the proposed definition of ``exclusively
embedded fan''.
4. Air Circulating Fans
In the October 2021 RFI, DOE requested information regarding
potential test procedures for fans and blowers, including air
circulating fans, specifically air circulating fan heads (``ACFHs''),
and requested feedback on definitions provided in AMCA 230-15 and on
the scope of any potential test procedure for air circulating fans. 86
FR 54412, 54414-54415. DOE described ACFHs as designed to provide
concentrated directional airflow and consisting of a motor, impeller
and guard for mounting on a pedestal, wall mount bracket, ceiling mount
bracket, I-beam bracket or other mounting means. 86 FR 54412, 54414.
DOE stated that ACFHs are different from ceiling fans, which are
designed to circulate air rather than provide concentrated directional
airflow; and as a result, ACFHs have lower diameter-to-maximum
operating speed ratio (expressed in inches per revolutions per minute
(``in/RPM'')) than ceiling fans. Id. Comments received related to
definitions are discussed in section III.B.4 of this document. As
discussed in section III.B.4, DOE proposes to define air circulating
fans and related terms.
AMCA commented in support of developing test procedures for ACFHs.
AMCA recommended that for clarity, repeatability, and market
confidence, DOE should harmonize with IEC 60879:2019 ``Comfort fans and
regulators for household and similar purposes--Methods for measuring
performance,'' and set a simple electrical-input-power threshold by
excluding ACFHs less than 125 Watts (``W'') from a commercial and
industrial ACFH test procedure. AMCA stated this would cover the vast
majority of fans used in commercial and industrial applications and
would exclude fans mostly used for residential applications. (AMCA, No.
6 at p. 6) In addition, AMCA commented in support of developing a test
procedure for additional categories of air circulating fans defined in
AMCA 230-15 (i.e., personnel coolers, box fans, and table fans),\41\
using AMCA 230-15 as the basis for a test procedure and including fans
of greater than or equal to 125 W electrical input power. AMCA also
stated that, should DOE develop energy conservation standards for air
circulating fans, all categories of circulating fans should be subject
to the same efficiency standard and lower wattage scope limit. (AMCA,
No. 6 at p. 6) AMCA commented that impeller diameter is not an
appropriate criteria to use to delimit the scope of a potential test
procedure for ACF, specifically for ACFHs. AMCA commented that typical
impeller diameters for ACFHs offered for sale in the United States
range from 12 inches to 36 inches; however, there is no practical
reason that an ACFH with a diameter outside that range could not be
manufactured and/or sold. AMCA stated that limiting the DOE test
procedure to specific diameters could encourage the introduction of
fans outside of the covered diameters into the marketplace. AMCA added
that typical motor sizes range from \1/10\ hp to \2/3\ hp, with \1/10\,
\1/8\, \1/4\, \1/3\, \1/2\, and \2/3\ hp being the most common; but
because there is no mandated test procedure and reporting requirements,
fan electrical-input-power data is not readily available for the
majority of ACFHs and cannot be estimated using the motor horsepower.
AMCA commented that ACFH motors typically are loaded above their
nameplate horsepower, such that simply multiplying the published hp by
the conversion factor of 746 Watts per hp and dividing by a nominal
motor efficiency does not provide a useful input-power estimate. (AMCA,
No. 6 at p. 7) AMCA stated that IEC 60879:2019 covers additional
product classes, such as ``tower fans'' and ``bladeless fans'' and that
these categories of fans should be excluded from the test procedure.
(AMCA, No. 6 at p. 6)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\41\ AMCA 230-15 defines ``personnel cooler'' as a fan used in
shops, factories, etc., generally supplied with wheels or casters on
the housing or frame to aid in portability, and with motor and
impeller enclosed in a common guard and shroud; ``box fan'' as a fan
used in an office or residential application and having the motor
and impeller enclosed in an approximately square box frame having a
handle; and ``table fan'' as a fan intended for use on a desk, table
or countertop, and which may also be provided with the means for
mounting to a wall. See Sections 5.1.2 through 5.1.5 of AMCA 230-15.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

ASAP, ACEEE, NRDC commented that additional categories of air
circulating fans other than ACFHs, such as personnel coolers, box fans,
and table fans, meet the definition of ``fan and blower'' and thus
should be included in the test procedure. ASAP, ACEEE, NRDC added that
these additional air circulating fan categories are covered in the
existing AMCA 230-15 test procedure for air circulating fans, such that
it is feasible to include them within the scope of the DOE test
procedure. ASAP, ACEEE, NRDC commented that generally, air circulating
fans are fans used to circulate air within a confined space for use in
agriculture, manufacturing, etc. and estimated the total global market
for all fans and blowers to be approximately $20 billion, while
agricultural ventilation, a major market for air circulating fans, is
expected to reach $1.3 billion by 2027. ASAP, ACEEE, NRDC commented
that establishing standardized DOE test procedures and efficiency
ratings for air circulating fans will ensure that purchasers have
access to comparable information about efficiency, enabling informed
purchasing decisions. (ASAP, ACEEE, NRDC, No. 7 at p. 1) ASAP, ACEEE,
NRDC supported limiting the definition of air circulating fans to input
powers of 125 W and above, stating that this would be consistent with
IEC 60879:20195 and fan standards in the European Union. ASAP, ACEEE,
NRDC added that a minimum input power cut-off of 125 W is sufficient to
reasonably distinguish air circulating fans that are to any significant
extent distributed in commerce for industrial or commercial use. (ASAP,
ACEEE, NRDC, No. 7 at p. 2)
The CA IOUs recommended that DOE regulate all commercial air
circulating fans not currently covered, which could be defined as
having a minimum power draw threshold such as 125 W. Additionally, the
CA IOUs stated that personnel and agricultural fans that have solid
housings or that may not meet the diameter-to maximum

[[Page 44210]]

operating speed ratio \42\ should be regulated, but are not considered
ACFHs. The CA IOUs further commented that there is support by the
industry to regulate all commercial air circulating fans, and they
recommended that DOE undertake an additional rulemaking(s) to cover
them. (CA IOUs, No. 9 at p. 3)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\42\ As discussed in section I.A.4 of this document, ACFH have a
maximum diameter-to maximum operating speed ratio of 0.06 inches per
rotations per minute (``in/RPM'').
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

NEEA recommended that DOE consider evaluating efficiency standards
and test procedures for additional categories of air circulating fans,
such as industrial personnel coolers, box fans, and table fans that
meet the definition of circulating fan. NEAA stated that the RFI
focused primarily on ACFHs, and that other, non-ceiling categories of
air circulating fans such as industrial personnel coolers, box fans,
and table fans fall within the definition of a ``fan'' as defined in
the final determination published on August 19, 2021. NEEA asserted
that DOE has the authority to develop an efficiency standard for these
types of equipment. NEEA supports the development of efficiency
standards and test procedures for these industrial equipment categories
and recommended that DOE consider regulating other fans listed in AMCA
230-15 under the same standard and utilize the same test procedure.
NEEA additionally commented that with this scope expansion, DOE has the
potential to influence the market towards more efficient technologies
where possible and could realize significant energy savings for these
equipment categories. (NEEA, No. 11 at p. 2)
MEP recommended that the definition for an ACFH should include a
requirement for polyphase electric current with a fan shaft power
greater than 3 hp, to avoid including ``residential fans'' in
regulations and to align ACFHs with the upper limit of the small
electric motors hp range as presented in Sec. 431.446(a). (MEP, No. 5
at p. 1)
In response to an energy conservation standards RFI published on
February 8, 2022 (``February 2022 ECS RFI''; 87 FR 7048), ASAP, ACEEE,
NRDC, and NEEA stated that, should very small-diameter (``VSD'')
ceiling fans not be included in the scope of the ongoing ceiling fan
rulemaking, DOE should cover them as ACFHs under the fans and blowers
rulemaking. These commenters supported this by stating that, since the
diameter-to-maximum operating speed ratios of VSDs are often less than
0.06, they would not qualify as ceiling fans according to the ceiling
fan definition in the proposed ceiling fan scope, but would qualify as
ACFHs. They also commented that VSDs and ACFHs have similar physical
characteristics. (Docket No. EERE-2022-BT-STD-0002, ASAP, ACEEE, NRDC,
and NEEA, No. 6 at pp. 2-3)
In response to the February 2022 ECS RFI, ebm papst stated that fan
airflow rate can be reliably determined for air circulating fans using
the AMCA 230 testing method, particularly for air circulating fans with
an input power greater than 125 W. (Docket No. EERE-2022-BT-STD-0002,
ebm-papst, No. 8 at p. 2)
AMCA 230-15 (with errata) does not include any limitation in terms
of input power of the air circulating fans that can be tested in
accordance with the test procedure. The AMCA committee is considering
limiting the scope of AMCA 230-15 (with errata) to air circulating fans
with input power of 125 W and above to focus on commercial and
industrial fan applications and exclude residential fans such as tower
fans and bladeless fans.
DOE has tentatively determined that the proposed test procedure
would provide a representative measurement of energy use or energy
efficiency during a representative average use cycle for all air
circulating fans as defined as proposed in section III.B.4 of this
document. Therefore, at this time, DOE proposes to include all
categories of air circulating fans in the scope of the proposed test
procedure; i.e., including equipment with input power less than 125 W.
Should DOE identify additional information to justify excluding fans
with input power less than 125 W from the scope (or any other power
limit that may be justified), DOE may consider applying a power limit
in the final rule as considered by the AMCA committee and supported by
stakeholders. In addition, DOE may consider specifying that the 125 W
corresponds to the air circulating fan's input power at maximum speed.
MEP recommended that the scope of a DOE test procedure should only
include products exclusively used to move air. MEP commented that
products that perform additional combustion, humidification,
dehumidification, heating, or cooling functions should be excluded from
this test procedure. MEP added that the rationale for this
recommendation is found in the foreword of AMCA 214-21, which states,
``AMCA Standard 214 primarily is for fans that are tested alone or with
motors and drives; it does not apply to fans tested embedded inside of
other equipment''. MEP also stated that fans used in supplementary
electric heater products and portable electric heaters should also be
excluded from the fan regulations, asserting that any inefficiencies of
supplementary electric heater products and portable electric heaters
would serve to provide heat to a space in addition to that which is
supplied by a primary electric heater.\43\ (MEP, No. 5 at p. 2)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\43\ MEP referenced Direct Heating equipment rulemakings: 85 FR
77017 and 86 FR 20053.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

DOE's proposed test procedure for air circulating fans, if
finalized, would apply to the equipment that meets the definition of
fan and blower. The air circulating fan would be tested in a standalone
configuration (i.e., not incorporated inside other equipment) in
accordance with the proposed DOE test procedure, which would be based
on AMCA 214-21.
DOE requests comments on the proposed scope of applicability of the
test procedure for air circulating fans.
5. Non-Electric Drivers
Some fans operate with non-electric drivers, such as engines or
generators, and such fans may be used in non-stationary applications or
stationary applications. The Working Group recommended that DOE exclude
fans that are exclusively powered by internal combustion engines from
the test procedure and related energy conservation standards. (Docket
No. EERE-2013-BT-STD-0006; No. 179, Recommendation #2, at p. 2)
AMCA 214-21 does not provide for the testing of fans and blowers
powered by internal combustion engines. In order to measure the energy
efficiency or energy use the energy performance of non-electric drivers
during a representative average use cycle, separate test methods would
be necessary for each type of driver (e.g., engine, generators). DOE is
not currently aware of a relevant industry test procedure and does not
have information regarding the test set-up required to test fans
powered by internal combustion engines. As such, DOE is not proposing
test procedures for fans and blowers powered exclusively by an internal
combustion engine at this time, regardless of whether such fan or
blower is used in a stationary or non-stationary application.
Certain bare-shaft fans can be powered by either electric drivers
(i.e., motors) or non-electric drivers. DOE has tentatively determined
that to the extent that such a fan is powered by an electric driver,
the proposed test procedure would provide for measurement of the energy
efficiency or energy use the

[[Page 44211]]

energy performance of non-electric drivers during a representative
average use cycle when powered by an electric driver. As such, DOE is
proposing that such a fan would be subject to the proposed test
procedure.
DOE requests comment on excluding fans and blowers that are
exclusively powered by internal combustion engines from the scope of
this test procedure and associated energy conservation standards.
DOE requests feedback and information on the physical features that
would help distinguish fans and blowers that are exclusively powered by
internal combustion engines from other fans and blowers.
6. Replacement Parts
The Working Group did not address the issue of replacement parts in
the term sheet. (Docket EERE-2013-BT-TP-0055; No. 179, Appendix F at p.
19).
Clarage commented that no exemptions should be made for replacement
parts. (Docket EERE-2013-BT-STD-0006; Clarage, Public Meeting
Transcript, No. 161 at p. 43) The CA IOUs commented that no exemptions
should be made for replacement fans (Docket EERE-2013-BT-STD-0006; CA
IOUs, Public Meeting Transcript, No. 163 at p. 185)
ebm-papst commented that replacements for identical fan models that
are not compliant should be exempt from the regulation for no more than
5 years. (Docket EERE-2013-BT-STD-0006; ebm-papst, No. 152 at p. 3)
Several stakeholders commented that replacement fans for fans
embedded in larger pieces of equipment should be exempted from the test
procedure and energy conservation standard rulemaking. Ingersoll Rand/
Trane commented that replacement fans used as components should be
exempted. Ingersoll Rand/Trane stated that replacement fans under the
new regulation may not be suitable for the existing equipment, and thus
replacement of the equipment may be required in order for the fan to
comply. In addition, Ingersoll Rand/Trane expressed safety concerns
that could arise from using replacement fans on existing equipment that
serves applications such as combustion air, or heating applications.
(Docket EERE-2013-BT-STD-0006; Ingersoll Rand/Trane, No. 153 at p. 5)
AHRI commented that replacement fans for fans embedded in equipment
made before the compliance date should be exempt because the life of
the equipment is longer than the life of the fan. In addition, AHRI
noted that most replacement fan parts are supplied from the original
equipment manufacturers and are not sold in a testable configuration;
therefore the exemption of replacement fans is unlikely to create
enforcement loopholes. (Docket EERE-2013-BT-STD-0006; AHRI, No. 158 at
p. 7)
AMCA commented that no consensus was obtained amongst AMCA's
membership regarding an approach for replacement fans. (Docket EERE-
2013-BT-TP-0006; AMCA, Public Meeting Transcript, No. 164 at p. 325) In
response to the October 2021 RFI, AHRI and Morrison commented that the
scope of any fan regulation should be limited to standalone fans and
should recognize the utility of replacement parts. These commenters
stated that HVACR and water heating equipment are built, tested, rated,
and certified as a completed design, which is reliant upon a specific
set of components, and that modifying these components changes the
performance of the equipment. AHRI and Morrison also commented that in
many cases, such as supply air fans for gas fired heat exchangers, hot
water coils or electric resistance units, there are a variety of
equipment safety and performance standards affected by the precisely
engineered fan performance. AHRI and Morrison stated that if a
replacement fan is made non-compliant because of new regulations, the
continued safe use of the system would be called into question and the
negative consequences could be catastrophic. (AHRI, No. 10 at p. 3;
Morrison, No. 8 at p. 2) Morrison commented that replacement parts used
in HVAC equipment should therefore be out of scope for safety reasons.
(Morrison, No. 8 at p. 2)
As discussed, fans and blowers as defined consist of an impeller, a
shaft and bearings and/or driver to support the impeller, as well as a
structure or housing. They may include a transmission, driver, and/or
motor controller. The proposed test procedure would apply to the fan
and blower as complete equipment (i.e., inclusive of all the parts
listed in the definition) and not to a single component of the fan
(e.g., the impeller alone). DOE proposes to include all fans and
blowers that: (1) meet the criteria for scope inclusion as described in
section III.A.1 of this document, and (2) are not proposed for
exclusion as listed in section III.A.2 of this document or Table III-8
of this document, regardless of whether that fan is a replacement fan.
DOE is not proposing to include fan parts (e.g., impeller, housing) in
the scope of the test procedure, as such components do not meet the
definition of fan and blower. At this time, DOE is not proposing energy
conservation standards for fans and blowers, and the proposed test
procedure would not impact the availability of current models. The
proposed test procedure, if final, would not set any energy
conservation standards and would not result in any non-compliant fans.

B. Definitions

This section discusses DOE's proposed definitions for specific
terms used in the proposed test procedure.
1. Fan and Blower Categories
DOE proposes to define several fan and blower categories to support
the scope proposals described in section III.A of this document.
As previously discussed, the classification of fans and blowers
recommended by the Working Group for coverage under a test procedure
and the corresponding terms and definitions in AMCA 214-21 and in the
CEC proposed regulations are presented in Table III-1 of this document.
The CEC definitions are similar to the AMCA 214-21 definitions. The
inclusion of additional language in the CEC definitions to indicate a
fan's intended application or whether a fan's inlet or outlet is
(optionally, as relevant) ducted is informative, but does not further
distinguish the terms. In addition, for axial panel fans, the CEC
definitions specifies that the housing is typically mounted to a wall
separating two spaces, and the fans are used to increase the pressure
across this wall. Inlets and outlets are not ducted.
DOE proposes to utilize the terminology and definitions specified
in AMCA 214-21 to define the categories of fans and blowers proposed in
the scope of applicability of the test procedure and tested using AMCA
210-16 as follows: (1) axial inline fan; (2) centrifugal housed fan;
(3) centrifugal unhoused fan; (4) centrifugal inline fan; (5) radial-
housed fan; and (6) PRVs. (See Table III-1 of this document). DOE
proposes to modify the definition of axial panel fan as provided in
AMCA 214-21 to distinguish these fans from air circulating axial panel
fans.\44\ The addition in the CEC definitions specifies that axial
panel fans are typically mounted to a wall separating two spaces, and
the fans are used to increase the pressure across this wall. This
description distinguishes axial panel fans from axial air circulating
panel fans, which do not have provisions for connection to ducting or
separation of the fan inlet from its outlet. However,

[[Page 44212]]

the CEC distinction is based on how the fan is installed. Instead, DOE
proposes to rely on physical features and to define axial panel fans as
follows:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\44\ The AMCA 214-21 and CEC definitions for these terms appear
in Table III-1 of this document.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Axial panel fans means an axial fan, without cylindrical housing,
that includes a panel, orifice plate, or ring with brackets for
mounting through a wall, ceiling, or other structure that separates the
fan's inlet from its outlet.
In addition, to support the exclusions proposed in section III.A.2
of this document, and clarify which fans would fall under the proposed
exclusions. DOE proposes a definition of ``safety fan'', as discussed
in section III.B.3 of this document. DOE also proposes to adopt
definitions of the terms ``induced flow fan'' and ``jet fan'' as
established in AMCA 214-21. In addition, DOE proposes to define
``cross-flow fan'' as defined in AMCA 208-18. See section III.A.2 of
this document.
DOE requests comment on the definitions proposed for the following
fan categories: (1) axial inline fan; (2) axial panel fan; (3)
centrifugal housed fan; (4) centrifugal unhoused fan; (5) centrifugal
inline fan; (6) radial-housed fan; and (7) PRVs, consistent with AMCA
214-21. If any of the definitions are not appropriate, DOE seeks input
on how they should be amended and why.
DOE seeks input and comments on the proposed definitions of (1)
induced flow fan, (2) jet fan, and (3) cross-flow fan consistent with
AMCA 214-21 and AMCA 208-18. If any of the definitions are not
appropriate, DOE seeks input on how they should be amended and why.
2. Basic Model
The basic model concept allows manufacturers to group like models
for the purpose of making representations of energy efficiency and/or
energy use, including for the purpose of demonstrating compliance with
DOE's energy conservation standards to the extent DOE has established
such standards. The concept of basic model may allow manufacturers to
reduce the amount of testing they must do to rate the energy use or
efficiency of their product. DOE's current regulations provide
equipment-specific basic model definitions, which typically state that
models within the same basic model group have ``essentially identical''
energy or water use characteristics; as well as a general definition
that provides (with some exceptions noted in the regulatory text) that
a basic model means ``all units of a given type of product (or class
thereof) manufactured by one manufacturer, having the same primary
energy source, and which have essentially identical electrical,
physical, and functional characteristics that affect energy
consumption, energy efficiency, water consumption, or water
efficiency.'' See for example 10 CFR 430.2; 431.62, 431.152, 431.192,
431.202, 431.222, and 431.292.
DOE proposes to add a definition of basic model specific to fans
and blowers that specifies a ``basic model'' as ``all units of fans and
blowers manufactured by one manufacturer, having the same primary
energy source, and having essentially identical electrical, physical,
and functional (e.g., aerodynamic) characteristics that affect energy
consumption.''
Fan and blower manufacturers may offer for sale the same bare shaft
fan assembled, packaged, or integrated with different motor,
transmission, and control combinations. Based on DOE's proposed basic
model definition, the same bare shaft fan, sold with different
combinations of motor, transmission, and controls (or as a bare shaft
fan) could be grouped under the same basic model. In addition, fan
manufacturers would be able to elect to group similar individual fan
models within the same basic model under the same ratings to reduce
testing burden, provided that all representations regarding the energy
use of fans within that basic model are identical and are based on the
most consumptive unit. See 76 FR 12422, 12428-12429 (March 7,
2011).\45\ Manufacturers would have the option to certify separate
ratings for each combination of bare shaft fan, motor, transmission
and/or control in order to make separate representations of the
performance of each specific combination.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\45\ These provision would allow manufacturers to group
individual models with essentially identical, but not exactly the
same, energy performance characteristics into a basic model to
reduce testing burden. Under DOE's certification requirements, all
the individual models within a basic model identified in a
certification report as being the same basic model must have the
same certified efficiency rating and use the same test data
underlying the certified rating. The March 7, 2011, final rule also
established that the efficiency rating of a basic model must be
based on the least efficient or most energy consuming individual
model (i.e., all individual models within a basic model must be at
least as energy efficient as the certified rating). 76 FR 12422,
12428-12429.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

In view of the substantial number of fans that could be subject to
an individual certification requirement for each basic model, the
Working Group discussed various options to reduce the burden of
certification when the basic models only differed in terms of a single
bare shaft fan feature, e.g., number of blades on the impeller, wheel
width, or pitch angle as opposed to a different motor, transmission or
control combination. (Docket No. EERE-2013-BT-STD-0006; Public Meeting
Transcript, No. 162 at pp. 24-63. One option discussed was to only
require testing and certifying a fan model based on a single value or
setting of the bare shaft fan feature, and only publishing one rating
for that fan model, without differentiating for the variations in the
given bare shaft fan feature. However, because this would provide
inaccurate performance information, this option was not further
considered. (Docket No. EERE-2013-BT-STD-0006; Public Meeting
Transcript, No. 162, at pp. 45-46)
A second option that was discussed was to require that
manufacturers certify a limited number of basic models and provide DOE
with a mathematical formula to enable interpolating results for non-
certified models. However, because these formulas can be proprietary
algorithms, this option was not further considered. (Docket No. EERE-
2013-BT-STD-0006; Public Meeting Transcript, No. 162 at p. 38 and at p.
48)
A third option that was discussed was to require manufacturers to
certify a limited number of basic models and to provide DOE with a
statement that all other fan variations based on changing one of the
bare shaft fan's features was also compliant. (Docket No. EERE-2013-BT-
STD-0006; Public Meeting Transcript, No. 162 at pp. 48, 61) For
example, a manufacturer would be required to certify one basic model at
the feature-setting corresponding to the highest energy consumption and
to submit to DOE a statement certifying that all other fan variations
based on changing that one feature were also compliant. Another example
would be to require manufacturers to certify the bounds of a range, for
example maximum and minimum impeller width, and submit a statement that
any fan model in between would be compliant. Under this option,
manufacturers would still be allowed to make representations of the FEP
and FEI of the non-certified basic models. (Docket No. EERE-2013-BT-
STD-0006; Public Meeting Transcript, No. 162 at p. 61)
A fourth option discussed was to allow manufacturers to be able to
submit an executable version of their selection programs to DOE for
certification instead of submitting a separate compliance statement and
certification report for each individual basic model, or variation of a
basic model which would constitute a new basic model. In addition,
because all manufacturers may not have a selection software, the
Working Group discussed that the equivalent alternative would be to
have to submit individual

[[Page 44213]]

certification statements and reports for each individual basic model
and any of their variations that would constitute a new basic model.
Test results for each basic model would need to be provided in a
tabular format, with the possibility of replacing the tabular format by
equations providing equivalent results (Docket No. EERE-2013-BT-STD-
0006; Public Meeting Transcript, No. 162, at pp. 62-77)
This fourth and last option was the one recommended by the Working
Group. (Docket No. EERE-2013-BT-STD-0006; No. 179, Recommendation #26,
at p. 13) Specifically, AMCA recommended that DOE use a process similar
to the Electronic Catalog Checking System (referred to as ``ECAT'')
used by AMCA to check the validity of fans offered for sale in
manufacturer selection programs. AMCA suggested that DOE use ECAT or a
comparable system to evaluate selection software that represents what
manufacturers offer for sale. (Docket No. EERE-2013-BT-STD-0006; AMCA,
No. 168 at p. 2) AMCA added that their members are especially concerned
with how manufacturers would certify fans with partial-width wheels and
reiterated that their preference is to allow submission of selection
software, or to tie each sale to a certified full width model with an
AEDM to simplify certification of a modified certified fan after
production. AMCA explained that very few partial-width wheel fans are
likely to ever be produced twice, however, manufacturers offer them for
sale using selection programs, displaying and documenting their
performance to customers. (Docket No. EERE-2013-BT-STD-0006; AMCA, No.
169 at p. 5)
Some manufacturers may distribute in commerce a fan model that can
be ``configured.'' For example, an adjustable-pitch axial fan of a
given size may be offered at 30 different blade pitches. Similarly, a
centrifugal fan of a given size may be offered in small increments of
impeller widths and impeller diameters without changing the housing
size. As each blade pitch angle is a variation of the same fan model,
DOE proposes that all blade pitches of a certain size adjustable-pitch
axial fan may be represented as a single basic model.
Similar to the approach taken for pumps for trimmed impellers (see
81 FR 4086, 4092-4093 (January 26, 2016), DOE proposes that, for
centrifugal fans, manufacturers represent efficiency at the full-
impeller width (i.e., 100 percent impeller width) and full-impeller
diameter (i.e., 100 percent impeller diameter). Fan performance
information is typically provided at 100 percent impeller width and 100
percent impeller diameter in manufacturer product literature.
Additionally, DOE proposes that all variations of a given full-size
impeller width and full-size impeller diameter may be considered to be
part of a single basic model represented by the fan with the full-size
impeller width and full-size diameter. As such, DOE proposes to define
``full-width impeller'' and ``full-diameter impeller'' as ``the maximum
impeller width and the maximum impeller diameter with which a given fan
basic model is distributed in commerce.'' The grouping of impeller
diameter variation under the same basic model would not allow grouping
of fans of different full-impeller size together. Rather, the proposal
would capture small increments of impeller widths and impeller
diameters (without changing the housing or structure of the fan). For
example, if a manufacturer offers the same fan model in the following
full-impeller sizes: 60, 70, 80, and 90 inches, each full-impeller size
would constitute a separate basic model. However, a fan with an
impeller trimmed to 69 inches could be grouped with the same 70-inch
untrimmed fan.
In summary, DOE proposes to define ``basic model'' as meaning ``all
units of fans and blowers manufactured by one manufacturer, having the
same primary energy source, and having essentially identical
electrical, physical, and functional (e.g., aerodynamic)
characteristics that affect energy consumption. In addition: (1) all
variations of blade pitches of an adjustable-pitch axial fan may be
considered a single basic model; and (2) all variations of impeller
widths and impeller diameters of a given full-width impeller and full-
diameter impeller centrifugal fan may be considered a single basic
model.''
DOE believes this approach will address concerns expressed by
commenters regarding the potentially large number of models that would
need to be considered.
DOE requests comment on the proposed definition of basic model,
with respect to fans and blowers.
3. Safety Fans
DOE proposes a definition of safety fan to support the exclusion
for safety fans proposed in section III.A.2 of this document.
In the energy conservation standards framework document published
February 1, 2013, DOE presented a definition for safety fans, as
follows: ``an axial or centrifugal fan designed for use in applications
requiring extra safety measures, such as: (a) those designed to operate
in potentially explosive atmospheres; (b) those designed for emergency
use only, at short-time duty, with regard to fire safety requirements;
(c) those designed specifically to operate where the temperature of
gases being moved exceed 500 [deg]F; and (d) those designed for toxic,
highly corrosive, or flammable environments with abrasive substances.''
(Docket No. EERE-2013-BT-STD-0006, No. 1, at p. 9) This definition was
based on the European Commission Regulation No. EU 327/2011.\46\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\46\ The definition from the European Commission Regulation No.
EU 327/2011 is provided in Article 1, Section 3 of the European
Commission Regulation No. EU 327/2011 which defines safety fans as
(1) Fans designed specifically to operate in potentially explosive
atmospheres; (2) Fans designed for emergency use only, at short-time
duty, with regard to fire safety requirements; (3) Fans designed
specifically to operate: (a) Where temperatures of the gas being
moved exceed 100 [deg]C; (b) Where ambient temperatures for the
motor, if located outside the gas airstream, driving the fan exceed
65 [deg]C; (c) Where the annual average temperature of the gas being
moved and/or the operating ambient temperature for the motor, if
located outside the gas stream, are lower than -40 [deg]C; (d) In
toxic, highly corrosive or flammable environments or in environments
with abrasive substances. See eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/
TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32011R0327.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Working Group recommended to exclude safety fans and further
included a recommended definition for these fans, consistent with the
European definition as follows: fans designed for use in applications
requiring extra safety measures, such as: (a) those designed to operate
in potentially explosive atmospheres (``ATEX'' fans); \47\ (b) those
designed for emergency use only, at short-time duty, with regard to
fire safety requirements (e.g., smoke extraction fans, emergency
reversible tunnel fans); (c) those designed specifically to operate
where the temperature of gases being moved exceed 200 [deg]F; \48\ or
(d) those designed for use in toxic, highly corrosive, or flammable
environments [or in environments] with abrasive substances (e.g. NQ-
1).\49\ (Docket No. EERE-2013-

[[Page 44214]]

BT-STD-0006; No. 179, Recommendation #2, at p. 2; No. 179, Appendix D,
at p. 17)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\47\ ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU covers equipment and protective
systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres or
``Atmosphere Explosive'' (``ATEX'').
\48\ The temperature limit in the safety fan definition as
written in the term sheet should have been of 200 [deg]C (392
[deg]F), and not 200 [deg]F. As specified in the term sheet, the
intent of the Working Group was to align the safety fan definition
with the European definition. The limit of 200 [deg]C corresponds to
``high temperature fans'' as defined in EN 12101-3:2002 ``Smoke and
heat control systems. Specification for powered smoke and heat
exhaust ventilators'', class F200 (resistant to 200 [deg]C during 20
minutes) and to the ``T3'' temperature classification in NFPA 70
(National Electrical Code, NEC) article 500 and 505.
\49\ Fans for nuclear applications were discussed during the
July 21, 2015 meeting of the Working Group. (Docket No. EERE-2013-
BT-STD-0006, No. 161, Public Meeting transcript, at p. 75) There was
a typographic error in the public meeting transcript and the term
sheet. The intent of ``NQ-1'' as written in the term sheet was to
refer to nuclear fans and refers to ``NQA-1'' or fans that meet the
requirements in American Society of Mechanical Engineering
(``ASME'') NQA-1 certification program ``Quality Assurance
Requirements for Nuclear Facility Applications.''
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

To help identify safety fans, the Working Group relied on the
description of physical characteristics, third party testing, or third
party verification terms such as ATEX and NQA-1 to identify nuclear
fans. The Working Group stated that the definition recommended in
appendix D may be subject to potential edits necessary to accomplish
the same intent. Id.
After publication of the term sheet, AMCA commented, with regard to
safety fans, that fans for nuclear installations should be exempted
from the rulemaking scope. (Docket No. EERE-2013-BT-STD-0006; AMCA, No.
169 at p. 3). In addition, AMCA noted that Working Group members agreed
that the high temperature limit for fans should be set at 200 [deg]C,
rather than 200 [deg]F, which is the temperature limit in the term
sheet. (Docket No. EERE-2013-BT-STD-0006; AMCA, No. 169 at p. 4).
As discussed in section III.A.2 of this document, the exceptions to
section 6.5.3.1.3 (``Fan Efficiency Requirements'') of ASHRAE 90.1-2019
related to safety fans include: fans used for moving gases at
temperatures above 482 [deg]F (equivalent to 250[deg]C); reversible
fans used for tunnel ventilation; and fans that are intended to only
operate during emergency conditions.
The CEC has proposed the following definition of safety fan: (1) a
fan that is designed and marketed to operate only at or above 482
[deg]F (250 [deg]C); (2) a reversible axial fan in cylindrical housing
that is designed and marketed for use in ducted tunnel ventilation that
will reverse operations under emergency ventilation conditions; (3) a
fan bearing an Underwriter Laboratories or Electric Testing
Laboratories listing for ``Power Ventilators for Smoke Control
Systems''; (4) an open discharge exhaust fan with integral discharge
nozzles which develop or maintain a minimum discharge velocity of 3000
feet per minute (``FPM''); (5) a fan constructed in accordance with
AMCA type A or B spark resistant construction as defined in ANSI/AMCA
Standard 99-16 Standards Handbook; (6) a fan designed and marketed for
use in explosive atmospheres and tested and marked according to EN
13463-1:2001 Non-electrical Equipment for Potentially Explosive
Atmospheres; or (7) an electric-motor-driven- Positive Pressure
Ventilator as defined in ANSI/AMCA Standard 240-15 Laboratory Methods
of Testing Positive Pressure Ventilators for Aerodynamic Performance
Rating.\50\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\50\ See CEC Docket No. 22-AAER-01, TN # 241950, Proposed
regulatory language for Commercial and Industrial Fans and Blowers,
at pp. 7-8.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Regarding item (1) of the CEC definition, the temperature limit in
the CEC definition is 250 [deg]C, compared to 200 [deg]C recommended in
the term sheet. This higher temperature aligns with the exceptions to
Section 6.5.3.1.3 of ASHRAE 90.1-2019 ``Fan Efficiency Requirements,''
which excludes fans used for moving gases at temperatures above 482
[deg]F (equivalent to 250[deg]C). Items (2), (3), (5),\51\ and (6) of
the CEC definition describe fans that are used in explosive atmospheres
or for smoke extraction. Item (4) of the CEC definition includes the
minimum discharge velocity of 3000 FPM, which corresponds to the
minimum safe discharge velocity per ANSI Z9.5-2012 ``Laboratory
Ventilation,'' \52\ which describes fans that are used in laboratory
environments. Finally, item (7) of the CEC definition, which relates to
positive pressure ventilator fans, describes fans that are used
(typically by firefighters) to remove heat and combustion products from
a structure. Positive pressure ventilator fans are excluded from AMCA
210-16 and are tested per AMCA 240-15, Laboratory Methods of Testing
Positive Pressure Ventilators for Aerodynamic Performance Rating.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\51\ Fan applications with airstreams of explosive or flammable
particles or gases require spark resistant construction in
accordance with AMCA spark resistant specifications as described in
ANSI/AMCA Standard 99-16 ``Standards Handbook''. Spark resistant
construction is intended to prevent any two or more fan components
from generating sparks within the airstream by rubbing or striking
during operation. AMCA 99-16 defines three classes of spark
construction resistant constructions: A, B and C, with level C being
the ``entry level'' and level A offering the highest degree of spark
resistance.
\52\ ANSI/AIHA/ASSE Z9.5-2012, ``Laboratory Ventilation''
provides laboratory ventilation requirements and practices.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Based on a review of the existing industry and regulatory
definitions of ``safety fan,'' DOE has tentatively determined that the
definition proposed by the CEC is representative of the equipment
considered ``safety fans''; i.e., fans that can operate at high
temperatures, fans that are used in explosive atmospheres or for smoke
extraction, fans that are used in laboratory environments, and fans
used to remove heat and combustion products from a structure.
Therefore, DOE proposes to adopt a definition in line with the
definition proposed by the CEC with the following edits. Regarding item
(1) of the CEC definition: DOE proposes not to include the term
``only'' from ``a fan that is designed and marketed to operate only at
or above 482 degrees Fahrenheit (250 degrees Celsius)'' because DOE has
tentatively determined that a fan that can operate at or above a
certain temperature can also operate below. Regarding item (4) DOE has
tentatively determined that the definition of safety fans is equivalent
to ``laboratory exhaust fans'' as defined in Section 3.52 of AMCA 214-
21: fans designed and marketed specifically for exhausting contaminated
air vertically away from a building using a high-velocity discharge.
DOE is considering replacing item (4) with ``laboratory exhaust fans''
and to define it in accordance with AMCA 214-21. DOE also reviewed item
(6) and notes that the referenced industry standard is no longer
current has been replaced. In 2008, the International Electrotechnical
Commission System for Certification to Standards Relating to Equipment
for Use in Explosive Atmospheres replaced EN 13463-1 by ISO 80079-36,''
Explosive atmospheres--Part 36: Non-electrical equipment for explosive
atmospheres--Basic method and requirements''.\53\ The latest version of
ISO 80079-36 is the 2016 edition. Therefore, DOE proposes to reference
ISO 80079-36:2016, instead of EN 13463-1:2001. In addition, DOE notes
that AMCA 230-15 is under review and DOE proposes to update the
reference to the latest version of AMCA 230 available at the time of
publication of the test procedure final rule.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\53\ See <a href="http://www.intertek.com/blog/2019-03-14-hazloc/">www.intertek.com/blog/2019-03-14-hazloc/</a>.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

DOE requests comments on its proposed definition of safety fans.
Specifically, DOE requests comments in whether item (4) of the CEC
definition of safety fans is equivalent to ``laboratory exhaust fans''
as defined in Section 3.52 of AMCA 214-21.
4. Air Circulating Fans
In the October 2021 RFI, DOE published a request for information
regarding potential test procedures for fans and blowers, specifically
for air circulating fans and ACFHs. 86 FR 54412. DOE noted that Section
5.1 of AMCA 230-15 defines an ``air circulating fan'' as ``a non-ducted
fan used for the general circulation of air within a confined space.''
86 FR 54412, 54414. Further, AMCA 230-15 classifies ACFHs as a category
of air circulating

[[Page 44215]]

fans and defines ACFHs in Section 5.1.1 of AMCA 230-15 as follows: ``an
assembly consisting of a motor, impeller and guard for mounting on a
pedestal having a base and column, wall mount bracket, ceiling mount
bracket, I-beam bracket or other commonly accepted mounting means.''
Section 5.1.1 of AMCA 230-15. DOE noted that Section 3.15 of AMCA 214-
21 defines the term ``circulating fan'' as ``a fan that is not a
ceiling fan that is used to move air within a space that has no
provision for connection to ducting or separation of the fan inlet from
its outlet. The fan is designed to be used for the general circulation
of air.'' Id. DOE also noted that AMCA 214-21 does not include a
definition for ACFH. Id. DOE requested feedback on the definitions of
air circulating fan and ACFHs as provided in AMCA 230-15, and of other
categories of air circulating fans (i.e., personnel coolers, box fans,
and table fans). 86 FR 54412, 54414.
AMCA commented that it did not support using the AMCA 230-15
definition of ``air circulating fan'' because it had been updated in
AMCA 214-21. In addition, AMCA recommended adding ``air'' to the
defined term (i.e., ``air circulating fan''). (AMCA, No. 6 at p. 3)
In response to the February 2022 ECS RFI, ebm papst commented that
the descriptions of the different types of ACFs in AMCA 230 were not
intended to be used for delineating ACFs into different classes in DOE
regulations. (Docket No. EERE-2022-BT-STD-0002, ebm-papst, No. 8 at p.
2)
Since the end of the comment period, the AMCA 230 committee \54\has
been considering a revised definition of air circulating fan as
follows: a fan that has no provision for connection to ducting or
separation of the fan inlet from its outlet using a pressure boundary,
operates against zero external static pressure loss, and is not a jet
fan (as defined in AMCA 214-21).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\54\ A technical Committee was formed to review AMCA 230-15. For
more information see <a href="https://www.cognitoforms.com/AMCA1/_230TechnicalCommitteeInvitation10132021">https://www.cognitoforms.com/AMCA1/_230TechnicalCommitteeInvitation10132021</a>.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

DOE reviewed the definition of ``air circulating fan'' in AMCA 214-
21 and notes that the description of the intended application is
unnecessary and may create confusion with the proposed ceiling fan
definition, as discussed further in this section. In addition, as noted
previously, DOE does not consider ceiling fans as fans and blowers, and
therefore ceiling fans are not included as ``air circulating fans''.
For this reason, DOE has determined that it is unnecessary to specify
that an air circulating fan is not a ceiling fan within the definition
of air circulating fan. DOE also reviewed the definition being
considered by the AMCA 230 committee which adds the following terms ''
using a pressure boundary'' and ``operates at zero static pressure'' to
further specify that air circulating fans do not have any provision for
connection to ducting or separation of the fan inlet from its outlet
that would create a static pressure differential between the inlet and
the outlet of the fan. In addition, DOE agrees that jet fans should be
excluded as discussed in section III.A.2 of this document.
Therefore, DOE proposes to define air circulating fan using the
definition being considered by the AMCA 230 committee as it provides
further specificity and proposes to define air circulating fans as ``a
fan that has no provision for connection to ducting or separation of
the fan inlet from its outlet using a pressure boundary, operates
against zero external static pressure loss, and is not a jet fan.''
Air circulating fans exist in different configurations depending on
the impeller design (axial or centrifugal), presence or absence of a
guard and/or housing, and the shape of the housing. As discussed, AMCA
230-15 (with errata) includes the following equipment categories
discussed in the remainder of this section: (1) ACFHs; (2) personnel
coolers; (3) box fans; and (4) table fans.
In response to the October 2021 RFI, AMCA commented that it does
not support DOE using the AMCA 230-15 definition of ACFH because AMCA
believes the definition seems insufficient to distinguish ACFHs from
ceiling fans. AMCA additionally commented that because ACFHs can be
sold with mounting kits for installation onto ceilings, I-beams, or
other overhead structures, there is confusion in the industry as to
whether they meet the statutory definition of ceiling fan. Instead,
AMCA recommended adopting a modified ACFH definition as follows: ``An
assembly consisting of a motor, impeller and guard for mounting on a
pedestal having a base and column, wall mount bracket, ceiling mount
bracket, I-beam bracket or other commonly accepted mounting means. ACFH
do not have housings with solid walls, such as tubes, boxes or panels.
An ACFH has a maximum value of diameter-to-maximum-operating-speed
ratio (e.g., 0.06 inches per rotations per minute (``in/RPM'')) to
distinguish ACFH from ceiling fans. ACFH are known by other names in
the various industries in which they are used, including basket fan,
horizontal-airflow fan, and stir fan''. AMCA suggested that the
revisions would ensure the definition separates ACFHs from other types
of air circulating fans and that including the maximum-value threshold
of 0.06 in/RPM would separate ACFHs from ceiling fans. AMCA
additionally commented that the suggested revisions further highlight
alternative names for ACFHs used in industry. (AMCA, No. 6 at p. 4)
AMCA also provided supporting analysis of the performance data of 178
models of air circulating fan heads, all of which had a diameter-to-
maximum-operating-speed ratio less than 0.06 in/RPM, as recommended in
the ACFH definition. (AMCA, No. 6 at p. 5)
The CA IOUs recommended that DOE add the following sentence to the
definition of ACFH to the existing definition in AMCA 230-15 to
distinguish ACFHs from ceiling fans and other air circulating fans such
as personnel and livestock coolers: ``ACFHs do not have housings with
solid walls such as tubes, boxes, or panels. An ACFH has a maximum
value of diameter-to-maximum operating speed ratio of 0.06 in/RPM (inch
per revolution per minute)''. The CA IOUs explained that the addition
would clarify that ACFHs are basket-type fans that do not have solid
housings. (CA IOUs, No. 9 at pp. 1-2)
NEEA commented in support of AMCA's analysis of the existing market
and of using 0.06 in/RPM as the maximum value for ACFHs. (NEEA, No. 11
at p.1)
AHRI supported the explicit inclusion of ACFHs under fans and
blowers, with modifications to the definition of ACFHs as recommended
by AMCA. AHRI commented in support of AMCA's proposed additions to the
ACFH definition to specify that an ACFH ``do(es) not have housings with
solid walls, such as tubes, boxes or panels.'' AHRI commented that the
inclusion of this text is important, stating that it not only helps
define the product, but it also clearly fits within the scope of AMCA
214-21. AHRI stated that AMCA 214-21 specifies that ``AMCA Standard 214
primarily is for fans that are tested alone or with motors and drives;
it does not apply to fans tested embedded inside of other equipment,''
and as such, that it is only necessary to regulate standalone fans.
(AHRI, No. 10 at p. 2)
MEP commented that broad definitions result in significant and
undue burden on manufacturers that use any type of fan in any of their
products, as those manufacturers have to evaluate each product against
each proposed aspect of each step in the regulatory process. MEP
recommended that DOE establish ACFH as a product

[[Page 44216]]

category of fans as defined at 10 CFR 431.172 with the following
definition: ``ACFHs are fans powered by poly-phase electric current
with a fan shaft power greater than 3 hp and which only provide
concentrated directional airflow and where the construction consists of
a motor, impeller, guard, and may include connections for mounting or
support and which are exclusive of other covered products or fans
embedded inside of other equipment or products.'' MEP commented that
the definition of ceiling fan is obvious and exclusionary from an ACFH.
MEP further stated that AMCA recognizes the definition of ``embedded
fan'' in Section 3.25.4 of ANSI/AMCA 214-21 as ``a fan that is part of
a manufactured assembly where the assembly includes functions other
than air movement'' and recommended that DOE include this qualification
in the Federal definition of ACFH to clarify the separation between
ceiling fans and other products that use fans for purposes other than
air circulation (e.g., combustion, humidification, dehumidification,
heating, or cooling to name a few). (MEP, No. 5 at p. 1) .
Since the end of the comment period, the AMCA 230 committee has
considered a revised definition of ACFH, under the term ``ACFH,
unhoused'' as follows: an air circulating fan without housing, having
an axial impeller with a ratio of fan-blade span (in inches) to maximum
rate of rotation (in revolutions per minute) less than or equal to
0.06. The impeller may or may not be guarded.
On December 7, 2021, DOE published a supplemental notice of
proposed test procedures for ceiling fans. 86 FR 69544 (``December 2021
Ceiling Fans SNOPR''). In the December 2021 Ceiling Fans SNOPR, DOE
proposed a definition of ceiling fan that specifies the term
``circulating air'' based on diameter-to-maximum operating speed ratio:
a fan for ``circulating air'' is one with a ratio of fan blade span (in
inches) to maximum rotation rate (in revolutions per minute) greater
than 0.06. 86 FR 69544, 69551. To support this proposed definition, DOE
performed an independent analysis and tentatively determined that ACFHs
have a diameter-to-maximum operating speed ratio of less than or equal
to 0.06 in/RPM. 86 FR 69544, 69550.
ACFHs are air circulating fans without a housing (i.e., cylindrical
housing, box housing, or panel). They have an axial impeller which is
typically surrounded by a guard and are commonly called ``basket
fans''. Therefore, the added specification of ``unhoused'' in the
definition from the AMCA 230 committee is helpful to further
distinguish these fans. DOE reviewed comments from stakeholders and has
tentatively determined that the definition being considered by the AMCA
230 committee would address stakeholder comments and would ensure that
ACFH are distinguished from other types of fans and blowers and air
circulating fans. Therefore, DOE proposes to define an unhoused ACFH as
follows: ``An air circulating fan without housing, having an axial
impeller with a ratio of fan-blade span (in inches) to maximum rate of
rotation (in revolutions per minute) less than or equal to 0.06. The
impeller may or may not be guarded. '' The 0.06 in/RPM threshold is
appropriate to differentiate ACFHs from ceiling fans and aligns with
the December 2021 Ceiling Fans SNOPR. In addition, the additional
description of the absence of a housing would ensure that ACFHs are
distinguished from other categories of fans and blowers and air
circulating fans. Table fans would be included in the proposed
definition of unhoused ACFHs.
As previously noted, air circulating fans also come with housings.
To describe air circulating fans with housings, the AMCA 230 committee
is considering a definition of housed ACHFs as: an air circulating fan
with an axial or centrifugal impeller, and a housing. DOE has
tentatively determined that the definition considered by the AMCA 230
committee accurately describes all categories of equipment that fall
under housed ACFHs, therefore, DOE proposes to adopt the definition
established by the AMCA 230 committee. The AMCA 230 committee is
further considering establishing definitions for four categories of
housed ACFHs, as follows: (1) an air circulating axial panel fan means
an axial air circulating fan without a cylindrical housing or box
housing that is mounted on a panel, orifice plate or ring (also
commonly known as panel fan, cow cooler, livestock cooler); (2) a box
fan means an axial air circulating fan without a cylindrical housing
that is mounted on a panel, orifice plate or ring and is mounted in a
box housing; (3) a cylindrical air circulating fan means an axial air
circulating fan in a cylindrical housing that is not a positive
pressure ventilator (``PPV'') (also commonly known as personnel cooler,
barrel fan, drum fan, high velocity fan, portable cooler, thermal
mixing fan, destratification fan, downblast fan); and (4) a housed
centrifugal air circulator means a fan with a centrifugal or radial
impeller in which airflow exits into a housing that is generally scroll
shaped to direct the air through a single, narrow fan outlet (also
commonly known as utility blower, loading dock fan, carpet dryer, floor
fan).
DOE reviewed additional air circulating fans with housing
distributed in commerce and has tentatively identified four categories
of air circulating fans based on the blade design (i.e., axial or
centrifugal) and housing configuration (i.e., panel, box, cylindrical,
or scroll shaped), matching the equipment segmentation considered by
the AMCA 230 committee. In addition, as discussed in section III.B.3,
DOE proposes to exclude PPVs and proposes to add this clarification
when defining cylindrical air circulating fans. DOE has tentatively
determined that the definitions considered by the AMCA 230 committee
accurately describes the four categories of equipment that DOE
identified as meeting the definition of housed ACFH. Therefore, DOE
proposes to adopt the definitions of air circulating axial panel pan,
box fan, cylindrical air circulating fan, and housed centrifugal air
circulator as considered by the AMCA 230 committee, with the following
clarifications: (1) DOE proposes to replace ``air circulating fan'' by
``housed air circulating fan head'' to explicitly indicate that each of
these fans are housed ACFHs; (2) replace the term ``circulator'' by ''
circulating fan'' for consistency in terminology; (3) remove the
examples of additional terms used commonly by industry. Personnel
coolers (as defined in AMCA 230-15 (with errata)) would be included
under the proposed cylindrical air circulating fan definition.
In response to the February 2022 ECS RFI, the CA IOUs commented
that DOE should include panel fans as ACFs and that panel fans are
often used as ACFs for air circulation and cooling for residential,
commercial, and agricultural spaces. They also stated that most of the
ACFs in the Bioenvironmental and Structural System Lab (``BESS Lab'')
database are panel fans. (Docket No. EERE-2022-BT-STD-0002, CA IOUs,
No. 7 at p. 5-6) ebm papst recommended that the DOE test procedure
should clearly state that basket fans (consisting of a motor, axial
impeller, and a basket-style guard that partially or completely
encloses the rotating parts) should be tested according to AMCA 230.
(Docket No. EERE-2022-BT-STD-0002, ebm-papst, No. 8 at p. 2)
As noted previously, DOE proposes to include axial panel air
circulating fan as a category of housed ACFH. In addition, DOE notes
that basket fans meet the

[[Page 44217]]

proposed definition of unhoused ACFH and would therefore be tested in
accordance with AMCA 214-21, referencing AMCA 230-15 (with errata) and
modifications proposed in this notice.
For all definitions related to air circulating fans, DOE is aware
that the revisions being considered by the AMCA 230 committee are
subject to change and could further be revised in the next version of
AMCA 230. Should the revised version of AMCA 230 publish prior to the
publication of any DOE test procedure final rule, DOE intends, after
considering stakeholder feedback received in response to the proposals
in this document, to revise the definitions in line with the latest
AMCA 230 standard, provided the updates in this standard are consistent
with the definitions DOE is proposing in this NOPR or the updates are
related to topics that DOE has discussed and for which DOE has
solicited comments in this NOPR.
DOE requests comment on the proposed definitions for air
circulating fan and related terms.
5. Definitions Related to Heat Rejection Equipment
As stated, DOE is proposing to exclude from the scope of the test
procedure fans and blowers exclusively embedded in heat rejection
equipment, specifically fans and blowers exclusively embedded in
packaged evaporative open circuit cooling towers; evaporative field-
erected open circuit cooling towers; packaged evaporative closed-
circuit cooling towers; evaporative field-erected closed-circuit
cooling towers; packaged evaporative condensers; field-erected
evaporative condensers; packaged air-cooled (dry) coolers; field-
erected air-cooled (dry) cooler; air-cooled steam condensers; and
hybrid (water saving) versions of such listed equipment that contain
both evaporative and air-cooled heat exchange sections. The Working
Group provided the following definitions for these equipment:
<bullet> Packaged evaporative open-circuit cooling tower: a device
which rejects heat to the atmosphere through the direct cooling of a
water stream to a lower temperature by partial evaporation;
<bullet> Evaporative field erected open-circuit cooling tower: a
structure which rejects heat to the atmosphere through the direct
cooling of a water stream to a lower temperature by partial
evaporation;
<bullet> Packaged evaporative closed-circuit cooling tower: a
device which rejects heat to the atmosphere through the indirect
cooling of a process fluid stream in an internal coil to a lower
temperature by partial evaporation of an external recirculating water
flow;
<bullet> Evaporative field erected closed-circuit cooling tower: a
structure which rejects heat to the atmosphere through the indirect
cooling of a process fluid stream to a lower temperature by partial
evaporation of an external recirculating water flow;
<bullet> Packaged evaporative condenser: a device which rejects
heat to the atmosphere through the indirect condensing of a refrigerant
in an internal coil by partial evaporation of an external recirculating
water flow;
<bullet> Field erected evaporative condenser: a structure which
rejects heat to the atmosphere through the indirect condensing of a
refrigerant in an internal coil by partial evaporation of an external
recirculating water flow;
<bullet> Packaged air-cooled (dry) cooler: a device which rejects
heat to the atmosphere from a fluid, either liquid, gas or a mixture
thereof, flowing through an air-cooled internal coil;
<bullet> Field erected air-cooled (dry) cooler: a structure which
rejects heat to the atmosphere from a fluid, either liquid, gas or a
mixture thereof, flowing through an air-cooled internal coil; and
<bullet> Air-cooled steam condensers: a device for rejecting heat
to the atmosphere through the indirect condensing of steam inside air-
cooled finned tubes. (Docket No. EERE-2013-BT-STD-0006, No. 179,
Recommendation #2, at pp. 2-3)
As discussed in of this document. DOE proposes to exclude fans
exclusively embedded in heat rejection equipment, consistent with the
recommendation of the Working Group. To support these exclusions, DOE
proposes to adopt definitions of the terms used to specify the relevant
heat rejection equipment. The proposed definitions are based on the
recommendations of the Working Group. (Docket No. EERE-2013-BT-STD-
0006, No. 179, Recommendations #2, at pp. 2-3)
DOE requests comment on the proposed definitions related to heat
rejection equipment.
6. Outlet Area
The equations in Section A.2 of AMCA 208-18, discussed in section
III.D.10 of this document, require determination of the fan outlet or
discharge area. Section 5.5.4 of AMCA 230-15 (with errata), defines the
discharge area as the area of a circle having a diameter equal to the
blade tip diameter. DOE notes that this definition is only applicable
to unhoused ACFHs as the discharge area of a housed ACFH is determined
based on the surface area at the exit of the housing and is not based
on the fan blade tip diameter. In contrast, Section 3.57 of AMCA 214-21
provides the following definition of outlet area: the area in contact
with the fan's outlet. AMCA 99-16 provides the following definitions of
fan outlet and fan outlet area: (1) fan outlet means the plane
perpendicular to the airstream at the outlet opening of the fan or the
manufacturer-supplied evas[eacute] or diffuser; (2) fan outlet area
means the gross inside area measured at the plane of the outlet
opening. For a roof ventilator, it is the gross impeller outlet area
for centrifugal types or the gross housing area at the impeller for
axial types (see Section 0066 of AMCA 99-16).
The AMCA 230 committee is considering revising the definition of
discharge area to include housed ACFHs, and to replace the term
``discharge area'' by ``fan outlet area'', which is a more commonly
used term. In addition, the AMCA committee is considering adding
diagrams to further clarify how the fan outlet area should be
determined for housed ACFHs.
In this NOPR, DOE is proposing a definition for fan outlet area
specific to air circulating fans as (i.e., ``air circulating fan outlet
area''): (1) for unhoused ACHFs, the area of a circle having a diameter
equal to the blade tip diameter; (2) for housed ACFHs, the inside area
perpendicular to the airstream, measured at the plane of the opening
through which the air exits the fan.
For fans and blowers other than air circulating fans, DOE notes
that Annex H of AMCA 210-16 includes requirements for determining where
the fan outlet area is measured for different fan categories and also
references AMCA 99-16, which includes further diagrams to aid in the
determination of the outlet area. DOE has tentatively determined that
for fans and blowers other than air circulating fans, the current
definition in AMCA 214-21 and the existing requirements in Annex H of
AMCA 210-16 are sufficient to determine the outlet area and is not
proposing edits. Should DOE receive comments that additional
specifications are required, DOE may consider revising the definition
of outlet area for fans and blowers other than air circulating fans.
DOE requests comment on its proposed definition of air circulating
fan outlet area. DOE additionally requests comment on whether the
definition of outlet area for fans and blowers other than air
circulating fans should be revised and, if so, how.

[[Page 44218]]

C. Industry Standards

DOE's established practice is to adopt industry standards as DOE
test procedures, unless such methodology would be unduly burdensome to
conduct or would not produce test results that reflect the energy
efficiency, energy use, water use (as specified in EPCA) or estimated
operating costs of that product during a representative average use
cycle. 10 CFR 431.4; 10 CFR part 430 subpart C appendix A section 8(c).
The Working Group recommended that the test procedure for
commercial and industrial fans:
(1) For standalone (non-embedded) fans, be based on a physical test
performed in accordance with the latest version of AMCA 210 (i.e.,
available at the time of publication of any test procedure final rule)
(Docket No. EERE-2013-BT-STD-0006, No. 179, Recommendation #7, at p.
5); \55\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\55\ Currently the latest version of AMCA 210 is AMCA 210-16.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

(2) Establish methods to determine the ``FEP'' either by: the
direct measurement of the electrical input power to the fan, or by the
measurement of the mechanical input power to the fan (i.e., a fan shaft
power test, which captures the performance of the bare-shaft fan) and
by applying default values (i.e., calculation algorithms) to reflect
the additional motor, transmission, or motor controller energy use
(Docket No. EERE-2013-BT-STD-0006, No. 179, Recommendation #9, at pp.
5-6); and \56\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\56\ A bare-shaft fan is a fan without a motor or any other
drive.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

(3) Allow the use of equations (``fan laws'') to determine the
performance of a bare-shaft fan at a non-tested speed, based on the
results of a test conducted at a different speed. (Docket No. EERE-
2013-BT-STD-0006, No. 179, Recommendation #17, at p. 10)
The Working Group also recommended specific test set-up and minimal
testable configurations to use for each fan category.\57\ (Docket No.
EERE-2013-BT-STD-0006, No. 179, Recommendation #7, at p. 5)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\57\ AMCA 214-21 references AMCA 210-2016 as the physical test
method to use for fans and blowers (except ACFHs). AMCA 210-16
describes four fan test set-ups (or ``installation categories'')
designated by a letter, depending on the ducting at the inlet and
outlet of the fan. ``A'': free inlet, free outlet; ``B'': free
inlet, ducted outlet; ``C'': ducted inlet, free outlet; and ``D'':
ducted inlet, ducted outlet.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Working Group further made recommendations on calculation
algorithms and reference values to use to represent the motor,
transmission, and motor controller energy efficiency when testing a fan
based on a fan shaft power test. (Docket No. EERE-2013-BT-STD-0006, No.
179, Recommendations #10 through #15, at pp. 6-9) Additionally, the
Working Group recommended that embedded fans be tested in a standalone
fan configuration (i.e., outside of the piece of equipment in which
they are embedded). Because some components of embedded fans may not be
removable without causing irreversible damage to the equipment, the
Working Group recommended non-impeller components of the fan that are
geometrically similar to the ones used by the fan as embedded in the
larger piece of equipment be used to complete the fan testable
configuration. (Docket No. EERE-2013-BT-STD-0006, No. 179,
Recommendation #8, at pp. 5-6) The Working Group also recommended
calculating FEP as the ratio of the electrical input power of a
reference fan (in this case, a fan that is exactly compliant with any
future fan energy conservation standards) to the electrical input power
of the actual fan for which the FEP is calculated, both established at
the same duty point.\58\ In addition, the Working Group recommended
using either static or total pressure \59\ to characterize the duty
point of a fan and to calculate the associated reference FEP, depending
on the fan category and the test set-up used.\60\ (Docket No. EERE-
2013-BT-STD-0006, No. 179, Recommendations #18, #19, at pp. 10-11)
Finally, the Working Group recommended equations and default values to
use when calculating the reference FEP of a fan at a given duty point.
(Docket No. EERE-2013-BT-STD-0006, No. 179, Recommendations #18 through
#21, at pp. 10-12)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\58\ A duty point is characterized by a given airflow and
pressure and has a corresponding operating speed.
\59\ Fan total pressure is the air pressure that exists by
virtue of the state of the air and the rate of motion of the air. It
is the sum of velocity pressure and static pressure at a point. If
air is at rest, its total pressure will equal the static pressure.
\60\ Depending on the fan category, the fan performance is
represented using a test set-up with a ducted outlet (i.e., using
total pressure) or a free outlet (i.e., using static pressure) to
reflect typical usage conditions. Fans with ducts attached to the
fan's outlet are typically selected based on their performance at a
given airflow and total pressure, because both the static pressure
and fan velocity pressure are available to overcome system
resistance. However, fans with a free outlet are typically selected
based on their performance at a given airflow and static pressure,
because the velocity pressure cannot be used to overcome system
resistance. The Working Group recommended using total pressure for
some categories of fans (i.e., axial cylindrical housed fans,
centrifugal housed fans, inline and mixed flow fans, and radial
housed fans) and static pressure for others (i.e., panel fans,
centrifugal unhoused fans, and PRVs).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Since the publication of the term sheet, AMCA has revised and
developed test standards consistent with the recommendations of the
Working Group:
<bullet> In September 2016, AMCA published AMCA 210-16, which
updated ANSI/AMCA 210-2007, ``Laboratory Methods of Testing Fans for
Certified Aerodynamic Performance Rating'', to include a wire-to-air
test method, which captures the performance of any motor, transmission,
or motor controller present in the fan, in addition to the performance
of the bare-shaft fan (i.e., a measurement of the FEP in kW), in
addition to the previously existing methods for conducting laboratory
tests to determine fan shaft power in hp, airflow in cubic feet per
minute (``cfm''), pressure in inches of water gauge (``in. wg.''), and
at a given speed of rotation in ``RPM''.
<bullet> In April 2017, AMCA published ANSI/AMCA Standard 207-2017
``Fan System Efficiency and Fan System Input Power''. This publication
provides calculation algorithms representing the performance of
reference motors, transmissions, and motor controllers. These
calculations can be directly applied to the results of a fan shaft
power test in accordance with AMCA 210-16 to obtain the FEP of a fan at
a given duty point.
<bullet> In January 2018, AMCA published ``AMCA 208-18''. This
publication defines FEI as the ratio of the electrical input power of a
reference fan to the electrical input power of the actual fan for which
FEI is calculated, both established at the same duty point. It provides
equations to calculate the FEP of a fan of as a function of airflow and
pressure (either static or total depending on the fan category
considered).
Building on these test sta

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