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Notice2022-15726

Energy Conservation Program: Notification of Petition for Waiver of Norlake, Inc., dba Refrigerated Solutions Group, From the Department of Energy Walk-In Coolers and Walk-In Freezers Test Procedure and Notification of Grant of Interim Waiver

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Published

July 22, 2022

Issuing agencies

Energy Department

Abstract

This notification announces receipt of and publishes a petition for waiver and interim waiver from Norlake, Inc., dba Refrigerated Solutions Group ("RSG"), which seeks a waiver for specified walk-in cooler and walk-in freezer ("walk-in") refrigeration system basic models from the U.S. Department of Energy ("DOE") test procedure used for determining the efficiency of walk-in refrigeration systems. DOE also gives notification of an Interim Waiver Order that requires RSG to test and rate the specified walk-in basic models in accordance with the alternate test procedure set forth in the Interim Waiver Order. DOE solicits comments, data, and information concerning RSG's petition and its suggested alternate test procedure so as to inform DOE's final decision on RSG's waiver request.

Full Text

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<title>Federal Register, Volume 87 Issue 140 (Friday, July 22, 2022)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 140 (Friday, July 22, 2022)]
[Notices]
[Pages 43808-43837]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2022-15726]

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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

[Case Number 2022-004; EERE-2022-BT-WAV-0010]

Energy Conservation Program: Notification of Petition for Waiver
of Norlake, Inc., dba Refrigerated Solutions Group, From the Department
of Energy Walk-In Coolers and Walk-In Freezers Test Procedure and
Notification of Grant of Interim Waiver

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

ACTION: Notification of petition for waiver and grant of an interim
waiver; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: This notification announces receipt of and publishes a
petition for waiver and interim waiver from Norlake, Inc., dba
Refrigerated Solutions Group (``RSG''), which seeks a waiver for
specified walk-in cooler and walk-in freezer (``walk-in'')
refrigeration system basic models from the U.S. Department of Energy
(``DOE'') test procedure used for determining the efficiency of walk-in
refrigeration systems. DOE also gives notification of an Interim Waiver
Order that requires RSG to test and rate the specified walk-in basic
models in accordance with the alternate test procedure set forth in the
Interim Waiver Order. DOE solicits comments, data, and information
concerning RSG's petition and its suggested alternate test procedure so
as to inform DOE's final decision on RSG's waiver request.

DATES: Written comments and information are requested and will be
accepted on or before August 22, 2022.

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-2022-BT-WAV-0010. Alternatively, interested persons may
submit comments, identified by docket number EERE-2022-BT-WAV-0010, by
any of the following methods:
1. Email: to <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#c193928696888287f3f1f3f3968097f1f1f0f181a4a4efa5aea4efa6aeb7">[email&#160;protected]</a>. Include docket number
EERE-2022-BT-WAV-0010 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.

[[Page 43809]]

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 the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section of this document.
Docket: The docket, which includes Federal Register notices,
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, some documents listed in the
index, such as those containing information that is exempt from public
disclosure, may not be publicly available.
The docket web page can be found at <a href="http://www.regulations.gov/document/EERE-2022-BT-WAV-0010-0001">www.regulations.gov/document/EERE-2022-BT-WAV-0010-0001</a>. The docket web page contains instruction on
how to access all documents, including public comments, in the docket.
See the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section for information on how to
submit comments through <a href="http://www.regulations.gov">www.regulations.gov</a>.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Ms. Julia Hegarty, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy
Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Building Technologies Office, Mailstop
EE-5B, 1000 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20585-0121.
Telephone: (240) 597-6737. Email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#7233212d25131b0417002d201703071701063217175c161d175c151d04">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
Mr. Michael Kido, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of the General
Counsel, Mail Stop GC-33, Forrestal Building, 1000 Independence Avenue
SW, Washington, DC 20585-0103. Telephone: (202) 586-8145. Email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#65280c060d0400094b2e0c010a250d144b010a004b020a13">[email&#160;protected]</a>.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: DOE is publishing RSG's petition for waiver
in its entirety, pursuant to 10 CFR 431.401(b)(1)(iv).\1\ DOE is also
publishing the Interim Waiver Order granted RSG, which serves as
notification of DOE's determination regarding RSG's petition for an
interim waiver, pursuant to 10 CFR 431.401(e)(3). DOE invites all
interested parties to submit in writing by August 22, 2022, comments
and information on all aspects of the petition, including the alternate
test procedure. Pursuant to 10 CFR 431.401(d), any person submitting
written comments to DOE must also send a copy of such comments to the
petitioner. The contact information for the petitioner is Mr. Bill
Larson, <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#5133383d3023223e3f1123343722367f323e3c">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
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\1\ The petition did not identify any of the information
contained therein as confidential business information.
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Submitting comments via <a href="http://www.regulations.gov">www.regulations.gov</a>. The
<a href="http://www.regulations.gov">www.regulations.gov</a> web page will require you to provide your name and
contact information. Your contact information will be viewable to DOE
Building Technologies staff only. Your contact information will not be
publicly viewable except for your first and last names, organization
name (if any), and submitter representative name (if any). If your
comment is not processed properly because of technical difficulties,
DOE will use this information to contact you. If DOE cannot read your
comment due to technical difficulties and cannot contact you for
clarification, DOE may not be able to consider your comment.
However, your contact information will be publicly viewable if you
include it in the comment or in any documents attached to your comment.
Any information that you do not want to be publicly viewable should not
be included in your comment, nor in any document attached to your
comment. If this instruction is followed, persons viewing comments will
see only first and last names, organization names, correspondence
containing comments, and any documents submitted with the comments.
Do not submit to <a href="http://www.regulations.gov">www.regulations.gov</a> information for which
disclosure is restricted by statute, such as trade secrets and
commercial or financial information (hereinafter referred to as
Confidential Business Information (``CBI'')). Comments submitted
through <a href="http://www.regulations.gov">www.regulations.gov</a> cannot be claimed as CBI. Comments received
through the website will waive any CBI claims for the information
submitted. For information on submitting CBI, see the Confidential
Business Information section.
DOE processes submissions made through <a href="http://www.regulations.gov">www.regulations.gov</a> before
posting. Normally, comments will be posted within a few days of being
submitted. However, if large volumes of comments are being processed
simultaneously, your comment may not be viewable for up to several
weeks. Please keep the comment tracking number that <a href="http://www.regulations.gov">www.regulations.gov</a>
provides after you have successfully uploaded your comment.
Submitting comments via email, hand delivery/courier, or postal
mail. Comments and documents submitted via email, hand delivery/
courier, or postal mail also will be posted to <a href="http://www.regulations.gov">www.regulations.gov</a>. If
you do not want your personal contact information to be publicly
viewable, do not include it in your comment or any accompanying
documents. Instead, provide your contact information on a cover letter.
Include your first and last names, email address, telephone number, and
optional mailing address. The cover letter will not be publicly
viewable as long as it does not include any comments.
Include contact information each time you submit comments, data,
documents, and other information to DOE. If you submit via postal mail
or hand delivery/courier, please provide all items on a CD, if
feasible, in which case it is not necessary to submit printed copies.
Faxes will not be accepted.
Comments, data, and other information submitted to DOE
electronically should be provided in PDF (preferred), Microsoft Word or
Excel, WordPerfect, or text (ASCII) file format. Provide documents that
are not secured, written in English and free of any defects or viruses.
Documents should not contain special characters or any form of
encryption and, if possible, they should carry the electronic signature
of the author.
Campaign form letters. Please submit campaign form letters by the
originating organization in batches of between 50 to 500 form letters
per PDF or as one form letter with a list of supporters' names compiled
into one or more PDFs. This reduces comment processing and posting
time.
Confidential Business Information. According to 10 CFR 1004.11, any
person submitting information that he or she believes to be
confidential and exempt by law from public disclosure should submit via
email two well-marked copies: one copy of the document marked
confidential including all the information believed to be confidential,
and one copy of the document marked ``non-confidential'' with the
information believed to be confidential deleted. Submit these documents
via email. DOE will make its own determination about the confidential
status of the information and treat it according to its determination.
It is DOE's policy that all comments may be included in the public
docket, without change and as received, including any personal
information provided in the comments (except information deemed to be
exempt from public disclosure).

[[Page 43810]]

Case Number 2022-004

Interim Waiver Order

I. Background and Authority

The Energy Policy and Conservation Act, as amended (``EPCA''),\2\
authorizes the U.S. Department of Energy (``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 \3\ of
EPCA established the Energy Conservation Program for Certain Industrial
Equipment, which sets forth a variety of provisions designed to improve
energy efficiency for certain types of industrial equipment. This
equipment includes walk-in coolers and walk-in freezers (``walk-ins''),
the focus of this document. (42 U.S.C. 6311(1)(G))
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\2\ 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.
\3\ For editorial reasons, upon codification in the U.S. Code,
Part C was redesignated 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), energy
conservation standards (42 U.S.C. 6313), test procedures (42 U.S.C.
6314), labeling provisions (42 U.S.C. 6315), and the authority to
require information and reports from manufacturers (42 U.S.C. 6316).
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 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. (42 U.S.C. 6316(a); 42
U.S.C. 6295(s))
Under 42 U.S.C. 6314, EPCA sets forth the criteria and procedures
DOE is required to 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 the energy efficiency, energy use or
estimated annual operating cost 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)) The test
procedure used to determine the net capacity and annual walk-in energy
factor (``AWEF'') of walk-in refrigeration systems is contained in the
Code of Federal Regulations (``CFR'') at 10 CFR part 431, subpart R,
appendix C, Uniform Test Method for the Measurement of Net Capacity and
AWEF of Walk-in Cooler and Walk-in Freezer Refrigeration Systems''
(``appendix C to subpart R'').
Under 10 CFR 431.401, any interested person may submit a petition
for waiver from DOE's test procedure requirements. DOE will grant a
waiver from the test procedure requirements if DOE determines either
that the basic model(s) for which the waiver was requested contains a
design characteristic that prevents testing of the basic model
according to the prescribed test procedures, or that the prescribed
test procedures evaluate the basic model in a manner so
unrepresentative of its true energy or water consumption
characteristics as to provide materially inaccurate comparative data.
10 CFR 431.401(f)(2). A petitioner must include in its petition any
alternate test procedures known to the petitioner to evaluate the
performance of the equipment type in a manner representative of the
energy and/or water consumption characteristics of the basic model. 10
CFR 431.401(b)(1)(iii). DOE may grant the waiver subject to conditions,
including adherence to alternate test procedures. 10 CFR 431.401(f)(2).
As soon as practicable after the granting of any waiver, DOE will
publish in the Federal Register a notice of proposed rulemaking to
amend its regulations so as to eliminate any need for the continuation
of such waiver. 10 CFR 431.401(l) As soon thereafter as practicable,
DOE will publish in the Federal Register a final rule to that effect.
Id.
The waiver process also provides that DOE may grant an interim
waiver if it appears likely that the underlying petition for waiver
will be granted and/or if DOE determines that it would be desirable for
public policy reasons to grant immediate relief pending a determination
on the petition for waiver. 10 CFR 431.401(e)(3). Within one year of
issuance of an interim waiver, DOE will either: (i) publish in the
Federal Register a determination on the petition for waiver; or (ii)
publish in the Federal Register a new or amended test procedure that
addresses the issues presented in the waiver. 10 CFR 431.401(h)(1).
If the interim waiver test procedure methodology is different than
the decision and order test procedure methodology, certification
reports to DOE required under 10 CFR 429.12 and any representations
must be based on either of the two methodologies until 180-360 days
after the publication date of the decision and order, as specified by
DOE in the decision and order. Thereafter, certification reports and
any representations must be based on the decision and order test
procedure methodology, unless otherwise specified by DOE. 10 CFR
431.401(i). When DOE amends the test procedure to address the issues
presented in a waiver, the waiver will automatically terminate on the
date on which use of that test procedure is required to demonstrate
compliance. 10 CFR 431.401(h)(2).

II. RSG's Petition for Waiver and Interim Waiver

On February 17, 2022, DOE received from RSG a petition for waiver
and interim waiver from the test procedure for walk-in refrigeration
systems set forth at 10 CFR part 431 subpart R appendix C. (RSG, No. 1,
attachment 1, at pp. 1-3 \4\) Pursuant to 10 CFR 431.401(e)(i), DOE
posted the petition on the DOE website. The petition did not identify
any of the information contained therein as confidential business
information.
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\4\ A notation in this form provides a reference for information
that is in the docket for this test procedure waiver (Docket No.
EERE-2022-BT-WAV-0010-0001) (available at <a href="http://www.regulations.gov/document/EERE-2022-BT-WAV-0010-0001">www.regulations.gov/document/EERE-2022-BT-WAV-0010-0001</a>). This notation indicates that
the statement preceding the reference is from document number 1 in
the docket and appears at pages 1-3 of attachment 1 of that
document. There are two attachments to document 1 of this docket.
Attachment 1 is titled ``DOE Waiver 021722.'' Attachment 2 is titled
``RSG DOE Single Package System Alternate Test Procedure 021522''.
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DOE's current test procedure for walk-in refrigeration systems is
codified in appendix C to subpart R of part 431 and incorporates by
reference Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute
(``AHRI'') Standard 1250-2009 (2009 Standard for Performance Rating of
Walk-In Coolers and Freezers, ``AHRI 1250-2009''), AHRI Standard 420-
2008 (Performance Rating of Forced-Circulation Free-Delivery Unit
Coolers for Refrigeration, ``AHRI 420-2008''), and American Society of
Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (``ASHRAE'')
Standard 23.1-2010 (Methods of Testing for Rating the Performance of
Positive Displacement Refrigerant Compressors and Condensing Units that
Operate at Subcritical Temperatures of the Refrigerant, ``ASHRAE 23.1-
2010''). AHRI 1250-2009 is the industry test standard for refrigeration
systems for

[[Page 43811]]

walk-in coolers and freezers, including unit coolers and dedicated
condensing units sold separately, as well as matched pairs. The
procedure describes the method for measuring the refrigeration capacity
and the electrical energy consumption for walk-in refrigeration
systems. Using the refrigeration capacity and electrical energy
consumption, AHRI 1250-2009 provides a calculation methodology to
compute AWEF, the applicable energy-performance metric for
refrigeration systems.
In its petition for waiver and interim waiver, RSG presents several
ways in which the currently prescribed test procedure would evaluate
the specified basic models in a manner so unrepresentative of their
true energy consumption as to provide materially inaccurate comparative
data. These issues are summarized below.
First, as presented in RSG's petition, the specified basic models
of walk-in refrigeration systems are single-packaged dedicated systems
that contain multiple refrigeration circuits that operate using a
single power feed. (RSG, No. 1, attachment 1, at p. 1) RSG claimed that
the specified basic models meet the definition of a single-packaged
dedicated system. Id. DOE defines a single-packaged dedicated system as
``a single-package assembly that includes one or more compressors, a
condenser, a means for forced circulation of refrigerated air, and
elements by which heat is transferred from air to refrigerant, without
any element external to the system imposing resistance to flow of the
refrigerated air''. See 10 CFR 431.302. As described by RSG, each
refrigeration circuit in the specified basic models is made up of a
compressor, expansion device, condenser, and evaporator. (RSG, No. 1,
attachment 1, at p. 1) The separate refrigeration circuits may share
condenser fans, evaporator fans and a control system. Id. In its
request for waiver and interim waiver, RSG stated that neither appendix
C to subpart R nor AHRI 1250-2009 provide a method for testing a
single-packaged dedicated system with multiple refrigeration circuits.
Id.
Second, RSG stated that the current test procedure requires that
the unit under test be set up using a 25-foot line set. Id. Section 3.3
of appendix C to subpart R provides the test method for matched
systems, single-packaged dedicated systems, and unit coolers tested
alone, which references AHRI 1250-2009. Section C5 (Methods of Testing
for Walk-In Cooler and Freezer Systems that Have Matched Unit Coolers
and Condensing Units) of AHRI 1250-2009 references test setup
requirements that include the addition of a line set that includes
either one or two mass flow meters. Under Section C5 of AHRI 1250-2009,
the gross refrigeration capacity must be determined either by the dual
instrumentation refrigerant enthalpy method (Section C5.1.1 of AHRI
1250-2009, Method 1) or by the calibrated box method (Section C5.1.2 of
AHRI 1250-2009, Method 2). Both methods require installation of a
refrigerant mass flow meter in the system's liquid line to determine
the cooling capacity. Section C8.3 and Figure C1 of AHRI 1250-2009
specify the setup and measurements to be conducted for Method 1, for
which 25-feet of additional refrigerant line is added to connect the
condenser to the evaporator (unit cooler). Within this 25-foot line,
two mass flow meters are incorporated, and the heat balance calculated
from the two flow measurements must be within <plus-minus>5 percent.
Section C9.2 and Figure C2 of AHRI 1250-2009 specify the setup and
measurements for Method 2, in which 26-feet of additional refrigerant
line is added to connect the condenser to the unit cooler (as for
Method 1), incorporating one mass flow meter. Air-side gross
refrigeration capacity and refrigerant-side gross refrigeration
capacity are determined and must be equal to within <plus-minus>5
percent for the test to be considered valid. The 25-foot and 26-foot
\5\ of additional liquid line and suction line piping used to set up
the test is termed a ``line-set''. In its petition for wavier and
interim waiver, RSG stated that single-packaged dedicated systems are
not intended to be remotely split via a line-set. (RSG, No. 1,
attachment 1, at p. 1)
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\5\ There is no explanation in AHRI 1250-2009 about why Method 1
requires 25 feet of refrigeration line and Method 2 requires 26 feet
of refrigeration line during test set up.
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In its request for wavier and interim wavier, RSG noted that DOE
has issued test procedure waivers for single-packaged dedicated
refrigeration systems using air enthalpy test methods. (RSG, No. 1,
attachment 1, at p. 2) DOE granted a waiver to Store It Cold for
single-packaged units on August 9, 2019. 84 FR 39286. Store It Cold
petitioned for a waiver after determining that the dual instrumentation
refrigerant enthalpy method specified in AHRI 1250-2009 was not
providing consistent capacity measurements for its single-packaged
dedicated systems. 84 FR 39286, 39287. The alternate test procedure
associated with this prior waiver required that the specified single-
packaged basic models shall be tested using the Indoor Air Enthalpy
Method and the Outdoor Air Enthalpy Method in accordance with ASHRAE 37
(Methods of Testing for Rating Electrically Driven Unitary Air-
Conditioning and Heat-Pump Equipment, ``ASHRAE 37''). 84 FR 39286,
39292. DOE also granted waivers to Air Innovations, CellarPro,
Vinotemp, and Vinotheque for walk-in refrigeration systems used in wine
cellar applications, for which some of the basic models included in
these waivers were single-packaged dedicated systems.\6\ The alternate
test methods included in these waivers require the specified basic
models to be tested in accordance with AHRI 1250-2020, which references
the air enthalpy methods in ASHRAE 37 for testing single-packaged
dedicated systems.\7\ Use of air enthalpy methods for testing a single-
packaged dedicated system capture the impact of thermal loss and the
infiltration of warm air into the evaporator portion of these systems,
which increases the refrigerant load on the system. In its petition for
waiver and interim waiver, RSG stated that its laboratory is not set up
to conduct air enthalpy testing, and that it would require substantial
time and expense to set up its laboratory to conduct air enthalpy
testing. (RSG, No. 1, attachment 1, at p. 2) Additionally, RSG
explained that it contacted third-party labs to inquire about testing
single-packaged dedicated systems using the air enthalpy method, but
these labs responded that they are not currently able to conduct air
enthalpy testing. Id.
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\6\ See Waiver Decision and Orders for Air Innovations (86 FR
23702 (May 4, 2021)), CellarPro (86 FR 26496 (May 14, 2021)),
Vinotheque (86 FR 26504 (May 14, 2021)), and Vinotemp (86 FR 36732
(July 13, 2021)).
\7\ Subsequent to DOE's grant of waiver to Store It Cold, AHRI
published an updated version of AHRI 1250 (i.e., AHRI 1250-2020)
that provides testing provisions for single-packaged dedicated
systems that incorporate by reference the approach used in ASHRAE 37
with some modification.
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Third, in its request for waiver and interim waiver from the DOE
test procedure, RSG stated that the current tolerance requirement of
0.5 [deg]F for the on-coil temperature in Section C3.3.3 of AHRI 1250-
2009 is unrealistic. Id. RSG stated that indoor air temperature
tolerances impact the on-coil temperatures and that the test procedure
currently prescribes a 1 [deg]F indoor air temperature test condition
tolerance.\8\ Id. RSG therefore suggested that the on-coil temperature
tolerance should also be

[[Page 43812]]

1 [deg]F. Id. RSG noted further that it can be difficult to repeatedly
achieve an on-coil temperature tolerance of 0.5 [deg]F when units are
shut down, re-plumbed, and recharged for testing. Id.
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\8\ Test condition tolerance is the maximum allowed deviation of
the average of the measurements of a parameter made during a test
period as compared with its target value. The indoor air dry-bulb
test condition tolerance is specified as 1 [deg]F in Table 2 of AHRI
1250-2009.
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RSG also requested an interim waiver from the existing DOE test
procedure, explaining that if DOE were to deny its application for
waiver and interim waiver, it would experience economic hardship in the
form of lost sales and/or a significant delay in the distribution into
commerce of the specified basic models. Id. DOE will grant an interim
waiver if it appears likely that the petition for waiver will be
granted, and/or if DOE determines that it would be desirable for public
policy reasons to grant immediate relief pending a determination of the
petition for waiver. 10 CFR 431.401(e)(3).

III. Requested Alternate Test Procedure

EPCA requires that manufacturers use DOE test procedures when
making representations about the energy consumption and energy
consumption costs of covered equipment. (42 U.S.C. 6314(d)) Consistency
is important when making representations about the energy efficiency of
covered equipment, including when demonstrating compliance with
applicable DOE energy conservation standards. Pursuant to 10 CFR
431.401, and after consideration of public comments on the petition,
DOE may establish in a subsequent Decision and Order an alternate test
procedure for the basic models addressed by the Interim Waiver Order.
RSG seeks to use an alternate test procedure to test and rate
specific walk-in single-packaged dedicated refrigeration system basic
models. The alternate test procedure presented by RSG suggested the
following revisions to the DOE test procedure that would:
(1) Modify test operating and test condition tolerances in AHRI
1250-2009, which the DOE test procedure references in section 3.1,
General modifications: Test Conditions and Tolerances;
(2) Remove section 3.2.5 from the DOE test procedure, which
provides additional specificity to the refrigerant line setup required
in AHRI 1250-2009 section C8.3; and
(3) Create a new section 4 in the DOE test procedure that provides
modifications to AHRI 1250-2009 and includes a new approach for testing
multiple-circuit single-packaged dedicated systems. Specifically, RSG
has suggested an alternate test procedure for testing single-packaged
dedicated systems using a modified refrigerant enthalpy approach
applied to multiple refrigeration circuits. (RSG, No. 1, attachment 2,
at pp. 1-13).
In its request for waiver and interim waiver, RSG suggested testing
single-packaged dedicated systems using either a modification of the
calibrated box method described in Section C9 of AHRI 1250-2009 or the
indoor air enthalpy method (as described in Section C9.1.1 of AHRI
1250-2020) as the primary test method and a new ``single-package
refrigerant enthalpy method'' as the secondary test method. (RSG, No.
1, attachment 2, at p. 3) Specifically, RSG recommended the following
approach for the new single-package refrigerant enthalpy method:
(1) Instead of using a 25-foot line set with two mass flow meters
as specified in the dual instrumentation refrigerant enthalpy method
(see Section C8 of AHRI 1250-2009), RSG suggested using only one mass
flow meter in the liquid line between the heat exchanger and the
expansion device. (RSG, No. 1, attachment 1, at p. 1)
(2) In its alternate test procedure, RSG suggested incorporating
the mass flow meter with less than or equal to 5 feet of additional
insulated refrigerant line (with piping matching that of the system
under test) to the liquid line. Id.
(3) The existing suction line would be undisturbed for the test.
Id.
(4) The added refrigerant charge for the 5 feet of additional
liquid line and the mass flow meter would be determined using Section
C3.3.3 of AHRI 1250-2009 of the current test procedure. Id.
Before disassembling the refrigeration system to set up the
refrigerant-side mass flow measurement, a preliminary test at Condition
A would be conducted using only a modified calibrated box method or the
indoor air enthalpy method. (RSG, No. 1, attachment 1, at p. 3) For
this test, surface-mounted temperature sensors would be installed on
the evaporator and condenser coils, tubing entering and leaving the
compressor, and tubing entering the expansion device. Id. To limit the
alteration of the refrigerant circuit, the new suggested single-
packaged refrigeration enthalpy method would add only 5 feet of tubing
to the liquid refrigerant lines (not including the flow length
associated with the mass flow meter). (RSG, No. 1, attachment 2, at p.
4) To ensure that the refrigerant circuit modifications (i.e., addition
of the mass flow meter and additional liquid line) do not materially
alter the system operation, a secondary test would be performed after
adding the mass flow meter to confirm that (1) each on-coil temperature
sensor indicates a reading that is within <plus-minus>1 [deg]F of its
initial test measurement, (2) the temperatures of the refrigerant
entering and leaving the compressor are within <plus-minus>4 [deg]F of
the initial test measurement, and (3) the refrigerant temperature
entering the expansion device is within <plus-minus>1 [deg]F of the
initial test measurement. Both the preliminary Condition A test and the
secondary test would be additions to the current test procedure and
provide a check that the modifications to the refrigeration circuit do
not significantly impact the operation of the unit.
The heat balance applied to single-packaged dedicated systems using
this method would involve comparison of the air-side net capacity to a
net capacity determined based on the refrigerant enthalpy method
capacity measurement that would include adjustment for the evaporator
fan heat in addition to adjustment for the single-packaged dedicated
system thermal loss. The thermal loss would be calculated similarly to
the duct loss calculation of Section 7.3.3.3 of ASHRAE 37-2009, in
which the heat losses associated with the insulated surface areas
subject to heat transfer are summed based on their surface area,
thermal resistance (which is based on known insulating material and
insulation thickness), and the temperatures on either side of the
surface. A test is considered valid if the refrigerant capacities
determined by each method are within 6 percent of each other. This
approach is generally consistent to the current DOE test procedure,
which requires that the capacities determined from two tests are within
5 percent in order for the test to be considered valid.
RSG's suggestion to use the calibrated box method with a single-
packaged dedicated system involves mounting the system on the
calibrated box, similar to its installation on a walk-in for field use
and exchanging air with the box interior to cool it. The exterior of
the calibrated box would be conditioned such that the air conditions
entering the single-packaged dedicated system's condenser match the
targets specified in RSG's suggested revisions to Tables 3, 4, 7 and 8
of AHRI 1250-2009. DOE notes that the table revisions suggested by RSG
are consistent with previous single-packaged dedicated system waivers
(see, e.g., the Store It Cold waiver, 84 FR 39286, 39291 (August 9,
2019)). The warm condensing unit portion of the single-packaged
dedicated system and its condenser discharge air may in some cases add
to the thermal load imposed on the calibrated box. Therefore, RSG has
suggested additional optional test methods to quantify this additional
thermal load on the calibrated box, and to adjust for it when
determining system

[[Page 43813]]

capacity. The suggested additional test method to determine the
additional thermal load calls for box calibration and box load
determination to be based on temperature sensors mounted on the box
exterior surface rather than by measuring air temperature just outside
the box (the approach described for the calibrated box method in
Section C9 of AHRI 1250-2009). In addition, requirements for
temperature sensor placement to measure the surfaces that may be hot
during system operation, and equations for adjustment of the calculated
box transmission load contributing to the capacity determination were
provided by RSG. (RSG, No. 1, attachment 2, at p. 11)
In its request for waiver and interim waiver, RSG also provided
instructions for extending the modified refrigerant enthalpy method of
the alternate test procedure to testing multiple-circuit single-
packaged dedicated systems. (RSG, No. 1, attachment 2, at p. 9) The
approach involves measuring refrigerant mass flow and the enthalpy
entering and leaving the evaporator for each refrigeration circuit
contained in the unit. The measured mass flow and enthalpy values are
used to calculate the gross refrigeration capacity for each circuit.
Each circuit's gross capacity is then summed to determine the total
gross capacity of the system, which would be adjusted to determine net
capacity as described above for testing a single-circuit system.

IV. Interim Waiver Order

DOE has reviewed RSG's application for waiver and interim waiver
and the alternate test procedure requested by RSG. Based on the
assertions in the petition, the DOE test procedure for walk-in cooler
refrigeration systems would evaluate the subject basic models in a
manner so unrepresentative of its true energy consumption
characteristics as to provide materially inaccurate comparative data.
DOE notes that its current test procedure for walk-in refrigeration
systems specifies, through reference to appendix C of AHRI 1250-2009,
determining the capacity of the unit under test by using either the
dual instrumentation refrigerant enthalpy method (i.e., Method 1 in
Section C8 of AHRI 1250-2009) or the calibrated box method (i.e.,
Method 2 in Section C9 of AHRI 1250-2009). Two capacity measurements
are obtained from either Method 1 or Method 2 and the determined
capacities must be within <plus-minus>5 percent of each other for a
valid test (see AHRI 1250-2009, Section C8.5.3 for Method 1 and Section
C9.4.5 for Method 2). The dual instrumentation refrigerant enthalpy
method is routinely used to evaluate the capacity of matched pair,
dedicated condensing, and unit cooler systems, but DOE understands that
this method is generally considered to be impractical for testing
single-packaged dedicated systems. This is primarily because it
requires breaking into the liquid refrigerant line within the packaged
unit, routing the line outside of the unit to pass through two mass
flow meters, and then routing the line back into the unit and through
dual pressure and temperature measurements before it rejoins the
original liquid line at the expansion device inlet. This method is
generally inappropriate for single-packaged dedicated systems because
the internal volume of the added liquid line and mass flow meters adds
substantially to the required refrigerant charge, and the entire
assembly adds substantial pressure drop.\9\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\9\ These issues were the primary motivation for and are
described in the Store It Cold petition for waiver. 84 FR 11944,
11946.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

As discussed, RSG's request for waiver and interim waiver stated
that the dual instrumentation refrigerant enthalpy method is not
appropriate for testing single-packaged dedicated systems because these
systems are not designed to have significant additional refrigerant
line added between the condenser and evaporator. RSG also stated that
the single-packaged dedicated system test methods in AHRI 1250-2020
result in a significant test burden if a testing facility is not
currently set up for air enthalpy testing. Therefore, in its suggested
alternate test procedure, RSG presented an approach for testing single-
packaged dedicated systems using the calibrated box method (Method 2 of
AHRI 1250-2009) with modifications that allow a liquid refrigerant line
no longer than 5 feet to be incorporated into the existing refrigerant
line with a mass flow meter. The method suggested by RSG would make no
changes to the vapor refrigeration line. Based on its review of
proprietary data from RSG, DOE has initially determined that these
changes included in the alternate test procedure recommended by RSG
provide a realistic approach for using refrigerant enthalpy to
determine the capacity of single-packaged dedicated systems.
The refrigerant enthalpy method does not account for thermal
losses, which are specific to single-packaged dedicated systems because
the evaporator, rather than being installed entirely inside the cold
walk-in box, is housed in an insulated compartment that is externally
exposed to warm outdoor air on several sides and to the hot condensing
unit compartment on another side. To address this, RSG has adjusted the
capacity determined by the new single-package refrigerant enthalpy
method to account for thermal losses. Based on its review of RSG's
suggested alternate test method, DOE has initially determined that
these capacity adjustments result in representative measures of
capacity.
In its petition for waiver, RSG specified that the new single-
package refrigerant method would be considered a secondary method
(i.e., results would be used to ensure the capacity tolerance is met
when compared to the capacity determined by a primary test method but
would not be used for rating performance). DOE has initially determined
that specifying use of the new single-package refrigerant enthalpy
method as a secondary method is appropriate since capacity is not
directly determined by this method (but rather is estimated through the
application of thermal loss adjustments, as described).
The primary test method recommended by RSG in its alternate test
procedure is the calibrated box test. Although the calibrated box test
is not included in the list of test methods for single-packaged
dedicated systems in Table C4 of AHRI 1250-2020, DOE notes that the
calibrated box method and the indoor room calorimeter method (from
Table C4 of AHRI 1250-2020) are very similar, since the capacity
measurement is based on the heat input into a room and the calibrated
thermal transmission is achieved through use of a ``box'' or ``room.''
Similarly, the indoor air enthalpy method (from Table C4 of AHRI 1250-
2020) captures the capacity actually delivered to the air that
conditions the walk-in box. The alternate test methods in the test
procedure waivers that DOE previously granted for certain single-
packaged dedicated systems rely on the indoor room calorimeter method
and the indoor air enthalpy method. Given the similarities between
these methods, DOE expects that the calibrated box method will provide
capacity measurements that are comparable to those obtained using the
indoor air enthalpy method or the indoor room calorimeter method.
Because these methods account for the thermal losses associated with
single-packaged dedicated systems using direct measurement rather than
duct loss calculations, DOE has initially determined that it is
appropriate that the calibrated box method would be considered to be
the primary test

[[Page 43814]]

method (i.e., the capacity determined from this method would be used
for rating purposes).
In its recommended alternate test procedure, RSG recommended a 6
percent tolerance between the proposed calibrated box and new single-
package refrigerant enthalpy methods. Based on its review of the
alternate test procedure provided by RSG, DOE has initially determined
that the alternate test procedure submitted by RSG in its petition for
waiver and interim waiver provides representative capacity measurements
that result in representative AWEF values for single-packaged dedicated
systems.
DOE's current test procedure does not provide a method for testing
single-packaged dedicated systems with multiple refrigeration circuits.
RSG's suggested alternate test procedure would determine the gross
refrigeration capacity for each circuit using the earlier described
single-package refrigerant enthalpy method and summing these capacities
to determine the total system capacity. Based on DOE's review of the
alternate test procedure provided by RSG, DOE has initially determined
that this is an appropriate and representative approach for determining
the performance of multiple-circuit refrigeration systems.
As previously discussed, RSG's suggested alternate test method
would modify the test operating and test condition tolerances in
section 3.1 of the DOE test procedure (which references AHRI 1250-
2009); remove section 3.2.5 from the DOE test procedure, which provides
additional specificity to the refrigerant line setup required in AHRI
1250-2009 section C8.3; and create a new section 4 in the DOE test
procedure that provides a detailed method for testing multiple-circuit
single-packaged dedicated systems. After review, DOE has initially
determined that it will specify an alternate test procedure that
generally follows the same approach as that recommended by RSG for the
interim waiver test procedure, but with one modification, as described
follows.
The alternate test procedure submitted by RSG includes suggested
revisions to AHRI 1250-2009. However, DOE notes that there is one
inconsistency between RSG's alternate test procedure and AHRI 1250-
2020. Specifically, the alternate test procedure suggested by RSG
modifies Table 7 of AHRI 1250-2009 (Fixed Capacity Matched Freezer
System, Condensing Unit Located Indoors) to require the condenser air
entering wet-bulb temperature to be 68 [deg]F for single-packaged
dedicated systems that do not use evaporative dedicated condensing
units, for which all or part of the equipment is located in the outdoor
room. (RSG, No. 1, attachment 2, at p. 1) However, Table 8 of AHRI
1250-2020 requires that the condenser air entering wet-bulb temperature
must be 65 [deg]F for single-packaged dedicated systems that do not use
evaporative dedicated condensing units, for which all or part of the
equipment is located in the outdoor room. DOE has modified the
condensing air entering wet-bulb temperature in Table 7 of RSG's
recommended alternate test procedure to be 65 [deg]F (rather than 68
[deg]F as suggested by RSG) in order to maintain consistency with the
requirements in Table 8 of AHRI 1250-2020.
DOE has initially determined that the alternate test procedure (as
modified in the manner noted), appears to allow for the accurate
measurement of the energy efficiency of the specified basic models,
while alleviating the testing problems cited by RSG in its attempts to
implement the DOE test procedure for these basic models. Consequently,
DOE has determined that RSG's petition for waiver, with the
modification as described in this section, likely will be granted.
Furthermore, DOE has determined that it is desirable for public policy
reasons to grant RSG immediate relief pending a determination of the
petition for waiver.
For the reasons stated, it is ordered that:
(1) RSG must test and rate the following Norlake and Masterbilt
basic models with the alternate test procedure set forth in paragraph
(2).

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cooler basic models Freezer basic models
------------------------------------------------------------------------
CPB050PC-S-0 CPF050PC-S-0
CPB075PC-S-0 CPF075PC-S-0
CPB100PC-S-0 CPF100PC-S-0
CPF150PC-S-4
CPF200PC-S-4
------------------------------------------------------------------------

(2) The alternate test procedure for the RSG basic models
identified in paragraph (1) of this Interim Waiver Order is the test
procedure for walk-in refrigeration systems prescribed by DOE at 10 CFR
part 431, subpart R, appendix C (``Appendix C to Subpart R''), except
that multiple circuit single-packaged dedicated systems shall use: (1)
either the calibrated box method or an indoor air enthalpy test as the
primary test method, as detailed below; (2) the modified refrigerant
enthalpy method as the secondary test method, as detailed below; (3)
the net capacity from the primary and secondary test methods must agree
within <plus-minus>6 percent, as detailed below; and (4) reported
values for the overall system shall be the summation of the gross
capacities obtained from the modified refrigerant enthalpy method
conducted for each refrigeration circuit included in the unit under
test, as detailed below. All other requirements of appendix C to
subpart R and DOE's regulations remain applicable.
In Appendix C to Subpart R:
Revise section 3.1.1 to read as follows:
3.1.1. In Table 1 of AHRI 1250-2009, Instrumentation Accuracy,
refrigerant temperature measurements shall have a tolerance of <plus-
minus>0.5 [deg]F for unit cooler in/out. Temperature measurements used
to determine water vapor content of the air shall be accurate to within
<plus-minus>0.4 [deg]F. All other temperature measurements shall be
accurate to <plus-minus>1.0 [deg]F.
Revise section 3.1.4 to read as follows:
3.1.4. In Tables 2 through 14 of AHRI 1250-2009, the Test Condition
Outdoor Wet Bulb Temperature requirement and its associated tolerance
apply only to units with evaporative cooling and single-packaged
dedicated systems.
Insert new section 3.1.6 as follows:
3.1.6 Tables 3, 4, 7 and 8 of AHRI 1250-2009 shall be modified to
read as follows:

[[Page 43815]]

Refrigeration Capacity............. 35 <50 90 \1\ 75 or \2\ 65...... Compressor On........... Determine Net
Refrigeration
Capacity of Unit
Cooler, input
power, and EER
at Rating
Condition.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Required only for evaporative Dedicated Condensing Units.
\2\ Maximum allowable value for Single-Packaged Dedicated Systems that do not use evaporative Dedicated Condensing Units, where all or part of the
equipment is located in the outdoor room.

Table 4--Fixed Capacity Matched Refrigerator System, Condensing Unit Located Outdoor
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unit cooler Unit cooler
air entering air entering Condenser air Condenser air entering
Test description dry-bulb relative entering dry- wet-bulb ([deg]F) Compressor capacity Test objective
([deg]F) humidity (%) bulb ([deg]F)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Off Cycle Fan Power................ 35 <50 .............. ...................... Compressor Off.......... Measure fan input
wattage during
compressor off
cycle.
Refrigeration Capacity A........... 35 <50 95 \1\ 75 or \2\ 68...... Compressor On........... Determine Net
Refrigeration
Capacity of Unit
Cooler, input
power, and EER
at Rating
Condition.
Refrigeration Capacity B........... 35 <50 59 \1\ 54 or \2\ 46...... Compressor On........... Determine Net
Refrigeration
Capacity of Unit
Cooler, and
system input
power at
moderate
condition.
Refrigeration Capacity C........... 35 <50 35 \1\ 34 or \2\ 29...... Compressor On........... Determine Net
Refrigeration
Capacity of Unit
Cooler, and
system input
power at cold
condition.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Required only for evaporative Dedicated Condensing Units.
\2\ Maximum allowable value for Single-Packaged Dedicated Systems that do not use evaporative Dedicated Condensing Units, where all or part of the
equipment is located in the outdoor room.

Table 7--Fixed Capacity Matched Freezer System, Condensing Unit Located Indoor
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unit cooler Unit cooler
air entering air entering Condenser air Condenser air entering
Test description dry-bulb relative entering dry- wet-bulb ([deg]F) Compressor capacity Test objective
([deg]F) humidity (%) bulb ([deg]F)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Off Cycle Fan Power................ -10 <50 .............. ...................... Compressor Off.......... Measure fan input
wattage during
compressor off
cycle.
Refrigeration Capacity............. -10 <50 90 \1\ 75 or \2\ 65...... Compressor On........... Determine Net
Refrigeration
Capacity of Unit
Cooler, input
power, and EER
at Rating
Condition.
Defrost Frost Load................. -10 Various 90 \1\ 75 or \2\ 65...... System Dependent........ Test according to
Section C11 of
AHRI 1250-2009.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Required only for evaporative Dedicated Condensing Units.
\2\ Maximum allowable value for Single-Packaged Dedicated Systems that do not use evaporative Dedicated Condensing Units, where all or part of the
equipment is located in the outdoor room.

[[Page 43816]]

Refrigeration Capacity C........... -10 <50 35 \1\ 34 or \2\ 29...... Compressor On........... Determine Net
Refrigeration
Capacity of Unit
Cooler, input
power, and EER
at Rating
Condition.
Defrost Frost Load................. -10 Various 95 \1\ 75 or \2\ 68...... System Dependent........ Test according to
Section C11 of
AHRI 1250-2009.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Required only for evaporative Dedicated Condensing Units.
\2\ Maximum allowable value for Single-Packaged Dedicated Systems that do not use evaporative Dedicated Condensing Units, where all or part of the
equipment is located in the outdoor room.

Remove section 3.2.5.
Add a new section 4, following section 3.5 Hot Gas Defrost
Refrigeration Systems

4.0 Multiple-Circuit Single-Packaged Dedicated Systems

When conducting testing in accordance with AHRI 1250-2009
(incorporated by reference; see 10 CFR 431.303), the following
modifications must be made.

4.1 Specific modifications: Test Conditions and Tolerance

4.1.1 Replace Section C3.1.2 of AHRI 1250-2009 with the following:
Air wet-bulb and dry-bulb temperatures entering the Single-Packaged
Dedicated System at its evaporator return and condenser air inlet shall
be measured based on the airflow area at the point of measurement. One
measuring station is required for each 2.0 ft2 of the first
10.0 ft2 of airflow area and one additional measuring
station is required for each 4.0 ft2 of airflow area above
10.0 ft2. A minimum of two stations shall be used and the
number of measuring stations shall be rounded up to the next whole
number.
4.1.2 Replace Section C3.1.5 of AHRI 1250-2009 with the following:
If sampling tubes are used, each tube opening may be considered a
temperature measuring station provided the openings are uniformly
spaced along the tube, the airflow rates entering each port are
relatively uniform (<plus-minus>15%) and the arrangement of tubes
complies with the location requirements of Section C3.1.2 of AHRI 1250-
2009. Additionally, a one-time temperature traverse shall be made over
the measurement surface, prior to the tests to assess the temperature
variation and ensure it complies with the allowable deviation specified
in Section C3.1.4 of AHRI 1250-2009. (Refer to ANSI/ASHRAE Standard
41.1 for more information and diagrams). If sampling tubes are not used
for single-packaged dedicated systems that do not use evaporative
dedicated condensing units, a single air wet-bulb or RH sensor may be
used. When used, this sensor shall be located at the geometric center
of the largest condenser coil face and 6-12 inches from the condenser
coil.
4.1.3 Replace Section 3.1.6 of AHRI 1250-2009 with the following:
Refrigerant temperatures entering and leaving the evaporator section of
the Single-Packaged Dedicated System shall be measured by a temperature
measuring instrument placed in a thermometer well and inserted into the
refrigerant stream. These wells shall be filled with non-solidifying,
thermal conducting liquid or paste to ensure the temperature sensing
instrument is exposed to a representative temperature. The entering
temperature of the refrigerant shall be measured within six pipe
diameters upstream of the expansion device. If the refrigerant tube
outer diameter is less than \1/2\-inch, the refrigerant temperature may
be measured using the average of two temperature measuring instruments
with a minimum accuracy of <plus-minus>0.5 [deg]F placed on opposite
sides of the refrigerant tube surface. In this case, the refrigerant
tube shall be insulated with 1-inch-thick insulation from a point 6
inches upstream of the measurement location to a point 6 inches
downstream of the measurement location. Also, the entering measurement
location may be moved to a location 6 inches upstream of the expansion
device.

4.2 Refrigerant Properties Measurement

4.2.1 Replace Section C3.3.1 of AHRI 1250-2009 with the following:
With the equipment operating at the desired test conditions, the
temperature and pressure of the refrigerant leaving the unit cooler,
entering the expansion device, and entering and leaving the compressor
shall be measured. For cases where the calibrated box method or indoor
air enthalpy method is also conducted, data used to calculate capacity
according to the single-package refrigerant enthalpy method and the
additional method shall be collected over the same intervals.
4.2.2 Replace Section C3.3.3 of AHRI 1250-2009 with the following:
For Single-Packaged Dedicated Systems tested using either the
calibrated box method or the indoor air enthalpy method as the primary
measurement and the single-package refrigerant enthalpy method as the
secondary method, a preliminary test for Rating Condition A using the
primary method is required prior to setting up the refrigerant enthalpy
method measurements. In preparation for this preliminary test,
temperature sensors shall be attached to the equipment's evaporator and
condenser coils. The sensors shall be located at points that are not
affected by vapor superheat or liquid subcooling. Placement near the
midpoint of the coil, at a return bend, is recommended. The preliminary
test shall be conducted with the requirement that the temperatures of
the on-coil sensors be included with the regularly recorded data. After
the preliminary test is completed, the refrigerant shall be removed
from the equipment, and the refrigerant enthalpy measurement setup
shall be completed. The equipment shall be evacuated and recharged with
refrigerant. The test shall then be repeated. Once steady-state
operation is achieved, refrigerant shall be added or removed until, as
compared to the average values from the preliminary test, the following
conditions are achieved: (1) each on-coil temperature sensor indicates
a reading that is within <plus-minus>1.0 [deg]F, (2) the temperatures
of the refrigerant entering and leaving the compressor are within
<plus-minus>4.0 [deg]F, and (3) the refrigerant temperature entering
the expansion device is within <plus-minus>1.0 [deg]F. Once these
conditions have been achieved over an interval of at least ten minutes,
refrigerant charging equipment

[[Page 43817]]

shall be removed, and the remaining tests shall be conducted.
4.2.3 When conducting the refrigerant enthalpy method for a Single-
Packaged Dedicated System, the length of the added liquid line
conducting refrigerant out of the system, to the flow meter, and back
into the system shall be no more than 5 feet. No such modification to
the suction line shall be made.

4.3 Methods for Testing for Walk-In Cooler and Freezer Systems That
Have Matched Unit Coolers and Condensing Units

Disregard Section C5 of AHRI 1250-2009 and instead test according
to the following method:
4.3.1 The Refrigeration Capacity for Single-Packaged Dedicated
Systems shall be determined using either the Calibrated Box method or
the Indoor Air Enthalpy method as a primary test method and the Single-
Package Refrigerant Enthalpy method as the secondary test method.
4.3.1.1 Single-Package Refrigerant Enthalpy method shall determine
gross refrigeration capacity by measuring the enthalpy change and the
mass flow rate of the refrigerant using a single set of measurements.
4.3.1.2 Calibrated Box method shall determine net refrigeration
capacity by measuring the heat input to the calibrated box, including
thermal transfer through the calibrated box walls.
4.3.2 Indoor Air Enthalpy method shall determine net refrigeration
capacity of Single-Packaged Dedicated System and input power in
accordance with ASHRAE 37-2009, Figure C4 of AHRI 1250-2020, and the
following modifications.
4.3.2.1 Net refrigeration capacity is determined by measuring
airflow rate and the dry-bub temperature and water vapor content of the
air that enters and leaves the coil.
4.3.2.2 Air enthalpies shall be determined in accordance with ANSI/
ASHRAE 41.6. Entering air is to be sufficiently dry as to not produce
frost on the evaporator coil. Therefore, only sensible capacity
measured by dry bulb change shall be used to calculate capacity.
4.3.3 Testing Sequence. The primary test method shall be used to
measure the capacity for Rating Condition A prior to set-up of the
Single-Package Refrigerant Enthalpy Measurement. After set-up of the
Refrigerant Enthalpy method, the Net Capacity shall be measured using
both the primary test method and the Refrigerant Enthalpy method. The
Net Capacity measurement using the Refrigerant Enthalpy method shall be
within 6 percent of the net capacity measurement using the primary
method.
If a capacity balance within tolerance is not initially achieved,
take steps to reduce the thermal losses of the Single-Packaged
Dedicated System evaporator compartment by sealing air gaps and
potentially adding more external insulation. If using the Calibrated
Box method as the primary method, achieving a capacity balance may
require conducting the calibration with calibrated box insulation
material at the same average temperature as during capacity
measurement, or using multiple calibrations conducted at different
average insulation material temperatures and using these data to
construct a correlation for the calibration coefficient,
K<INF>cb</INF>, as a function of average insulation temperature. The
official performance measurements are based on the primary method
testing without any air gap sealing and additional external insulation
used to achieve the 6 percent energy balance in place.
4.3.4 The refrigerant enthalpy method Net Capacity shall be
calculated from the Gross Capacity Measurement as follows.

qss,2 = Qref-3.412 x EFcomp,on-Qsploss

Where Qsploss represents the Single-Packaged Dedicated System
thermal losses through the walls of the evaporator side of the
Single-Packaged Dedicated System to the condenser side and to the
exterior ambient, and shall be calculated as follows.

Qsploss = UAcond x (Tcondside-Tevapside) + UAamb x (Tamb-Tevapside)

Where:

UAcond and UAamb are, for the condenser/evaporator partition and the
evaporator compartment walls exposed to ambient air, respectively,
the product of the overall heat transfer coefficient and surface
area of the unit as manufactured, i.e., without external insulation
that might have been added during the test;

Tevapside is the air temperature in the evaporator compartment;
Tcondside is the air temperature in the condenser compartment; and
Tamb is the air temperature outside the Single-Packaged Dedicated
System.

The Net Capacity to be used in AWEF calculations shall be the net
capacity measured using the primary method.
4.3.5 Upon the completion of the Rating Condition A steady state
test, an off-cycle evaporator fan power test shall be conducted to
measure the evaporator fan power consumption during a compressor-off
period in accordance with Section C10 of AHRI 1250-2009.
4.3.6 Upon the completion of the Rating Condition A steady state
test for walk-in freezer systems, a mandatory defrost test shall be
conducted to establish the energy input for a defrost cycle.
4.3.7 Upon the completion of the Rating Condition A steady state
test, off-cycle evaporator fan power test, and defrost test (for walk-
in freezer systems), the Rating Condition B and C steady state tests
shall be conducted. Capacity balance as described in Section C9.2 of
AHRI 1250-2020 for Rating Condition A is not required for Rating
Conditions B and C.

4.4 Test Chamber Requirements

Disregard Section C6 of AHRI 1250-2009 and instead test according
to the following method:
4.4.1 For single-packaged dedicated systems, test chamber
requirements shall be as follows:
a. For the calibrated box method, follow ASHRAE 16-2016, Section
6.1 for calibrated type calorimeters excluding water and water energy
inputs for the indoor-side compartment.
b. For the indoor air enthalpy method, follow ASHRAE 37-2009.

4.5 Single-Packaged Dedicated System Refrigerant Enthalpy Method

4.5.1 General Description. In this method, capacity is determined
from the refrigerant enthalpy change and flow rate. Enthalpy changes
are determined from measurements of entering and leaving pressures and
temperatures of the refrigerant, and the flow rate is determined by a
suitable flow meter in the liquid line. This method shall not be used
for tests in which the refrigerant liquid leaving the flow meter is
subcooled less than 3.0 [deg]F or for tests in which any instantaneous
measurement of the superheat of the vapor leaving the evaporator coil
is less than 5.0 [deg]F. Supplementary cooling may be artificially
provided for the liquid line to ensure enough subcooling when making
measurements to establish the capacity balance for Rating Condition A,
however, no official measurements used to calculate AWEF may be made
while providing such supplementary cooling.
4.5.2 Measurements. Refer to Section 4.1 of this appendix and
Section C3 of AHRI 1250-2009 for requirements of air-side and
refrigerant-side measurements.
4.5.3 Test Setup and Procedure. Refer to Section 4.4 of this
appendix, Section C7 of AHRI 1250-2009, and Figure C3 of this section
for specific test setup. The lengths of the added liquid line shall be
a maximum of 5 feet.
BILLING CODE 6450-01-P

[[Page 43818]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN22JY22.003

4.5.4 Data to be Measured and Recorded. Refer to ``Refrigerant
Enthalpy Method'' in Table C2 in Section C7.2 of AHRI 1250-2009 for the
required data that need to measured and recorded, except as follows.
4.5.4.1 Water vapor content of air entering the unit cooler
(evaporator) and condensing unit may be measured using a wet bulb
temperature measurement or a relative humidity sensor, but both are not
required.
4.5.4.2 Wet bulb temperature of air leaving the unit cooler
(evaporator) and condensing unit need not be measured.
4.5.4.3 Required refrigerant pressure measurement includes only
subcooled liquid entering the expansion valve and superheated vapor
exiting the unit cooler (evaporator).
4.5.4.4 Only one refrigerant mass flow measurement is required.
4.5.4.5 Measurement of Refrigerant oil flow rate and oil/
refrigerant mass ratio are not required.
4.5.5 Refrigeration Capacity Calculation.
4.5.5.1 The refrigerant-side gross capacity is calculated by

Qref = mref(hout-hin)

4.5.5.2 Measurement of Capacity for a Single-Packaged Dedicated
System with Multiple Refrigeration Circuits.
For a Single-Packaged Dedicated System with multiple refrigeration
circuits, apply the refrigerant enthalpy method separately for each
circuit and sum the separately measured gross refrigeration capacities.

4.6 Calibrated Box Test Procedure

4.6.1 Measurements. Refer to Section 4.1 of this section and
Section C3 of AHRI 1250-2009 for requirements of air-side and
refrigerant-side measurements.

[[Page 43819]]

4.6.2 Apparatus setup for Calibrated Box Calibration and Test.
Refer to Section 4.4 of this section, Section C7 of AHRI 1250-2009, and
Figure C4 of this section for specific test setup.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN22JY22.004

4.6.2.1 The calibrated box shall be installed in a temperature-
controlled enclosure in which the temperature can be maintained at a
constant level. When using the calibrated box method for Single-
Packaged Dedicated Systems, the enclosure air temperature shall be
maintained such that the condenser air entering conditions are as
specified for the test.
4.6.2.2 The temperature-controlled enclosure shall be of a size
that will provide clearances of not less than 18 inches on all sides,
top and bottom, except that clearance of any one surface may be reduced
to not less than 5.5 inches.
4.6.2.3 The heat leakage of the calibrated box shall be noted in
the test report.
4.6.2.4 Refrigerant lines within the calibrated box shall be well
insulated to avoid appreciable heat loss or gain.
4.6.2.5 Instruments for measuring the temperature around the
outside of the calibrated box to represent the enclosure temperature
T<INF>en</INF> shall be located at the center of each wall, ceiling,
and floor.
Exception: in the case where a clearance around the outside of the
calibrated box, as indicated above, is reduced to less than 18 inches,
the number of temperature-measuring devices on the outside of that
surface shall be increased to six, which shall be treated as a single
temperature to be averaged with the temperature of each of the other
five surfaces. There will be six rectangular sections of equal area,
and each of these six sections will have a temperature-measuring
instrument located at its center. If the refrigeration system is
mounted at the location that would cover the center of the face on
which it is mounted, up to four temperature measurements shall be used
on that face to represent its temperature. Each sensor shall be aligned
with the center of the face's nearest outer edge and centered on the
distance between that edge and the single-packaged unit (this is
illustrated in Figure C5 when using surface temperature sensors), and
they shall be treated as a single temperature to be averaged with the
temperature of each of the other five surfaces. However, any of these
sensors shall be omitted if either (a) the distance between the outer
edge and the single packaged unit is less than one foot or (b) if the
sensor location would be within two feet of any of the foot-square
surfaces discussed below representing a warm discharge air impingement
area. In this case, the remaining sensors shall be used to represent
the average temperature for the surface.

[[Page 43820]]

One of the following two approaches shall be used for the box
external temperature measurement. Box calibration and system capacity
measurement shall both be done using the same one of these approaches.
4.6.2.5.1 Air temperature sensors. Each temperature sensor shall be
at a distance of 6 inches from the calibrated box. If the clearance
from a surface of the box (allowed for one surface only) is less than
12 inches, the temperature measuring instruments shall be located
midway between the outer wall of the calibrated box and the adjacent
surface.
4.6.2.5.2 Surface temperature sensors. Surface temperature sensors
shall be mounted on the calibrated box surfaces to represent the
enclosure temperature, T<INF>en</INF>.
Additional surface temperature sensors may be used to measure
external hot spots during refrigeration system testing. If this is
done, two temperature sensors shall be used to measure the average
temperature of the calibrated box surface covered by the condensing
section--they shall be centered on equal-area rectangles comprising the
covered calibrated box surface whose common sides span the short
dimension of this surface. Additional surface temperature sensors may
be used to measure box surfaces on which warm condenser discharge air
impinges. A pattern of square surfaces, with each surface measuring one
foot square, shall be mapped out to represent the hot spot upon which
the warm condenser air impinges. One temperature sensor shall be used
to measure surface temperature at the center of each square (see Figure
C5 of this section). A drawing showing this pattern and identifying the
surface temperature sensors shall be provided in the test report. The
average surface temperature of the overall calibrated box outer surface
during testing shall be calculated as follows.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN22JY22.005

Where:

Ai is the surface area of the ith of the six calibrated
box surfaces;
Ti is the average temperature measured for the ith
surface;
Aj is half of the surface area of the calibrated box covered by the
condensing section;
T'j is the jth of the two temperature measurements
underneath the condensing section;
T1 is the average temperature of the four or fewer measurements
representing the temperature of the face on which the single-
packaged system is mounted, prior to adjustments associated with hot
spots based on measurements Tj and/or Tk;
Ak is the area of the kth of n 1-square-foot surfaces
used to measure the condenser discharge impingement area hot spot;
and
T ''k is the kth of the n temperature measurements of the
condenser discharge impingement area hot spot.

[[Page 43821]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN22JY22.006

BILLING CODE 6450-01-C
4.6.2.6 Heating means inside the calibrated box shall be shielded
or installed in a manner to avoid radiation to the Single-Packaged
Dedicated System, the temperature measuring instruments, and to the
walls of the box. The heating means shall be constructed to avoid
stratification of temperature, and suitable means shall be provided for
distributing the temperature uniformly.
4.6.2.7 The average air dry-bulb temperature in the calibrated box
during Single-Packaged Dedicated System tests and calibrated box heat
leakage tests shall be the average of eight temperatures measured at
the corners of the box at a distance of 2 inches to 4 inches from the
walls. The instruments shall be shielded from any cold or warm surfaces
except that they shall not be shielded from the adjacent walls of the
box. The Single-Packaged Dedicated System under test shall be mounted
such that the temperature instruments are not in the direct air stream
from the discharge of the Single-Packaged Dedicated System.
4.6.3 Calibration of the Calibrated Box. Calibration of the
Calibrated Box shall occur prior to installation of the Single-Packaged
Dedicated System. This shall be done either (a) prior to cutting the
opening needed to install the Single-Packaged Dedicated System, or (b)
with an insulating panel with the same thickness and thermal resistance
as the box wall installed in the opening intended for the Single-
Packaged Dedicated System installation. Care shall be taken to avoid
thermal shorts in the location of the opening either during calibration
or during subsequent installation of the Single-Packaged Dedicated
System. A calibration test shall be made for air movements comparable
to those expected for Single-Packaged Dedicated System capacity
measurement, i.e., with air volume flow rate within 10 percent of the
air volume flow rate of the Single-Packaged Dedicated System
evaporator.
4.6.3.1 The heat input shall be adjusted to maintain an average box
temperature not less than 25.0 [deg]F above the test enclosure
temperature.
4.6.3.2 The average dry-bulb temperature inside the calibrated box
shall not vary more than 1.0 [deg]F over the course of the calibration
test.
4.6.3.3 A calibration test shall be the average of eleven
consecutive hourly

[[Page 43822]]

readings when the box has reached a steady-state temperature condition.
4.6.3.4 The box temperature shall be the average of all readings
after a steady-state temperature condition has been reached.
4.6.3.5 The calibrated box has reached a steady-state temperature
condition when:
4.6.3.5.1 The average box temperature is not less than 25.0 [deg]F
above the test enclosure temperature.
4.6.3.5.2 Temperature variations do not exceed 5.0 [deg]F between
temperature measuring stations.
4.6.3.5.3 Temperatures do not vary by more than 2.0 [deg]F at any
one temperature-measuring station.
4.6.4 Data to be Measured and Recorded. Refer to Table C2 in
Section C7.2 of AHRI 1250-2020 for the required data that need to
measured and recorded.
4.6.5 Refrigeration Capacity Calculation.
4.6.5.1 The heat leakage coefficient of the calibrated box is
calculated by
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN22JY22.007

4.6.5.2 For each Dry Rating Condition, calculate the Net Capacity
by using the following:

qss = Kcb(Ten-Tcb) + 3.412 x E c

(3) Representations. RSG may not make representations about the
efficiency of a basic model listed in paragraph (1) of this Interim
Waiver Order for compliance, marketing, or other purposes unless that
basic model has been tested in accordance with the provisions set forth
in this alternate test procedure and such representations fairly
disclose the results of such testing.
(4) This Interim Waiver Order shall remain in effect according to
the provisions of 10 CFR 431.401(h).
(5) This Interim Waiver Order is issued on the condition that the
statements and representations provided by RSG are valid. If RSG makes
any modifications to the controls or configurations of a basic model
subject to this Interim Waiver Order, such modifications will render
the waiver invalid with respect to that basic model, and RSG will
either be required to use the current Federal test method or submit a
new application for a test procedure waiver. DOE may rescind or modify
this waiver at any time if it determines the factual basis underlying
the petition for the Interim Waiver Order is incorrect, upon a
determination that the results from the alternate test procedure are
unrepresentative of a basic model's true energy consumption
characteristics, or for other appropriate reasons. 10 CFR
431.401(k)(1). Likewise, RSG may request that DOE rescind or modify the
Interim Waiver Order if RSG discovers an error in the information
provided to DOE as part of its petition, determines that the interim
waiver is no longer needed, or for other appropriate reasons. 10 CFR
431.401(k)(2).
(6) Issuance of this Interim Waiver Order does not release RSG from
the applicable requirements set forth at 10 CFR part 429.
DOE makes decisions on waivers and interim waivers for only those
basic models specifically set out in the petition, not future models
that may be manufactured by the petitioner. RSG may submit a new or
amended petition for waiver and request for grant of interim waiver, as
appropriate, for additional basic models of single-packaged dedicated
systems with multiple refrigeration circuits. Alternatively, if
appropriate, RSG may request that DOE extend the scope of a waiver or
an interim waiver to include additional basic models employing the same
technology as the basic model(s) set forth in the original petition
consistent with 10 CFR 431.401(g).

Signing Authority

This document of the Department of Energy was signed on July 18,
2022, by Kelly J. Speakes-Backman, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary
for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, pursuant to delegated
authority from the Secretary of Energy. That document with the original
signature and date is maintained by DOE. For administrative purposes
only, and in compliance with requirements of the Office of the Federal
Register, the undersigned DOE Federal Register Liaison Officer has been
authorized to sign and submit the document in electronic format for
publication, as an official document of the Department of Energy. This
administrative process in no way alters the legal effect of this
document upon publication in the Federal Register.

Signed in Washington, DC, on July 19, 2022
Treena V. Garrett,
Federal Register Liaison Officer, U.S. Department of Energy.

February 17, 2022

U.S. Department of Energy
Building Technologies Program, Test Procedure Waiver
1000 Independence Avenue SW, Mailstop EE-SB
Washington, DC 20585-0121

Re: Notice of petition for an alternate test procedure waiver and
interim waiver. Request for public comment.

Norlake, Inc., dba Refrigerated Solutions Group (RSG),
respectfully requests a test procedure waiver and interim waiver
pursuant to 10 CFR 431.401 with regards to 10 CFR 431 Appendix C of
subpart R Uniform Test Method for the Measurement of Net Capacity
and AWEF of Walk-In Cooler and Walk-In Freezer Refrigeration
Systems. This request is for newly proposed test procedures for
Walk-In Single Packaged Dedicated Refrigeration Systems.
The reasons for the test procedure amendments are to account for
the following;
1. Testing multiple compressors and refrigeration circuits
incorporated into a single system.
2. Modifying the use of the 25' line set as these are single
packaged dedicated systems not intended to be used with a line set.
These systems meet the DOE definition of a Single-Packaged
Dedicated System (single packaged assembly that includes one or more
compressors, a condenser, a means for forced circulation of
refrigerated air, and elements by which heat is transferred from air
to refrigerant, without any element external to the system imposing
resistance to flow of the refrigerated air.). Appendix C to Subpart
R of Part 431 states that this equipment is to be evaluated using
the test procedure set forth in AHRI 1250-2009 with certain
modifications provided in the CFR. Neither 1250 nor the CFR address
the prospect of multiple refrigeration circuits in one single-
packaged system. Therefore, we request a waiver to cover the
procedure for testing systems with multiple refrigeration circuits.
These systems incorporate multiple refrigeration circuits and
operate on a single power feed. Each refrigeration circuit has its
own compressor, expansion device, condenser, and evaporator circuits
and may share condenser and evaporator fans and a single system
controller. RSG is requesting a procedural waiver that allows for
testing each refrigeration circuit under the same procedure as
described in the CFR, but conduct the test simultaneously on each
refrigeration circuit with duplicate monitoring of pressures,
temperatures, and mass flow for each circuit. The power consumption
of the total system will be collected. To determine the system AWEF,
follow the procedures in the attached Alternate Procedure document.
We feel this is keeping with the intent of the CFR while accounting
for design characteristics of a multi-circuit system.
With respect to the CFR and the reference of a 25' line set
(C9.2) and section C3.3.3 referencing refrigerant charge, since one
piece single-packaged systems are not intended to be remotely split
via a line set, we request that the requirement for the 25' line set
(C8.3 or 9.2) for this type of product be replaced with simply
adding a mass flow meter to the liquid line between the heat
exchanger and the expansion device. The existing suction line would
not be disturbed for the test. The mass flow meter would be added
with minimal additional liquid line (5 foot total maximum insulated
with line size matching that supplied with the system) consistent
with C3.4. The added refrigerant charge to account for the added
liquid line extensions to and from the mass flow meter,

[[Page 43823]]

the mass flow meter itself and the sight glass would be determined
using the pre-existing procedure in C3.3.3. It is also requested to
relax the specification in C3.3.3 of 0.5 [deg]F tolerance for each
on coil temp to 1 [deg]F as these temperature tolerances can be
difficult to repeatedly achieve when the units are shut down, re-
plumbed and recharged and additionally, existing test condition
tolerances of 1 [deg]F already exist for the indoor air temps which
will affect the on-coil temps.
The detailed alternate test procedures are in the attached
Alternate Test Procedure document.
Additionally, we recognize that the DOE has previously issued
waivers for single package refrigeration systems to use the
alternate energy determination methods specified in AHRI 1250-2020
for single packaged systems, specifically air enthalpy methods
(amongst others). Our lab is currently not set up to use this test
method and the third-party agencies that we have contacted have
replied that they are not able to conduct this test method at this
time. We have conducted extensive testing using the method noted
above and believe that it mirrors the intent of AHRI 1250-2009 and
CFR modifications. Requiring alternate test methods from AHRI 1250-
2020 will place an undue burden both financially and time wise on
RSG. We suggest the above alternative as a viable test method that
mirrors the current test method described in the CFR and yields
representative real life energy use/efficiency for the systems. Also
going forward, the DOE could have alternate test methods for single
packaged refrigeration systems that lend themselves to the current
test method and not mandate this type of system to test methods that
would require added expenses for test labs not currently set up for
alternate test methods specified in AHRI 1250-2020.
The basic models that this interm waiver and waiver would apply
to are as follows, branded Norlake and Masterbilt;
CPB050PC-S-0, CPB075PC-S-0, CPB100PC-S-0, CPF050PC-S-0,
CPF075PC-S-0, CPF100PC-S-0, CPF150PC-S-4 and CPF200PC-S-4.
Other manufactures of this class of equipment include but may
not be limited to Heatcraft, Kolpak and Turbo-Air.
Conclusion
With the above noted information RSG requests that the DOE issue
an Interim waiver and waiver to allow this modified energy
efficiency test method as an alternate to the existing methods to
account for single packaged walk-in refrigeration system
construction. Failure to grant this request would have an economic
hardship due to loss of revenue from sales of this product and/or
significantly delay the release of the product to the market. Should
the DOE require any additional information to move this forward we
would be available and pleased to discuss.
Thank you for your consideration,
/s/
Bill Larson, CFSP
Senior Research and Development Engineer
Refrigerated Solutions Group
715-386-2323
RSG Alternate Test Procedure
The alternate test procedure for the RSG basic models shall be
tested using the test procedure for walk-in cooler refrigeration
systems prescribed by DOE at 10 CFR part 431, subpart R, appendix C,
except as detailed below. All other requirements of 10 CFR part 431,
subpart R, appendix C, and DOE's regulations remain applicable.
Modification to 10 CFR part 431, subpart R, appendix C:
* * * * *
3.1.1. In Table 1, Instrumentation Accuracy, refrigerant
temperature measurements shall have a tolerance of <plus-minus>0.5 F
for unit cooler in/out. Temperature measurements used to determine
water vapor content of the air shall be accurate to within <plus-
minus>0.4 F, <plus-minus>1.0 F for all other temperature measurements.
* * * * *
3.1.4. In Tables 2 through 14, the Test Condition Outdoor Wet Bulb
Temperature requirement and its associated tolerance apply only to
units with evaporative cooling and single-packaged dedicated systems.
* * * * *
3.1.6. Tables 3, 4, 7, and 8 shall be modified to read as follows:

Table 3--Fixed Capacity Matched Refrigerator System, Condensing Unit Located Indoor
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unit cooler Unit cooler
air entering air entering Condenser air Condenser air
Test description dry-bulb relative entering dry- entering wet- Compressor capacity Test objective
([deg]F) humidity (%) bulb ([deg]F) bulb ([deg]F)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Off Cycle Fan Power................... 35 <50 .............. .............. Compressor Off............. Measure fan input
wattage during
compressor off
cycle.
Refrigeration Capacity................ 35 <50 90 \1\ 75, \2\ 65 Compressor On.............. Determine Net
Refrigeration
Capacity of Unit
Cooler, input
power, and EER at
Rating Condition.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note:
1. Required only for evaporative Dedicated Condensing Units.
2. Maximum allowable value for Single-Packaged Dedicated Systems that do not use evaporative Dedicated Condensing Units, where all or part of the
equipment is located in the outdoor room.

Table 4--Fixed Capacity Matched Refrigerator System, Condensing Unit Located Outdoor
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unit cooler Unit cooler
air entering air entering Condenser air Condenser air
Test description dry-bulb relative entering dry- entering wet- Compressor capacity Test objective
([deg]F) humidity (%) bulb ([deg]F) bulb ([deg]F)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Off Cycle Fan Power................... 35 <50 .............. .............. Compressor Off............. Measure fan input
wattage during
compressor off
cycle.
Refrigeration Capacity A.............. 35 <50 95 \1\ 75, \2\ 68 Compressor On.............. Determine Net
Refrigeration
Capacity of Unit
Cooler, input
power, and EER at
Rating Condition.
Refrigeration Capacity B.............. 35 <50 59 \1\ 54, \2\ 46 Compressor On.............. Determine Net
Refrigeration
Capacity of Unit
Cooler, and system
input power at
moderate
condition.
Refrigeration Capacity C.............. 35 <50 35 \1\ 34, \2\ 29 Compressor On.............. Determine Net
Refrigeration
Capacity of Unit
Cooler, and system
input power at
cold condition.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note:
1. Required only for evaporative Dedicated Condensing Units.
2. Maximum allowable value for Single-Packaged Dedicated Systems that do not use evaporative Dedicated Condensing Units, where all or part of the
equipment is located in the outdoor room.

[[Page 43824]]

Table 7--Fixed Capacity Matched Freezer System, Condensing Unit Located Indoor
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unit cooler Unit cooler
air entering air entering Condenser air Condenser air
Test description dry-bulb relative entering dry- entering wet- Compressor capacity Test objective
([deg]F) humidity (%) bulb ([deg]F) bulb ([deg]F)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Off Cycle Fan Power................... -10 <50 .............. .............. Compressor Off............. Measure fan input
wattage during
compressor off
cycle.
Refrigeration Capacity................ -10 <50 90 \1\ 75, \2\ 68 Compressor On.............. Determine Net
Refrigeration
Capacity of Unit
Cooler, input
power, and EER at
Rating Condition.
Defrost Frost Load.................... -10 Various 90 \1\ 75, \2\ 68 System Dependent........... Test according to
Appendix C Section
C11.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note:
1. Required only for evaporative Dedicated Condensing Units.
2. Maximum allowable value for Single-Packaged Dedicated Systems that do not use evaporative Dedicated Condensing Units, where all or part of the
equipment is located in the outdoor room.

Table 8--Fixed Capacity Matched Freezer System, Condensing Unit Located Outdoor
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unit cooler Unit cooler
air entering air entering Condenser air Condenser air
Test description dry-bulb relative entering dry- entering wet- Compressor capacity Test objective
([deg]F) humidity (%) bulb ([deg]F) bulb ([deg]F)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Off Cycle Fan Power................... -10 <50 .............. .............. Compressor Off............. Measure fan input
wattage during
compressor off
cycle.
Refrigeration Capacity A.............. -10 <50 95 \1\ 75, \2\ 68 Compressor On.............. Determine Net
Refrigeration
Capacity of Unit
Cooler, input
power, and EER at
Rating Condition.
Refrigeration Capacity B.............. -10 <50 59 \1\ 54, \2\ 46 Compressor On.............. Determine Net
Refrigeration
Capacity of Unit
Cooler, input
power, and EER at
Rating Condition.
Refrigeration Capacity C.............. -10 <50 35 \1\ 34, \2\ 29 Compressor On.............. Determine Net
Refrigeration
Capacity of Unit
Cooler, input
power, and EER at
Rating Condition.
Defrost Frost Load.................... -10 Various 95 \1\ 75, \2\ 68 System Dependent........... Test according to
appendix C Section
C11.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note:
1. Required only for evaporative Dedicated Condensing Units.
2. Maximum allowable value for Single-Packaged Dedicated Systems that do not use evaporative Dedicated Condensing Units, where all or part of the
equipment is located in the outdoor room.

* * * * *
BILLING CODE 6450-01-P

[[Page 43825]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN22JY22.008

[[Page 43826]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN22JY22.009

[[Page 43827]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN22JY22.010

C5.1.1 Single-Package Refrigerant Enthalpy method shall determine
gross refrigeration capacity by measuring the enthalpy change and the
mass flow rate of the refrigerant using a single set of measurements.
C5.1.2 Calibrated Box method shall determine net refrigeration
capacity by measuring the heat input to the calibrated box, including
thermal transfer through the calibrated box walls.
C5.1.3 Indoor Air Enthalpy method shall determine net refrigeration
capacity of Single-package System and input power in accordance with
ASHRAE 37-2009, Figure C4, and the following modifications.
C5.1.3.1 Net refrigeration capacity is determined by measuring
airflow rate and the dry-bub temperature and water vapor content of the
air that enters and leaves the coil. Air enthalpies shall be determined
in accordance with ANSI ASHRAE 41.6. Entering air is to be sufficiently
dry as to not produce frost on the Evaporator coil. Therefore, only
sensible capacity measured by dry bulb change shall be used to
calculate capacity.
C5.1.4 Testing Sequence. The primary test method shall be used to
measure the capacity for Rating Condition A prior to set-up of the
Single-Package Refrigerant Enthalpy Measurement. After set-up of the
Refrigerant Enthalpy method, the Net Capacity shall be measured using
both the primary test method and the Refrigerant Enthalpy method. The
Net Capacity measurement using the Refrigerant Enthalpy method shall be
within 6 percent of the net capacity measurement using the primary
method.
If a capacity balance within tolerance is not initially achieved,
take steps to reduce the thermal losses of the single-package system
evaporator compartment by sealing air gaps and potentially adding more
external insulation. If using the Calibrated Box method as the primary
method, achieving a capacity balance may require conducting the
calibration with calibrated box insulation material at the same average
temperature as during capacity measurement, or using multiple
calibrations conducted at different average insulation material
temperatures and using these data to construct a correlation for the
calibration coefficient K<INF>cb</INF> as a function of average
insulation temperature. The official performance measurements are based
on the primary method testing without any air gap sealing and
additional external insulation used to achieve the 6 percent energy
balance in place.
C5.1.5 The refrigerant enthalpy method Net Capacity shall be
calculated from the Gross Capacity Measurement as follows.

Qss,2 = Qref-3.412 x EFcomp,on-Qsploss

Where Qsploss represents the single-package system thermal losses
through the walls of the evaporator side of the single-package
system to the condenser side and to the exterior ambient, and shall
be calculated as follows.

Qsploss = UAcond x (Tcondside-Tevapside) + UAamb x (Tamb-Tevapside)

Where:

UA<INF>cond</INF> and UA<INF>amb</INF> are, for the condenser/
evaporator partition and the evaporator compartment walls exposed to
ambient air, respectively, the product of the overall heat transfer
coefficient and surface area of the unit as manufactured, i.e.
without external insulation that might have been added during the
test;
T<INF>evapside</INF> is the air temperature in the evaporator
compartment;
T<INF>condside</INF> is the air temperature in the condenser
compartment; and
T<INF>amb</INF> is the air temperature outside the single-package
system.

The Net Capacity to be used in AWEF calculations shall be the net
capacity measured using the primary method.

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[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN22JY22.012

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[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN22JY22.013

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[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN22JY22.014

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[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN22JY22.015

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C9.2.1.5.1 Air temperature sensors.
Each temperature sensor shall be at a distance of 6 inches from the
calibrated box. If the clearance from a surface of the box (allowed for
one surface only) is less than 12 inches, the temperature measuring
instruments shall be located midway between the outer wall of the
calibrated box and the adjacent surface.
C9.2.1.5.2 Surface temperature sensors.
Surface temperature sensors shall be mounted on the calibrated box
surfaces to represent the enclosure temperature T<INF>en</INF>.
Additional surface temperature sensors may be used to measure
external hot spots during refrigeration system testing. If this is
done, two temperature sensors shall be used to measure the average
temperature of the calibrated box surface covered by the condensing
section--they shall be located centered on equal-area rectangles
comprising the covered calibrated box surface whose common sides span
the short dimension of this surface. Additional surface temperature
sensors may be use to measure box surfaces on which warm condenser
discharge air impinges. A pattern of square surfaces measuring one foot
square shall be mapped out to represent the hot spot upon which the
warm condenser air impinges. One temperature sensor shall be used to
measure surface temperature at the center of each square (see Figure
C5). A drawing showing this pattern and identifying the surface
temperature sensors shall be provided in the test report. The average
surface temperature of the overall calibrated box outer surface during
testing shall be calculated as follows.

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Where:
A<INF>i</INF> is the surface area of the ith of the six
calibrated box surfaces;
T<INF>i</INF> is the average temperature measured for the
ith surface;
A<INF>j</INF> is half of the surface area of the calibrated box
covered by the condensing section;
T'<INF>j</INF> is the jth of the two temperature
measurements underneath the condensing section;
T<INF>1</INF> is the average temperature of the four or fewer
measurements representing the temperature of the face on which the
single-packaged system is mounted, prior to adjustments associated
with hot spots based on measurements T<INF>j</INF> and/or
T<INF>k</INF>;
A<INF>k</INF> is the area of the kth of n 1-square-foot
surfaces used to measure the condenser discharge impingement area
hot spot;
T''<INF>k</INF> is the kth of the n temperature
measurements of the condenser discharge impingement area hot spot;
and

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[FR Doc. 2022-15726 Filed 7-21-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6450-01-C

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