Fans and Blowers Test Procedure NOPR: Public Meeting - August 2, 2022 - Jeremy Dommu Department of Energy Building Technologies Program
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Fans and Blowers
Test Procedure NOPR:
Public Meeting – August 2, 2022
Jeremy Dommu
Department of Energy
Building Technologies Program
1 | Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy eere.energy.gov
Welcome
• Introductions
• Ground Rules
– Speak one at a time.
– Say your name for the record – there will be a complete transcript of this
meeting.
– Be concise – share the ‘air-time’.
– Participants turn phone/computer on mute; “raise your hand” to be recognized
to speak.
2
Purpose of the Public Meeting
• Present DOE’s proposals pertaining to test procedures fans and blowers.
• Invite comment on the notice of proposed rulemaking (NOPR) document for
test procedures.
• Invite participants to provide summary comments or statements and raise
additional issues for discussion.
3
Issues for Discussion
Issue Box: DOE welcomes comments, data, and information
concerning test procedures for fans and blowers. Whether invited
by an issue box or not, comments are welcome on any part of DOE’s
analysis.
4Agenda Review
1 Opening Statements
2 Timeline
3 Scope and Definitions
4 Industry Standards
5 Proposed Modifications to Industry Standards and Metric
6 Certification Provisions
7 Closing Remarks
5Agenda Review
1 Opening Statements
2 Timeline
3 Scope and Definitions
4 Industry Standards
5 Proposed Modifications to Industry Standards and Metric
6 Certification Provisions
7 Closing Remarks
6Opening Remarks
Meeting participants are invited to provide opening remarks or
statements at this time.
7Agenda Review
1 Opening Statements
2 Timeline
3 Scope and Definitions
4 Industry Standards
5 Proposed Modifications to Industry Standards and Metric
6 Certification Provisions
7 Closing Remarks
8Rulemaking Timeline
Final
RFI NOPR
Rule
Date Publication Reference
Notice of Intent to establish an Appliance
Standard and Rulemaking Federal Advisory
April 1, 2015 80 FR 17359
Committee (ASRAC) Working Group for Fans and
Blowers
No. EERE-2013-BT-
September 24, 2015 ASRAC Fan Working Group term Sheet
STD-0006, No. 179
August 19, 2021 Final Rule Coverage Determination 86 FR 46579
Request for Information published, initiating
October 1, 2021 86 FR 54412
current rulemaking
July 25, 2022 This Notice of Proposed Rulemaking published 87 FR 44194
August 2, 2022 Public Meeting
September 23, 2022 Comment period for this NOPR closes
9Agenda Review
1 Opening Statements
2 Timeline
3 Scope and Definitions
4 Industry Standards
5 Proposed Modifications to Industry Standards and Metric
6 Certification Provisions
7 Closing Remarks
10Scope – Fans and Blowers • DOE classified fans and blowers as covered equipment. 86 FR 46579 • Fan or blower means a rotary bladed machine used to convert electrical or mechanical power to air power, with an energy output limited to 25 kilojoule (kJ)/kilogram (kg) of air. It consists of an impeller, a shaft and bearings and/or driver to support the impeller, as well as a structure or housing. A fan or blower may include a transmission, driver, and/or motor controller. • In the NOPR, DOE proposes separate test procedures for: (1) fans and blowers other than air circulating fans (ACFs) and (2) ACFs. 11
Scope – Fans and Blowers Other Than Air Circulating Fans
• The proposed test procedure scope for fans and blowers other than ACFs includes the
following fan categories:
– Axial inline fans
– Centrifugal inline fans
– Axial panel fans
– Radial housed fans
– Centrifugal housed fans
– Power roof ventilators
– Centrifugal unhoused fans
• The proposed test procedure includes the following fan and blower operating
characteristics:
– Fan shaft input power ≥ 1 hp or Fan electrical input power ≥ 0.89 kW
– Static or total airpower ≤ 150 hp
• The proposed test procedure further excludes the following fans and blowers
categories:
– Induced flow fans
– Safety fans
– Fan exclusively powered by combustion
– Jet fans
engines
– Cross flow fans
– Radial housed unshrouded fan with diameter less than 30 inches or a blade width less than 3
inches
– Certain embedded fans, that are not distributed in commerce as a standalone fan
12Scope – Fans and Blowers Other Than Air Circulating Fans
• The proposed test procedure excludes fans exclusively embedded in the
following equipment:
Direct-expansion dedicated outdoor systems Air curtains
subject to any DOE test procedures in appendix B to Air-cooled commercial package air conditioners and
subpart F of part 431.* heat pumps with a certified cooling capacity between
Single-phase central air conditioners and heat 5.5 tons (65,000 Btu/h) and 63.5 tons (760,000 Btu/h)
pumps rated with a certified cooling capacity less that are subject to DOE’s energy conservation standard
than 65,000 British thermal units per hour (“Btu/h”), at 10 CFR 431.97(b)**
that are subject to DOE’s energy conservation Water-cooled and evaporatively-cooled commercial
standard at 10 CFR 430.32(c) air conditioners and water-source commercial heat
pumps that are subject to DOE’s energy conservation
Three-phase, air-cooled, small commercial standard at 10 CFR 431.97(b)**
packaged air-conditioning and heating equipment Single package vertical air conditioners and heat
rated with a certified cooling capacity less than pumps that are subject to DOE’s energy conservation
65,000 Btu/h, that are subject to DOE’s energy standard at 10 CFR 431.97(d)**
conservation standard at 10 CFR 431.97(b) Packaged terminal air conditioners and packaged
terminal heat pumps that are subject to DOE’s energy
Transport refrigeration conservation standard at 10 CFR 431.97(c)**
Computer room air conditioners that are subject to
Vacuum cleaners
DOE’s energy conservation standard at 10 CFR
Heat Rejection Equipment 431.97(e)**
Variable refrigerant flow multi-split air conditioners
* Will be subject to a DOE test procedure (Docket No.EERE-2017-BT-TP-
0018). and heat pumps that are subject to DOE’s energy
** The exclusion only applies to supply and condenser fans embedded in conservation standard at 10 CFR 431.97(f)**
this equipment.
13Scope: Air Circulating Fans
• DOE proposes to define air circulating fan as: A fan that has no
provision for connection to ducting or separation of the fan
inlet from its outlet using a pressure boundary, operates against
zero external static pressure loss, and is not a jet fan.
• The proposed test procedure would apply to all ACFs, including
the following categories, for which DOE proposes definitions:
– Unhoused air circulating fan head
– Housed air circulating fan head
• Air circulating axial panel fan
• Box fan
• Cylindrical air circulating fan
• Housed centrifugal air circulating fan
14Proposed Definitions (Primary Definitions)
Term Proposed Definition Based on
Air circulating An axial housed air circulating fan head without a cylindrical housing or box housing that is mounted on AMCA 230 C
axial panel fan a panel, orifice plate or ring.
Axial inline fan A fan with an axial impeller and a cylindrical housing with or without turning vanes. AMCA 214-21
Axial panel fans An axial fan, without cylindrical housing, that includes a panel, orifice plate, or ring with brackets for AMCA 214-21
mounting through a wall, ceiling, or other structure that separates the fan's inlet from its outlet.
Box fan An axial housed air circulating fan head without a cylindrical housing that is mounted on a panel, orifice AMCA 230 C
plate or ring and is mounted in a box housing
Centrifugal A fan with a centrifugal or mixed flow impeller in which airflow exits into a housing that is generally AMCA 214-21
housed fan scroll-shaped to direct the air through a single fan outlet. A centrifugal housed fan does not include a
radial impeller.
Centrifugal A fan with a centrifugal or mixed flow impeller in which airflow enters axially at the fan inlet and the AMCA 214-21
inline fan housing redirects radial airflow from the impeller to exit the fan in an axial direction
Centrifugal A fan with a centrifugal or mixed flow impeller in which airflow enters through a panel and discharges AMCA 214-21
unhoused fan into free space. Inlets and outlets are not ducted. This fan type also includes fans designed for use in
fan arrays that have partition walls separating the fan from other fans in the array
Cross-flow fan A fan or blower with a housing that creates an airflow path through the impeller in a direction at right AMCA 208-18
angles to its axis of rotation and with airflow both entering and exiting the impeller at its
periphery. Inlets and outlets can optionally be ducted.
15Proposed Definitions (primary definitions)
Term Proposed Definition Based on
Cylindrical air An axial housed air circulating fan head with a cylindrical housing that is not a positive pressure AMCA 230 C
circulating fan ventilator as defined in ANSI/AMCA Standard 240-15, Laboratory Methods of Testing Positive Pressure
Ventilators for Aerodynamic Performance Rating,
Exclusively A fan or blower that is manufactured and incorporated into a product or equipment manufactured by -
embedded fan the same manufacturer and that is exclusively distributed in commerce embedded in another product or
equipment.
Housed air An air circulating fan with an axial or centrifugal impeller, and a housing. AMCA 230 C
circulating fan
head
Housed A housed air circulating fan head with a centrifugal or radial impeller in which airflow exits into a AMCA 230 C
centrifugal air housing that is generally scroll shaped to direct the air through a single, narrow fan outlet.
circulating fan
Induced flow A type of laboratory exhaust fan with a nozzle and windband; the fan's outlet airflow is greater than the AMCA 214-21
fan inlet airflow due to induced airflow. All airflow entering the inlet exits through the nozzle. Airflow
exiting the windband includes the nozzle airflow plus the induced airflow.
Jet fan A fan designed and marketed specifically for producing a high velocity air jet in a space to increase its air AMCA 214-21
momentum. Jet fans are rated using thrust. Inlets and outlets are not ducted but may include acoustic
silencers.
Power roof A fan with an internal driver and a housing to prevent precipitation from entering the building. It has a AMCA 214-21
ventilator base designed to fit over a roof or wall opening, usually by means of a roof curb.
Radial-housed A fan with a radial impeller in which airflow exits into a housing that is generally scroll-shaped to direct AMCA 214-21
fan the air through a single fan outlet. Inlets and outlets can optionally be ducted.
16Proposed Definitions (primary definitions)
Term Proposed Definition Based on
Safety Fan (1) A fan or blower that is designed and marketed to operate only at or above 482 degrees Review of existing
Fahrenheit (250 degrees Celsius); industry and
(2) A reversible axial fan in cylindrical housing that is designed and marketed for use in ducted regulatory definitions
tunnel ventilation that will reverse operation under emergency ventilation conditions; for “safety fans”
(3) A fan or blower bearing an Underwriter Laboratories or Electric Testing Laboratories listing for
“Power Ventilators for Smoke Control Systems”;
(4) An open discharge exhaust fan with integral discharge nozzles which develop or maintain a
minimum discharge velocity of 3000 FPM;
(5) A fan constructed in accordance with AMCA type A or B spark resistant construction as
defined in ANSI/AMCA Standard 99-16 Standards Handbook, (incorporated by reference, see
§431.173);
(6) A fan or blower designed and marketed for use in explosive atmospheres and tested and
marked according to ISO 80079-36:2016 Explosive atmospheres — Part 36: Non-electrical
equipment for explosive atmospheres — Basic method and requirements, (incorporated by
reference, see §431.173); or
(7) An electric-motor-driven- Positive Pressure Ventilator as defined in ANSI/AMCA Standard 240-
15, Laboratory Methods of Testing Positive Pressure Ventilators for Aerodynamic Performance
Rating, (incorporated by reference, see §431.173).
Unhoused Air An air circulating fan without a housing, having an axial impeller with a ratio of fan-blade span (in AMCA 230 C
circulating fan inches) to maximum rate of rotation (in revolutions per minute) less than or equal to 0.06. The
head impeller may or may not be guarded.
• DOE proposes additional definitions for related terms in the NOPR
17Issues for Discussion
DOE requests comment on its proposed scope and definitions.
18Agenda Review
1 Opening Statements
2 Timeline
3 Scope and Definitions
4 Industry Standards
5 Proposed Modifications to Industry Standards and Metric
6 Certification Provisions
7 Closing Remarks
19Industry Standards
• AMCA 210-16 “Laboratory Methods of Testing Fans for Certified Aerodynamic
Performance Rating“
– Provides methods to measure the fan electrical input power (“FEP”) of a fan at any given duty point (flow,
pressure) and speed (“Wire-to-air” test) or to determine the fan mechanical shaft input power (“shaft-to-air” of
“fan shaft power” test).
• AMCA 230-15, with errata “Laboratory Methods of Testing Air Circulating Fans for
Rating and Certification”
– Provides methods to measure the fan electrical input power (“FEP”) of an ACF at any given duty point (flow,
pressure) and speed (“Wire-to-air” test).
– DOE is aware that AMCA 230 is currently under review. The revisions being considered by the AMCA 230
committee are subject to change and could further be revised in the next version of AMCA 230.
– DOE will review the latest version of AMCA 230 when available and proposes to update the reference to the
latest version of AMCA 230 available at the time of publication of the test procedure final rule (provided the
updates are consistent with the provisions in this NOPR, or the updates are related to topics that DOE has
discussed and solicited comments on in this NOPR)
20Industry Standards
• AMCA 214-21 “Test Procedure for Calculating Fan Energy Index for
Commercial and Industrial Fans and Blowers”
– References AMCA 210-16 and AMCA 230-15, with errata.
– Provides additional instructions on how to conduct tests based on AMCA 210-16 and AMCA 230-15,
with errata.
– Provides calculation algorithms to establish the Fan Energy Index (“FEI”) of fan at a given duty point. The
FEI is the ration of the FEP of a theoretical reference fan divided by the FEP of the actual tested fan.
– The reference fans FEP is based on several equations that allow calculating the reference shaft input
power, reference motor efficiency and reference transmission efficiency.
• International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 5801:2017, “Fans –
Performance testing using standardized airways”
• Additional industry standards incorporated by reference to support
definitions (AMCA 99-16, AMCA 240-15, and ISO 80079-36:2016)
21Industry Standards
• AMCA 214-21 provides different test options to reduce testing burden:
Test Description
Driver Motor Controller Transmission Test FEP Determination
(Section 6 of AMCA
Configuration Configuration Configuration Speed(s) Method
214-21)
Wire-to-air test at With or without a With or without Section 6.1 of AMCA
Motor All speeds**
all speeds motor controller transmission 214-21
Wire-to-air test at With or without a With or without At least two Section 6.2 of AMCA
Motor
selected speeds motor controller transmission speeds 214-21
Fan shaft power test
Without At least one Section 6.3 of AMCA
for fans without a None None
transmission speed 214-21
motor*
With a variable
Electric motors frequency drive in Direct drive, V-belt
Fan shaft power test subject to standards accordance with drive, flexible
At least one Section 6.4 of AMCA
for fans with a at 10 CFR section 6.4.1.4 of coupling, or
speed 214-21
regulated motor* 431.25 (“regulated AMCA 214-21 or synchronous belt
polyphase motor”) without a motor drive
controller
Direct drive, V-belt
Fan shaft power test drive, flexible
With or without a At least one Section 6.5 of AMCA
and motor / motor Motor coupling, or
motor controller speed 214-21
and controls test* synchronous belt
drive
*With or without the use of interpolation or fan laws as provided in Annex E of AMCA 214-21
** All speeds for which FEP values are generated
22Issue for Discussion
DOE requests comment on its proposal to incorporate by reference
AMCA 210-16, AMCA 214-21, AMCA 230-15 (with errata), ISO 5801:2017,
as well as AMCA 99-16, ISO 80079-36:2016, and AMCA 240-15.
23Agenda Review
1 Opening Statements
2 Timeline
3 Scope and Definitions
4 Industry Standards
5 Proposed Modifications to Industry Standards and Metric
6 Certification Provisions
7 Closing Remarks
24Combined Motor and Controller Efficiency Calculation
• Section 6.4.2.4 of AMCA 214-21, which relies on Annex B “Motor Constants
if Used With VFD (Normative)” and Annex C “VFD Performance Constants
(Normative)”, provides a method to estimate the combined motor and
controller part-load efficiency for certain electric motors and controller
combinations that meet the requirements in Sections 6.4.1.3 and 6.4.1.4 of
AMCA 214-21, which specify that the motor must be an electric motor
subject to energy conservation standards at 10 CFR 431.25.
• DOE reviewed motor and VFD efficiency data and has concerns that the
equations described in Section 6.4.2.4 of AMCA 214-21 may not be
appropriately representative, resulting in fan FEI ratings that would be
higher than FEI ratings obtained using the wire-to-air test method described
in Section 6.1 of AMCA 214-21.
• DOE proposes to incorporate by reference AMCA 214-21, except for Section
6.4.2.4.of AMCA 214-21.
25Section 6.5 and Annex F of AMCA 214-21
• Section 6.5 and Annex F of AMCA 214-21 provide methods to determine the
FEP of the actual fan by conducting separate tests for the bare shaft fan and
the motor or the combined motor and controller.
– Annex F specifies the industry test methods to use when testing the motor or
the combined motor and controller. CSA C747-09 (R2014), “Energy efficiency
test methods for small motors;” CSA C838-13 (R2018), “Energy efficiency test
methods for three-phase variable frequency drive systems;” IEEE 112–2017,
“IEEE Standard Test Procedure for Polyphase Induction Motors and Generators”
and ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 222-2018, “Standard Method of Test for Electrical
Power Drive Systems”.
• DOE notes that the electric motor test methods deviate from DOE’s
proposed methods for testing certain electric motors. See 86 FR 71710.
• DOE proposes to incorporate by reference AMCA 214-21, except for Section
6.5 and annex F of AMCA 214-21.
26Exclusively Embedded Fans, Other Than ACFs
• DOE proposes to exclude fans that are exclusively embedded in certain
equipment.
• Other exclusively embedded fans would be included in the scope of the test
procedure to the extent that they meet the proposed test procedure scope
criteria.
– DOE proposes that these fans be tested as standalone fans, outside of the
equipment in which they are incorporated.
– DOE proposes that if any fan components are not removable without causing
irreversible damage to the equipment into which the fan is embedded, the
manufacturer must use additional fan components, except for the fan impeller,
that are geometrically identical to that of the fan embedded inside the larger
piece of equipment, for testing.
– This would result in a range of FEI ratings at every operating point at which the
fan is capable of operating, including at the flow and pressure point experienced
by the fan when embedded inside the equipment.
27Appurtenances
• Section 7.3 of AMCA 214-21 provides instructions on which appurtenances
to include as part of the tested fan.
– Appurtenances that improve fan performance should be included if always
supplied with the fan when distributed in commerce.
– Appurtenances that reduce fan performance shall be tested with the fan if the
appurtenance is always supplied with the fan when distributed in commerce. If
the appurtenance is not always supplied with the fan when distributed in
commerce, it shall not be tested with the fan.
• For ACFs, the AMCA 230 committee is considering adding that any
appurtenances sold with the fan shall be included in the minimum testable
configuration.
• DOE has tentatively determined that testing using the provisions discussed
by the AMCA 230 committee would provide results that are more
representative of field conditions because consumers are likely to use the
fan with the appurtenances they purchase.
• In the NOPR, DOE proposes that any appurtenances sold with the fan must
be included during the test for all fans and blowers, including ACFs.
28Appurtenances
• For ACFs, the AMCA 230 committee is considering the following:
– If sold with the fan, an on/off switch or speed control device would be included in the
minimum testable configuration. The power consumption of the on/off switch or speed
control device would be included in the active and standby mode power measurements.
– If multiple control devices are sold with the fan, only the standard fan control device would
be used for testing.
– Optional product features not related to generating air movement would not be energized
for the purpose of testing. Optional product features not related to generating air
movement include, but are not limited to: misting kits, external sensors not required to
operate the fan, and communication devices not required to operate the fan.
• DOE proposes to clarify that if the air circulating fan is offered with a default
controller, testing would be conducted using the default controller. If the air
circulating fan is offered with multiple controllers, testing would be conducted using
the minimally functional controller (i.e. "standard controller")
• DOE proposes to add clarification that additional features not related to air
movement be installed, but either powered off or set at the lowest energy-
consuming mode during testing.
29Frequency, Phase, and Voltage
• Frequency: DOE proposes to test all fans at 60Hz.
• Phase: DOE proposes that fans capable of operating with single- and multi-phase electricity
must be tested using multi-phase power supply, which is the most common power supply for
industrial and commercial equipment.
• Voltage
– For fans and blowers other than ACFs, DOE does not have any information to evaluate which voltage
configuration would be the most representative of an average energy use cycle. DOE proposes to retain
the provisions in Section 7.8 of AMCA 214-21 to specify testing at the highest rated voltage and align
with existing industry standards. Alternatively, DOE may consider other options such as specifying a
voltage for test like that proposed below for air circulating fans.
– DOE proposes the same provisions for ACFs that it uses for ceiling fans, with additional language
describing selection of the supply voltage for fans tested using single-phase and multi-phase electricity.
Single Phase Polyphase
(a) 120 V if the air circulating fan's minimum rated (a) 240 V if the air circulating fan's minimum
voltage is 120 V or the lowest rated voltage range rated voltage is 240 V or the lowest rated
contains 120 V, voltage range contains 240 V, or
(b) 240 V if the air circulating fan's minimum rated (b) the air circulating fan's minimum rated
voltage is 240 V or the lowest rated voltage range voltage (if a voltage range is not given) or
contains 240 V, or the mean of the lowest rated voltage
(c) the air circulating fan's minimum rated voltage (if a range, in all other cases
voltage range is not given) or the mean of the
lowest rated voltage range, in all other cases.
30Test Speeds for Air Circulating Fans
• Section 8.2.4 of AMCA 230-15 (with errata) specifies that for variable speed ACFs,
performance data are captured and reported at five speeds (20, 40, 60, 80 and 100
percent of maximum speed) evenly spaced throughout the speed range. If there are
less than five speeds available, the performance at all speeds is measured. AMCA
230-15 does not explicitly indicate how to test fans with multiple discrete speed
settings.
– The AMCA 230 committee is considering revising the test speed requirements to indicate
that all ACFs must be tested at their highest speed and that additional speeds are optional.
• For single speed ACFs, DOE proposes to require that testing be conducted at the
single available speed.
• For multi-speed fans with discrete operating speeds, and for variable-speed fans with
continuously adjustable speeds, DOE does not have data to determine the typical
field operating speed(s).
– DOE proposes to test at each available speed(multi-speed ACFs) or at each of the five
speeds specified in AMCA 230-15 (variable speed ACFs).
– DOE proposes to clarify that for variable-speed ACFs with a minimum speed that is greater
than 20 percent of the maximum speed, the performance data would be captured and
reported at five speeds evenly spaced throughout the speed range, including at the
minimum and maximum speeds.
31Determination of Equilibrium
• Section 6.1.2 of AMCA 210-16 and section 8.1.1 AMCA 230-15 require that steady
readings must be obtained prior to the start of test. However, neither test standard
provides specific variables with associated tolerances within which equilibrium can
be quantified.
• DOE proposes to specify test variable and tolerances to determine equilibrium,
verified for at least 5 min, with measurements recorded at 5 second intervals.
• DOE proposes that system input voltage, system input current, system input power,
load, and load differential tolerances for evaluating equilibrium as presented below:
Variable ACF Equilibrium Tolerance Variable Fan and Blower other than ACF
Calculated air ± 1 percent of mean Equilibrium Tolerance
density Ambient air density ± 1 percent of mean
System input ± 2 percent of mean Input power by reaction ± 4 percent of mean
voltage dynamometer
System input ± 2 percent of mean Input power by torque meter ± 4 percent of mean
current Input power by calibrated motor ± 4 percent of mean
System input ± 2 percent of mean or 1 W, Input power by electrical meter ± 2 percent of mean or 1 W,
power whichever is greater whichever is greater
Fan speed ± 1 percent of mean or 1 rpm,
Fan speed ± 1 percent of mean or 1 rpm,
whichever is greater
whichever is greater
Load ± 1 percent of mean
Load differential ± 1 percent of mean
32Test Figures
• AMCA 230-15 (with errata) describes the test set-up that can be used to test
various categories of air circulating fans.
• DOE has tentatively determined that test figures 2A, 2B1, 2B2, 3A and 3B are
appropriate for all air circulating fans.
Applicable Air Circulating Fan DOE's Proposed Applicable
Test Figure and Description
Category in AMCA 230-15 Air Circulating Fan Category
Test Figure 2A: Horizontal
Airflow Setup with Air circulating fan heads and
Any air circulating fan
Counterweights Pivot Above table fans
Test Subject
Test Figure 2B1: Horizontal Air circulating fan heads and
Any air circulating fan
Airflow Setup with Load Cell table fans
Test Figure 2B2: Horizontal
Air circulating fan heads and
Airflow Setup with Load Cell Any air circulating fan
table fans
Pivot Below Test Subject
Test Figure 3A
Horizontal Airflow Setup with Box Fan and Personnel Cooler Any air circulating fan
Load Cell
Test Figure 3B
Horizontal Airflow Setup with Box Fan and Personnel Cooler Any air circulating fan
Load Cell
33Reference Fan Electric Power Calculation (Air Circulating Fans)
• Section 5 of AMCA 214-21 provides the equations necessary to calculate the
reference FEP at a given duty point based on three equations:
– A reference fan shaft input power equation, used to calculate the reference fan shaft input
power at a given duty point. This equation relies on a flow constant (Q0, equal to 250) and
a pressure constant (P0, equal to 0.4), and an efficiency target, which was set to represent a
market reference efficiency fan (equal to 0.66 total efficiency target or 0.6 static efficiency
target, depending on the FEI pressure basis).
– A reference fan transmission efficiency equation, which calculates the reference fan
transmission as a function of the reference shaft input power and represents a typical belt
drive.
– A reference motor equation which represents the performance of a regulated polyphase
motor.
• Based on an analysis of ACF performance data, DOE proposes to establish different
constants to determine the reference fan shaft input power equation in the case of
ACFs.
– Q0 = 3,210 ; P0 = 0 ; efficiency target = 0.38
• Since the publication of this TP NOPR DOE is aware that the AMCA 230 committee is
also considering different constant for ACFs as follows:
– Q0 = 1,500 ; P0 = 0.0027 ; efficiency target = 0.38
34Summary of additional Proposals
Proposed provision Attribution
Annex A of DOE proposes to replace Annex A of AMCA 214-21 by a The values in Annex A and Table 5 of 10 CFR 431.25
AMCA 214-21 reference to Table 5 of 10 CFR 431.25. are identical, however, referencing the Code of
Federal Regulations would ensure that the values of
polyphase regulated motor efficiencies remain up to
date
Annex H of DOE is not proposing to adopt Annex H “Required DOE may consider proposals to establish reporting
AMCA 214-21 Reported Values (Normative)” of AMCA 214-21 which requirements for fans and blowers under a separate
provides reporting requirements. rulemaking.
Annex I of DOE is not proposing to adopt Annex I “Minimum Data DOE is proposing its own requirements regarding
AMCA 214-21 Requirements for Published Ratings (Informative)” represented values
which provides guidance on what performance
information to publish.
Section 8.3 of DOE is not proposing to adopt Section 8.3 DOE does not propose to establish fan performance
AMCA 214-21 “Appurtenances” of AMCA 214-21 which provides with additional appurtenances beyond what is
guidance on how to characterize fan performance in the specified by the test procedure.
case of a fan with additional appurtenances beyond
what is required by the test procedure
Measurement of DOE proposes that PRVs that can operate both as supply Adds clarity on how to test these fans
PRV and exhaust fans be tested in both configurations.
performance
Total Pressure DOE proposes to add provisions to specify how to Adds clarification as how to calculate total pressure
Calculation for calculate fan total pressure and to apply the equations
ACFs in Section A.2 of AMCA 208-18 when calculating the fan
total pressure at a given airflow for fans tested per
AMCA 230-15.
35Summary of additional Proposals
Proposed provision Attribution
Wire to Air DOE proposes that air circulating fans distributed in Adds clarification on how to test these fans
testing for ACFs commerce without an electric motor be tested using an
electric motor as recommended in the manufacturer's
catalogs or distributed in commerce with the air
circulating fan. If more than one motor is available in
manufacturer's catalogs or distributed in commerce
with the air circulating fan, DOE proposes requiring that
it be tested using the least efficient motor capable of
running the fan at the fan's maximum allowable speed.
Rounding DOE proposes that represented values of FEI and FEP Rounding can impact the calculated FEI
would be rounded to the hundredths place.
DOE proposes that all measurements would be recorded
at the resolution of the test instrumentation and that
calculations would be rounded to the number of
significant digits present at the resolution of the test
instrumentation
Location of DOE proposes additional provisions to specify the Clarifies where to locate the instrument
Extraneous location of the extraneous airflow measurement
Airflow
Measurement
Run in DOE proposes that the minimum run-in requirement of Align with Section 7.4 of AMCA 214-21
Requirements 15 minutes for all fans and blowers, including ACFs
36Proposed Metric
• DOE proposes to apply FEI as the efficiency metric for fans and blowers
– FEI provides evaluation of performance across a range of operating conditions.
– FEI captures the performance of the motor, transmission, or controller (if any).
– FEI aligns with industry standards.
• For fans and blowers other than ACFs:
– DOE proposes that the FEI be evaluated at each duty point, as specified by the
manufacturer, within the range of airpower and shaft input power included in
the proposed scope.
– With this approach, the test procedure would not prescribe operating conditions
at which the FEI is to be evaluated in order to calculate the FEI metric, instead,
the FEI is determined at each duty point.
– If DOE were to establish potential energy conservation standards, compliance
with that standard would be required at each duty point specified by the
manufacturer (i.e., operating range or "bubble"), and for which the
manufacturer publishes performance data.
– Alternatively, DOE is considering to require calculating a weighted-average FEI
("WFEI") based on the FEI at a limited number of representative duty points
instead of evaluating the FEI at each duty point.
37Proposed Metric
• For ACFs, DOE proposes the following, depending on the air circulating fan's
speed capability:
– For single speed fans, DOE proposes that the FEI be evaluated at the single
available speed and corresponding duty point.
– For multi-speed fans and variable speed fans, in the absence of data to
characterize typical operating speeds, DOE proposes to calculate the FEI based
on the weighted average FEI at each of the tested fan speeds, and that each
speed be apportioned an equal weight. (e.g., if the FEI is calculated at five
speeds, each speed is given 20 percent in the calculation of the weighted
average FEI).
• To differentiate from calculated “FEI” for other categories of non-ACFs, DOE
is considering using the term "Air Circulating Fan FEI" or "ACFEI“.
• DOE is considering alternative metrics such as cfm/w (including weighted
average cfm/w for multi- and variable-speed fans), as well as alternative
weights for multi- and variable-speed fans.
38Issue for Discussion
DOE requests comment on its proposed amendments to the industry
test standards and on the proposed metric.
39Agenda Review
1 Opening Statements
2 Timeline
3 Scope and Definitions
4 Industry Standards
5 Proposed Modifications to Industry Standards and Metric
6 Certification Provisions
7 Closing Remarks
40Sampling Plan for Determining Represented Values
• DOE proposes sampling requirements at 10 CFR 429.66
– For each basic model, a sample of sufficient size must be randomly selected and
tested to ensure that represented values meet the requirements in 10 CFR
429.66.
– Number of units tested shall be no less than two .
• DOE proposes to adopt the same statistical sampling plans already in place
for other covered equipment and products for fans and blowers, including
air circulating fans.
41Alternative Efficiency Determination Methods (AEDMs)
• DOE proposes to allow the use of AEDMs to reduce testing burden (see 10
CFR 429.70).
• AEDMs use a mathematical model to estimate energy efficiency of a basic
model as measured by the DOE test procedure.
– The model is based on engineering or statistical analysis, computer simulation or
modeling, or other analytic evaluation of performance data.
– Manufacturers must validate an AEDM by showing that its results agree with the
equipment’s performance as measured by the DOE test procedure within a
specified tolerance.
– Once developed and validated, an AEDM can be used to certify basic models in
lieu of physical testing.
– Manufacturers are responsible for assessing the risk of using an AEDM, which
may incorrectly predict performance.
42AEDM Use for Fans and Blowers
• DOE is proposing that AEDMs may be used to certify fan and blower,
including air circulating fans, basic models.
– DOE is aware that wire-to-air testing is most representative of fan + motor (or +
control) performance; however, such testing can burdensome (e.g., if the same
fan is sold with multiple combinations of motors / motor + control).
– DOE’s proposed equations for determining part-load losses for regulated motors
are conservative to minimize the risk of over-rating motor performance.
– An AEDM provides manufacturers with the flexibility to determine how to best
rate their fan when combined with other categories of motor / motor + control.
• DOE is proposing that 2 basic models per validation class be tested to
validate an AEDM and that the simulated FEI (or weighted-average FEI) must
be less than or equal to 105 percent of the FEI determined through testing of
that same basic model.
• DOE proposes that at least one basic model selected for validation testing
should include a motor, or a motor and controller, if the AEDM is applied to a
basic model with a motor or to a basic model with a motor and controller.
43AEDM Validation Classes
• DOE is proposing the following AEDM validation classes for fans and blowers:
– Centrifugal housed
– Radial housed;
– Centrifugal inline;
– Centrifugal unhoused;
– Centrifugal PRV exhaust;
– Centrifugal PRV supply;
– Axial inline;
– Axial panel;
– Axial PRV;
– Unhoused ACFH;
– Air circulating axial panel fan;
– Box fan;
– Cylindrical air circulating fan; and
– Housed centrifugal air circulating fan.
44Definition of Basic Model
• DOE proposes to define basic model, with respect to fans and blowers, in 10
CFR 431.172 as “all units of fans and blowers manufactured by one manufacturer,
having the same primary energy source, and having essentially identical electrical,
physical, and functional (e.g., aerodynamic) characteristics that affect energy
consumption. In addition: (1) all variations of blade pitches of an adjustable-pitch
axial fan may be considered a single basic model; and (2) all variations of impeller
widths and impeller diameters of a given full-width impeller and full-diameter
impeller centrifugal fan may be considered a single basic model"
• DOE proposes that all blade pitches of a certain size adjustable-pitch axial fan may
be represented as a single basic model.
• For centrifugal fans, DOE proposes that all variations of a given full-size
impeller width and full-size impeller diameter may be considered as part of a single
basic model represented by the fan with the full-size impeller width and full-
size diameter.
– DOE proposes to define “full-width impeller” and “full-diameter impeller” as
"the maximum impeller width and the maximum impeller diameter with which a
given fan basic model is distributed in commerce."
45Issues for Discussion
DOE requests comment on its proposed certification provisions:
• Sampling plan
• Use of an AEDM
• AEDM validation classes
• Basic model definition
46Agenda Review
1 Opening Statements
2 Timeline
3 Scope and Definitions
4 Industry Standards
5 Proposed Modifications to Industry Standards and Metric
6 Certification Provisions
7 Closing Remarks
47How to Submit Comments
• Public meeting – Oral comments will be captured in the
transcript and become part of the public record.
• In all correspondence, please refer to the fan and blower
test procedure rulemaking by:
– Test Procedure for Fans and Blowers
– Docket #: EERE-2021-BT-TP-0021
– RIN #: 1904-AF17
• eRulemaking: www.regulations.gov
• Email: FansBlowers2021TP0021@ee.doe.gov
Test Procedure NOPR Comment Period Close: September 23,
11:59 PM ET
48You can also read
