Research Subcommittee Passes Three Ballots, Sends One to RFP Back to Task Group

NFRC’s Research Subcommittee continued working into the afternoon today, passing three ballots this morning.

Ballot One: Developing Improved Algorithms for Improving Accuracy of CMA Methodology Request for Proposal

This ballot focused on developing improved algorithms for the next generation of CMA methodology and proposes specific steps and procedures to be incorporated into the CMAST 2.0 in order to reduce maximum discrepancy between conventional simulation and CMA methodology.

One of the tasks involved in this research project calls for developing the list of products, placing emphasis on the high-performing products and components (spacers, glazing, and frame components). Opposition arose, however, citing that emphasis should be on improving CMA, not developing specific products. The counter-argument pointed out that developing such a list is critical in order to distinguish the better performing products.

The ballot ultimately passed, 30-6.

Ballot Two: Tubular Daylighting Device – Visible Transmittance Rating RFP

This ballot focused on allowing Tubular Daylighting Devices (TDD) to obtain the measured visible light ratings needed for both lighting design and an NFRC Visible Transmittance (VT) rating. This same proposal was defeated two years ago because it was considered expensive and limited in its scope.

One point of opposition that arose contended this version of the RFP requires further refinement to make it more comprehensive rather than focusing narrowly on TDDs. Another point of opposition was that the RFP is not clear in what it asks of bidders.

A motion to send the RFP back to the appropriate Task Group for be revised was approved.

Ballot Three: Fenestration Illumination Measurement Standard Summary Page

This ballot suggested that a research program be developed in two parts. The first would be a study to assess which of the several possible measurement approaches is expected to be the most cost effective for producing sufficient and precise accuracy. The second part of the research program would be to consider three different mounting source options.

Opposition to this initiative suggested NFRC consider that the project branches into areas of energy saving that may be beyond NFRC's agenda. Opposition also suggested that the NFRC Board of Directors may need to determine the benefits of projects such as this before proceeding.

Joe Hayden (Pella) questioned the duration of the project, speculating on whether it would be one or two years, and Research Subcommittee Chair, Bipin Shah agreed that the RFP required more clarification regarding it duration.

Following some additional discussion, this ballot was forwarded to the RFP stage.

Ballot Four: Develop Methodology for Solar-Optical Simulation of Non-Planar Glazing Systems

This ballot discussed a proposed research project to develop a uniform methodology for simulating solar-optical performance of non-planar glazing systems using ray-tracing technique.
This new methodology would become a standard that would be used by APC to accredit laboratories and enable fenestration manufacturers to rate products for visible transmittance and/or solar heat gain coefficient using ray-tracing technique.

Under this initiative, education and experience of the simulator, geometry of the domain, detector placement, source of rays, including direction and density, and aperture opening would all be standardized.

One point of opposition said that TDDs currently have an approved method for Photometric testing under hemispherical/specified sky conditions. Additionally, it contended that the complexity and uncertainty of the actual optics and materials in a TDD makes the simulation an inaccurate and expensive method for determining VT simulation.

Further discussion showed that while others agreed with this point of view, they still favored moving forward. Dave DeBlock (ODL) motioned to develop an RFP, and Miles McDonald (ACTL) provided a second. The ballot passed, 32-1.

Discussion on WINDOW 6 / THERM 6 Figures Prominently in Research Subcommittee Reports



Willie duPont discusses WINDOW6/THERM 6

NFRC’s Research Subcommittee heard several reports during this morning’s section of the Research and Technology Committee block, with WINDOW 6/THERM 6 taking center stage.

WINDOW 6/THERM 6Research Subcommittee Chair, Bipin Shah, led a discussion on the continuing WINDOW6/THERM6 Validation project.

Joe Hayden (Pella) noted a discrepancy between what was thought to be tested and what was actually being tested. Willie duPont elaborated, saying that a questionnaire revealed some variance in how simulations were performed on several specimens.

This variance involved how the specimens were configured and installed. In some cases, they were not documented clearly, and in other cases there were some inconsistencies with the installation methods used by the labs. duPont informed the membership that the issues have been resolved.

Hayden pointed out that extending the project would provide the time needed to thoroughly assess this situation and to gather the information needed for simulations to match as closely as possible.

Hayden then presented a motion to extend the WINDOW6/THERM 6 Validation Research Completion deadline until the Spring 2011 meeting. The motion was seconded by Dave DeBlock (ODL), and it passed 16-0.

Condensation Resistance Procedure for CMA PMTG

NFRC member, Charlie Curcija, pointed out additional issues found in WINDOW 6 /THERM 6, noting inconsistencies with certain data. These inconsistencies resulted because several files were not properly updated. Kevin Vilhauer (Milgard) motioned to extend the condensation resistance procedure for CMA to NFRC’s Spring Membership Meeting. Joe Hayden (Pella) provided a second, and the motion passed 46-0.

Complex VT Rating Research PMTG

NFRC member, Ross McCluney, reported that this research is complete. Results will be posted on the NFRC Website, and members will be informed on how they can provide comments.

Gas Permeability Research (IGMA Project, NFRC Cosponsoring)

The implementation of this project remains in question.

Ventilation Rating TG

This TG discussed the of ventilation area versus cubic feet/minute (CFM) as it relates to wind speed. It also spoke about the need to acquire input from screen manufacturers, noting differences in the openness of various types of screens and the need to resolve these differences in order to facilitate further discussion. The TG is working on a ballot to accomplish this.

Daylighting Potential Rating TG

This TG focused on the need to develop its scope, acknowledging the strong dichotomy between what manufacturers believe is needed and what NFRC believes is needed. Research Subcommittee Chair, Bipin Shah, called on members to provide the TG with the insight and direction it needs to proceed and suggested a conference call to discuss long-term goals.

NFRC Completes First Thermophysical Property Interlaboratory Comparison



McGowan Reports on Thermophysical Property Interlaboratory Comparisonon

Ray McGowan, NFRC’s Senior Manager, Research and Technical Services, reported to the membership this morning that NFRC has completed its first Thermophysical Property Interlaboratory Comparison (ILC) as required by NFRC 103-Verification Program for Thermophysical Property Data.

McGowan explained that four commercial testing labs successfully completed the ILC and are now listed as NFRC participating testing labs on the NFRC Website. These labs may test materials for inclusion in NFRC 101-Procedure for Determining Thermophysical Properties of Materials for use in NFRC Approved Software.

NFRC CEO Expresses Support for Blind Product Rating Verification Pilot Program



Benney explains blind product rating verification pilot program

NFRC’s CEO, Jim Benney, explained during today’s opening session that NFRC is one of the first organizations to date to become a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Recognized Certification Body for the ENERGY STAR® Program.

Effective January 1, 2011, ENERGY STAR will require any product seeking program participation to have its energy performance validated by a third-party certification body prior to product labeling.

These products must also undergo post-market verification testing to validate continuing energy performance.

Benney pointed out that in accordance with this program, NFRC is developing a blind product rating verification pilot program. This program is important because it verifies that ENERGY STAR qualified and NFRC rated fenestration products sold in the marketplace are consistent with the products listed in the NFRC Certified Products Directory (CPD).

Benney emphasized his strong support for the blind product rating verification pilot program, saying it ultimately benefits the public. The program is slated to be implemented between the fall of 2011 and spring of 2012.

Under the blind product rating verification pilot program, individual fenestration products would be purchased annually by NFRC. The actual percentage of products NFRC would purchase would fluctuate as determined appropriate by NFRC and the EPA.

Such purchases would be conducted with no involvement from the manufacturer and would be facilitated by purchasing through a variety of agents or contractors, purchasing through the customers of a manufacturer, and/or by purchasing directly from a distributor or retailer.

Benney closed his presentation by acknowledging that the program faces certain challenges and also reaffirming NFRC's commitment to meeting those challenges. Benney also told the audience that NFRC staff would keep them well informed of developments as they arise.

Windows May Have a Future in PGE's Sustainable Electric System Initiative

Larson speaks about PGE's sustainable electric system

The Opening Session got underway with Duane Larson, Director, Mass Market Energy Solutions and Service Integrated Demand-side Management, for Pacific Gas & Electric (PGE) delivering the keynote speech.

Larson began his presentation by pointing out that Newsweek magazine ranked PGE the greenest utility in the U.S. in 2009. Accordingly, his presentation was entitled, “Enabling a Sustainable Electric System.”

Larson emphasized the need for PGE to promote renewable energy. In promoting this initiative, the company has undertaken an initiative to educate the public regarding energy use management. PGE seeks to provide this education by understanding its customers on a personal level so it can provide them with customized advice on how to save energy.

“It’s all about working together so we can help create an integrated management system inside the customer’s home,” Larson said. “This helps us become partners with our customers, and it puts PGE in a great position to deliver solutions for managing costs.”

During the question and answer session, Marc LaFrance (DOE) asked Larson how he sees windows fitting into PGE’s future.

Larson responded, saying that utility providers across California are always open to considering new technologies and implementing incentives depending on the potential gains.

Hanlon Discusses Survey Results During PCP TG Meeting

During this morning’s Product Certification Program (PCP) Review Task Group Meeting, NFRC’s Director of Existing Programs, Scott Hanlon, presented the results of a survey that solicited concerns on placing the full Certified Product Directory (CPD) number on the temporary label.

The inclusion of the full number on the label was approved by NFRC’s Board of Directors (BOD) during spring 2010 and slated for implementation by January 2012. The survey was conducted to determine specifically what potential obstacles were foreseen.

Hanlon reported that implementation emerged as the primary concern. Many respondents indicated they were unsure whether they could readily gain access to needed information, update appropriate databases, and complete required software modifications. These respondents also said the time and cost associated with resolving these issues would be burdensome.

Other respondents indicated they feared such a change would increase the likelihood of mislabeling while adding complexity to the labeling process.

NFRC Chair, Joe Hayden, said the ultimate goal of this initiative should be to enable NFRC customers of every description to be able to simply remove the label from a product, enter it into their computer, and have just one product show up in NFRC’s CPD.

Hanlon plans to convey the results of the survey to the Certification Policy Committee (CPC) and to NFRC’s BOD for review. In the meantime, however, the initiative will move forward, and barring any intervention, will not be revised.

Garage Door SHGC TG Discusses NFRC 200/201

The Garage Door Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) Task Group met this morning and discussed the NFRC 200 and 201.

This working Task Group is charged with drafting a revised method of calculating garage door SHGC for inclusion in NFRC 200 based on the absorptance of the non-glazed areas. A new default absorptance will be evaluated and checked against NFRC 201 for accuracy. The group’s work is subject to review as necessary by NFRC’s SHGC Subcommittee.

Chair, Joe Hetzel, (DASMA), reported that a change to NFRC 200 following this summer’s virtual meeting removes the requirement for a specific panel size for garage doors, rather than being descriptive, and allows the manufacturer to make this determination.

Hetzel also discussed DASMA’s research on testing to NFRC 201. Several members expressed concern about calculating the SHGC of garage doors with just 20 – 25 percent glazing.

In certain cases, the SHGC was found to be 0.09. Testing conducted per NFRC 201, however, validates the calculation methods in NFRC 200.