The Road to Global Energy Savings Begins in China: Strategies for Improving AC/DC Power Supply ( 电子变压器 ) Efficiency Presentation to China Power Supply Society Shanghai, China November 10, 2003 Chris Calwell on behalf of the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) (this presentation available at

The U.S./China Team CECP - Ecos Consulting - Energy Star - CNIS - CEC

Our Approach 1.Ecos Consulting researches technical opportunities to improve the energy efficiency of consumer products like lighting, appliances, and electronics. 2.We help develop standard test procedures for determining product performance and energy efficiency. 3.We work with governments, environmental organizations, manufacturers, retailers, and electric utilities to increase the sales of the products that perform the most efficiently when measured by those test procedures.

Summary of Key Power Supply Projects Ecos Consulting’s funders for power supply research since 2001 include EPA, NRDC, the Energy Foundation, and the California Energy Commission. Our U.S. research found about 3 billion power supplies currently in use, consuming 2 to 3% of total U.S. electricity supply. Our work with the Chinese government (CECP) is finding major opportunities to improve the energy efficiency of Chinese power supplies as well. Our goal is to reduce the energy consumed by the roughly 10 billion power supplies in use worldwide, increasing sales revenue for manufacturers, cutting consumers’ utility bills, and preventing pollution.

The Technology to Increase Efficiency and Shrink Power Supply Size is Readily Available and Cost Effective

Key Research Findings The process of converting high voltage AC to low voltage DC always has some efficiency losses. Ecos has tested about 200 power supplies in the U.S. Some designs are only 20 to 40% efficient. Others are up to 90% efficient. Standby energy use is important and great progress is being made there. But about 75% of all power supply energy use occurs in the active mode. Designs that cut standby power use do not automatically improve active mode efficiencies. Global sales of power supplies are roughly 1 billion units per year and growing steadily. The opportunity to build new markets for efficient power supplies is enormous.

Other International Research China Certification Center for Energy Conservation Products (CECP) has worked with CEPREI to conduct efficiency testing of 500 external power supplies made in China. CECP is also conducting market research and industry outreach in China with help from NRDC, Ecos Consulting, and the Energy Foundation European Union is testing power supply units sold there in support of its Code of Conduct effort. Australia investigating the subject for possible research and policy action.

Why do we need a standard test method? Need consistency regarding data point spacing & standby vs. active mode distinctions

Technical Workshop to Develop a Standardized Power Supply Efficiency Test Method Was Held November 7, 2003 in San Francisco More than 40 attendees from power supply and consumer electronics manufacturers around the world. With input from attendees, Ecos Consulting intends to complete a final test method by January 2004 for use worldwide. Seeking eventual recognition by IEC & IEEE. Workshop funded by Energy Foundation and sponsored by:

Sample U.S. Power Supply Test Data

Average Efficiencies for U.S. and Chinese Power Supplies (0 to 9 Watts)

Average Efficiencies for U.S. and Chinese Power Supplies (0 to 100 Watts)

Recommended Efficiency Levels for External Power Supplies Rated Output Power (DC watts) Minimum Active Mode Efficiency (Average of 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% loads) Maximum No Load Power Consumption 0 to <2.5 watts 56.0% 0.75 watts 2.5 to <4.5 watts 62.0% 0.75 watts 4.5 to <6.0 watts 67.0% 0.75 watts 6.0 to <10.0 watts 73.0% 0.75 watts 10.0 to <24.0 watts 76.0% 0.75 watts 24.0 to watts 86.7% 0.75 watts

Two Resources for More Information Summary of our power supply work translated into Chinese. Copies available from us or at PSMA booth #A115. Visit this website:

Can ENERGY STAR Help Transform the Market for Efficient Power Supplies? Andrew Fanara, US EPA November 10, 2003

What Is ENERGY STAR? U.S government program run by Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Energy Voluntary, market-based program to encourage the sale of energy efficient products through an easily recognized consumer label. Over 1500 global manufacturers currently participate in the program, saving more than $2 billion per year worth of electricity Key messages: labeled products save money and help protect the environment

EPA’s Guiding Vision To transform key segments of the consumer electronics and office equipment markets by improving the average efficiency of typical power supplies: –Typical power supplies: Both external and internal AC/DC power supplies –Average efficiency: Address the efficiency at all loads (not simply light or full loads) –Key product segments: Begin with specific product segments to be sure potential label proliferation does not lead to lower brand integrity and/or consumer confusion

How to Transform the Market? Key Goals Aid in development of a standardized, globally accepted test method for external power supplies Set specification for external power supplies –Incorporate specification for external power supplies into existing ENERGY STAR product specifications, as specifications are revised and where feasible –Possibly select products not covered by ENERGY STAR to utilize the label Consider options to address ENERGY STAR products that utilize internal power supplies

Why a Consensus Test Method? Creates international consistency in product advertising and performance claims Reduces manufacturer testing and reporting costs Allows straightforward exchange and peer review of test data Improves precision of savings estimates Increases the opportunity for global consistency in government policies to encourage higher efficiency

The ENERGY STAR Plan – Which Products to Focus On? Power Supplies External ENERGY STAR Audio Cordless Phones Laptops Printers Scanners Internal No ENERGY STAR Specs at present Cell Phones Digital Cameras Power Tools …Many Others ENERGY STAR Appliances Computers Copiers Televisions No ENERGY STAR Specs at present Industrial Equipment Medical Equipment Test and Measurement Equipment …Many Others

This is a Global Effort! ENERGY STAR label already recognized for office equipment in Europe, Taiwan, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. Some harmonization with China and Brazil too Formal agreements between governments lead to joint promotional activities and international participation in specification-setting processes. Interest already expressed by many international partners in Energy Star taking action on power supplies. Europe is pursuing a Code of Conduct as well

Timeline & Roadmap ENERGY STAR plans to make a formal announcement during a plenary presentation at APEC in Anaheim, CA (February 23, 2004) –Specification for external power supplies, plus a labeling strategy proposal and timeline for rollout –Update for internal power supplies –EPA will jointly announce international design competition for energy efficient power supplies with the CEC and PSMA –APEC conference details at: conf.org/2004/APEC04_Home_Page.html

Power Supplies and California Efficiency Standards John Wilson Advisor to Commissioner Rosenfeld ,

What is the CEC? Created in 1975 to be the state’s energy planning and policy agency. Five commissioners appointed by the Governor to five year terms. Funding is $260 million/yr. Staff is 450. Largest funding programs are for energy efficiency R&D and renewable energy. Also manages power plant licensing, energy planning, and mandatory efficiency standards

California Appliance Standards CEC sets minimum efficiency standards for most residential and commercial equipment sold in California. Manufacturers must certify to the CEC that their equipment meets the standards. CEC maintains on-line database of certified equipment Enforcement is at point of sale (retail stores). CEC standards became model for national U.S. standards in 1988, now administered by U.S. Department of Energy.

Why Power Supplies are Important: Refrigerators and Power Supply Energy Use Average Energy Use per Unit Sold (kWh per year) Refrigerators (kwh/unit/yr) 1978 Cal Standard 1990 Federal Standard 1987 Cal Standard 1980 Cal Standard 1993 Federal Standard 2001 Federal Standard Power supplies (kWh/home/yr)

Public Interest Energy Research (PIER) Goals for Power Supplies Create standardized test procedures. Measure the energy use of hundreds of power supplies, and create database. Conduct international design competition to encourage development of the most efficient power supplies. Evaluate engineering and economics of more efficient power supplies. Make policy recommendations to the CEC.

CEC Rulemaking CEC has initiated a rulemaking to set standards for new product classes, including power supplies, battery chargers, and the standby energy use of consumer electronics. Draft standards will be published early 2004, with workshops to be held summer 2004 and a final decision later in Information at: –