US DoE Moves Closer to the Finish Line

Last month, the US Department of Energy published amendments to its Battery Charger Systems (BCSs) and External Power Supplies (EPSs) test procedure. This completes an important milestone for the DoE,
allowing the focus to turn to the next (and extremely important) part of the EISA2007 BCS and EPS requirement - issuing its first energy conservation standard for BCSs and expanding its current EPS standard. Both of these standards could impact not only the US, but international efficiency programs, too.

In the new DoE BCS document, active mode energy consumption is now part of the test procedure which had included only maintenance mode and no-battery mode power consumption in an earlier version. This puts the DoE in harmony with the California Energy Commission (CEC) and ENERGY STAR test methods for consumer BCSs.

On the EPS front, the DoE is expanding the scope of the current products covered by including multiple output voltage EPSs (the current standard regulates single output voltage products only), EPSs that communicate with the load, EPSs that perform current limiting, or those with output power > 250 W.

With test procedures finalized, the big question now is when the final efficiency standards will be published (EISA 2007 actually required them by July 1 of this year with an effective date of 2013). As mentioned earlier, the impact could extend beyond the US. It's expected that other countries will review and adopt the same BCS test procedures and possibly similar energy consumption limits. Also, the expanded EPS standard could result in international adoption, continuing the current worldwide EPS efficiency program harmonization trend.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

What is Class I Division 2?

Image
A Class I Division 2 is a location: (1) In which volatile flammable gases, flammable liquid-produced vapors, or combustible liquid-produced vapors are handled, processed, or used, but in which the liquids, vapors, or gases will normally be confined within closed containers or closed systems from which they can escape only in case of accidental rupture or breakdown of such containers or systems or in case of abnormal operation of equipment, or (2) In which ignitable concentrations of flammable gases, flammable liquid-produced vapors, or combustible liquid-produced vapors are normally prevented by positive mechanical ventilation, and which might become hazardous through failure or abnormal operation of the ventilating equipment. Class I Division 2 Classification Class I Division 2 refers to the ANSI/ISA 12.12.01 standard. This standard was previously UL1604 until UL recommended the newer ANSI/ISA standard be used and that all hazardous location products be certified under this standa
Read more

FUSE SIZING CONSIDERATIONS FOR HIGHER EFFICIENCY MOTORS

Image
When selecting the proper fuse for short circuit protection in motor starting applications, it is important to not only ensure that the fuse will not nuisance open during motor start up times, but also that the fuse will coordinate as required with overload relays. When sizing fuses between 125% and 150% of the motor nameplate current, several advantages, including ease of coordination with an overload device, a smaller disconnect, and increased short circuit protection from a lower fuse rating, can be achieved. However, if sizing at this level prevents the motor from starting, it may then be necessary to increase the fuse ampere rating and it then becomes important to know the NEC sizing limitations. As of June 1, 2016, the US Department of Energy has mandated that newly manufactured electric motors will need to meet NEMA Premium® efficiency standards. As motor efficiencies increase, motor locked rotor currents can also be expected to increase. In addition to this, with across-the-lin
Read more

7/8 16UN Connectors that Provide 600 Volts and 15 Amps

TURCK announces new A-Size 3 and 4-pin 7/8 16UN powerfast™ connectors that provide up to 600 Volts and 15 Amps of power. These IP67 rated connectors provide a modular wiring system designed to handle high current applications for machine power distribution, while providing resistance to vibration commonly associated with conveyors, motors and material handling applications. The cordsets are available with a tray rated, exposed run PVC flexlife ® cable, with or without STOOW rating, and 14 AWG wires that allow you to replace hard wiring with a robust, quick disconnect system that saves the time and money spent installing a conduit system. The A-Size powerfast line offers male and female, straight connectors, standard and custom lengths, and pigtails or extensions. To make the system complete, fully encapsulated mating receptacles, with 1/2”-14 NPT mounting threads are available.
Read more