An external power supply (EPS) is an independent device that provides stable power to electronic devices. It is widely used in many fields such as home
appliances, communication equipment, and industrial instruments. With the increasing global demand for energy conservation and environmental
protection, the energy efficiency of EPS has become a focus of attention. This article will explore the energy efficiency standards of EPS, how to choose
an efficient EPS, and the significance of improving efficiency.
1. Energy efficiency of external power supply (EPS)
The energy efficiency of an external power supply refers to the ratio at which the power supply can effectively convert input energy into output power
when providing the required power. An efficient EPS can not only reduce power waste, but also reduce the heat and electromagnetic interference
generated by the equipment during operation. This is particularly important for energy conservation and environmental protection, especially in areas
such as data centers, medical equipment, and communication equipment that use a large amount of power.
The key parameters of energy efficiency include:
Conversion efficiency: The efficiency of EPS when converting alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC). The conversion efficiency of high-efficiency
power supplies is usually above 80%, and some high-end products can even reach above 90%.
Standby power consumption: The energy consumption of the power supply in standby mode. A good EPS design will reduce standby power consumption
to 0.5W or even lower to save energy.
2. Energy efficiency standards for EPS
In order to regulate the energy efficiency performance of EPS, several international organizations have established energy efficiency standards. The
following are several major energy efficiency standards:
US Energy Star (ENERGY STAR): This is a standard established by the US Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy, which provides
certification for the energy efficiency of electronic products. The ENERGY STAR 8.0 standard requires that the efficiency of EPS under different loads
remain at a high level and limits standby power consumption.
European Energy Performance (ErP) Directive: The EU's ErP Directive requires energy efficiency of electronic products to reduce environmental impact.
The latest ErP Lot 7 directive has strict regulations on standby power consumption and conversion efficiency of external power supplies.
CEC California Energy Efficiency Standard: California's CEC standard requires that the energy efficiency of power supplies under different loads must
meet specific standards. It has very strict requirements on the efficiency of EPS and is one of the important standards for evaluating EPS performance.
China Energy Conservation Certification: EPS sold in the Chinese market must comply with the GB 20943 standard, which includes standby energy
consumption and rated output power efficiency, and covers different types of external power supply products.
3. How to choose a high-efficiency EPS
When choosing an EPS, understanding its energy efficiency rating and technical specifications will help you find an efficient power supply that suits
your needs. Here are some key factors for choosing an efficient EPS:
Check energy efficiency certification: Give priority to EPS products that meet energy efficiency certifications such as ENERGY STAR, ErP, and CEC.
Products with these certifications are designed to be more energy-efficient, ensuring higher conversion efficiency and lower standby power consumption.
Power Factor Correction (PFC): Power factor correction technology enables EPS to make higher utilization of power from the grid, thereby reducing
reactive power loss. Choosing an EPS with PFC is particularly suitable for high-power application scenarios.
Low standby power consumption design: Try to choose an EPS with a standby power consumption of less than 0.5W, especially for devices that need
to be connected to the power supply for a long time. This type of power supply can significantly reduce power waste when in standby mode.
Meet actual power requirements: Select EPS output power that is close to actual requirements. Too high power will increase power supply costs, while
power lower than the equipment requirements may cause instability. Usually the actual power usage of EPS should be kept between 70-90% of the rated
power to ensure efficient and stable operation.
Brand and reputation: Choose EPS products with well-known brands or good market reputation, because these products are usually rigorously tested,
more reliable in design, and relatively good in energy efficiency.
4. Advantages of high-efficiency EPS
Choosing high-efficiency EPS not only has a direct impact on energy saving, but also brings the following significant advantages to users:
Reduce energy costs: High-efficiency EPS can reduce energy waste and directly reduce electricity bills, which is particularly suitable for large-scale use
by enterprises.
Reduce carbon footprint: High-efficiency EPS can reduce power consumption, help reduce carbon emissions, and meet environmental protection goals.
Extend equipment life: High-efficiency power supplies generate less heat, which can effectively reduce the thermal impact on surrounding components
and help extend the service life of the equipment.
More stable performance: The output of high-efficiency EPS is more stable, reducing the impact of voltage fluctuations on equipment performance.
5. Conclusion
When selecting and using external power supply EPS, considering its energy efficiency is not only conducive to cost saving, but also helps enterprises
achieve energy conservation and environmental protection goals. By understanding energy efficiency standards, selecting appropriate technical
indicators, and referring to certification marks, users can find efficient and reliable EPS products to provide stable and energy-saving power support
for daily equipment.
