ENERGY STAR® for Uninterruptible Power Supplies
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced an ENERGY STAR® program for uninterruptible power supplies (UPSs) effective as of August 1, 2012. The program defines the performance requirements in energy consumption for uninterruptible power supplies. Eligible products used in businesses, offices, homes, data centers and telecommunication facilities can now apply for certification.
According to the program requirements, the efficiency of the UPS is tested at specified proportions of the rated load to approximate actual usage. The UPS’ calculated average efficiency must then meet a minimum requirement based on the output power and input dependency (Ac-output UPSs only) to receive the ENERGY STAR mark. In this regard, circuit design and choice of components present a great challenge to UPS manufacturers, as it is paramount to minimize energy loss when power is transmitted to the loading end.
The EPA first announced the introduction of a program for UPSs in 2010 with the final version of the program requirements being released in May 2012. On August 1, 2012, a notice was issued to announce the official launch of the program. In preparation for the certification program, UL acted instantly to initiate an introductory program which included staff training, equipment testing, compilation of test reports, a study into the certification program and practical operation of the tests. In July, UL Taiwan hosted an internal energy efficiency conference for our global offices for sharing of training curriculum and results. In the same month, UL was one of the first organizations recognized by EPA as a certfiication body for UPSs and is now able to handle all related energy efficiency and verification needs.
Meanwhile, under a cooperation between UL and APC by Schneider Electric, a global leader and manufacturer of UPS, UL Taiwan and APC Taiwan Branch worked together to evaluate the energy efficiency of APC’s UPS products and subsequently submitted the relevant data to EPA for registration. UL granted the world’s first UPS ENERGY STAR certificate to APC on August 1, which is a cornerstone marking UL’s leadership position in energy efficiency certification worldwide.
If you need any advice on your Energy Efficiency certification plan, contact Tom Juliano, business development manager for energy efficiency, UL global high-tech industry.
