September 24, 2020
Written By: Chian Haw YONG, ASEAN and Greater China Global Market Access Lead
The Singapore National Environmental Agency (NEA) announced the introduction of Energy Efficiency (EE) requirements for variable refrigerant flow air-conditioners (VRF A/C). VRF A/C units sold in Singapore must be registered with NEA, meet minimum energy performance standards (MEPS) and carry Energy Labels (MELS).
Scope of MEPS and MELS for VRF A/C
1. Effective on April 1, 2021, the proposed MEPS and MELS will cover three-phase VRF A/C units of all cooling capacities at base module level. VRF A/C units are required to:
- Be registered
- Meet MEPS
- Be labeled with an energy label
2. VRF A/C units will be rated based on the Integrated Energy Efficiency Ratio (IEER)[1] to take into consideration of VRF A/C unit’s part-load performance. MEPS level for VRF A/C is proposed at IEER 4.35. It was previously announced by NEA that the test standard for VRF A/C would be ISO 15042:2017
[1] Based on the Air-Conditioning, Heating Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) Standard 1230, IEER is defined as (0.020*EER 100%) + (0.617*EER 75%) + (0.238*EER 50%) + (0.125*EER 25%), where Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) is defined as ratio of cooling capacity to effective power consumption at a given set of rating conditions.
3. VRF A/C will be rated one-tick to five-ticks, with five-ticks being the most efficient. The energy label and rating system for VRF air-conditioners are shown in the diagram and table below:
Example of Energy label for VRF A/C units
|
Tick rating |
VRF efficiency, IEER |
|
5 - tick |
IEER 6.15 and above |
|
4 - tick |
IEER 5.70 to < IEER 6.15 |
|
3 - tick |
IEER 5.25 to < IEER 5.70 |
|
2 - tick |
IEER 4.80 to < IEER 5.25 |
|
1 - tick |
IEER 4.35 to < IEER 4.80 |
Energy rating system for VRF A/C units
Once mandated, suppliers in Singapore who supply VRF A/C units in market shall apply for the NEA energy label. The application shall be accompanied by an ISO 15042:2017 test report, issued by either the first-party manufacturer test laboratory or a third-party test laboratory.
How we can help
- With our local presence in Singapore and by working closely with the NEA, we can provide timely regulatory monitoring and updates
- Provide testing services and issue test reports that are recognized by the NEA through our test laboratory that is ISO 17025 accredited for above-mentioned ISO 15042 test standard
- Provide NEA registration services with our local staff support in Singapore