Advanced power electronics and power supplies play an important role in improving energy efficiency across many of these applications.
Energy-Efficient Power Supplies for Lower Energy Consumption
May 6, 2022
Improving energy efficiency can reduce electricity consumption and power losses across a wide range of applications. Measures include replacing inefficient lighting with LED technology, using energy-efficient appliances, integrating renewable energy sources, and improving power conversion efficiency.
Table of Contents
Advanced Technologies for Improved Energy Efficiency
LED lighting applications require efficient drivers to minimize power losses and provide reliable power conversion. RECOM offers reliable constant current and constant voltage AC/DC and DC/DC LED drivers designed for high efficiency across a wide range of lighting applications.
AC/DC power supplies can continue to consume energy when connected devices are in standby mode. For this reason, regulatory requirements address both active-mode efficiency and no-load power consumption.
Energy efficiency requirements for external power supplies vary by region and product type. Regulations typically specify limits for no-load power consumption as well as minimum average active-mode efficiency. In the European Union, external power supplies are subject to Ecodesign requirements, while Australia regulates covered external power supplies under the Greenhouse and Energy Minimum Standards (GEMS) framework. China also specifies energy efficiency requirements for AC/DC and AC/AC power supplies under its national GB 20943 standard. As regulatory requirements continue to evolve, designers should verify the latest applicable requirements for the target market and power supply type.
Compliance with these requirements calls for AC/DC converters that maintain high efficiency across a wide range of load conditions while minimizing no-load power consumption.
AC/DC power supplies can continue to consume energy when connected devices are in standby mode. For this reason, regulatory requirements address both active-mode efficiency and no-load power consumption.
Energy efficiency requirements for external power supplies vary by region and product type. Regulations typically specify limits for no-load power consumption as well as minimum average active-mode efficiency. In the European Union, external power supplies are subject to Ecodesign requirements, while Australia regulates covered external power supplies under the Greenhouse and Energy Minimum Standards (GEMS) framework. China also specifies energy efficiency requirements for AC/DC and AC/AC power supplies under its national GB 20943 standard. As regulatory requirements continue to evolve, designers should verify the latest applicable requirements for the target market and power supply type.
Compliance with these requirements calls for AC/DC converters that maintain high efficiency across a wide range of load conditions while minimizing no-load power consumption.
Transitioning to Renewables
Over the last decade, renewable energy sources—including wind, solar, hydropower, geothermal, and biomass—have seen significant growth in the global energy market. Advances in high-power-density power electronics and declining component costs have supported the development of renewable energy systems.
High-performance cost-effective power supplies, including DC/AC inverters and DC/DC converters, play an important role in renewable energy systems. RECOM offers inverters and converters for integration into smart grids and renewable energy systems.
High-performance cost-effective power supplies, including DC/AC inverters and DC/DC converters, play an important role in renewable energy systems. RECOM offers inverters and converters for integration into smart grids and renewable energy systems.
Electrification of Transportation
Automotive and transportation manufacturers continue to expand their electric vehicle portfolios, increasing demand for power electronics across charging, drivetrain, and auxiliary power applications.
Battery-powered EVs require automotive-grade traction inverters and DC/DC converters that are efficient, compact, and rugged while operating across a wide temperature range. RECOM offers power conversion solutions for EV battery charging, drivetrains, and power conditioning applications.
Battery-powered EVs require automotive-grade traction inverters and DC/DC converters that are efficient, compact, and rugged while operating across a wide temperature range. RECOM offers power conversion solutions for EV battery charging, drivetrains, and power conditioning applications.
Buildings and Industrial Plants
Smart buildings and industrial facilities increasingly rely on connected sensors, controllers, communication systems, and other electronic devices. These applications require compact and efficient power supplies designed for reliable operation across a wide range of conditions. To support smart building applications, RECOM has expanded its low-power RAC series with cost-effective, household-certified AC/DC converters.
Conclusion
Advances in power electronics continue to support the development of LED lighting, renewable energy, electric transportation, smart buildings, data centers, and industrial applications. RECOM supports these applications with power solutions designed for high efficiency, reliability, and application-specific requirements.