Advanced power electronics and power supplies are critical to enabling these solutions. High-performance, energy-efficient power supplies drive these technologies forward, accelerating adoption and leading to significant energy savings. This translates to millions of kWh saved, reducing both consumer costs and environmental impact.
Efficient Power Supplies Cut CO₂ Emissions
2022. 5. 6
Worldwide electricity use is responsible for approximately 25% of all carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions. However, by taking simple steps, companies and consumers can reduce electricity consumption—especially from burning coal or gas—helping save billions of dollars while cutting millions of tons of CO₂ emissions. These steps include replacing inefficient fluorescent and incandescent light bulbs with LED lamps, using energy-efficient appliances, adopting solar power, and transitioning to electric vehicles (EVs).
Table of contents
Advanced Technologies for a Greener Future
LEDs require highly efficient drivers to maximize output while keeping costs low. Poorly designed drivers undermine this purpose. RECOM has developed reliable constant current and constant voltage drivers that optimize LED efficiency and transform the lighting industry. RECOM AC/DC and DC/DC LED drivers have contributed to saving millions of kWh of electricity worldwide, preventing tens of millions of tons of CO₂ emissions.
Until recently, many AC/DC adapter and charger manufacturers prioritized full-load efficiency while overlooking poor performance at low or no load. As a result, millions of AC/DC power supplies in standby mode waste energy, consuming between 5% and 10% of a device’s total electricity use. With the average home now containing over 40 mains-powered devices, these energy losses are significant. In response, regulatory authorities have introduced standards for both standby and full-load losses.
Energy Efficiency Regulations for External Power Supplies:
External battery charger power supplies have even stricter limits (0.075W for ≤ 50W, 0.15W for ≤ 250W) due to their prolonged standby mode. AC/DC converters must operate efficiently across the entire load range, including no-load conditions. Recognizing this challenge, RECOM has developed AC/DC power supplies optimized for light-load and no-load efficiency.
Until recently, many AC/DC adapter and charger manufacturers prioritized full-load efficiency while overlooking poor performance at low or no load. As a result, millions of AC/DC power supplies in standby mode waste energy, consuming between 5% and 10% of a device’s total electricity use. With the average home now containing over 40 mains-powered devices, these energy losses are significant. In response, regulatory authorities have introduced standards for both standby and full-load losses.
Energy Efficiency Regulations for External Power Supplies:
- Energy Star: ≤ 0.30 W (≤ 10W), ≤ 0.5 W (≤ 250W)
- China Energy Conservation Program: ≤ 0.30 W (≤ 10W), ≤ 0.5 W (≤ 250W)
- EU EcoDesign (ErP): ≤ 0.30 W (non-PFC), ≤ 0.5 W (PFC)
- Australia Energy Efficiency: ≤ 0.5 W (≤ 180W)
External battery charger power supplies have even stricter limits (0.075W for ≤ 50W, 0.15W for ≤ 250W) due to their prolonged standby mode. AC/DC converters must operate efficiently across the entire load range, including no-load conditions. Recognizing this challenge, RECOM has developed AC/DC power supplies optimized for light-load and no-load efficiency.
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. High-power-density power electronics with lower costs have driven the rapid adoption of renewables.
In 2021, the IEA reported that renewables accounted for a record-high 30% of global electricity generation. However, 70% of the world’s electricity still comes from fossil fuels, highlighting the urgent need for further expansion.
Although prices for PV panels and wind turbines have dropped over the past decade, high-performance, cost effective power supplies—including DC/AC inverters and DC/DC converters—are essential for accelerating adoption. RECOM is at the forefront of this effort, offering efficient inverters and converters that integrate seamlessly with smart grids and renewable energy systems.
In 2021, the IEA reported that renewables accounted for a record-high 30% of global electricity generation. However, 70% of the world’s electricity still comes from fossil fuels, highlighting the urgent need for further expansion.
Although prices for PV panels and wind turbines have dropped over the past decade, high-performance, cost effective power supplies—including DC/AC inverters and DC/DC converters—are essential for accelerating adoption. RECOM is at the forefront of this effort, offering efficient inverters and converters that integrate seamlessly with smart grids and renewable energy systems.
Electrification of Transportation
Transportation plays a critical role in reducing CO₂ emissions. Transitioning from fossil fuel-based vehicles to electrically powered transportation significantly cuts emissions and improves air quality.
Recognizing the impact of e-mobility, automotive and transportation OEMs are gradually phasing out internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles in favor of EVs. For example:
Governments worldwide are supporting this shift. The European Union plans to ban the sale of new fossil-fuel vehicles by 2035. In the U.S., the Biden administration’s $1.75 trillion infrastructure bill includes:
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 advanced solutions for EV battery charging, drivetrains, and power conditioning applications.
Recognizing the impact of e-mobility, automotive and transportation OEMs are gradually phasing out internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles in favor of EVs. For example:
- GM aims to transition to an all-electric future, investing $2.2 billion toward EV production.
- Ford is building advanced manufacturing campuses in Tennessee and Kentucky to produce next-generation electric F-Series trucks and batteries.
- Tesla continues to scale EV sales, driven by rising gas prices and global supply concerns.
Governments worldwide are supporting this shift. The European Union plans to ban the sale of new fossil-fuel vehicles by 2035. In the U.S., the Biden administration’s $1.75 trillion infrastructure bill includes:
- EV tax incentives up to $12,500 per vehicle.
- $7.5 billion for expanding EV charging networks.
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 advanced solutions for EV battery charging, drivetrains, and power conditioning applications.
Buildings and Industrial Plants
According to Forrester Consulting, commercial, industrial, and government buildings account for 40% of global emissions. While decarbonization in this sector has been slow, efforts are underway to optimize buildings with advanced energy-saving technologies and 100% renewable electricity. To support smart building applications, RECOM has expanded its low-power RAC series, introducing cost-effective, household-certified AC/DC converters for energy-efficient systems.
Conclusion
The global effort to decarbonize is gaining momentum, but power electronics remain the key enabler of these changes. Advancements in power electronics will continue to accelerate the adoption of LEDs, renewables, and electric transportation while making buildings, data centers, and manufacturing facilities cleaner. RECOM is ready to support this transition with innovative power solutions designed to drive LED lighting, renewable energy, e-mobility, smart buildings, data centers, and industrial applications toward a sustainable future.
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