Active mode power supply efficiency: key issues, measured data and the design competition opportunity

Abstract

Much of the focus on power supply efficiency to date has been on standby power use. Our research team (E2I, Ecos Consulting, and EPRI-PEAC) has generally found larger total energy use and energy savings opportunities in power supplies' active mode. Our California energy commission-funded work has established a standardized test procedure for measuring power supply efficiency, collected data on the efficiency of hundreds of models, established a global means for the exchange of information on power supply efficiency, and informed policy discussions in the U.S., Europe, and Asia. Working with PSMA and US EPA, we are announcing the launch of a national design competition for more efficient power supplies in key product categories.