The New and Improved Efficiency Calculator

In the summer of 2014 Ideal Power proudly announced the completion of their innovative ErP efficiency calculator, designed to improve the processes of buying professionals, designers and engineers alike.

Three years later, Ideal Power launched a brand-new website with even more features to ease prospective customers’ challenges. At the forefront of this is the new and improved efficiency calculator, which calculates target efficiency rates for the ERP Stage II Directive and DoE Level VI regulations and the CoC Tier 2 Scheme. Simply enter the required output voltage alongside the units’ power or current and automatically receive target rates for all three.

The ongoing pursuit of improving electronic product performance and the environmental impact has resulted in more stringent requirements being imposed on external power supply units through the ErP Stage II Directive (EC 278/2009) and DoE (Department of Energy) Level VI Regulations. The difference lies with the EU CoC (European Code of Conduct) Tier 2, a voluntary scheme established by an independent group of experts to standardise a higher efficiency level. Despite its purpose, there are no plans to make the scheme mandatory to date.

The ErP Stage II directive provides mandatory regulations on the efficiency of External PSU’s (EPS) being imported into the European community. The directive sets limits to both the average efficiency level and no-load power consumption, which an EPS must meet for AC-AC, AC-DC or Low Voltage PSU’s.

The newest regulation, DoE Level VI (came into force on 10^th February 2016) setting more stringent levels to external PSU’s (EPS) entering the USA. The new regulation covers a wider range of products by adding multiple-voltage units and high-power units (>250W). In addition, the regulation prescribed exemptions for units that are intended for indirect operation (such as charging a battery), medical applications or supplied as spare parts up until 2020.

Although the DOE Level VI is only compulsory within the USA, many manufacturers will ensure their products comply with the highest efficiency standards to enable global distribution, such as Ideal Power’s 25HK-AY and 66JYH32 series.

As well as the improved efficiency calculator features, our new website also boasts a smart product selector, which will refine matching products by keyword, category, output voltage, current power and even input voltage – making the users’ search for the right power solution as simple and straightforward as possible.

“The concept behind our new site has been to find solutions that overcome the challenges facing many professionals and customers within our industry.” Ideal Power’s Marketing & Sales Manager, Jon Vallis, commented. “We hope to present an essential resource through the available features and information.”

You can experience the tools and resources Ideal Power offers by visiting us at www.idealpower.co.uk. Alternatively, contact a team member for further advice on 01733 309865 or at salessupport@idealpower.co.uk.