Background

External Power Supplies (EPS) were one of the first product groups (ENER Lot 7) which was targeted by the Ecodesign Directive and also one of the first implementing measures (Regulation (EC) No 278/2009), which was revised in 2019 (Regulation (EU) 2019/1782).

The first phase of the Regulation (EC) No 278/2009 came into force in 2010. It was equivalent to Level IV of the International Efficiency Marking Protocol (IEMP) for External Power Supplies, which was established by Energy Star and later adopted by the United States Department of Energy (DOE). It set a maximum no-load power consumption of 0.5 W and defined a minimum average active efficiency for three power ranges (less than 1W, 1-51 W and 51 to 250 W). The average active efficiency was defined as the average efficiency measured at 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% load.

The second phase of the Regulation (EC) No 278/2009 came into force in 2011 and was essentially the same as IEMP Level V. It included three new categories of product: AC-AC, AC-DC, and low voltage. Low voltage is defined as an output voltage less than 6 V with a current rating equal to or greater than 550 mA. Each of these categories had its own average active efficiency limit and was divided into the same three power ranges. The no-load power consumption limits, and divided by product category, were also updated to include two power ranges (less than 51 W and greater than 51 W).

In 2020, the new Ecodesign Regulation (2019/1782) introduced requirements for external power supplies. This regulation builds on the previous regulation No. 278/2009, adopting DOE Level VI limits with only minor differences. Like DOE Level VI, a category for multiple output adapters was added, and it doesn't include an efficiency requirement at 10% load; however it does require the efficiency at 10% load be documented. The new Regulation also continues to limit the scope to 250 W, while DOE Level VI does not have a maximum power rating. In addition to performance criteria, there are requirements for product labelling and information to be provided in instruction manuals, free-access websites, and technical documentation that must be met.

Objectives

The main aim of this study is to provide environmental, techno-economic analysis and scientific support to the Commission in the policy-making process towards the evaluation and impact assessment of possible revision of the Regulation EU 2019/1782. The process to achieve this aim must meet specific requirements of the Better Regulation Guidelines of the Commission.

According to the Review Article of (EU) 2019/1782 the key issues to be tackled are the following:

  1. Feasibility of setting a requirement regarding minimum energy efficiency at 10 % load [which is particularly relevant as universal USB-PD power supplies are likely to be used over a broader load spectrum and specifically at low load for low wattage applications; the efficiency of power supplies is typically lowest in the low load range];
  2. Options for including requirements in support of circular economy objectives, including interoperability [to implement outcomes of the common charger initiative in legislation, building on the USB Power Delivery specification over a broad range of devices].