The Eco-Design Directive
The Ecodesign Directive, which came into force on the 1st July 2015, (Directive No 548/2014 or, more specifically, the “Directive 2009/125/EC of the European Parliament ), is an EU legislation which requires energy related products to meet stricter energy efficient requirements.
What is it and how will Ecodesign measures affect the end user Customer?
This Directive is aimed at reducing the amount of energy unnecessarily wasted through transformer losses, both no-load (p°) and load (pK) losses, which will mean energy efficient transformers and cost saving resulting by the capitalization of losses.
The result will be an improvement of the transformer performance and operational efficiency, and thus the reduction of CO2 emissions. From a mere commercial point of view, transformers will have an higher selling cost but they will be more performing and efficient.
Transformers having the same power and voltag will be very similar (concerning dimensions and weight), which will mean a better visibility for performance related data, making it easier for the customer to compare and choose the manufacturer.
The legislation covers all of theEU but does not affect transformers manufactured for export to countries outside of the European Union. Nevertheless, some aspects concerning interpretation and application of Ecodesign Directive are considered controversial and the Directive might be extended to non-Eu Countries in the future, as it ensures better quality products.
