23-07-2012, 01:34 PM
Working document on a possible Commission Regulation implementing Directive 2009/125/EC with regard to small, distribution and power transformers
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Subject matter
This working document pursuant to Directive 2009/125/EC establishes ecodesign requirements related to small, distribution and power transformers with a minimum power rating of 1 kVA used in 50Hz electricity transmission and distribution. The preparatory study showed that energy in the use phase is the only significant environmental aspect which can be addressed through product design. Other ecodesign parameters referred to in annex I, Part 1 of the Directive are not considered to be significant.
This Regulation shall not apply to:
(a) Small power transformers with ratings below 1 kVA;
(b) Special purpose small power transformers with well defined target applications that are not continuously (guitar, portable machine tools, welding equipment, etc…)
© Distribution transformers that are autotransformers
(d) Safety transformers;
(e) Line voltage restorers;
(f) Magnetic halogen lighting transformers and;
(g) Consumer electronics transformers.
Definitions
Transformers are considered as energy related products within the meaning of Article 2 (1) of Directive 2009/125/EC.
For the purpose of this working document the following definitions shall apply.
(1) “Power transformer” means a device used in the transmission and distribution of electric power at the EU27 grid’s frequency and voltage levels at rated power levels above 1 kVA single phase and 5 kVA or greater in poly phase. The high voltage winding normally exceeds 36 kV.
(2) “Distribution transformer” means a device that takes voltage from a primary distribution circuit and coverts it to a secondary distribution circuit or a consumer’s service circuit at a lower voltage. The high voltage winding does not exceed 36 kV.
(3) “Rated power” (S) means the value of rated current that may be carried with the rated voltage applied under specified conditions laid out in the international standard IEC 60050. The rated power is generally reported in kilovolt-amperes (kVA) or megavolt-amperes (MVA).
(4) “Load factor” means the ratio of energy supplied by a transformer during a given period of time to the energy it would have supplied if it had been operating at its maximum rated power for the same period of time.
(5) “Load loss” (Pk) means the active power absorbed at rated frequency and reference temperature associated with a pair of windings when the rated current is flowing through the line terminal(s) of one of the windings and the terminals of the other windings are in short-circuit with any winding fitted with tappings connected to its principal tapping.
(6) “No load loss” (Po) means the active power absorbed at rated frequency when the transformer is energised and the secondary circuit is open. The applied voltage is the rated voltage, and if the energized winding is fitted with a tapping, it is connected to its principal tapping.
For all other definitions, please refer to relevant IEC’s definitions. For the purposes of the Annexes, additional definitions are set out in Annex I.
Eco-design requirements
Energy losses in the use phase are by far the dominating environmental impact over the lifecycle of transformers.
Products falling under the definitions of paragraph "Definitions" above shall meet the ecodesign requirements set out in Annex I, including:
• Minimum energy performance requirements
• Product information requirements
It is not considered necessary or useful to introduce energy labelling requirements for any type of transformer in the scope of the proposed ecodesign regulation.
Small transformers
The minimum energy performance requirements in the form of maximum load and no-load losses are based on the recommendations made by the preparatory study, with a more strict timing for application. The requirements will be introduced in two steps, Tier 1 in 2016 and Tier 2 in 2020.
The requirements for Tier 1 correspond to the loss levels identified in the option MEPS (Minimum Energy Performance Standards) in the preparatory study. The requirements for Tier 2 are rounded figures, representing between 15 and 20% lower levels of load and no-load losses than Tier 1.
Distribution transformers
The minimum energy performance requirements in the form of maximum load and no-load losses are based on the recommendations made by the preparatory study. The requirements will be introduced in two steps, Tier 1 in 2014 and Tier 2 in 2018.
The requirements for Tier 1 correspond to the loss levels identified in the option MEPS (Minimum Energy Performance Standards) in Table 7.2 of the preparatory study. The requirements for Tier 2 would correspond to an option in between the MEPS level proposed for Tier 1 and the LLCC (Least Life Cycle Cost) option in the preparatory study..
For the sub-category pole-mounted transformers, Annex I includes two options. Option 1 is the recommendation for load losses coming from the preparatory study and Option 2 is an adaptation of a proposal made by manufacturers. In either case, the subcategory on pole mounted transformers is supposed to disappear in Tier 2.
The review of the ecodesign implementing measure six years after its entry into force will allow assessing the evolution of amorphous technology and considering lower levels of load losses.
Power transformers
Power transformers sold in the EU market today are often designed to individual customer specifications based on IEC standards, with information and guarantees on the performance, including load and no-load losses agreed between the customer and the transformer manufacturer. Furthermore, the levels of load and no-load losses of large power transformers are largely determined by the TCO (Total Cost of Ownership) analyses in the (often public) procurement procedures of Transmission Owners. The Commission recognises that the TCO assessment is an established practice to determine the levels of load and no-load losses of power transformers. To compliment this practice and to provide a framework for ensuring minimum energy performance requirements are achieved, the Commission is considering the following options (which may not be mutually exclusive) for discussion at the Consultation Forum: