An overview of energy efficient products used at reducing energy consumptions in buildings

Transcription

1 An overview of energy efficient products used at reducing energy consumptions in buildings LIGIA MOGA, ATTILA PUSKAS Buildings and Management Department Technical University of Cluj-Napoca Baritiu 25 th Street, Room 142, Cluj-Napoca, Zip ROMANIA Abstract: This construction sector is a big consumer of energy, almost 40% of the total energy use, and has on the other hand a great potential both for saving energy as well as for energy generation using renewable sources. Careful use of energy and resources represents technical, economic, and ecological challenges as well as being one which is important for survival and sustainable living. Through the adoption of the European Commission s recast Energy Performance of Buildings Directive in 2010, the European energy policy has been having a defined direction towards the energy preservation and improvement of indoor environmental quality in buildings. The European Union is aiming for a 20% cut in Europe s annual primary energy consumption by One of the measures for reaching the target includes energy labelling and ecodesing of products. Ecodesign and energy labelling have been key instruments in increasing the energy efficiency of products. While ecodesign cuts the least efficient appliances off the market, energy labels help consumers choosing products which save energy and thus money. Key-Words: energy consumptions, energy certification, energy efficient products, energy label, ecodesign, 1 Introduction Energy efficiency has a key role in the European Union (EU) policy. Ecodesign regulations, Energy Performance of Buildings (EPBD) requirements and Energy Efficiency Directive present strong requirements to reduce energy consumption of buildings and GHG emissions.[1] The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems play a major role in improving the energy efficiency of a building. Good performance of systems is based on good reliable products. The EPBD covers the major end-used of energy in buildings: space heating, cooling, water heating in residential buildings, space heating and space cooling, lighting and water heating in other types of buildings as well. [2] The directive is focused on 5 main items: common methodology, setting minimum energy performance requirements, the energy performance certificate, inspection of boilers and air conditioning systems, requirements for experts and inspectors.[3] Nowadays many forces are acting to shape the building industry and HVAC, but there is only one common key performance indicator: energy efficiency. Components, products, HVAC systems and buildings need to be characterized with increasing quantity of performance data. All actors in the value chain from buildings designers, building contractors, manufacturer of building materials, buildings components and building equipment, to building operator and building owner are looking at a common direction, better performing buildings.[4] The building industry and product suppliers like HVAC manufacturers need to operate in a very rapidly changing environment. Product complexity is going up, but a new product and a new concept need to be properly defined and characterized technically. The number of technical conditions and rules to describe the thermal performance of a building or project is also increasing significantly. We cannot ignore that this tremendous challenge is happening in a new era, an era of optimum efficiency. A large choice of design, materials, components and equipment being part of the ultimate solution, the quantity of alternative product and performance data to design is increased tenfold by this wide and rich market offering.[5] The main targets of sustainable policy in the building sector are the following: reduce the overall energy demand of buildings; increase the energy efficiency of the building sector ISBN:

2 increased of combined heat and power generation improve efficiency of energy using products increase the use of renewable energy National Energy Efficiency Action Plan (IEEAs) 2 Energy labelling of products Energy Labelling Directive 2010/10/EU (ELD) has recently been adopted in European Union to improve the energy efficiency of appliances sold on the market. Energy labels are aimed to assist consumers in choosing products which save energy.[1] The European Union Energy Label was established by the EU Directive 92/75/EC and can be found on refrigerators and freezers, washing machines, dryers, dishwashers, light bulbs, electric ovens, air conditioners, televisions. [6] The EU energy label is a long known and appreciated tool for consumers, advising them on the energy efficiency and other functional performance qualities of models which they consider to purchase. The purpose of the energy labels is to rank all models of certain type of products within certain energy class range, typical from A to G or A+++ to D and show this ranking at points of sale. The following information is given on the label: A corresponding to supplier s name or trade mark/ B corresponding to supplier s model identifier/ C corresponding to energy efficiency class of the appliance/ D corresponding to coloured arrows are used to differentiate energy efficient from less energy efficient products: dark green indicates a highly efficient product and red a low efficiency product./ E corresponding to annual energy consumption in kwh/ F corresponding to capacity of all storage compartments in litres/ G corresponding to capacity of frozen food storage compartments in litres/ H corresponding to noise emissions in decibels. The energy classification is based on an energy efficiency index (EEI) which takes into account several parameters based on product type. For example for refrigerators the EEI takes into consideration the annual energy consumption, the volume and the lowest temperature of different compartments. Fig. 1: EU Energy Label for refrigerator [7] 3 Ecodesign of products The ecodesing of products measures are another set of the EU legislation that regulates the energy consumption and functional performance aspects of products through the setting of minimum requirements for the placing on the market or the putting into service of products. Contrary to the labelling, the legislation is not visible to consumers, as products entering the market shall automatically comply with the relevant requirements. In certain cases both legislation apply to the same product types: for washing machines, dishwasher, refrigerators, air-conditioning units, televisions, dryers and light sources both energy label and ecodesign have been set through Commission Regulations.[8] At points of sale usually these types of products are displayed with the respective energy label showing the full range of energy efficiency classes (e.g. A+++ to D), but at the same time the ecodesign legislation prohibits the market entry of models below a certain minimum energy efficiency class (e.g. worse than class A). ISBN:

3 Further an overview of the product groups and energy efficiency classes affected by both types of legislation will be mentioned. Table 1: Comparison of the energy efficiency Classes in energy labelling and ecodesign requirements [8] Product group Energy efficiency classes shown on the energy label Washing A+++ / machines D Dishwashers A+++ / D Refrigerating A+++ / appliances D A+++ / Energy efficiency classes allowed on the market by minimum ecodesign requirements A+++ / A A+++ / A A+++ / A+ A+++ / E Energy efficiency classes shown on the label, but not allowed by minimum ecodesign i t B, C, D B, C, D A, B, C, D F, G G Televisions A / G A / G Light sources A/G A/C D, E, F, G E.g.: Energy label for washing machines shows energy efficiency classes from A+++ to D, but according to the ecodesign regulation for washing machines (above 4 kg of capacity) only models belonging to energy efficiency class A and better can enter the market since December In addition, from December 2013 only A+ washing machine models will be allowed to enter the EU market. In the case of light sources clear incandescent light bulbs for residential use are not allowed to enter the market from September From September 2016 lamps with energy efficiency class C and below will also not be allowed to enter the EU market. The table and energy label relate only to nondirectional light sources. A new energy label for these light sources is under preparation, introducing the A+ energy class as well. An energy label for directional light sources is under preparation for the introduction into the EU legislation as well. Table 2: Washing machines labelling [8] Energy Efficiency Energy Class Efficiency Index A+++ (most efficient) EEI 46 A++ 46 EEI < 52 A+ 52 EEI < 59 A 59 EEI < 68 B 68 EEI < 77 C 77 EEI < 87 D (least efficient) EEI 87 Table 3: Washing machines ecodesign [13] Application Date Minimum Energy Efficiency Index Type of products 01/12/2011 EEI < 68 01/12/2013 EEI < 59 with a rated capacity equal to or higher than 4 kg 4 HVAC products Energy labelling and ecodesign measures have removed products with low energy efficiency from the market. More and more products end up in the highest class with empty lower classes, and rapidly diminishing possibility to differentiate anymore between the efficiency of products. The introduction of the A+/A++/A+++ better than A was seen only as an intermediate step and unfortunately customers are liable to misinterpret the difference between new classes (A+++ to A class) more than the difference between the old classes (i.e. A class to D class). An A to D class is much easier to understand by the costumer than an A+++ to A class. The recently published EU legislation for air conditioners 12 kw defines the energy classification, labelling and ecodesign requirements for air conditioners and comfort fans as of 1 January The new legislation refers exclusively to airto-air air conditioners and heat pumps with electrically driven compressors, including compact and split appliances, with one or more indoor units, with a minimum nominal power under 12kW.[10][11][12] The EU Regulation establishes requirements for the labelling and the provision of supplementary product information for electric mains-operated air conditioners with a rated capacity of 12 kw output ISBN:

4 power for cooling, or heating, if the product has no cooling function. The 12 kw level is the generally agreed limit between small (mainly domestic) and bigger (mainly commercial) air-conditioning appliances. Three types of appliances are defined: - double ducts (compact appliances with indoor installation against the wall) - single ducts (movable compact appliances using indoor air and discharging it through a small flexible duct). These appliances are not conceived to cool a room, but the area right in front of the appliance, and according to Regulation No 626/2011 they shall be named local air conditioners in packaging, product documentation and in any advertisement material. - the rest of the appliances are called air conditioners. This is the largest category, includes compact and split appliances, with or without duct work, and multisplit appliances with several indoor units for just one outdoor unit. The units may be air or water cooled and there are separate standards for each main type. The regulations do not apply to portable spot airconditioners, dehumidifiers or evaporative or desiccant coolers. The labelling requirements include: A-G energy labels with a new design. Gradual introduction of additional classes (A+ to A+++) from The Regulation introduces two energy efficiency scales based on the primary function and on specific aspects important to consumers. As air conditioners are mainly used in part-load conditions, the efficiency testing should be changed to a seasonal efficiency measurement method except for single and double duct air conditioners. Fig. 3: Single duct air conditioner [9] The seasonal efficiency ratio method (S), is the overall energy efficiency ratio of the unit, representative for the whole cooling season, calculated as the reference annual cooling demand Q C divided by the annual electricity consumption for cooling Q CE. S= Q C /Q CE (1) The Q C represents the reference cooling demand [kwh/year] to be used as basis for calculation of S and calculated as the product of the design load for cooling (P designc ) and the equivalent active mode hours for cooling (H CE ). [12] The Seasonal coefficient of performance (S) is the overall coefficient of performance of the unit, representative for the whole designated heating season (the value of S pertains to a designated heating season), calculated as the Reference annual heating demand divided by the annual electricity consumption for heating. S= Q H /Q HE (2) Reference annual heating demand (Q H ) is the reference heating demand [kwh/year], pertaining to a designated heating season, to be used as basis for calculation of S and calculated as the product of the design load for heating (P designh ) and the seasonal equivalent active mode hours for heating (H HE ). [12] Table 4: Double and single duct labelling [10] Fig. 2: Double duct air conditioner [9] Timetable January 1, 2013 energy efficiency rating from A+++ to D ISBN:

5 Table 5: Room air conditioner labelling [10] Timetable January 1, 2013 From January 1, 2015 From January 1, 2017 From January 1, 2019 energy efficiency rating from A to G, requirements for suppliers and dealers energy efficiency rating from A+ to F energy efficiency rating from A++ to E energy efficiency rating from A+++ to D The standard rating conditions are given by the combination of indoor (T in ) and outdoor temperatures (T j ) that describe the operating conditions while establishing the rated capacity, sound power level, nominal air flow rate and/or rated energy efficiency ratio ( rated), rated coefficient of performance ( rated) for cooling or heating. Rated energy efficiency ratio ( rated) is the declared capacity for cooling [kw] divided by the rated power input for cooling [kw] of a unit when providing cooling at standard rating conditions. The rated coefficient of performance ( rated) is the declared capacity for heating [kw] divided by the Rated power input for heating [kw] of a unit when providing heating at standard rating conditions.[12] Figure 4 shows two examples of labels with the data required by Regulation No 626/2011. Regarding multisplit systems, Regulation No 626/2011 establishes that a printed label must be provided, at least in the packaging of the outdoor unit, for at least one combination of indoor and outdoor units at capacity ratio 1. For other combinations, the information can be alternatively provided on a free access web site. Table 6: Energy efficiency classes for air conditioners labelling [10] Energy Efficiency S S class A+++ S 8,50 S 5,100 A++ 6,10 S < 4,60 S < 5,10 8,50 A+ 5,60 S < 4,00 S < 4,60 6,10 A 5,10 S < 3,40 S < 4,00 5,60 B 4,60 S < 3,10 S < 3,40 5,10 C 4,10 S < 2,80 S < 3,10 4,60 D 3,60 S < 2,50 S < 2,80 4,10 E 3,10 S < 2,20 S < 2,50 3,60 F 2,60 S < 1,90 S < 2,20 3,10 G S < 2,60 S < 1,90 Table 7: Air conditioners [10] Ecodesign requirements from 1 January 2014 GWP > 150 for < 6 kw GWP < 150 for < 6 kw GWP > 150 for 6 12 kw GWP < 150 for 6 12 kw S S (Average heating season) 4,60 3,80 4,14 3,42 4,30 3,80 3,87 3,42 Table 8:`Duble duct air conditioners [10] Ecodesign requirements from 1 January 2014 rated rated GWP > 150 for < 6 kw 2,60 2,60 GWP < 150 for < 6 kw 2,34 2,34 GWP > 150 for 6 12 kw 2,60 2,60 GWP < 150 for 6 12 kw 2,34 2,34 ISBN:

6 Table 9: Energy efficiency classes for double ducts and single ducts labelling [10] Energy Double duct Single duct Efficien rate CO rate cy class d Prated d A+++ 4,10 4,60 4,10 3,60 A++ 3,60 4,10 3,60 3,10 < 4,10 < 4,60 < 4,10 < 3,60 A+ 3,10 < 3,60 A B C D E F 2,60 < 3,10 2,40 < 2,60 2,10 < 2,40 1,80 < 2,10 1,60 < 1,80 1,40 < 1,60 G < 1,40 3,60 < 4,10 3,10 < 3,60 2,60 < 3,10 2,40 < 2,60 2,00 < 2,40 1,80 < 2,00 1,60 < 1,80 < 1,60 3,10 < 3,60 2,60 < 3,10 2,40 < 2,60 2,10 < 2,40 1,80 < 2,10 1,60 < 1,80 1,40 < 1,60 < 1,40 CO Prated 2,60 < 3,10 2,30 < 2,60 2,00 < 2,30 1,80 < 2,00 1,60 < 1,80 1,40 < 1,60 1,20 < 1,40 Table 10:`Single duct air conditioners [10] Ecodesign requirements from 1 January 2014 < 1,20 rated rated GWP > 150 for < 6 kw 2,60 2,04 GWP < 150 for < 6 kw 2,34 1,84 GWP > 150 for 6 12 kw 2,60 2,04 GWP < 150 for 6 12 kw 2,34 1,84 Fig. 4: Examples of labels for cooling air conditioners [10] where: 1- EU label border/ 2- EU logo/ 3- Energy label/ 4- Sub-logos border/ 5- S indication/ 6- A-G scale/ 7- Energy efficiency class/ 8- Energy/ 9- Rated capacity in kw/ 10- S value rounded up to one decimal/ 11- Annual energy consumption in kwh/annum/ 12- Noise emissions/ 13- Supplier s name or trademark/ 14- Supplier s model identifier/ 15- Reference period ISBN:

7 Fig. 5: Examples of labels for heating air conditioners [10] where: 1- EU label border/ 2- EU logo/ 3- Energy label /4- Sub-logos border/ 5- S indication/ 6- A-G scale/ 7- Energy efficiency class/ 8- Rated capacity in kw/ 9- S values, rounded up to one decimal/ 10- Annual energy consumption in kwh/annum /11- Noise emissions/ 12- European map and colour squares/ 13- Supplier s name or trademark/ 14- Supplier s model identifier/ 15- Energy/ 16- Reference period The delegate regulation set the energy label for stand-alone heaters and for packages of heaters combined with further heating products. It introduced the A-G energy scale to cover various types of conventional boilers, and the A+, A++ and A+++ classes to promote the use of cogeneration and renewable energy sources. [13] The scope of the measure is aligned with the scope of parallel ecodesign implementing measure setting ecodesign requirements for the energy efficiency, nitrogen oxide emissions and sound power levels of heaters.[14] The Regulation entered into force on 26 September In 2015 a scale from G to A for conventional heaters (i.e. G D for electric boilers, C B for noncondensing boilers in collective buildings, B A for condensing boilers) with higher classes A+ for cogeneration and A++ for heat pumps will be introduced. Six years after the entry into force of the Delegated Regulation, a further class A+++ will be added on top of the labelling scale, while classes G to E will be abolished due to more ambitious ecodesign requirements. The water heating energy efficiency class of a combination heater shall be determined on the basis of its water heating energy efficiency. In 2015 a scale from G to A will be valid. Six years after the entry into force a further higher class A+ will be added on top and the lowest class G will disappear. The product label also shows the sound power level and standardized product information for the heater. also, and overall efficiency of the package of products must be provided to the end-user. The energy efficiency scale for the package goes from G to A+++ class. A more credible image of the energy efficiency of the package is given by using the label use. This Regulation also establishes requirements for the energy labelling of, and the provision of supplementary product information on, space heaters and combination heaters with a rated heat output 70 kw, packages of space heater 70 kw, temperature control and solar device and packages of combination heater 70 kw, temperature control and solar device. [13] 4 Conclusion Europe is giving a positive example by establishing the proper ways to reduce the energy demand of buildings and therefore increase the energy efficiency of the buildings sector, increase the use of renewable energies and reduce drastically the GHG emissions. The new legislation involves a very important challenge for products manufacturers: it is compulsory for them to provide an important series of technical data for every single one of their models as of 1 January Moving from the declaration of nominal performance to seasonal performance will enable the end user to have access to data showing more closely the actual functioning of the equipment, but this change will require an important adaptation period for all actors to understand the new labelling perfectly well. The new legislation is bound to have a very positive effect on the energy performance of appliances and ISBN:

8 products sold in Europe. However, for this effect to fully emerge, it is necessary to implement effective market surveillance. Also it is necessary that the calculation methodology behind the parameters shown on the label to be clear, credible and close to real life use of the product. Also the regional variations should be considered when the energy use is influenced by the geographical situation. The energy label has been a story of success because is trusted by the European customers. The easy to understand design, exported among European countries ensured a neutral language for expressing the energy performance of products around Europe. 5 Acknowledgments Funded by the European Social Fund Program POSDRU, DMI 1.5, ID PARTING. References: [1] Directive 2010/30/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 May 2010 on the indication by labelling and standard product information of the consumption of energy and other resources by energy related products (recast) [2] Moga, L.M., Puskas, A., Energy management in buildings obtained through multi-criteria assessment system, WIT Transactions on Ecology and the Environment, Volume 176, DOI: /ESUS (2013) [3] Allard, F. Seppanen, O., European Actions to Improve energy Efficiency of Buildings, REHVA European HVAC Journal, Vol.45, No.1, pp , (2008) [4] Puskas, A., Moga, L.M., Relationship between economy and sustainability for a multi-storey reinforced concrete frame structure, WIT Transactions on Ecology and the Environment, Volume 176, DOI: /ESUS (2013) [5] Magyar, Z., Increasing need for reliable performance data of HVAC products, REHVA European HVAC Journal, Vol.50, No.2, pp. 4-5, (2013) [6] Council Directive 92/75/EEC of 22 September 1992 on the indication by labelling and standard product information of the consumption of energy and other resources by household appliances [7] Available at [8] Hierzinger, R., Krivošík,, J., Comparison of energy efficiency requirements of the energy labels and ecodesign legislations, Intelligent Energy Europe (2012) [9] [10] Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) No 626/2011 of 4 May 2011 supplementing Directive 2010/30/ EU of the European Parliament and of the Council with regard to energy labelling of air conditioners [11] Commission Regulation (EU) No 206/2012 of 6 March 2012 implementing Directive 2009/125/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council with regard to ecodesign requirements for air conditioners and comfort fans [12] Commission Communication in the framework of the implementation of Commission Regulation (EU) No 206/2012 of 6 March 2012 implementing Directive 2009/125/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council with regard to ecodesign requirements for air conditioners and comfort fans and of Commission delegated Regulation (EU) No 626/2011 of 4 May 2011 supplementing Directive 2010/30/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council with regard to energy labelling of air conditioners [13] Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) No 811/2013 of 18 February 2013 supplementing Directive 2010/30/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council with regard to the energy labelling of space heaters, combination heaters, packages of space heater, temperature control and solar device and packages of combination heater, temperature control and solar device. [14] Klobut, K. EU Commission adopted energy labelling criteria for space heaters, REHVA European HVAC Journal, Vol.45, No.6, pp. 7-10, (2013) [15] List of adopted regulations: ng/labelling_en.html ISBN: