DOE 2016 High Efficiency Transformers
P D I & O N Y X P O W E R R E A D Y T O M E E T U S D E PA R T M E N T O F
E N E R G Y E F F I C I E N C Y S TA N D A R D S ( D O E 2 0 1 6 )
The US Department of Energy has mandated that effective January 1, 2016; distribution transformers manufactured for the United States must
meet the new, more stringent Energy Efficiency Standard (DOE 2016) as part of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA). The Energy Act
mandates specific types of low voltage dry-type transformers manufactured and sold in the USA to have efficiencies as defined by the 10 CFR
Part 431 standard when loaded to 35% of maximum capacity.
PDI and ONYX Power supports and embraces this new standard and the positive impact it will have on both the environment and our customers’
operational savings. PDI and ONYX Power are well positioned to be a resource to answer any questions on the DOE 2016 regulation, custom
design requirements, and delivery schedule.
The following Resource Guide is created to assist in understanding the components of the DOE 2016 standard and its benefits. For further
information about the DOE 2016 standard, product exemption or to initiate a quote, please contact PDI at +1 800 225 4838 or visit our website at
smithspower.com.
DOE Definition of a Distribution Transformer:
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Has input voltage of 34.5 kV or less
Has an output voltage of 600 V or less
Is rated for operation at a frequency of 60 Hz
Features a capacity range for dry-type transformers of 15 kVA – 2500 kVA
Is either a single- or three-phase transformer
The full standard can be found in the Code of Federal Regulations.*
Furthermore 10 CFR 431.192 defines “low-voltage dry-type distribution transformer” by the following:
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Has an input of 600 volts or less;
Is air-cooled and
Does not use oil as a coolant
Must meet the 10 CFR Part 431 Efficiency levels with a 35% load and a temperature of 75 degrees C.
The term “distribution transformer” does not include a transformer that is an:
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Autotransformer
Drive (isolation) transformer
Grounding transformer
Machine-tool (control) transformer
Non-ventilated transformer
Rectifier transformer
Regulating transformer
Sealed transformer
Special-impedance transformer
Testing transformer
Transformer with tap range of 20% or more
Uninterruptable power supply transformer
Welding transformer
© Smiths Power, 2015. All rights reserved
Contact Us: +1.800.225.4838 | www.pdicorp.com | www.onyxpower.com | www.smithspower.com
Energy Conservation Standards for Low-Voltage Dry-Type Distribution Transformers - January 2016
Voltage Class
Reference Temperature
% of Nameplate Load
Low Voltage
75° C
35%
Medium Voltage
75° C
50%
Three phase Efficiency (%)
kVA
10 kV BIL
20 - 45 kV BIL
46 - 95 kV BIL
≥ 96 kV BIL
15
97.89
97.50
97.18
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30
98.23
97.90
97.63
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45
98.40
98.10
97.86
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75
98.60
98.33
98.13
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112.5
98.74
98.52
98.36
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150
98.83
98.65
98.51
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225
98.94
98.82
98.69
98.57
300
99.02
98.93
98.81
98.69
500
99.14
99.09
98.99
98.89
750
99.23
99.21
99.12
99.02
1000
99.28
99.28
99.20
99.11
1500
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99.37
99.30
99.21
2000
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99.43
99.36
99.28
2500
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99.47
99.41
99.33
* Code of Federal Regulations, 10 CFR 431.196 Energy Conservation Standard, www1.eere.energy.gov
Normal Impedance Ranges for Dry-Type Transformers
Three-phase Transformer
kVA
Impedance (%)
15
1.5 - 6.0
30
1.5 - 6.0
45
1.5 - 6.0
75
1.5 - 6.0
112.5
1.5 - 6.0
150
1.5 - 6.0
225
3.0 - 7.0
300
3.0 - 7.0
500
4.5 - 8.0
750
5.0 - 8.0
1000
5.0 - 8.0
1500
5.0 - 8.0
2000
5.0 - 8.0
2500
5.0 - 8.0
International Efficiency Requirements
Canadian Requirements:
Since January 1, 2005, dry-type distribution transformers are subject to Canada's Energy Efficiency Act and Regulations. These regulations
require that dry-type transformers sold in Canada meet minimum energy performance levels of the CAN-CSA C802.2-06 standard and report
energy efficiency verified performance data to Natural Resources Canada (NRCan).
The Canadian regulations also require manufactures to have the efficiency testing verified by an independent testing facility. Transformers that
meet the TP-1 efficiency standard also meet the Canadian C802.2 standard.
As of January 2015, the Canadian officials have not announced any plans to change the transformer efficiency requirements. We expect they will
announce a matching program by the end of 2015 and require transformers sold in Canada to meet the same efficiencies of the DOE.
European Commission:
The Ecodesign Directive from the European Commission takes effect for transformers in July 2015. The new regulations will apply throughout
Europe starting from July 2015; an additional stage with stricter minimum standards is planned for 2021.
Exceptions:
The directive does not apply to transformers solely designed and implemented for the following purposes:
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Instrument transformers for supplying measurement devices, meters, relays and similar devices
Transformers with low voltage windings for use with rectifiers to deliver direct current
Furnace transformers
Offshore transformers
Transformers for emergency operation
(Energy-saving) transformers for supplying trains with power
Grounding transformers
Transformers mounted on rail vehicles
Start-up transformers for switching on three-phase current motors to prevent drops in voltage
Test transformers for generating a certain voltage or amperage for testing electrical equipment
Welding transformers for arc welding equipment or resistance welding equipment
Transformers for deep water applications
Transformers for explosion-protected applications in underground mining
Medium Voltage (MV) to Medium Voltage interface transformers of up to 5 MVA
Large power transformers, if proven that technically achievable alternatives are not available for an application, to fulfill the minimum energy efficiency requirements mandated by the directive.
• Large power transformers which serve as an equivalent replacement for existing large power transformers at the same physical location/in the same system, if
the replacement is not possible without unreasonable costs in conjunction with the transport and/or installation.
© Smiths Power, 2015. All rights reserved
Contact Us: +1.800.225.4838 | www.pdicorp.com | www.onyxpower.com | www.smithspower.
Existing Standards
CSL-3
The DOE defined five efficiency standards ranging from CSL-1 to CSL-5. To ensure that transformers sold in the United States meet a minimal
efficiency level, EPACT 2005 was put into law. Under this legislation, all transformers must meet CSL-1 efficiency, commonly known as NEMA
TP-1 efficiency.
TP-1
The current standard which describes the energy efficiency requirements for transformers manufactured from January 1, 2007 until December
31, 2015.
NEMA Premium Standard
The NEMA Premium Efficiency Transformer Program will help utilities, commercial buildings, and industrial plants incorporate super highefficiency electrical transformers into their operations. NEMA originally set the standard for the efficiency of various types of distribution
transformers with the publication of NEMA TP 1-2002 Guide for Determining Energy Efficiency for Distribution Transformers, which was later
adopted by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) as the national energy-efficiency rule for low-voltage dry-type distribution transformers. The
new NEMA Premium Efficiency Transformer designation requires 30 percent fewer losses than existing DOE regulations (10 CFR 431) for lowvoltage dry-type distribution transformers.
DOE 2016 standard will supersede CSL-3, TP-1 and NEMA Premium standard.
References
* Code of Federal Regulations, 10 CFR 431.196 Energy Conservation Standard, www1.eere.energy.gov
About Power Distribution, Inc. (PDI)
Power Distribution, Inc. (PDI) designs, manufactures, and services mission critical power distribution, static switching, and power monitoring
equipment for corporate data centers, alternative energy, industrial and commercial customers around the world. For over 35 years, PDI has served
the data center and alternative energy markets providing flexible solutions with the widest range of products in the industry.
About ONYX Power, Inc.
ONYX is a market leader in the manufacture of high power, high performance and efficient dry type transformers ranging from 30kVA to 5MVA.
ONYX Power offers custom OEM and engineering services for transformers, line reactors and power distribution solutions.
About Smiths Power
Smiths Power is a leading supplier of power distribution, conditioning, protection and monitoring solutions for data centers, wireless communications
and other critical or high-value electrical systems.
As a family of brands, PDI, Onyx, PolyPhaser, Transtector, LEA and RO Associates unite under one umbrella to Transform, Distribute, Monitor and
Protect™ power in global networks and systems. Our companies provide expertise in consulting, design and manufacturing of power transformers
and distribution systems, static switching, power monitoring, RF, AC, DC, data signal and EMP protectors as well as power quality engineering
services.
Alongside Smiths Connectors and Smiths Microwave, Smiths Power is part of the Smiths Interconnect division of Smiths Group (www.smiths.com),
a global leader in applying advanced technologies for markets in threat and contraband detection, energy, medical devices, communications and
engineered components. Smiths Group employs around 23,000 people in more than 50 countries.
© Smiths Power, 2015. All rights reserved
Contact Us: +1.800.225.4838 | www.pdicorp.com | www.onyxpower.com | www.smithspower.com