However, IEC 6 recognises that the replacement of existing building stock is relatively low at around 2 to 5 per cent per annum and it states that it should be applied to existing as well as new building stock. Most legislative initiatives on energy efficiency relate to new buildings. Continuous systems of plan (by efficiency measures), do (through efficiency performance levels) and check (using installation efficiency classes) provide the basis to act on improvements in electrical efficiency overall. Rated from 0 to 4, these classes can be monitored, checked and improved on over time. Three categories specify the required energy efficiency performance levels (EEPL).ĮM and EEPL summarise the electrical installation efficiency classes (EIEC). The design also influences the operational activities of the electrical installation after commissioning. The client’s design brief should stipulate the required level of energy efficiency measures (EM) to be applied to the electrical installation in 13 categories. The IEC standard is a design framework for a more energy-efficient electrical installation. Many new installations seek accreditation from BRE’s BREEAM assessment method, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) or similar benchmarks. The issue of harmonics caused by new equipment on older electrical distribution infrastructure is an increasing cause for concern. Other considerations in terms of harmonics, typically caused by end-user appliances, can cause operational inefficiencies.
Some design criteria will be understood in terms of voltage drops, maintaining power quality and improving power factors. the reduction of losses within the installation wiring system is important.the location of any energy source (conventional high voltage (HV) or low voltage (LV) intake, local generation, and switchboard) should be optimised where possible.The second design requirement is to reduce energy losses within the electrical installation by two principal methods: passive: measures for the choice of parameters of electrical equipment to improve the overall electrical energy efficiency of the electrical installation while not affecting the initial construction parameters.active: measures for the optimisation of electrical energy produced, supplied, flowing and consumed.The first design requirement is to stress the importance of understanding the energy profile of both the passive and the active measures taken within the building: the impact of maintenance on the efficiency of electrical systems.energy management of electrical systems, and.how and what type of loads can be switched off without affecting user safety, function or comfort.how and where to provide energy measurement.the type of controls to avoid wasteful use of loads.the efficiency of the electrical distribution wiring system.the efficient placement of the electrical intake.optimises system performance throughout its life cycle.may have less reactive maintenance due to heat loss, and.uses energy when it is required and potentially at a lower tariff.
has less environmental impact generally.There is a change of emphasis to incorporate energy efficiency into electrical installation designs as a prerequisite, not just as an aspiration.įuture electrical installation designs will still need the required level of safety and capacity they will also require the lowest possible electrical consumption.Īn energy-efficient electrical installation: