New ENERGY STAR UPS Test Method

The test method is part of an ENERGY STAR program to improve the efficiency of uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) with potential energy savings of 710 million kWh per year in the USA alone.
The test method is based on IEC62040-3. The ENERGY STAR UPS program covers products including: single- and three-phase UPSs for home, small office, and data center use; static and rotary UPSs; AC- and DC-output UPSs; and modular UPSs. Efficiency measurements will be taken at 100%, 75%, 50%, 25%, and 0% load, with optional testing at 10%, 20%, 30%, and 40% load conditions. Power factor limits will also be included in the test procedure.

See the ENERGY STAR UPS web pages.

Motor show highlights battery and hybrid electric cars

Luxury car manufacturers firmly staked their claim in the green automotive sector by unveiling a slew of high-end battery and hybrid electric vehicles at the Geneva Motor Show last week.

BMW, Land Rover and Rolls-Royce all showed off their latest alternative-powertrain concept cars, while Nissan premiered a fully electric sports car that can achieve 0 to 100km/h in less than five seconds.

Full details and pictures at The Engineer magazine.

California outlaws 100W light bulbs 1 year early.

Light-bulb manufacturers can no longer offer the traditional 100W light bulb for sale in California.
Implementing a federal standard one year earlier than required, consumers will soon only be able to purchase high efficiency versions of the  conventional 100W light bulb. High efficiency options include incandescent halogen and compact fluorescent types that offer the same light output in the same package but draw only 72 and 23 watts respectively from the ac supply.

For more information see the FAQ on the California Energy Commission's website.