DoE Level VII (7): New Standards for Energy Efficiency in the United States

Regulations by the U.S. Department of Energy (DoE) regarding power conversion efficiency have been enforced for many years to reduce energy consumption and lessen environmental impact. Currently, the standard is Level VI, but a new "Level VII" standard is planned to be introduced in the future.

DoE Level Transition from VI to VII Planned

The United States Department of Energy (DOE) is planning to transition its efficiency regulations from the current Level VI to an even stricter Level VII.

The origin of efficiency regulations dates back to the Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA) of 2007, which laid the foundation for energy-saving standards of external power supplies (EPS). The latest current standard was introduced as DoE Level VI in 2014. Compared to ten years ago, advances in wide bandgap technologies such as silicon carbide and gallium nitride (GaN) now allow for the production of more efficient external power supplies, and products utilizing these technologies have already penetrated the market. This has led to efforts to raise the efficiency standards accordingly.

5 Key Differences Between DoE Level VI and Level VII

1: Expanded Scope of Efficiency Regulations

Level VII expands the scope of applicable EPS. Unlike the Level VI standard, which was limited to Class A direct-operation EPS, Level VII includes both Class A and non-Class A EPS and adopts a unified standard regardless of direct or indirect operation. This simplifies regulatory compliance.

2: Differences in Marking and Compliance Protocols

The DoE Level VI standard required efficiency labels on EPS marked with the Roman numeral "VI". Under Level VII, this protocol will be updated and new markings will be introduced to clearly indicate compliance with the latest Level VII standards.

3: Efficiency Requirements

DoE Level VII is designed to more strictly limit both operational efficiency and no-load power consumption, thereby promoting reduced energy consumption.

(Single-output AC-DC Adapter - Basic Voltage)

(Single-output AC-DC Adapter - Low Voltage)

(Multiple-output Power Supply)

Note:

• Pout represents the rated output power (W)
• Efficiency is expressed as a decimal (e.g., 88.0% = 0.880)
• Basic Voltage: Output voltage ≥ 6V
• Low Voltage: Output voltage < 6V

5: Consideration for Adaptive EPS

For adaptive EPS such as USB-C and PD power supplies (i.e., those supporting various output voltages), there is ongoing discussion to implement alternative efficiency limits that improve efficiency while reducing design burdens. Especially for low-voltage outputs (3.3V or 5V), more flexible efficiency standards are being considered.

Benefits of Adopting DoE Level VII

1: Reduced Operating Costs for End Users
An annual cost saving of approximately $47.3 million is expected. Even with a 7% discount rate, savings of about $42.7 million per year are projected.

2: Climate-related Benefits
Annual greenhouse gas reductions are estimated at around $11.5 million in benefit, contributing positively to climate change mitigation. This evaluation is based on social cost calculations of carbon dioxide reduction using a 3% discount rate.

3: Health Benefits

Reduction of harmful emissions such as SO₂ and NOₓ is estimated to yield annual health benefits of approximately $16.7 million to $20.4 million. In particular, reductions in precursors to PM2.5 are expected to contribute to better public health.

These figures suggest that adopting Level VII standards will bring substantial benefits across economic, environmental, and health dimensions.

Final Publication of the New Standard and Preparation Period

The final rule for Level VII standards is scheduled for publication in the latter half of 2024. After release, a two-year preparation period will be granted for compliance, similar to other energy conservation regulations. UNIFIVE already offers a lineup of Products compliant with the draft DoE Level VII standards.

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