Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
For refrigerators and freezers, there are a total of 10 groups that have been
defined under the standard. However, to determine star ratings, a number
of these groups are compared on the same basis, especially where they are
performing a similar task. From 2010, there are only three BEC rating scales
which cover all 10 refrigerator and freezer groups.
Refrigerators and freezers are a special category of product under the
energy labelling programme because they are also subjected to MEPS.
The effect of the MEPS requirements for refrigerators and freezers was
considered when the BEC lines were developed. The new BEC lines from
2010 are based on curves that have been developed on the basis of esti-
mated surface (adjusted volume to the power of two-thirds) area rather than
adjusted volume, which has been used previously; this helps reduce the
effect of size bias.
What about Adaptive Defrost?
Adaptive defrost is smart technology for frost-free refrigerators and freezers
where the appliance adjusts the frequency of automatic defrosts to match
frost load on the evaporator. Adaptive defrost systems are recognised by the
Australian standard for refrigerators and freezers, but at this stage, a realis-
tic test to assess the performance of these controls is not included in the test
method. The standard assumes that at least one defrost per day will occur
during normal operation, although some smart systems may have a longer
time between defrosts under normal conditions of use. An adaptive defrost
allowance of 1.05 is included in the MEPS levels, but this allowance is not
included in star rating equations.
6.3.2.7.1 Clothes Washers
1. CEC: The energy consumption of a clothes washer is measured
under conditions specified in an Australian standard. Over a year,
it is assumed that the clothes washer is used seven times per week
at rated capacity on a warm wash (warm CEC in red). A value for
cold wash energy of seven times per week is also shown on the label
(cold CEC in blue). The clothes washer is labelled on the 'normal'
or 'regular' programme (programme specified for a normally soiled
cotton load). The energy consumption of a clothes washer includes
electrical energy for motors and pumps and the energy embodied in
any imported hot water or electrical energy used to heat the water
internally. The majority of energy for a clothes washer is used to heat
water on a warm wash.
2. Capacity: The measure of energy service for a clothes washer is rated
load capacity. This is the value declared by the manufacturer and
defines the test load used in the Australian standard.
3. Performance: To be eligible for an energy label, a clothes washer
must be able to meet a minimum level of wash performance and
