What is power supply efficiency?

In general, “efficiency” refers to the ability to accomplish a task or achieve a goal with the least wasted time, effort, energy, or resources. It measures how effectively inputs (such as time, labor, or materials) are converted into outputs (results or products). There are three major reasons that power supply efficiency is important to the user.

How do you calculate power converter efficiency?

A power converter’s efficiency (AC-DC, DC-DC, or Buck) is determined by comparing its input power to its output power. More precisely, the efficiency of the converter is calculated by dividing the output power (Pout) by its input power (Pin). The Greek symbol Eta “η” is usually used to represent “Efficiency.” η = Pout / Pin

How efficient is a linear power supply?

The efficiency of these power supplies, mainly utilizing linear technology, could be as low as 50% and still draw power when the application was turned off or not even connected to the power supply (referred to as “no-load” condition).

How much energy does a 1kW power supply waste?

3) High efficiency is important to reduce running costs. A 1kW power supply with 94% efficiency will waste 365 × 24 × 6% = 526kWh per year. A 1kW power supply with 96% efficiency will waste 365 × 24 × 4% = 350kWh per year.

How do you calculate power supply efficiency?

The formula for power supply efficiency, expressed as a percentage, is as follows: For example, if a power supply draws 100 watts from an electrical source but delivers only 90 watts to its load device, the efficiency is (90W / 100W) × 100% = 90%.

What is the efficiency curve for a power supply without load?

Efficiency without load is always 0%. This is because when the converter runs, it will consume a small amount of "housekeeping" power to run the switching circuits while delivering no output power (zero load current). This means a typical efficiency curve for a power supply will show zero efficiency at no load.