The European Union's Ecodesign Directive continues to raise the bar for transformer efficiency. With Tier 2 requirements taking effect in July 2027, manufacturers and buyers must prepare for stricter loss limits. Here's what you need to know.
Background: EU Regulation 2019/1783
The EU Ecodesign regulation for power transformers establishes minimum energy performance standards (MEPS) for transformers placed on the EU market:
- Tier 1 (effective July 2021): Established baseline efficiency requirements
- Tier 2 (effective July 2027): More demanding loss limits
These regulations apply to transformers with a minimum power rating of 1 kVA used in 50Hz electricity transmission and distribution networks.
Tier 2 Key Changes
For Oil-Immersed Transformers (≤ 3,150 kVA)
| Capacity | Tier 1 Max No-Load Loss | Tier 2 Max No-Load Loss | Reduction |
|---|---|---|---|
| 250 kVA | 425 W (A₀Ak) | 360 W | -15% |
| 630 kVA | 750 W (A₀Ak) | 640 W | -15% |
| 1000 kVA | 1050 W (A₀Ak) | 890 W | -15% |
For Dry-Type Transformers (≤ 3,150 kVA)
Tier 2 introduces even stricter requirements for dry-type units, particularly for no-load losses where amorphous core technology becomes increasingly attractive.
Impact on Manufacturers
Design Changes Required
- Core optimization: Higher-grade silicon steel (HiB or domain-refined)
- Amorphous core adoption: Increasingly necessary for cost-effective compliance
- Improved winding design: Reduced load losses through optimized conductor geometry
- Better materials: Lower-loss core and winding materials
Testing and Certification
- All transformers must be tested per EN 50588-1
- Third-party verification may be required
- Market surveillance authorities will conduct random checks
Impact on Buyers
For EU-Market Projects
- Specify compliance with EU 2019/1783 Tier 2 in procurement documents
- Request loss-level guarantees with penalties for non-compliance
- Factor higher efficiency into lifecycle cost calculations
For Non-EU Markets
Even if your project is outside the EU, Ecodesign standards are increasingly adopted as best practice:
- UK: Adopted EU standards post-Brexit
- Turkey: Harmonized with EU requirements
- Middle East: Some countries referencing EU loss levels
- South America: Growing adoption of similar efficiency standards
Compliance Strategies
- Conventional silicon steel: Use highest-grade materials (domain-refined HiB)
- Amorphous core: Easiest path to Tier 2 compliance for no-load losses
- Hybrid designs: Amorphous core with optimized copper windings
- Over-specification: Design to exceed Tier 2 for future-proofing
VoltBridge EU-Compliant Range
VoltBridge already manufactures transformers compliant with EU Ecodesign Tier 2:
- S13 series (ultra-low loss silicon steel)
- S(B)H15 series (amorphous core)
- All units supplied with EU Declaration of Conformity and EN 50588-1 test reports
Contact us for a quotation specifying Tier 2 compliance.