Synergico: a method for systematic integration of energy efficiency into the design process of electr(on)ic equipments

Abstract

Energy consumption during the use phase is often considered as the most important environmental aspect in active electrical and electronic equipments during their lifecycle. Besides, the number and diversity of these products in households and offices is growing, increasing the energy demand. For these reasons, regulations, standards, and customers tend to become more stringent about these appliances’ energetic performances, adding new constraints for the designers. Systematic methods for estimating the consumption and providing designers with design strategies are scarce and hardly applicable in the early design stages. This paper presents the Synergico method which can be integrated in the current corporate design practices, therefore helping design more energetically efficient products without compromising other performances such as ergonomics, functional performances, security, recyclability or costs. The three tools of the method are presented. A case study illustrates the way it works and is discussed.