|
Environmental Screening and Evaluation of Energy-using Products (EuP) Final Report 17 Vacuum cleaners (Lot 17)
17.1 BackgroundThe EuP project group for Vacuum Cleaners is still working and there are no background documents available at present. 17.2 Environmental screening based on the Ecoinvent databaseAs there are no data in the Ecoinvent database for vacuum cleaners, an environmental screening has not been performed for this product group. 17.3 Ecolabel requirementsIt has not been possible to identify relevant Ecolabel criteria for this product group. There are two major standards applicable to vacuum cleaners in Europe. EN 60 335 is relevant to safety and also gives the method by which input power is defined. Nominal Input power is the arithmetic average of maximum input power (watts) and Minimum input power (watts). Maximum input power is measured when the airflow is at the highest, sometimes called “open airflow”. Minimum Airflow is measured when airflow is zero, sometimes called sealed suction. The rating label of the vacuum cleaner will display the Nominal input watts and allows for a tolerance of 10 percent. EN 60312 is relevant to performance and contains many test methods to measure performance relative to cleaning on different surfaces and with different types of soiling. It also contains test methods for indicating product life and also air flow characteristics known as Suction Power or Airwatts. 17.4 Technology and market trendsThe maximum airflow efficiency (maximum suction power divided by the input power at the same point) of today’s vacuum cleaner is normally quite low, rarely above 50% and often around 35%. So input power is, in many cases, converted mostly to heat and some 2000 watt vacuum cleaners are more or less 1200 watt fan heaters! This is typical for all types of vacuum cleaners as is a resultant of inefficiencies in the vacuum producing fan where high airflows are moved through tight turns and restrictions whilst passing through the fan chamber. The motor alone is much more efficient, usually above 90% as it converts electrical power into rotational mechanical power. The EuP project group for has conducted a survey to identify the most important trends that the market players see for the future. In the context of the EuP, the main requirements for future product design were (not surprisingly): Efficient cleaning with lower energy, more efficient motors, and more hygienic vacuum cleaners. Other requirements for product functionalities included [EVC2008]:
In the area of industrial vacuum cleaners, technology has changed a lot in the past 10 years. Instead of just one vacuum cleaner to choose from, facility managers can select from scores of models from manufacturers all over the world that make cleaning more efficient, greener, more productive and safer. A closer look at some of the most common features and trends follows. [Sch2007] Cleaning power. By the mid-1920s, vacuum cleaner manufacturers were struggling to make their machines ever more powerful, usually by building larger, heavier, and noisier motors that increased the suction. However, the goal today is to increase the volume of airflow moving through the machine. Some new upright vacuum cleaners have as much as 16 m³ per minute, providing enough lift for exceptionally powerful cleaning performance. Dual-Fan Technology. Many conventional upright vacuum cleaners have two motors: one to drive the roller brush and another to provide the suction power for the machine. Others have just one motor playing two roles. However, some more advanced vacuum cleaners now feature dual-fan technology, which takes advantage of the benefits of both systems. Instead of one fan, two fans are used, which increases the suction power of the machine without the added weight – and noise – of a second motor. HEPA Filtration. In the past 15 years, the term “HEPA” (high-efficiency particulate air) evolved from a high-filtration system to a media buzzword. But HEPA filtration has become essential in facilities where protecting indoor air quality and trapping allergens and contaminants are vital. Nearly 100 percent of all airborne particulates are trapped by installing a HEPA filter over a vacuum cleaner’s exhaust. But one problem some upright vacuum cleaners still have is that as the machine is used and the HEPA filter is soiled, airflow can become restricted and the machine performs less efficiently. Some manufacturers have developed new technologies to ensure maximum airflow with HEPA filtration systems helping to alleviate this problem. Multistage Filtration. Filtration systems on vacuum cleaners often cause confusion for facility managers and cleaning professionals. A multistage filtration system uses multiple filtering systems, including more advanced filter bags, to help trap airborne particulates. It should be viewed as a pre-filter, helping to remove larger particulates and leaving the smaller soils and contaminants to the HEPA filter. Ergonomics. The term “ergonomic” references machines that had a “good fit” with the people that used them, but there is more to it with an ergonomic vacuum cleaner. Two of the most ergonomic features of a more advanced vacuum cleaner are the design of the handle and the weight of the machine. The handle should be designed to comfortably fit into the user’s hand and the entire machine must be lightweight. Some newer uprights weigh only about eight pounds. A machine this light is usually easy for users to operate, making it a good fit in most cleaning situations. 17.5 Conclusion17.5.1 Environmental impact in a system and life-cycle perspectiveVacuum cleaners are basically to be regarded as mobile heating units. Airflow efficiencies vacuum cleaner is rarely above 50% and often around 35%. So input power is, in many cases, converted mostly to heat. Moreover, the improper use and lack of maintenance of filters and dust bags by users aggravates the problem. The dust bags are a major sources of particle pollution, which can cause allergic reactions among private and professional users, as well as a permanent residential repository of various hazardous substances. 17.5.2 Environmental perspective from new technologiesIn order to improve both energy efficiency and emission of small particles, vacuum cleaners, and in particularly their filters, should be regularly cleaned and maintained. Users should not be able to operate machines when filters must be changed.
|