Design for Energy Efficiency as a Basis for Innovations in Kitchen Appliances

Abstract

The energy consumption of consumer products receives increasing attention in the product development of consumer and professional products. More and more products receive an energy label, often forced by EU legislation, showing their impact on the energy bill to the consumer. Therefore, designers and product managers want to know the energy performance in an early stage of the product development process. Energy efficient products are not just cheaper to use, they are smarter in more ways: less energy use requires less insulation or less cooling capacity (think of the air-conditioning in modern offices). Furthermore, electronic components tend to live longer in cooler surroundings, thus improving reiability and overall quality of the product.