Making power adapters greener

摘要

Power adapters (also called external power supplies) convert grid energy from a wall outlet into low-voltage power to be used by electronic equipment. As users of smartphones and laptop computers know, these adapters needed to be carted around to ensure that the benefits of information and communication technologies (ICT) can be enjoyed over extended periods. Adapters are also used for non-ICT products. With the international community turning the spotlight on energy efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the carbon footprint of these ubiquitous power supply devices has caught the interest of ITU.