Determining the basic properties of commonly used light sources
In recent years, there has been a dynamic development of light sources based on CFL (compact fluorescent lamp) discharge technology or LED (light-emitting diode) semiconductor light sources. Both technologies are characterized by increasingly higher luminous efficacy and availability for consumers. Continuous work on improving the quality of white light obtained from these types of sources has made them attractive replacements for traditional incandescent bulbs. The main reasons for the assortment transformation in the lighting market are the growing ecological and energy awareness of consumers, as well as the dynamic development of technology and falling prices. Lighting needs, both for households, industrial plants, and entire cities, generate significant demand for electricity. It is possible to partially limit this phenomenon, among other things, by using energy-efficient light sources.
It cannot be denied that the best quality light is still produced by traditional incandescent bulbs with tungsten filaments. EU regulations, which involve phasing out incandescent bulbs and replacing them with discharge or semiconductor sources, raise many doubts, especially since CFL sources use mercury, and in the case of semiconductor sources, the price is still a serious barrier. A separate issue is the distortion of the supply voltage and current waveforms, the causes of which lie in the operating principle and construction of these sources.
The aim of the work described in this article is to present, using examples of tests carried out at the Faculty of Energy and Fuels, AGH University of Science and Technology in Krakow, at the Department of Sustainable Energy Development, as accurate information as possible on the aforementioned aspects of the functioning of the above-mentioned sources.
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Measurements were carried out using a test stand purchased thanks to the financial support of RWE Polska Spółka Akcyjna, represented by Dr. Krzysztof Miśkiewicz. The measurements were supported by Helios, which provided the tested light sources. The work was carried out as part of the statutory activities of the Department of Sustainable Energy Development, WEiP, AGH.
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The full text of the article can be found in the October issue of "elektro.info" monthly.
