THE PERFORMANCE EVALUATIONS OF LOCALLY AVAILABLE FLUORESCENT BALLAST/LAMP SYSTEMS

Abstract

The electrical and photometric characteristics of locally available 20W and 40W compact energy saving fluorescent lamps with a number of core - coil ballasts have been compared under the same laboratory conditions. Particular attention was paid to the active, reactive power consumption, power factor, and watt per ampere under varying voltage levels. A total of forty-five ballast/lamp combinations were involved in the study. The study revealed that for the locally available samples of 20W ballast/lamp system tested, the Newclime/lamptan fixture recorded the best starting characteristics. Its watt, power factor, var., and watt per ampere were respectively 18W, 0.41, 39.86 var., and 66.69. This was followed by Newcline/EPI and Sartra/Jecon combination.

For the twenty-five samples of 40W ballast/lamp combinations, it was found that Philips/Maspion fixture showed a remarkable starting characteristics, with input starting voltage of 159V followed by Philips/Osram system with 164V and Philips/SiBalec, 166V.

The result of the study also revealed that the 40W ballast/lamp energy saving systems require lower rms starting voltage, result in lower input currents, higher power factor, higher watt per ampere, better luminaries characteristics, and lower Var consumption. These qualities compared favourably with the 20W ballast/lamp combinations.

The results of the experimental data obtained from this study will be of importance to designers, Engineers and Architects involved with the lighting design and specification process.