Harmonic Analysis of Different Types of Discharge Lamps

Abstract

The paper describes harmonics produced by various non-linear lighting loads like tube lights with magnetic and electronic ballasts, Light Emitting Diode (LED), Sodium and Mercury vapour lamps in terms of Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) in voltage and current. These harmonics are developed due to the inbuilt power electronic circuit involved in their construction. These lighting loads act as harmonic sources and hurt other equipment in their vicinity. With the production of harmonic currents, there is a decrease in power factor due to which there is a requirement of large reactive power demand in the system. Measured values of THD for lighting loads show the severity of the problem, as lighting load is significant in the utility. Measurements taken with the help of power analyzer HIOKI PQ3100 have been studied to find the harmonic contents of different types of discharge lamps. Frequency domain analysis is also implemented to highlight the harmonics generated in a particular lighting load.