Study and characterization of waveforms from low-watt (< 25 w) compact fluorescent lamps with electronic ballasts

The aim of this paper is to study the behavior of compact fluorescent lamps, also known as low-cost, energy-efficient light bulbs due to their high light output. This type of light bulb is used increasingly because its energy consumption is low, especially compared to traditional incandescent bulbs, and because its average useful life is longer. However, disadvantages also exist in that these bulbs are linear and time-variant electrical loads, and the current waveform they absorb is extremely distorted (far removed from the sinusoidal form). This gives rise to harmonic current injections on the electrical grid, which causes problems in installations and have a negative impact on voltage waveform quality. Due to the disadvantages just presented and other factors, it is important to study current waveforms in diverse scenarios and different electrical power that is involved in addition to the active power, such as the reactive power, apparent power, and distortion powers (as defined in IEEE Std. 1459-2000). Other concepts, such as the harmonic distortion percentage, are also examined. With these aims in mind, we set out to create models for and simulate the behavior of these lamps using Pspice, the well-known simulation program.