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Power Quality Effects of CFLs Field Study
Natan Gothelf
HARMONIZER, Power Quality Consulting AB, Sweden
Abstract
The energy advantages and disadvantages of compact fluorescent lamps (CFL) have been debated during the last few years. The main advantages are low energy consumption and long life. The main disadvantages are low power factor and high harmonic distortion. Since the power utilities and their customers are showing an increased concern about the power quality aspects, there are some mixed feelings towards CFLs.
In order to estimate the power quality effects of CFLs, NUTEK has designed and conducted a field test in a residential district in a Stockholm suburb.
The purpose of the test was to determine the effects of an increased use of CFLs on the harmonic distortion of the electrical feeding system. The test results shall constitute a basis for forming NUTEK?s future policy regarding promotion of CFLs in Sweden.
The test was divided in two phases:
Phase 1: Measurements in a one-family house.
The measurements were taken first without CFLs and then after installing five CFLs. The purpose of Phase 1 of the test was to determine the characteristics and harmonic spectra from several CFLs as well as to estimate the risk of overloading conductors and other network components in a villa or apartment with CFLs.
Phase 2: Measurements in a residential district.
The measurements were taken in a residential district consisting of 17 houses at existing load and then after installing of three and six CFLs respectively in each house. The purpose of Phase 2 of the project was to determine the changes in harmonic distortion caused by installing a larger number of CFLs in the system and to evaluate the summation and cancellation effects.
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