Power Quality Assessment of Residential Electric Bulbs and Their Harmonic Impacts on Power Systems

Abstract

Due to growing proliferation of non-linear loads driven by energy-saving measures, there is a significant daily increase in the power quality disturbance caused by power electronics equipment and devices, which are the primary sources of voltage and current harmonics in distribution networks. Modern electronics, such as energy-saving bulbs, contribute to the generation of harmonics in electrical distribution systems. They are especially prevalent where there are large numbers of nonlinear loads such as compact fluorescent lamp, light emitting diode lamp, personal computers, printers, photocopiers, hospital equipment, fluorescent lighting and adjustable speed drives. Harmonics do no useful contributions; they degrade the power quality and efficiency in a commercial building or industrial facility. Although, the operation of electrical equipment may seem normal, under certain conditions, harmonics can be amplified, causing potentially damaging effects. In this study, we have observed the harmonic characteristics of four different bulbs which are Light Emitting Diode (LED), Compact Fluorescent Lamp (CFL), Fluorescent Lamp (FL) and Filament Lamp or incandescent lamp through experimental set up using Power Quality meter. The results obtained shows the high current harmonics generation from LED with 140%thd and CFL with 95%thd which could lead to degradation of the power distribution networks if not controlled. Unlike filament and fluorescent bulbs which generate less than 20%thd.