Energy saving controller for fluorescent lamps

Abstract

Although fluorescent lamp is a very efficient lighting device in daily life, still the high harmonic distortion and low power factor cause unnecessary energy consumption. In today’s environment demanding energy efficiency, it is important to reduce this energy loss by integrating an energy saving controller in the electromagnetic ballast of fluorescent lamps. The research presented in this thesis investigates the design and implementation of a new energy saving controller for electromagnetic fluorescent lamp network. The newly developed controller attempts to reduce power losses in both the electromagnetic ballasts and fluorescent lamps by regulating the incoming supply voltage to an optimum level. In addition, the new controller is able to adjust the illuminance level of working environment lightings under either dark or bright condition. Moreover, the function of the new controller is extended with time scheduling control capability, where the switching of lighting systems can be controlled at predetermined times based on occupancy schedule. Both simulation and practical results show that the implemented controller reduces energy consumption by at least 37.5%, by reducing the incoming supply voltage by 15%. In addition, it is desirable to have variable illuminance level control to decrease the energy losses. The experimental results show that the illuminance output level of electromagnetic ballast fluorescent lamps can be decreased by 50% using the new controller while maintaining unity power factor. Integration of the new energy saving controller into electromagnetic ballast fluorescent lamps impressively outperforms the existing electronic dimmable ballast. This new controller brings great ideas for energy saving in the use of fluorescent lamps.