Effect of lamp technologies on the power quality of electrical distribution network

The increased use of non-linear loads such as lighting technologies (bulbs) has led to power quality variation of distribution networks. In recent times, different lighting technologies are finding their ways into the market. As such, it is paramount to evaluate the performance characteristics of these lighting technologies and the possible effects they might have on the power network. In this paper, three lamp technologies i.e. Light Emitting Diode (LED) lamps, Incandescent Lamps (IC) and Compact-fluorescent lamps (CFL) are analysed to check the impact of their usage on the power quality of a distribution system through a laboratory experiment. The result revealed that the LED lamps offer the highest savings in energy consumption compared to CFLs and ICs. However, they (LED lamps) constitute the highest harmonic pollution in comparison to the other lamps. From the study, it seems no single lamp is preferable when considering energy saving and power quality at the same time. The choice would have to depend on which of metrics is under consideration. In cases where power quality issues is of prime importance, traditional incandescent lamps are the most preferred, on the other hand when energy conservation is the focus, the LED lamps are the most favourable. CFLs offer moderate energy savings and produce fewer harmonics compared to the LED.