THE EFFECT OF MODERN COMPACT FLUORESCENT LIGHTS ON VOLTAGE DISTORTION

This paper presents the results of a computer simulation of three real life 13.8kV feeders supplying consumers with non-linear loads which i nclude CFL (Compact Fluorescent Lights) with electronic ballasts. The computer simulations are supported by laboratory testing and in-the-ho me installation/monitoring of CFL. The results of the laboratory tests and in-the-home monitoring were combined with load research informati on regarding residential load profiles to produce load models for use in computer simulation of the behavior of the three distribution feede rs. The input current to electronically ballasted CFL has unusually hi gh distortion, THD (total harmonic distortion) > 1 00 %. The main conc lusion of this work is that for a 15kV class feeder with a maximum 10M VA load, the total load of electronically ballasted CFL should not exc eed 100kW if the voltage THD is to be kept less-than-or-equal-to 5%.