EFFECTS OF REPLACING INCANDESCENT BULB WITH COMPACT FLUORESCENT LAMP (CFL) IN ELECTRIC POWER SYSTEM

Abstract

The clamour to replace the high wattage linear load with energy saving non-linear loads is on the increase. However, side effect of such replacement needs thorough analysis before the full implementation. This study presented the effect of replacing incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent lamp on harmonic distortion in a model building estimated to require 28 incandescent lamps for lighting. All the incandescent lamps were first switched on and set of readings taken with the waveform. Two of the lamps were replaced with compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) and measurement repeated. The process was repeated until only CFLs were now left to obtain fifteen set of readings. Parameters measured include total harmonic distortion (THD), crest factor, root means square and peak values of both voltage and current. The equipment used was power and harmonic analyzer. The result showed that the THD and CF increased from 1.5% and 1.412 with only linear loads to 100% and 3.045 with only CFL respectively. The waveforms from analyzer’s screen show a highly distorted waveform with only CFLs. The various stakeholders in power industries need this information for proper planning and policy to regulate the influx of CFLs and other non-linear devices and to mitigate their impacts in the existing weak electric power system.