On the reduction of the third-order harmonic losses in low–voltage power cables used for feeding large LED and CFL lighting loads.

Abstract

An experimental investigation of diversity factors for LED (light emitting diode) in combination with CFL (compact fluorescent lamps) and LED lamps is presented in this paper. Attention was paid to the reduction of low–order harmonic currents, especially the third one; which is mainly responsible for the strong increase in power losses in the neutral conductor of low–voltage installations. The harmonic currents drawn by several LED and CFL lamps with nominal powers < 25 W were first measured to investigate the electrical characteristics of individual lamps. The results showed a sensible reduction of the harmonic current of third order and therefore a marked reduction of the power losses associated with them. The convenience of having LED lamps designed to operate as two–phase loads is suggested for certain applications of significant power demand.