The Impact of the Use of Large Non-Linear Lighting Loads in Low-Voltage Networks.

Abstract

The principal numerical and experimental results obtained by the authors on the har monic power losses in low-voltage networks in the lighting area have been summarized in this review. Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) loads were considered. Four-core cables and four single-core cable arrangements were exam ined. The cables were modeled by using electromagnetic finite element analysis software. It was found that the cross section of the neutral conductor plays an important role in the derating of the cable ampacity due to the presence of a high level of triplen harmonics in the distorted current. In order to reduce the third-order harmonic currents in the neutral conductor, an experimental investigation of diversity factors for LED in combination with CFL and LED lamps was also performed. Attention was paid to the reduction of the third order harmonic current, which is mainly responsible for the strong increase in power losses in the neutral conductor of low-voltage installations. The convenience of having LED lamps designed to operate as two-phase loads is suggested for certain applications.