Evaluation of Fluorescent Lamp Experimentally and Computer Simulation

The purpose of this project is to evaluate harmonic generation and power factor of fluorescent lamps (FLs) which are used in residential and commercial applications as energy efficient lighting systems. This is done by computer simulation and measurement tests, using the available FL bulbs. In the investigations, simulation and laboratory tests are conducted for this purpose with one type of FL lamp which is most commonly used in Libyan markets (TL- 36 watts) some of these lamps use magnetic ballast and others use electronic ballast to drive bulbs. All lab tests and simulation are carried out to observe their current and voltage waveforms, Total Harmonic Distortion (THD %), and true power factor (TPF) ranges. The lab test and simulation results are also compared with IEC61000-3-2 harmonic standard for FLs.