Experimental Analysis of Harmonics in Traditional Lighting Sources

The techno-economic selection of an appropriate light source poses a significant challenge in areas experiencing power and energy crises, such as Pakistan, as electric lamps have become prevalent in domestic, commercial, and industrial settings. The ultimate choice is significantly affected by the conversion efficiencies, efficacies, useful working hours, life cycles, harmonics, and power factors of light lamps. An experimental study has been carried out to measure voltage and current harmonic distortions generated by various commercial fluorescent tubes, compact fluorescent lamps (CFL) and light-emitting diodes (LED) array lamps. The experiments were conducted using the conventional utility Pakistan Electric Power Company (PEPCO) source and an autonomous generator set Total Harmonic Distortion (THDv ≤ 2) to observe authentic power losses linked with harmonics. According to the results, the power loss range caused by distorted power factor is (30 to 35%), (1.5 to 28%), and (1% to 5%) for CFL, tube lights, and LED, respectively. The presence of high order harmonics leads to increased power utilization beyond the rated capacity, thereby augmenting the losses. Based on a comprehensive parametric analysis of a wide range of lamps, LED lamps emerge as the optimal choice for power conservation and environmental preservation. This suggests the need for frugality adaptation in conjunction with enhancing machine efficiency, efficient power end-use, and energy conservation practices for the purpose of conserving electricity.