Influence of the Shape of Power Supply Waveform on Power Quality and Optical Parameters of Selected Light Sources

The article describes the results of research on the power supply quality of selected fluorescent lamps and solid-state light sources powered by voltage with different waveforms and supply voltage values. The power factor, total harmonic distortion (THD) factor and values of individual harmonics were measured and their compliance with international standards was assessed. The measurement set-up used and the measurement results obtained with it are described. The results of the experimental research showed that the light sources under consideration did not meet the criteria specified in international standards for the THD factor and the values of individual harmonics, regardless of the shape of the supply voltage waveform. Current total harmonic distortion always exceeded 44%, exceeding the upper limit of 23% specified in the IEC 61000-3-2:2018 standard. The third harmonic values far exceeded the 21.6% of the first harmonics, which is the limit specified in this standard as well. However, it was shown that supplying some light sources with a triangular voltage waveform can increase the illuminance value by up to 28%. On the other hand, the use of a rectangular voltage waveform leads to an increase in the power factor and a decrease in reactive power.