Ballast Basics I - Universal Lighting Technologies

Transcript Ballast Basics I - Universal Lighting Technologies

ULT Marketing Ballast Basics I

Presented by: Your Name HERE

| 1

Topic Outline • Fluorescent Lamp & Ballast Functions • Ballast Types • Ballast Starting Methods • Attributes and Measurements • Advanced Ballast Definitions • Standards & Regulations • Lighting Retrofits & Energy Savings • Controllable Lighting

Fluorescent Ballast Basics Before Fluorescent…

Incandescent lamps were the only available electric lighting source, and they are still common today for a variety of applications.

But… Incandescent lamps are not efficient and don’t last long.

Have you ever touched an incandescent or halogen lamp while it was on? The heat that incandescent lamps generate demonstrate their inefficiencies as lighting sources. © 2013 Universal Lighting Technologies

Why Use Fluorescent?

For a basic understanding of fluorescent ballasts, a brief overview of fluorescent lamps is necessary:

Fluorescent lamps are significantly more efficient than incandescent lamps, using less energy and lasting significantly longer. This efficiency can be measured in terms of Lumens per Watt (LPW). This is similar to Miles per Gallon with an automobile.

• • Incandescent 18 LPW Fluorescent 60-105 LPW 750 hrs. life 20,000+ hrs. life

Fluorescent lamps provide Energy Efficiency & Longer Life

Fluorescent Ballast Basics

What makes a fluorescent lamp glow?

As an arc current passes through the gas in the fluorescent tube, the electrons flowing from the electrode at the ends of the lamp collide with the mercury atoms that are in the gases of the lamp. The impact of the electrons and the mercury atoms produces ultraviolet rays. These ultraviolet rays strike the phosphors on the glass wall of the lamp, causing them to fluoresce and produce visible light.

Fluorescent Ballast Basics

Incandescent Lighting…. No Ballast

An incandescent lamp operates directly off the power line. Current flows through the filament, and the filament glows, providing light. The filament also acts as a resistor to limit the current passing through it.

120 V

Fluorescent Ballast Basics

Which lamps need ballasts?

All arc discharge lamps such as fluorescent and high intensity discharge (HID) require ballasts for proper operation. Without a ballast, these lamps will not work.

Linear Fluorescent U-Bend Fluorescent Circline Fluorescent Compact Fluorescent

Screw-in compact fluorescent lamps include an extremely small ballast built into the plastic base where the socket is located.

HID

The Ballast’s Function

The fluorescent lamps require a power device (ballast) that is connected to them to provide basic operating functions.

1. Supply power to preheat lamp filaments prior to starting (not required for instant start lamps) 2. Provide a high voltage to initiate an arc through the gas in the lamp 3. Control the lamp’s current to within its specifications to provide proper light output and rated life Input Voltage 3. Controls Current Going to the Lamp BALLAST 1. Filament Heating 2. High Voltage Across the Lamp © 2013 Universal Lighting Technologies

Ballast Location

Ballasts are an integral part of the lighting fixture. They are typically located within the fixture covered by a metal channel.

In down light fixtures for compact fluorescent lamps, the ballast is mounted on the outside of a junction box that is part of the lighting fixture.

Fluorescent Ballast Types

There are primarily two categories of ballast constructions that define the technologies and materials used to manufacture the ballasts:



Electromagnetic – The lowest efficiency



Electronic – The highest efficiency

Electromagnetic Ballasts

The first fluorescent lighting systems were developed with electromagnetic ballasts having two copper or aluminum wire coils assembled on steel laminations to create a transformer. The transformer was designed to provide the right voltage for starting and was usually connected with a capacitor to provide the proper lamp current. Capacitor Transformer with two coils assembled with laminations © 2013 Universal Lighting Technologies

Electromagnetic Technology

 Inefficient circuitry – Generates heat which wastes power – – High operation costs compared to electronic ballasts Operates lamps at power line frequency (60Hz)  Limited flexibility – Typically designed for one lamp or for two lamp operation – – Common three or four lamp fixture requires two ballasts Single product options, typically no alternatives depending upon application requirements  Lamps are connected in series, when one lamp fails, the other lamp extinguishes  Audible, sometimes annoying hum Due to their inefficient operation, magnetic ballasts for popular lamp applications have been outlawed by the Department of Energy, but there is still a large installed base.

Electronic Ballasts

A block diagram is an easy way to explain how an electronic ballast operates

60 Hz Alternating Current (AC) Voltage is converted to a Direct Current (DC) voltage, like a battery Input The DC Voltage is then converted to a high frequency AC Voltage

Electronic Ballasts operate the lamps at very high frequencies which improves lamp efficiencies and performance.

Components in an electronic ballast on a printed circuit board . (Components include transistors, diodes, capacitors, IC’s, resistors, etc.) The High frequency voltage is then increased to a higher voltage so that it can ignite the lamps while also being able to limit the lamp current High Frequency output > 20KHz © 2013 Universal Lighting Technologies

The High Frequency Advantage

Fluorescent lamps increase in efficiency by more than 10% when operated at high frequency Low Frequency and High Frequency Sine Waves

– At low frequencies, fluorescent lamps actually re-ignite every half cycle of the input power’s sine wave, using additional energy.

1/60 Second Actual Frequency Depicted is 1500 Hz

– At high frequencies, the fluorescent lamp does not extinguish, saving energy by not having to re-ignite.

Light output as frequency increases with constant lamp power Electronic ballasts are designed to take advantage of this by maintaining existing light levels and saving energy 112% 110% 108% 106% 104% 102% 100% 98% 96% 94%

60Hz 200Hz 1KHz 5KHz 20KHz

Electronic Technology



Efficient Operation

– Technology for lowest operating cost for fluorescent lighting – High frequency lamp operation improves lamp efficiencies 

Application Flexibility

– Products available for operating up to four lamps at once – Most ballasts are designed for operating different lamp types and quantities – Multiple product options to choose from depending upon application requirements 

Quiet Operation

– The operating frequency of the lamps is higher than the human ear can hear.

Starting Methods

There are a number of different methods for starting fluorescent lamps. T8 & T5 lamps may be started by more than one method. The following is a list of the starting methods and which ballast technologies employ these methods.

•

Rapid Start

– Magnetic & Electronic •

Instant Start

– Magnetic & Electronic •

Programmed Start

– Electronic Only Instant Start and Programmed Start are the methods currently used for most lighting applications.

Rapid Start

Rapid Start ballasts

provide filament voltage (heating) and lamp voltage simultaneously. When the lamp filaments reach a temperature that is sufficient for ignition with the lamp voltage applied, the lamps ignite.

– – – Glowing of the lamps is visible prior to ignition.

Depending upon the lamp voltage, this may not guarantee that the filament is sufficiently heated, resulting in poor lamp life. Cathode voltage remains after the lamp has started consuming approximately 2 Watts per lamp. It was believed that electronic rapid start ballasts would provide longer lamp life than instant start ballasts but this has been proven incorrect. © 2013 Universal Lighting Technologies | 17

Instant Start

Instant Start ballasts

operate without heating the filaments. A high voltage is used to ignite the lamps. Instant start operation is more efficient since there is no additional power consumed for heating filaments.

–Single pin instant start (slimline) lamps must be instant started. –Some Bi-pin lamps such as the F32T8 and F54T5HO can also be instant started.

Programmed Start is growing in popularity but Instant Start is still by far the largest segment.

Programmed Start

Programmed Start ballasts

A.K.A Programmed Rapid Start – Utilize electronic technology to provide optimal starting for lamps to achieve the longest lamp life possible. – Tests have shown lamp life to be extended three times as long as traditional rapid start ballasts in applications where the lamps are frequently cycled on and off.

– Programmed Start ballasts can be used in place of rapid start ballasts since they usually wire the same way in the fixture, hence the addition of “Rapid” in the name.

Technology for long lamp life!

Programmed Start

How Programmed Start Circuits Work:

This technology incorporates a “programmed” starting sequence:

Step 1: Application of Filament Voltage (heating)

– Lamp Voltage is kept very low to minimize glow current – Duration of Step 1 is approximately 800 milliseconds • Assures that filament temperature is optimal for starting • Very low glow current during starting prevents damage to lamps

Step 2: Application of Starting Voltage to the Lamps

– When the voltage is applied across the lamps, they quickly ignite since their filaments are already hot – Short transition prevents lamp damage by minimizing filament sputtering & end blackening

Step 3: Steady State Operation

Best Starting Method

Which Electronic Ballast Starting is Best?

For the lamp types with a choice of starting methods:

 Identify the application and expected operating/switching cycle.

– Expected operating hours between starts.

– Is the ballast connected to an occupancy sensor?

Use Programmed Start to maintain lamp life when:

 Ballasts are connected to occupancy sensors which will switch frequently.

 If the lighting is going to be switched on and off frequently.

– Typically less than three hours per start.

Use Instant start to maximize savings when:

 Ballasts are going to typically remain on for at least three hours between starts.

Ballast Factor

Ballast Factor (BF)

is also referred to as percent light output. It is a measurement of the ballast’s output and the light level it is driving or controlling the lamp at.

A ballast factor of 1.00 means that the lamp connected to the ballast will be operating at 100% of its rated lumens. Similarly, a ballast factor of .88 translates to 88% light output of the lamp.

The same lamp will provide different light levels when operated with different ballast factors.

Ballast Factor is a key component in determining the light output of a system

BALLAST

F32T8 Lamp

High Ballast Factor Ballast

Ballast Factor

To calculate the lumens coming from a lamp/ballast system, the following equation is used: System lumens for a 3-lamp F32T8 fixture with two magnetic ballasts: Lamp Rated Lamp Lumens x Ballast Factor x Number of Lamps System Lumens F32T8

3000 x 0.88

x 3

7920

Ballast Factor

Per ANSI (American National Standards Institute)

  .925 is the minimum BF for a full light output magnetic ballast .85 is the minimum BF for a full light output electronic ballast

However, ballast factors can range from .60 to 1.20

 Magnetic residential shoplite ballasts have had BFs as low as .60

– Hence the reason for poor light levels with these fixtures!

As Ballast Factor goes up . . . . . . the input power for the lighting system also goes up.

Electronic BF Options

As electronic ballast product lines continue to expand, their BF options continue to grow based on the different applications they are serving.

 0.88 - Standard Light Output T8 – Common for new construction and retrofits – Used for frequently switched applications including occupancy sensors and daylight harvesting.

– Good solution for education, commercial offices and retail.

 0.78 - Low Power Instant Start T8 – Used primarily for retrofit applications – Matches light levels of F40T12/ES (34W) systems – Applications include stairwells, hallways, bathrooms and other areas that are lit partially during the day.

 1.18 - High Light Output T8 – Used with New construction and retrofits – Ideal for de-lamp applications, high bay fixtures (including warehouses and manufacturing).

– It is common for facilities to stock a single lamp and control light output for specific applications with different BF ballasts.

Retrofit Example

The example below compares the lumens before and after a lighting retrofit

Ballast Type Lamp Rated Lamp Lumens x Ballast Factor x Number of Lamps System Lumens Magnetic F34T12

2280 x 0.90

x 4

8208 Electronic F32T8

3000 x 0.78

x 4

9630

  A Ballast Factor of .78 with an F32T8 provides more lumens than the F34T12 lamp with a magnetic ballast (.90 BF) If more light output is needed, a higher ballast factor ballast can be installed but it will use more energy.

Universal Input Voltage

Electronic ballast technology has lead to the development of ballasts that can be connected to different input voltages. This simplifies inventory carrying requirements and prevents wiring a ballast to the wrong input voltage.

How it works:

  Ballast input circuit draws current from the power line and internally regulates the DC voltage within the ballast. As a result of the regulated DC voltage, the output to the lamps remains constant.

Ballasts operate from 108 to 305 Volts, 50 or 60 Hertz.

– 120 (-10%) to 277 (+10%) – Installer Friendly, two wires, no special taps Universal input voltage is now common and available for a wide variety of lamp applications.

Lamp Configuration: Series VS. Parallel

Some ballasts operate the lamps in series, some in parallel: Series: All Magnetic & Some Electronic

When one lamp fails, the other lamps extinguish.

Parallel: Available only with electronic

When one lamp fails, the other lamps remain “on.”

Selecting a Replacement Ballast

 – Ballasts are selected based upon the application Identify voltage (Typically 120 or 277 volts) – Identify lamp type – Identify the quantity of lamps the ballast operates  Refer to Navigator Catalog, Ballast selector Guide or online BallastSpecs, and using the application information from above, identify the appropriate ballast  Refer to cross references available on www.unvlt.com

For Additional Information, please visit our website www.unvlt.com or use your QR Reader for Smart Phone instant access.

THANK YOU

Website: www.unvlt.com

Ballast Basics I - Universal Lighting Technologies

Transcript Ballast Basics I - Universal Lighting Technologies

ULT Marketing Ballast Basics I

Presented by: Your Name HERE

Topic Outline • Fluorescent Lamp & Ballast Functions • Ballast Types • Ballast Starting Methods • Attributes and Measurements • Advanced Ballast Definitions • Standards & Regulations • Lighting Retrofits & Energy Savings • Controllable Lighting

Fluorescent Ballast Basics Before Fluorescent…

Why Use Fluorescent?

Fluorescent Ballast Basics

Fluorescent Ballast Basics

120 V

Fluorescent Ballast Basics

The Ballast’s Function

Ballast Location

Fluorescent Ballast Types

Electromagnetic – The lowest efficiency

Electronic – The highest efficiency

Electromagnetic Ballasts

Electromagnetic Technology

Electronic Ballasts

The High Frequency Advantage

Electronic Technology

Starting Methods

Rapid Start

Instant Start

Programmed Start

Rapid Start

Instant Start

Instant Start ballasts

operate without heating the filaments. A high voltage is used to ignite the lamps. Instant start operation is more efficient since there is no additional power consumed for heating filaments.

Programmed Start

Programmed Start

Best Starting Method

Ballast Factor

Ballast Factor

Ballast Factor

As Ballast Factor goes up . . . . . . the input power for the lighting system also goes up.

Electronic BF Options

Retrofit Example

Universal Input Voltage

Lamp Configuration: Series VS. Parallel

Selecting a Replacement Ballast

THANK YOU

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