Impact on power quality due to large-scale adoption of compact fluorescent lamps – a review

The demand of electrical energy has grown tremendously in the last couple of decades across the globe. The energy conservation and management has attracted the attention of stake holders for efficient utilisation of the resources. One of the major steps taken by the authorities towards conservation of electrical energy is replacement of incandescent lamps (ILs) by compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs). CFL uses electronic circuit for its ignition, making them a non-linear load on utility grid. Large-scale replacement of ILs has enormous effects on utility grid in terms of power quality. This paper reviews the work conducted by several researchers investigating the effect of using CFLs on power quality. Basic terminologies related to power quality is defined. The experimental results elaborate the pollution on the grid in the term of total harmonic distortion in current due to adoption of CFLs. The methodologies of harmonic measurement system are reviewed. Different software used for the analysis is presented. The paper will help the researchers to receive a comprehensive overview of power-quality issues.