Comparison of CFL and LED lamp - harmonic disturbances, economics (cost and power quality) and maximum possible loading in a power system

The desire to reduce electrical loading by using energy efficient lighting has resulted in a high level of interest in replacing conventional incandescent lamp with Compact Fluorescent Lamps and LED lamps. However, their high harmonic content was always a problem for the power quality of the power system networks, especially the ones with a considerable share of nonlinear loads. The problem of harmonics cannot be neglected in cases of installations with high lighting load. This paper presents an analysis of harmonics in a network where lighting is one of the main loads. CFLs and LED lamps with electronic gear are characterized by extremely distorted current, with high total current harmonic distortions. Hence they cause a significant voltage distortion in electrical installations. The network is simulated using the impedance network model, in PSCAD®/EMTDC™ software. A comparative analysis is performed on the power quality, maximum loading and economics of CFL lamps and LED lamps.