Comparative estimation of efficiency of LED dimmers at different modulation techniques

There are two basic ways to improve the energy efficiency of lighting equipment - utilization of more effective technologies of light generation and implementation of intelligent control of lighting (providing the light where and when it is needed). LED lighting technology provides both these opportunities: LED luminaries have high efficacy and it is possible to dim them. At the same time LED lamps always require some electronic ballast. Operation of these ballasts depends on their topology and control features. This paper estimates the efficiency of several LED ballasts at different conditions. The efficiency is analyzed numerically, simulated and experimentally tested.