The device and principle of operation of induction lamps: technical characteristics, the use of lamps

Relatively recently, a new type of lighting fixture has appeared on the consumer market. For example, induction lights are growing in popularity. They have become quite common in the discharge lamp segment. The price for them is high, but this is due to their long service life and high technical characteristics.

Induction lamp device

The main feature of induction lamps is the absence of electrodes in them. However, this difference is only conditional. The lamp consists of three main parts:

• gas discharge tube;
• rod with an induction coil or a magnetic ring;
• electronic ballast.

A hermetically sealed phosphor lamp filled with gas is connected to an induction coil. The last element can be internal or external. Ballast can also be built-in or separate. A flask filled with plasma acts as a generator of light energy.

These devices are often called electrodeless, since the working element does not have direct contact with the gas medium.

The service life is significantly increased due to the absence of metal electrodes inside the flask.

Operating principle

Induction lamps are quite simple in their action. An induction field arises in a gaseous medium filled with a bulb. After that, a discharge appears, and the phosphor converts the discharge energy into a glow.

To create such a device, it was necessary to modernize the well-known fluorescent lamp.

However, the results obtained are impressive, since the technical characteristics of such a lamp are much better than that of other used lighting fixtures. It can be called a high frequency transformer, where the function of the secondary winding is performed inside the bulb by a high-frequency discharge. The coil (primary winding) can be connected to different power sources: to a 220 or 380 W network or to direct current.

Varieties of lamps

Thanks to the induction-type luminaire scheme, such products can be produced with different powers ranging from 15 to 500 watts and above. Most powerful devices are used for industrial purposes.

The simple arrangement of bulbs allows you to very quickly and easily convert a conventional luminaire into an induction one. For this reason, lamps are produced with standard sockets. Also, manufacturers make ring lamps.

More often on sale they are found in assemblies than individual lamps. Products are also produced in sets to be able to convert a conventional luminaire into an induction one. They include a mounting system and a bulb with socket.

Main characteristics

Due to the electrodeless design, the service life of induction lamps is much longer than that of traditional fluorescent counterparts. Manufacturers claim that the working period is 60,000-150,000 hours.

The main characteristic of these lighting devices is their high luminous efficiency, which is about 80 lm / W. In some cases, manufacturers are trying to increase these indicators, which leads to a decrease in the working resource. People using modern light bulbs note that there is a temporary wait when turning on and off low-tech devices.

Lamps of this type have advantages in this regard compared to other gas-discharge counterparts. For example, the time for complete cooling after a power outage will be no more than 5 minutes. In terms of color rendering, induction lamps are very similar in their characteristics to mercury lamps. This is due to the filler, which is similar in content to almost all types of such devices.

Among the operational features, one can also highlight their ability to change the radiation intensity in a wide spectrum - 30-100%. This makes it possible to expand the options of intelligent control systems, applied, for example, to street appliances.

The combination of devices with an automatic power control system with a built-in astronomical timer makes it possible to set up optimally in order to save energy. Induction lamps can also be expanded in terms of the range of color temperatures. After purchase, the user chooses a natural and soft radiation for the premises, if desired. You can also choose a cooler backlight for outdoor use. Some models have a built-in auto-tuning function.

Scope of application

The technical characteristics of induction lamps allow them to be used in many areas for indoor and outdoor lighting. Its properties they are most effective where high color rendering and light output are required, for example:

• warehouse and industrial premises;
• tunnels and highways;
• streets and stadiums;
• airports and railway stations;
• shopping centers and showrooms;
• gas stations and car parks.

Such lighting devices provide comfortable illumination of territories and premises thanks to a spectrum that resembles a solar glow without flicker. The high energy efficiency of induction lamps during operation is of great importance.

However, they are most often used in conditions familiar to many people. They are used for outdoor lighting of garden plots, cottages, Despite the high cost of lamps, they quickly pay off, because for many years consumers will not think about servicing the device or buying new.