On the reduction of the third-order harmonic losses in low–voltage power cables used for feeding large LED and CFL lighting loads

Abstract

An experimental investigation of diversity factors forLED (light emitting diode) in combination with CFL(compact fluorescent lamps) and LED lamps is presented inthis paper. Attention was paid to the reduction of low?orderharmonic currents, especially the third one; which is mainlyresponsible for the strong increase in power losses in theneutral conductor of low?voltage installations. Theharmonic currents drawn by several LED and CFL lampswith nominal powers < 25 W were first measured toinvestigate the electrical characteristics of individual lamps.The results showed a sensible reduction of the harmoniccurrent of third order and therefore a marked reduction ofthe power losses associated with them. The convenience ofhaving LED lamps designed to operate as two?phase loadsis suggested for certain applications of significant powerdemand.