Comparison of electronic and conventional ballasts used in roadway lighting

Abstract

Although manufacturers recommend light-emitting diode technology for all types of urban lighting, it is likely that high-pressure sodium lamps will be used for roadway lighting for many years. The purpose of this paper is to establish whether electronic ballasts represent a better solution for such lamps than electromagnetic ballasts. Special attention was devoted to the fact that electronic ballasts allow considerably higher voltage drops. However, taking into account the earth-fault protection demands, it is shown that electronic ballasts provide only a modest possibility to increase the length of the street lighting section. The techo-economic analysis showed that, owing to the high prices and shorter life of electronic ballasts, conventional electromagnetic control gear still represents a better choice from the financial point of view.