Implications of the Large-Scale Deployment of Non-linear Loads

Abstract

Compared to yesteryear, non-linear loads now proliferate in homes, offices and the industrial environment. Non-linear loads now form a major component of the total loading in the typical electrical network. The Compact Fluorescent Lamp is but one example of a non-linear load that inherently produces and injects distorted currents into the electrical power network, which could create adverse consequences if appropriate and adequate harmonic mitigation techniques are not employed. CFLs are now a major component of the luminaires market around the world because consideration is being given worldwide to the phasing out of incandescent lamps. However, there are legitimate concerns over the quality of some CFLs. This paper investigates and compares the quality of some major brands of CFLs, in terms of parameters such as harmonic content, power factor, fundamental power factor, nonactive power, and apparent power. The wider implication of these results is ascertained by investigating the effects large scale installation of CFLs would have on a generalized electrical network. This work shows that CFLs with high harmonic currents increase the requirements of the source and other network components, as well as place a significant strain on them, since they draw a higher current and also consume a higher apparent power and nonactive power than is necessary for power delivery. Also, it is found that voltage harmonic limits can approach or exceed the IEEE limit of 5% as the number of CFLs deployed is increased. This situation is more pronounced if CFLs with higher current harmonic content are installed.