Lifetime evaluation of DC-supplied electronic ballasts with fluorescent lamps for photovoltaic applications

Abstract

The evaluation of the lifetime of fluorescent lamps and electronic ballast is a current issue in illuminating engineering. The difficulty of carrying out this extensive evaluation by means of time-consuming tests of durability led to the search for a single-factor or shortened durability test that would give a reliable evaluation. This paper presents the results of submitting three samples of 14 different models of DC ballast with fluorescent lamps for photovoltaic (PV) applications, to a durability test of 2 h 45 min on/15 min off, for 10,500 h. An additional sample of each model was used for the measurement of various parameters such as the current crest factor (CCF) and a description is given of the main factors affecting lifetime. As a result of these tests, the CCF is assessed as a lifetime evaluator, together with a regression model that relates this CCF to the relative frequency at which premature breakdown occurs. A possible relationship is suggested between lamp voltage and lifetime, together with some considerations of the effect on lifetime of the state of charge of the battery.