Novel Electrical Modeling of Arc Discharges of Fluorescent Lamps

Abstract

A simple and novel circuit model of the electrical characteristics of arc discharge of fluorescent lamps has been developed. The model has the features necessary for electrical circuit design, and enables circuit simulation with consideration of the effect of the electrical behavior of the discharge lamp, including the effects of some abnormal conditions. Although the model equation is a simple polynomial expression, each term is based on physical considerations, and non-linear and non-steady discharge phenomena have been successfully modeled. The model can express most aspects of lamp operation, and results quantitatively correct values over a wide operation frequency range. It also reproduces abnormal conditions such as worn-out lamps and rarely reproduced phenomena. The model is constructed as a combination of primitive circuit elements. Consequently, combined with a designed ballast circuit, one can easily perform circuit analysis by using a general-purpose circuit simulator. The model will be a very powerful tool for lamp ballast and peripheral circuit design.