The effect of greenhouse irradiators on the load factor of step-down transformers

Abstract

The aim of the work is to determine the permissible load factors of step-down transformers when powering various types of greenhouse irradiators. All examined irradiators have nonlinear volt-ampere characteristic and generate upper current harmonics. The object of research are greenhouse illuminators with high pressure sodium lamps, induction and light-emitting diodes greenhouse illuminators (LED) with active and passive power factor. The permissible load factors of transformers are calculated using obtained data: for high-pressure sodium lamp light is 0.95 max; for LED lamps with active power factor corrector – 0.76 max; for LED lamps with passive power factor correction – 0.59 max; for electrodeless lamp light – 0.98 max. To reduce current harmonics in systems with LED lamps and to increase the load factor of transformers, it is necessary to apply special devices – active or passive harmonic filters. For greenhouse irradiators with sodium lamps and induction irradiators, the use of harmonic filters is not required.