ELECTRODE LESS Induction Lamps

Presented by:
Aiyappa C J
Madhukar M
8th sem ECE
SSEC, Anekal
 Electrode less Induction Lamps Last Longer
Abstract
The induction lamp system is a revolutionary technology of light generation that
combines the basic principles of electromagnetic induction and gas ionization. It is one of
the best technologies developed, yet many designers and lighting distributors in the
industry are still not familiar with the product. The reasons for its lack of popularity are
higher initial cost and the special designs that it requires. However, induction lamps are
slowly catching up as these last considerably longer than high-density discharge (HID) or
high-pressure sodium (HPS) lamps. With a virtually zero maintenance requirement, they
offer substantial savings in direct maintenance costs, while eliminating the inconvenience
and indirect costs due to service interruption for maintenance work. Void of electrodes,
induction lamps system can outlast 100 incandescent, five HID or five typical fluorescent
lamp changes.
Technology at a glance life as gas reacts with metal electrodes in
In electrode less lamps, the normal lamps.
power needed to generate light is Components of the system
transferred from the outside of the lamp Fig.1 shows the block diagram of
envelope by means of electromagnetic the induction lamp.
field. Induction lamps use an induction
coil to create a magnetic field inside a
gas-electron/ion plasma. The gas
generates ultraviolet (UV) light, which
excites a phosphor coating on the inside
surface of the glass globe, making it
glow with visible light.
The system comprises three
The basic idea is similar to
components-the high frequency
fluorescent lamps, except they pass an
generator, the power coupler and the
electric current through the gas to
lamp. The power coupler transfers
generate ultraviolet light. Elimination of
energy from the high-frequency (HF)
electrodes extends the bulb life as
generator to the discharge inside the
electrodes are the limiting factor in bulb
glass bulb using an antenna that contains
an induction coil. The power coupler light is generated.
also has a heat-conducting rod with
mounting flange, which allows the
induction lamp system to be
mechanically attached to be luminaire.
The HF generator consists of an
oscillator, which supplies the high-
frequency power to the antenna to
initiate and maintain a gas discharge in
the glass vessel. A pre-conditioning
circuit (EMI filter and power factor
correction) takes care of the oscillator
power supply and filtering.
The induced current circulates
through the metal vapor or gas, causing
the acceleration of free electrons, which
collide with the atoms and bring
electrons to a higher-level energy state.
Electrons from excited atoms fall back
from this higher energy state to the
lower stable level and consequently emit
UV photons. The UV photons interact Discharge vessel. Like fluorescent

with the fluorescent powder on the wall lamps, induction lamps have a discharge

of the discharge vessel, whereby visible space called discharge vessel, which is
basically a glass bulb containing a low-
pressure mercury vapor. amalgam is positioned close to the
discharge and a glass bulb is fixed to the
bottom of the power coupler. The
discharge in the vessel is supplied by
means of an alternating electromagnetic
field (induction) generated by an
induction coil. The cylindrical coil,
which forms part of the so-called power
coupler, is located in a cavity inside the
discharge vessel.
Power coupler. The power coupler is the
heart of the induction lamp system.

This vessel consists of a tubular re-

entrant portion where the non-contact
antenna can be inserted. The re-entrant is
coated with a triphosphor fluorescent
powder and anti-blackening agents. The
inside of the bulb has a conductive
fluorine-tin-oxide coating to screen
undesirable radiation and is capacitivity
coupled to an external silver coating on
the rear. A mercury amalgam mixture,
housed in a reservoir attached to the
discharge vessel, helps maintain the light
output at a more or less constant level
over a large temperature range. To ensue
a short run-up time, an auxiliary
 The ignition pulse is powerful enough to
strike the lamp. It first initiates a
capacitive glow discharge near the wall
of the power coupler cavity and this
glow discharge generates sufficient
number of free electrons by ionization to
release the main arc discharge, which is
sustained by inductive power coupling.
After ignition, the auxiliary amalgam
heats up quickly and start releasing
mercury. The temperature of the bulb
wall determines the mercury vapor
pressure and the light output get
stabilized within 10-15 seconds.

It transfers the energy from the HF

generator to the discharge. It consists of
a plastic support housing the antenna, a
coaxial connecting cable and a heat
conductor with mounting flange. The
antenna, which is located in cavity in the
centre of the discharge vessel, includes a
coil and a ferrite core, which produces a
high-frequency electromagnetic field.
Ignition and run up
For reliable starting in every switch, a Operating frequencies

high voltage ignition pulse greater than Induction lamps operate at 2.6MHz,

1500V for a period of approximately which has been standardized in Europe.

10ms, is sent through the antenna coil. Existing in three types-separate ballasted
cavity induction lamps, external-coil Induction lamps are virtually
induction lamps and self-ballasted cavity maintenance free. These offer crisp
induction lamps-these needs shielding white light with 80+ colour rendering
for conducted and radiated index (CRI) choice of 3k, 4k, 5k and 6k
electromagnetic interference (EMI) colour temperatures. The high CRI light
emissions. The reflector portion of the makes colours look brighter, more
lamp provides enough shielding to meet vibrant and attractive. The lamps
FCC EMI requirements. Certain produce up to 80 lumens of light for
companies are offering induction lamps each watt of energy. The 80LPW
even at 13.56 MHz .This is within the efficiency makes these as energy-
industrial /Scientific /medical (ISM) efficient as CRI metal-halide systems.
band, in which the FCC allows unlimited Induction lamps offer high reliability
radio- Frequency emissions. However, to and instant on/off, with less thermal
meet FCCs requirements, the lamp must dissipation. The lamps amalgam fill
be shielded to keep emissions under technology and the heat conduction rod
control. in the centre create a stable light output
over a wide range of ambient
temperatures. These can start even at
temperatures as low as -40F. Due to the
built-in pre-conditioner in the HF
generator, which provides a well
stabilized internal supply voltage, the
efficacy of the lamp system varies by
less than 2% as a result of mains voltage
fluctuation. There is no noticeable effect
(visual or measurable) on the colour
performance (colour temperature, colour
rendering, etc) due to supply voltage
fluctuation.
Colour temperature Stray radiation and interference
Meticulous care design is required to components involved.
generate a pure sine wave, as this
waveform contains no harmonics. The
bulb has a conductive fluorine-tin-oxide
coating to screen undesirable radiation.
Apart from visible light, the induction
lamp system emits a certain amount of
invisible infrared radiation. This
radiation is extremely low, compared to
HF fluorescent lamp systems.
Lamp life
Since there is no filament to burn out or
electrodes to fail, an induction lamp can
be turned on and off m=without
affecting the lamp life. The product life
is limited only by lamp phosphor
depreciation.
The life expectancy of an induction
lamp system is almost 15 years of
continuous operation of 4000 burning
hours per year with an expected failure
less than 10%, which is due to the
depreciation rate of the phosphors used
and the failure chance of the electronic Benefits
1. High reliability and virtually
maintenance-free operation.
2. Lasting light output throughout
lifetime.
3. Economic, environment-friendly in
situations with long burning hours.
4. Restful non-fatiguing light.
5. Automatic switch-off in case of lamp Osram Sylvania ICETRON range
or power coupler failure. in initial lumen output of 3500 to
6. Suitable for security and safety 12000, limiting their applicability
lighting. to conventional metal-halide
7. More comfort outdoor lighting designs of up to
8. Useful light immediately after switch 150 watts.
on. 3. Physically larger than HID
9. Installation can be matched to lighting lamps, making them most
situations and requirements. appropriate for installation in
10. Uniform colour maintained large fixtures such as decorative
throughout life and the latest ones have post tops.
the dimming facility that can increase 4. Relatively limited selection.
energy savings and provide smooth light
transition from ignition to full burn.

Disadvantages
1. Far higher initial cost (over ten
times the cost of conventional
HID lamps)
2. Currently limited in wattage. For Applications aplenty

example, the Philips QL and

Induction lamps have a range of uses, malls, underground pedestrian
benefits and form factors. Super long walkways, security, parking garages,
life, high energy efficiency and wattages signage, faade and atrium lighting, and
that range from 15W to 200W make a host of other applications.
these lamps a very competitive choice in Future is wireless
many situations. Induction lamps are finding a foothold
Industrial. Since factories run round the due to the range of lighting choices,
clock, quality reliable lighting is colour temperatures and increased
required. Induction lamps provide a functionality offered by them. Interest
better-quality light that will make more has increased towards this technology
workers productive and reduce giving lighting designers a large pallet of
accidents. products. Induction lamps will therefore
Institutional. In schools, theaters or on enjoy a good market share. Development
sports grounds, performance is of new lamps will arrive in quicker
paramount. Induction lamps provide an succession and revolutionize the
even spread and a high colour rendition, industry. It is believed that wireless
preserving the moment for both lighting is the future of the lighting
participants and spectators. industry, offering huge cost savings as
Commercial. Better-quality light in well as increased convenience.
shopping centers and working areas
creates a better experience for the
people. Induction lamps have a wide References: efy magazine..
spectrum of colours giving a space for
advertisements.
The applications are not only limited to
the above; inductive lamps can be used
for decorative purposes, bridge, tunnel
and street lighting, hazardous areas,
freezers and hard-to reach applications,
solar-powered highways, outdoor
recreational complexes, indoor shopping