Induction lamp: device and principle of operation

The growing demands on modern lighting systems force consumers to look for new technical means of providing such an important function. Some time ago a transitional stage took place from classical incandescent lamps to mercury and sodium devices. Such devices are used to this day in different versions, but their operation is accompanied by significant shortcomings. In particular, mercury lamps have serious limitations on the use and high requirements for the technical organization of the facility with further maintenance because of the toxicity of the working environment. Sodium models, in turn, are characterized by a skew in the color spectra of the glow. The induction luminaire, which can completely replace both full-fledged mercury models and devices with a sodium base, is deprived of the two indicated drawbacks.

The device of induction fixtures

Despite many differences in the direct working process, induction devices still belong to the segment of common gas-discharge lamps. The main feature of such luminaires is the absence of electrodes. However, this difference is conditional. The basis of the design is also a bulb, which contains a plasma - it also acts as a generator of light energy. In addition, induction lamps are supplemented by a gas cylinder, which is located next to the magnetic coil. Electrodeless such devices are called for the reason that direct contact of the working element with the gaseous medium is not provided. Also the absence of classical electrodes made of metal inside the balloon increases the operational life of the device. As practice shows, lamps of this type are not disposed of until the time when the phosphor resource is consumed. This corresponds to approximately 100,000 operating hours of the device.

The principle of operation of models with an external generator

All luminaires of induction type somehow work in conjunction with the generator. The most common devices that are operated with the connection of an external electronic device that produces current at a high frequency. Energy flows through the coil winding, which is equipped with an induction lamp, after which the lamp lights up. Atoms of gas, excited by electricity, fill the lamp cavity, emitting photons with waves, the length of which corresponds to the particles of the plasma-filling plasma.

Typically, these lamps contain mixtures that include argon and mercury. The first gas is added just to simplify the ignition at a lower temperature. This function is appropriate if the mercury pressure is insufficient to produce a discharge that activates induction fixtures. The principle of operation of such devices is similar in many respects to luminescent instruments, because in both cases the possibility of a phosphor is assumed that ensures the formation of ultraviolet radiation.

Features of devices with an integrated generator

Lamps that operate from an external separate generator are often not complemented by a phosphor coating. For this reason, they dissipate only that light, produced by ionized gaseous plasma. By general classification, such models can be attributed to gas lamps. By the way, induction street lamps are often performed precisely on this principle - with the external placement of the power generator. This is due to the high operating life and increased reliability of such devices - respectively, they are more resistant to damage and other external influences.

Main characteristics

One of the main characteristics of lighting devices is light output. In this case, the nominal value is about 80 lm / W. Manufacturers also in some versions tend to increase the power of lamps, but this affects the reduction of the working life of devices. By the way, according to the manufacturers, the average operating range varies from 80 to 100 thousand hours. In recent years, users have been increasingly paying attention to the temporary expectations of switching on and off of lighting devices. In this regard, the induction lamp has the advantage even in the environment of gas-discharge analogs. Thus, the time for complete cooling of the lamp after a power outage is only 5 minutes. As for color rendering, induction models correspond to mercury lamps according to this characteristic, since they contain practically the same filler.

Operational properties of induction lamps

Among the operational features, the ability of lamps to dimming is distinguished, that is, a change in the radiation intensity in a wide spectrum from 30 to 100%. This possibility, by the way, expands the options of intelligent control systems that can be applied to the same street-based devices. From this advantage follows one more distinctive feature. A bunch of the device with automatic power control systems and an astronomical timer provides the opportunity to optimally adjust the luminaire in terms of energy savings. In addition, induction lamps provide for an expansion of the range of color temperatures. The user can choose soft and natural radiation for residential premises or cold lighting for street systems. Also provides for the possibility of automatic adjustment in some models.

Applications

High stability of operating parameters of gas-discharge lamps allows them to be used even in highly specialized spheres - for example, in spectrometry, which requires the use of ultraviolet radiation. Also, induction-type instruments are involved in pumping laser installations to excite gas. But most often such models are still used in more familiar conditions. For example, to provide indoor home and outdoor garden lighting. A separate niche is occupied by induction industrial lamps, which are characterized by high power and a longer service life. Such equipment is equipped with street communications, tunnels with highways, production and storage facilities, stadiums and car parks.

How much does an induction lamp cost?

Technologically, the process of manufacturing induction lamps is quite complex and unsafe, if not meet all the requirements for the organization of production. This determines the narrowness of the segment in which this product is sold, as well as the high cost by which induction lamps are realized. The prices in the initial class range from 4-5 thousand rubles. This level is significantly higher than the cost of LED models. Even in premium lines, LED lighting for household use is estimated at 2-3 thousand rubles.

Impressive and price tags for specialized and industrial devices of induction type. In particular, induction luminaires ITL for street use are available on average for 10-15 thousand rubles.

Conclusion

Equipping large areas with induction lighting may cost a lot - especially compared to traditional floodlights. Nevertheless, in the long term, such lamps justify themselves both on financial indicators and on the convenience of content. In addition, the induction lamp provides quality light. If the standard halogen or even energy-saving devices are not ideal from the point of view of the eye's perception of their radiation, gas-discharge induction models can adjust the luminescence parameters for specific needs. Moreover, the color rendition and the intensity of the radiation are regulated.