Discharge lamps are sources of radiation of light energy in the visible range. The main structural element of a gas-discharge lamp is a glass bulb with a gas or metal vapor pumped inside. From both sides, electrodes are supplied to the flask, between which an electric discharge occurs and burns.
Discharge lamps have a fairly extensive classification. There are two main types:
- High pressure discharge lamps (GRLVD). They include DRI, DRL, DKST, DNAt.
- Low-pressure discharge lamps (HLND), which include LL of various types, CFL, special LL.
These light sources successfully replace obsolete incandescent lamps, which, however, are used in specific rooms where the installation of other lamps is impossible.
The advantages of gas discharge lamps are:
- Efficiency.
- High light output.
- High color rendering.
- Economy.
- Long service life
Disadvantages that gas discharge lamps have,the following:
- Linearity of the emitted spectrum.
- Expensive.
- Dimensional indicators.
- The need to install ballasts.
- The presence of a stroboscopic effect, i.e. flicker radiation.
- High sensitivity to voltage drops.
- Toxicity.
- Alternating current only.
The quality characteristics of each HID lamp meet the high requirements, such as:
- Operation - up to 20,000 hours of burning.
- Efficiency - up to 220 lumens per kW of energy.
- Various color of emitted light: warm white, white, cool white, natural, etc.
- The electric arc produces high intensity beams of light.
The environment in which the combustion process of an electric discharge occurs can be filled with a variety of gases, such as argon, neon, xenon, krypton, as well as vapors of various metals, such as mercury or sodium.
It must be taken into account that gas discharge lamps of any type must be installed in closed fixtures equipped with protective glass. For successful operation of this type of light sources, special ballasts and ballasts should be installed.
Discharge lamps require high parameters of the electrical network to which they are connected. Large (more than 3%) deviations of the network parameters from the nominal ones are not allowed.
Discharge lamps can be used in production workshops and other premises of factories, in all kinds of shops and shopping centers, offices and various public places, as well as for decorative lighting of buildings and pedestrian paths. In addition, they are widely used for highly artistic lighting of cinemas and stages, for which professional equipment is used.
Efficiency of gas discharge lamps reduces the cost of lighting equipment and accessories.
