The effect of modern compact fluorescent lights on voltage distortion

The results of a computer simulation of three real life 13.8 kV feeders supplying consumers with nonlinear loads which include CFLs (compact fluorescent lights) with electronic ballasts are presented. The computer simulations are supported by laboratory testing and in-the-home installation/monitoring of CFLs. The results are combined with load research information regarding residential load profiles to produce load models for use in computer simulation of the behavior of three distribution feeders. The input current to electronically ballasted CFLs has unusually high distortion, (THD (total harmonic distortion) >100%). The main conclusion is that for a 15 kV class feeder with a maximum 10 MVA load, the total load of electronically ballasted CFLs should not exceed 100 kW if the voltage THD is to be kept >