The effect of low power factor led lamp invasion on the utility grid: A case study of Nigerian market

The power crisis problem is getting worse in the developing countries. Measures are being taken to overcome the power shortage problem by efficiently utilizing the available power. Replacement of high-power consumption lamps with energy efficient lamps is also among these steps. One of those energy efficient lamps is the light emitting diode (LED). However, LED lamps have low power factor. This paper will compare the power factor of eight (8) commercial LED bulbs and five (5) Compact fluorescent lamps (CFL) prevalent in the Nigerian market using the Plug-In Power & Energy Monitor. The results show that the power factor of most LED bulbs in the market range from as low as 0.08 - 0.5, whereas CFLs range from 0.55 - 0.66. Though LED bulbs are claimed to be energy efficient, low power factor energy bulbs results in increased I²R losses, thus deepening the power crises already existing in the region.