The growing requirements for modern lighting systems are forcing consumers to seek new technical means to ensure 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 disadvantages. In particular, mercury lamps have serious restrictions on use and high requirements for the technical organization of the installation with further maintenance due to the toxicity of the working environment. Sodium models, in turn, are characterized by a bias in the color spectra of the glow. The two indicated drawbacks are deprived of an induction lamp, which may well replace both full-fledged mercury models and devices with a sodium base.
The device of induction lamps
Despite the many differences in the direct working process, induction devices still belong to the segment of common discharge lamps. The main feature of such lamps is the lack of electrodes. However, this difference is conditional. The design is also based on the bulb containing the plasma - it 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. Such devices are called electrodeless for the reason that direct contact of the working element with the gas medium is not provided. Also, the absence of classical metal electrodes inside the cylinder increases the operational life of the device. As practice shows, lamps of this type are not disposed of until the phosphor resource is used up. This corresponds to approximately 100,000 hours of operation of the device.
The principle of operation of models with an external generator
All induction-type luminaires somehow work in conjunction with a generator. The most common devices that are operated by connecting an external electronic device that generates current at a high frequency. Energy flows through the winding of the coil, which is equipped with an induction lamp, after which the lamp lights up. Gas atoms excited by electricity fill the lamp cavity, emitting photons with waves, the length of which corresponds to the particles filling the plasma lamp.
Typically, such lamps contain mixtures including argon and mercury. The first gas is added just to simplify ignition at low temperatures. This function is appropriate if the mercury pressure is not enough to generate a discharge that activates induction lamps. The principle of operation of such devices is in many respects similar to fluorescent devices for the reason that in both cases the possibility of a phosphor, which ensures the formation of ultraviolet radiation, is assumed.
Features of devices with an integrated generator
Luminaires operating from an external separate generator are often not supplemented by a phosphor coating. For this reason, they scatter only the light generated by ionized gaseous plasma. According to the general classification, such models can be attributed to gas light lamps. By the way, street induction lamps are often performed just by this principle - with the external placement of the electric generator. This is due to the high service 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 seek to increase the power of fixtures, but this affects the reduction in the working life of devices. By the way, according to the manufacturers, the average operating range varies from 80 to 100 thousand hours. The users themselves in recent years are increasingly paying attention to the temporary waiting times for turning on and off lighting devices. In this regard, the induction lamp has an advantage even in the environment of gas-discharge analogues. So, the time for complete lamp cooling 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 almost the same filler.
Operational properties of induction lamps
Among the operational features, the dimming ability of the lamps, that is, a change in the radiation intensity in a wide spectrum from 30 to 100%, stands out. This possibility, by the way, expands the options of intelligent control systems that can be applied to the same street devices. Another distinctive feature follows from this advantage. The combination of the device with automatic power control systems and an astronomical timer provides the opportunity to optimally configure the lamp in terms of energy saving. In addition, induction lamps provide an extension of the color temperature range . The user can choose soft and natural radiation for a living room or cold lighting for outdoor systems. It also provides the ability to automatically configure in some models.
Fields of application
The high stability of the operating parameters of gas discharge lamps allows them to be used even in highly specialized fields - for example, in spectrometry, which requires the use of ultraviolet radiation. Also, induction-type devices are used in pumping laser systems to excite gas. But most often, such models are still used in more familiar conditions. For example, to provide indoor and outdoor garden lighting. A separate niche is occupied by industrial induction lamps, which are distinguished by high power and a longer service life. Such equipment is equipped with street communications, tunnels with highways, production and storage facilities, stadiums and parking lots.
How much does an induction lamp cost?
Technologically, the manufacturing process of induction lamps is quite complicated and unsafe if you do not comply with all the requirements for the organization of production. This determines the narrowness of the segment in which these products are sold, as well as the high cost at which induction lamps are sold. Prices in the primary class vary in the range of 4-5 thousand rubles. This level significantly exceeds the cost of LED models. Even in premium ranges, LED-lamps for domestic use are estimated at 2-3 thousand rubles.
The price tags for specialized and industrial devices of induction type are also impressive. In particular, ITL induction lamps for street use are available on average for 10-15 thousand rubles.
Conclusion
Equipping large areas with induction lighting may cost a lot - especially when compared to traditional floodlights. Nevertheless, in the long run, such lamps justify themselves both in financial indicators and in the convenience of maintenance. In addition, the induction lamp provides high-quality light. If 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 to specific needs. Moreover, both color rendering and the degree of radiation intensity are regulated.