Scribd
Upload
14 views6 pages

Compact Fluorescent Lamp (CFL) : JATIN 20010305026 KAMINI 20010305028

Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) are energy efficient alternatives to incandescent lamps that were invented in 1973. A CFL consists of a gas-filled tube with electrodes that produces ultraviolet light when electric current is passed through. This UV light causes phosphor coating on the inside of the tube to glow, producing visible light. CFLs consume less power than incandescent lamps due to their higher efficiency. However, CFLs contain mercury and can be affected by cold temperatures, producing dimmer light output.

Uploaded by

Anku Rana
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
Download as pdf or txt
14 views6 pages

Compact Fluorescent Lamp (CFL) : JATIN 20010305026 KAMINI 20010305028

Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) are energy efficient alternatives to incandescent lamps that were invented in 1973. A CFL consists of a gas-filled tube with electrodes that produces ultraviolet light when electric current is passed through. This UV light causes phosphor coating on the inside of the tube to glow, producing visible light. CFLs consume less power than incandescent lamps due to their higher efficiency. However, CFLs contain mercury and can be affected by cold temperatures, producing dimmer light output.

Uploaded by

Anku Rana
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
Download as pdf or txt
Download as pdf or txt
You are on page 1/ 6

Compact

Fluorescent
Lamp (CFL)
JATIN 20010305026
KAMINI 20010305028
► A compact fluorescent lamp (CFL)  is a type of
fluorescent lamp that has been compressed into
the size of an ordinary incandescent lamp. It
works on the principle of  gas discharge , i.e.,
ionization of gas by the electric current.
• The modern CFL was invented by Edward E.

INTRODUCTION
Hammer in 1973.
• CFLs are the lamps of choice for those looking for
an energy efficient alternative to incandescent
lamps.
• CFLs consume very less power than an
incandescent lamp.
• The increasing variety of shape and color and
small size of CFL have made them more versatile
and acceptable than the conventional long tube
fluorescent lamps.
Construction and
Working of CFL
► A typical CFL consists of a gas filled tube with two
electrodes mounted in an end cap. 
► The tube contains a mixture of argon gas, mercury
vapor and liquid mercury at low pressure. The tube is
also coated on the inside with three different
phosphors.
► When the electric supply is connected to  the
electrodes, an electric arc is created between two
electrodes. The electric arc produces the flow of
electrons. When the mercury atoms inside the tube
are bombarded by these electrons produce
ultraviolet radiation. The phosphor coating inside the
tube give off light when exposed to the UV radiation.
► The circuit of the CFL contains a ballast which
provides the high initial voltage required to create
the starting arc and then limit the current to prevent
the lamp from self-destruction.
Effect of Temperature
on CFL Performance
► The following characteristic curve shows the variation in
the CFL output with the change in temperature.

► From the graph, it is clear that the ambient temperature


around a CFL can have significant effect on the light
output and efficiency of the lamp. The optimum lamp wall
temperature for a CFL is generally 38 °C.
► At very low temperature, the light output from the CFL
can decline to about 1/3 rd of the rated value. Since at the
temperatures below the optimum value, the mercury
vapor will condense at cold spot, reducing the number of
mercury atoms available to emit UV rays and hence the
light output reduces.
Advantages
of Compact
Fluorescent
Lamp
❑ They contain MERCURY
Most probably, this is the most alarming drawback of CFLs,
especially among environmentally conscious users. While this
element is not toxic or dangerous when the bulbs are being used, it
will surely be if the bulbs are broken and not disposed correctly.

Disadvantages ❑ WEATHER :-
CFL are affected by cold weather. The bulb gives off dim light in
of Compact situations that are cold including in garages , parking carports and
other spaces where heat is lacking.

Fluorescent ❑ Slow Warm Up Time


The bulbs take a second or two to light up even in warm
Lamp (CFL) conditions. And CFL bulbs can take 15 to 30 seconds to
approach maximum brightness. Once the light bulbs are on, the
bulbs glow steadily unless the ballast or bulb is failing. Then the
CFL bulb will flicker like traditional fluorescent light bulbs.
❑ Issue With Dimmer Switches
CFL bulbs usually cannot be used with a dimmer switch, a device
that dims and softens light, due to CFL bulbs' initial start-up/
warm-up time.

You might also like