铁路论文；EL-HESK（英文）.pdfVIP

ANALYSIS OF FLUORESCENT LAMPS, ELECTRONIC BALLASTS AND FACTORS AFFECTING LAMP LIFE John Hesketh LPA-Excil Electronics Ltd Ripley Drive Normanton Wakefield WF6 1QT UK j.hesketh@ KEYWORDS: Fluorescent Lamps, Electronic Ballasts, Lamp Life ABSTRACT Fluorescent lamps are extensively used for illumination of passenger vehicle interiors. Although other light source technologies such as dichroic and LED have their applications within the vehicle interior, the fluorescent lamp remains the principle method of illumination and main provider of utility lighting. In the vast majority of modern and refurbished rolling stock, fluorescent lamps are driven by electronic ballasts rather than traditional electromagnetic means. Indeed, the use of DC control supplies precludes the use of electromagnetic ballasts. Electronic ballasts have many advantages over their electromagnetic predecessors such as higher efficiency, reduced operating temperatures, increased lamp life, reduced weight, improved passenger environment and the ability to employ intelligent shut down facilities for life expired lamps. Electronic ballasts are extensively available for commercial and industrial use, however, products for use within the railway industry and compliant with the arduous railway standards are only available from a limited number of specialist suppliers. LPA-Excil Electronics Ltd is such a supplier, designing and manufacturing an extensive product range. A key design factor with any electronic ballast is ensuring that the lamp operating parameters are precisely satisfied. Failure to satisfy the correct parame