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Performance of 'energy efficient' compact fluorescent lamps
Gloria S-C Yuen1, Alistair B Sproul, Stephen J Dain
1University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.
Clinical & Experimental Optometry
|February 6, 2010
Summary
Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) generally meet lighting standards, but wattage equivalence claims are often unsubstantiated. Differences in light distribution mean CFLs may not be direct incandescent replacements.
Area of Science:
- Lighting Technology
- Energy Efficiency
Background:
- Public dissatisfaction exists regarding the light output and color of compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs).
- Independent verification of CFL performance claims and compliance with Australian/New Zealand Standards is lacking.
- While luminous flux may meet standards, luminous intensity distributions can differ significantly from incandescent bulbs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To independently examine compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) performance against manufacturer claims and Australian/New Zealand Standards.
- To assess the accuracy of 75 W equivalence claims for CFLs.
- To compare the luminous intensity distribution of CFLs with incandescent globes.
Main Methods:
- Measured luminous intensity distribution, luminous flux, and spectral energy distribution of CFLs and 75 W incandescent globes.
- Calculated luminous flux, luminous efficacy, color rendering index, correlated color temperature, wattage, and power factor.
- Compared measurements with manufacturer claims and standard requirements.
Main Results:
- CFLs generally complied with standards for luminous flux, luminous efficacy, color rendering index, and correlated color temperature.
- Claims of 75 W equivalence were justified less than 50% of the time and are not regulated in Australia/New Zealand.
- Biaxial CFLs exhibited distinct differences in luminous intensity distribution compared to incandescent lamps.
Conclusions:
- Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) typically meet established lighting standards.
- The basis for claimed equivalent wattages should be incorporated into Australian and New Zealand standards for public clarity.
- Differences in luminous intensity distribution necessitate careful consideration when replacing incandescent sources with CFLs.
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