Why do UV lamps need special electronic ballasts?
With the continuous expansion of the application field of ultraviolet germicidal lamps, in order to maximize the use of ultraviolet lamps, the current ultraviolet lamps are equipped with special electronic ballasts, which greatly improves the intensity output of ultraviolet lamps. Do you know the role of electronic ballasts in UV germicidal lamps? Are there any considerations for the selection of ballasts?
1. What is a UV germicidal lamp ballast?
Ballasts, simply put, are metal conductive coils. Can work at low frequency or high frequency. Because the heat loss of the coil is small, it is more effective than the resistance. It can play the role of limiting current and generating instantaneous high pressure.
Appeared first, the structure is relatively simple. The inductive ballast uses the inductive reactance and self-inductive electromotive force of the inductance to light the gas discharge lamp. The self-inductive electromotive force "breaks down" the gas of the lamp to start the lamp, and the inductance limits the current of the lamp to prevent it from burning. Because the electronic ballast has the advantages of energy saving and consumption reduction, rapid low-voltage startup, high power factor, and the service life of the ultraviolet germicidal lamp is greatly prolonged. The traditional inductive ballast is gradually replaced by a dedicated electronic ballast, although the cost has increased, but in the long run, its potential economic benefits are very considerable.
2. The role of ultraviolet germicidal lamp ballast
(1) High pressure is generated, and the starting lamp tube breaks the rare gas in the lamp.
(2) After the germicidal lamp starts to glow, it acts as a ballast (current limiting), so that the lamp can work normally and stably. Gas discharge lamps have high starting voltage and low discharge sustaining voltage. When the lamp is started through high voltage, the voltage drops and the current increases. If there is no restriction, the lamp current will continue to increase until the lamp is burned, so it is necessary to discharge A ballast that matches the type and specification of the lamp is connected in series in the lighting circuit of the lamp to provide a high starting voltage to enable the lamp to start, and to limit the lamp current to stabilize it within the specified range.
3. Precautions for using ultraviolet germicidal lamp ballast
(1) Instant start V.S. Delay start
When matching low-power lamps, the impact is not very obvious, but when matching high-power UV germicidal lamps (such as 120W, 150W and 320W, etc.), the instantaneous start has a great impact on the service life of the UV lamp. This is because when the ultraviolet germicidal lamp starts, the required starting current is very large, which is easy to break down the lamp tube, and the delayed start reduces the instantaneous pressure through energy storage, which has a better protection effect on the lamp tube.
(2) Select the adaptation
Be sure to select the appropriate model. Since the core function of the ballast is to protect the ultraviolet germicidal lamp and prolong the service life. If the ballast selected does not match the lamp parameters, both parties are victims.
