Ripple factor of LED lamps, what it is and how to reduce it

Our eyes are designed with you in the natural (solar lighting), but the artificial lighting for a long time and become a part of our lives. Therefore, health is very important that the artificial light has been of high quality. One measure of quality is the ripple factor. This option will be discussed in this article.

Unfortunately, not all manufacturers of LED lamps indicate the ratio in the technical documentation for your products. But it is very important, because the detrimental effect pulsed light has been proven numerous experiments scientists and in regulatory documents attached allowable rate pulsing light.

What is ripple and how it is measured

R - Evaluation criteria relative depth variations in illumination lighting system due to changes in the luminous flux of light sources in time when power is alternating current.

This value is dimensionless and is typically expressed in percentage.

To calculate the light level measurement performed with fixing the minimum, average and maximum values. Further, these data are driven to the formula and the parameter calculation occurs:

By the above formula, calculations using data obtained based on the determination of harmonic oscillations.

How to check the ripple

Before turning to the ripple measurement methods tell that it (ripple) is possible only when powered by AC source. If the LED lamp is connected to the DC source, in this case R = 0 a-priory.

Just ripple can not be measured normal camera or camcorder (contrary to popular belief). With the help of these "devices" you can only see the very pulsation (if any) and no more.

If we turn to GOST P 54945-2012, The text of this document you will find a list of devices with which it is possible to measure the ripple

These devices are quite compact in size, but equipped with all the necessary sensors for high-grade and high-quality measurements. Also, most of these devices can be connected to a computer, and through special software to perform additional calculations and visualization of the process.

Normative documents

In Russia, there SanPiN 2.2.1 / 2.1.1.1278-03, according to which a requirement to Kn in a non-production buildings is in the range of 10-20%. But what is strange, there is no requirement in relation to the living quarters, except for the lighting level of at least 150 Lux.

But in SP 52.13330.2016 in paragraph 4.7 in the table number 4.2 specifies requirements for lighting the premises of residential, public, administrative and residential buildings. Where the table also specifies requirements and Kn.

the negative impact

If ripple at a frequency of 80 Hz, then you will not see it visually, but there is an active stimulation of the nervous system. And people strive on a subconscious level to leave the premises to get out of the area of ​​discomfort.

Also, if the ripple will have a pronounced, there may be a real threat to workplace injury. For example, if the flashing frequency coincides with the frequency of rotation of the saw blade, then the employee may be deceptive feeling that the disc is in a static position.

A flashing at a frequency of 80 to 300 Hz, with prolonged exposure to human causes disturbance in hormonal levels and overall reduction in efficiency. Just a person becomes emotionally receptive and extremely irritable.

Note. Flashing lights with a frequency of more than 300 Hz It considered for a person absolutely harmless.

Methods eliminate ripple

If you disassemble the cheapest LED lamp, in most cases, you will see not a complete driver, and the most simple power supply, consisting of a RC-circuit of the diode bridge and filter capacitor with a small capacitance is usually not more than 10 uF. It is because there is no high-quality filter, constant output voltage is the propulsion jagged form in the construct.

Improve the quality of the output signal is possible by replacing a capacitor on a more capacious analogue, but, unfortunately, due to the limited space, it is not always possible.

Since the space inside the cap requires that all parts have strictly fixed size, the only true and reliable way to reduce the ripple is a complete replacement of the primitive power supply for high-quality driver with built-in PWM -regulators. Or buy a LED lamp, which is already installed high-quality components.

If the above steps are not possible, then try to move these lamps in the room where you are not such a long time, for example, corridors, toilets, entrances and so on. D.

conclusion

That's all I wanted to tell you about this very important and often gloss over parameters such as ripple. If the article was of interest to you, then vote it Like. Thank you for your attention!