Statistical analysis of peak inrush current: a case study

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to estimate that the start-up current parameters are stochastic or not. Electronic equipment in luminaries significantly improves their luminous efficiency, thereby increasing the energy efficiency of lighting installations. However, the use of electronics [e.g. electronic ballasts for discharge lamps or power supply units for light-emitting diode (LED) luminaries] may also cause some negative effects in lighting installations. One of such effects is large inrush current, which can greatly exceed the admissible line load and trigger the overcurrent protective devices. Design/methodology/approach The paper presents results of laboratory tests together with their statistical analysis of the inrush currents of lighting luminaires. Three road luminaires build in different technologies of similar power have been selected for the study. The theoretical distributions described by the analytical formulas matched the empirical distributions by using the MATLAB’ Statistical Toolbox. Findings As parameters that characterize short-time overcurrent at start-up are the maximum value of overcurrent amplitude in start-up moment (IPIC), the duration of overcurrent in start-up moment (tPIC) and melting integral MI. The aim of this statistical analysis of the selected parameter is to provide an overcurrent mathematical description allowing to estimate the probability of occurrence of values. For lighting luminaire fitted with magnetic ballasts, the parameters analyzed will randomly vary with the moment of power on. For electronic ballasts, the occurrence of this phenomenon depends on the adopted construction solution. Practical implications This will allow, for example, to estimate the probability of activation of protection device by comparing the value of the inrush current Joule’s integral MI with its value for the analyzed protection device. The proposed method may be useful for checking the selectivity of the protection devices in the lighting system. Originality/value The study enables application of a probabilistic model for analysis of inrush currents of lighting luminaire and predicting the possible consequences of their occurrence.