Title: Comparative Study of Various Types of Lamps for Energy Efficiency and

Light Quality

Objective:
To compare the energy efficiency and light quality of different types of lamps
including incandescent lamps, halogen lamps, low pressure mercury vapor
lamps (fluorescent tube), high pressure mercury vapor lamps, sodium vapor
lamps, compact fluorescent lamps (C.F.L.), metal halide lamps, LED lamps, and
neon signs.
Theory:
What is a Lamp?
A lamp is defined as an artificial source of light that can be used for illumination,
decoration, or signalling. Lamps have been around for thousands of years,
evolving from simple vessels filled with animal fat and wicks to sophisticated
devices that use electricity, gas, or solar power. Lamps can vary in their size,
shape, design, colour, brightness, and energy efficiency.

There are many different types of lamps available on the market today. These
lamps differ in their operating principle, materials used, and, importantly – their
energy efficiency. The main types of lamps are:

Incandescent Lamps: These are the oldest type of lamps, operating by running
an electric current through a tungsten filament which then heats and emits a
warm, yellowish light. While their light resembles natural sunlight, they are
inefficient—converting only about 10% of electricity to light. With a lifespan of
approximately 1,000 hours, incandescent lamps are being replaced by more
efficient alternatives.
Halogen Lamps: Halogen lamps are a type of incandescent lamps that have a
small amount of halogen gas (such as iodine or bromine) inside the bulb. The
halogen gas prevents the tungsten filament from evaporating and depositing on
the glass envelope, thus extending its lifespan (about 2,000 to 4,000 hours) and
maintaining its brightness. Tungsten halogen lamps produce a bright and white
light that is suitable for accent lighting and task lighting. However, they are also
very hot and require special fixtures and handling.
Mercury Vapour Lamps: Mercury vapour lamps are a type of gas-discharge
lamps that work by passing an electric current through a tube filled with high-
pressure mercury vapour. The electric current ionizes the mercury atoms, which
emit visible light and ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Mercury vapour lamps produce
a bluish-green light that is suitable for outdoor lighting and industrial
applications. They are also more energy-efficient and longer-lasting (about
24,000 hours) than incandescent lamps.
Fluorescent Lamps: Fluorescent lamps are a type of gas-discharge lamps that
work by passing an electric current through a tube filled with low-pressure
mercury vapor and inert gas (such as argon or neon). The electric current excites
the mercury atoms, which emit ultraviolet (UV) radiation. The UV radiation then
strikes a phosphor coating on the inside of the tube, which converts it into
visible light. Fluorescent lamps produce a cool and white light that is ideal for
general lighting and commercial applications. They are also more energy-
efficient and longer-lasting (about 10,000 to 20,000 hours) than incandescent
lamps. However, they contain mercury (a toxic substance) and require a ballast
(a device that regulates the electric current) to start the lamp.
Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs): CFLs fit standard sockets and come in
various shapes and sizes. More energy-efficient than incandescent, they last
8,000 to 15,000 hours. Despite their efficiency, CFLs contain mercury and may
flicker or buzz, particularly at the end of their lifespan. They can also display
colors inaccurately and may not work with all dimmers or sensors.
Metal Halide Lamps: Metal halide lamps are a type of gas-discharge lamps that
work by passing an electric current through a tube filled with high-pressure
mercury vapour and metal halides (compounds of metals with bromine or
iodine). The electric current ionizes the mercury and metal atoms, which emit
visible light and ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Metal halide lamps produce a bright
and white light that is suitable for indoor and outdoor lighting and industrial
applications. They are also more energy-efficient and longer-lasting (about
10,000 to 20,000 hours) than incandescent lamps.
LED LAMP:LED stands for light emitting diode. LED lighting products produce
light up to 90% more efficiently than incandescent light bulbs. How do they
work? An electrical current pass through a microchip, which illuminates the tiny
light sources we call LEDs and the result is visible light.
Neon Lamp: A miniature gas discharge lamp in which the electrical discharge
takes place through a mixture of gases containing a large proportion of neon gas
is known as neon lamp.
Materials:
- Various types of lamps (incandescent, halogen, low pressure mercury vapor,
high pressure mercury vapor, sodium vapor, compact fluorescent, metal halide,
LED, neon signs)
- Lux meter
- Power meter
- Stopwatch
- Paper and pen for recording observations
Procedure:
1. Set up a dark room with a flat surface for placing the different types of lamps.
2. Install each type of lamp in a lamp holder or fixture at the same distance from
the lux meter.
3. Turn on each lamp and record the lux levels produced by each lamp using the
lux meter. Record the lux levels at different distances from the lamp to study
the light intensity distribution.
4. Measure the power consumption of each lamp using the power meter and
record the values.
5. Observe and record the color temperature and light quality of each lamp.
6. Compare the energy efficiency of each lamp by calculating the lumens per
watt for each type.
7. Record any additional observations or notes on the performance of each
lamp.
8. Analyze the data collected to determine which type of lamp is most energy-
efficient and provides the best light quality.

Results:
- Create a table or graph to compare the lux levels, power consumption, color
temperature, and lumens per watt of each type of lamp.
- Summarize the findings and draw conclusions based on the data collected.

Table
Conclusion:
Based on the results of the experiment, draw conclusions about the energy
efficiency and light quality of different types of lamps. Discuss the advantages
and disadvantages of each type of lamp and make recommendations for
selecting the most suitable type of lamp for various applications.