Induction lamp
[1] Since 1994, General Electric has produced its induction lamp Genura with an integrated high frequency driver, operating at 2.65 MHz.
In 2005, Amko Solara in Taiwan introduced induction lamps that can dim and use IP (Internet Protocol) based controls.
From 1995, the former distributors of Fusion, Jenton / Jenact, expanded on the fact that energised UV-emitting plasmas act as lossy conductors to create a number of patents regarding electrodeless UV lamps for sterilising and germicidal uses.
Around 2000, a system was developed that concentrated radio frequency waves into a solid dielectric waveguide made of ceramic which energized a light-emitting plasma in a bulb positioned inside.
In previous lamps, the burner, or bulb, was very efficient—but the opaque ceramic waveguide severely obstructed the projection of light.
In 2012, Topanga Technologies introduced a line of advanced plasma lamps (APL), driven by a solid state radio frequency (RF) driver,[12] thereby circumventing the limited life of magnetron-based drivers, with system power of 127 and 230 volts and system efficacies of 96 and 87 lumen/watt, with a CRI of about 70.
Typically, such lamps use a noble gas or a mixture of these gases and additional materials such as metal halides, sodium, mercury, or sulfur.
Some electrons circling around the gas and metal atoms are excited by these collisions, bringing them to a higher energy state.
When the electron falls back to its original state, it emits a photon, resulting in visible light or ultraviolet radiation depending on the fill materials.
However, using solid-state chips to generate RF is currently around fifty times more expensive than using a magnetron, and so only appropriate for high-value lighting niches.
Dipolar of Sweden has showed that it is possible to greatly extend the life of magnetrons[clarification needed] to over 40,000 hours[14] making low-cost plasma lamps possible.
Ceravision has introduced a combined lamp and luminaire under the trade name Alvara for use in high bay and street lighting applications.
Ceravision claims the highest Luminaire Efficacy Rating (LER)[15] of any light fitting on the market, and to have created the first high-efficiency plasma (HEP) lamp.
Luxim's LIFI lamp, claims 120 lumens per RF watt (i.e. before taking into account electrical losses).
The external core type, which was commercialized later, has a wider range of applications and is available in round, rectangular and "olive" shaped form factors.
This tube contains an antenna called a power coupler, which consists of a coil wound over a cylindrical ferrite core.
For induction lamp systems with a separate driver, the service life can be as long as 100,000 hours, which is 11.4 years of continuous operation.
Extremely high-quality electronic circuits are needed for the driver to attain such a long service life.
Typically operations and maintenance costs are significantly lower with induction lighting systems due to their industry average 100,000 hour life cycle and five to ten year warranty.
