A procedure for mitigating the light flicker in office LED lighting caused by voltage fluctuations

Abstract

Progress in the development of LED technologies has reached a state which justifies the replacement of lighting with traditional light sources, not only in new buildings but also in existing, older ones. One of such replacements was used as an example of a lighting flicker study presented in this paper. The results of initial measurements indicated that Rapid Voltage Changes (RVCs) are the cause of light flicker. The procedure was introduced and described in this paper to provide the necessary actions to mitigate the light flicker in LED lighting. In order to fulfil this task, the source of locally induced voltage fluctuations has to be identified. A method of identification was developed and a multi-function office printer was identified as the source of RVCs. Using a less sensitive LED driver, changing the connection point of the interfering device, and improving the electrical installation were considered as a set of possible solutions. Laboratory measurements have shown significant sensitivity of the LED driver to RVCs. The identified source of voltage disturbances was confirmed by a simulation of supply voltage variation in the presence of such device in Matlab Simulink with the use of digital flickermeter.