A DRL lamp is an inexpensive light source whose operating principle is based on the conversion of mercury droplets into vapor.

Mainly used in lighting systems for streets, industrial facilities and other complexes where high quality color rendering is not required.

There are several main types of DRL lamps:

1. Standard mercury arc fluorescent - characterized by poor color rendering, and during the glow a large amount of heat is released. It takes about five minutes from the moment it is plugged into the network to reach operating mode. They are extremely unstable to voltage surges, so operation is permissible in circuits with a constant power source. Designs that use these lamps must have heat-resistant wires.
2. Arc mercury erythema tungsten (DRVED) - a lamp operating without a choke. Connects via active ballast in the same way as standard incandescent light bulbs. Due to the presence of metal iodides, light transmission increases and energy consumption decreases. For greater brightness, uviol glass is used. Best suited for rooms with little natural light.
3. DRLF is an improved DRL used to accelerate plant photosynthesis. The inside of the bulb is covered with reflective material, which is why the light bulb got its second name - reflector. Ideal for AC connection. It is used in greenhouses and greenhouses where an additional light source is required.
4. Arc mercury tungsten - increased luminous efficiency, long service life without a ballast. An excellent option for lighting streets, parking lots, open areas, etc.

Device

The shape of the product is oblong, reminiscent of ordinary incandescent light bulbs. But there are certain design differences between them.

The DRL includes the following elements:

• a glass bulb is something that almost all light sources have. Used to protect internal parts;
• metal base - used for screwing into the lampshade of an electrical appliance;
• a tube filled with mercury vapor. It is placed inside a glass flask and is made of quartz glass. Usually mercury is diluted with argon;
• lamps can be equipped with secondary electrodes and cathodes. This speeds up the ignition of the product, reaching the operating mode and increases stability;
• A carbon resistor is needed to connect the electrodes and cathodes.

Principle of operation

After connecting the electrical element to the network, voltage through the base is supplied to all electrodes, due to which a glow discharge is formed.

Positive ions and free electrons appear inside the flask. After reaching a given level in the number of charges, an arc discharge is formed instead of a glow discharge.

In most cases, all this takes no more than one minute.

It will take about five minutes for the DRL lamp to operate at its maximum light parameters.

This is due to the time required for the evaporation of mercury drops placed in the gas-discharge chamber.

This improves the brightness of the arc discharge.

The exact time to reach operating parameters is affected by the ambient temperature - the higher, the faster.

Technical and operational characteristics

As the glass flask is heated, the mercury scattered on its surface (in the form of drops) begins to evaporate.

The stronger the evaporation process, the stronger the discharge between the electrodes and cathodes.

The nominal mode of the DRL lamp is the moment when all drops of mercury are converted into steam.

Important! After disconnecting the power from the lamp, it can only be turned on again after it has completely cooled down.

The product is characterized by increased sensitivity to temperature changes, so its functionality without a flask is impossible (based on physical laws).

The flask is responsible for two important functions:

1. Barrier between the gas-discharge chamber with mercury vapor and the environment.
2. Acceleration of the process of converting ultraviolet rays into a red light spectrum, which is possible due to the presence of phosphor on the walls. To the red glow is added green, generated by an internal discharge, which leads to the appearance of white light.

Voltage surges greatly affect the operation of the DRL lamp.

A deviation from the nominal value of 10–15% is considered acceptable, but if this value is equal to 25–30%, the glow will become uneven.

With an even greater reduction, the lamp will either not light up or go out (if it was in operation before).

Decoding the product markings is very simple - the number indicates the lamp model, which coincides with the rated power.

The table below shows the parameters of specific DRL models:

ModelNominal voltage, VPower, WLength, mmDiameter, mmCaseLuminous flux, lmDurability, h

DRL-125	125	125	177	77	E27	6000	12 000
DRL-250	130	250	227	90	E40	13 500	15 000
DRL-400	135	400	290	121	E40	25 000	18 000
DRL-700	140	700	356	151	E40	40 000	20 000
DRL-1000	145	1000	412	168	E40	60 000	18 000

Connection diagrams

A lamp consisting of four electrodes is connected in series with the inductor. After connecting the inductor and DRL, mains voltage is supplied to them.

When using a choke, polarity does not matter, since its main purpose is to stabilize the operation of the lighting device. The choke must correspond to the specified lamp power.

By adding a capacitor to the circuit, electricity savings are achieved and reactive power adjustment becomes possible.

Connection diagram via inductor

The function of the choke is to reduce the current required to operate the light source. In the absence of a choke, the lamp burns out due to high voltage. The elements are connected in series.

Connection diagram without choke

There is a separate technology used to connect DRL without a choke.

The ideal option would be to purchase a factory DRL, which does not require a choke.

The product is supplemented with a spiral that works like a regular stabilizer and dilutes the light flux.

Also, a regular incandescent light bulb, the power of which is comparable to DRL, can be connected to the circuit. It acts as a resistor that lowers the voltage at the output.

You can add one, two or more capacitors to the circuit. This is relevant if an important condition is met: the current that they will produce at the output must be calculated with high accuracy.

Checking functionality

To check the performance of the DRL, testers (ohmmeters) are used, which is necessary if the lamp refuses to work or functions incorrectly. Connect the device to each turn on the winding, checking them for open circuit and short circuit current:

1. If a break is detected, the device will show a huge resistance, so you will have to replace the winding.
2. If there is no break and no loss of insulation is detected (thus creating a short circuit), the difference in resistance will be less significant.
3. If there is a short circuit on the inductor winding, an increase in resistance may not be observed and the technical characteristics will remain the same. On the other hand, this fact does not in any way affect the performance of the lamp itself.

If the ohmmeter does not show any deviations, then the problem should be looked for in the lighting fixture or electrical network. The lamp may need repairs.

Application area

Due to its low cost, durability, resistance to voltage surges and average (but sometimes minimal) light output, the DRL lamp is used for lighting:

• streets;
• open areas;
• industrial facilities;
• warehouse premises.

Advantages and disadvantages

Among the advantages of the products, we note the following:

1. Sufficient light output at a low cost.
2. Independence from the presence of precipitation.
3. Long service life - from 20,000 hours and above.
4. Almost complete coincidence of the emission spectrum with natural light.
5. Small dimensions.

The disadvantages, although minor, are much greater:

1. Significant difference in price compared to higher quality varieties of DRL.
2. During operation, ozone is formed.
3. Lamps with tungsten filaments are much cheaper and more compact.
4. Over time, the phosphor becomes obsolete, which leads to a deterioration in the emitted spectrum.
5. Due to the use of mercury, special disposal is required.
6. Delay when turning on.
7. It takes several minutes to reach the nominal mode.
8. Low quality of emitted light.
9. Additional flickering during operation.
10. It is recommended to install on the ceiling at a height of at least 4 m.
11. They operate exclusively on alternating current.

Lighting devices based on mercury arc fluorescent lamps are one of the most economical solutions for lighting industrial facilities, open areas (parking lots), warehouses and the courtyard of a country house. Some models of pole lanterns combine high power and decorative appearance.

DRL lamp: types, principle of operation, technical characteristics and connection

Source: https://220.guru/osveshhenie/istochniki-sveta/lampa-drl.html

What is a throttle and what is it for?

In this article we will tell readers of the home craftsman encyclopedia what a choke is and what it is needed for. Throttle is a German word that means smoothing.

Specifically, we will talk about the electric throttle. Nowadays it is difficult to find an electrical circuit that does not contain this device, which is widely used in technology even in the digital age.

It is needed for regulation or cutting, depending on the purpose - to smooth out sharp current surges or cut off electrical signals of a different frequency, to separate direct current from alternating current.

Design and operating principle

First of all, let's talk about what this circuit element consists of and how it works. In the diagrams the throttle designation is as follows:

The appearance of the product may be as in the photo:

This is a coil of wire wound around a core with a magnetic core, or without a housing in the case of high frequencies. Similar to a transformer with only one winding.

A short excursion into physics, the current in the coil cannot change instantly.

Let's conduct a thought experiment - we have an alternating current source, an oscilloscope, and an inductor.

During the onset of the half wave, we observe an increase in current with a delay, this is caused by the induction of magnetic flux in the core.

There is a gradual increase in current in the windings, when the signal from the alternating current source goes into decline, we observe a decrease in the current in the inductor, again with some delay, since the magnetic field in the magnetic circuit continues to push the current in the coil and cannot quickly change its direction. It turns out that at some point the current from an external source counteracts the current induced by the magnetic circuit of the inductor. In AC circuits, the purpose of the inductor is to act as a limiter or inductive reactance.

For direct current, this circuit element is not a resistance or a regulating element.

You can also watch an interesting explanation on this issue in the video:

Visual comparison explaining the principle of operationTheoretical part of the question

How to start DRL lamps with and without a choke?

The need of society for lighting devices with high luminous power and at the same time economical in energy consumption, as well as durable in operation, is satisfied by manufacturers of DRL lamps and other gas-discharge lamps.

They are used to illuminate large areas, material storage facilities, and factory buildings. A DRL lamp can have a power range from 50 to 2,000 watts, and is connected to a single-phase electrical network with a voltage of 220 volts and a frequency of 50 hertz.

What is a throttle for?

The choke for DRL lamps is used for starting; there are different types of lighting devices on the market in which it is used:

1. Fluorescent and ultraviolet lamps.
2. Various types of mercury arc lighting devices: DRT, DRL, DRIZ, DRSh, DRI.
3. Arc sodium lamps: DNaMT, DNaS, DNaT.

All lighting devices have differences in the principle of obtaining luminous flux, there are other differences:

• different materials are used in their design;
• differ in the presence of chemical elements;
• inside the flasks there is pressure according to the own parameters of each lighting device;
• they differ in power and brightness of the light flux.

These types of lamps are united by the variable value of the starting current and resistance during the start-up process and further operation.

In order to limit the amount of operating current, different types of ballast are used in lighting devices of this type: electronic ballasts, ballasts and ballasts, which are inductor coils (chokes).

At the moment of startup, each device of this type has a high resistance value; when the lighting device is ignited, a process of electrical breakdown occurs in the inert gas environment with which the lamp is filled (mercury or sodium vapor), and an arc discharge occurs.

Connection diagram:

Ignition of the lamp:

During the process when the lamp is ignited, the ionized gas loses resistance from the arc discharge several tens of times, and for this reason the current increases and heat is released.

If you do not limit the amount of current, it will instantly create a superheated gas environment, which will lead to breakdown of the lighting device and damage from the inside.

To prevent this, a resistance (choke) is included in the lighting device circuit.

Physical parameters and connection diagram of the inductor

A DRL inductor connected in series has a reactance, the value of which depends on the inductor: one Henry passes one ampere of current when the voltage is one volt.

The parameters of the inductor include:

• square of copper wire used;
• number of turns;
• what is the core and cross-sectional size of the magnetic circuit;
• what electromagnetic saturation.

The inductor has an active resistance, which is always taken into account when calculating the ballast for each type of lighting device of this type, taking into account its power; the overall dimensions of the inductor depend on this.

Let's consider a simple circuit for switching on the ballast, when the design of the DRL lamp provides (additional) electrodes for the process of occurrence of a glow discharge that turns into an electric arc.

DRL lamp connection diagram

In this case, inductance limits the amount of operating current in the lighting device.

Ballast for fluorescent lamps

Structurally, a fluorescent lighting device uses a ballast choke for starting; new types of this lighting device use electronic ballasts, this is an electronic type of ballast. The purpose of this device is to contain the increasing current value at one level, which maintains the required voltage on the electrodes inside the lighting fixture.

Let's look at how ballast for fluorescent lamps works. When it is connected, a phase shift occurs in the circuit between the voltage and current parameters, the lag is characterized by the power factor, cos φ.

When the active load is calculated, this value must be taken into account, since with a small value of this parameter the load increases, for this reason a capacitor is also included in the starting circuit, which performs a compensation function.

Experts in terms of power loss parameters distinguish several versions of these lighting devices:

• usual type of execution, with the letter D;
• reduced version, with the letter B;
• low type of execution, with the letter C.

The use of ballast has its positive aspects:

• the lighting device operates in safe mode, it is necessary to use a starter to start;
• the ability to restrain the current value at a set level appears;
• the luminous flux becomes much more stable, although it is not possible to completely remove flicker;
• the cost of this design of the lamp is affordable for wide consumption.

Scheme for connecting a fluorescent lighting device through a ballast and a starter. Connecting lamps using a capacitor with a compensation function.

There is a way to connect a fluorescent lighting device without using a ballast, but to do this it is necessary to double the mains voltage with rectified current, and use a lamp with an incandescent filament instead of a ballast. Scheme of such inclusion:

Connecting a fluorescent device without using ballast

How to make a throttle yourself?

Due to their parameters, arc lighting devices with a power of 250 or 125 watts are used by the company to illuminate the following premises:

• garage cooperatives;
• summer cottages;
• Vacation home.

You can buy a lighting device of this type in a store or on the market; the problem often arises of how to find a choke for DRL lamps; the cost of the choke may be higher than the lamp itself due to the design features and the presence of copper wire.

Folk ideas for making ballast for a DRL 250 lamp from other materials will help solve this issue: three chokes for a fluorescent lamp with a lamp power of 40 watts or two chokes for a fluorescent lamp with a power of 80 watts. In our case, in order to light a DRL lamp using a homemade ballast made with your own hands, it is recommended to use two chokes with a power of 80 watts and one ballast with a power of 40 watts, the connection is shown in the photo.

Connecting a DRL lamp with a homemade ballast

The diagram shows that all ballasts form one choke; the starting ballast can be collected in a common box. Important! Particular attention should be paid to the contacts on the chokes; they must be reliable so that they do not heat up or spark.

How can you start a DRL lamp without a choke?

It is possible to start a 250-watt arc lighting device without ballast, but for this it is necessary to use a different technology for turning on the device.

Experts recommend the option of purchasing a special DRL 250 lamp, which has the ability to turn on without a ballast (choke), when a spiral is added to the lamp design, the task of which is to dilute the luminous flux.

Folk craftsmen also use a method of starting lamps of this type using a set of capacitors, but in this case you need to know exactly the amount of current received. Starting DRL lamps using a simple lamp is also used, but only on the condition that it has the same power as the DRL lamp.

Source: https://LampaGid.ru/vidy/lyuminestsentnye/drossel-dlya-drl

How does a DRL lamp work?

At night, high-pressure mercury phosphor arc lamps (MAF) are widely used in street lamps.

They are used in production facilities and other facilities that do not require high-quality color rendering.

The operating principle of a DRL lamp is quite complex, but this allows you to give the lighting fixtures the necessary characteristics. To understand how such a light bulb works, you need to know its design well.

DRL lamp device

A standard DRL lamp consists of a glass bulb with a threaded base installed at the bottom.

Illumination occurs using a mercury-quartz burner made in the form of a tube.

The inside of the tube is filled with argon and a small amount of mercury.

For each DRL lamp, the abbreviation decoding corresponds to the full name of mercury arc lamps. In earlier designs, the symbol D meant a choke or a lamp where a choke is used.

Currently, throttleless DRL lamps are used, which are available to many consumers. Therefore, due to changes in functionality, the decoding of the letter D in the DRL lamp marking was changed.

The very first light bulbs of this type were equipped with only two electrodes.

In this regard, to start them, an additional large-sized ignition device was required, operating due to high-voltage pulsed breakdown of the burner gas gap.

These bulbs were gradually phased out and replaced by four-electrode designs that were triggered only by a choke.

A four-electrode light bulb has primary and secondary electrodes.

The electrodes are connected to the main cathodes by connecting opposite polarities with an additional carbon resistor.

The use of additional electrodes allows you to stabilize the operation of the lamp and significantly simplify its ignition.

The main function of the base is to receive electrical energy from the network through a point and threaded element from the contacts of the socket installed in the lamp.

Then, electricity is supplied to the electrodes. The quartz flask has two limiting resistances, located in the same circuit with additional electrodes.

A phosphor is applied to the inner surface of the flask.

Operating principle of the DRL lamp

Each burner is made of transparent, refractory material that is resistant to chemical influences. For this, ceramic materials or quartz glass are used.

The inert gas pumped inside has a precise dosage. The final electrical arc is created by adding metallic mercury, ensuring the lamp glows normally.

Starting is carried out using ignition electrodes.

When electrical power is supplied to the light bulb, a glow discharge is created between the ignition and main electrodes, which are located very close to each other.

As a result, there is an accumulation of charge carriers sufficient to cause a breakdown at the distance between the first and second main electrodes. The glow discharge takes on an arc shape in the shortest possible time.

Steady light and operation of the DRL type lamp begins approximately 10-15 minutes after power is supplied.

During this time, the current flowing in the light bulb is significantly higher than the rated value and is limited by the resistance located in the ballast.

The start-up duration directly depends on the outside temperature. At low temperatures, the starting mode becomes longer.

During the combustion process, the radiation of the electrical discharge becomes blue or violet due to the glow of the phosphor. There is a mixing of the greenish-white light of the burner and the reddish phosphor glow.

The result is a bright color that approaches white. It is necessary to take into account the presence of power supply voltage fluctuations that affect the luminous flux.

At low voltage, the DRL light may simply not start, and the one that is lit may go out.

When considering the operating principle of mercury gas discharge lamps (DHL), one should take into account its strong heating during operation.

Therefore, the design of lighting devices with such lamps involves the use of heat-resistant wires and high-quality contacts installed in the socket.

During the heating process, the pressure inside the burner increases with a simultaneous increase in the breakdown voltage. Because of this, the heated lamp may not turn on.

Before turning it on again, you need to let it cool down.

DRV and DRL lamps differences

Both types of lamps are gas-discharge mercury lamps, or rather their varieties. They are widely used in external and internal lighting.

The question often arises of how to distinguish a DRL lamp from an DRV, since outwardly they are absolutely identical.

However, each of them has individual characteristics, its own technical characteristics and operating principles.

Both lamps use quartz glass or a special ceramic composition for burners. Each burner contains precise doses of inert gases with a small amount of mercury.

Voltage is supplied to the mercury lamps in the area of ​​a pair of electrodes located on the sides of the burner.

Due to the small distance, the gas between the electrodes quickly ionizes, after which a glow discharge occurs in this place.

It gradually passes into the zone between the main electrodes, instantly turns into an arc discharge, after which lamps with DRL lamps begin to burn in normal mode.

The lamps reach fully standard light qualities approximately 10 minutes after switching on.

To limit the rated current in DRL lamps, a ballast with a set resistance is used.

After the amplitude passes the value of the mains voltage, all the energy accumulated by the inductance goes into the load. There is some voltage delay in the quartz burner.

In MRV type lamps (mercury arc tungsten), such energy pumping is not required since they do not have inductive ballast.

The current limiting functions are performed by the tungsten filament itself, with a preset resistance and power corresponding to the starting modes of the burner.

The burner voltage will increase as it warms up, and gradually decrease along the spiral. As a result, the internal bulb of DRL lamps will glow 30% less than DRL street lighting lamps.

The main difference between these two lamps is the impossibility of using DRL without a ballast, which is a choke.

It serves as a limiter for the current feeding the lamp and must necessarily correspond to its power. If switched on without a choke, such a light bulb will instantly burn out under the influence of the high current passing through it.

The DRL lamp can be turned on again only after it has completely cooled down.

Both types of lamps have increased sensitivity to temperature changes. Therefore, the entire structure is protected by an outer flask.

In addition, its inner side is coated with a phosphor, with the help of which ultraviolet light is converted into the red part of the spectrum.

DRL lamp service life

These lamps are widely used for street and industrial lighting. If necessary, they can also be used for interior lighting.

Such popularity became possible thanks to such ergonomic indicators as compliance of radiation with sunlight, luminous flux pulsation coefficient and others.

Of no small importance is the fact that DRL lamps vary over a very wide range, significantly expanding the scope of their use.

Particular attention should be paid to the service life declared by the manufacturers.

As practice shows, after 2-3 months of operation, DRL mercury lamps, depending on the intensity of use, lose a significant part of the luminous flux.

At the same time, electrical energy consumption remains at the same level. In addition, it has been reliably established that these lamps have a so-called aging effect.

That is, after 400 hours of operation, their luminous flux will decrease by approximately 20%, and by the end of their service life this figure will be 50%.

These disadvantages are completely covered by the simplicity and manufacturability, availability and low cost of mercury discharge lamps. Their use becomes economically beneficial in the absence of strict lighting requirements at a specific facility or site.

Purpose of the device

The device is intended for use in conjunction with gas-discharge lamps, instead of ballast chokes.

The traditional use of chokes as current limiters leads to a significant amount of reactive and total power consumed from the network. So, when using chokes for DRL-125 lamps, reactive power factor = 0.55. Electronic ballasts increase the power factor to more than 0.92, taking into account losses at the junctions of semiconductor devices and current-limiting elements of the circuit. One of the known disadvantages of high-pressure discharge lamps is the inability to quickly restart. Often, during short-term “jumps” in the network voltage, the lamps go out and you have to wait several minutes for the lamps to turn on again. This happens when power tools and welding equipment are operated on the same network as lamps. The use of electronic ballast eliminates this drawback; the lamps continue to operate during voltage drops. If the lamp goes out, then it turns on again a little earlier than when working with a throttle.

DRL and DNAT lamps, unlike gas-discharge lamps for room lighting, do not lose their glow intensity at low air temperatures. Personally, I use the above lamps to illuminate the garage; they are the main source of light in winter, when LB and LD lamps barely glow.

For me, the use of electronic ballast has become especially relevant with the continuous increase in the cost of electricity.

Schematic diagram and details

The search for ready-made circuit solutions for electronic ballasts led me to despondency and indignation. Despite the active use of energy-saving lamps, I could not find diagrams of simple ballasts for DRL lamps.

The article describes the advantages of using MOS transistors in half-bridge converters. It is according to this scheme that the ballast is built, like most of the ballasts currently used in energy-saving lamps. The main difficulty in creating ballast is the lack of information about the types and sizes of magnetic circuits for the transformer and ballast choke. The type of core indicated in the article does not make it possible to determine the magnetic permeability, shape and dimensions; the necessary information could not be found. My article will help you decide on the choice of materials and use available parts. The launch circuit in the ballast was changed, since there were no two-anode dinistors available at the time of testing. The number of elements has been reduced; there is no control for turning on the lamps at dusk. Thus, the scheme is simplified as much as possible. Further description will assume the numbering of elements indicated in the diagram:

It is known that half-bridge converters with inductive feedback operate in the saturation mode of transformer T1, thus, the switching frequency of transistors will depend on a combination of several factors: the current flowing in the lamp circuit, the current in circuits L1, R6, VD2, L2, R7, VD3 . The current in the lamp circuit directly depends on the frequency of operation of the converter and on the inductance of winding L4 of transformer T2. Thus, when creating the first instance of a device, it is difficult to unambiguously determine the required number of turns of transformers. The first examples of ballasts were intentionally manufactured with the magnetic core of the T2 transformer having an excess cross-section in order to prevent its saturation. After successful launch and testing, the dimensions of the transformers, the number of turns, and the size of the non-magnetic gap were specified.

Thus, for use with DRL 125 lamps, as T2, a ferrite armored magnetic core made of two M2000NM cups with a diameter of 30 mm is suitable. The M2000NM 17x10x5 ring was used as transformer T1. Winding L3 contains 2.5 turns of mounting wire on top of windings L1, L2, which each contain 20 turns of PEV 0.35 wire. Windings L1, L2 are wound simultaneously into two wires. In this case, winding L4 contains 52 turns, L5 - 3 turns of PEV 0.62 wire. The non-magnetic gap of transformer T2 is about 0.6 mm.

When using the specified materials, the operating frequency of the converter is about 38 kHz at the beginning of the “acceleration” of the lamp, and about 67 kHz after the lamp enters operating mode.

Since the ballasts were made from materials that were available, the next copy differed in the size of the T1 magnetic circuit. This time a ring of completely unknown magnetic permeability with dimensions 14x8x4.5 was used. As T2, the same magnetic circuit of two 30mm cups.

By changing the number of turns of windings L1, L2, you can significantly change the operating frequency of the converter, but you will have to adjust the number of turns of winding L4 of transformer T2. So the second copy of the device is configured for a conversion frequency of 50-75 kHz, while L1, L2 contain 10 turns each, L3 - 1.5, and L4 only 39 turns, the same wire as in the first ballast. The frequency of the converter can also be changed using zener diodes VD2, VD3 to different voltages and resistors R6, R7 of different resistances. We are talking about changing the current in these circuits, simply in different ways, the most convenient for a particular case. Do not forget that the operating frequency range for M2000NM materials is up to 100 kHz.

As VD2, VD3, imported zener diodes in a glass case 12V, with a power of 1.2W, connected in pairs by cathodes, were used. The radiators of frame scan output transistors of 3USCT TVs were used as heat sinks.

The diagram in brackets shows the elements used in ballasts for lamps DNAT 250, DNAT 400. In the diagram, you can use the transistors specified in the article, the file of which is attached. In my case, we used transistors from old computer power supplies: 2SK1024 and 2SK2828 - for DRL125 lamps. For lamps DNAT 250, DNAT 400, I had to purchase IRFP460.

In ballasts for HPS lamps, in addition to more powerful transistors, it is necessary to use a larger heat sink. A PC processor cooling radiator measuring 90x65x35 is quite suitable. In the circuit for HPS lamps, one D815E zener diode without a heat sink is used as zener diodes VD2, VD3. Transformer T1 is wound on a ring 30x20x6.5 mm. L1, L2 20 turns of PEV 0.35 each, L3 - 1.5 turns of mounting wire. Transformer T2 is made on an armored magnetic core M2000NM from two cups with a diameter of 50 mm, with a non-magnetic gap of about 1 mm. L4 contains 34 turns of PETV 0.95 wire, L5 – one turn of the same wire (for DNAT 250). The operating frequency is 14-20 kHz. As mentioned above, the frequency of the converter can be changed in various ways, including using magnetic cores of different sizes for T1. In this case, such a large ring was used only due to the lack of another suitable size. It should be noted that when using rings of a smaller size, the temperature of the magnetic core should be monitored, in case of significant heating, change the operating mode of the ballast, or use a larger ring. When installing transformer T1, the windings must be connected according to the figure.

Windings L1, L2 in the figure are shown wound separately from each other only for a more understandable reading of the rules for connecting the windings. The printed circuit boards in the figure are designed for these elements. Do not attach the T2 transformer to the board with metal parts through the central hole!!! We make ballast, not an induction furnace!

Device setup

Setting up the device consists of selecting the number of turns of winding L4 to obtain the required voltage value on the lamp after it has warmed up. So, for DRL 125 lamps, the operating voltage is considered to be an effective voltage of 125V.

Most simple multimeters will not allow you to measure the voltage on the lamp at the operating frequencies of the converter. It is better to use an oscilloscope to make adjustments. Modern oscilloscopes are capable of measuring the effective voltage value, including taking into account the signal shape. If your oscilloscope does not have this function, it is enough to determine the amplitude value of the voltage. Since the voltage on the lamp is close in shape to sinusoidal, you can calculate the effective (also effective or root mean square) voltage value by multiplying the amplitude value by 0.7.

When setting up the device, it was noticed that lamps from different manufacturers require individual ballast settings. So, if the ballast is configured for DRL 125 (8) “Lisma” lamps, then when using DRL 125 (6) lamps, the voltage on the lamps after warming up reaches only 80V instead of 125. In this case, adjustment is necessary for the specified type of lamp. When setting up ballasts for DNAT 250 – 400 lamps, you should remember that their operating voltage, after warming up for about 15 minutes, is 100V.

Make sure the protection circuits (VD5, R8, C3, VD6, R9, VT4) are working by supplying alternating voltage from an external source. When the voltage reaches a little more than 32V, the ballast should turn off. In the event of a malfunction of the protection circuits, when the device is turned on without a lamp or when it fails, capacitor C4 may fail, since significant voltage appears on it. So a 1 kV capacitor fails within a couple of seconds, this is the result of the operation of the series oscillating circuit L4C4. This circuitry allows the use of ballast for HPS lamps without a special starting device.

P.S. Since the publication of the article, I had to answer a large number of questions. The main problem when repeating the design is heating of the key transistors and their failure when used with HPS 250 - 400 lamps. This occurs when, due to the use of various ferromagnetic materials, the operating frequency of the device is too low. This leads to saturation of L4, an increase in currents, overheating of the transistors and their failure. To ensure that these problems are avoided, it is necessary to control the operating frequency of the device. I propose to increase the operating frequency in devices with lamps over 200W by installing not one D815E zener diode, but two connected back-to-back in each arm of the converter. Next, reduce the number of turns of windings L1, L2 of transformer T1 to 16-18 turns. It is also advisable to slightly increase the cross-section of the wires of these windings, as much as the size of your ring allows. In this case, the operating frequency of the device will increase to 35 kHz at the beginning of the “acceleration” of the llama to 50-55 kHz (for DNAT250) after reaching the operating mode. Accordingly, you will have to select the number of turns of L4. For DNAT400, increase the frequency to 50-80 kHz (but not more than 100 kHz), or use two specified magnetic circuits for the T2 transformer. It would also be useful to use forced cooling of the radiator using a small cooler from a PC connected to the network, for example, according to the diagram in the file “Cooling.jpg”

List of radioelements

Designation	Type	Denomination	Quantity	Note	Shop	My notepad
VT1	Bipolar transistor	KT315G	1			To notepad
VT2, VT3	MOSFET transistor	IRFP460	2	2SK2828		To notepad
VT3	MOSFET transistor	IRF630	1			To notepad
VD1	Rectifier diode	GBL08	4	Or 4x1N5408		To notepad
VD2, VD3	Zener diode	D815E	2			To notepad
VD4, VD5	Rectifier diode	RGP10D	2			To notepad
VD6	Dinistor		1			To notepad
C1		100 µF 400V	1	330 uF 400v		To notepad
C2	Capacitor	0.15 µF 250V	1			To notepad
C3	Electrolytic capacitor	10 µF 50V	1			To notepad
C4	Capacitor	0.01 µF 1600V	1			To notepad
C5	Capacitor	0.22 µF 400V	1	1 µF 400V		To notepad
R1	Thermistor	NTC 5D9	1

A high-pressure mercury arc lamp is a type of electric lamp. It is widely used to illuminate large objects, such as factories, factories, warehouses and even streets. It has a high light output, but does not have a high degree of quality and the light transmission is quite low.

Such devices have a very wide power spectrum, from fifty to two thousand watts, and operate from a standard network of 220 volts, at a frequency of fifty hertz.

Design and principle of operation

The work is carried out thanks to a starting and regulating device consisting of an inductive choke.

DRL lamp device diagram

This device consists of three main components:

• The base is the base and connects to the network.
• The quartz burner is the central mechanism of the device.
• The glass bulb is the main protective shell made of glass.

The operating principle of such a device is very simple; mains voltage is applied to the lamp. The current reaches the gap between the first and second pairs of electrodes, which are located at different ends of the lamp. Due to the short distance, gases are easily ionized. After ionization in the spaces between the additional electrodes, current flows to the main ones, after which the lamp begins to glow.

Different kinds

The lamp lights up to its maximum in about seven to ten minutes. This is due to the fact that mercury, which emits light when ignited, is located in a clot or coating on the walls of the flask and it needs time to warm up. The period of full inclusion increases after some time during operation.

Drl lamps are classified according to the shape of the base, power, and installation principle. Very often they are made from different materials, which can also be a classification of devices. There are varieties with the addition of special vapors to the design, for example, sodium lamps, metal halide and xenon lamps.

There is a variety with additional emission of the red spectrum of light. They are called mercury-tungsten arc. Their appearance is absolutely no different from the standard drl 250 device, but in their design they have a special incandescent spiral, which adds a red spectrum to the light flux.

Connection diagram via inductor

In order for the DRL lamp to work properly, the correct connection diagram for this device is necessary. Thanks to proper installation, lighting such a llama will not be any problem, and it will always work efficiently and without failures.

In addition, an incorrect connection increases the risk that the device will deteriorate and burn out ahead of time or at all, when first turned on.

The connection diagram is quite simple and represents a circuit of a series-connected inductor and the DRL 250 device itself. The connection is made to a 220 volt network and operates at a standard frequency. Therefore, they can be easily installed on a home network. The throttle works as a stabilizer and work corrector. Thanks to it, the light source does not flicker, operates continuously, and even with an unstable input voltage, the luminous flux remains unchanged.

Connecting DRL via throttle

A chokeless connection is not possible, as the lamp will burn out immediately. To start, the circuit must be supplied with a fairly high voltage, which sometimes reaches a level equivalent to two or three incoming voltages.

As previously mentioned, the drl device does not light up immediately. In rare cases, complete warm-up and start of operation at full power may take fifteen minutes.

Checking functionality

If, after connecting, your lamp does not want to work or does not work correctly, you should check it and test it to make sure it is working properly. To do this, a special tester or ohmmeter will help you.

With their help, it is necessary to check all turns of the winding for breaks or short circuits between adjacent turns. If the circuit has an open circuit, then the resistance will be infinitely large and the meter will show an abnormal value. In this case, it is necessary to completely replace the winding.

If there is no break, but there is a loss of insulation due to which a short circuit occurs, the resistance will increase slightly. If a small number of turns interact with each other, then the increase will be insignificant.

If the short circuit occurs in the inductor winding, then there will be virtually no increase in resistance and this will not affect the operation of the device in any way. After checking the entire winding with an ohmmeter or tester and finding no problems, you need to look for the problem in the light bulb itself or in the power supply system.

We start the lamp without a choke

If you want to use the drl 250 model as a normal device without using a standard choke, it can be connected using special technology.

The simplest connection option is to purchase a special drl 250, which can work without a throttle. It is equipped with a special spiral that acts as a stabilizer and further dilutes the emitted light.

One option not to use a choke is to connect a regular incandescent lamp to the circuit. It must have the same power as the DRL in order to produce the necessary resistance and supply voltage to the DRL 250 light source.

Another option to remove the inductor from the structure is to install a capacitor or group of capacitors. But in this case, it is necessary to accurately calculate the current they produce. It must fully comply with the required voltage for operation.

A DRL lamp is an electrical device that belongs to the group of lighting devices that are used for artificial lighting. Such devices operate on the principle of a gas discharge in mercury vapor placed in a closed flask. Light sources of this type belong to the category of mercury gas-discharge lamps.

DRL - what is it

The type of light source is always included in its name, which allows a specialist in this field to immediately determine its technical characteristics and operating principle.

Appearance of the DRL-250 lamp

So, the abbreviation DRL stands for as follows:

• « D» – the light source is ignited under the influence of an electric arc that occurs when voltage is applied to the contacts of the device. The stability of its operation is ensured by using a choke that limits the operating current within specified limits;
• « R» – the design of the lamp uses mercury, in the vapor of which the device operates;
• « L» – the operation of the light source is ensured by converting ultraviolet light into the visible spectrum of radiation using a phosphor, which ensures the luminescence process.

For your information! Luminescence is a luminescence process achieved by the action of external energy on any material that is capable of emitting light and is in a cold state. The process stops when the excitation energy is turned off.

In addition to the above-mentioned abbreviation, the light source marking always contains a digital designation. For example, the designation “DRL-125” indicates a lamp power of 125 Watts.

Basic design elements of a gas discharge lamp

Design

Like other types of gas-discharge lamps, light sources of the DRL series consist of three main structural elements:

• glass flask made of heat-resistant glass;
• base - an element equipped with a threaded connection that ensures fastening of the lamp in the lamp socket and contact of the current-carrying parts of the lamp with an external electrical network;
• burner made in the form of a tube. It is made of quartz glass, the main and additional electrodes, as well as a limiting resistor are placed inside it.

Expert opinion

Alexey Bartosh

Ask a question to an expert

For your information! The presence of an additional electrode ensures reliable starting of the lamp and also stabilizes its operation during this period.

Air is pumped out of the device flask and nitrogen is pumped in, and a layer of phosphor is applied to the inner surface.

An inert gas (argon) is pumped into the internal space of the burner, which is a discharge tube, and mercury is placed in the form of a droplet or deposited on its walls and (or) electrodes. Depending on the electrical power, lamps in this series are produced with, which determines the possibilities of their use with a particular lamp.

Diagram for putting the DRL lamp into operation

Principle of operation

After turning on the light source in the electrical network, voltage is supplied to the current-carrying parts of the lamp located in the base. Through an electrical circuit, voltage is supplied to the electrodes mounted in the burner, as a result of which a glow discharge appears between them. This is due to the formation of additional free electrons and ions on their surface.

As electrons and ions accumulate, the internal space of the gas discharge tube heats up, and the mercury begins to evaporate. This ensures a discharge mode between the electrodes, moving from a smoldering state to an arc one.

As the amount of mercury vapor increases, the brightness of the arc discharge increases.

Under normal operating conditions, the time it takes for the light source to reach the stated technical parameters is 4.0–5.0 minutes.

The higher the ambient temperature, the less time it will take lamps of this type to reach maximum light emission mode.

Modifications of DRL and DVR are no different in appearance

Device types

The industry produces mercury lamps of the DRL series in several modifications, differing in technical characteristics and operating conditions:

1. DRL– a standard modification that has a number of disadvantages, the most negative of which are the following: high degree of heating during use, sensitivity to voltage surges in the electrical network, a long period of time to reach the optimal operating mode.
2. DRV (DRVED)– mercury arc tungsten and erythema tungsten lamps. Their distinctive features are: start-up without using a throttle and increased light emission performance.
3. DRLF– an improved model of a standard high-pressure lamp, in which the inner surface of the bulb is coated with reflective material, which improves technical characteristics compared to the original modification.

The possibility of using them in a particular lamp depends on the size of the lamps.

Technical characteristics of DRL and its analogues

The main technical characteristic of a light source - its power - is reflected in the marking of DRL lamps. Other indicators that determine operating conditions must be reviewed additionally. To do this, you should study the accompanying documents.

Other indicators include the following technical characteristics:

• luminous flux - the need for a certain number of light sources to create the required illumination per unit area depends on it;
• service life – determines the guaranteed period of operation of a particular model;
• standard size of the base – specifies the parameters of the luminaires with which a particular lamp can be used;
• Dimensions - also determine the possibility of using lamps with a particular lamp.

The main technical characteristics of DRL series lamps are given in the table below:

Model	Electric power,	Light flow,	Lifetime, hours	Dimensions (length × diameter)	Base type
DRL-50	50	1900	10000	130×56	E27
DRL-80	80	3600	12000	166×71	E27
DRL-125	125	6300	12000	178×76	E27
250	13000	12000	228×91	E40
DRL-400	400	24000	15000	292×122	E40
DRL-700	700	40000	18000	357×152	E40
DRL-1000	1000	55000	10000	411×157	E40
DRV-160	160	2500	3000	178×76	E27
DRV-250	250	4600	3000	228×91	E40
DRV-500	500	12250	3000	292×122	E40
DRV-750	750	22000	3000	372×152	E40

A device for street lighting of the ZhKU12 series, working with DRL lamps

Scope of application

DRL series lamps are widely used as a source of artificial light in street lighting devices, as well as in lighting systems inside industrial buildings and structures.

The following modifications of gas-discharge lamps are most in demand when installing lighting for various objects:

• models of DRL lamps - roadways of highways and streets, squares and squares, production workshops of industrial enterprises and technical facilities (gas stations, parking lots, warehouses, etc.);
• DRV lighting fixture models - the same objects as for DRL models, are also used for lighting agricultural enterprises that grow vegetables in insulated soil (greenhouses, greenhouses, etc.).

Using DRV series lamps for lighting greenhouses

Connection

Lamps of the DRV type are connected directly to the electrical network, like a regular incandescent lamp.

To put DRL type lamps into operation, it is necessary to have a ballast (control gear) - a choke that provides adjustment of the operating current values ​​​​to the specified values. It is necessary to prevent the lighting device from burning out, as well as to create its ignition mode.

The connection diagram for the DRL lamp is shown in the following figure:

A cross-section of a DRL lamp and its connection diagram using a choke

Expert opinion

Alexey Bartosh

Specialist in repair and maintenance of electrical equipment and industrial electronics.

Ask a question to an expert

For your information! During operation, the throttle not only ensures ignition of the light source, but also adjusts its operation. It stabilizes the voltage supplied to the contacts of the gas discharge tube.

Chokes used with gas-discharge lamps of this type are available in two versions: independent and built-in. This depends on the design of the luminaire and the location of the ballasts in it.

Appearance of a 150 W independent choke

The main technical characteristics that are the criteria for selecting a ballast model for compliance with the conditions of use with a specific gas-discharge lamp:

• electric power;
• operating current;
• winding temperature in normal operation;
• possible overheating of the winding is acceptable;
• maximum permissible power loss during use;
• Power factor.

Failure of ballasts is the main reason for non-ignition of lamps equipped with gas-discharge lamps during their operation. In this regard, the question of how to check the throttle for DRL is relevant for many owners of such lighting devices.

Using a multimeter is the most correct solution when checking the performance of the throttle

The easiest way to check is to use a multimeter and check the integrity of the windings, as well as the presence of an interturn short circuit.

In the absence of a measuring instrument, you can use a power similar to the power of the inductor and connect it in series to the ballast power supply circuit.

If the throttle is working properly, the incandescent lamp will burn at half intensity or flicker. The absence of a glow indicates that the winding of the device is damaged; the presence of a bright glow indicates that there is an interturn short circuit in the winding.

The use of gas-discharge lamps in lighting the workshops of industrial enterprises can reduce the cost of paying bills for used electrical energy

Advantages and disadvantages

The popularity of DRL lamps is due to their advantages, the main of which are:

1. Long service life.
2. Compact sizes.
3. High luminous flux performance.

In addition, models of the DRV series can be used instead of incandescent lamps, reducing the load on the power supply network. And the presence of a tungsten filament helps stabilize the supply voltage of the light source.

The main disadvantages of DRL lamps are the following indicators:

1. Susceptibility to power surges.
2. The light source can only be turned on again after it has cooled down.
3. Light flux pulsation.

DRV modifications, in addition to the above-mentioned disadvantages, have lower efficiency and service life than similar models of the DRL series.

LED analogue of street lighting lamp type DRL Choosing lighting for manicure and a UV lamp for drying nail polish

A mercury arc lamp (MAL) is a light source that has become often used for the electrification of large premises (production workshops, playgrounds, public gardens). The DRL lamp does not have high-quality color reproduction, but is characterized by high light output. Its power ranges from 50 to 2000 W. It is used in alternating current conditions, at which the voltage is 220 V. To ensure synchronization of a DRL lamp with a power source, it is necessary to have a ballast, which is a choke in the lamp.

Mercury arc lamp

Varieties

• Arc mercury fluorescent lamps. They have relatively mediocre color transmission properties and generate a lot of heat during operation. The time to reach the working thread is about 5 minutes. They are not resistant to power surges, for this reason it is recommended to use them when there is a regular source of electricity.

For safety reasons, structures associated with them must have heat-resistant drives.

• Arc mercury erythemal tungsten (DRVED). The operating principle of such a DRL lamp involves its use without a choke. They are connected through an active ballast, similar to traditional incandescent light bulbs. Thanks to metal iodides in their design, a high level of light transmission is achieved and energy consumption is reduced. Also, the presence of uviol glass allows for good transmission of ultraviolet rays. Such technical characteristics of the DRL lamp make it an excellent product for illuminating rooms with a deficiency of ultraviolet radiation.

• Mercury arc fluorescent lamps (MAFLs), which promote plant photosynthesis. They are also called reflective, since the inner surface of their bulb is covered with reflective material. The device is most efficient on AC power. This mercury lamp is usually used in the field of photobiology to provide additional light to greenhouses and greenhouses.

Using DRLF lamps for greenhouse lighting

• Arc mercury tungsten lamps. The DRL arc lamp has the following characteristics: effective light output and a long operating period even without ballasts, compared to other varieties. It is used to illuminate wide open objects: streets, parks, playgrounds.

Design

The DRL lamp consists of the following elements:

1. Main electrodes.
2. Ignition electrodes.
3. Electrode inputs.
4. Reserve gas.
5. Posistor.
6. Mercury.
   

When DRL lamps first began to be manufactured, their circuit included only a pair of electrodes. To connect it, a source of high-voltage pulses was needed, which had a very short operating duration. The level of knowledge in the electrical field at that time did not allow the creation of high-quality ignition devices, so their production stopped in the 70s of the last century. Now there are lamps with two pairs of electrodes, which do not require PAs to turn on.

A mercury arc lamp contains the following functional elements:

1. Base with thread. Receives electricity from a source through threaded and point contacts. After this, electrical pulses are transmitted to the burner electrodes.
2. A quartz mercury burner is the main component, filled with a pair of key and a pair of auxiliary electrodes. It is filled with argon and mercury, due to which heat exchange occurs inside the DRL lamp.
3. A glass cylinder is an external part with a quartz burner with conductors inside. The cylinder device is filled with nitrogen. It also contains a pair of limiting resistances and is coated with phosphor on the inside.

Principle of operation

The heat-resistant glass or ceramic burner design is filled with a carefully measured amount of inert gas. It is also filled with mercury, which, when the lamp is turned off, takes the form of a small ball or settles on the walls of the container. The light generator here is an electric discharge pylon. These technical characteristics directly affect the connection diagram of the DRL lamp using a choke.

It is important to use the DRL extremely carefully, because it contains mercury vapor. A broken flask entails the spread of toxic vapors over an area of ​​20 square meters. m.

Lamp switching algorithm

1. The fluorescent lamp receives voltage from the network; it enters the gap between the main and secondary electrodes on the one hand, and to a similar gap on the other. The next area affected by the current is the space between the pairs of main electrodes in the burner.
2. Since the distance between the main and secondary electrodes is very small, effective ionization of the gas occurs. Tension in a given space is necessarily accompanied by resistance. After ionization is completed at both ends of the burner, it moves to the interval between the main electrodes. This is the fundamental principle of the DRL lamp switching and burning circuit.
3. The burning lamp reaches its peak performance after 5 minutes. This amount of time is due to the state of aggregation of cooled mercury. After switching on, it heats up and gradually evaporates, thereby improving the strength of the discharges. As soon as the mercury completely turns into gas, the DRL lamp will begin to demonstrate better light output.

As soon as the lamp goes out, turning it on again becomes possible only after it has completely cooled down. This is one of the disadvantages of this lighting method, since it depends on the quality of electricity.

Connection

The procedure for turning on a 4-electrode lamp is a circuit of an inductor and a DRL, connected in series and connected to the network. The connection diagram through the inductor does not depend on the polarity of the connection. Since its main task is to stabilize the operation of the lamp, it is important to select a choke that matches the power of the light bulb. In order to regulate reactive power and significantly save electricity, the circuit may include a capacitor.

This lamp is connected to the power supply system through a choke, the choice of which is related to the power of the DRL. The main function of the inductor is to limit the current that powers the lamp. If you connect a lamp without it, it will immediately burn out because the voltage will be too high. The circuit also needs to include a capacitor, which, due to its effect on reactive power, helps save electricity several times.

DRL lamp connection diagram

A chokeless connection of a DRL lamp is not permissible due to the high starting voltage, when the lamp can simply burn out.

Advantages of DRL lamps

• Long-term service (on average - 10 thousand hours);
• Effective light output – up to 50 lm/W;
• Stable, uninterrupted operation throughout the entire period of operation;
• The light transmission index allows the use of such lamps both for outdoor lighting and in industrial premises.
• DRLs emit light that is close in color temperature to daylight (4200 K);
• Unpretentious to the characteristics of the external environment (with the exception of severe frosts);
• Compact dimensions combined with high unit power.

Four-electrode lamps

Cons of DRL lamps

• They operate only with ballasts, chokes in the presence of alternating current;
• Their color spectrum includes only shades of blue and green, which does not provide realistic lighting;
• They require a relatively long time to turn on, which increases depending on the decrease in ambient temperature;
• Low light transmission;
• Strong sensitivity to changes in mains voltage;
• Re-ignition takes 5 minutes or more, since the lamp must cool completely before this;
• Powerful pulsations of light streams;
• At the end of the service period, the luminous flux decreases.

Why do they go out? Video

The answer to the question of why DRV lamps go out can be found in this video.