Discharge lamp life and lamp lumen life-extender module, circuitry, and methodology

摘要

A method of extending discharge lamp life includes slowing electrode deterioration by powering the discharge lamp so that a lamp arc current having a reduced crest factor results, either by retrofitting an existing discharge lamp system with a waveform conditioning module, by powering the discharge lamp with a ballast producing a squarewave-type waveform, or by slowing deterioration of an emissive coating on a discharge lamp electrode by such means as preheating the electrode prior to use in order to bond the emissive coating on the electrode. A discharge lamp system includes a discharge lamp and components operatively coupled to the discharge lamp for supplying a lamp arc current to the discharge lamp that has a reduced crest factor and controlled lamp watt loading, such as a ballast configured to supply a lamp arc current with a waveform that is substantially a squarewave or an existing ballast retrofitted with waveform conditioning circuitry that causes the lamp arc current to have a reduced crest factor. A module is provided for retrofit purposes in order to tune an existing ballast and discharge lamp so that the crest factor is reduced.