Information Sheet 6

Information Sheet 5.
2-6
High/Low Bay Sodium Vapor Lamps
Learning Objectives:
After reading this INFORMATION SHEET, YOU MUST be able to:
 Define Sodium Vapor Lamps ;
 State the advantages and disadvantages of low pressure lamps;
 Know the basic operations, components and operating characteristics
of high pressure sodium lamps.
Introduction
Since its commercial introduction in 1932, the Low Pressure Sodium
lamp has consistently maintained its enviable position as the most efficient
light source available. In recent years, increasing competition from other
discharge lamps is resulting in a slow decline in its market, but it continues
to be specified for new installations, particularly in Belgium, the
Netherlands, and other global regions in the vicinity of important
astronomical observation sites in view of the greatly reduced light pollution
it causes.
_____________________________________________________________________
Sodium-vapor lamp - is a gas-discharge lamp that uses sodium in an
excited state to produce light at a characteristic wavelength near 589 nm.
There are two varieties of such lamps:
1. Low pressure
2. High pressure.
Low Pressure Sodium lamp - was the first sodium lamp to be developed. It
is known by its signature monochromatic yellow color. It is mostly used in
Europe since it did not appeal in other markets due to its poor CRI or color
rendering. It is among the most efficient lamps in the world because it uses
all the current it gets to create light at the most sensitive color (frequency) to
the human eye. An incandescent lamp in contrast creates light at all
frequencies from Infrared (non-visible) to UV at the other end of the
spectrum. The energy used to make non-visible light is a waste of energy
since it does not help do the principle job of an electric light. The LPS lamp
is also called a SOX lamp (SO for sodium).
Basic Characteristics
The reason for the remarkably high efficacy of the low pressure
sodium discharge is not so much because its discharge converts electrical
energy into visible light particularly efficiently, moreover it is due to the fact
that the wavelength of light it radiates happens to be very close to the peak
sensitivity of the human eye under normal viewing conditions. Figure S2
shows the energy balance of a typical low pressure sodium lamp, which
reveals that in fact only about 30% of the input power is converted into
visible light. This percentage is comparable with other modern discharge
lamps. Figure S3 meanwhile illustrates its spectrum superimposed on the
sensitivity curve of the human eye, which shows the proximity of its
radiation to the most effective wavelengths.
The lamp has been subjected to continual improvements in materials
and manufacturing technology over the years, which has allowed it to
unfailingly maintain its position as the most efficient light source available.
It is interesting to note from this chart that since the inception of each
light source technology, it generally maintains its relative position in the
league of efficacies at all times - rarely overtaking or falling behind a
competitive light source. The sole exception to this is the semiconductor
light emitting diode, which has only witnessed serious development in very
recent times. There is no doubt that this unique light source will overtake
many of its competitors in its efficacy, however it remains to be seen
whether or not LED's can be developed in other areas, particularly luminous
flux and cost, which would see them begin to threaten other light sources.
The prime position which Low Pressure Sodium holds at the top of this
chart is expected to be maintained for many years into the future.
Advantages:
- Very efficient lamp
- Powerful lamp for use of large areas
- Despite a warm up time of 5-10 minutes it restarts immediately if there is
a brownout
- Lumen output does not drop with age (such as in LEDs or incandescents)
Disadvantages:
- Worst color rendering of any lamp
- Sodium is a hazardous material which can combust when exposed to air
(such as if the bulb is broken in the trash)
High pressure sodium (HPS) lamps - a member of the high intensity
discharge (HID) lamp family, are the most efficient white light source
commercially available today. HPS lamps were developed and introduced in
1968 as energy-efficient sources for exterior, security, and industrial lighting
applications, and are particularly prevalent in street lighting applications.
Due to their high efficiency and long life, today’s HPS lamps are also
suitable for many interior applications, particularly where color rendering is
not a crucial concern.
Basic Operation
In a high pressure sodium lamp, a compact arc tube contains a mixture of
xenon, sodium and mercury. The xenon gas which is easily ionized,
facilitates striking the arc when voltage is applied across the electrodes. The
heat generated by the arc then vaporizes the mercury and sodium. The
mercury vapor raises the gas pressure and operating voltage, and the
sodium vapor produces light when the pressure within the arc tube is
sufficient. High pressure sodium lamps are the most efficient artificial white
light source with about 29% of the energy used by the lamp producing light.
Components
 The arc tube contains the xenon and sodium-mercury amalgam
mixture and provides the proper environment for producing light.
 The electrodes, which are made of tungsten, carry a high-voltage,
high-frequency pulse to strike the arc and vaporize the mercury and
sodium.
 The base of the lamp provides a means of electrical connection.
 The outer bulb shields the arc tube from drafts and changes in
temperature, prevents oxidation of the internal parts, and acts as a
filter for most of the UV radiation generated by the mercury vapor.
 Some lamps have a phosphor coating on the inner surface of the outer
bulb to diffuse the light.
Ballasts
HPS lamps require ballasts to regulate the arc current flow and deliver the
proper voltage to the arc. HPS lamps do not contain starting electrodes.
Instead, an electronic starting circuit within the ballast generates a high-
voltage pulse to the operating electrodes. American National Standards
Institute (ANSI) lamp-ballast system standards establish parameters for all
HPS components, except for newly introduced products.
Operating Characteristics
The operating characteristics of fluorescent lamps are summarized below.
Efficacy 40-140 lpw
Color Temperature 1900-2800 K
CRI 20-80
Depreciation 10-15%
Life (10 hrs/start) 10,000 - 24,000 hrs
High Pressure Sodium Applications

HPS lamps, unlike most metal halides, do not require enclosure
except to prevent moisture from accumulating on the lamp. This makes HPS
lamps especially easy to use in many fixture types. Moreover, the virtual
insensitivity of HPS lamps to burning position means that fewer lamp types
are needed as compared to metal halide.
Lamp color temperature in HPS lamps does not vary much. While the
“deluxe” HPS lamp has a relatively high CRI (65) for HPS technology, its
color temperature of 2100-2200 K is not much different from standard HPS,
which varies between 1900 K and 2100 K. All HPS lamps except “white”
sodium appear a golden-pink color, and are not recommended for non-
industrial interior lighting.
HPS lamps are offered in sizes ranging from 35 to 1000 watts.
Efficacies are between 70 to 120 lumens/watt ( including ballast), increasing
with wattage. Electronic ballasts, said to be under development, could
provide a small increase in system efficacy.
PAR and R-configured HPS lamps
PAR and R-configured HPS lamps are useful for compact directional
light sources, such as track lighting and outdoor lighting luminaires. The
poor color rendition of these lamps, however, limits the usefulness to
specific industrial and security floodlighting and general lighting
Double-ended HPS lamps
The double-ended HPS lamp was designed to take advantage of
luminaires and lighting installations originally designed for the double-
ended metal halide lamp. The double-ended HPS lamp offers comparable
lumen output, as well as HPS’ longer lamp life and excellent lumen
maintenance characteristics. These lamps, however, are relatively
uncommon at this time.
White sodium lamps
White HPS lamps use ballast designs with electronic circuits that
increase system color temperature and CRI, making them suitable for many
interior spaces. The color temperature of white sodium lamps, at 2600 K to
2800 K, closely resembles incandescent lighting. During the lamp’s stable
color-life, the color performance is more consistent and appealing than most
metal halide lamps (including 3000 K lamps). Although efficacy is a
relatively low 35-45 lumens per watt, the white sodium lamp is in many
ways the best (if not the only) high-efficacy substitute for incandescent
lamps. Note that white sodium lamps are incompatible from manufacturer
to manufacturer.
Parts of High/Low Bay Sodium Vapor Lamps

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Information Sheet 5.

High Pressure Sodium Applications

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