There are ways and ways to save energy at home...
One method is to use compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs) which last longer than
normal incandescent bulbs. In 1890, Peter Cooper Hewitt invented the fluorescent
tubes that preceded the modern-day fluorescent tubes. This was used in
industries and photo studios.
There are two types of CFLs in use. One is the integrated and the other is
non-integrated. The two main parts of a non-integrated CFL are a gas filled tube
called bulb or burner and magnetic or electronic ballasts. An electric current
from the ballast flows through the gas filled tube (mercury vapour) causing it
to emit UV light.
This excites the phosphor coating inside the tube. The coating emits visible
light. The use of electronic ballasts cuts down flickering of light and also
turns on the bulb faster.
In the integrated CFL, the tube and the electronic ballast is available as one
unit with an
This is easier for replacement. In the non integrated type the ballast is
installed permanently in the fixture and the lamp is to be changed after its
life. Because the ballast is placed in the light fixture, these bulbs may be
expensive. The power produced is the same; both AC current and DC input.
The life span of a CFL is eight to 15 times (6-15,000 hours) more than an
ordinary bulb which burns for only 750 to 1000 hours. Generally, the life span
of any lamp depends on many factors like operating voltage, manufacturing
defects if any, voltage spikes and others. The frequency of the cycle of On/Off
acts as a factor in deciding the life. Normally when it is switched on it
should be allowed to burn for 10 to 15 minutes.
When it comes to energy efficiency, the use of CFL is only 20 to 33 per cent in
comparison with incandescent bulbs. Because almost 10 per cent of the total
power consumed is used for household purposes this can result in major savings
in terms of power. Indoor heating can be reduced if one opts for CFL. It will
also reduce the load on cooling systems like air conditioners which result in
concurrent savings in electric power.
Though the manufacturing of CFL consumes more energy, it is offset by its
longevity and use of less energy.
There are other forms of CFL lamps that are in use. One of them is the
electrodeless lamp. This is also called radio fluorescent lamp or fluorescent
induction lamp.
These lamps have no wire but the conductors excite the mercury vapour using
radio frequency oscillation. However, the costs of these lamps are
exorbitant. Another kind of lamp is the cold cathode fluorescent lamp
(CCFL). This is the newest form of CFL. Here the electrodes are used without
filament. The voltage is five times more than the regular CFL. Current
consumption is 10 times lower. Its diameter is only three mm.
These CFLs, like other fluorescent lamps, contain a small amount of mercury as
vapour inside the tube. Generally this is of three to five mg per bulb or even
lesser.
Mercury is a poisonous gas and a contributor to air pollution and water
pollution. In the
and other Western countries, there are definite laws to collect and reuse CFLs.
The manufacturers collect these used/broken CFLs and recycle the same.
In our country too, there needs to be strict regulation with regard to recycling used CFLs instead of throwing them away as regular waste which is hazardous to the environment.