Flicker curves of different types of lamps

In the Netherlands, grid operators' database of complaints on voltage show that almost 60% of all complaints is about flicker problems. The evaluation and measurement of flicker becomes an important issue. The simplest method used in industry is flicker curves (Pst = 1), showed in IEEE standard and UIE publication [1] [2]. These flicker curves are obtained by only considering the flicker response to rectangular voltage fluctuations of a coiled filament gas-filled 230 V, 60 W or 120 V, 60 W incandescent bulb. However, nowadays there are several different types of lamps in the market. The flicker responses of these several types of lamps are different. It is not suitable to use the standard flicker curve for other type of lamps. Flicker curves of different types of lamps are shown in this paper by doing experimental test in the Power Quality lab of Eindhoven University of Technology. These curves will give helpful suggestions on how to develop more flicker curves for different types of lamps. Furthermore it can provide information to solve specific flicker problems in the low voltage grid. (6 pages)