Thermal Interactions in Modern Lighting Equipment due to Disturbances in the Frequency Range 2–150 kHz

The increasing use of renewables, e-mobility and great demand for energy-efficient devices in the mass-market segment have an impact on Power Quality in the electrical network. In addition to classical harmonic interferences, both the end users and the network operators face the challenge of higher frequency disturbances, which refers to distortion in the frequency range 2-150 kHz, also known as supraharmonics. While malfunctions caused by supraharmonic emission are well documented in the literature, its long-term impact is not well investigated. This paper discusses the long-term effect of supraharmonics on modern lighting equipment and deals with the thermal stress of the aluminum electrolytic capacitor. The aim of research is to clarify the process of additional temperature increase caused by supraharmonic emission. Based on a comprehensive laboratory study the paper gives an overview of different heating mechanisms and identifies relevant impact factors.