The controllable non-linear reactor in electronic ballasts applications: A behavioral analysis of the inductance as a function of both ac and dc bias currents

Electronic ballasts consumption is expected to be stronger each year. A number of factors are contributing to this growth rate, including government regulations, lower prices, innovative technologies and new concerns regarding energy efficiency. This quest for efficiency has led the authors to investigate new control methods considering magnetically-controlled electronic ballasts, for dimming purpose or ldquouniversalrdquo ballasts applications for fluorescent lighting systems. The controllable non-linear reactor is the core of these proposed techniques. In order to increase the performance of the systems, an accurate design of the reactor must be done. This paper outlines theoretical and practical aspects of the non-linear controllable reactor. A design methodology is proposed and experimentally verified.