In these lamps the ignition current ran from one electrode through a conducting strip in the ceramics to the other electrode. The necessary flow of current from the electrode to the strip established a limit on the gas pressure inside the burner. Once the temperature was high enough the gas inside the burner ignited; the lamp glowed.
Three years ago, BLV has launched a new type of HPS lamp, which pushes the output from 1950 µmol s-1 to 2100 µmol s-1. By emitting 150 µmol s-1 more than a common lamp (+7.7 %), the BLV Horturion 1000 W HPS sets a new benchmark in regard to efficiency. The technology is a quantum leap towards cost efficient high density production.
This new lamp generation was made possible through optimization of the gas pressure and the co-development of a novel ignition technology: the Horturion triple capacitor. The triple capacitor directs the ignition current not only to the electrode but also directly to the strip. Once the gas is ignited, the triple capacitor closes the connection to the strip and prevents flow of current through the strip. Disconnecting the strip during operation is essential because a constant electric field would enable sodium atoms to diffuse through the ceramics. Diffusion changes the chemical composition of the gas in the burner, leading to early failure and a reduced light output.
Due to the triple capacitor technology the gas composition in the burner is constant. The stability of the gas composition in the burner reduces the light depreciation and guarantees the maximum light output throughout the life time of the lamp.
For more information:
BLV
Muenchener Strasse 10
85643 Steinhoering
Germany
www.blv-licht.de