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TEM Journal. Volume 5, Issue 4, Pages 424-434, ISSN 2217-8309, DOI: 10.18421/TEM54-03, November 2016.
424 TEM Journal – Volume 5 / Number 4 / 2016
Student Active Participation in the
Study of the Light Bulbs
Petre Ogrutan 1, Lia Elena Aciu 1, Florin Sandu 1, Carmen Gerigan 1
1 Transilvania University of Brasov, Electronic and Computers Department, 29, Eroilor Av, Brasov, Romania
Abstract – The paper presents an initiative approach
to the study of light bulbs, involving active
participation of the students engaged in interactive
problem-/project-based learning of electromagnetic
compatibility and energetic efficiency belonging to the
environmental issues. The paper includes preliminary
and complementary simulations of the hardware-
firmware-software-netware development of a
laboratory test bench for the study of conducted
perturbations generated during the bulb firing
sequence. This laboratory sub-system is useful both in
association with traditional methods of learning as well
as with e-Learning platforms. Finally, the paper
presents the results of a concise survey of opinions on
the outcomes of this research.
Keywords – Light bulbs, embedded systems,
electromagnetic compatibility, engineering education.
1. Introduction
Energy saving and environmental protection are
issues of high importance in modern society.
Education of young people, especially of students in
engineering, should face the challenges that lay
ahead, so that environmental care should be a
constant in their professional standing.
DOI: 10.18421/TEM54-03
https://dx.doi.org/10.18421/TEM54-03
Corresponding author: Lia Elena Aciu
Transilvania University of Brasov, Electronic and
Computers Department, Brasov, Romania
Email: lia_aciu@unitbv.ro
© 2016 Petre Ogrutan et al, published by
UIKTEN.
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons
Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 License.
The article is published with Open Access at
www.temjournal.com
The current technological context is characterized
by continuous development of new electronic
equipment and devices, of which most feature
wireless communication facilities that have specific
requirements regarding energetic efficiency and
compliance with perturbation/susceptibility
regulations. Lately, a pronounced tendency has been
detected of
environmental pollution issues and the effects of
electromagnetic field on human health, as specified
by European Community directives.
In a continuously changing world, in education
process the emphasis should be moved from
knowledge acquisition to deployment of abilities,
thus meaning that the student should become active
and deeply involved in his/her own learning process.
In the field of engineering, learning is more and
more related to the use of information and
communication technologies (ICT), leading to virtual
laboratory work and teaching done by using the
Internet and electronic courses. Students are enabled
to acquire new knowledge and skills, whenever and
wherever they have the possibility to do so (more
vocational and ubiquitous), ensuring
individualization of learning paths, too.
The object of study is represented by the light
bulbs an academic approach of their
multidisciplinary issues regarding electromagnetic
compatibility.
The method used is a synergy of "Agile"
development with the interactive Problem Based
Learning (PrBL) and Project Based Learning (PjBL).
The subjects are energy saving and environmental
protection - the latter in terms of Electromagnetic
Compatibility (EMC) and also regarding waste
disposal.
The apparatus is enhanced with technical solutions
accomplished by the authors and case studies that
evaluate the environmental impact in terms of
electromagnetic noise generated by conventional and
electronically ignited lamps.
TEM Journal. Volume 5, Issue 4, Pages 424-434, ISSN 2217-8309, DOI: 10.18421/TEM54-03, November 2016.
TEM Journal – Volume 5 / Number 4 / 2016. 425
2. Light Bulbs
Since their invention by T.A. Edison, about 90% of
the power consumed by incandescent bulbs is
emitted as heat. Therefore, many governments have
provided regulatory measures to discourage their use
by establishing energy efficiency standards. Life of
an incandescent bulb is about 1000 hours at least but,
if used at a lower voltage than the nominal, life
increases significantly. Nevertheless, operation of an
incandescent bulb does not generate disturbances in
power grid. No health problems relating to the use of
incandescent bulbs have been reported.
Fluorescent bulbs (Compact Fluorescent Lamps,
CFL) known as economic lamps, gradually started to
replace incandescent bulbs due to their increased
efficiency. The father of fluorescent bulbs is
considered to be Peter Cooper Hewitt, who was the
first to create such lamps in 1890. Replacing the
conventional ignition system with an electronic
circuit was a great step forward, lighting of the bulb
became faster and flicker-free, thus, in 1985,
OSRAM began selling light bulbs with an in-built
electronic ignition system. The lifetime of
fluorescent bulbs is 6-15 times longer than that of
incandescent bulbs. Lifetime is significantly reduced
if the light bulb is frequently turned on and off.
Energy efficiency is higher compared with
incandescent bulbs; for the same amount of emitted
light energy, the overall energy consumption is 20%
to 33% of incandescent bulbs consumption.
According to data provided by the European
Commission Scientific Committee on Emerging and
Newly Identified Health Risks (SCENIHR),
fluorescent bulbs may be harmful to human health
due to the emission of ultraviolet and blue light.
Light sensitivity may be an aggravating factor for
people whose health is already affected. Much more
environmental stress is produced by the presence of
mercury vapors contained in the lamp tube.
Therefore, in many countries fluorescent lamps are
collected separately and recycled. When igniting
these bulbs, current and voltage variations occur,
producing conduction interferences with the
electromagnetic environment.
A LED bulb consists of several LED (Light
Emitting Diodes) that can be made of conventional or
organic semiconductor materials (OLED). The
lifetime of these bulbs is high, exceeding 30,000
hours.
Electroluminescence was discovered in 1907 by
H.J. Round at the Marconi Laboratories. The first
LED was created in 1962 by N. Holonyak at the
General Electric Company. Technologies employed
for the production of brighter LEDs follow an
extremely dynamic trend. Similar to Moore's Law, R.
Haitz devised a law that describes the evolution of
brightness doubles every three years beginning with
1960. In terms of EMC, LED bulbs lighting
generates less noise compared with fluorescent bulbs.
However, the built-in rectifier generates low-
amplitude higher harmonics during its operation.
Another major advantage in terms of environment
protection is the absence of harmful substances (i.e.
mercury) therefore LEDs are extremely
environmental-friendly. The energy efficiency of
LED lighting is very high and with the development
of technologies for power LEDs, LED lighting
becomes an option to be considered. Because of the
comparatively high initial purchase price and the
relatively low brightness level, LED bulbs are not so
widely used as fluorescent lamps. One of the
shortcomings of these lamps is their gradual decrease
of brightness over time, a process aggravated at
higher temperatures. As mentioned in [1], in 2010 an
appliance manufacturer began equipping refrigerators
with LED lamps, taking advantage of the specific
brighter lighting at lower temperatures.
3. Educational methods
In recent times two modern directions in academic
education were supported, one involving Distance
Learning [2], [3] and another regarding PrBL/PjBL
[4], the acquired expertise being applied to select the
mostraining.
Interaction with computer and laboratory facilities
and active involvement of a learner in his/her own
teaching process lead to the use PrBL and PjBL as
interactive methods.
For PrBL, a largely accepted definition is
that challenges students to «learn to learn», working
cooperatively in groups to seek solutions for real
PrBL are that learning is centered on the student, the
teacher leaves the command, becoming an advisor,
and the learning is done in steps, in small groups,
having peer evaluation. The method may improve
s
encouraging critical and creative thinking,
identifying the strengths and weakness of the
learning, enforcing communication, managing skills
and encouraging the use of different, real life
resources, not only of academic resources.
For PjBL, the Project Management Institute [6]
defines a project as a temporary endeavor in order to
create a unique product, service or result. The three
aspects of PjBL are [7]: individual study, team work
and project execution, based on the competences and
ideas obtained in former stages.
Many research papers reported successful results in
applying interactive learning methods to the
TEM Journal. Volume 5, Issue 4, Pages 424-434, ISSN 2217-8309, DOI: 10.18421/TEM54-03, November 2016.
426 TEM Journal – Volume 5 / Number 4 / 2016
Electrical Engineering. The paper [8], presents an
interactive learning method encouraging students to
freely express their opinions and promote individual
work resulting in higher grades.
PrBL initiatives in education for Electrical
Engineering were adopted worldwide, achieving
better learning results compared to traditional
learning [9]. Paper [10] is emphasizing the
importance of computer simulations in PrBL for
engineering. Paper [11] envisages the introduction of
PrB in the first study year, regardless of the inherent
difficulties of such an approach that is very different
from the pre-academic traditional education. An
important issue for the success is the attractiveness of
the theme [12] and the freedom of action and
responsibility given to students, similar to the one
presented in [13]. But the most challenging
enhancement of PjBL was the implementation of
we involved active
ive
architects participating at the accomplishment of
level 1 functional specifications and of the symmetric
validation/acceptance procedures, presumptive
experts participating at the integration tests.
The present paper is based on an educational
experiment using PrBL and PjBL techniques that we
conducted in the academic year 2013-2014 on 80
undergraduate students at the third year in Applied
Electronics and Telecommunication Systems and
Technologies from the Faculty of Electrical
Engineering and Computer Science.
4. The interactive approach to PrBL
In order to accomplish the instructional design for
the study of light bulbs, PrBL was applied, being
pursued the following steps a heuristic procedure
developed by the authors [15] aiming to actively
involve students in conception-analysis-synthesis-
interpretation phases.
Phase 1: Clarifying the subject and concepts
After providing brief theoretical overview, the
lecture materials on the construction principles and
characteristics of the lamps were discussed with a
focus on three types of lamps characteristics (Table
1) in terms of environmental (including
electromagnetic) compatibility. The data provided in
Table 1 are indicative approximations and were
determined through discussions with the students.
Table 1.Main lamp characteristics - Comparison
Characteristics
Incandescent
lamp
Fluorescent
lamp
LED
lamp
1
5
10
Power [W]
for 1000 lm
100
15
10
Lifetime [h]
1000
6000
100000
Disposal
No hazards
Mercury
leakage
No
hazards
Intensity
variation
YES
NO
NO
Electromagnetic
disturbances
NO
At start and
during
operation
During
operation
Phase 2: Defining the subject and identifying the
problem
After clarification of the concepts, the main
problems of light bulbs were stated in terms of
lighting efficiency (a) and EMC (b).
The problems that need to be solved can be
formulated as answers to the questions (a): Which
bulb is more light efficient? (b) Do the bulbs produce
electromagnetic disturbances? How can these be
assessed?
Phase 3: Analysis of the problem
This phase was performed through team-work
imagination.
(3.a) To the question Which bulb delivers a better
light?, it popped-up the idea of evaluating the quality
of lighting by analyzing a photo of the light bulb and
of the interior of a white box it illuminates [16].
What proved to be very relevant was the gray scale
histogram - the students pointed out that such a
histogram has the advantage to be obtainable using
almost any type of digital camera and almost any
type of general-purpose image processing software
available. The three lamps were photographed (using
a typical mount) in the white box (they are presented
in Figure 1 each one accompanied by its
histogram). The photos, taken with a 16 Mega Pixel
camera, were transformed into a gray scale with 256
levels (0 for black to 255 for white) the abscissa of
the histograms. For each abscissa, the ordinate of the
histogram corresponds with the number of pixels
having that level of gray (normalized to the
maximum so the max. ordinate is 100%, as
reference also to the Median ordinate).
TEM Journal. Volume 5, Issue 4, Pages 424-434, ISSN 2217-8309, DOI: 10.18421/TEM54-03, November 2016.
TEM Journal – Volume 5 / Number 4 / 2016. 427
(a) Incendescent bulb – Median=54%,
Mean=66.66 (of 256), StDev=48.47
(b) Fluorescent bulb – Median=32%,
Mean=51.77 (of 256), StDev=49.54
(c) LED bulb – Median=20%,
Mean=33.26 (of 256), StDev=33.59
Figure 1 – 16MP pictures of the incandescent (a),
fluorescent (b) and LED (c) bulbs, with their histograms
(3.b) To the questions Do the bulbs produce
electromagnetic disturbances? How can these be
assessed?, the considered literature [17, 18] and the
discussions were focused on laboratory testing, a
very useful approach, as most of the compatibility
regulations are accompanied by the specifications of
standard test-setups and by precise measurement
procedures.
It was also revealed that the possibility of
disturbances occurring during lamp firing depend on
the instantaneous amplitude of mains voltage.
Phase 4: Synthesis and interpretation of newly
acquired information
(4.a) During this phase, pictures of incandescent,
fluorescent and LED bulbs were taken. The image
processing was performed and the distribution of
gray levels was illustrated numerically by the Mean
abscise and by the Standard Deviation (e.g. the LED
bulb has a smaller StDev, then a more concentrated
spectrum).
A possible use-case of LEDs for street lighting
[19] was discussed with the students, emphasizing
the opportunity of a laboratory reproduction of
outdoor operation.
(4.b) The assessment of light bulb electromagnetic
disturbances involves two steps which are: Simulated
experiments (4.b.1) and Laboratory experiments
(4.b.2).
(4.b.1) The computer-aided simulation was
proposed by the students and was carried out together
were assigned individual tasks, to perform
simulations of a pow
components with known specifications, so as to
diminish the amplitude of voltage impulses occurring
during light bulb ignition. After completing this
activity, disturbances generated by different types of
bulbs were measured on a laboratory test workbench,
thus adding practical knowledge to the theoretical
engineering aspects of the taught subject.
As the importance of computer simulation in
understanding the phenomena is unquestionable, the
approach presented in [20] using at least two
simulation programs and comparing the results was
also considered. The power line filter was complying
with IEC 939 Schaffner [21] and EN 133200 [22].
The electric diagram of the filter is presented in
Figure 2.
Figure 2. Line filter electric diagram
Most of the students used SIMULINK and PSPICE
to perform their simulations. One of the best
SIMULINK models developed by a student (that was
assessed and corrected by the tutors) uses a
sinusoidal signal, superposed over a single pulse of
500V amplitude and 2s length applied as an input
signal. The SIMULINK simulation waveform is
shown in Figure 3.
It can be noticed that the filter diminishes impulse
amplitude to about 100V but increases its length.
Figure 3.Line filter SIMULINK simulation result:
output (top) versus input (down)
TEM Journal. Volume 5, Issue 4, Pages 424-434, ISSN 2217-8309, DOI: 10.18421/TEM54-03, November 2016.
428 TEM Journal – Volume 5 / Number 4 / 2016
The same electric schematic was used to perform
the second simulation, in PSPICE. The simulation
waveform is shown in Figure 4.
As it can be seen, the two simulations provided
close results (in duration, amplitude and shape of the
I/O pulses).
Figure 4. PSPICE simulation waveforms
Discussions with the students showed that they
acknowledged usefulness of simulation techniques, a
conclusion that has been confirmed by the results
presented in [4]. For a high degree of visualization,
enabling intuitive interpretation, plotting of the
phenomena was done both in the time domain and in
the frequency domain. Having the spectrum of the
synthetic pulse, the students were asked to simulate
the frequency characteristic of the required line filter.
This task implied good knowledge of Analog
Electronics and was easily accomplished. Figure 5
shows the PSPICE frequency characteristic.
Figure 5. PSPICE line filter characteristic
(4.b.2) The laboratory session started with the
preparation of a test workbench equipped with
several standard sockets (for different types of bulbs)
and electronic ignition systems (for conventional
fluorescent bulbs). An oscilloscope was used to
visualize waveforms during and after lamps ignition.
Some typical voltage waveforms for a CFL during
ignition and after bulb heating are shown in Fig. 12.
The high amplitude peak voltage occurs when the
CFL is ignited and the subsequent wave distortion
generates higher harmonics in the mains supply line.
A comparison between different bulbs shows that the
highest amount of electromagnetic disturbances is
generated by the fluorescent bulb and the lowest by
the incandescent one.
A major disadvantage of the initial laboratory
experimental setup has been identified together with
the students (this phase was discussed also as the
preliminary step that is triggering the Agile
development process).
The amplitude of externally induced disturbance
was supposed to be influenced from the moment the
light switch is flipped on, that is, by the
instantaneous value of the AC voltage. To avoid this
uncertainty, an electronic switch was proposed, so as
to ensure bulb ignition only when the AC voltage
reaches its peak value.
An indirect confirmation of this hypothesis was
provided by simulations of voltage events in the
power supply network, which are more relevant
when the AC voltage reaches its peak value [23].
5. PjBL- Microcontroller Subsystem for Supply
Coupling and Internet Transmission of Data
The block diagram of the microcontroller-based
system with industrial applicability for optimal
supply coupling and remote monitoring was
proposed as a project by the academic staff members
during their discussions with the students the Agile
development phase of agreement on the
architecture of a solution. This approach aims to get
the students acquainted with the dynamic and
iterative customer-developer-tester relationship in
modern projects with a complexity beyond the
The feasibility of the
solution was assessed by preliminary simulations
carried out by the students working together with the
authors. Having as outcome the functional
specifications for the first part of PjBL, this
teamwork had also a secondary goal of enhancing
group communication and developing inventiveness
in technical solutions. This secondary goal is
regarding not only some drawbacks of individual
assessment in education (usually per person and not
per team) but also some traditional communication
problems of the engineers and students in
engineering (by involving them in the Agile
. The next phases further development
and module tests (level 2) of the embedded sub-
system were accomplished by the authors involving
the students in the Agile phases of integration (level
1) and validation tests.
TEM Journal. Volume 5, Issue 4, Pages 424-434, ISSN 2217-8309, DOI: 10.18421/TEM54-03, November 2016.
TEM Journal – Volume 5 / Number 4 / 2016. 429
Phase 1: Models and simulations of supply coupling
A straightforward SIMULINK model was
developed, as seen in Figure 6: The model consists of
a voltage source (mains line) and an ideal switch that
connects the supply to a RL load. The switch is
controlled through 5 pulses before stabilizing the
applied voltage, which simulates electro-mechanic
contact bouncing. The simulation goal was to study
two usual switching strategies: the load coupling to
the supply at its AC voltage zero crossing (Figure
7.a) or at its AC voltage peak at the positive semi-
sinusoid midpoint (Figure 7.b).
Figure 6. SIMULINK model of supply coupling
(a) (b)
Figure 7. Simulation results in case of supply coupling
at AC voltage zero crossing (a) and at AC voltage peak (b)
From the time-domain simulation, it can be
observed the larger amplitude of the negative
disturbing pulses in the second case (as expected
considering that overshoots are caused by higher
switching-bouncing levels) (b). The frequency-
domain simulation via the Discrete Fourier
transform block in the middle of the SIMULINK
diagram confirms the occurrence of higher spectral
amplitudes when coupling the supply at AC voltage
peak value, thus confirming the advantages of the
first coupling scenario (a).
Phase 2: Design and implementation of an
embedded system with remote control via Internet
The block diagram of the voltage supply coupling
sub-system is shown in Figure 8.
Figure 8. Remote-controlled voltage supply coupling
sub-system (block diagram)
The implemented module is an embedded sub-
system based on a PIC microcontroller.
Microcontroller interrupts are generated always at
mains network voltage zero-crossings, thus allowing
for the setting of voltage coupling-time and control
of the execution element. Two versions of the sub-
system were developed and tested; one provided with
a triac and another with a relay as execution
elements.
The triac version employed a 24A/800V triac
controlled by an opto-triac providing galvanic
decoupling. A snubber circuit prevents the parasitic
priming of the triac and a varistor ensures triac
voltage surge protection.
To provide triac phase control, mains voltage zero
crossing is signaled to the microcontroller through an
interrupt. The problems arising in this case relate to a
certain zero-crossing detection delay and the time
needed by microcontroller routine execution to
generate a priming impulse. These two processes
introduce a priming delay to the triac.
To determine the admissible delay, the RMS value
of the voltage can be calculated for a /4 phase angle
firing of the triac, as shown in Figure 7, using
following relationship (1):
4
2
2
T
0
2
ef dsin2.
π.2
)2.230(
tdu
T
1
U
(1)
Internet
Supply voltage
coupling
command
Microcontroller
Web server
Triac or relay – execution element
Networ
kkkk
Load
Peak/Zero-
crossing
detection
TEM Journal. Volume 5, Issue 4, Pages 424-434, ISSN 2217-8309, DOI: 10.18421/TEM54-03, November 2016.
430 TEM Journal – Volume 5 / Number 4 / 2016
Performing the calculations yields an effective
value of 209.73V, which is acceptable.
This delay allows for 25% maximum theoretical
error of zero-crossing detection or running a number
of instructions over the 2.5ms interval that is, up to
several hundreds of instructions. For example, with a
RISC microcontroller processing one instruction per
cycle at a 1MHz clock frequency, one thousand
instructions per millisecond can be executed.
To ensure the highest possible RMS value, the
zero-crossing detection delay must be kept as small
as possible. The triac provided superior performance
since it assured a more precise coupling time, yet the
fact that turn-off time is uncontrollable and for
certain types of loads the switching is unsafe
represents a drawback.
The relay version eliminates the disadvantages of
the triac but whenever a relay is employed, the
specified closure and release times must be
considered and fine adjustments should be applied
after repeated trials. After testing both versions, the
relay version was selected for its additional
advantages, so it is the one detailed in the following.
Figure 9. Electronic circuit for relay control
The relay was designed for coupling/decoupling of
the load, as can be seen in Figure 9. The control
signal switches the Q2 transistor (left) into saturation,
energizes the relay, and, after one second delay, a
new command is transmitted turning transistor Q3
(right) into saturation, thereby connecting a current-
limiting resistor in series with the relay. Thus,
transistor Q2 is cut off. The starting high current
command ensures firm and fast closure of the relay
contacts.
The relay chosen for this applications
manufactured by FINDER and features 30/50A
(rated current/peak current) and 250/440V, while the
relay coil can be controlled with either 6 or 12V.
Typical relay life cycle is up to 1000cycles. Basic
closure time of relay contacts is 8-10 ms. As for the
microcontroller, we have chosen PIC18F452
connected in its standard configuration. Evaluation of
mains voltage and load current consumption as well
as setting the accurate timing for coupling and
decoupling was achieved by timer interrupt (Timer
2), which is initialized for every supply voltage zero
crossing. Figure 10 presents the timing diagram of
the microcontroller program.
Figure 10. Timing diagram of the microcontroller
program
Similar achievements that include switching mains
voltage to the load at given times are widely used in
UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supplies). When the
mains supply voltage is restored, the UPS applies the
load a voltage of identical polarity on the rising front
of the pulse slope like the voltage provided by the
DC-AC converter during the absence of the mains
voltage. A switching control algorithm is described
in [24] and the hazard related to the occurrence of a
short switching interval when the voltage is supplied
both by the mains as well as by the DC-AC converter
is described in [25].
One of the most important design features
discussed in the initial Agile phases and derived as
functional specification during PjBL is the remote
monitoring and control of the microcontroller-based
subsystem via Internet. Various software applications
ensuring the remote connection of several devices
were considered such a solution including a power
supply is described in [26].
a web server handling Ethernet packets and having
a programmable IP (we have used 193.123.23.200).
The communication between the Site Player and the
host microcontroller-based embedded system is
accomplished over the RS232 interface. The eight
I/O lines of the embedded system are thus monitored
controlled over the Internet via the Site Player. The
web page it publishes contains a report with the
coupling and decoupling times as well as the
coupling and decoupling commands.
6. Validation Tests in the Laboratory
The validation tests (corresponding to the Agile
coupling for different types of light bulbs were
performed in the laboratory. The disturbances
generated during ignition were measured in
experimental sessions together with the students.
TEM Journal. Volume 5, Issue 4, Pages 424-434, ISSN 2217-8309, DOI: 10.18421/TEM54-03, November 2016.
TEM Journal – Volume 5 / Number 4 / 2016. 431
Incandescent bulbs, halogen bulbs, fluorescent lamps
with electronic and conventional ignition and LED
bulbs were studied all in different sizes and with
various power ratings.
As expected, the experimental results confirmed
that when lighting an incandescent bulb, the voltage
waveform is completely disturbance-free since the
bulb represents a purely resistive load.
For a better comparison of the lamps, the most
stressing coupling scenario was chosen, the second
one, with the AC voltage being applied at its mains
peak value (at 90 degrees of mains phase) as
displayed on the digital oscilloscope screen shown in
Figure 11.
Figure 11. Voltage on an incandescent bulb at controlled
ignition
Lighting a fluorescent lamp with conventional
bimetal starter generates a high amount of
disturbances, as can be seen on the voltage waveform
presented in Figure 12.
Figure 12.Voltage on a CFL with bimetal starter
at controlled ignition
A fluorescent bulb with electronic ignition
produces lesser disturbance it can be seen in Figure
13, for a 24W bulb.To reduce the disturbance
generated in the mains network, line filters (initially
used only in simulations) are now employed. The test
workbench was equipped with a Schaffner filter
compliant with the IEC 939 and EN 133200
standards. For example, the effects of the line filter
are presented in Figure 14, for the case of new street
lighting power LEDs (LLM4500, 51Watt).
Figure 13. Voltage waveform on a CFL with electronic
starter at controlled ignition
The output of the filter (at the side of the mains
line) is on Channel 1 of the digital oscilloscope
(upper waveform of Figure 14) and the lamp voltage,
the filter input, is on Channel 2 (lower waveform of
Figure 14), having a pronounced initial spike that can
be clearly observed (and that would highly
perturbative in case of the missing line-filter).
Figure 14. Ignition of a street lighting lamp with LEDs
and line filter
7. Discussions and Results
Educational results in terms of a validated
instructional design are represented by a reusable
didactical pattern of PrBL and PjBL, able to be
extended for newer added-on sub-systems in the next
academic years.
The procedures were documented, as laboratory
guides for real or simulated/emulated experiments.
Similar findings in the specialized literature were
confirmed: discussing work efficiency, a special
aspect was that some activities were optional; the
learning paths had a certain degree of freedom and a
flexible schedule, thus avoiding demotivation [27].
The importance of performing computer
simulations for this kind of complex PrBL/PjBL
confirmed the idea of Wei-Hsin Liao et al. who
proposed in [28] an advanced simulation course for
final year students (not only a practical introduction
in simulation, elementary course for the first years of
engineering studies).
0 5 10 15 20 25 time
[ms]
V
[V]
0 5 10 15 20 25 time
[ms]
V
[V]
0 5 10 15 20 25time [ms]
V[V]
5
0
TEM Journal. Volume 5, Issue 4, Pages 424-434, ISSN 2217-8309, DOI: 10.18421/TEM54-03, November 2016.
432 TEM Journal – Volume 5 / Number 4 / 2016
Our approach also confirmed the trend that
endorses importance of joint debates and teamwork
[29-31] for multidisciplinary subject (as EMC) taught
to students who prepare their graduation work.
In order to evaluate the impact of the PrBL and
PjBL methods proposed, the students of the target
group were asked to participate in an anonymous and
voluntary survey.
The survey results are summarized in Figure 15.
The questionnaire contained 4 questions, each of the
answers being rated from 1 to 5. A number of 51
students participated in the survey.
Figure 15. The survey results
How important is, in
your opinion, the present-day problem of energy
saving and
ranged from 1 (unimportant) to 5 (very important),
and are represented on the first line (S1) of Fig. 15.
Most students (80%) the issue of
energy saving as being important.
For the second question (S2) "How do you
appreciate the usefulness of the individual work"; the
answers ranged from 1 -
homework, 2 - unnecessary to 5 - very useful
(individual task).
Only 60% of students completed their individual
tasks out of them, a significant percentage (67%)
considered it a very important topic.
For the third question (S3) "What type of bulb
would you use in your home?" the answers ranged
from 1 - incandescent, 2 - fluorescent, 3 - LED, 4 - I
ost chose equally (40%) LED and
fluorescent bulbs. 10% chose incandescent bulbs
arguing that the light intensity does not vary after
lamp ignition.
For the fourth question (S4) "How important is, in
your opinion, the environmental aspect when
choosing a light bulb"; answers ranged from 1 - not
important to 5 - very important. Most respondents
(40%) checked level 4, which is slightly different
from the answers to question 1.
The results are in line with those provided in [32],
where there are addressed user perceptions about the
same three types of light bulbs that were examined in
our paper.
issues through saving lighting costs. The use of new
economy lamps helps protect the environment and at
the same time ensures financial savings [33].
8. Conclusion
The environmental aspects of light bulbs are rather
complicated if EMC criteria are completed with
energy efficiency, impact on the health, disposal
problems etc. This is the reason we have chosen to
involve directly subjective aspects in the evaluation
of the lamps, of the technical measures to improve
their environmental friendliness and their testability.
The educational approach and direct participation of
students in electrical engineering resulted in modern
methods of study and original solutions for the
laboratory workbenches with Internet access.
Many students nowadays complete the individual
activities with team-work that can bring more
confidence by joint discussions under teaching-staff
mediation, insisting on differences between
participantopinions.
Some positive aspects regarding PrBL and PjBL in
environmental education were confirmed:
- Sensitization of the students to the environmental
- Teamwork training
- Development of creativeness and ingenuity,
required for phenomena simulation.
The student workgroups integrated quite well in
this type of training, the obvious advantages being
team spirit, exercise of deadline setting and keeping,
discovering the benefits of brain-storming sessions
and developing competences through close-up study
of high-tech solutions.
The greater interest levels shown by many students
chosen discipline some challenging technical
problems even raised their enthusiasm and team-
work contributed to overcome theoretical and
practical difficulties.
Following modern Agile development principles,
we promoted the synergy of PjBL with collaborative
methods, thus transcending peer-support towards
innovation-pushing.
Simulation/emulation (including double-check
with different methods) was used for the evaluation
of dedicated testing methods and configurations, as
high voltages and special pulse generation are
usually needed in EMC laboratories. Time-domain
TEM Journal. Volume 5, Issue 4, Pages 424-434, ISSN 2217-8309, DOI: 10.18421/TEM54-03, November 2016.
TEM Journal – Volume 5 / Number 4 / 2016. 433
and frequency domain analysis was done both with
virtual and real equipment (e.g. line filters),
comparing different source-coupling scenarios.
An "intelligent coupling" system, with AC voltage
peak/zero-crossing detection, rapid triggering
(interrupt generation) was designed, implemented on
the basis of a micro-controller and tested with
various light bulbs (of different types and powers).
The micro-controller also drives a serial interface
with a web-server that is publishing the control /
status of the 8 I/O lines of the lab workbench. This
implemented remote access to the developed
laboratory workbench is not only a potential
technical feature for tele-monitoring and control (via
Internet) in Smart Grids (e.g. street lighting networks
of modern cities) but is also a specific enabler of
ODL (Open and Distance Learning) in electrical
engineering [34].
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