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Trolleybus with Fluorescent Lighting
Page 128
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ANEW method of operating hot cathode fluorescent tubes has been on trial in a Reading trolleybus since July, 1950. Previously, fluorescent lighting in a road vehicle has entailed the use of a rotary invertor or vibrator to obtain alternating current from the vehicle battery,
In the present case, a 64-volt battery is employed and current is supplied to the fluorescent-tube installation direct from the battery. This is charged by a 6 H.V. overhung generator specially wound for the voltage. A C.A.V. control board with a regulator is arranged so that the legal lighting load is balanced on a three-wire system, and the normal 32-volt lamps can be used for the external lights.
Special Osrain tubes, measuring 15 ins, long by Ii ins, in diameter and rated at 14 watts each, are used. The circuit comprises a small choke to assist starting, with two 24-volt 15-watt tungsten-filament lamps in series as a ballast to limit the lamp current to its correct value and to act as a stabilizing device to cover variations in battery voltage.
10 Tubes on Each Deck
Thermal-type starter switches are employed and the starter is a G.E.C. 0S3T type, There are 10 fluorescent fittings on each deck, as well as tubes in the front and side destination-indicator boxes.
The value of the illumination is about twice that obtained with the normal filament lighting for no increase in load. The absence of glare is a marked advantage.
The scheme was developed by The General Electric Co., Ltd., in collaboration with Mr. W. J. Evans, M.I.E.E., M.InstT., general manager of Reading Transport Department, and C.A.V., Ltd.