%0 Journal Article %T STUDYING THE CHARACTERISTICS OF DISCHARGE LAMPS FOR OPERATION IN NAVIGATION LIGHTHOUSES SUPPLIED BY PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEMS %A S. Platikanov %A P. Tsankov %J Contemporary Materials %D 2011 %I Academy of Sciences and Arts of Republic of Srpska %X This paper presents the results of the research done on the start-up process of discharge lamp ignition up to the transition into a steady-state regime of operation. The paper studies the change in the basic electrical characteristics: current, voltage, power, power factor, as well as the change in the luminous flux. Different operation circuits of the lamps are discussed: from the mains supply with and without a compensating capacitor. Conclusions have been drawn about this initial period in the ignition of discharge lamps and their application and possibilities of use in navigation lighthouses supplied by photovoltaic systems. %K discharge lamp %K navigation lighthouse %K photovoltaic system %K electrical characteristics %K luminous flux %K luminous efficacy %U http://www.savremenimaterijali.info/sajt/doc/file/casopisi/2_2/10_platikanov.pdf