Impedance Modified Fluorescents as an Energy-Saving Alternative

Many office buildings constructed prior to the early 1970´s are now becoming too expensive to maintain without reducing lighting energy costs. The problem is that with an existing fluorescent lighting system there are limited energy reduction options. Among these options are (a) delamping, (b) replacing with reduced wattage replacement lamps, and (c) installing additional switching capability. Another energy-reducing option, i.e., that of using impedance modified fluorescents to selectively reduce lighting and energy costs, is described. Specifically, a case study is given of a building in which both reduced wattage and impedance modified lamps were installed. The approach taken is demonstrated, and the results are analyzed using a computerized energy analysis of the buildings involved.