A Fluorescent Lamp with Integral Proximity Sensor for Building Energy Management

We have developed a proximity sensor that can be integrated with a fluorescent lamp ballast. This sensor measures disturbances in the electric field around the lamp in order to detect the presence and motion of people. Range test data from our preliminary experiments showed detection ranges of 11 ft. between the lamp and the closest edge of a human target. The detector enables fine-grain occupancy measurements in spaces, promising to improve energy efficiency by reducing wasted lighting of unoccupied spaces.