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A low-cost rugged solution for solar lighting
A. N. Bharathwaj,
Published in
2009
Volume: 7423
   
Abstract
We have explored the use of a low-cost, rugged optical system to collect and distribute natural sunlight for daytime lighting purposes. The sunlight collection and delivery is performed using a simple lens system in combination with a plastic optical fiber bundle. Based on such a system, we have demonstrated the ability to provide diffuse lighting over a 100 sq. ft. area. The work included the optimization of the lens and the fiber bundle according to data collected on the spatial distribution of focused sunlight. A key aspect of our work is the use of mirrors which could be easily maneuvered to maintain optimum coupling of light in the fiber throughout the day. An important issue that we addressed in our work is the devising of a low cost tracking mechanism to ensure nearuniform lighting throughout a day. The tracking system is an open loop system that is based on apriori data on the sun's movement and an initial alignment procedure. We have collected such data by tracking a beam of light reflected from a stationary mirror. Our data shows that the mirror needs to be rotated at the rate of 0.25 degrees/minute to maintain a fixed position at the collection plane. We expect to achieve a scalable, modular low cost lighting solution that works in conjunction with a LED array to illuminate common areas of commercial buildings during the daytime. © 2009 Copyright SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering.
About the journal
JournalProceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
ISSN0277786X
Open AccessNo
Concepts (26)
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    Apriori
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    COMMERCIAL BUILDING
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    FIBER BUNDLES
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    INDOOR ILLUMINATIONS
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    INITIAL ALIGNMENT
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    LED ARRAYS
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    LENS SYSTEMS
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    LIGHTING SOLUTIONS
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    Low costs
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    NATURAL SUNLIGHT
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    OPEN LOOP SYSTEMS
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    OPTIMUM COUPLING
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    PLASTIC OPTICAL FIBERS
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    SOLAR LIGHTING
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    Spatial distribution
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    Tracking system
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    Costs
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    Fibers
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    Lenses
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    Lighting
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    Mirrors
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    OFFICE BUILDINGS
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    Optical fibers
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    Optical instruments
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    Optical systems
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    Light