 |
Hybrid Solar Lighting Gaining Acceptance As Efficient High-Tech Illuminator |
3 Comments |
| By Michael d'Estries in Energy, Green Living, Green Products, Solar, Tech Innovations | August 5, 2007 | ||
Just as the ancient Egyptians used an intricate system of mirrors to light the interiors of their giant stone structures, so too is the company Sunlight Direct taking the sun’s light and redirecting it into today’s buildings and businesses. While the idea might be similar, the actual technology is nothing but high-tech — and some of today’s largest corporations are on the cusp of adopting it. From the article,
“The hybrid lighting technology uses a rooftop-mounted 48-inch diameter collector and secondary mirror that track the sun throughout the day. The collector system focuses the sunlight into 127 optical fibers connected to special light fixtures equipped with diffusion rods similar to fluorescent light bulbs. The rods spread light in all directions. One collector currently powers eight to 10 hybrid light fixtures that can illuminate about 1,000 square feet of space. During times of little or no sunlight, a sensor controls the intensity of fluorescent lamps to maintain a constant level of illumination.”
How cool is that? Not only does the process light even the most dim areas, but it also dissipates heat since the system blocks ultraviolet and infrared heat. It is estimated that the system saves “6,000 kilowatt hours per year in lighting and another 2,000 kilowatt hours in reduced cooling needs for a total savings of 8,000 kilowatt hours per year.” Current test sites include a Walmart in Texas and a Staples on Long Island, NY. The company recently won the Excellence in Technology Transfer Award from the Federal Laboratory Consortium for Technology Transfer. So what’s the holdup?
Well, one system alone currently costs about $16K — thought the company is hoping to slash that price by next year. Studies have shown that natural lighting results in healthier work environments and greater productivity. If prices do indeed keep falling, we could these systems becoming a natural energy-saving part of any major chain store or business. The Egyptians would be proud.
Hit the jump for more. Videos of the system are available here and here.
Loading ...
Pete Carlson said,
This is nuts. Anybody know how much power it takes to make fiberoptics?
Will somebody out there do an article on the Seasteading people? It’s much more interesting and progressive than so much of what you see. Just thought I’d post an example of something that actually works.
http://www.seasteading.com
mememin69 said,
Yes lets all live in mud huts like they did 300 years ago.
John said,
Solar lEDS are definitely the next wave.
http://www.solarcynergy.com/products.html