Hybrid solar lighting (HSL) or hybrid lighting systems combines the use of solar with artificial light for interior illumination by channeling sunlight through fiber optic cable bundles to Provide solar light into rooms without windows or skylights , and by supplementing this natural light with artificial light- typically LED -as required. [1]
The bundles are led from the outside / rooftop optical light collectors through small openings or ducts cable and carry the light to where it is needed. The optical fibers end in hybrid luminaireswhere the sunlight is joined with electric light , or on demand to maintain a constant light level and sunlight decreases. [2]
Method of operation
Solar lighting systems capture light from the sun and conduct it towards a room using optical fibers. They use rooftop collectors, large mirrored dishes, that track the sun. The collectors adjust to the sunlight onto 127 optical fibers which are conducted in a single chord. The optical fibers are flexible and can be connected to hybrid light fixtures that are joined to diffuse the light. A single collector can power up to eight hybrid light fixtures covering 1,000 square feet (93 m 2 ).
The hybrid lights are used with the natural sunlight beamed down the fiber optic chord. Photosensors focus on how much light needs to be generated at a constant light. When the sun is blocked by the clouds, it will be necessary to be added. Hybrid solar lighting systems should be used in rooms with direct roof access. [3]
Cost of hybrid solar lighting systems
The price of each hybrid solar lighting system is used with each watt of light bulb used. [ clarification needed ] It is about $ 5- $ 8 per watt. [4]
See also
- Solar energy
- Renewable energy
- Photovoltaics
- Sustainable energy
- Light tube
References
- Jump up^ Technically, any combination of the use of natural and artificial light, such as eg simple windows and incandescent lamps, could be called hybrid lighting, but the term “hybrid lighting” is usually understood to mean hybrid solar lighting.
- Jump up^ Maxey, Curt. “Fiber Optics Brings Sunlight Inside.” Hybrid Solar Lighting: 1.Photonics.com. Web. Oct. 15, 2009. <http://www.photonics.com/Content/ReadArticle.aspx?ArticleID=33892>.
- Jump up^ Schirber, Michael. “Hybrid Solar Lighting May Be Next Big Thing.” Bringing a Little Sunshine Into Our Lives (Mar. 2005): 2. msnbc. Web. Oct. 18, 2009. <http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/7287168//>.
- Jump up^ Parker, Sara. “Sunlight Direct Commercial Plans Release of HSL Technology in 2008.” Hybrid Solar Lighting Promises 50% Efficiency (June 2007): 1.Renewable Energy World.com. Web. Oct. 20, 2009. <http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/article/2007/06/hybrid-solar-lighting-promises-50-efficiency-48933>.
