Summary Statement of Proposed Project:
The goal of this proposal is to research the costs and benefits of installing Hybrid Solar Lighting (HSL) in a typical home. Currently, information is available for specific applications in southern climates, but the extrapolation to a residence in this climate for a home built to the latest BC Building Code Standards, is left to manufacturers serving individual customers. For a frame of reference, performance, cost and lifespan data on both conventional and high performance lighting (LED and Fluorescent)will be referenced and compared throughout the project.
Purpose:
•To determine where HSL systems lie in terms of performance, and better understand if they are capable of replacing conventional lighting during daylight hours. Consider the worldwide push to incorporate energy-saving technology into our homes and the non-monetary value of sunlight to people.
•To discover the most cost-effective HSL system based on manufacturer’s performance data.
•To install and measure the actual performance of a HSL system. If funding or sponsorship is unavailable, to solicit information from owners of existing working HSL systems in this geographic area.
•To produce a scale-model section of a home that uses an LED light source in place of the sun, and fibre optic cable as the conduit, to boost the immediate visceral presentability of how a HSL system may layout in a home. The findings of this research will be offered for presentation to the Kamloops Chapter of the Canadian Home Builders’ Association.
Objectives:
Production of a research paper describing the findings of my studies. As a guidance tool for practical application, the methodology used in this paper could be used to evaluate Hybrid Solar Lighting in its current variety of forms and price points, for the local housing market.
Methodology:
•Prepare and present an original, cost efficient home building design that meets or exceeds current BC Building Code requirements, includes a full basement, and is HSL-ready.
•Use current IESNA lighting criteria to calculate the lighting requirements of said home.
•Research available systems from leading HSL manufacturers that meet or exceed lighting requirements. Travel to working exhibits or to residences with HSL systems within the Pacific Northwest.
•Evaluate performance data for HSL systems in comparison with conventional and high performance lighting systems that use electricity only.
•Assess HSL payback timeline to summarize energy evaluation criteria.
•Analyze data pertaining to the effects of natural light on building occupants and introduce these benefits as a final consideration before weighing in on summary findings.
•Produce working model of a simulated HSL system for presentation purposes.
Related Information:
Currently, Natural Resources Canada (NRCAN), through its ecoEnergy Retrofit-Homes program, lists numerous ways in which homeowners may improve the energy efficiency rating and performance of the homes they live in. Insulation, Building Envelope, Water Conservation and Windows are among the listed headings, but noticeably absent is Lighting.
Dissemination of Work:
•Production of research paper,
•Presentation (oral or poster presentation) at the TRU annual undergraduate
student research conference or similar venue,
•Presentation at an annual CUEF U-REAP forum,
•The potential for publication in the annual proceedings of the undergraduate student research conference publication, and
•An ongoing blog on the research topic and any findings, is currently operational at
http://aret222bolton.blogspot.com/
Contribution of the Project to Academic Goals:
This project is entirely the product of my interest in intelligent, energy-efficient building design. I have a background in electrical systems and fibre-optics from the communications industry where I was formerly employed. My academic goal is closely tied to finding employment designing solutions to building problems, and, wherever possible, improving on conventional practices. By understanding better the costs and benefits of the emerging technology of Hybrid Solar Lighting, I stand to accelerate my education and employment prospects at a time when interest in energy efficiency is at an all-time high. Thanks to excellent education in CAD systems, Lighting and Building Code studies, and a strong connection with the Physics components of the ARET program, I am much better prepared to take this step into such a resonant applied research project.
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Hi Tony,
ReplyDeleteI don't really understand how it works. Will this put out the same spectrum of light as daylight like a sad lamp or does it somehow just harness the energy to power a light? I want to do some reading to get a better idea, but what a great topic. I have never even heard of this.
Hey Jody,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the question. Unfortunately I've been having difficulty responding back to you.
Weird! Anyway....Jody this technology uses concentrated sunlight, stripped of its UV and infrared components, and focussed into transparent fibre optic cables that are routed to inner rooms. Sunlight is then broadcast via custom luminaires as full visible-spectrum light for growing, working, reading, or getting less 'SAD' by.
ReplyDeleteThe only energy used is that of a 9V battery to operate small DC motors that rotate and tilt the sunlight collector (think Satellite Dish) at the sun throughout the day.
This technology is close to 100% efficient close to the dish, and becomes less so with distance as losses occur in the less expensive fibre optic cables. At approx. 50 feet, the efficiency is 50%. As compared with PV panels, which start out at 18% then lose more when the electricity generated is converted back to light on account of heat loss, etc. So it's pretty and clean!
I'll keep posting on the progress of my research and efforts to procure either a full working system or working model at least.
Cheers,
Tony.
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