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Hybrid Solar Lighting, def'n: A roof-mounted solar concentrating device used to focus sunlight for transmission via fibre optic cables to rooms where natural lighting is desired. The word 'hybrid' comes from the secondary light source that kicks in when light levels from the sun are insufficient - ie. on cloudy days or at night.

Original Home Design w/ HSL Lighting to Basement

* Although an open-plan design furnishes adequate natural lighting to the above ground floors, the basement wants for a natural, central light source. HSL provides the solution.


Thesis Question For Comment

My proposed thesis question is:

"How can Hybrid Solar Lighting be made affordable for a BCBC compliant single family residence in Kamloops, B.C. ?"

The application for my research is lighting interior rooms in single family homes generally, and in the Kamloops region specifically.

Avenues for investigation to make HSL affordable:
  • Using the appropriate type of recycled satellite dishes, sent for chroming,
  • Using recycled Fibre Optic cable from communications providers such as CN Rail, Shaw, Telus,
  • Separating auxiliary lighting from automatic "hybrid" lighting,
  • Sourcing low-cost dish tracking system,
  • Investigating government/crown corporation (BC Hydro) grant possibilities,
  • Increasing the dish area to account for losses in the cable due to bends and other inherent system losses,
  • Make shutters or shading simpler, ie. mechanical vs. switch-operated,
  • Intelligently assess need for solar lighting, ie. where it would be most beneficial in the home.
Thanks for any help or comments on the thesis question !
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2 comments:

  1. Mark GruberMarch 25, 2010 at 6:55 PM

    Hey Tony,

    Came across this article that might help you out. It's from the Applied Science & Technology Database.

    http://vnweb.hwwilsonweb.com.ezproxy.tru.ca/hww/jumpstart.jhtml?recid=0bc05f7a67b1790e7b755baebc06a37aa8c398a1e4ddf1077b8c71aff54f224778d1b46973d1f47f&fmt=C
    Gonchar, J. Let the (Indirect) Sunshine In. ENR v. 260 no. 17 (May 19-26 2008) p. 117-21

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  2. Bolt-On Light Power!March 28, 2010 at 9:59 AM

    Thanks Mark,

    I've checked it out and, in the process, found a new database of information. There are some points of interest regards desirable illuminance, shutters, and louvers even though the method of bringing light in - a transparent ceiling section - is not where I'm headed.

    Thanks again.

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