Nov 18 2010
Soltactics, a Norman based energy efficiency company, has produced a new natural-lighting technology that is scheduled for testing by the California Lighting Technology Center.
The Horizontal Opening Solar Solution (HOSS) is a component in skylight systems used in commercial buildings. By design, HOSS eliminates up to 82 percent of solar radiation, equaling up to 30 percent in energy savings over traditional skylights. HOSS eliminates solar radiation, reduces heat gain and reduces the amount of artificial light needed, making the system extremely energy efficient. Economically speaking, the benefits of reduced radiation and need for artificial light translates into savings in energy costs. In addition, the system works in reverse in the winter months to allow beneficial solar radiation into the building, reducing heating costs. HOSS was patented through Iowa State University and further enhanced at the University of Oklahoma’s College of Engineering. The system can be retrofitted to existing skylights or installed as new construction.
California Lighting Technology Center (CLTC) has selected the HOSS as part of a study to evaluate the active modulation of natural light through skylights for thermal and visual comfort. The center is a collaboration of the University of California at Davis, The California Energy Commission, The US Department of Energy and the National Electrical Manufacturers Association. CLTC has laboratories for the development and demonstration of next- generation lighting and day-lighting technologies. The evaluation and testing is scheduled to begin December 1, 2010. From the first day of testing, data will be gathered to evaluate the feasibility and measure the efficiency of the skylights. The testing is scheduled to last six to twelve months.
Soltactics combines patented technologies and manufacturing processes that produce a commercially viable solution for both new and retrofitted installations for the horizontal (HOSS) building openings.
Source: http://cltc.ucdavis.edu