Aug 30 2005
UBC researchers are taking daylight saving to a new level by literally moving sunlight to illuminate large areas of office space.
Physicists from the UBC Structured Surface Physics Lab have designed a Solar Canopy System, which guides sunlight deep into building interiors using an array of adaptive mirrors, lenses and prism light guides.
“The goal of the project is a truly cost-effective design that allows maximum use of sunlight to provide interior lighting,” says Alexander Rosemann, a post-doctoral fellow and lead researcher on the project.
“Office lighting is one of the largest users of electrical power and a major cause of greenhouse gas emissions, yet surprisingly about half of the time there is plenty of natural light available, but unused, just outside the building,” says Rosemann. “By guiding it to the core, we can save energy and provide an interior environment that most people feel is more pleasant and healthy. And when the sun doesn't shine, sensors can blend in high quality electrical lighting to the extent needed.”
The Solar Canopy System uses a well-aligned group of mirrors to reflect direct sunlight into a hybrid prism light guide - invented by UBC physicist Lorne Whitehead, who is now vice president, Academic at the university - which then guides and spreads light within the building. The modular system can be retrofitted into the space above the false ceiling of an existing office structure or built into new spaces.
The mirrors can be pre-programmed, based on the sun's mathematically known position, so they always tilt correctly in order to reflect the sunlight where it is needed.