A Compact, Hybrid Sunlight Delivering System

Opportunity  

This compact, hybrid daylight harvesting system collects and transports sunlight to illuminate dark spaces, reaching up to two levels underground. Designed for versatility, it can be mounted on top of conventional lamp posts, serving as a streetlamp at night, or installed on rooftops to “pipe” illumination into enclosed rooms across multiple storeys. This daylight harvesting technology provides flexible installation options for various scenarios, providing practicality and utility.  

Technology  

The system comprises an off-the-shelf acrylic ball, a single plastic optical fibre, and computer chip-assisted motors. The acrylic ball, acting like a magnifying glass lens, concentrates parallel rays of sunlight to a sharp focus on its opposite side. This focused sunlight is collected at one end of a fibre cable and transported along the cable to its underground deployment point. The light is then emitted directly from the end of the fibre cable. Simultaneously, small motors, guided by computer chips, automatically adjust the fibre’s collecting end to optimise sunlight reception as the sun moves across the sky. This delivering system ensures maximum efficiency in sunlight harvesting. 

Figure 1: Hybrid sunlight delivering system.

Applications & Advantages  

Applications: 

• Mounted on standard lamp posts or rooftops to channel sunlight into underground spaces or enclosed rooms in multi-storey buildings during the day.  
• Functions as a street lamp for outdoor illumination at night. 
• Ideal for car-park lighting. 

Advantages: 

• Reduces reliance on artificial lighting, leading to energy savings. 
• The system requires low maintenance, making it cost-effective. 
• Maximises the use of available sunlight, which reduces resource waste.