Remote lighting applications

Journal Article · Sun Dec 01 04:00:00 EST 1996 · Energy Engineering

OSTI ID:404363

Kneipp, K G ^[1]

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1. 3M Co., Saint Paul, MN (United States). Traffic Control Materials Div.

The concept of locating a light source at a point remote from where the light is actually used is not new. There are many advantages to such a lighting system, including improved safety, design freedom, unique performance features, easier maintenance, reduced fixture cost and reduced energy consumption. Several possible techniques can be considered for transporting and distribution light, and the selection of an appropriate method largely depends upon the specific application. In some cases, the use of conventional mirrors can be considered. However, the use of generally available metallic mirror materials to direct and distribute light over large areas or long distances is usually not practical due to inefficiencies of multiple reflections. While optical fibers can transport light very efficiently over long distances, the fibers (or fiber bundles) that would be required to carry sufficiently large amounts of light for many applications would be very heavy and prohibitively expensive. Unlike typical metallic mirrors, prismatic films, under certain conditions, can reflect light efficiently much like optical fibers do, and they have utility in the fabrication of hollow light guides, which are finding application in a wide variety of end uses. The optical capabilities of these prismatic films, the ways in which such films may be used in the construction of hollow light guides with unique features and benefits, and an overview of some existing applications are given.

• OSTI ID: 404363
• Journal Information: Energy Engineering, Journal Name: Energy Engineering Journal Issue: 4 Vol. 93; ISSN EENGDO; ISSN 0199-8595
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
DESIGN
FIBER OPTICS
LIGHT TRANSMISSION
LIGHTING SYSTEMS
REFLECTIVE COATINGS
TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT
WAVEGUIDES