Solar optics: light as energy; energy as light

Journal Article · Thu May 01 00:00:00 EDT 1980 · Underground Space; (United States)

OSTI ID:5227707

Bennett, D J; Eijadi, D A

a prominent characteristic of earth-sheltered and underground buildings, as well as buildings designed to accommodate more uses within the same perimeters, is the prominence of interior space without direct access to natural light and view opportunities. Solar Optics, a technique for illuminating interior spaces with natural light, offers a way to satisfy the well-documented human affinity for natural light. The system, which uses a heliostat to track the sun and lenses and mirrors to direct the light to remote interior spaces, is more efficient than converting solar radiation into electricity. Through the use of cold mirrors, it is also possible to separate the infrared portion of the spectrum from visible light, thereby creating a cool light source that can reduce a building's space cooling demand. Solar Optics also offers energy savings by transmitting light through a small aperture, as opposed to a large window. Several design problems must still be addressed. The system will be demonstrated in a new building at the University of Minnesota. Because this is a limited demonstration, it does not include the integration of a natural light system with a central source light system...another promising application of Solar Optics.

• Research Organization: Myers and Bennett Architects/BRW, Minneapolis, MN
• OSTI ID: 5227707
• Journal Information: Underground Space; (United States), Vol. 4:6
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
42 ENGINEERING
29 ENERGY PLANNING
POLICY AND ECONOMY
EARTH-COVERED BUILDINGS
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
OPTICS
SOLAR RADIATION
UNDERGROUND SPACE
LIGHT SOURCES
HELIOSTATS
LIGHT TRANSMISSION
BUILDINGS
EFFICIENCY
EQUIPMENT
RADIATION SOURCES
RADIATIONS
SOLAR EQUIPMENT
320100* - Energy Conservation
Consumption
& Utilization- Buildings
421000 - Engineering- Combustion Systems
299001 - Energy Planning & Policy- Solar- (1989-)