WO1993010393A1 - A light collection system for a skylight - Google Patents

A light collection system for a skylight Download PDF

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Publication number
WO1993010393A1
WO1993010393A1 PCT/AU1992/000616 AU9200616W WO9310393A1 WO 1993010393 A1 WO1993010393 A1 WO 1993010393A1 AU 9200616 W AU9200616 W AU 9200616W WO 9310393 A1 WO9310393 A1 WO 9310393A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
light
guide
concave mirror
mirror
collection system
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/AU1992/000616
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Graham James Wood
Original Assignee
Graham James Wood
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Graham James Wood filed Critical Graham James Wood
Publication of WO1993010393A1 publication Critical patent/WO1993010393A1/en

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
    • G02B6/0001—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems
    • G02B6/0096—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems the lights guides being of the hollow type
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S11/00—Non-electric lighting devices or systems using daylight

Definitions

  • a Light Collection System For A Skylight The present invention relates to a lighting system for a building such as a factory or a house.
  • skylights are used in buildings where it is desired to obtain natural light (sunlight) as opposed to light from electrical sources.
  • Incorporating skylights in a building has the advantage of reducing costs associated with providing electrical lighting and also has the advantage of providing a broad spectrum of light which provides a person occupying the building with an apparently natural environment as opposed to the artificial environment created with electrical lighting.
  • a light collection system for a skylight comprises a concave mirror or lens for concentrating light on a divergent mirror or lens which is arranged to convert the concentrated light from the concave or lens mirror into a substantially parallel light beam for transmission through a central- aperture of the concave mirror or lens mirror for distribution by a light distribution system.
  • the light beam diverges at less than 5% from the convex mirror.
  • the convex mirror and concave mirror are arranged to be located on the same focal axis.
  • the concave mirror may be much larger than the convex mirror.
  • the concave and convex mirrors may be connected to the same supporting structure.
  • the concave mirror is preferably separated from the convex mirror by a distance less than the focal length of the concave mirror.
  • the concave mirror preferably has a parabolic inside surface.
  • the concave mirror may comprise a back face having a cylindrical flange portion concentric with the central focal axis.
  • the concave mirror preferably comprises peripheral portions for attachment to a connection means.
  • the peripheral portions may comprise angled brackets.
  • connection means may interconnect the concave mirror and the convex mirror.
  • the convex mirror may comprise a base portion which is arranged to be connected to the connection means.
  • connection means preferably comprises rods for connection to brackets of the base portion and peripheral portions respectively.
  • the convex mirror may comprise a cylindrical base portion.
  • the base portion extends into a top portion comprising a part spherical/parabolic portion forming the convex reflective surface of the convex mirror.
  • the base portion preferably comprises a planar base.
  • the planar base may be arranged to be mounted on a base plate.
  • the base plate preferably comprises a peripheral angled rim.
  • the base plate preferably comprises end flanges arranged in a symmetrical pattern around the periphery of the base.
  • the flanges can be angled away from the top proportion.
  • ends of the flanges are arranged to be connected to the rods.
  • the top portion may be polished aluminiunrt, anodised, electroplated or reflective film.
  • the cylindrical flange may be arranged to be connected to a distribution system.
  • the substantially parallel light beam may be arranged to be transmitted by the convex mirror through a passage of the distribution system.
  • the substantially parallel light beam may be arranged to be transmitted through a central axial cylindrical area of the distribution system.
  • the central axial cylindrical area is preferably substantially distinct from a peripheral guide of the distribution system.
  • the distribution system preferably comprises a plurality of guides.
  • each guide is a hollow cylinder.
  • the plurality of guides may comprise a first guide arranged to extend along a first axis and a second guide arranged to extend along a second axis perpendicular to the first.
  • the first and second guides are preferably moveable relative to each other.
  • the first guide may be rotatable/pivotable about the central axis of the second guide.
  • the second guide may be connected to a third guide orientated along a third axis perpendicular to the second axis.
  • the second guide can be rotatable/pivotable about the third axis.
  • Each guide is preferably connected with another through an elbow guide.
  • the elbow guide comprises a specular mirror which is arranged to reflect light directed along one axis along another axis perpendicular to the one axis.
  • the elbow guide comprises first and second flanges arranged with central axes which intersect at right angles with each other.
  • the specular mirror is located in a corner of the elbow guide at 45° with respect to both the first and second flanges.
  • the first, second and third guides are cylindrical with a longitudinal central axis.
  • the first cylindrical flange may be coincident with the first guide.
  • the cylindrical flange may be rotatable/pivotable about the first axis.
  • Each guide may comprise a gear assembly linear actuator for actuation to move one guide with respect to another.
  • Each gear assembly may comprise a motor for actuation of the gear assembly.
  • Each motor may be controlled by a microprocessor.
  • first and second guides are provided with the gear assembly.
  • the second and third guides may be provided with peripheral gears of the gear assembly.
  • At least one of the guides may comprise a coupling portion enabling rotatable/pivotable movement of a first part of the guide with respect to a second part.
  • the elbow guides are preferably fixed with respect to each guide to which they are connected.
  • One part of the at least one guide may be provided with gear teeth and the other part may be provided with a stepping motor to turn the one part with respect to the other part.
  • the motors may be arranged to be controlled by the microprocessor to point the concave mirror at the sun.
  • the microprocessor may enable the concave mirror to track the sun.
  • the collection system preferably comprises sensors for indicating desired orientation of the concave mirror with respect to the sun.
  • the first guide may comprise the sensors.
  • the sensors may be arranged in an array inside the first guide or at the entry to the first guide.
  • the sensors may be arranged in the farm of light sensors mounted somewhere on the collection system to indicate the direction of the sun.
  • the sensors are thermostats arranged around the central axial cylindrical area.
  • the sensors indicate movement of the beam of light before the beam of light strikes the inside surface of the concave mirror.
  • the sensors may be arranged around the entry of the first guide.
  • sensors are arranged to extend radially around the central longitudinal axis of the first guide.
  • the sensors may be arranged to extend around the periphery of the beam of light reflected from the convex mirror.
  • Preferably the inside of each guide is provided with a reflective surface.
  • Each sensor may be connected to the cylindrical flange.
  • Each sensor may be connected with the microprocessor.
  • the microprocessor may be arranged to control the motors to orientate the concave mirror so that the beam is intersected by a portion of each sensor.
  • the sensors are arranged symmetrically around the peripheral area of the beam.
  • the microprocessor be arranged to control the motors to reorientate the concave mirror so that the light intensity received by each sensor falls within the predetermined range.
  • the predetermined range is dependent upon the maximum light intensity of the beam at any predetermined time of the day.
  • a maximum light intensity sensor is provided to sense the maximum light intensity of the beam.
  • the microprocessor is connected to all the sensors so as to determine the predetermined range based on the maximum light intensity sensed.
  • each sensor is arranged to sense substantially the same amount of light (lumens) . If at least one sensor receives a different amount of light from the others, it is preferred that the microprocessor be arranged to reorientate the concave mirror so that each sensor receives substantially the same intensity of light.
  • each sensor is a heat sensor and measures the amount of heat produced by the parallel beam of light.
  • the microprocessor is arranged to reorientate the concave mirror so that each sensor receives substantially the same amount of heat.
  • the sensors are light sensors comprising semi-conductor material.
  • the sensors are photo-responsive devices.
  • the light distribution system comprises a re-radiation arrangement comprising a means for converting the substantially parallel beam of light to produce a divergent light beam.
  • the means for converting comprises a divergent lens.
  • the distribution system comprises an outlet guide having the re-radiation arrangement.
  • a substantially parallel beam of light in the distribution system is directed to the outlet guide by a mirror located in one of the guides of the distribution system.
  • the outlet guide is cylindrical.
  • the outlet of the outlet guide is provided with a divergent lens which is arranged to direct light divergently from the outlet guide to a lighting area.
  • the distribution system comprises a light diffuser which is arranged in front of the divergent lens.
  • the distribution system comprises a plurality of outlet guides.
  • the guides comprise optical fibre to enable bends in the guides.
  • the distribution system comprises . an intensity controlled device.
  • the intensity controlled device comprises a blocking means.
  • the blocking means is arranged on a cam surface which is arranged to be rotatable within one of the guides to vary the amount of light of the substantially parallel light beam which may pass through the guide.
  • the distribution system comprises branch guides which are arranged to distribute parts of the substantially parallel beam along different paths.
  • each distribution guide comprises at least three arms.
  • a beam splitter is provided to split the light beam and may be located at the junction of the branches of the distribution guide.
  • the beam splitter comprises a lens having a reflective surface.
  • the beam splitter comprises a portion which is arranged to pass a portion of the substantially parallel beam and reflect another portion.
  • the beam splitter is arranged in the distribution guide so that light which is reflected or passed is substantially prevented from reflecting off the inner walls of the guide.
  • the beam splitter is arranged to allow passed and reflected light to travel along a central axis of each branch of the distribution guide.
  • the beam splitter comprises a mirror with at least one aperture therethrough.
  • the beam splitter comprises a mirror which is sized so that when it is oriented within the distribution guide, it is smaller in width than the width of the light beam.
  • concave and convex mirror with converging and diverging lenses respectively.
  • Figure 1 shows an angled view of a light collection system in accordance with the present invention
  • Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of a collector of the present invention
  • Figure 3 shows a distribution system according to the present invention
  • Figure 4 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the light collection system incorporating the light distribution system
  • Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view of a beam splitter according to a first embodiment
  • Figure 6 shows a cross-sectional view of a beam splitter according to a second embodiment
  • Figure 7 shows a rear angled view of the concave mirror
  • Figure 8 shows a block diagram of a control system for the concave mirror.
  • the light collection system comprises a large concave mirror 10 having a focal axis 11 and connected with a small convex mirror 12 which is located at a point just in front of the focal length of the concave mirror 10.
  • both mirrors are shown in a vertical orientation and are connected together through connecting rods 13 which are fastened to angled brackets 14 and 15 of the concave and convex mirrors respectively.
  • the angled brackets 14 are fastened to an outer rim 16 of the concave mirror and have angled portions 17 which are effectively aligned with the internal concave surface of the concave mirror.
  • the angled brackets 15 are extensions of a base plate 18 on which the convex mirror is mounted.
  • the extensions 19 may be oriented at any suitable angle to ensure an easy connection of the lower end of the rods 13.
  • the central axis of the convex mirror 12 is coincident with the focal axis of the concave mirror 10.
  • the concave mirror 10 is also provided with a central aperture 20 which has a similar diameter to that of the convex mirror 12.
  • a cylindrical flange 21 is provided which is concentric with the central focal axis 11.
  • FIG. 1 the back of concave mirror 10 is shown connected to a light distribution system 22.
  • This light distribution system comprises a series of cylindrical pipes 23, 24, 25, 26 which are interconnected by elbow sections 27, 28, 29 respectively.
  • Each of these elbow sections is effectively a right-angled pipe having a specular mirror 30 which is located in the corner of the pipe and angled at 45° with respect to both branches of the elbow.
  • Each end of the elbow pipe comprises flange portions which allow it to be connected to the cylindrical pipes.
  • Each of the cylindrical pipes is also broken into two parts which are interconnected by a flange portion 31 which permits relative rotation between the two parts. Although not shown these two parts are interconnected through a gear assembly which is operated by a motor to rotate one of the parts with respect to the other.
  • thermocouples 32 which are inserted radially into the cylindrical flange
  • Holes 33 are provided through the wall of the cylindrical pipe 23a to allow for insertion of the thermocouples 32.
  • the concave mirror 35 Typically light from the sun 34 strikes the concave mirror 35 and is reflected to the convex mirror 36 which reflects the light as a parallel beam 37 through the aperture 38 of the concave mirror.
  • the light beam 37 is transmitted through the first cylindrical pipe 39 which acts a light guide.
  • the light beam impinges on the surface of a mirror (referenced by item 30 in Figure 1) of the first coupling guide 40 (pipe 27) .
  • the light beam is reflected off mirror 30 and remains as a substantially parallel beam of light which is transmitted along the central axis of the light guide 41 (pipe 22) .
  • another coupling guide is provided 42 with a mirror 43 which reflects the light beam from light guide 41 at right angles along the central axis of light guide 44 (pipe 25) .
  • this pipe incorporates a light re-radiation arrangement which incorporates a diverging lens 48 which converts the parallel beam of light in light guide 47 to a diverging beam of light 49.
  • light which is collected by the concave mirror 10 can be transmitted along a network of pipes so that the light beam is coaxial with the central axes of each pipe (which in this case are arranged at right angles to each other) to an output light guide where the light can be irradiated for lighting purposes.
  • a tracking mechanism may be incorporated which utilises a microprocessor or other data processing means.
  • the microprocessor is connected with sensors (in this case in the form of light sensors or thermocouples) which are arranged around the periphery of a beam of light which is radiated by the convex mirror 12. Because the light beam radiated from the convex mirror 12 is effectively parallel a cylindrical beam is effectively radiated along the focal axis of the concave mirror and also along the central axis of the first light guide 39 (pipe 23) .
  • the thermocouples 32 are arranged so that they intercept an outer peripheral region of the light beam and are arranged symmetrically around the light beam and the thermocouples are then connected through appropriate interfaced devices to the microprocessor.
  • the microprocessor is then connected to motors (which may be stepping motors which are used to control gearing assemblies for each pipe which incorporates a rotatable flange part.
  • thermocouples When the collector is pointed directly at the sun, the light beam radiated from the convex mirror is centred along the focal axis of the concave and convex mirror and thus each of the thermocouples effectively is balanced and will sense the same amount of energy at the end where it intercepts the light beam. If the collector is not directly pointed at the sun, the light beam radiated from the convex mirror will be centred at a position which is slightly offset from the focal axis and thus the central axis of the first light guide. Accordingly, the thermocouples will no longer be balanced but will measure different temperatures because one or more of them will be exposed to more radiation than the others.
  • the microprocessor will sense this unbalancing and will activate the appropriate motors to rotate one or more of the cylindrical pipes so that the collector is pointed directly at the sun. It should be noted that it is not necessary that all the pipes be rotatable with respect to the other pipes and it is envisaged that in other embodiments the pipes are not mutually perpendicular with respect to each other. Preferably however, there are at least two pipes each -mutually perpendicular, which are rotatable " with respect to the other so as to provide the collector with movement in at least two mutually perpendicular axes.
  • the initial azimuth and elevation angles of the axis of the concave mirror are calculated by the microprocessor using algorithms based on almanac data or photosentive devices in contact with the suns rays.
  • the axis of the concave mirror may be positioned using almanac data.
  • the mirrors are preferably highly reflective and provided with a precision parabolic surface.
  • the convex mirror may be replaced by a concave mirror which is located outside the focal length of the concave mirror and which thus has a curvature which is similar to that of the concave mirror.
  • a network of light guides may be connected together so that a collector which is provided on the roof of a building or any other part of a building may radiate light as a parallel beam of light through the ducting to any part of the building.
  • the network of light guides can be adapted so that part of the light beam may be split and diverted by a beam splitter 50 which is located inside the light guide 44.
  • the beam splitter is a specular mirror having a number of apertures 51 therethrough to allow a portion a light beam 52 to pass therethrough and strike the mirror 53 at the end of the light guide 44 and for the rest of the light beam to be reflected off the beam splitter 50 as a parallel light beam 54 through outlet guide 55 where it is radiated through a divergent lens 56 through a diffuser 57 for lighting a room.
  • parts of the beam can be effectively diverted from the main beam to light more than one room in the building.
  • a light control means in the form of a specular mirror 58 may be provided in one of the guides and may be operable by a motor to vary the amount of the light beam which it intersects and thus varying the amount of light which passes beyond it.
  • the mirror may have a surface which is reflective according to the darkened pattern represented by item 59 or may be transparent as represented by the uncoloured portion of the pattern 60.
  • the mirror 58 may be made so that it has a different pattern of transparent and reflective components so as to provide the desired amount of control of light intensity.
  • the mirror may effectively be a transparent piece of glass with only a few lines of reflective material thereon.
  • a transparent plate may be inserted in one or more of the guides and the transparent plate may be provided with a reflective surface which is arranged around a central axis located outside the guide. By rotating the plate, the amount of reflective surface which cuts the light beam can be made to vary.
  • thermocouples 32 are arranged in an up, down, left, right configuration.
  • FIG 8 a block diagram is shown of a method of controlling the elevation and azimuth of the concave mirror.
  • thermocouples Yl, Y2, XI, X2 represent positive or negative axes of elevation or azimuth.
  • thermocouples are connected to buffer amplifiers 70 which are inturn connected to a microprocessor 71.
  • the microprocessor is also provided with information on the time and the latitude of the collector system (which will vary depending on the precise location of the collection system) and in accordance with an algorithm, will control a motor drive 72 depending on the temperature sensed by each of the thermocouples. If the thermocouples are balanced, then the motor will not need to be operated. However, if one of the thermocouples is outside the beam of the light and another is further inside the beam of the light transmitted by the convex mirror, the elevation or azimuth motors will be operated in accordance with the computer program of the microprocessor which then operates the motor drive to operate either or both stepping motors 73, 74.
  • the present invention includes a system for collection of all forms of light including infra-red and ultraviolet.

Abstract

A light collection system for use in buildings consisting of a concave mirror with a convex mirror aligned on the focal axis of the concave mirror (10) inside the focal point of the concave mirror (10). The convex mirror (12) radiates light directed onto it from the concave mirror (10) as a substantially parallel beam of light which passes through a central aperture (20) of the concave mirror (10) and through a cylindrical flange (21) located behind the concave mirror (10). Temperature sensors (32) monitor the position of the substantially parallel beam so that the concave mirror/convex mirror assembly can be controlled to ensure that the parallel beam of light is centred along the focal axis of the concave mirror and along the central axis of a light distribution system connected to the cylindrical flange (21).

Description

A Light Collection System For A Skylight The present invention relates to a lighting system for a building such as a factory or a house.
Typically, skylights are used in buildings where it is desired to obtain natural light (sunlight) as opposed to light from electrical sources.
Incorporating skylights in a building has the advantage of reducing costs associated with providing electrical lighting and also has the advantage of providing a broad spectrum of light which provides a person occupying the building with an apparently natural environment as opposed to the artificial environment created with electrical lighting.
The problem with existing skylights is that they can only be used to light a space or room directly below the roof of the building. Accordingly, any rooms or spaces which are not directly under the roof cannot be adequately catered for using an existing skylight. In addition to this, because the intensity of light varies with the square of the distance from the light source, if the building is a tall building, light from the skylight rapidly diminishes in intensity by the time it reaches floor level.
According to the present invention, a light collection system for a skylight comprises a concave mirror or lens for concentrating light on a divergent mirror or lens which is arranged to convert the concentrated light from the concave or lens mirror into a substantially parallel light beam for transmission through a central- aperture of the concave mirror or lens mirror for distribution by a light distribution system.
Preferably the light beam diverges at less than 5% from the convex mirror.
Preferably the convex mirror and concave mirror are arranged to be located on the same focal axis.
The concave mirror may be much larger than the convex mirror.
The concave and convex mirrors may be connected to the same supporting structure.
The concave mirror is preferably separated from the convex mirror by a distance less than the focal length of the concave mirror. The concave mirror preferably has a parabolic inside surface.
The concave mirror may comprise a back face having a cylindrical flange portion concentric with the central focal axis. The concave mirror preferably comprises peripheral portions for attachment to a connection means.
The peripheral portions may comprise angled brackets.
The connection means may interconnect the concave mirror and the convex mirror.
The convex mirror may comprise a base portion which is arranged to be connected to the connection means.
The connection means preferably comprises rods for connection to brackets of the base portion and peripheral portions respectively.
The convex mirror may comprise a cylindrical base portion.
According to one embodiment the base portion extends into a top portion comprising a part spherical/parabolic portion forming the convex reflective surface of the convex mirror.
The base portion preferably comprises a planar base. The planar base may be arranged to be mounted on a base plate.
The base plate preferably comprises a peripheral angled rim.
The base plate preferably comprises end flanges arranged in a symmetrical pattern around the periphery of the base.
The flanges can be angled away from the top proportion.
Desirably ends of the flanges are arranged to be connected to the rods.
The top portion may be polished aluminiunrt, anodised, electroplated or reflective film.
The cylindrical flange may be arranged to be connected to a distribution system.
The substantially parallel light beam may be arranged to be transmitted by the convex mirror through a passage of the distribution system.
The substantially parallel light beam may be arranged to be transmitted through a central axial cylindrical area of the distribution system.
The central axial cylindrical area is preferably substantially distinct from a peripheral guide of the distribution system. The distribution system preferably comprises a plurality of guides.
Preferably each guide is a hollow cylinder. The plurality of guides may comprise a first guide arranged to extend along a first axis and a second guide arranged to extend along a second axis perpendicular to the first.
The first and second guides are preferably moveable relative to each other.
The first guide may be rotatable/pivotable about the central axis of the second guide.
The second guide may be connected to a third guide orientated along a third axis perpendicular to the second axis.
The second guide can be rotatable/pivotable about the third axis.
Each guide is preferably connected with another through an elbow guide.
Preferably the elbow guide comprises a specular mirror which is arranged to reflect light directed along one axis along another axis perpendicular to the one axis.
According to another embodiment the elbow guide comprises first and second flanges arranged with central axes which intersect at right angles with each other.
Preferably the specular mirror is located in a corner of the elbow guide at 45° with respect to both the first and second flanges. Preferably the first, second and third guides are cylindrical with a longitudinal central axis.
The first cylindrical flange may be coincident with the first guide.
The cylindrical flange may be rotatable/pivotable about the first axis.
Each guide may comprise a gear assembly linear actuator for actuation to move one guide with respect to another.
Each gear assembly may comprise a motor for actuation of the gear assembly.
Each motor may be controlled by a microprocessor.
Preferably the first and second guides are provided with the gear assembly. The second and third guides may be provided with peripheral gears of the gear assembly.
At least one of the guides may comprise a coupling portion enabling rotatable/pivotable movement of a first part of the guide with respect to a second part. The elbow guides are preferably fixed with respect to each guide to which they are connected.
One part of the at least one guide may be provided with gear teeth and the other part may be provided with a stepping motor to turn the one part with respect to the other part.
The motors may be arranged to be controlled by the microprocessor to point the concave mirror at the sun.
The microprocessor may enable the concave mirror to track the sun.
The collection system preferably comprises sensors for indicating desired orientation of the concave mirror with respect to the sun. The first guide may comprise the sensors.
The sensors may be arranged in an array inside the first guide or at the entry to the first guide.
The sensors may be arranged in the farm of light sensors mounted somewhere on the collection system to indicate the direction of the sun.
Preferably the sensors are thermostats arranged around the central axial cylindrical area.
Preferably the sensors indicate movement of the beam of light before the beam of light strikes the inside surface of the concave mirror.
The sensors may be arranged around the entry of the first guide.
Preferably sensors are arranged to extend radially around the central longitudinal axis of the first guide.
The sensors may be arranged to extend around the periphery of the beam of light reflected from the convex mirror. Preferably the inside of each guide is provided with a reflective surface.
Each sensor may be connected to the cylindrical flange.
Each sensor may be connected with the microprocessor.
The microprocessor may be arranged to control the motors to orientate the concave mirror so that the beam is intersected by a portion of each sensor.
Preferably the sensors are arranged symmetrically around the peripheral area of the beam.
If one of the sensors receives light of an intensity outside a predetermined range, it is preferred that the microprocessor be arranged to control the motors to reorientate the concave mirror so that the light intensity received by each sensor falls within the predetermined range.
Preferably the predetermined range is dependent upon the maximum light intensity of the beam at any predetermined time of the day.
Preferably a maximum light intensity sensor is provided to sense the maximum light intensity of the beam. Preferably the microprocessor is connected to all the sensors so as to determine the predetermined range based on the maximum light intensity sensed.
Preferably each sensor is arranged to sense substantially the same amount of light (lumens) . If at least one sensor receives a different amount of light from the others, it is preferred that the microprocessor be arranged to reorientate the concave mirror so that each sensor receives substantially the same intensity of light. Preferably each sensor is a heat sensor and measures the amount of heat produced by the parallel beam of light.
If at least one sensor receives a different amount of heat from the beam than the others, Preferably the microprocessor is arranged to reorientate the concave mirror so that each sensor receives substantially the same amount of heat.
Preferably the sensors are light sensors comprising semi-conductor material. Preferably the sensors are photo-responsive devices.
According to another embodiment of the present invention the light distribution system comprises a re-radiation arrangement comprising a means for converting the substantially parallel beam of light to produce a divergent light beam.
Preferably the means for converting comprises a divergent lens.
Preferably the distribution system comprises an outlet guide having the re-radiation arrangement.
Preferably a substantially parallel beam of light in the distribution system is directed to the outlet guide by a mirror located in one of the guides of the distribution system.
Preferably the outlet guide is cylindrical. Preferably the outlet of the outlet guide is provided with a divergent lens which is arranged to direct light divergently from the outlet guide to a lighting area.
Preferably the distribution system comprises a light diffuser which is arranged in front of the divergent lens. Preferably the distribution system comprises a plurality of outlet guides.
Preferably the guides comprise optical fibre to enable bends in the guides.
Preferably the distribution system comprises . an intensity controlled device.
Preferably the intensity controlled device comprises a blocking means.
Preferably the blocking means is arranged on a cam surface which is arranged to be rotatable within one of the guides to vary the amount of light of the substantially parallel light beam which may pass through the guide.
Preferably the distribution system comprises branch guides which are arranged to distribute parts of the substantially parallel beam along different paths.
Preferably each distribution guide comprises at least three arms.
Preferably a beam splitter is provided to split the light beam and may be located at the junction of the branches of the distribution guide.
Preferably the beam splitter comprises a lens having a reflective surface.
Preferably the beam splitter comprises a portion which is arranged to pass a portion of the substantially parallel beam and reflect another portion.
Preferably the beam splitter is arranged in the distribution guide so that light which is reflected or passed is substantially prevented from reflecting off the inner walls of the guide.
Preferably the beam splitter is arranged to allow passed and reflected light to travel along a central axis of each branch of the distribution guide. Preferably the beam splitter comprises a mirror with at least one aperture therethrough.
Alternatively the beam splitter comprises a mirror which is sized so that when it is oriented within the distribution guide, it is smaller in width than the width of the light beam.
According to another embodiment the concave and convex mirror with converging and diverging lenses respectively.
Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 shows an angled view of a light collection system in accordance with the present invention; Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of a collector of the present invention;
Figure 3 shows a distribution system according to the present invention;
Figure 4 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the light collection system incorporating the light distribution system;
Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view of a beam splitter according to a first embodiment;
Figure 6 shows a cross-sectional view of a beam splitter according to a second embodiment;
Figure 7 shows a rear angled view of the concave mirror; and
Figure 8 shows a block diagram of a control system for the concave mirror. Referring to Figure 2, the light collection system comprises a large concave mirror 10 having a focal axis 11 and connected with a small convex mirror 12 which is located at a point just in front of the focal length of the concave mirror 10. In Figure 2 both mirrors are shown in a vertical orientation and are connected together through connecting rods 13 which are fastened to angled brackets 14 and 15 of the concave and convex mirrors respectively.
The angled brackets 14 are fastened to an outer rim 16 of the concave mirror and have angled portions 17 which are effectively aligned with the internal concave surface of the concave mirror. The angled brackets 15 are extensions of a base plate 18 on which the convex mirror is mounted. The extensions 19 may be oriented at any suitable angle to ensure an easy connection of the lower end of the rods 13.
The central axis of the convex mirror 12 is coincident with the focal axis of the concave mirror 10.
The concave mirror 10 is also provided with a central aperture 20 which has a similar diameter to that of the convex mirror 12.
Behind the concave mirror a cylindrical flange 21 is provided which is concentric with the central focal axis 11.
Referring to Figure 1 the back of concave mirror 10 is shown connected to a light distribution system 22. This light distribution system comprises a series of cylindrical pipes 23, 24, 25, 26 which are interconnected by elbow sections 27, 28, 29 respectively. Each of these elbow sections is effectively a right-angled pipe having a specular mirror 30 which is located in the corner of the pipe and angled at 45° with respect to both branches of the elbow. Each end of the elbow pipe comprises flange portions which allow it to be connected to the cylindrical pipes.
Each of the cylindrical pipes is also broken into two parts which are interconnected by a flange portion 31 which permits relative rotation between the two parts. Although not shown these two parts are interconnected through a gear assembly which is operated by a motor to rotate one of the parts with respect to the other.
A sensing means in the form of thermocouples 32 which are inserted radially into the cylindrical flange
21 are connected to a microprocessor which is used to control the gear assembly of each cylindrical pipe which is rotatable.
Holes 33 are provided through the wall of the cylindrical pipe 23a to allow for insertion of the thermocouples 32. The operation of the first embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to Figure 3 and figure 1.
Typically light from the sun 34 strikes the concave mirror 35 and is reflected to the convex mirror 36 which reflects the light as a parallel beam 37 through the aperture 38 of the concave mirror. The light beam 37 is transmitted through the first cylindrical pipe 39 which acts a light guide.
The light beam impinges on the surface of a mirror (referenced by item 30 in Figure 1) of the first coupling guide 40 (pipe 27) . The light beam is reflected off mirror 30 and remains as a substantially parallel beam of light which is transmitted along the central axis of the light guide 41 (pipe 22) . At the bottom of light guide 41 another coupling guide is provided 42 with a mirror 43 which reflects the light beam from light guide 41 at right angles along the central axis of light guide 44 (pipe 25) .
At the end of light guide 44 another coupling guide 45 is provided with a specular mirror 46 which directs the light beam from 44 at right angles along the central axis of output light guide 47 (pipe 26) . This pipe incorporates a light re-radiation arrangement which incorporates a diverging lens 48 which converts the parallel beam of light in light guide 47 to a diverging beam of light 49.
Thus using the system shown in Figure 1 light which is collected by the concave mirror 10 can be transmitted along a network of pipes so that the light beam is coaxial with the central axes of each pipe (which in this case are arranged at right angles to each other) to an output light guide where the light can be irradiated for lighting purposes.
To ensure that the collector concave mirror 10 is always positioned to receive the maximum amount of light possible from the sun, a tracking mechanism may be incorporated which utilises a microprocessor or other data processing means.
To control operation of the collector, the microprocessor is connected with sensors (in this case in the form of light sensors or thermocouples) which are arranged around the periphery of a beam of light which is radiated by the convex mirror 12. Because the light beam radiated from the convex mirror 12 is effectively parallel a cylindrical beam is effectively radiated along the focal axis of the concave mirror and also along the central axis of the first light guide 39 (pipe 23) . The thermocouples 32 are arranged so that they intercept an outer peripheral region of the light beam and are arranged symmetrically around the light beam and the thermocouples are then connected through appropriate interfaced devices to the microprocessor. The microprocessor is then connected to motors (which may be stepping motors which are used to control gearing assemblies for each pipe which incorporates a rotatable flange part.
When the collector is pointed directly at the sun, the light beam radiated from the convex mirror is centred along the focal axis of the concave and convex mirror and thus each of the thermocouples effectively is balanced and will sense the same amount of energy at the end where it intercepts the light beam. If the collector is not directly pointed at the sun, the light beam radiated from the convex mirror will be centred at a position which is slightly offset from the focal axis and thus the central axis of the first light guide. Accordingly, the thermocouples will no longer be balanced but will measure different temperatures because one or more of them will be exposed to more radiation than the others. Accordingly, the microprocessor will sense this unbalancing and will activate the appropriate motors to rotate one or more of the cylindrical pipes so that the collector is pointed directly at the sun. It should be noted that it is not necessary that all the pipes be rotatable with respect to the other pipes and it is envisaged that in other embodiments the pipes are not mutually perpendicular with respect to each other. Preferably however, there are at least two pipes each -mutually perpendicular, which are rotatable "with respect to the other so as to provide the collector with movement in at least two mutually perpendicular axes.
Preferably the initial azimuth and elevation angles of the axis of the concave mirror are calculated by the microprocessor using algorithms based on almanac data or photosentive devices in contact with the suns rays. Similarly, during overcast periods when their may be insufficient energy to activate the sensors within the cylindrical flange. The axis of the concave mirror may be positioned using almanac data. In order to achieve a parallel beam of light which has a minimum degree of divergence and thus minimum reflectivity off of the internal surfaces of the light guides the mirrors are preferably highly reflective and provided with a precision parabolic surface. It is also possible for the convex mirror to be replaced by a concave mirror which is located outside the focal length of the concave mirror and which thus has a curvature which is similar to that of the concave mirror. The curvature of the convex mirror may be designed according to the equation: z = (1 ÷ 80) x y2 - (9.983 x 10"9) x y4
- (1.645 x 10-11) x y6 + (8.364 x 10"15) x y8 + ( 1 . 816 x l - "16) x y10
In this equation z and y refer to perpendicular axes of the mirror and the numerals given refer to various constants which are used for operation of a diamond point milling machine design to mill the surface of the mirrors.
The curvature of the concave mirror is given by the formula:
- - _£_ 1000
A network of light guides may be connected together so that a collector which is provided on the roof of a building or any other part of a building may radiate light as a parallel beam of light through the ducting to any part of the building.
In order to obtain light in more than one location, the network of light guides can be adapted so that part of the light beam may be split and diverted by a beam splitter 50 which is located inside the light guide 44. As shown, the beam splitter is a specular mirror having a number of apertures 51 therethrough to allow a portion a light beam 52 to pass therethrough and strike the mirror 53 at the end of the light guide 44 and for the rest of the light beam to be reflected off the beam splitter 50 as a parallel light beam 54 through outlet guide 55 where it is radiated through a divergent lens 56 through a diffuser 57 for lighting a room. In this way parts of the beam can be effectively diverted from the main beam to light more than one room in the building.
In addition, if it is desired to vary the intensity of the light being radiated from a particular room, a light control means in the form of a specular mirror 58 may be provided in one of the guides and may be operable by a motor to vary the amount of the light beam which it intersects and thus varying the amount of light which passes beyond it. Thus, referring to figure 5, the mirror may have a surface which is reflective according to the darkened pattern represented by item 59 or may be transparent as represented by the uncoloured portion of the pattern 60. Thus, by inserting the mirror 58 further into the light guide, the light which passes through the mirror 58 eventually will fall to zero if the right hand side of the mirror 58 completely reflects back the beam of light.
Alternatively, the mirror 58 may be made so that it has a different pattern of transparent and reflective components so as to provide the desired amount of control of light intensity. For example, as shown in figure 6, the mirror may effectively be a transparent piece of glass with only a few lines of reflective material thereon. In another version of the mirror 58, a transparent plate may be inserted in one or more of the guides and the transparent plate may be provided with a reflective surface which is arranged around a central axis located outside the guide. By rotating the plate, the amount of reflective surface which cuts the light beam can be made to vary.
Referring to figure 7, an angled view is provided of the concave mirror 10 and its cylindrical flange 21. As shown therein, the thermocouples 32 are arranged in an up, down, left, right configuration.
Referring to figure 8, a block diagram is shown of a method of controlling the elevation and azimuth of the concave mirror.
Each of the thermocouples Yl, Y2, XI, X2 represent positive or negative axes of elevation or azimuth.
The thermocouples are connected to buffer amplifiers 70 which are inturn connected to a microprocessor 71. The microprocessor is also provided with information on the time and the latitude of the collector system (which will vary depending on the precise location of the collection system) and in accordance with an algorithm, will control a motor drive 72 depending on the temperature sensed by each of the thermocouples. If the thermocouples are balanced, then the motor will not need to be operated. However, if one of the thermocouples is outside the beam of the light and another is further inside the beam of the light transmitted by the convex mirror, the elevation or azimuth motors will be operated in accordance with the computer program of the microprocessor which then operates the motor drive to operate either or both stepping motors 73, 74.
The present invention includes a system for collection of all forms of light including infra-red and ultraviolet.

Claims

THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS:
1. A light collection system comprising a concave mirror for concentrating light on a divergent mirror or lens which is arranged to convert the concentrated light from the concave mirror or lens into a substantially parallel light beam for transmission through a central aperture of the concave mirror or lens for distribution by a light distribution system.
2. A light collection system according to claim 1 wherein the convex mirror or lens and concave mirror or lens are arranged to be located on the same focal axis with the concave mirror or lens located inside the focal length of the concave mirror or lens.
3. A light collection system according to claim 1 or claim 2 comprising a controller for controlling the orientation of the concave mirror or lens so that it can track the movement of the sun.
4. A light collection system according to claim 3 wherein the light collection system comprises sensors which are arranged to intersect a portion of the substantially parallel light beam radiated by the convex mirror or lens and are connected to the controller which is arranged to control movement of the concave mirror or lens based on information received from the sensors.
5. A light collection system according to claim 4 wherein the light distribution system comprises a network of light guides which are arranged to receive the substantially parallel light beam and guide it along a central axis of each guide for irradiation at an outlet end of the network.
6. A light collection system according to claim 5 wherein the network comprises at least two guides which are mutually perpendicular.
1. A light collection system according to claim 6 wherein each of the mutually perpendicular light guides is rotatable with respect to at least a portion of one of its connecting light guides.
8. A light collection system according to claim 7 wherein each guide in the network is connected with another guide oriented along a different axis, by a coupling guide comprising a specular mirror which is arranged to direct a beam travelling along one guide along a central axis of another guide which is oriented at a different angle with respect to the central axis of the previous guide.
9. A light collection system according to any one of the previous claims wherein a beam splitter is provided for diverting part of the substantially parallel and concentrated light beam from one guide to a branch guide for irradiation at a remote location.
10. A light collection system according to any one of the previous claims wherein the light distribution system comprises an outlet guide having a divergent lens for converting the substantially parallel beam of light to a divergent beam of light.
11. A skylight incorporating any one of the embodiments previously outlined in the description.
PCT/AU1992/000616 1991-11-13 1992-11-13 A light collection system for a skylight WO1993010393A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AUPK948091 1991-11-13
AUPK9480 1991-11-13

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WO1993010393A1 true WO1993010393A1 (en) 1993-05-27

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EP0995141A1 (en) * 1996-12-23 2000-04-26 Ronald M. Carlson Internal natural light delivery system
EP2195852A2 (en) * 2007-08-27 2010-06-16 Nsnet Co., Ltd. Condensing system of solar light for natural lighting
EP2444719A2 (en) * 2009-06-19 2012-04-25 O, Se Dae Natural lighting apparatus and hybrid illumination system using same
ES2385074A1 (en) * 2009-09-30 2012-07-18 Pedro Antonio García Zafra Autonomous natural lighting system. (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding)

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EP0995141A1 (en) * 1996-12-23 2000-04-26 Ronald M. Carlson Internal natural light delivery system
EP0995141A4 (en) * 1996-12-23 2000-04-26 Ronald M Carlson Internal natural light delivery system
EP2195852A2 (en) * 2007-08-27 2010-06-16 Nsnet Co., Ltd. Condensing system of solar light for natural lighting
EP2195852A4 (en) * 2007-08-27 2012-04-25 Nsnet Co Ltd Condensing system of solar light for natural lighting
EP2444719A2 (en) * 2009-06-19 2012-04-25 O, Se Dae Natural lighting apparatus and hybrid illumination system using same
EP2444719A4 (en) * 2009-06-19 2013-11-13 O Se Dae Natural lighting apparatus and hybrid illumination system using same
US8905586B2 (en) 2009-06-19 2014-12-09 Se Dae O Natural lighting apparatus and hybrid illumination system using same
ES2385074A1 (en) * 2009-09-30 2012-07-18 Pedro Antonio García Zafra Autonomous natural lighting system. (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding)

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