BAE SYSTEMS DESIGN PROJECT:DAYLIGHTING TECHNIQUES/

AFTERNOON DE-”LIGHT”

EDSGN 100 Sec. 6 Team 3: David Young, Robert Vadella, Victoria Rodriguez, Phil Bisker, Domonique Trujillo

Abstract

Each day, large quantities of electricity are used to light homes and office buildings. As the cost of energy rises, it is important to find alternative methods of providing light to interior spaces. The objective of this project was to design an energy efficient and cost efficient structure.

Introduction: Daylighting In homes, it is the process

of using natural light to illuminate rooms Reduces the need for

electric lighting Aesthetics: Visual Comfort

Different Methods of Daylighting Windows, Skylights, Solar

Tubes, Glazing Techniques, Translucent Wall Paneling

Benefits of Natural Lighting There are many benefits to natural lighting Studies have proven that effective daylighting

can make people more comfortable and productive Reduced absenteeism for employees and students Reduced eye strain Higher productivity

Increased use of natural as opposed to artificial lighting can reduce electricity consumption Lowering energy costs

Natural Lighting with Windows

Energy can be conserved by using natural light through windows and skylights Conserves electricity

More windows require more energy for heating and cooling a home Costing energy

Description of Design Task Problem Statement

As the cost of energy increases, solar power is becoming more common in new homes.  Lighting interior spaces with electricity can consume large amounts of energy.

Important to find ways to reduce lighting costs while at the same time providing a sufficient amount of light.

Energy Conservation Mission Statement

The group’s mission is to design an efficient method for lighting a solar home.  We have identified various ways of achieving this goal, including skylights, light shelves, “smart” glass and windows, glazing techniques, translucent wall panels, and solar tubes

Our task was to choose the best possible technique, or combination of techniques, that will allow for maximum daylighting with minimum energy costs.

Design Specifications Provide the most cost effective and energy

efficient method for daylighting that meets the requirements of the consumer.

Customer Needs Assessment Cost Effective Easy to Install and Maintain Energy Efficient Durability Aesthetics

Design Approach Concept Selection

Skylights: Location in roof removes space for solar panels. Condensation can also occur (weeping).

Light Shelves: Not suitable for cold climates, not aesthetically pleasing

“Smart” Windows” (change from clear to opaque): Expensive, require electricity to operate

Concepts Selected Window Glazing: Easy to

install, suitable for cold and moderate climates, allows more light than tinted windows while reducing energy loss

Solar Tubes: Cost Effective, increases natural light in rooms with few windows, can be used in any room.

Translucent Wall Panels: Provide higher thermal resistance than windows while allowing light to enter rooms, durable

Solar Tubes Extend from the roof of a home to the

ceiling of the desired room Can provide natural light to rooms

Dimmers can be installed to control the intensity of light

Fewer leaks and less heat loss than skylights

Amount of light depends on size of tube One 10” Solar Tube can light an area of up

to 150 ft2

Reflective technology allows a sufficient amount of light on cloudy days Results in minimal light loss

Window Glazing Glass coating

Increases the energy efficiency of windows and keeps heat from escaping.

In most U.S. climates, low-E coatings reduce heating costs associated with energy loss through windows Common in cold to moderate climates

Laminated “safety” glass adds about 50% to the cost of a typical window. Cost may be increased for windows designed to resist

other forces such as hurricane winds. Low-E coatings save energy in most U.S. climates.

In a simulation of a home located in Boston, low-E coating saved $103 per year.

Translucent Wall Panels Allow natural light to diffuse

into homes and interior spaces Translucent wall and ceiling

panels are better insulators than normal windows Have solar and thermal

advantages Are as durable as normal wall

panels Available in different colors

Prototype Images

Translucent Wall Panels (clear legos)

Solar Tubes (straws)

Sun (yellow pool noodle)

FIG 1. Front View of Prototype

Prototype Images

Glaze Coated Windows

FIG 2. Back View of Prototype

Cost Analysis

* Indicates item may be installed by the homeowner

Item Quantity Cost Total Item Cost

Solar Tubes*

6 $169.00 $1014.00

Window Glazing*

60ft2 $1 per square foot

$60.00

Translucent Wall Panels

26 ft2 $50 per square foot

$1300.00

Total $2374.00

Table 1. Cost Analysis

Summary and Conclusions

Though the initial cost of the items and installation may be expensive, in time they lead to reduced energy consumption. Over a relatively short period of time the conservation of energy leads to savings that are worth the initial cost.

References Energy Center of Wisconsin. “Daylighting

Collaborative.” Accessed 11/30/08 http://daylighting.org/

U.S. Dept. of Energy. “Energy Efficiency.” Accessed 11/28/08 http://www.energy.gov/energyefficiency/ind

ex.htm Toolbase Services. Accessed 11/27/08

http://www.toolbase.org/index.aspx