| Title |
Transmission Efficiency of a Light-Pipe System |
| Abstract |
This paper presents a new sunlight-based light-pipe system. The transmission efficiencies of alternative designs for the light-pipe system were experimentally measured as a function of the angle of incidence and aspect ratio of the light-pipe. Three types of light collecting devices were tested: two utilizing a Fresnel lens and the other a reflecting mirror. Experiments were conducted under clear sky conditions to allow comparison of various system designs under consistent and optimal conditions. Experimental results indicate that the angle of incidence is the most critical factor in determining the transmission efficiency of the light-pipe system. In addition, the mirror light collector was shown to be instrumental in redirecting incoming sunlight in the longitudinal direction of the pipe and thus in improving the overall transmission efficiency of the light-pipe system. |