Designing a laser-cut panel for light collection for daylighting using a generalised mathematical model

Abstract

The current daylighting requirements require a system that can maintain a uniform light output throughout the day while enabling deep and controlled penetration of sunlight. If such a system is simple to manufacture, inexpensive and incorporates no moving parts and maintenance, it can easily fulfil all the daylighting needs. This paper focuses on the development of such a system using laser-cut panels. Mathematical models for determining the dimensions of a laser-cut panel and its efficiency were developed. A laser-cut panel collector was designed based on these models and simulated. The results showed enhanced light output at light pipe end by up to 47 times and 32 times as compared to a flat plate collector in the month of June and December, respectively and up to nine times for a dome collector for the designed range of sun altitudes. For this range, the ratio of pipe output to input was up to 4.5 times higher than the other collectors. The light at diffuser side was more distributed for the laser-cut panel collector. The current design, however, did not provide appropriate reduction in illuminance at peak hours in June. This approach can easily be used for light collection without involving any complex mechanisms.