Performance prediction and design optimisation of an integrated light pipe and artificial lighting system

Abstract

This paper describes recent research on the prediction of the performance of light pipes and the ways to optimise their design, in order to house artificial lighting, able to supplement daylight in a space. The research has resulted in an algorithm, for the easy and quick calculation of the interior illuminance provided by light pipes, and in a procedure for the calculation of the power of the necessary artificial lighting (light emitting diodes [LEDs]) and the energy savings for lighting, due to the daylight provided by the light pipes and the daylight linked controls of the LEDs.

Keywords:

• light pipes
• performance algorithm
• LEDs
• energy savings

Acknowledgements

This work was supported by European Commission as part of the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for Research, Technological development & Demonstration activities under the funding scheme of ‘Collaborative Project – Large-scale integrating project’ (HERB project website: http://www.euroretrofit.com/) [grant number 314283].