Development of an Inexpensive Mini-Optical Light Shelf (MOLS) Daylighting System

80 Development of an Inexpensive Mini-Optical Light Shelf (MOLS) Daylighting System--Architectural Energy Corporation, 2540 Frontier Avenue, Suite 201, Boulder, CO 80301-2400; (303) 444-4149 Mr. Neall Digert, MIES, Principal Investigator Mr. Michael Holtz, AIA, Business Official DOE Grant No. DE-FG03-97ER82331 Amount: $74,902 Approximately $71 billion is spent annually on the power needs of non-residential buildings (office, retail, industrial, etc.). Nearly $35 billion of these energy costs are associated with powering lighting equipment or removing the heat associated with using the lighting equipment. Daylighting can reduce lighting and cooling energy consumption and peak demand. However, for daylighting technologies to succeed, they must be cost-effective and applicable to both new and retrofit construction. This project encompasses feasibility research and preliminary development work for an inexpensive Mini-Optical Light Self daylighting system for the side lighting of new and retrofit non-residential buildings. This system relies on internally mounted mini-optical reflector elements which collect, redirect, and diffuse daylight onto a building internal ceiling plane, effectively increasing the size of a building¿s perimeter daylight zones and reducing the need for the operation of electric lighting equipment. Phase I feasibility research will refine and evaluate the Mini-Optical Light Shelf concept through component and system level design and analysis, optical performance simulation, scale model testing, manufacturing feasibility studies, and annual building energy and demand simulations. The technical and economic viability of the Mini-Optical Light Shelf will be evaluated in Phase I. A conceptual prototype design, including material selection, will be defined for Phase II. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: The market for an innovative passive optic daylighting side lighting system is new and existing non-residential buildings. The goal for the innovative Mini-Optical Light Shelf daylighting system is to be as easily applied as normal internal mini-blinds for both new and retrofit construction. The use of this side lighting technology could significantly reduce the $35 billion spent each year to light non-residential buildings in the United States and also enhance the quality of their visual environment.