Abstract: Each light slat of the Mini-Optical Light Shelf daylighting system consists of a light reflecting segment that comprises the top surface of the light slat. A light shading segment and a light redirecting segment comprise the bottom surface of the light slat. The daylight incident on the daylight collection section of the glazing is collected by the optically shaped light reflecting segment of the light slats and redirected onto the ceiling plane of the room in a glare free, uniform manner. In addition, the light redirecting segment of each light slat functions to redirect incident daylight, that is reflected off the light reflecting segment of the adjacent light slat at angles above a predetermined threshold, onto the ceiling plane of the room. The light shading segment functions to block low altitude components of incident daylight from entering the room.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
November 11, 2002
Date of Patent:
March 30, 2004
Assignee:
Architectural Energy Corporation
Inventors:
Zach L. Rogers, Michael J. Holtz, Caroline M. Clevenger, Neall E Digert
Abstract: The mini-optical light shelf daylighting system is implemented in the paradigm of a window treatment that is applicable to both new installations as well as existing window glazing. In particular, the mini-optical light shelf is a passive, static optical device which receives incident daylight transmitted through a window and efficiently redirects it uniformly onto the interior ceiling surface in a diffuse manner, thereby creating a useful source of interior illumination. The mini-optical light shelf comprises multiple shelves, each of which contains an identical optically shaped top surface to allow light to be efficiently collected and accurately directed onto the ceiling surface. The optical shelves are narrow and can be implemented in the paradigm of a window treatment. The window area is partitioned into a view related glazing section and a daylight collection and redirection glazing area.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
February 2, 2001
Date of Patent:
November 12, 2002
Assignee:
Architectural Energy Corporation
Inventors:
Neall Edward Digert, Michael Joseph Holtz
Abstract: The mini-optical light shelf is a daylighting system implemented in the paradigm of a window treatment that is applicable to both new installations as well as existing window glazing. In particular, the mini-optical light shelf is a passive, static optical device which receives daylight transmitted through a window and efficiently redirects it onto the interior ceiling surface in a diffuse manner, thereby creating a useful source of interior illumination. The mini-optical light shelf includes multiple shelves, each of which contains an optically shaped top surface to allow light to be efficiently collected and accurately directed onto the ceiling surface. The optical elements are narrow and can be implemented in the paradigm of a window treatment. The window area is partitioned into a view related glazing section and a daylight collection and redirection glazing area.