Solar concentrating and redirecting systems for application in an agricultural construction

Abstract

This work deals with the design and evaluation of a concentrator-luminoduct system for daylighting. A concentrator with a truncated cone profile was designed to capture, transfer and diffuse sunlight, which was concentrated and transported by reflection along the walls of the system and finally projected to the interior of an agricultural building. The illuminance achieved by the system with and without concentration was compared and a significant difference in illumination levels was found. The concentrator obtained concentration factors between 1.7 and 3.6. The critical aspects that determined the concentration of natural light were the angle of acceptance (45.68º), the orientation (45º and 90º) and the reflectance of the material used (95%), in addition, it was possible to reduce the dimensions of these systems, conserving the illuminance. It was proven that this system increased the illumination of the interior space where the light did not reach naturally, improving the illuminance levels (300-500 lx), according to CIE (Commission Internationale l'Eclarige). It was demonstrated that the system represents a viable and adaptable solution for naturally illuminating buildings.