Catch the sun in dome and tube
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With zero heat and full illumination a tubular skylight reduces the need for electricity till dusk, writes K.S. Subramanian
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Harnessing light: A view of the tubular light.
Can the Sun’s rays go waste, especially when it is a tremendous source of energy? Apparently not, when you realise that in tropical and coastal areas the heat beats down wearying residents rather than functioning as a utility source. Various products using solar energy have hit the market and become part of homes in many cities.
Diffusion
Skylights have been widely used in hotels, buildings and probably shopping malls. Sun-dome is one of the products which has been tested to diffuse sunlight successfully through tubular skylights. Diffusion of natural light, during peak summer and notably in cities known for weather extremities, is supplemental and not an alternative to electricity. In essence, during the day skylight can diffuse substantial illumination, saving power and cost. In the case of a tubular skylight light diffusion is not only proper and with right ventilation can ward off sweating also.
A. Arun Kumar says, “The product has external polycarbonate dome, highly reflective tubing and bottom diffuser. The external polycarbonate domes are UV stabilised and filter off majority of UV rays. No heat is transmitted inside. The light inside is clear without heat.”
He led this writer to a dense, unventilated room upstairs where a 13” dome was fixed and it was remarkably radiant. He showed domes of sizes 10” and 21” covering nearly 100 and 600 sq. ft. respectively. What are the relative advantages? With zero heat and full illumination it obviates the need to use electricity till dusk. “One has to switch on the lights for about 4 to 5 hours at night unless of course he/she is engrossed with television. Air conditioners become less indispensable. It eliminates the health hazards that fluorescent light entails” he says. A Sundome supposedly replaces 960 watts of fluorescent lighting. According to Mr. Arun Kumar, installation will take about 45 minutes and the product could be fixed in any type of roofing, - be it slanting, flat, concrete or tiled. It requires no maintenance. It could be used in offices, hotels, warehouses, schools, residences and big plants.
Would diffusion of light suffer in apartments where one would have to use tubes 25 feet long?
It will not, with one bend and no loss of light, he says. “In the U.S. it has become an indispensable part of energy conservation and can resist hurricane or other vagaries of nature.”
He also explained a “hybrid light” comprising a special electronic ballast system with a photo sensor inside the dome. On cloudy days or nights the sensor adjusts the dimmable electronic ballast to light up two tube lights. (Similar to adjusting the fan with a switch.)
Tubular skylights will gather significance wherever there is “Green” awareness, predominantly in IT areas where the concern for environment is pronounced.
Sounds interesting but what about the price and the market pulse? If imported, Mr. Arun Kumar puts the minimum price for 13” tubular skylight at over Rs. 12,000 (around $ 300) This does not include the cost of shipment, customs duty and taxes. The 21” product cost about Rs. 20,000 .
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