BAE SYSTEMS DESIGN PROJECT: DAYLIGHTING TECHNIQUES/ AFTERNOON DE-”LIGHT” EDSGN 100 Sec. 6 Team 3: David Young, Robert Vadella, Victoria Rodriguez, Phil Bisker, Domonique Trujillo

Abstract  Each day, large quantities of electricity are used to light homes and office buildings. As the cost of energy rises, it is important to find alternative methods of providing light to interior spaces. The objective of this project was to design an energy efficient and cost efficient structure.

Introduction: Daylighting  In homes, it is the process of using natural light to illuminate rooms  Reduces the need for electric lighting  Aesthetics: Visual Comfort  Different Methods of Daylighting  Windows, Skylights, Solar Tubes, Glazing Techniques, Translucent Wall Paneling

Benefits of Natural Lighting  There are many benefits to natural lighting  Studies have proven that effective daylighting can make people more comfortable and productive  Reduced absenteeism for employees and students  Reduced eye strain  Higher productivity  Increased use of natural as opposed to artificial lighting can reduce electricity consumption  Lowering energy costs

Natural Lighting with Windows  Energy can be conserved by using natural light through windows and skylights  Conserves electricity  More windows require more energy for heating and cooling a home  Costing energy

Description of Design Task  Problem Statement  As the cost of energy increases, solar power is becoming more common in new homes. Lighting interior spaces with electricity can consume large amounts of energy.  Important to find ways to reduce lighting costs while at the same time providing a sufficient amount of light.  Energy Conservation  Mission Statement  The group’s mission is to design an efficient method for lighting a solar home. We have identified various ways of achieving this goal, including skylights, light shelves, “smart” glass and windows, glazing techniques, translucent wall panels, and solar tubes  Our task was to choose the best possible technique, or combination of techniques, that will allow for maximum daylighting with minimum energy costs.

 Design Specifications  Provide the most cost effective and energy efficient method for daylighting that meets the requirements of the consumer.  Customer Needs Assessment  Cost Effective  Easy to Install and Maintain  Energy Efficient  Durability  Aesthetics

Design Approach  Concept Selection  Skylights: Location in roof removes space for solar panels. Condensation can also occur (weeping).  Light Shelves: Not suitable for cold climates, not aesthetically pleasing  “Smart” Windows” (change from clear to opaque): Expensive, require electricity to operate

Concepts Selected  Window Glazing: Easy to install, suitable for cold and moderate climates, allows more light than tinted windows while reducing energy loss  Solar Tubes: Cost Effective, increases natural light in rooms with few windows, can be used in any room.  Translucent Wall Panels: Provide higher thermal resistance than windows while allowing light to enter rooms, durable

Solar Tubes  Extend from the roof of a home to the ceiling of the desired room  Can provide natural light to rooms  Dimmers can be installed to control the intensity of light  Fewer leaks and less heat loss than skylights  Amount of light depends on size of tube  One 10” Solar Tube can light an area of up to 150 ft 2  Reflective technology allows a sufficient amount of light on cloudy days  Results in minimal light loss

Window Glazing  Glass coating  Increases the energy efficiency of windows and keeps heat from escaping.  In most U.S. climates, low-E coatings reduce heating costs associated with energy loss through windows  Common in cold to moderate climates  Laminated “safety” glass adds about 50% to the cost of a typical window.  Cost may be increased for windows designed to resist other forces such as hurricane winds.  Low-E coatings save energy in most U.S. climates. In a simulation of a home located in Boston, low-E coating saved $103 per year.

Translucent Wall Panels  Allow natural light to diffuse into homes and interior spaces  Translucent wall and ceiling panels are better insulators than normal windows  Have solar and thermal advantages  Are as durable as normal wall panels  Available in different colors

Prototype Images Translucent Wall Panels (clear legos) Solar Tubes (straws) Sun (yellow pool noodle) FIG 1. Front View of Prototype

Prototype Images Glaze Coated Windows FIG 2. Back View of Prototype

Cost Analysis * Indicates item may be installed by the homeowner ItemQuantityCostTotal Item Cost Solar Tubes*6$169.00$ Window Glazing* 60ft 2 $1 per square foot $60.00 Translucent Wall Panels 26 ft 2 $50 per square foot $ Total$ Table 1. Cost Analysis

Summary and Conclusions  Though the initial cost of the items and installation may be expensive, in time they lead to reduced energy consumption. Over a relatively short period of time the conservation of energy leads to savings that are worth the initial cost.

References  Energy Center of Wisconsin. “Daylighting Collaborative.” Accessed 11/30/08   U.S. Dept. of Energy. “Energy Efficiency.” Accessed 11/28/08   Toolbase Services. Accessed 11/27/08 