Light guides. "Sunwell" is a simple device that brings natural light to the darkest rooms. Solar tubes for DIY lighting

Able to transform a gloomy dark attic into a well-lit room. The use of roof windows is an excellent solution to reduce the cost of electric lighting in the attic. However, there are rooms in the house where it is impossible to install any windows. In this case, the problem is solved by tubular light guides.

Tubular light guide system was invented in Australia in 1991. It consists of three parts: a transparent dome-concentrator of sunlight, an optical fiber, and a diffuser. Sunlight passes through a transparent, impact-resistant polycarbonate dome mounted on the roof of the building, and is directed into the room through a light guide tube. A ceiling-mounted diffuser illuminates the room with a surprisingly soft diffused natural light... Daylight has been proven to have a positive effect on human health and increase productivity.

The dome is a light concentrator and allows you to collect light even in the case of a low position of the sun in the morning or evening hours. Light guides, the length of which is from 1.5 to 3 m, are installed in the gaps of roof structures and ceiling beams. Two types of optical fibers have been developed: a flexible optical fiber and a rigid tube with a reflectivity of up to 98%. Through a diffuse diffuser, natural light is directed to problem areas: entrance hall, bathroom, kitchen, cupboards. System Solatube blocks up to 99% of UV radiation, which adversely affects human health.

The manufacturer recommends using flexible light guides up to 3 m long, and rigid light guides up to 6 m. However, you should be aware that with an increase in the length of the tube, the light transmittance decreases, regardless of the materials used.

Diffuser with a diameter of 25 cm, installed in a room of 14 m2, provides illumination equivalent to three 100-watt incandescent lamps, model with a diameter of 36 cm can provide sufficient lighting for a room twice the size. The diffuser looks like a regular ceiling light.

Models with a remote control allow you to change the lighting conditions, for example, in rooms such as a bedroom. There are systems that are additionally equipped with an electric lamp that turns on at night.

Some models are equipped with a fan installed in the branch of the light guide.

System efficiency Solatube depends on the time of year, time of day, diameter and length of the light guide, and the orientation of the location of the dome-concentrator on the roof.

The system can be easily installed in just 2 hours on any roof. The cost of installing one svodovod is about 15 thousand rubles.

Light lanterns - building elements of the building, which is designed to illuminate rooms with sunlight and reduce dependence on artificial lighting.

Especially light lanterns are used in those rooms where natural light through the windows is minimal (or absent), and it is possible to lay a light tunnel through a non-residential attic. With the help of a tunnel-type skylight, you can provide natural illumination of rooms and rooms inside the house that do not have windows (for example, a bath, a toilet, a dressing room, a closet, a corridor, photo 1).

Photo 1. Tunnel type light guides

Light lantern: where it is used, how it works, what it consists of, marking

Light lanterns are called by different names - "light guides", "light wells", "light tunnels", the SDS system (Solatube Daylighting System).

Light guides have recently been gaining popularity, since they have a simple design and a sufficiently high efficiency. So, the VELUX light tunnel (Lovegrove) in cloudy weather passes through itself up to 440 lumens (430 lumens - 40W incandescent lamp), and in sunny weather - 2800 lumens, photo 2... One tunnel-type skylight can illuminate a 9 m 2 room.

Photo 2. VELUX light tunnel

Nowadays, optical fibers are represented by such manufacturers: ALLUX, VELUX, Fakro, Solarspot, etc.

The optical fibers can be installed both in a vertical, tilted position (roofing with an angle from 15 ° to 60 °), and in a horizontal position (walls).

On the photo 3 the options for installing skylight tunnel lanterns are presented.

Photo 3. Options for installing the light tunnel

Tunnel skylights from different manufacturers may differ in some design elements, but generally consist of:

• outer element- is located on the roof surface (usually sloping) and collects the rays of daylight. The outer element is a hemisphere or spherical dome that collects light rays using installed Frinell lenses. The dimensions of the upper round-shaped element with a diameter of 0.25 m, 0.35 m and 0.53 m (there are other sizes), the entire outer part usually has a size of 0.47 × 0.47 m and more. The above round external elements are capable of illuminating a room area of ​​14, 24 and 40 m 2, respectively (with a room height of 2.4 m);
• inner element- scatters and evenly distributes the sun's rays in the room.

External and internal elements are connected tunnel pipes which are rigid or elastic (usually 0.35 m in diameter, up to 2 m long, with the use of additional connecting elements can be extended up to 6 m).

How the light tunnel works

The principle of operation of a tunnel-type skylight is very simple: the outer element collects the sun's rays and transmits them along the reflective inner surfaces of the tunnel pipe to the inner element, which scatters the light rays in the room. The inner surface of the pipes is covered with a layer of aluminum and additionally consists of 400 layers of a special reflective film (reflectivity - 99.7%). Such a surface is capable of collecting a huge amount of rays not only in cloudy weather, but even at night from the radiation of the moon and city lighting.

When laying the lantern, remember that the longer the tunnel pipe and the more bends, the more light loss:

• at each bend, the losses are 10 ... 40%;
• on each meter of the pipe, losses are 20 ... 40%.

To obtain the maximum illumination effect with a tunnel lantern, a tunnel pipe of the following length must be installed:

• rigid pipe within 0.9 ... 6.0 m;
• corrugated pipe 0.4 ... 2.0 m (corrugated pipe cannot be extended).

What are skylights made of?

Let us consider a more detailed structure of the fiber using the example of the ALLUX and VELUX fiber system. The ALLUX light guide consists of ( photo 4 and 5):

• dome (light receiver);
• roofing block;
• mirror tube or light guide (light guide channel that transmits light rays due to their reflection from the surface of the tube;
• diffuser (light-distributing device).
• additional components (photo 6).

Photo 4. Construction of a tunnel-type light guide manufactured by ALLUX: a) general diagram; b) dome

Photo 5. Construction of the ALLUX light guide: a) roofing block; b) diffuser; c) rigid tunnel pipe; d) corrugated tunnel pipe

Photo 6. Additional components of the tunnel light guide: a) double-glazed unit, with increased thermal insulation properties; b) the elbow of the light tube; c) electric lamp (additional function); d) dimmer ("Switch" - dimming shutter, which is installed inside the light tube); e) protective cross "Anti-theft"

Dome made of polycarbonate or tempered glass, which has permanent light-transmitting properties and high impact resistance, photo 4b.

Dome features:

• the special shape and material of the dome allows no additional cleaning of the surface. Rain is sufficient to clean the surface.
• the maximum collection of sun rays occurs in the morning and evening, as well as in cloudy weather.
• the dome is UV protection.

Roofing block- this is an aluminum part of the light guide, designed to connect the dome to the roof and provide reliable waterproofing, photo 5a.

Diffuser, also called a light diffuser - designed for uniform distribution and soft dispersion of sunlight throughout the room. Diffuser made of double polycarbonate, photo 5b.

Light guideALLUX(mirror tube) is designed to redirect the incident rays to the dome to the diffuser, and then to the room, photo 5, c, d... This scattering power of the light guide is provided by the mirror-like inner surface. The manufacturer ALLUX is produced in two versions:

• ALLUX Plus light guide (aluminum material, rigid, silver-plated inside), photo 5c;
• ALLUX Flexi light guide (corrugated, soft), photo 5g.

Advantages of using different types of fiber:

Light tunnel marking

The VELUX light tunnel has several versions, which are marked as photo 7:

• TWF- a light tunnel with a corrugated pipe, it also has a built-in waterproofing flashing for installation in a profiled roof covering (metal, composite tiles);
• TLF- a light tunnel with a corrugated pipe, it also has a built-in waterproofing flashing for installation in a flat roof covering (bituminous tiles, seam roofing);
• TWR- light tunnel with rigid tunnel tube, for profiled roofing (metal, composite tiles);
• TLR- light tunnel with rigid tunnel tube, for flat roofs (bituminous tiles, seam roofs).

Photo 7. Varieties of tunnel-type light guides: for profiled roofing (left) and for flat roofing (right)

Benefits of using light tunnel lanterns

1. Easy to install and small amount of installation work.
2. Saving energy, which is spent on additional lighting of the premises (up to 60% for lighting the premises of the house).
3. The ability to provide daylight to a room without windows.
4. High durability (5 years manufacturer's warranty).
5. The skylight windows of the lantern do not let heat into the room in summer and cold in winter.
6. Does not consume electricity during operation (for direct use, without additional functions),
7. Easy to maintain.
8. Possibility of lighting regulation.
9. With the help of branded retrofitting accessories, the light tunnel can have a ventilation function, and can also be used as a lamp at night.

Disadvantages of using light tunnels

1. Not very efficient in areas with short daylight hours.
2. In winter conditions, the possibility of snow cover is possible, which temporarily leads to the cessation of the supply of light rays into the room.

Photo 8 shows examples of light tunnels that are being successfully operated.

Photo 8. Examples of using light tunnels

Prepared by an expert

Alexander A. Konev

The SW530 light guide is a hollow tubular light guide (Spot light) of the SW series designed for rooms with an area of ​​at least 20 m2 with a ceiling height of at least 3 m. Applicable in classrooms, control rooms, warehouses, laboratories, offices, halls. The diffuser model SW530 is suitable for any type of ceiling.

Technical parameters table:

The efficiency of the fiber is at least 82%. At the same time, such positive qualities of natural illumination as a continuous spectrum of light, a natural rhythm of illumination corresponding to a person's “bio-clock”, natural dynamics of natural light, which makes it possible to judge the weather outside, ie. ensure maximum connection with the external environment.

LED SERIES SW530 PROVIDES LIGHTING ON AREA OF AT LEAST 30 m2

The SW530 light guide is designed to illuminate large rooms - lecture rooms, classrooms, laboratories, conference rooms, classrooms, offices. The solar tunnel replaces 6 armstrong lamps in summer and 2 armstrong lamps in winter. It produces at least 5000 lumens in cloudy weather and about 11000 lumens in sunny weather. The heat of the sun will not pass through the light guide, which means there will be no heating of the room. And also the light guide will prevent heat loss and preserve the thermal integrity of the building.

THE APPLICATION OF THE SOLAR WELLS ALLOWS TO PROVIDE:

Effective, healthy lighting on the upper floors of buildings and in remote areas;

Safe lighting of fire and explosion hazardous premises;

Safe lighting in rooms with high humidity, where there is a danger of electric shock;

Natural diffused lighting prevents "fading" of objects and does not distort colors;

Safety for children;

Illumination of garages, storage rooms, toilets, bathrooms and other small spaces.

LIGHT TRANSMISSION SCHEME

MAIN ELEMENTS OF THE LIGHT TUNNEL

Dome The Solarway light guide, installed in the roof, receives light from the entire sky from dawn to dusk with the help of an active light-catching dome.

Mirror mine Mirror mine

The Solarway light guide conducts light through the floors to any point in the building, away from the roof or outside wall. Diffuser

Dark places will be bathed in sunlight by the Solarway light guide. DiffuserThe Solarway light guide distributes sunlight evenly throughout the room, maintaining its dynamics.

CLICK HERE, TO SEE WHY THE SOLARWAY SW530 LIGHTING SYSTEM IS A QUALITATIVE REPLACEMENT OF ARTIFICIAL LIGHT SOURCES.

comparison of light guide SW530 and sources
artificial light

Artificial light sources (IIS)		Light guide Solarway SW530
Positive factors	Photo	Photo	Positive factors
			1. Lighting in the daytime and in the evening
2. Lack of heat loss			2. Lack of heat loss
3. Possibilities of installing lighting in any room			3. Possibility of installing lighting in any room
Negative factors
1. Ripple			5. No ripple
2. Shine			6. Lack of gloss
3. The presence of heat flows			7. Lack of heat gains
4. Irregular lighting			8. Uniform lighting
5. Electrical and fire hazard			9. Electrical and fire safety
6. High operating and energy costs			10. Lack of energy costs for lighting
7. Discrete spectral composition does not correspond to the spectral composition of natural light	The total cost of the roof window with installation is at least 25,000 rubles. (With a lighting area of ​​at least 22 m2)	The total cost of a hollow mirror light guide with mounting is not more than 22,000 rubles. (When lighting area is not less than 22 m2)	11. Full preservation of the spectral composition of natural light
8. Lack of visual contact with the external environment			12. Maintaining partial visual contact with the external environment
9. Negative impact on the environment			13. No impact on the environment
The light tunnel has 13 positive factors in contrast to artificial lighting.

Artificial lighting - created by electric light sources. Natural lighting - created by direct sunlight and diffused light of the sky, varies depending on the geographical latitude, time of year and day, the degree of cloudiness and transparency of the atmosphere. Artificial light sources (IIS) are able to illuminate the target room around the clock, with one condition - in the presence of electricity. Those. in the absence of electricity in the network, there will be no lighting, which means that it will not be possible to use the room for its intended purpose. The light guide is independent of electricity during the daytime, i.e. you can use the room for its intended purpose as long as it is light outside.

Unlike windows, artificial light sources do not lose the heat of the building; I fulfill, like light guides, their direct duty - lighting. The light guide is a hollow annular mirror (mirror tube), which is completely sealed, it excludes the possibility of convection of air masses due to the built-in Thermal Barrier.

Possibility of installing lighting in any room It often happens that it is not possible to conduct light into a room that is inside the house and does not have access to the outer walls. artificial lighting sources cope with this problem at once, as well as light guides, which are able to conduct natural light at a distance of up to 20 meters deep into the building The light guide, on the other hand, can easily illuminate any room far from the roof or outer wall.

Uniformity of lighting. Modern light sources (LED lamps) have very low uniformity close to unity. The light guide has a high uniform illumination closer to three.

Ripple. Any artificial light source has a stroboscopic effect - in other words, there is a ripple. Many have already encountered the non-visual impact of the pulsation of artificial lighting, which manifested itself in the form of a feeling of discomfort, fatigue and even malaise that occur under conditions of seemingly good, brightly lit rooms or when working at a computer. The light guide is essentially a window or a spot light, and it, like a periscope, conducts sunlight without distortion and pulsation.

Shine. Glitter negatively affects the function of the eyes. The eyes do not have protection against glare. In the presence of high brightness, the functions of vision decrease, a kind of temporary blindness occurs, which is called glare. A high degree of gloss can cause visual impairment, headache. Gloss in production conditions is completely unacceptable. Gloss in the workplace can lead to work-related injury. The light guide diffuser has no dazzling effect, the light is evenly distributed over the entire area of ​​the room.

Heat gains. Heat dissipation from the IMS is not so great, however, in accordance with regulatory documents, they must be taken into account. The total heat input from the IMS is no more than 3%. The light guide transmits less than 0.5% heat, increasing the room temperature by no more than 0.003 o С

Electrical and fire safety The light guide is electrical and fireproof. The fiber optic cable does not require electricity to perform its main function - lighting.

Lack of energy costs for lighting The main advantage of an optical fiber is its direct economy. IMS do not have direct savings and can be content with only indirect ones.

O C
It is recommended to wipe the surface of the dome with a damp cloth 2 times a year.
It is forbidden to exert physical influence on the product.

Recommendations

To mount the light guides, you must:

Prepare holes in the roof and ceilings. (In accordance with SNiP 2.01.07-85 "Loads and Impacts").

Prepare a box for a light shaft on the roof. The height of the mine depends on the thickness of the snow cover in winter (SNiP 23-01-99 "Construction climatology"; SNiP 41-01-2003 "Heating, ventilation and air conditioning").

Assembly of light guides:

First, the tubes are assembled according to the installation instructions.

The pipes are placed in the opening and fixed in the interfloor ceilings (if the fiber passes more than one floor)

If the length of the light guide is long, the tubes are assembled in segments and attached already in place. With a small length of the light guide (2-3 tubes), the entire tube can be assembled and assembled.

Get acquainted with the technical data sheet of the product

ADDITIONAL OPTIONS and ACCESSORIES

Dimmer

Installing a device such as a dimmer (dimmer) will allow you to change the intensity of the general light in rooms.

Light crown

The light crown is designed for additional lighting of premises using light guides at night.

Heliostat "Peresvet"

Heliostat based on Peresvet technology (developed by Solargi) is a fixed panel. Sunlight at low angles at sunrise and sunset, falling on the heliostat, is redirected into a mirror tube. The efficiency of the device is not less than 90% at angles from 0 to 15 degrees.

The lack of light in the premises is compensated for in different ways - additional windows, devices, lamps, and the like. Light guides for lighting have become one of the innovative solutions of recent times. Small devices are installed on roofs or walls, accumulating and delivering rays inside.

The history of light guide lighting

The first attempts to create a light guide for indoor lighting were carried out as early as 1874. Russian electrical engineer Vladimir Chikolev made a pipe with a mirror surface inside, with the help of which he conducted lighting into the dangerous production rooms of the gunpowder factory.

The modern method appeared on the market relatively recently. The first daylight transmitting devices appeared in 2005. The devices have gone through several stages of improvement. The final version was presented to consumers in 2011.

The light guide is an enclosed mechanism for the directional transmission of daylight. Another name is optical waveguide. The devices are designed in such a way that they can have any directional curves, while still delivering maximum illumination. Save money on electricity and standard light bulbs.

How the light tunnel works

The principle of operation of the fiber

The devices are mounted through the roof, with a spherical glass on top (the shape is close to the type of a dormer window). The inner surface is mirrored. Thanks to the reflective elements, the light passes through the tube. The length may vary. The main thing is to pass through the ceilings into the room.

Below (from the side of the room) glass with a diffusing effect is installed. Externally, the light tunnel resembles an ordinary lamp. Some models have a built-in light bulb for night-time operation. Installation time and cost remains within reasonable limits. At the same time, the device allows you to save on electricity and appliances.

Side Glow Method

The system is a light-receiving dome with lenses that capture and redirect beams into the light guide

This method does not require complex technical schemes, the installation takes a little time, you can do it yourself without the involvement of professional installers. The difference is the installation of the projector outdoors, the presence of LED fibers.

Heat sources must not be located near the unit. The diffuser is installed from the side walls. This arrangement allows you to illuminate the room so that no additional sources are required during the day. This is true for rooms without windows (dressing rooms, baths, closets, basement). Light guides for LEDs can be made by hand.

End Glow Method

This method allows you to create the effect of the "starry sky". Small devices are installed under the ceiling, like spotlights. Solar fiber optic lighting is natural and smooth. An additional plus is an unusual design.

Tunnels with LED cables pass through the coatings and can be either single or "creeping". The latter require accurate calculations, the cost is higher than the standard.

What are light lanterns made of?

The structure of the skylight

Light guides work according to the following principle: light is accumulated in the upper spherical part, then it is fed inward along reflective surfaces. Losses range from 10 to 40% per meter of pipe, up to 40% at bends. The classic version of the light tunnel consists of the following parts:

• dome (round glass, installed from the roof side);
• roofing part;
• reflective tube (directly the light guide);
• diffuser;
• additional parts - corner adapters, lamps for night illumination, etc.

The outer parts of the lanterns are made of durable materials - polycarbonate, plexiglass. No cleaning required - just enough rain. The collection of light waves is most common in cloudy weather, in the evening and in the morning.

Advantages

When used correctly, these lights have a long service life.

Devices are used more and more every year. Additional natural lighting is installed in industrial premises and private houses. You can install the light guide with your own hands at home. Installation takes little time and effort.

Tunnels allow you to save energy - according to the average data, optical fibers allow you to spend up to 60% less. If installed correctly, the light guide lantern will serve for 10 years or more - the manufacturer's warranty is not less than 5 years. The devices are thermally insulated - they do not let heat through in summer, cold in winter (important for living quarters, floriculture and others).

Light tunnels are easy to maintain. There is a possibility of lighting regulation. Additional functions include airing, a classic lamp (depending on the model).

Flaws

When the fiber is covered with snow, its performance may drop to zero.

With all the obvious advantages, such mechanisms have several disadvantages that you should familiarize yourself with before installing. A light guide is a device that accumulates natural light. Therefore, a sufficient amount of time is required for normal operation - tunnels are not suitable for use in places with short daylight hours.

Difficulties can also arise in winter. If the dome is covered with snow, performance and light transmission will decrease, sometimes to zero. Therefore, it is necessary either to install another source, or to clean the glass in a timely manner.

The initial installation comes at a high cost. Although this disadvantage is temporary - the usual payback period is 2-3 years, and the operating time is more than 10 years.

The use of light guides when lighting a private house

Using a skylight to illuminate a corridor

Country houses are often equipped with independent power supplies and lighting. Light tunnels are suitable for use in different rooms and premises, save money, and therefore become more popular every year.

Kitchen lighting

The kitchen is the place where the family gets together and cooks. Some people spend most of their time here. Typically, a ceiling lamp or chandelier becomes the central light source. Such a source cannot be called ideal - there is no uniformity of illumination, flickering artificial light harms the eyes.

Light guides create diffused natural light that is not irritating to the eyes and is more familiar to the eye. You can install one tunnel or several small ones along the ceiling.

Bathroom lighting

Light guide in the bathroom

The main difference between lamps in the bathroom is the safety requirements. High humidity creates conditions in which not every source can be used. The light guides do not use electricity, there are no heating or other elements. Therefore, tunnels are considered the most suitable lighting devices.

The best option is to hold several skylights. Bright lighting is required at the mirror, where many procedures are carried out: applying makeup, shaving, and others.

Room lighting

If there is no window in the room, it is almost impossible to correctly select the lamps. No lamp replaces natural daylight. Light tunnels are the solution. Several lanterns will allow you to sufficiently illuminate the room without overloading your eyes.

Living room lighting

Living room lighting with light guide

This room is considered the most versatile in the house. Good lighting is essential. Shared sources are just as important as local ones. If it is not possible to cut through large windows, you can use light guides. The right wavelength range for eye-catching lighting will help create a cozy atmosphere and save money.

Cost-effectiveness of the implementation of light guides

The main advantage of light tunnels is financial savings due to immediate cost savings and return on investment. This is noticeable in industrial premises. For example, in buildings over 100 sq.m. the average consumption per 1 sq. m is 1500 rubles. After installing the light guides, the amount is reduced to 600-700 rubles. Warehouses, production facilities pay for the installation of the system in 2-3 years (average).

The choice of light sources depends on the type of room, the capabilities and preferences of the owners. Light conductors are an alternative lighting method that suits any room.