Solartran Pty Ltd www.solartran.com.au is a research and development company operated by Dr Ian Edmonds that develops sustainable products for transfer by licensing to the building industry. Products are mainly daylighting systems and include laser cut panel, angular selective systems for skylights and light pipes, zenith light redirecting awnings, light channeling facade systems and light guiding shades. Channel Panel is a 14 mm thick panel that when fixed in the upper part of a window, redirects high elevation sunlight over the ceiling deep in the interior of the building while eliminating any below horizontal redirection that causes glare. AU Patent 2003204904 US Patent 7,070,314.
Solartran Light Channeling Panels enable a more efficient light distribution and deeper light penetration by redirecting high elevation incoming light to the back of the room using a dual-pane acrylic panel system.
System Performance
Solartran’s channel panel uses two laser-channeled acrylic panes to redirect high angled light upwards into a room. Installed in a vertical position, the system provides deeper light penetration when light enters from 50 to 90 degrees above the horizon. As light is redirected upwards, the system provides both glare reduction and shading to the areas closest to the window while increasing the ceiling’s illumination further back in the room. As light entering at lower angles is reflected, this system is particularly suited for areas where high elevation light is common. The suggested temperature range is limited to 50oC; it is therefore recommended that the panels be installed on the inner surface of the window assembly rather than on the exterior surface. For a more advanced lighting analysis and project specific results, we recommend using the Lightsolve program (under development).
Performance data for all systems in the same category. Comparison to systems in other categories, selected through the matrix filtering process.
System Description
The Solartran light channeling system consists of two laser cut acrylic panels joined together with an acrylic adhesive bond. Laser cut incisions at an angle of 12 degrees are made into both panels: the 6mm outer panel with incisions sloping downwards, and the 8mm inner panel with incisions sloping upwards. When these are joined, the incisions form V-shaped reflectors that reflect high angled light upwards. With a standard height and width of 400mm by 1800mm, and a maximum size of 550mm by 2400mm these panels can be installed in combination with standard glazing systems. As a separate system the installation is simple and can be used as either a retrofit option or as an integrated component of a new window assembly. Energy savings associated with this system are expected from a reduction in solar gains as well as a reduced need for electric lighting thanks to a more efficient use of daylight.