Self-adjusting solar light transmission apparatus
US8040609B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 29, 2010 |
| Grant date | Oct 18, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 29, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E10/52
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A self-adjusting solar light transmission (daylighting) apparatus includes a sunlight concentrating member (e.g., a lens array) for concentrating direct sunlight in focal zone regions disposed inside a sheet containing an evenly-distributed stimuli-responsive material (SRM) that has a relatively high transparency state in the absence of concentrated sunlight, and changes to a relatively opaque (light scattering or absorbing) state in small portions located in the focal zone regions in response to concentrated direct sunlight. Thereby, 80% or more of direct sunlight is prevented from passing through the apparatus, but 80% or more of diffuse light is passed. The outer sheet surfaces are locally parallel (e.g., planar) such that sunlight scattered by the light-scattering SRM portions is transmitted by total internal reflection through the remaining transparent sheet material, and outcoupled to one or more optional solar energy absorbing structures (e.g., heatsinks or PV cells) disposed along the peripheral edge of the sheet.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.