Sunlight, fibres and liquid optics: the UFO project

The Universal Fibre Optics project which is part funded by the EC 'ENERGIE' programme involves design and construction of a luminaire which allows the integration of daylight and artificial light. Sunlight is captured through a heliostat and brought into the building by means of a liquid fibre optic cable. Remote artificial backup light is added to maintain the flux output of the luminaire at night and when the sun is obstructed by clouds. The light output at the end of the fibre optic may be described as a cool form of light as both the infra-red and ultra-violet components of the daylight are considerably reduced. Hence the system has a high lumen (of light) to Watt (total energy) ratio resulting in a reduction in the heat load on the AC system. In addition to the prototype system, design guidelines showing the suitability of locations for a variety of sunlight/artificial integrating systems and the principles of integration into buildings will be produced.