Scientists save power by pumping in sunlight

by Ryan Block, posted Mar 17th 2005 at 7:34AM

The dilligent scientists at Oak Ridge National Laboratory are working to perfect hybrid solar lighting, which they hope could be the cure for the worlds biggest electricity drain, indoor bulbs (odd, this whole time we thought it was SETI@home). Basically the system collects light from the roof and pipes it indoors via fiber optics—of course, the technology wouldn't do much good in places like Glasgow, so it comes equipped with external optical sensors which will adjust the indoor lighting for the most efficient balance between bulbs and fiber optics (hence "hybrid"). Too bad, guys, but they did this years ago in Japan, and we wouldn't be surprised if it's long been a built-in feature of new domiciles there.

[Via slashdot]

Filed under: Household

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christopher wanko @ Dec 19th 2005 12:52AM

This is actually a terrific idea, one related to an old automotive engineering concept of single-bulb/ multi-fiber lighting. the idea was that if you ran enough fiber to all the points in the car that needed illumination, you could have a single high-intensity bulb (tucked away safely somewhere that only a $75/hr mechanic can reach with a $200 special tool straight from the automaker's OEM) that would be a central "sun".

it's a good idea, if you can get enough light to all points in the intensity you require.

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Mark @ Dec 19th 2005 12:52AM

I've got Wide Intensity New Design Optical Waveguides in my house.

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Asher @ Dec 19th 2005 12:52AM

Years ago, there was a Japanese company that made huge collectors on the roofs of buildings. Basically a honeycombe of lenses that focused large amounts of sunlignt into fiber optic cable. That then ran to a dispersion point(s) all throuhout the building. They were even grown plants indoors with the lighting.

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