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
- How the light tunnel works
- Side Glow Method
- End Glow Method
- What are light lanterns made of?
- Benefits
- disadvantages
- The use of light guides when lighting a private house
- Kitchen lighting
- Bathroom lighting
- Room lighting
- Living room lighting
- Cost-effectiveness of the implementation of light guides
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 dangerous production rooms of a 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 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 floors 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 in terms of time and cost remains within reasonable limits. At the same time, the device allows you to save on electricity and appliances.
Side Glow Method
This method does not require complex technical schemes, installation takes a little time, you can do it yourself without involving 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 "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 standard.
What are light lanterns made of?
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.
Benefits
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).
disadvantages
With all the obvious advantages, such mechanisms have several disadvantages, which 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 shortcoming 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
Country houses are often equipped with independent power supplies and lighting. Light tunnels are suitable for use in different rooms and premises, they save money, so they 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
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
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.
