Another fiber optic follow up question

[buff1]

I have heard of fiber optic installations that use natural sunlight as the source for offices/homes etc. This would seem to be an excellent source of light in some parts of the country with no electrical cost. Obviously you would also need some supplemental artificial light source, but natural light could provide the proper spectrum and intesity for a reef application. Have you considered testing natural light as a source?

 

[rharker]

I have heard of fiber optic installations that use natural sunlight as the source for offices/homes etc. This would seem to be an excellent source of light in some parts of the country with no electrical cost. Obviously you would also need some supplemental artificial light source, but natural light could provide the proper spectrum and intesity for a reef application. Have you considered testing natural light as a source?

To maximize intensity, the light source has to be focused and directed into the fibers. Natural light would be a cost effective light source provided there was some mechanism to focus the light. Unfortunately some sort of active method to constantly adjust and focus light from the sun might be expensive.

Richard Harker

 

[Anonymous]

hi.
I have made a simple sun tracker using a plastic cylinder with a photoresist about 15 years ago. I am sure you can find schematics on the web that enable you to construct similar thing for less than $20.

 

[buff1]

I'm certainly no expert, but I know the solar power industry has many kinds of sun tracking devices. I'm not saying it's affordable or reliable, but the technology is there. I have a dream of providing 80% of my lighting needs from natural light. Maybe in 5-10 years.

 

[wade1]

The device you are talking about does indeed exist, its been used in Japan for years by those without good lighting to increase their indoor natural light. Its a dish thats powered that tracks the movement of the sun and focuses the light down fiberoptic cables. How it emerges on the other side I am not certain as I haven't seen one in action, but I know the going cost over there was around $10k for a single unit a couple years back.

Wade

 

[buff1]

After reading the various replies, I found an interesting article. There is an american company developing a system that sounds ideal.

http://www.swinter.com/company/pdf/fiberopt.pdf