Daylight systems
Daylight systems are structural constructions for lighting that direct diffuse daylight into the depths of a building and create uniform illuminance in the room. Daylight systems protect against direct sunlight in the window area in the summer months; however, the daylight system also diffuses heat rays into the depths of the building. After all, daylight systems avoid glare at the workplace by reducing the luminance and enable better lighting of computer workstations .
In the architecture to natural daylight is given a great importance. This is documented in architectural concepts with increased use of daylight through fully glazed facades, glass-roofed atriums and skylights . This development is supported by knowledge about human well-being under daylight and its health effects as a clock for the biological rhythm . Various aspects of energy saving also play a role here. At the same time, the increased use of daylight results in increased demands on the summer heat protection of a building (see also sun protection (architecture) ) and on the glare protection for work areas.
Daylight systems can be divided into two types of system - depending on the material:
- Prismatic systems: use of geometrical-optical phenomena: transmission , refraction , reflection .
- Reflective systems: Use of the reflective behavior of curved surfaces.
Each type of system has different components that fulfill at least one of the following functions: sun protection , light control and glare limitation.
Products for light control
Daylight systems such as light tubes for directing light are manufactured by different companies in different qualities.
Virtual Skylight
According to a concept developed by the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft , daylight changes, clouds and sunlight are simulated in working environments with the help of LEDs on the ceiling or wall. This should increase the well-being.