Cooling and lighting effects of new plastic optical fiber lighting system based on high-transmittance heat-insulating film

Abstract

Using plastic optical fibers (POFs) to channel sunlight for indoor lighting is an emerging approach for solar energy utilization. In this study, a long focal length mobile dual-axis automatic sun-tracking spotlighting equipment (DASSE) and a new type of illuminance detection device for illuminance detection were designed. The DASSE consists of high-transmission heat-insulating film, a Fresnel lens, a heat sink, a light diffuser, a dual-axis automatic sun tracking device, and POFs. Meanwhile, the illuminance detection device consists of a GY-485-44009 sensor, a 485-ttl conversion module, a USB connection module, and a 5 V battery pack. Our findings indicated that incorporating a light diffuser onto the radiator engendered a more uniform distribution of light flux received by the optical fiber. Furthermore, a direct relationship was observed between the incident angle of the focused light and the light loss incurred by the optical fiber. DASSE exhibited commendable cooling and lighting capabilities, achieving an impressive light utilization efficiency of 29 %. The proposed new illuminance detection device demonstrated remarkable precision. Lastly, we designed prospective architectural lighting application schemes for DASSE.