Hollow light guides remain an interesting niche
application for distributing light from artificial
light sources. Although their optical efficiency
appears to be low, their use in certain applications
(including daylighting) may offer energy benefits. If light guides are ever to become cost effective
their use will have to be motivated primarily by
various non-energy-related benefits
-even in niche applications.
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On the
Pros and Cons
of Hollow Light Guides
The efficiency of hollow light guides appears to be low. However, using light guides to distribute daylight throughout the inner core of buildings could represent the most important application of this technology.
The Efficiency of
A Recent HLG Installation
No officially approved independent evaluation of the Nutek-sponsored HLG installation in the Sundsvall Post terminal has yet been carried out, but some interesting preliminary conclusions can be drawn.
A Brief History of
Light Guides
Photo: An installation with arched hollow light guides in a Moscow subway station. Installation lit with metal-halide lamps conveniently placed at the low end of the arches.
Pictograms illustrate possible niche applications for light guides.
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Fluorescent T5 Lamps
A New Design Challenge
New T5 fluorescent lamps in combination with super-reflective aluminum could increase the efficacy of luminaires for fluorescent lamps by more than 30%. But the T5 lamps require new approaches to lighting design; otherwise visual problems could increase.
Regular Features:
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