Performance of Sealed Curtain Wall Spandrel Panels that Direct Sunlight Deep into Multi-Story Buildings
Abstract
A novel solution to overcome problems associated with the use of excessive window areas and shallow floor plates for daylighting buildings is to use active sunlight tracking systems to deliver controlled sunlight to areas that are inaccessible by conventional methods.
This paper explores a technology that tracks the sun at the top of the building with an array of motorized mirrors and redirects a stationary beam of sunlight to concentrating optics located in sunshades and spandrel panels on each floor of the building. The concentrated beam of sunlight from the spandrel is distributed through the building using hybrid light pipe technology and fixtures.
This paper addresses the challenges of integrating an optical system into the building envelope, including limitations on insulation thickness, requirements for clear glass to the exterior and interior of the spandrel, and controlling dust and moisture within the spandrel to maintain the effectiveness of the optics.
