(2022) INVENTIONS: Design and 3D Manufacturing of an Improved Heliostatic Illuminator
Marta Varo-Martínez, José C. Ramírez-Faz, Jesús López-Sánchez, Manuel Torres-Roldán, Luis Manuel Fernández-Ahumada & Rafael López-Luque.
PROJECT PRESENTATION
Solar illuminators based on heliostats can improve the satisfaction of lighting needs in living spaces with low levels of solar exposure. These systems have been the subject of research by different authors and are offered by more and more companies. However, their design, sizing and subsequent results have not yet been sufficiently studied. In this project we propose to advance in the knowledge of a model of an illuminator developed by the research group that subscribes the proposal and which is based on a heliostat with a single axis. Its main feature is its mechanical simplicity. Although its control logic is somewhat more complicated, the use of control systems based on free hardware and software makes the system more attractive than conventional ones. The present project aims to technically improve the characteristics of this type of devices, as well as to evaluate their operating conditions through experimental tests in spaces of the Rabanales Campus of the University of Cordoba (UCO).
The technology will be evaluated by analyzing the improvements in lighting levels in spaces illuminated with the heliostats developed. Likewise, the results of the evaluation are intended to provide an integral model to optimize the design of heliostat illuminators in buildings, as well as a methodology to determine the main design variables associated with their implementation and to facilitate the installation and operation of the technology for the end user, while providing information on the improvements that can be derived from their use. After the development and implementation of the heliostat, we intend to analyze the influence of natural light on the psychological well-being of students and teachers, as well as on the academic performance of students.
Therefore, the results of the present research proposal can contribute to the achievement of the objectives related to the Social Challenge 3. Safe, Efficient and Clean Energy of the State Research Plan 2017-2020, as well as, secondly, to the Social Challenge 1. Health, Demographic Change and Well-being. In this way, this project of a marked cross-cutting and multidisciplinary nature has a high scientific-technical and socio-economic impact.
PUBLICATIONS
PROJECT PRESENTATION
Solar illuminators based on heliostats can improve the satisfaction of lighting needs in living spaces with low levels of solar exposure. These systems have been the subject of research by different authors and are offered by more and more companies. However, their design, sizing and subsequent results have not yet been sufficiently studied. In this project we propose to advance in the knowledge of a model of an illuminator developed by the research group that subscribes the proposal and which is based on a heliostat with a single axis. Its main feature is its mechanical simplicity. Although its control logic is somewhat more complicated, the use of control systems based on free hardware and software makes the system more attractive than conventional ones. The present project aims to technically improve the characteristics of this type of devices, as well as to evaluate their operating conditions through experimental tests in spaces of the Rabanales Campus of the University of Cordoba (UCO).
The technology will be evaluated by analyzing the improvements in lighting levels in spaces illuminated with the heliostats developed. Likewise, the results of the evaluation are intended to provide an integral model to optimize the design of heliostat illuminators in buildings, as well as a methodology to determine the main design variables associated with their implementation and to facilitate the installation and operation of the technology for the end user, while providing information on the improvements that can be derived from their use. After the development and implementation of the heliostat, we intend to analyze the influence of natural light on the psychological well-being of students and teachers, as well as on the academic performance of students.
Therefore, the results of the present research proposal can contribute to the achievement of the objectives related to the Social Challenge 3. Safe, Efficient and Clean Energy of the State Research Plan 2017-2020, as well as, secondly, to the Social Challenge 1. Health, Demographic Change and Well-being. In this way, this project of a marked cross-cutting and multidisciplinary nature has a high scientific-technical and socio-economic impact.