Dynamic daylight control system implementing thin cast arrays of polydimethylsiloxane-based millimeter-scale transparent louvers

Citation:

Park D, Kim P, Alvarenga J, Jin K, Aizenberg J, Bechtold M. Dynamic daylight control system implementing thin cast arrays of polydimethylsiloxane-based millimeter-scale transparent louvers. Building and Environment. 2014;82 :87-96.

Abstract:

The deep building layouts typical in the U.S. have led to a nearly complete reliance on artificial lighting in standard office buildings. The development of daylight control systems that maximize the penetration and optimize the distribution of natural daylight in buildings has the potential for saving a significant portion of the energy consumed by artificial lighting, but existing systems are either static, costly, or obstruct views towards the outside. We report the Dynamic Daylight Control System (DDCS) that in- tegrates a thin cast transparent polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-based deformable array of louvers and waveguides within a millimeter-scale fluidic channel system. This system can be dynamically tuned to the different climates and sun positions to control daylight quality and distribution in the interior space. The series of qualitative and quantitative tests confirmed that DDCS exceeds conventional double glazing system in terms of reducing glare near the window and distributing light to the rear of the space. The system can also be converted to a visually transparent or a translucent glazing by filling the channels with an appropriate fluid. DDCS can be integrated or retrofitted to conventional glazing systems and allow for diffusivity and transmittance control.

Notes:

This research is supported by the Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering. The project was developed as part of the ongoing interdisciplinary collaboration between members of the Harvard University Graduate School of Design and the Adaptive Material Technologies platform at the Wyss Institute. The authors thank Professor Holly Samuelson for the thorough review of this paper; Allen Sayegh for his contributions throughout; Kevin Hinz and Jeonghyun Kim for fabricating the shoebox testing setup; James Weaver for 3D printing support; and Thomas Blough for the technical input during the early phase of the research. Timor Doganwas instrumental in the development of the initial concept.

Publisher's Version

Last updated on 05/04/2018