3M Architectural Markets has introduced its new daylighting solution that captures and harnesses sunlight in an energy-efficient lighting system for commercial buildings.

Sunlight Delivery System is a sophisticated hybrid system which combines multiple technologies to bring sunlight deep into interior spaces and provides consistent light levels throughout the day. The technology holds promise for both energy efficiency and improving the productivity and morale of building employees.

The 3M sunlight delivery system provides the industry with a new method of daylighting that offers significantly greater capabilities than existing alternatives, a statement said.

Traditional daylighting methods such as skylights or tubular daylighting devices present a number of challenges. These systems can require multiple entry points and are often limited to top floor applications. They can also contribute to heat gain and loss for the building, and require regular maintenance.

However, 3M’s solution works differently—actively tracking, capturing and transporting the sun’s natural, full visible spectrum daylight beyond just the top floor and into the interior spaces of buildings where natural lighting is limited. The system uses a GPS-equipped rooftop collector with a single roof penetration to actively track the sun. Horizontal and vertical ducts lined with 3M reflective film carry the light into the building’s interior, where it is delivered with multiple light fixtures. These highly reflective films—with a reflectivity greater than 98 per cent—enable the system to carry sunlight for longer distances and with less light loss than competitive products.

Energy-efficient artificial lighting is also incorporated into the light fixtures, with controls that provide consistent light levels in dark or overcast conditions.

“Daylighting is the original green building practice,” said Dan Franus, marketing manager at 3M Architectural Markets.

“The importance of integrating sustainability in building planning only continues to grow, and there is nothing more energy efficient than the sun.”

The 3M sunlight delivery system is designed to meet the needs of multiple incentives, rebates and building code mandates, as well as green building code certifications such as the US Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (Leed) designation.

The system offers the potential to reduce a building’s energy demands during peak hours, when rates can be at their highest. In addition, the system can improve the well-being of people in the building, as data has shown that daylighting has a direct impact on productivity and satisfaction.

The 3M sunlight delivery system is targeted at new commercial construction projects, but can also be retrofitted into existing buildings.

The US Department of Defense awarded 3M an environmental technology demonstration and validation program and will install the system at one of its facilities later this year.-TradeArabia News Service