October 16, 2006—Researchers and engineers at the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory recently won six R&D 100 Awards, presented each year by R&D Magazine in recognition of the year’s most significant technological innovations. With this year’s awards, ORNL’s national lab-leading total increases to 128, second only to General Electric. Two of the ORNL inventions relevant to buildings are highlighted below.
- The Hybrid Solar Lighting System uses a roof-mounted solar collector and small fiber optics to transfer sunlight to top-floor hybrid fixtures that contain electric lamps. With a control system, the two light sources work in tandem by dimming the electric lights when the sunlight is bright and turning them up as clouds move in or as the sun sets. ORNL says one collector can power up to 12 fluorescent hybrid light fixtures or 30 to 40 incandescent accent lighting fixtures, which can illuminate about 1,000 square feet. The technology reportedly reduces energy usage not only for lighting but also for cooling because of the system’s ability to block ultraviolet and infrared heat. Developers note that the savings can be dramatic, especially in areas of the nation blessed with abundant sunshine.
- Trane CDQ is an air conditioning-dehumidification device that controls the temperature and humidity of buildings’ interiors. The CDQ controls the ambient air to a desired 45 to 60 percent relative humidity, which is important for libraries, schools, offices, and most importantly hospitals, notes ORNL. Because regulating humidity limits the spread of infection, the CDQ can maintain the needed moisture content as well as function more efficiently than its competition, say the developers. ORNL adds that the Trane CDQ effectively controls the humidity without adding heat to the system.
For more information visit ORNL.
