Abstract
The present invention refers to a system including light processing elements, arranged in a respective installation area and combined with a respective construction, at least partially above and/or next to an occupational or passage space, whereby said light processing elements or respective constructions produce a general light distribution over said occupational or passage space, that is more favorable in terms of visual performance and comfort, and that may assist and adjust to activities requiring different levels thereof. The inventive system is used for energy and/or information conversion and distribution, as part of one construction or clusters of constructions, for example disposed along traffic ways.
Claims
1. An elevated platform for allocating sunlight incident thereupon to surfaces therebelow, comprising: a plurality of sunlight impinged elements arranged on said elevated platform, at least one of the sunlight impinged elements converting sunlight into another energy form; and at least one of the sunlight impinged elements transmitting sunlight below the elevated platform into a cluster of granular, non-uniform areas of light and shadow.
2. The elevated platform of claim 1, wherein the non-uniform areas are irregular in shape.
3. The elevated platform of claim 1, wherein the non-uniform areas of light and shadow are of varying intensities.
4. The elevated platform of claim 1, wherein the non-uniform areas of light and shadow include light of varying color.
5. The elevated platform of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the light impinged elements are opaque.
6. The elevated platform of claim 1, wherein at least one light impinged elements convert and transmit light.
7. The elevated platform of claim 1, wherein light converting elements and light transmitting elements are arranged in a mesh arrangement as part of the platform.
8. The elevated platform of claim 1, further comprising light emitting elements.
9. The elevated platform of claim 1, wherein the light processing elements are arranged in parallel planes.
10. The elevated platform of claim 1, wherein the light processing elements are arranged in perpendicular planes.
11. The elevated platform of claim 1, wherein a position of the light processing elements and light transmitting elements change along a direction of travel of the elevated platform.
12. The elevated platform of claim 1, wherein the light transmitting elements are arranged linearly along a first direction and non-linearly along a direction perpendicular to said first direction.
13. The elevated platform of claim 1, wherein the light transmitted is less than fifty percent of the sunlight incident upon the platform.
14. The elevated platform of claim 1, wherein the light transmitting elements vary in light transmissivity within the platform.
15. The elevated platform of claim 1, wherein the light transmitting elements include photochromatic elements that adjust a light transmissivity based on a level of ambient light below the platform.
16. The elevated platform of claim 1, wherein the light transmitting elements are coupled to photoelectric elements that sense movement, and emit light at a higher level when movement is detected.
17. The elevated platform of claim 1, further comprising elements that emit microwaves that transfer data to users.
18. The elevated platform of claim 1, wherein the non-uniform areas of light and shadow form alphanumeric characters that can be interpreted by travelers beneath the platform.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] FIGS. 1a-b: schematic representations of conventional distributions of light processing elements;
[0018] FIGS. 2a-2b: schematic representations of conventional distributions of light processing elements provided in a plurality constructions;
[0019] FIGS. 3a-3b: schematic representations of conventional distributions of groups of light processing elements provided in a common construction;
[0020] FIGS. 4a-4d: schematic representations of a first embodiment of a system (10) and construction (5) according to the invention;
[0021] FIGS. 5a-5c: schematic representations of a second embodiment of a system (10) and construction (5) according to the invention;
[0022] FIGS. 6a-6e: schematic representations of a third embodiment of a system (10) and construction (5) according to the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0023] In all Figures, shaded areas represent light processing elements (1a, . . . )at least one of which is a light energy converting (2a, . . . ) or light emitting element (3a, . . . ) arranged in an installation area (4a, . . . ,4) represented in dashed lines, and combined with a respective construction (5a, . . . i 5). When said constructions (5a, . . . ) are disposed directly next or relatively close to each other, a single installation area (4) and a respective overall reference space (6) are consideredrepresented in dotted lines. Said reference space (6a, . . . i 6) basically corresponds to that being abridged by a general light distribution resulting from a respective installation area (4a, . . . i 4).
[0024] FIGS. 1 to 3 are illustrations of conventional cases. FIG. 1a is a side view of two superstructures (5a, 5b), disposed relatively close to each other, and FIG. 1b is a respective plan view. Said superstructures (5a, 5b) thereby present solar energy meansone (2a) in one case (5a) and three (2a, 2b, 2c) in the other (5b)in each case defining a respective installation area (4a, 4b) disposed at a height (Ha, Hb) above a respective occupation/passage area (6a, 6b), for example a urban park or a road, thereby defining an overall reference space (6) with a relevant length (L) along one direction (x) thereof. The first superstructure (5a) presents one light energy conversion element (2a) in a substantially continuous extension therefore projecting a continuous and uniform shadow extending along most of a respective reference space (6a) and leading to a substantial reduction of light intensity levels thereupon when compared to outside. The second superstructure (5b) presents three substantially similar light energy conversion elements (2a, 2b, 2c) distributed in a substantially regular pattern over the installation area (4b), and therefore projecting a corresponding shadow pattern. Albeit this configuration might lead to a smaller reduction of light intensity levels along said reference space (6b), it is further a regular pattern that would become a source of visual discomfort.
[0025] FIG. 2a illustrates the case of a plurality of light processing elements in a plurality of constructions (Sa, . . . ) installed successively along a predominant direction, such as for example along an at least partially above of a roadway. In a conventional disposition of solar energy means in respective installation areas (4a, . . . ), it would result in a succession of intense light/dark shadow areas, eventually with substantial variations of light intensity along a respective base area (6a, . . . ). This configuration affects the visual comfort of drivers, eventually leading to hazardous glare situations, enhanced fatigue and visual impairments. This is illustrated in FIG. 2b where a top view of two successions of light processing elements in respective installation areas (4a, . . . ) illustrates cases of regular shadow patterns repeating along a given direction (x), thereby eventually leading to visual fatigue, after a given critical length (L). In the case depicted above in FIG. 2b, substantial variations of light intensity might lead to a sort of stroboscopic effect, and associated safety risks for drivers. The drawing below, illustrates a case with no substantial variations of light intensity, patterns, but in substantially regular so-called acuity visual light distribution patterns, again eventually leading to visual fatigue after a given critical length (L). In fact, the eyes of drivers would need to adjust to abrupt and substantial variations of luminance, such as when driving into a tunnel. As an extreme condition, an extensive length of superstructures with relatively short but relatively substantial variations of ambient luminance could lead to a sort of stroboscopic effect of substantial discomfort and even hazardous to upon drivers and passengers.
[0026] FIG. 3a shows a plan view of light processing elements (1a, . . . ) provided as similar photovoltaic elements (2a, . . . ); in a plurality of substantially similar installation areas (4a, . . . ), collectively forming a total installation area (4) represented by the thicker dashed line in a glazed construction (5) as it is known to be used for example in atria roofs and building facades. While reducing any substantial variations of light intensity when compared to outside luminance, it is readily apparent that this type of system also leads to a substantially acuity, monotonic and repetitive shadow pattern. An alternative distribution is illustrated in FIG. 3b, where said constructions (5a, . . . ) are clustered relatively close apart, in a common installation area (4). As it can be seen, even though a minor partfor example, (4a)of such total area (4) presents a variable pattern distribution, this pattern is then repeated in a regular distribution in the rest of said total area (4). In both cases it is schematically represented a repeating pattern of light distribution being projected upon a critical part (6)represented in dotted lineof a respective base area, and along a critical length (L) in a direction (x)both of respectively relevant relative size within the total reference space (6).
[0027] FIGS. 4a-4d are plan views of a first embodiment of a system (10) according to the present invention, whereby there are provided substantially similar light processing elements (1a, . . . ) within a respective installation area (4a, . . . ).
[0028] FIG. 4a shows on the left-side an installation area (4a) presenting light processing elements (1a, . . . ) of substantially similar dimensions, format and material, in a distribution pattern (A) (see top drawing) along certain parallel lines (a, b, . . . ), at distances regular along (y) but varying along (x). Because this particular distribution is not symmetrical, it may be placed in the same or in a rotated position (B) (see bottom drawing) elsewhere within a given reference installation area (4). On the right-side there is a construction (S) presenting a plurality of light processing elements (1a, . . . ) all further of similar format and dimensions. In one embodiment (see top drawing) it is the relative position of the light processing elements that varies within respective constructions (Sa, ,), provided in the form of openings in a given material, whereas in another embodiment (see bottom drawing) it is the relative size and distribution of the constructions (Sa, . . . ) that varies.
[0029] FIG. 4b shows a system (10) including a plurality of partial installation areas {4a, ,} disposed in relative proximity to each other and thus defining a total reference installation area (4). Moreover, in this case, besides of said two patterns (A, B), the pattern density of said light processing elements (1a, . . . )is adjusted to vary along three sections (I, II, III) extending along a given direction (x).
[0030] FIG. 4c represents a system (10) further using two modular dispositions (A, B), this time of elements of similar format and two different dimensions, disposed for example along a traffic waywhereby traffic circulates along (x). As illustrated, a selected, substantially irregular distribution of the two dimensions of light processing elements (1a, . . . ) and certain blank areas, allow attaining a distribution of light according to the invention. Moreover, in this case the pattern density of light processing elements (1a, . . . ) in the installation area (4a), is selected so as to gradually adjust said light intensity variation along a given direction (x), thereby gradually reducing light intensity along an ingoing length (L.sub.in), and gradually increasing it again along an outgoing length (L.sub.out). The actual rate of variation of light intensity along (x) is preferentially to be selected as a function of the total length (L) of the system (10) and traffic related parameters, such as location, road typology and circulation speed.
[0031] FIG. 4d shows a system (10) presenting a construction (5a) in the form of a mesh or web, whereby the disposition of the web wires and resulting reduced relative size of the interspaces, in this case in the form of diamonds, produces a granular shadow pattern and respective light diffraction (top drawing). Advantageously, said mesh constructions may change their format and resulting shadow density (bottom drawing).
[0032] FIGS. 5a-5c are plan views of a second preferred embodiment of a system (10) according to the present invention, whereby its installation area (4a, . . . ) presents light energy converting elements (2a, . . . ) of one format and dimension, in a regular distribution, together with light distributing elements (7a, . . . )represented in dotted areasprovided in irregular format and/or distribution relative to said light energy converting elements (2a, . . . ).
[0033] FIG. 5a shows on the left-side an installation area (4a) with four similar light energy converting elements (2a, . . . ), in a substantially regular distribution, and a plurality of semi-transparent light distribution elements (7a, . . . ) of various shapes and dimensions, arranged in a substantially irregular fashion, next to said light energy converting elements (2a, . . . ). Alternatively, the installation area (4a) on the right-side is combined with one construction (S) presenting irregular openings and disposed underneath said light energy converting elements (2a, . . . ). This construction (5) may be designed as a substantially flat and continuous element, preferentially presenting a different transparency as the light energy converting elements (2a, . . . ), or as a plurality of thin non-rigid elements, for example a irregular mesh of wires, either planar or not, providing for light interference and a granular blurring of a resulting shadow pattern.
[0034] FIG. 5b illustrates another application of a system (10) where the installation areas (4a, . . . ) are disposed along two rows at a relatively reduced distance apart, thus resulting in a light distribution upon a substantially continuous reference space (6).
[0035] FIG. 5c shows systems (10a, 10b) according to the invention whereby both the respective installation areas (4a, 4b) present a regular distribution of light energy converting elements (2a, . . . ) of similar sizes and formats, together with an irregular distribution of light distribution elements (7a, . . . ) and blank-areas. The one (1Ob) on the bottom presents light distribution elements (7a) with two different degrees of transparency and/or color thereby producing two different light intensity levels and respective density patterns in relation to the overall installation area (4a, . . . ; 4).
[0036] In a preferred embodiment, at least some of the light processing elements (1a, . . . ) are actuated, preferentially automatically, by means of detecting variations of outside light conditions so as to vary the light intensity levels, eventually also the shadow patterns and densities, along a respective base area (6).
[0037] FIGS. 6a-6e illustrate another preferred embodiment of a system (10) according to the invention.
[0038] FIG. 6a shows a plan view of two installation areas (4a, 4b) and a front view of the second on the right, including light energy converting elements (2a, . . . ) and light emitting elements (3a, . . . ), all thereby presenting a substantially similar annular format, in this case of opensquare configuration. The system (10b) on the right differs in that it includes a light energy converting element (2e) at the centre of another (2d) f and a light emitting element (3a) at the center of a light distribution element (7a). The result of combining such partial installation areas (4a, 4b) in a wider system (10) is illustrated on the left side of FIG. 6b. This could be, for example, the case of the roof or curtain faade of a building, as schematically illustrated on the top view on the right side. FIG. 6c shows another embodiment of a partial installation area (4a) in top plan view on the left side and in front view on the right side. FIG. 6d represents the expansion of such installation area (4a) to a wider reference installation area (4), not necessarily of regular layout (schematically represented by a top view on the right side) disposed for example above of a respective reference space (6). FIG. 6e shows plan views in two successive moments (previous one in the top drawing and a next one in the bottom one) of part of a system (10) according to the invention whereby the light processing elements are operated according to varying light intensity or use related conditions, and eventually only in certain partial areas thereof, thereby producing a general light distribution according to the invention. As illustrative application possibilities, some of said light processing elements could be photochromic thereby adjusting to, for example, varying daylight conditions, or could be photoelectric and, for example, sense the presence of a person or passage of a vehicle, or could emit light in certain locations so as to compensate for variations of ambient light, or could emit microwaves and, for example, transfer data according to the needs of users in a respective location. In preferred embodiments, the relative dimension and distribution of blank spaces or semi-transparent elements allows a certain degree of vision through the installation area. In preferred embodiments, the dimension and distribution of light emitting elements allows forming visual signs, such as for example alphanumeric signs and/or images. In preferred embodiments, said system and constructions are perceived as a single entity, at least by people moving at a usual speed along a given direction (x) of a respective reference space.
