Energy efficient facade lighting: Highlighting facade structures

Abstract

The project set out to proof that a conventional optical fibre lighting system for highlighting the structure of a façade can be operated more energy-efficiently through the substitution of the projector using a metal halide reflector lamp by a laser. This is investigated by looking into the photometric assessment of such systems as well as the electric power draw during operation. In preparation for a potential exterior demonstration installation, an additional focal point of the research was the design and testing of a weatherproof case that provides protection to the laser and the ballast. The final stage brought the different aspects of the research together and resulted in a temporary experimental setup (pilot installation) in order to showcase the validity of this novel approach.