This invention is an improvement in daylighting systems. SunShine III is a deep well, self-contained, green energy product that harvests daylight which provides uniform cool lighting through a diffuser lens. The unit also delivers light through light emitting diodes powered by a solar charged battery for night time use. It is thermally neutral and has a leak-proof installation design.
Man has recognized the benefits of daylight since the beginning of time. There is evidence that cavemen dug holes in their roofs to allow the rays of the sun into their dwellings. Daylighting systems have evolved over time from these simple holes to the modern, technically efficient, energy saving Sunshine III Daylighting System.
Early skylights were not much more than the hole in the roof being covered with a transparent material. It wasn't until Weisner (1982) U.S. Pat. No. 4,344,261, that the discussion turned to the use of a diffuser to spread the passive light evenly into the structure. Green (1996) U.S. Pat. No. 5,528,471 introduced the use of fluorescent lights and added the use of artificial light to a previously passive system. Han (2000) U.S. Pat. No. 6,142,645 changed the basic structure of the units from square and angular to round. Ghandi (2005) U.S. Pat. No. 7,313,295 added reflectors to the artificial light and increased the overall performance. Zincone in 2006, U.S. Pat. No. 7,057,821, made major changes in daylighting systems with the introduction of light emitting diodes powered by a rechargeable battery from a photovoltaic cell. The introduction of cylindrical refractors by Brancale (2007) Patent No. 20120134170 furthered the discussion. Levens (2010) U.S. Pat. No. 8,585,269, added multiple diffusers to enhance unit performance. Rillie, et al. (2009) Patent No. 20090113824 added the use of a directional diffuser to reflect light off walls and ceilings. Zincone, et al. (2013) U.S. Pat. No. 8,585,269 introduced the use of a thermal barrier and an integrated curb system to improve the installation process.
While there has been dramatic improvement in daylighting systems in recent years, there is room to further enhance these units to achieve greater efficiency and flexibility. SunShine III is such a unit and stands ready to take its place in the market of daylighting systems.
Ameri Sunshine Daylighting System III is a solar based, stand-alone, daylighting harvesting system bringing outdoor light into a building. The unit utilizes day light to illuminate and solar panels located on the upper frame to power the integrated LED system for low light or night time use, and is run by battery backup.
Special curved, dual top lenses attract light from all directions. The pseudo-elliptical lens design collects daylight, funneling and dispersing beams of light into the shaft of highly polished aluminum walls that reflect and intensify the light. The dual top lens also serves as an insulation barrier and internal lens disperses light evenly into the deep well preventing hot spots. The square design reduces loss of light rays bouncing from wall to wall. The bottom lens is a special diffuser that disperses the light evenly onto the floor. Inside is a modular LED light system for low light or night time use. The LED strips are positioned to utilize the reflective aluminum in the same manner as daylight from outside. The solar panels, located on the top lens frame, generate and store energy to be used during low light or night use when the LEDs are active.
Sunshine units are well sealed at the roof and there are no limitations on the building structure. It can be installed on any roof pitch.
The units are made of the highest quality polished aluminum and metal alloys and measure 2 feet×2 feet and can be from a depth of 2 to 12 feet.
Sunshine III utilizes the newest LED/Driver technology with options of 50 or 100 watts
The unit weight 66 pounds, has a fireproof rating of B1, a lens UV protection rating of 3 and is IP 67-totally protected against dust and immersion.
There is minimum to no maintenance cost and there is easy access to all parts. Components are snap on and off for replacements. The hinged bottom lens allows for easy access to the inside unit. The unit is UL and CE certified.
1. Dual Dome Top Lens—captures light from all angles in any weather condition while also providing thermal barrier to maintain the unit's thermal neutrality and UV protected.
2. Solar Panels—collect solar energy for the battery back-up
3. Wire(s) from solar panels to inverter
4. Wire(s) to inverter—routed within panel
5. Panels—internal steel frame, insulation, inside exterior high polished aluminum and external standard aluminum
6. Aluminum Ledge to mount to unit roof curb/frame
7. Battery Back-up—provides energy for LED's as needed
8. Wire(s) between inverter & battery back-up
9. Inverter—converts DC to AC
10. Wire(s) between inverter & driver
11. Driver—dimmable
12. LED Mount—holds LED's
13. External Driver Wire—to switch, timer, or photo cell system
14. LED Strips—when natural light diminishes the system utilize LED's to replace that light and regulate LUX output to the interior.
15. Diffusing Bottom Lens—provides glare free natural light to the interior while also screening out the more harmful spectrums of sunlight.
16. Outer Lens Frame—provides support
17. Inner Strengthening Frame—provides greater support
18. Inner Channels—collects accumulated moisture
19. Weep Holes—drainage allowance
20. Top Finishing Plate—Aluminum outside plate which screws into the inner frames securing the lens
21. Lens Gasket—Used to prevent water from entering via the lenses
22. Top Outer Lens—Collects light
23. Top Inner Lens—Insulation barrier and light diffusing lens
24. Breakout A—Detail Outer lens frame
25. Breakout B—Detail Upper lens gasket
Top lens frame Aluminum alloy 5052 H32, T=1.6
Top outside lens Acrylic (MISUBISHI)+UV, T=3
Top inside lens Acrylic (MISUBISHI)+UV, T=3
Top inside lens frame White PVC+UV, soft white PVC
Inside panel Single surface mirror aluminum sheet, T=0.5
Outside panel Aluminum 6063, T=0.5
Bottom lens frame Al alloy 6063
Bottom lens Acrylic (MISUBISHI)+UV, T=3, Satin or Clear Finish
Hinge (for bottom lens) Stainless steel 304, T=1
Curb plates Aluminum 5052 H32, T=1.6
Curb inside top edge border Treated Wood
Curb shoe Aluminum 5052 H32, T=1.6
Power Supply Output Voltage is 32 Vdc, Output current is 1400 mA, Output Power is 44.8 W
Input Voltage is 120 Vac to 277 Vac.
Efficiency is around 87% and both TRIAC & 0-10V dimmable.
LED Strips 4 strips, 2 feet long each, LED bulbs natural white to warm white 2700 k to 5000 k
Fasteners Exposed fasteners shall be stainless steel or zinc coated
Thermal Insulation Material Fireproof rating B1
Number | Date | Country | Kind |
---|---|---|---|
15481899 | Apr 2017 | US | national |
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/358,209