Mathematical model to simulate a hybrid lighting system

Hybrid solar lighting (HSL) technology is a relatively new technology to utilize natural sunlight along with the traditional electric lighting to light the interior spaces. HSL systems concentrate the sunlight onto a bundle of optical fibers. The optical fibers are routed into the interior space and coupled with cylindrical rods to diffuse the light. A lighting sensor modulates the amount of electric energy depending on the amount of natural light available.;This study presents a simplified mathematical model to predict the output of the HSL system based on the amount of the available solar radiation. The model is verified via real-time measurement of the output of the system. The monthly savings on electric energy are estimated. The break-even cost of the system is estimated based on the electricity saving. The effect of the length of the fibers on the output and the savings is also investigated.