Solar Gains Control Systems

Prototype Systems

DARE – New Daylight redirecting film

By André Kostro and Andreas Hafner , BASF Schweiz AG, Switzerland

Product Description

Brief Concept Description

DARE is a newly developed daylight redirecting film that can overcome the most common limitations of existing daylighting redirecting films: limited efficiency, insufficient glare protection, unappealing aesthetic appearance, high cost and complex installation. With this innovative solution, glare protection is provided most of the year (during more than 90% of office hours) and the efficiency is increased based on a different technology, without the use of prisms or air cavities and with the use of encapsulated metallic micromirrors. This enables lamination into the glazing and the aesthetic appearance is improved since the film remains transparent under the most common viewing angle and the cost is reduced by an early and facilitated integration into glazed products. The DARE daylight redirecting film is currently in an advanced stage of development.

Architectural and Technological Integration into the Envelope

The film is integrated inside double or triple glazing units mounted above viewing height (skylight - approx. 2 m and above), as shown in Figure 69. The integration into portions of a continuous glazing is also possible. The system is completely passive and does not integrate any kind of actuator nor requires any active control. Once the film is integrated, the glazing units can be treated as conventional ones and does not need additional maintenance.

Figure 69. Schematic drawing of DARE daylight redirecting film concept and pictures of a prototype.

Integration into the Building: System and Comfort

The system improves the comfort conditions in the occupied space by providing glare protection and daylight redirection simultaneously. The daylight distribution on the floor space is enhanced and the daylight autonomy is strongly improved, in particular in room depth where it can be improved by 50% to 150% depending on the location. A simulation study on a number of locations worldwide showed that in average it is possible to achieve an improvement of daylight autonomy of 66% and energy savings for artificial lighting of 38%, corresponding to an average reduction of primary energy consumption in buildings fulfilling an efficient energy standard of 16%.

SWOT Analysis

Strengths

Daylight redirection into the depth of the room, which improves daylight distribution and reduces artificial lighting demand
For most cases, the precise daylight redirection replaces the installation of an additional glare protection system
High transparency for near-normal view and high efficiencies (i.e. high light transmission) are achieved
The solution is aesthetically appealing
The integration of the film into window units of any glazed system is possible
Pre-installation into insulating glazing units avoids complicated installation on-site
It is safe, durable and maintenance free
It is a passive system with no moveable parts that does not active controls

Weaknesses

It requires the upper glazed part (skylight) to be free of glare protection devices
It requires a separate glare protection device if the glazing with the film is installed below view height
It cannot be deactivated in cloudy days
Daylight dimming is not possible

Opportunity

Daylight regulations and energy certifications in buildings require the use of natural lighting and an efficient control of solar gains
Efficient daylight redirection increases the daylight area in deeper rooms, improving the use of spaces in offices

Threats

Previous market introduction of other daylight redirecting systems had limited success
Complex fenestration systems such as DARE cannot be easily included in standard lighting design or building energy modelling software yet

Lessons Learned

The aesthetic of a product is essential for acceptance in the building sector.

Product