OLF-Coated Light Diffuser Tube for Uniform Photobioreactor Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing light diffuser systems for photobioreactors require high-form factor extractors, which are complex and costly to construct, and result in non-uniform light emittance profiles along the length of the light tube, making it economically inconvenient to achieve consistent light intensity distribution.
Innovation Solution
A light diffuser tube coated with Optical Light Films (OLFs) is designed with a specific geometry where the OLF covers a decreasing circumference portion of the tube away from the light source, featuring triangular or trapezoidal openings and continuous strips of OLF material for mechanical stability, allowing light to exit at a constant intensity along the tube length without the need for high-form factor extractors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If high-form factor extractors are used to achieve uniform light emittance, then light distribution uniformity is improved, but device complexity and construction cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The extractor is divided into multiple discrete reflectors positioned at different locations and orientations within the light tube. Each reflector segment handles light extraction in a specific zone, collectively achieving uniform light distribution without requiring a single complex high-form factor extractor structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Different reflector elements are positioned with specific local characteristics (different orientations, positions, and reflective properties) to address the varying light extraction needs at different locations along the light tube, creating uniform overall performance through localized optimization.
2Illumination intensity
If high-form factor extractors are used to achieve uniform light emittance, then light distribution uniformity is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The extraction system is segmented into multiple simple reflector elements that can be manufactured independently and assembled, avoiding the need to construct a single complex high-form factor extractor, thereby reducing manufacturing cost and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs multiple simple, inexpensive reflector elements instead of a single expensive complex extractor. These simpler components are more cost-effective to manufacture and replace, reducing overall system cost.
3Loss of energy
If conventional light extraction methods are used, then light can be extracted from the tube, but light emittance is non-uniform along the tube length
Solution Approach 1:
The light tube is divided into multiple extraction zones with reflectors positioned at different locations. Each segment extracts light locally, and the combined effect of all segments produces uniform light emittance along the entire tube length while maintaining high extraction efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
Reflector elements are strategically positioned and oriented at different locations along the tube to create locally optimized light extraction, ensuring that each zone contributes appropriately to achieve uniform overall light distribution.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This design ensures uniform light emittance across the entire length of the light tube, reducing construction complexity and cost while maintaining high optical power extraction efficiency, using materials with lower structural rigidity and lower intrinsic costs.
Implementation Method 1
OLFs are widely used in light diffusers, characterized in that they have one of the two surfaces covered by microprisms which, by virtue of the total internal reflection phenomenon, trap the light radiation therein and guide it along the film
Implementation Method 2
Only the light radiation pointing on an OLF at an angle of incidence greater than 64° with respect to the line perpendicular to the film remains trapped inside the film itself, while the light radiation pointing at lower angles undergoes refraction but manages to exit the film
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a light diffuser tube, characterized in that said light tube is coated with an OLF and allows light to exit at an almost constant intensity over the entire length of said tube.