Evonik Cyro acrylic polymer brings energy savings by unique 'Green' lighting systems

04-Apr-09

Solatube International, a US0based provider of green lighting systems, has employed a high-performance acrylic polymer from Evonik Cyro as part of its systems that naturally light any room in a commercial building or residential home. The company had a goal of developing a solution to bring daylight to dark places that had never had access to natural light, thereby enabling users to conserve energy and economy. The company's Solatube Daylight Systems is charachterised by a tube fitted with a highly-reflective material that redirects sunlight from the exterior to the interior is installed. On the outside, a dome connected to the end of the tube channels light through it down the reflective system. At the ceiling level of the structure, a diffuser-resembling a recessed light fixture-spreads light evenly throughout the room. After the selection process, the company chose Evonik Cyro's ACRYLITE® PLUS impact acrylic polymers for the dome due to their enhanced impact resistance, toughness, UV absorption, and chemical resistance, without sacrificing clarity. They combine maximum impact performance with the clarity expected from a standard poly methyl methacrylate (PMMA) material. The compounds resist the adverse effects of outdoor weathering, retaining both physical properties and appearance after long periods of outdoor exposure. In the end, the Solatube system achieved the requirements of the design: the dome and light tube allow maximum light through while keeping harmful UV rays out, they are naturally resistant to damage, and-most important to the end-consumer-is cost effective. This system is a smart alternative to skylights and offer flexible location options, low installation cost, and better lighting performance. The system captures light more effectively on the rooftop, with the help of the domes made from ACRYLITE PLUS, and efficiently transfers more of it down the reflective tube and into the room. The system has insignificant heat gain, so air conditioning or heating are not affected.