CHATTANOOGA ENGINEERS CLUB
www.ChattanoogaEngineersClub.org

NEXT WEEK __________________________________________________
Monday, September 8

Topic:  Hybrid Lighting - Jeff Muhs, ORNL Engineering Science and Technology Division

Rather than converting sunlight into electricity, hybrid solar lighting (HSL) systems being developed by Oak Ridge National Laboratory and several industry partners use sunlight directly.  Roof-mounted collectors concentrate sunlight into optical fibers that carry it inside buildings to "hybrid" light fixtures that also contain electric lamps.  As the two light sources work in tandem, control systems keep the room at a constant lighting level by dimming the electric lights when the sunlight is bright and turning them up as clouds move in or the sun sets.  Because there are no energy conversions necessary, the efficiency of HSL systems is an order of magnitude better than the most cost-effective solar cells used today to perform the same task.  Similarly, conventional topside daylighting approaches (such as skylights) have enjoyed a resurgence in the past decade, and for good reason.  In addition to energy savings, several studies show that shoppers, students, and workers prefer daylight to artificial light.  However, several limitations make daylighting inconvenient in a majority of commercial buildings.  Daylit buildings are comparatively more costly to design, more constraining in terms of space utility, more difficult to reconfigure during space renovations, more difficult to cool during the summer months, more difficult to evenly illuminate, and more likely to develop maintenance problems caused by large roof penetrations.  Because HSL uses fewer and smaller roof penetrations and flexible light distribution systems, it eliminates these problems.

FUTURE MONDAY MEETINGS_____________________________________

September 15:  Responsible Use of the Internet in Education - a book by Aniekan Ebiefung, UTC, Mathematics

September 22:  Lego Competition Update - A prelude to what's coming up for their competition in December.

September 29:  FIELD TRIP - UTC's New Science and Engineering Building, Dr. Phil Kazmersky, UTC

October 6:  The Soldier of the Future - Oak Ridge National Laboratory

October 13:  (NO MEETING - Columbus Day)

October 27:  Technology-Based Economic Development - Greg Laudeman, GA Tech, Economic Development Institute

November 10:  Fusion Technologies - Stan Milora, ORNL

November 17:  Tennessee-Georgia Water Issues - speaker to be arranged by Sam Powell

QUESTIONS, SUGGESTIONS? ______________________________
If you have any questions or suggestions about program items please call Brad Baucom at 423-648-3582 or email him at baucombe@epb.net. You can find references to other Chattanooga Engineers Club memb ers at our web site: www.ChattanoogaEngineersClub.org.