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 Lightway It appears that light bulbs may soon become obsolete if Damian Savio, a Sydney design student, has his way. The Longueville designer invented Lightway window louvers that illuminate dwellings without the need of an external energy source or a light bulb. Using the latest in transparent photovoltaic nanoscale technology the louvers store sunlight throughout the day and during those long, dark hours of night, convert the energy into a light source. Savio claims that if his louvers were installed across Sydney, there would be a massive 22% reduction in electricity usage. Louvers can be customised with glowing patterns or colours and may also be removed and used like a torch. Applications for this technology are endless, but in the short-term Savio sees his product aiding remote communities.  It is a system that has been designed for homes, museums, galleries and shopping centers.
Along with being innovative, the light is also aesthetically pleasing. It is a modern design that incorporates sleek transparent window panels with and anodized aluminum frame. Each panel can be customized with colours, art and graphics that are illuminated to enhance the light for a particular application.
In terms of functionality, Lightway is a cut above the rest. Not only is there no need for it to be connected to any power grid, it is also highly efficient and versatile, capable of producing the same amount of light as a 60watt incandescent globe from just 5 watts. With in the system there is also a mobile unit that can be used to take light anywhere, and that will also charge on its own. Light from the unit can be adjusted to suit the mood that is required, by adjusting the direction of the louvers. Each panel is also extremely tough being constructed from strong polycarbonate. Charge time for the system is 4 hours of direct sunlight with 2 hours daylight. This will give the system a running time of around 6 hours. The batteries used will last for years, capable of handling thousands of on/off cycles. Almost every aspect of the original Breezway system has been redesigned and RESOLVED for Lightway, while remaining Breezway certified.
In terms of practicality and ease of use, the system is excellent. Since it has been based around an existing Breezway system, the design incorporates everything they have learned over the 10 plus years they have been in operation. The system incorporates safety features such as lock, security bars and fly screens. The system can be made to fit any sized window or door way. Operating the system is easy, only requiring a simple rotation of the single louver handle to open and close the system. The system also meets Australian Standards in terms both of construction and voltage, remaining below the high risk 32v category.
There is definatley a need for the product, as it has the potential to reduce household and city wide electricity usage by a massive 22%. Which is good news for the environment and the economy. A number of people have expressed interest in the concept for the stated applications and it is a proven concept that will work, as stated by a number of physicists that i have presented it to.
Lightway would be sold and Breezway outlets in a display style showcase, where consumers would come and view the entire package and order the system as required. The product would then be delivered with in 5 working days and fitted.
(student.designawards.au)References: student.designawards.au Comment: on Illuminated Eco-Chic Windows |
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