Solar lighting design proposals for public use

Abstract

Today, energy is very important to the development of the countries and most of the energy comes off from fossil fuels, but they are limited and they pollute the environment. Despite the fact that the need for energy is increasing, to stop the pollution and to fulfil the need, new researches have been done. Hence the renewable sources are getting important, new technologies have been improved. Turkey does not have enough fossil fuel reserves, so it is addicted to other countries. Thus, renewable energy is more important to our country. Our country has a very big renewable energy potential. Thus, in this study renewable energy sources (solar, geothermal,etc.) and technologies have been observed and studies have been reviewed. The main goals of the industrial design are making difference, producing effective and aesthetic solutions that are in unison with people and nature. If we consider that design is in relation with industry, and industry is focused and dependent on energy; it is understood that, design and energy concepts are integrated to each other. In such a case, it is not possible to think not considering renewable energy in design process that considers both human and nature factors in manufacturing and usage. Another goal of the industrial design is transfering new technologies into the products, so renewable energy technologies must be transferred into the design process. By considering these, primarily the reasons for the renewable energy need and solar energy & solar technologies have been searched. Then, the solar energy based products have been researched to understand the possibilities. Afterwards, public lighting components are searched, and three concept solar lights; Discrete Illuminator, P-Light, Obliques; are proposed as the components of the design study for public use. Radiation data of İzmir are analysed and energy that light(s) can produce is calculated to understand the feasibility of the designs. Consequently, it is understood that the used technology (flexible cells) is not feasible for real conditions. Furthermore, 'The Obliques' is redesigned, customized for suitable technology (crystalline cells) to make it an improved, a feasible and a new solar product for public lighting.