What Is an Active Daylighting System?
An Active Daylighting System is a solar-based lighting solution that actively tracks the sun in real time, rather than relying on fixed collectors or passive skylights.
By combining GPS positioning, solar tracking algorithms, Fresnel optics, and fiber-optic transmission, the system delivers stable, high-intensity natural sunlight deep into interior spaces where traditional daylighting cannot reach.
Unlike passive daylighting, an active system continuously adapts to the sun’s position throughout the day and across seasons, ensuring consistent light output and higher collection efficiency.
GPS-Based Solar Positioning & Real-Time Tracking
The system starts with GPS-based location detection, automatically determining the exact latitude and longitude of the installation site.
Using astronomical solar algorithms, the controller calculates:
- Solar azimuth angle
- Solar altitude angle
- Seasonal solar path variation
A dual-axis tracking mechanism then actively follows the sun’s movement in real time, keeping the optical collector precisely aligned with direct sunlight from sunrise to sunset.
This active tracking approach significantly outperforms fixed-angle or passive collectors, especially in:
- High-latitude regions
- Long daylight-hour environments
- Applications requiring stable indoor illuminance
High-Efficiency Solar Collection with Fresnel Lens
At the core of the system is a high-precision Fresnel lens, designed to:
- Concentrate direct sunlight efficiently
- Reduce optical losses compared to conventional glass lenses
- Maintain high transmission across the visible spectrum
The Fresnel lens focuses sunlight onto the fiber-optic input with high accuracy, maximizing luminous flux while keeping the system compact and lightweight.
This optical design enables efficient collection even under partially variable solar conditions, as long as direct sunlight is available.
Fiber-Optic Transmission of Natural Sunlight
Once collected, sunlight is transmitted through optical fiber cables directly into the building interior.
Key advantages of fiber-optic daylight transmission:
- Zero heat transfer into indoor spaces
- No UV or IR radiation reaching occupants
- Flexible routing for long distances and complex layouts
- Suitable for underground, windowless, and deep-plan spaces
The result is pure, natural sunlight delivered precisely where artificial lighting would otherwise be required.
Typical Applications
Active Daylighting Systems are especially effective in:
- Deep-plan commercial buildings
- Underground spaces and basements
- Industrial facilities with large roof areas
- Museums, galleries, and public buildings
- Warehouses and factories with limited side windows
These environments benefit most from the system’s ability to actively capture and guide sunlight over long distances.
Why Active Daylighting Matters
Compared to passive daylighting solutions, an Active Daylighting System provides:
- Higher and more stable illuminance levels
- Predictable performance throughout the day
- Reduced dependence on artificial lighting
- Improved visual comfort and circadian support
By actively tracking the sun and efficiently transmitting natural light indoors, the system bridges the gap between renewable energy and architectural lighting design.