PICO TECHNOLOGIES — Department of Defense SBIR Phase I: This proposes research and development of significantly more efficient lighting systems fo

Description

This proposes research and development of significantly more efficient lighting systems for military expeditionary shelters than those currently employed, which place an ongoing expensive strain on the power management systems that supply power for lighting, using inefficient florescent bulbs, as well as furnishing power for cooling those hot bulbs, and other onboard equipments. More specifically, two technologies are proposed. First, hybrid solar lighting is proposed, exploiting sunlight falling naturally on the shelters. Sunlight is concentrated, transmitted by fiber optics, and diffused to distribute light to users in the shelters. Second, light emitting diodes (LEDs) are included to provide light when the sun is not shining, or is not shining brightly enough to furnish sufficient power. LEDs use less energy, and do not produce the wasteful heat that florescent bulbs currently employed for lighting do.