That level of complexity and precision is not needed for distributing daylight.
But that’s my point. The data thing isn’t relevant. It’s just transmitting light. The fact it can transmit data doesn’t means that’s what it’s for. It just transmits light of any intensity.
It’s a lot easier to just run some cables than install specialty ducts though. It doesn’t need as much space and you also don’t need to worry about being in straight lines. You just run the cable wherever you want and the light ends up there. Fiber optic cables effectively are just tubes with mirrors, except they dynamically adjust to whatever shape they’re in. If you’ve got a short path to the outside, sure, do the duct, although you might as well just do a window. If it’s to the interior of a building, especially if it’s already constructed, fiber optic cables are the only reasonable option.
Fiberoptic cables are limited by the diameter of the cable. A mirrored duct can be as big as you need it to be. We’re talking about enough light to brighten an entire room. A half-inch fiberoptic cable isn’t going to do it.
Solar tubes are very effective at bypassing attics. That’s probably their main application, but if we’re talking about constructing post-apocalyptic catacomb cities, where we already need some sort of central ventilation shaft and duct work, then it’s not like we need to retrofit it to some structure that isn’t designed for it…
But that’s my point. The data thing isn’t relevant. It’s just transmitting light. The fact it can transmit data doesn’t means that’s what it’s for. It just transmits light of any intensity.
It’s a lot easier to just run some cables than install specialty ducts though. It doesn’t need as much space and you also don’t need to worry about being in straight lines. You just run the cable wherever you want and the light ends up there. Fiber optic cables effectively are just tubes with mirrors, except they dynamically adjust to whatever shape they’re in. If you’ve got a short path to the outside, sure, do the duct, although you might as well just do a window. If it’s to the interior of a building, especially if it’s already constructed, fiber optic cables are the only reasonable option.
Fiberoptic cables are limited by the diameter of the cable. A mirrored duct can be as big as you need it to be. We’re talking about enough light to brighten an entire room. A half-inch fiberoptic cable isn’t going to do it.
Solar tubes are very effective at bypassing attics. That’s probably their main application, but if we’re talking about constructing post-apocalyptic catacomb cities, where we already need some sort of central ventilation shaft and duct work, then it’s not like we need to retrofit it to some structure that isn’t designed for it…