Another Initiative by Western Railway towards Green Energy
With an aim to bring down the greenhouse emissions and reduce the energy bill, Ministry of Railways have stressed on the use of renewable sources of energy. It has introduced some pioneering initiatives such as installation of roof top solar panels on Railway buildings, Railway coaches to harness solar energy and setting up solar power plants on Railway land to reduce Carbon footprints etc. Taking a cue from this novel initiative, Western Railway has positioned itself as forerunners in the field of Energy conservation and use of Green Energy on Indian Railways.
Article source: Railnews.in Image source (top): Indiatimes.com
According to a press release issued by Shri Ravinder Bhakar- Chief Public Relations Officer of Western Railway, natural sunlight tubes/sun pipes have been installed at Mumbai Central station. These sunlight tubes/pipes have been installed in the concourse with an aim to provide natural effective lighting during the day. It is a practice of placing windows or other openings and reflective surfaces. The aim is to maximize visual comfort as well as reduce energy use. The Polycarbonate (PC) dome collects and concentrates ambiance day light. It is UV stabilized. Highly reflective tube delivers high light levels for max illumination.
image source: HindustanTimes.com
The Features & advantages of Natural sunlight tubes/sun pipes :
- Clear Prismatic high light collecting dome
- Options of diffuser -: Clear glow, Lacto glow (structured and non structured)
- Reflective tube to guide the light to the floor area for better light control
- Matching roof adaptor to roof profile
- High coverage area up to 1600 Sq.ft.
- Suitable for any roof except with false ceiling.
- Uniform lighting spread.
- Better and improved light and heat control.
- Better aesthetics
- Life of this system is +20 years.
- UV stabilized optical diffuser gives uniform and broader light dispersion.
- Can deliver day light even to dark corners.
- The system is Aesthetic and creates better ambience.
- Light captured is high at low sun angle (i.e. before 09.00 am after 03.00 pm.
- Works effectively during low light level like rain and cloud.
- Provides pure and natural dynamic daylight for 11 to 12 hours in a day to the interior.
- Reduces carbon footprint.
18 units have been installed at Mumbai Central Terminus, each unit costing Rs 21,000/-, total being Rs 4.46 lakh. Since this sort of light source has numerous benefits, it is planned to extend such lighting arrangements to workshops, sheds and other stations on Western Railway. Shri Bhakar stated that, as the passengers are our valued customers, it is also planned to take feedback from the passengers during the monsoons.