Research & Development

Research & Development

Monodraught have a policy of continual research and development working very closely with a number of Universities. 

Monodraught have two full-time Researchers based at Nottingham University with a permanent Environmental Test Chamber to monitor and assess the performance of SunPipes and Windcatchers on a continuing development basis.

Professor Mike Wilson is developing a number of systems with Monodraught but specifically a composite lighting unit that incorporates a standard SunPipe with LEDs embedded into the surround. A solar panel at roof level connects to a solar battery and this will provide 24 hour lighting. A prototype is nearing completion.

A 2-year Study has been spent on developing a computerised prediction model and a number of Papers have been written on their SunPipe development.

A number of Projects are currently being assessed to promote the application of natural ventilation systems.  A considerable number of both Windcatcher and SunCatcher systems have been installed at the University.

Research has been carried out into the application of natural ventilation strategies, where long term monitoring has been carried out and full results are available.

Considerable research has been carried out into the performance of SunPipes under varying conditions and continuous assessment has been carried out on the benefits of lightpipes and human responses.

Other Universities and Test Houses

Work has also been carried out at Loughborough University and UMIST, as well as at BRE and BSRIA on the application of Windcatcher natural ventilation systems.  Full copies of all these Reports are available on request from Monodraught.”

Monodraught maintain a close association with a number of the UK's Universities on the development of natural daylight and natural ventilation but most particularly, the School of the Built Environment at Nottingham University, where Monodraught have a permanent Environmental Test Chamber and research is carried out on a continuing basis under the guidance of Professor Saffa Riffat.