I tried making artificial sunlight at home

a year ago

The author attempted to create artificial sunlight at home using a grid of lenses and LEDs, inspired by a DIY Perks video.
The design aimed to be less bulky than a parabolic reflector and easier to manage thermally by using multiple low-power LEDs.
The project involved learning CAD modeling (build123d, FreeCAD), PCB design (KiCad), and custom Python code for optical simulation.
The final device used 36 LEDs in a 6x6 grid, with custom-made PMMA acrylic lenses and a Rayleigh diffuser made from inkjet film.
The author faced challenges with mechanical tolerances, requiring manual adjustments to fit the lenses into grooves.
The project cost around €300 for parts, with additional expenses for tools and prototypes, totaling around €1000.
The artificial sunlight effect was partially successful, with good collimation but insufficient brightness and visible lens grid patterns.
Potential improvements for a future version include increased power, larger surface area, and better optical design.
The author emphasized the benefits of a software-heavy approach, enabling parametric design and automated manufacturing workflows.

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