Solatube SkyVault daylighting systems have improved workplace illumination at ArcelorMittal Poland's steelworks in Dąbrowa Górnicza, delivering natural daylight into two large production halls without interrupting operations.

ArcelorMittal is a leading global steel and mining company, supplying steel products to industries including automotive, construction, household appliances and packaging. Its steelworks in Dąbrowa Górnicza is the largest facility of its kind in Poland.

As part of its commitment to improving working conditions while reducing environmental impact, ArcelorMittal sought a daylighting solution for areas of the facility used by cranes transporting semi-finished products for further processing.

The Challenge

The project covered two separate production halls, each requiring improved illumination at working level.

• The first hall measures 36 m wide × 160 m long × 22 m high, with a target average illuminance of 100 lux
• The second hall measures 30 m wide × 72 m long × 22 m high, with a target average illuminance of 200 lux

A significant challenge was the installation itself. The daylighting systems needed to be installed through the roof without disrupting ongoing production, while ladders and other access equipment from below were not permitted.

The Solution

To meet the project's requirements, 35 Solatube SkyVault® M74 DS systems with Amplifiers were specified. Due to the 22 m installation height, the Amplifiers were used to focus daylight towards the task plane and provide the required illumination within the working areas below.

Customised flashings were also produced to adapt the systems to the existing roof construction.

To minimise disruption to production, the Diffuser, Amplifier and Extension Tube were pre-assembled inside the building. Each assembly was then hoisted through a roof penetration using a specially prepared net. Once raised into position, the SkyVault system and Amplifier were connected to the flashing and secured from the upper side of the roof.

This approach enabled the complete installation to be carried out without interrupting the steelworks' production processes.

Products Used

• 35 Solatube SkyVault® M74 DS with Amplifier units

The Results

Following installation, light intensity measurements confirmed that the required illumination levels had been achieved across both production halls. ArcelorMittal also reported a positive impact on working conditions through the introduction of natural daylight.

Marcin Maciąg, Director of ArcelorMittal Poland, said: "This technology innovation is a revolution in the Polish market. We did not expect that it would be possible to install this kind of object on the roof without interrupting the production process."

Find out more about Solatube daylighting solutions