Solar LED Airfield Lighting System Supplied to a Mine in Africa

20 May Solar LED Airfield Lighting System Supplied to a Mine in Africa

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Aviation Renewables, a leading manufacturer and system integrator of solar powered LED airfield lighting solutions, announced today that it has been awarded a contract to supply Solar Powered PAPI systems and solar runway lighting to a mine site in West Africa.

The Solar Powered PAPI systems are designed to provide precise visual guidance to pilots during landing, while the solar runway lighting systems are designed to provide reliable illumination for runway edges, thresholds and ends. Both systems are compliant with ICAO and FAA standards and can be operated remotely via wireless control. A dusk-to-dawn wind direction indicator is included in the project, and will be powered using solar as well. This Solar Series Permanent Airfield Windcone mounts to a single concrete foundation, allowing it to install quickly and easily in just a few hours.

Benefits of the LED Airfield Lighting Systems

The systems will be installed at a remote mine site in West Africa, where grid power is unavailable or unreliable. The solar power will ensure the highest availability and lowest operational costs of the airfield lighting, while also reducing the environmental impact and carbon footprint of the mine site.

In addition to the solar powered visual aids, a set of reflective taxiway markers will be installed to mark the edges of the taxiway and apron areas. These retro-reflective markers have a micro-prismatic reflective sleeve that is easily replaceable in the field, which significantly reduces the effort and waste versus replacing the entire marker assembly when the reflective material undergoes UV-fading.

Runway-Light-Markers — Soler LED Wind Cone Supplied by Aviation Renewables

Aviation Renewables will travel to the mine site to oversee the installation of these products. The entire system will be installed in 3 days, including commissioning of the systems and training of the on site operations and maintenance staff.

Aviation Renewables has been delivering world-leading products and turn-key services to airports and helipads globally since 2008, with a focus on cost savings, innovative safety, and lifetime support. For more information, check out our Project Reports.

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Project Reports

LED PAPI Supplied and Installed at Mine in Southeast Asia
Synopsis LED PAPI. Aviation Renewables supplied and installed a solar powered LED PAPI for a private runway in Southeast Asia. Aviation Renewables was able to retrofit a previously installed system, that was damaged during a severe flood, in order to keep the costs reasonable for the customer. Challenge The private industrial airstrip in Southeast Asia had previously installed Solar PAPI systems to aid pilots on approach. During a tropical storm, the entire airport was submerged in water up to 2 meters deep, which damaged the previous systems. Having made a significant investment in the equipment, the operator was eager to re-use any components that were salvageable. As the borders were closed during COVID, the installation of the new PAPI was significantly delayed which added to the challenge. Solution Aviation Renewables was contacted by the client, in order to help diagnose the components of the existing system. Using a combination of troubleshooting check-lists, WhatsApp calls and pictures, the on-site team was able to salvage components to create one operable system. Aviation Renewables then supplied an updated LED PAPI to replace the other approach end. As COVID significantly curtailed travel, the installation date was pushed until the borders reopened in mid-2022. Aviation Renewables’ installation team was able to make wiring modifications to the new PAPI in order to limit the number of excavations required for the retrofit. As a result, the existing wiring, conduit and concrete foundations were able to be re-used, which significantly reduced the installation cost for the client. The solar LED PAPI was installed over the course of 2 days and commissioned on the third day, and was well reviewed for visibility and accuracy on a flight check by the company chief pilot. View the complete Project Report and find more about LED PAPI Systems here. Solar Powered PAPI System in Operation Solar Powered PAPI Supplied and Installed by Aviation Renewables
Solar Runway Lighting and Reflective Signage installed at British Columbia Airport
Synopsis Solar Runway Lighting. Aviation Renewables was a awarded a contract for supply and installation of solar runway lighting, threshold lighting, turnpad lighting and retro-reflective airfield signs. The installation was conducted over two phases on a total of 8 nights. Being solar-powered, the lights require no trenching or cabling, and are easily activated as needed by the use of radio control. Challenge West Kootenay Regional Airport, in the interior mountains of British Columbia, has a challenging approach due to surrounding terrain. The airport can experience long periods of low cloud, which historically has impacted flight reliability. As a result, airport management has generated strategic initiatives to improve the approach minimums and conspicuity of the runway. As part of these initiatives, the addition of runway lighting was deemed essential to augment the existing approach lighting. In addition, the airport required a signage update in order to comply with new TP312 5th edition standards. Solution The airport released a competitive tender in the Spring of 2022, for supply and installation of runway edge lighting, threshold lighting, turnpad lighting and retro-reflective signage. Aviation Renewables was subsequently awarded the contract, and work commenced immediately on the detail design and product selection. Safety of operations is paramount in any construction activity, particularly construction activities that take place around active runways. For this reason, Aviation Renewables spent a great deal of time integrating the Site Safety Plan with the Plan of Construction Operations (PCO) that was created for the airport. This integration ensures that there is a clear understanding of the roles for all responsible persons involved in this project. During the PCO development, a determination was made that night work would be the safest option, enabling unfettered access to the runway edge. The separation of construction traffic and aircraft was accomplished by doing a full runway closure during night hours. Aviation Renewables trained all personnel and subcontractors involved in the construction on the unique challenges and procedures involved in airport work. These include site access, escort requirements, FOD control and grading specifications. As Castlegar is located in a mountain valley, the selection of a solar lighting product that would operate through the dark winter months was essential. Using data from NASA databases, detailed modelling of charge states throughout the year was created and used to select the AV426 runway edge light as the best performing light capable of Medium Intensity MIRLs lighting levels. The AV426 uses 4x 5-watt panels to charge a 288Wh battery. The light is modeled to support a minimum daily use of 6 hours throughout the year. here. As the airport has a single runway, it was imperative to maintain normal operations during the construction activity. The work was conducted during the overnight hours when the runway is normally closed. In addition, careful planning ensured that the work undertaken each night did not create hazards for the next day’s operations. These measures included: ensuring all open excavations were appropriately filled, graded and compacted each night; full FOD sweeps at the conclusion of each shift; and strict limits on vehicle traffic to ensure no mud or debris was tracked on runway and taxiway areas. The installation was conducted in two phases, on a total of 8 nights, including a layout survey and as-built survey. View the complete Project Report and find more about Solar Runway Lighting here. Solar Runway Lighting Installed by Aviation Renewables Reflective Signage Manufactured, Installed and Supplied by Aviation Renewables Solar Threshold Lighting from Aviation Renewables Operating at West Kootenay Regional Airport
LED PAPI Installed at Caribbean International Airport
Synopsis LED PAPI System. Aviation Renewables was awarded a contract to deliver, install and commission a 6.6 amp LED PAPI for IFR non-precision operations at an Eastern Caribbean international airport. With a runway resurfacing project and airfield ground lighting (AGL) replacement program in progress, the operator requested Aviation Renewables to remove its conventional style halogen PAPI and replace with an FAA certified four box LED PAPI, isolating transformers, power cables and electrical conduit. Over the period of five days, Aviation Renewables provided surveying, civil works, installation of LED PAPI Light House Assemblies (LHAs), LED PAPI maintenance and operating training, and commissioning of a four box LED PAPI system. During the entire LED PAPI installation, commercial, air carrier and private operators were able to continue operations for both day and night movements. Challenge After decades of constant sunshine, hurricane rains and salt laden winds, the halogen PAPI adjustment screws for each LHA were rusted beyond repair. With the airport planning to replace its halogen airfield lighting with an FAA certified LED runway lighting system, Aviation Renewables was asked to install an LED PAPI from the manufacturer of the Constant Current Regulator (CCR) and Airfield Lighting Control & Monitoring Unit (ALCMU) currently operating at the airport. Solution The four box LED PAPI will offer five steps of LED PAPI lighting intensities to support VFR, non-precision IFR and precision high intensity LED runway lighting standards. In addition, with a history of missed approaches due to low cloud and heavy rainfall at the coastal runway, the Air Traffic Control (ATC) tower was able to increase safety of operations for both day and night operations at this Eastern Caribbean international gateway. Transitioning from a halogen PAPI to an LED PAPI will deliver significant savings to the airport and the airfield electrical team over many decades through reductions in: energy consumption, electricity costs, AGL maintenance, replacement bulbs, adjustment procedures and missed approaches. In addition, the installation of a second LED PAPI at the opposite approach end with high intensity LED runway lighting will bring additional savings while increasing safety of operations to the international airport. With Solar Series wind cones currently operating at the international airport, Aviation Renewables continues to support Caribbean airports with LED PAPI Lighting, LED Runway Lighting, LED Wind Cones, Portable Runway Lighting and Onsite Services for the installation, training and commissioning of LED Airfield Lighting and Renewable Power Systems. View the complete Project Report and find more about LED PAPI Systems here. LED PAPI System Delivered and Installed by Aviation Renewables LED PAPI System Installed and Commissioned by Aviation Renewables
Reflective Taxiway Markers Support Day & Night Operations At Airport
Synopsis Aviation Renewables supplied retroreflective taxiway edge light markers for use at a large international airport in the Bahamas. The markers offer an ideal complement to the solar runway lighting, at a fraction of the cost. Challenge The Bahamian Airport has been in the process of rebuilding after suffering catastrophic damage from a Hurricane in 2019. The existing electrical infrastructure for airfield ground lighting (AGL) was inundated by seawater and destroyed. As part of the rebuilding process, the airport elected to use Solar Runway Edge lighting. These self-contained lights were installed at a lower cost than conventional lighting and are IP68 waterproof to prevent damage from any future damage from seawater at the low-lying airport. Due to the limited budget that the airport was allocated for re-construction, they were eager to find ways to save money while still offering a fully ICAO-compliant lighting system for night operations. Solution Aviation Renewables manufactured and supplied iSeries 600-2T taxiway markers for this project. The 600-2T meets ICAO standards for taxiway edge markers and allows airports to be compliant while working within limited budgets. The 600-2T is the only taxiway marker on in the industry to feature a replaceable reflective sleeve, making it simple to restore the reflectivity of the unit without disposing of the entire structure. The micro-prismatic reflectivity is visible from over 1km at night, giving clear guidance to pilots. Given the challenging salt-laden environment, the marker was shipped with a unique CPVC flange which will prevent corrosion. The markers can be affixed to concrete with expansion anchors, secured to soil using spikes, or mounted to threaded stakes. The versatility, durability and low cost of this solution made it an ideal fit for this project. View the complete Project Report and find more about Reflective Taxiway Markers here. Reflective Taxiway Markers Manufactured and Supplied by Aviation Renewables
LED PAPI Systems Powered by RMS Solar Engines Support Oceanic Civil Airports
Synopsis LED PAPI Systems. Aviation Renewables has been awarded a contract to design, integrate and deliver portable LED PAPI (Precision Approach Path Indicator) systems powered by Solar Series RMS engines with L854 Pilot Activated Lighting Control (PALC) for a South Pacific remote island airfield. Challenge The remote private airfield is situated in extremely mountainous terrain. The sudden changes associated with the mountain weather leads to low visibility conditions that can be a challenge to pilots on approach. In order to maintain proper attitude and approach slope, the airport decided a PAPI system would be the best tool. The airport has no grid electricity and no ground personnel, so they required a system that used off-grid electricity and would be remotely activated. Solution The private airfield tasked Aviation Renewables with designing a PAPI system that would use a well- designed, reliable solar power system and be activated by VHF radio from the cockpit. As the system is so remote, emphasis was placed on ease-of-use and reliability. The RMS solar power system features a compact, all- in-one design that keeps failure points to a minimum. The unit is mounted low to the ground on frangible mounts to comply with frangibility requirements. Each RMS will collect enough electricity from the sun each day to supply ten 15-minute activations. In emergency situations where more usage may be required, the battery will provide 12 hours of continuous use. The L854 Pilot Activated Lighting Controller is inte- grated into the PAPI Power Control Unit and maintains a passive listening watch on the aerodrome frequency. When the L854 detects 3, 5 or 7 clicks on the VHF frequency, the unit instructs the PAPI to illuminate in low, medium or high intensity, respectively. The Solar Series LED PAPI features industry-leading efficiency with FAA certified photometrics. The LED PAPI is extremely easy to install and re-locate, which will allow the client to re-deploy the system to another remote airport when the need arises. Aviation Renewables has supplied multiple solar powered LED PAPI systems to this region to support temporary, semi-permanent and portable LED runway lighting operations. Using these easily transported systems enables the airport operator to provide continuous, safe and ICAO compliant LED PAPI operations for jet traffic during periods of airfield construction, runway resurfacing projects or any unexpected events of power failure. View the complete Project Report and find more about LED PAPI Systems here. Solar LED PAPI Systems Designed and Delivered by Aviation Renewables
LED PAPI Systems and Windsock Lighting Installed at Caribbean Intl Airport
Synopsis LED PAPI System. Aviation Renewables was tasked with the planning, surveying installation and commissioning of Solar LED PAPIs and Solar LED Windcones in Georgetown, Guyana. These visual aids will be used permanently following the completion of a runway extension project. The savings in installation cost, maintenance cost and electricity made the solar LED PAPI the desired option for this gateway to the country. Challenge Cheddi Jagan International Airport, in Georgetown Guyana, is nearing completion of a runway extension project. As part of the project, new lighting was installed during resurfacing of the existing runway. In order to meet cost and sustainability goals for the project, the airport consulted Aviation Renewables on ways to implement ICAO-compliant lighting that would make an impact on both financial savings and the environment. Solution Aviation Renewables installed a solar powered LED PAPI and solar powered LED windcone as part of the permanent visual aids package on the airfield. These two products are fully compliant to ICAO standards, and present significant savings in both energy and carbon emissions. The LED PAPI has a solar power system that is appropriately sized to power the LED PAPI 24/7, with additional redundancy for extended periods of cloudy weather. With no electrical inputs required, the airport saves a large amount of electricity, but also allows the airport to reduce the number of CCRs and circuits they require. This is a massive reduction in initial cost when compared to a conventionally powered system. The Solar LED Windcones operate autonomously with almost no main- tenance required. With an individual solar power system for each wind cone, the internal luminaire and obstruction light operate dusk to dawn through an automatic photocell switch. The tilt-pole design allows for easy replacement of the windsock fabric by one person, when required. With no other maintenance or electrical inputs, the Solar LED Windcone will offer long-term savings over a period of 15 years or more. Aviation Renewables worked with the airport on the initial design layout, and attended the site for surveying, installation, commissioning and training. Over the course of one week, the team was able to complete two Solar LED PAPIs and two Solar LED Windcones, without impacting airport operations. View the complete Project Report and find more about LED PAPI Systems and Windsock Lighting here. Solar LED PAPI Systems Installed and Commissioned by Aviation Renewables
LED PAPI Systems Delivered for Remote Airports
Synopsis LED PAPI – Aviation Renewables delivered multiple solar-hybrid powered LED Precision Approach Path Indicators (PAPIs) for remote airports in the Middle East. Aviation Renewables worked with the Aviation Authority to design a unique solar-hybrid power system to ensure the LED PAPI units will operate in the challenging mountainous terrain year round. Challenge The mountainous terrain of Middle East poses significant hazards for aviation. Many of the remote airports in the country have challenging approaches where an approach slope indication would dramatically increase the margin of safety. The Middle East Civil Aviation Authority conducted a safety review that identified the need for solar powered LED PAPI units at several airports for both day and night operations. These austere locations have very little electrical infrastructure. As a result, the Middle East CAA tasked Aviation Renewables with designing a hybrid power system that would supply reliable, 24/7 electricity for the LED PAPI systems. The harsh winter conditions add some complexity to the design for a standalone solar power system. Aviation Renewables and its engineering team provided training and assistance to a local company to supply and install the correct power solar power and LED PAPI system. Solution Aviation Renewables and its Engineering Team are a global leader in off-grid solar power to design and specify a solar hybrid power system that would be reliable, simple to maintain and easy to install. The system uses solar panels to charge batteries, with the batteries sized to operate a DC-powered LED PAPI for several days with no charging. The solar modules are sufficient to keep the batteries charged through all but the worst of winter storms. In case of poor winter weather, an LPG- fueled, Direct-Current generator sits on standby at all times to bring the batteries back up to full charge. The generator is a unique design that is specifically intended for solar backup situations and requires very little maintenance and no day-to-day operational inputs. Remote monitoring systems ensure the LED PAPI systems are operational 24/7 with automatic fault detection systems built in. The LED PAPIs supplied by Aviation Renewables are incredibly efficient, and use very little electrical power from the batteries. As LEDs have a life expectancy of 100,000 hours, there is almost no maintenance required for the life of the LED PAPI units. As an FAA-certified PAPI, the unit is proven to withstand harsh environmental conditions and will be a good match for the mountain weather. Aviation Renewables is pleased to have lead the program while providing train and remote assistance to a local installation company to install, operate and maintain these solar powered LED PAPI systems. View the complete Project Report and find more about LED PAPI Lights here. Solar LED PAPI Systems Supplied and Trained by Aviation Renewables