Airfield Ground Lighting Design, Campbeltown Airport

Challenge

The existing AGL system had an internal battery that needed to be recharged daily. This involved removing the lights from the runway and reinstalling after the recharge was complete. To maintain compliance during operating hours, the batteries needed to be charged after each operating period until the life of the battery was exhausted and the battery replaced. The procedure required significant man hours and there was no facility for monitoring battery life. 

Solution

We assessed whether a solar system would receive sufficient sunlight to power the lights. We engaged S4GA, a company who specialise in solar lighting, to undertake a solar verification feasibility study based on the proposed AGL.

The solar verification aspect of the study concluded: 

• Average daily duration of lighting: 2 hrs / day during November – February 
• Average daily duration of lighting: 10 hrs / day during March – October 

The limited daily operation between November and February was an initial concern. However, when we highlighted that during March and October, the installation of the solar AGL system means the batteries wouldn't need to be charged, reducing power consumption, the client approved the proposed solar power AGL design for construction. 

We also advised on the benefit of including a control system for the solar portable lights. This means the system would have individual light diagnostics. For each light this would provide failure status, battery level, daily operative time and total running time. This data, particularly the battery level indication, would allow a daily assessment of the the battery life and provide an efficient recharging process. It was agreed that a control system would be included in the final design to mitigate any concern associated with the AGL operation during November and February.