CANADA: S4GA LED PAPI Lights for La Tuque Airport

The Aéroport de La Tuque is a municipal airport that is crucial in connecting local communities in Quebec Province. Recently, the Village of La Tuque initiated a project to upgrade the airport. The Quebec Regional Airport Infrastructure Assistance Program provided the funding for the upgrade. The upgrade included a significant refurbishment of the runway and modernization of navigational aids. All works were completed seamlessly, meeting the airport’s safety standards. Approach Navigation Systems, a Canadian partner of S4GA, integrated S4GA’s innovative LED PAPI system.

PHOTOS OF S4GA LED PAPI system AT LA TUQUE AIRPORT IN CANADA

La Tuque Airport PAPI upgrade

Due to the rise in air traffic in the region, the airport had to enhance its runway and navigational aids. Meeting the navigational aids standards set by the Aerodromes Standards and Recommended Practices (TP 312 Rev 5) was the most challenging aspect of the project.

The solution had to comply with regulations and integrate with existing infrastructure to support air traffic. Timely delivery of critical components, especially PAPIs, was a key factor in selecting the right solution.

S4GA LED PAPI Lights: Powering Projects with Precision and Speed

As a result, the S4GA LED PAPI lights were selected following a comprehensive technical assessment. The airport made its choice based on the advanced functionalities offered by S4GA. Meeting the project’s schedules was only possible due to the faster delivery timeline offered by S4GA.

The installed S4GA LED Precision Approach Path Indicators powered by a 6.6 Amp electrical grid, have not only met but also exceeded expectations. They are reliable and easy to maintain, with a seamless installation process. The ATC Tower can remotely control them via S4GA ALCMS – Airfield Lighting Control And Monitoring System. They are also compliant with international aviation standards.

The Village of La Tuque is proof of the effectiveness of S4GA PAPIs, endorsing their use in future aviation projects.

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HIAL, the Scottish airport operator, has decided to place its trust in S4GA for the second airport out of 11 airports managed by HIAL. S4GA has provided a solar-powered system, which was installed by Dewhurst Airfield Services.

In a groundbreaking achievement for the UK, S4GA LED PAPI has been installed and successfully approved following a flight test for the first time!

Tiree AIRPORT Solar upgrade – Overview

Tiree Airport, located in Northern Scotland, needed an upgraded lighting system. They had been using an outdated portable system that required constant recharging and lacked sufficient photometrical output. After successfully installing the S4GA Solar System in Campbeltown supported by Dewhurst Airfield Services, the HIAL (Highlands and Islands Airports) chose the same solution for Tiree.

which challenges did S4GA face?

One of the main challenges of this project was the airport’s location on an island, making accessibility an issue for the maintenance of a conventional lighting system. Additionally, Tiree experiences limited sun energy during the winter months, which posed limitations for a solar-powered system. However, considering the limited airport operations during winter, the airport accepted the operational limits of the Solar AGL system provided by S4GA.

SOLAR AIRFIELD LIGHTING AT Tiree AIRPORT – Photos

The first S4GA LED PAPI in the UK

Notably, this project marks the debut of S4GA LED PAPI in the UK, a significant milestone. Before the system’s official commissioning, the Precision Approach Path Indicator (PAPI) underwent a specialized “Flight calibration” to ensure precise visual guidance for pilots. S4GA has been positively approved! This meticulous testing further reinforces the reliability and exceptional performance of the S4GA system!

 

 

S4GA Solar AGL – the best solution for Tiree Airport

Following the successful installation of S4GA Solar AGL at Campbeltown Airport, Airport Tiree recognized its effectiveness and decided to implement the same solution. For S4GA Solar Airfield Lighting, Tiree airport challenges are not a problem due to its unique features and capabilities.

• Despite the airport’s location on an island, the system’s design ensures accessibility for maintenance without the need for complex infrastructure typically associated with conventional lighting systems.
• Moreover, S4GA’s Solar AGL system is designed to operate efficiently even with limited sun energy during the winter months, allowing it to meet the airport’s requirements.
• The airport’s acceptance of the operational limits during winter further demonstrates the flexibility and suitability of the S4GA solution for challenging environments.

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A USAF Airbase in the Middle East was in search of a dependable and consistent lighting solution adept at bolstering critical military operations. This quest led them to participate in the S4GA FREE Trial Program. Lighting systems that guarantee redundancy, reliability, and safety while assuring constant support for high-stakes missions are paramount for airbases.

Solar-powered lighting solutions curtail reliance on conventional power grids, thus guaranteeing uninterrupted functions. An added advantage is its wireless control that provides individual light monitoring capabilities.

testing details

From April 27th to July 5th, 2023, the Military Air Base underwent an extensive 70-day evaluation phase. The primary focus was on the S4GA solar airfield lights, testing them across various intensities and operational scenarios.

The UR-201 Control and Monitoring Unit, UR-101 Handheld Controller, and the Airfield Lighting Control and Monitoring System (ALCMS) were intricately examined. The goal was to ensure flawless control, configuration, and real-time monitoring of the lighting system’s efficiency.

findings

 

Throughout the testing, the lighting system ran uninterruptedly for 24 hours a day. A noteworthy finding was the battery performance. On average, the battery level of the S4GA solar airfield lights stayed strong at 75-80%, underscoring the system’s resilience during prolonged operational hours.

When it came to heat resistance, the S4GA solar airfield lights shone brightly. The maximum temperature recorded was a scorching 158 degrees Fahrenheit (70 degrees Celsius).

Additional testing was conducted – specifically focusing on the impact of sand coverage on the solar panels. The tests revealed that even when the solar panels were covered in sand, there was little impact on their ability to generate electricity. This finding was consistent with the results obtained during the 70-day testing period, where dust coverage of the solar panels did not reflect in any noticeable decrease in the battery level.

During the S4GA FREE Trial Program in the Middle East Air Base, the battery level of every light is monitored. Reading of battery level is collected every hour and sent to S4GA Monitoring Portal. Daily battery level is calculated as an average of hourly readings. As expected, the lights discharged faster at night since solar power wasn’t enough. However, despite the cloudy weather, the lights charged up to 100% during the daytime.

After rigorous testing under the S4GA FREE Trial Program in the Middle East, it’s evident that the S4GA solar airfield lights, coupled with the associated equipment, stand out in terms of performance, reliability, and durability. These qualities make them highly suitable for military runway operations, ensuring steadfast support during blackouts or any potential failure scenarios. The test results strongly advocate for the S4GA solar airfield lights as an optimal choice for military applications!

would you like to join S4GA FREE TRIAL PROGRAM?

Enroll in the S4GA free trial program today to explore a sustainable, dependable solution to power your airfield lighting. With our advanced solar-powered lighting systems, you can guarantee seamless operations and enhance safety for pilots.

Participating in this program allows you to experience our technology firsthand and witness the results for yourself. Don’t let go of this chance to transform your airport’s lighting system. Register now and discover the advantages of solar autonomy!

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S4GA has supplied Airbase Minsk Mazowiecki in Poland with the LED PAPI System. The military airbase has initiated a substantial upgrade to modernize its lighting systems. The renewal focused primarily on Precision Approach Path Indicator (PAPI) technology. So, the main reason for this renovation was to switch to LED technology. This change would improve operational efficiency and increase safety during crucial maneuvers. 

 

S4GA LED PAPI AT Airbase Minsk Mazowiecki IN POLAND – PHOTOS

Airbase Minsk Mazowiecki PAPI upgrade

The project scope included integrating S4GA LED Precision Approach Path Indicators powered by 6.6 Amp electrical grid technology with Thyristor Constant Current Regulator (CCR) while ensuring NVG compatibility. Additionally, the S4GA project team focused primarily on electrical specifications. They also addressed communication protocols, physical interface alignment, power supply stability, and testing. They had to meticulously coordinate and apply technical expertise to ensure that the systems worked seamlessly with each other and were compatible.

S4GA PAPI LIGHTS: FEATURES AND INSIGHTS

The S4GA addressed the Airbase’s needs and challenges encountered during the installation of PAPI Lights. Airbase Minsk Mazowiecki chose S4GA’s LED PAPI technology for several reasons:

• Easy replacement of PAPI projectors without recalibration;
• Capability to monitor the LED PAPI using the existing Airfield Lighting Control and Monitoring System (ALCMS);
• NVG Compatibility with NATO standards;
• Fast installation, simplicity, and ease of maintenance;
• Technical expertise of the team to ensure seamless operation and compatibility.

NVG COMPATIBILITY: a must-have for militaries

The installed S4GA LED PAPI system was the NVG version. It underwent NATO standard NVG equipment compatibility testing at the airbase during commissioning.

With a range of features tailored to meet the unique requirements of military airbases, S4GA’s lights offer unparalleled precision and reliability, including compatibility with NVG, remote monitoring capabilities, higher levels of illumination compared to competitors, and full compliance with ICAO, FAA, EASA, CASA requirements, and NATO standards.

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S4GA supplied Solar Airfield Lighting to Elliot Lake Airport in Canada. The system is used by the Airport as primary runway illumination during daytime and for night flight operations.

solar Airfield Lights at a Canadian airport

Elliot Lake Airport is a municipal aerodrome offering passengers, cargo, and air ambulance services. For some time it has been struggling with almost 40 year’s old wired RWY lighting. The old system consisted of 113 conventional lights connected by 3,000 meters of underground wires with no drawings pointing to their locations. It has been showing its insufficiency with problems like lights no longer working and underground cable splicing.

At that critical point, the Airport started looking for innovative, reliable, yet a cost-efficient solutions, that would replace the faulty wired system.

In 2020 City Council issued a tender for a new airfield lighting system. In choosing the tender’s winner, the government considered many factors that concluded in indicating S4GA as the leader with advanced solar technology.

Approach Navigation Systems (S4GA exclusive distributor in Canada) has won the tender and successfully installed the Solar Lighting and ALCMS.

s4ga Solar Airfield Lighting at Elliot Lake Airport – Photos

s4ga solar Lighting – the best fit for Elliot Lake airport

After thoughtful consideration, S4GA solar lighting proved to be the best fit for the Canadian Airport that meet and exceed all the Client’s criteria:

• Operate 365 days a year on solar energy
• Easy installation and maintenance
• Remote activation and control
• Suitable to the harsh Canadian environment (such as limited solar potential, low temperatures)
• User-replaceable battery and optics
• Compliant with ICAO

Moreover, as S4GA’s technology uses only solar energy to operate, the airport will pay zero electricity bills. It will not only save money but also reduce its CO2 emissions – putting airports closer to carbon neutrality goals.

Additionally, cost savings from the elimination of underground cables, transformers, and ground digging works, covered the cost of LED solar lights batteries that come with a full 5-year warranty.

Despite the project taking time during the COVID-19 pandemic period, the system has been delivered and installed within only 3 weeks. 

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s4ga ALCMS for Elliot lake airport

S4GA Airfield Lighting Control and Monitoring System are designed to provide full remote control and monitoring of solar LED runway lighting from the TWR or maintenance room. It consists of Computer Interface integrated into UR-201 Control and Monitoring Unit.

ALCMS installed by the Elliot Lake Airport allows to monitor and collect light information by S4GA headquarters in Poland. Thanks to this unique feature of our Airfield Lights Control and Monitoring System, our Team can not only provide up-to-date technical support but also by collecting light data we can constantly improve our system and bring solar airfield lighting solutions to the next level.

S4GA ALCMS CONTROL KEY Functions

• Grouping of entire airfield lighting into 3 major groups
• Control of the entire lighting system and groups of lights
• 3-step intensity level setup for a particular group of runway lights and PAPI
• Operating modes setup: flashing, dusk-till-dawn, pilot-activated, GSM-activated
• Timer setup (for pilot-activated and GSM-activated modes)

S4GA ALCMS Monitoring KEY features

• Real-time individual light status monitoring: battery level, charging speed, temperature, operating status, charging efficiency of solar panel
• Monitoring of UR-201 Control Module: GSM signal strength, backup battery level, power connection
• Immediate light failure detection and report: light unavailable, critical battery level
• Color indication of the current status in 4 monitored areas: Lamps, Power, GSM, VHF
• Color indication of current light status: RED – the lamp is offline; AMBER – the battery level is below 30%; GREY – the unit is 100% operational

Additionally to the installation of the Solar Permanent Airfield Lighting System, Elliot Lake Airport decided to use S4GA Solar Engine to supply electricity to their existing, halogen Precision Approach Path Indicator units. It was possible thanks to UR-3 PAPI Controller-Converter.

 

After the successful installation at Mali Losinj Airport, another esteemed Croatian airport has decided to adopt the S4GA FREE Trial Program. The airport representative was impressed by the results of S4GA FREE Trial and has shared their insights below:

“We were a little skeptical at first, whether and how the lights would work, in the end the final result, idea and concept pleasantly surprised us. We tested the lighting in all weather and field conditions and tried all the ways and possibilities it offers. We were worried about whether the panels would collect enough energy during the cloudy days. Fortunately, we had the opportunity to test in those conditions as well. Through several consecutive cloudy days, the lighting performed the given functions without problems. We believe that solar lighting is extremely practical, and that its simple way of working and quality operation in extreme conditions is a big plus that attracts airports to opt for solar airport lighting”

feasibility study

Situated at a strategic crossroad in Croatia, this regional aerodrome is a beacon for local and regional travel. Its prime location combined with top-notch services ensures it remains an indispensable asset for regional commuting and cargo movements.

Our comprehensive feasibility study revealed that this aerodrome is perfectly equipped to run 24 hours per day at 33% intensity. What’s more, during the lively summer and spring months, it can sustain around 14 hours per day at a robust 100% intensity. This operational bandwidth not only meets but surpasses the expectations for a regional aerodrome, guaranteeing seamless flight operations.

The  Feasibility Study utilized the PVGIS system, which is an EU-approved online tool that employs satellite-based solar historical data to simulate the performance of solar-powered equipment in a specific location!

On-site testing

Between 29th of May and 14th of June 2023, the aerodrome conducted a rigorous 15 days evaluation of the S4GA Solar lights. Notably, the lights remained operational 24 hours per day at full 100% intensity for most of the duration.

During the S4GA FREE Trial in Croatia, the battery level of every light is monitored. Reading of battery level is collected every hour and sent to S4GA Monitoring Portal. Even though there was a cloud cover for 70% of the trial period, the results were astonishingly impressive – the battery level never fell below 80%!

would you like to join S4GA FREE TRIAL PROGRAM?

Enroll in the S4GA free trial program today to explore a sustainable, dependable solution to power your airfield lighting. With our advanced solar-powered lighting systems, you can guarantee seamless operations and enhance safety for pilots.

Participating in this program allows you to experience our technology firsthand and witness the results for yourself. Don’t let go of this chance to transform your airport’s lighting system. Register now and discover the advantages of solar autonomy!

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Department of Airports in Thailand, a government department under the Ministry of Transport, entrusted S4GA with a project of upgrading the PAPI System at one of Thai regional airports. The installation took place at Mae Hong Son Airport. DoA was looking for both reliable and easy to maintain PAPI System powered by 6.6 Amp electrical grid.

PHOTOS OF S4GA LED PAPI AT MAE HONG SON AIRPORT IN THAILAND

Mae Hong Son Airport PAPI upgrade

Mae Hong Son is a civil airport servicing small province in the north-western part of Thailand. The airport is equipped with permanent runway lighting and halogen precision approach path indicators. However, the PAPI system required a complete modification. DoA Management made a decision to invest in a new LED PAPI. The main challenge for the Customer was to find a solution being in the same time reliable, cost-effective, and requiring a simple maintenance.

S4GA LED PAPI – simple design and easy maintenance

Simplicity of design was an important factor for the Customer to choose S4GA. Another required aspect was an ability to have maintenance performed by local technical staff only familiar with halogen PAPI before.

All things considered , S4GA LED Precision Approach Path Indicators powered by 6.6 Amp electrical grid were found the best solution addressing all Customer’s requirements:

• fast installation
• simple design
• easy maintenance performed by local technical staff
• remote control from the ATC Tower

S4GA LED PAPI Lights are equipped with TILT sensors as one of the requirements provided by DoA. Airport personnel can also monitor the PAPI “health”: the lights send feedback information to Tower using a communication cable.

S4GA LED PAPI as well as other airfield lighting products are fully compliant with ICAO, FAA, EASA, CASA requirements and certified by accredited laboratories. Moreover, S4GA LED PAPI Lights have the most illumination compared to competitor products. This feature allows for an extra safety margin for airports located in areas where adverse weather conditions may appear and disturb operations.

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Warsaw – Radom Airport, a prominent transportation hub in Poland, sought a lighting solution that would not only meet international standards but also ensure the highest level of safety and efficiency. Faced with certification requirements, time constraints, and specific design needs, the airport turned to us for our expertise in delivering innovative lighting solutions.

Challenges that the AIRPORT faced

As an international airport, Warsaw – Radom Airport had to comply with rigorous certification standards, including those mandated by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). It was imperative to select a lighting system that met the EASA regulations for all components, including the SP-102S obstacle (OBS) lights. The airport required a solution that would be fully compliant and certified for international use.

Time posed another significant challenge. With the airport already operational, a swift implementation of the lighting system was crucial to ensure uninterrupted and efficient operations. The project demanded a partner capable of delivering within a tight timeframe without compromising on quality.

Benefits of Using S4GA Solar Lights

S4GA emerged as the ideal choice for Warsaw – Radom Airport due to several key factors. One of the primary considerations was S4GA’s SP-102S OBS lights, which were certified for international airport use, meeting the rigorous EASA standards. This certification ensured that the lighting system complied with all necessary regulations, providing peace of mind for the airport authorities.

Additionally, S4GA’s lighting system offered a complete self-enclosed design, with solar panels integrated within the lighting units. This design not only provided an aesthetically pleasing solution but also offered the necessary battery capacity and appropriately sized solar panels to operate efficiently in Poland’s diverse climate throughout the year.

Despite the time constraints, S4GA successfully met the airport’s requirements and delivered a reliable lighting solution within the specified timeframe. To ensure a seamless transition and optimal utilization of the lighting system, the airport’s technical team participated in a comprehensive, hands-on technical training session provided by S4GA’s Center of Excellence, taking advantage of their proximity.

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The collaboration between Warsaw – Radom Airport and S4GA exemplifies the significance of selecting a dependable lighting solution provider. If your airport is in need of reliable and efficient aviation lighting solutions, S4GA is here to assist you!

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S4GA, a leading provider of innovative aviation lighting solutions, has partnered with AMS, a trusted company specializing in helipad installations and maintenance. Together, we have successfully provided Darwin Hospital in Australia with the state-of-the-art S4GA Solar Helipad Lights. This collaboration has not only addressed the unique challenges faced by the hospital but has also brought numerous benefits to their operations!

Challenges that the hospital faced

One of the major challenges encountered at Darwin Hospital was the need for a swift installation process for their HEMS (Helicopter Emergency Medical Services) helipad. As a critical facility, the helipad had to remain operational at all times, ensuring quick and uninterrupted access for emergency helicopters. This meant that any installation work had to be completed within a short timeframe, without causing any disruptions to the hospital’s emergency operations!

Benefits of Using S4GA Solar Lights for Hospital

The decision to choose S4GA Solar Helipad Lights was based on two key factors:

• The hospital decided to replace their unreliable wired lighting system due to frequent failures. They needed a more dependable solution with reduced maintenance needs and a lower risk of system failure. They found the perfect answer in solar-powered aviation lights, which are independent of the electrical grid and don’t require complex wiring infrastructure.
• The hospital was worried about losing helipad lights during thunderstorms or lightning strikes, which could jeopardize emergency medical services. To address this concern, they opted for solar aviation lights. These lights are immune to power outages caused by lightning and remain operational during adverse weather conditions, providing consistent illumination for safe helicopter landings.

In addition to addressing the specific challenges faced by the hospital, the implementation of S4GA Solar Helipad Lights brought several other benefits. The solar-powered lights require minimal maintenance, reducing the need for regular inspections and repairs. This not only saves time and resources but also ensures that the helipad remains operational with minimal downtime.

Furthermore, the solar lights are environmentally friendly, utilizing renewable energy to power the helipad lighting system. By adopting sustainable solutions, Darwin Hospital demonstrates its commitment to reducing carbon emissions and promoting a greener future.

Would You Like to Get a Personal Offer? Contact Us!

If your organization is in need of reliable and efficient aviation lighting solutions, S4GA is here to assist you. Whether you operate a hospital, offshore platform, or any other facility requiring helicopter access, we have the expertise to provide you with the most advanced and dependable lighting solutions.

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S4GA supplied Solar Airfield Lighting to Campbeltown Airport in Scotland, which is operated by Highlands and Islands Airports Limited (HIAL). The system is used by the Airport as primary runway illumination during daytime and for night flight operations. The contract was executed by Dewhurst Airfield Services Ltd.

s4ga Solar Airfield Lighting at Campbeltown Airport – Video

solar Airfield Lights at SCOTTISH airport

Campbeltown Airport is located at Machrihanish, 5.6 km west of Campbeltown, near the tip of the Kintyre peninsula in Argyll and Bute on the west coast of Scotland. It has a CAA Licence that allows flights for the public transport of passengers, and for flying instruction as authorized by the licensee.

Originally built in 1962, the runway at Campbeltown Airport was showing signs of deterioration.  This resulted in the runway being restricted to aircraft below 6.85 tonnes in weight to preserve it for essential medical, lifeline, and emergency services.  

With significant investment from HIAL, the airport began a runway refurbishment project in 2021. One of the required upgrades of the renovation project was the installation of a new airfield lighting system.  The system would be required to withstand extreme Scottish weather conditions while meeting the requirements of the regulatory body.

After careful consideration, the S4GA Solar Permanent Runway Lighting was confirmed as the preferred option.

Solar Airfield Lighting at Campbeltown Airport – Photos

s4ga solar Lighting – A GOOD fit for a Scottish airport

S4GA solar airfield lighting was a good fit for the Scottish Airport and met the requirements outlined in the project brief:

• Operates 365 days a year on solar energy
• Fast and easy installation
• Suitable to the harsh Scottish environment (such as limited solar potential, low temperatures)
• Simple maintenance that can be performed by the airport personnel
• Compliant with ICAO, EASA requirements

s4ga ALCMS for Campbeltown airport

The SG4A ALCMS was installed at Campbeltown Airport alongside the S4GA solar technology. S4GA ALCMS is an Airfield Lighting Control and Monitoring System designed to provide full remote control and monitoring of solar LED runway lighting from the TWR or maintenance room. It consists of Computer Interface integrated into UR-201 Control and Monitoring Unit.

S4GA ALCMS CONTROL KEY Functions

• Grouping of entire airfield lighting into 3 major groups
  
• Control of the entire lighting system and groups of lights
  
• 5-step intensity level setup for a particular group of runway lights and PAPI (5 steps: 3, 5, 10, 30, 100%)
• Operating modes setup: Visible, NVG, Remote, Autonomus)
• Timer setup (for VHF-activated and GSM-activated modes)

S4GA ALCMS Monitoring KEY features

Moreover, ALCMS installed by the Campbeltown Airport allows the monitoring and collecting of light information by S4GA headquarters in Poland. Thanks to this unique feature of our Airfield Lights Control and Monitoring System, our Team can not only provide up-to-date technical support but also by collecting lights data we are able to constantly improve our system and bring solar airfield lighting solutions to the next level.

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S4GA UPS at Campbeltown Airport

The Scottish Airport will also benefit from using S4GA UPS – Uninterruptible Power Supply for PAPI. The solution will be used as a backup power source to power S4GA portable PAPI / A-PAPI systems. It is applicable for LED and halogen precision approach path indicators.

Additionally to the installation of the Solar Permanent Airfield Lighting System, Cambeltown Airport decided to use S4GA Solar Engine to supply electricity to their existing, halogen Precision Approach Path Indicator units. It was possible thanks to S4GA  UR-3 PAPI Controller-Converter.

s4ga Solar Airfield Lighting at Campbeltown Airport – Video

England is often referred to as “foggy Albion” for good reason. Despite this, an airport in Wales decided to test the reliability of solar-powered airfield lighting, even in “non-flying” weather conditions and high levels of cloud cover. To do so, they joined S4GA’s Free Trial Program to determine whether this modern solution could outperform traditional lighting methods!

feasibility study

Firstly, we researched data regarding the safe number of hours per day that the solar airfield lighting can be activated at the selected intensity level. If the solar AGL system is operated for no more than the specified simulated hours, it can function without any disruptions caused by power outages or drained batteries. See the number of daily operating hours depending on intensity level and month below.

The  Feasibility Study utilized the PVGIS system, which is an EU-approved online tool that employs satellite-based solar historical data to simulate the performance of solar-powered equipment in a specific location!

On-site testing

During the trial period from 12.09.2022 to 24.10.2022, the weather was unfavorable, with intermittent rain and cloudy skies (the average level of cloud cover was almost 70%). Despite this, the S4GA Solar Airfield Lighting managed to operate smoothly, providing the necessary lighting to ensure safe landings and take-offs.

During S4GA FREE Trial in the UK, all lights have been tested for 42 days. The actual duration of operations has by far exceeded the simulated duration. Most of days light has been activated at 100% intensity for longer than the maximum simulated duration. Lights have been activated for 583 hrs in total during the trial period. The maximum simulated duration was projected at 334 hrs. Actual duration exceeded by 75% the one that has been simulated.

During the S4GA FREE Trial in the UK, the battery level of every light is monitored. Reading of battery level is collected every hour. Daily battery level is calculated as an average of hourly readings.  Runway edge light in particular had a lower battery level compared to threshold-end and taxiway edge lights due to higher power consumption and extra optics for the runway edge light.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite adverse weather conditions, the solar-powered airfield lighting proved to be highly functional and allowed the airport to operate at full capacity. Furthermore, the easy installation and low maintenance requirements make this solution highly suitable for regional airports!

• All lights have successfully passed the solar autonomy test;
• All lights have exceeded the maximum simulated duration: Real duration of operations was 75% higher than the maximum simulated ones. The average daily time when the light was activated was 14 hrs/day
• 99% of the time lights were activated at 100% intensity level

would you like to join S4GA FREE TRIAL PROGRAM?

Enroll in the S4GA free trial program today to explore a sustainable and dependable solution to power your airfield lighting. With our advanced solar-powered lighting systems, you can guarantee seamless operations and enhance safety for pilots.

Participating in this program offers you the opportunity to experience our state-of-the-art technology firsthand and witness the results for yourself. Don’t let go of this chance to transform your airport’s lighting system. Register now and discover the advantages of solar autonomy!

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The New Zealand Airport faced a problem when they realized that their conventional lighting installation was not cost-effective and sustainable in the long run. After researching various alternatives, they decided to try the S4GA FREE Trial Program and opted for solar airfield lighting.

feasibility study

The airport was situated in an area where the weather conditions were challenging, with heavy rainfall and low sunlight. They were concerned about whether solar airfield lighting would be able to perform optimally in such conditions. However, they decided to give it a shot! First of all, we decided to conduct a feasibility study to determine the safe amount of daily hours that solar airfield lighting can operate (be activated at a selected intensity level). Check the number of daily operating hours depending on intensity level and month below.

The Feasibility Study utilized the PVGIS system, which is an EU-approved online tool that employs satellite-based solar historical data to simulate the performance of solar-powered equipment in a specific location.

On-site testing

During the trial period from 19.01.2023 to 14.02.2023, the weather was unfavorable, with intermittent rain and cloudy skies (the average level of cloud cover was 53%). Despite this, the S4GA Solar Airfield Lighting managed to operate smoothly, providing the necessary lighting to ensure safe landings and take-offs.

During S4GA FREE Trial in New Zealand, all lights have been tested in dusk-to-dawn mode. Runway and Threshold-End Lights have been activated for 257 hrs in total during 27 days of the trial period (on average for 9,5 hrs a day).

• For 48% of time, lights have been activated at 30% intensity level;
• For the remaining 52% of time, lights have been activated at 100% level.

During S4GA FREE Trial in New Zealand battery level of every light is monitored. Battery level is measured every time when it changes for min 1%. Every hour measured battery levels are transferred from Control and Monitoring Unit to the S4GA server for analysis. The airport officials were impressed with the solar lights’ performance, as they maintained their efficiency and brightness even in low-light conditions.

CONCLUSIONS

During FREE Trial Program, we tested the reliability of S4GA solar-powered airfield lights under challenging weather conditions – high cloud cover and no-sun days – to ensure the technology meets the needs of airfields even on cloudy days. We confirmed that our lamps can operate for 10 hours a day without any restrictions, providing a significant safety margin beyond the required 2-hour lighting period for airfields. This trial validates the results of our Feasibility Study and demonstrates the reliability of our technology!

Overall, the airport’s decision to switch to Solar Airfield Lighting proved reliable and efficient, even in challenging weather conditions, making it a valuable investment for any airport looking to switch to sustainable lighting solutions.

would you like to join S4GA FREE TRIAL PROGRAM?

If you’re looking for a reliable and sustainable way to power your airfield lighting, then join the S4GA free trial program today! With our solar-powered lighting systems, you can ensure uninterrupted operations and enhance safety for pilots.

By participating in the trial, you’ll have the opportunity to test our cutting-edge technology firsthand and see the results for yourself. Don’t miss out on this chance to revolutionize your airport’s lighting system. Sign up now and experience the benefits of solar autonomy!

Register Now