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S4GA - Helipad and Airport Lighting Company
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NEWS

Nov 29 2024

Weather Challenges: How High Temperatures Impact Your Airfield Lighting

S4GA Solar Airfield Lighting System in a high-temperature environment
S4GA Solar Airfield Lighting System in a high-temperature environment

High temperatures and harsh weather conditions have always been challenges for regions like Australia, the Middle East, and Africa, affecting airfield lighting systems. With climate change, heatwaves are now hitting other regions too, prompting experts to consider Solar AGL as a safer, more resilient alternative for airfield lighting in extreme environments.

Key Issues Caused by Harsh Conditions

Maintenance Hazards

Working in heat during the day can cause dehydration and result in heat-related illness. Maintenance during high temperatures also puts AGL team workers at risk of heat exhaustion, fainting, and stroke.

Expenses on Nighttime Maintenance

In high-heat regions, airports must allocate additional funds for nighttime maintenance, as it offers safer conditions than daytime hours. This includes costs for extra staffing, increased pay rates, and specialized equipment to ensure optimal performance and safety of the personnel.

High temperatures impact during the of solar runway light on the airfield
Spiking temperatures across the globe are continuing to affect workers, by Brian van der Brug/Los Angeles Times. Image source: Getty Images
The electrical cable was damaged due to ignition caused by extreme heat
The electrical cable was damaged due to ignition caused by extreme heat. Image source: www.shutterstock.com
 

Component Degradation

In extreme heat, airfield lighting systems face component degradation, leading to failures and blackouts. Traditional 6.6 Amp systems generate considerable heat under normal conditions, and in high temperatures, they can reach unsafe levels, exposing wires.

Unstable Energy Supply

Frequent blackouts are a growing issue in heat-stricken regions. For example, Montenegro recently experienced major power outages during a heatwave, showing how vulnerable energy grids can be in such conditions. Even backup generators can struggle under these conditions, as they risk overheating and fuel evaporation. 

How Solar Lighting Solves High-Temperature Challenges

Remote Diagnostics via ALCMS

There is no need to leave the comfort of the control tower to troubleshoot each lighting fixture in the airfield. The S4GA ALCMS system allows operators to diagnose issues remotely, minimizing the risk of heat stroke.

S4GA ALCMS installed at the ATC Tower
S4GA ALCMS installed at the ATC Tower

Reduced Maintenance Time

Maintenance of S4GA’s solar airfield lighting is safe and straightforward, even during a heatwave. There’s no need for complex cabling work in daytime heat. Airport personnel can easily handle tasks like cleaning panels or replacing batteries in a safe environment, avoiding time-consuming activities like electrical calibration or continuity checks.

In the rare event that urgent maintenance is needed, personnel can quickly identify faults in the AGL system through the ALCMS and replace the faulty component within minutes—no complex procedures required.

An AGL team worker is installing S4GA Solar Airfield Lighting in high-heat conditions
An AGL team worker is installing S4GA Solar Airfield Lighting in high-heat conditions

Self-Sufficient Power Supply

For airports in high-temperature regions, an unreliable power supply can disrupt operations. S4GA’s Solar AGL provides a fully self-sufficient power solution. Airports like Fortescue Dave Forrest in Australia and a remote military airbase in North Africa have avoided power interruptions with S4GA solar-powered lighting. Our system uses a distributed power source, providing complete independence from a centralized power supply.

S4GA Solar AGL installed at the Australian airport
S4GA Solar AGL installed at the Australian airport

Heat Resilience

While no system is entirely heatproof, S4GA’s Solar AGL components – solar panels, batteries, and LEDs – are highly resistant to high temperatures and UV exposure. Built with durable materials, they minimize system failure and wear. Unlike wired AGL, they avoid insulated wiring that can become a safety risk in extreme heat.

Preparing for a Hotter Future

As climate patterns shift, regions unused to extreme heat are facing new challenges, while traditionally hot areas contend with even harsher conditions. To future-proof operations, airports need safe, user-friendly, and resilient solar systems.

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