An LED Runway Lighting System powered by solar energy was chosen as the best solution for a coastal airfield located in East Africa. Requiring 24/7 operational capability, Aviation Renewables proposed an ICAO compliant solar powered LED Runway Lighting System capable of supporting operations during inclement weather, daytime and night time emergencies. Aviation Renewables travelled to the airport to manage the installation, commissioning and training of the LED Runway Lighting System.

Solar LED Runway Lighting System for Sustaining 24/7 Operations

In order to support 24/7 operations at the airport, a fully ICAO-compliant LED Runway Lighting system was required to satisfy the customer’s safety operations as part of their risk management for Medevac situations and charter aircraft operations. Located in a residential area, the solar Runway Lighting system required special airport security requirements in order to mitigate the risk of theft. In addition, the solar LED runway lighting system required the capability to be removed and then re-installed at a new airport closer to the customer’s facility in the near future.

Wireless Controlled LED Runway Lighting System

After consulting with the client, Aviation Renewables designed a wireless controlled solar runway lighting system to meet the operational demands, security requirements; safety protocols and overall budget set by the client. The end result was a fully integrated, solar LED runway lighting system that can be wirelessly controlled by a single handheld remote controller or USB for touch screen command and control functionality.
The wireless control system operates the Solar Series LED PAPI systems; solar LED runway, threshold, taxiway lights; solar powered LED windsock lighting for day and night operations.

Fully ICAO Compliant Solar LED PAPI Solution

The Solar Series LED PAPI system is an ICAO compliant 4-box PAPI glide slope approach system. Powered by a 520-watt solar power system, the LED PAPI will enable 24/7 operations. With a 30,000cd daytime operating output, the Solar Series LED PAPI system was flight tested with a visibility rating from 10 miles out on approach. The solar LED runway edge, threshold and taxiway lighting are radio controlled, allowing changes in intensity at the request of the Air Traffic Control tower. The solar LED runway edge, threshold and taxiway lights are capable of supporting non-precision approaches during night operation.

Aviation Renewables was on site to manage the installation, training and commissioning of the entire airport staff. The installation, training and commissioning of the system was completed in 8 days. We look forward to returning to the site when the time comes to move the solar lighting system to the new airport.