The Importance Of Reliable Power And Control Systems In Airport Lighting

Airport facility managers understand the critical role of reliable power and control systems in ensuring safe, efficient aircraft and runway operations. Issues such as power surges and voltage fluctuations can pose serious safety hazards without the right power and control systems in place to provide continuous energy supply.

Power disruptions tend to happen unexpectedly, potentially leading to inadequate runway lighting or the failure of critical navigation aids. These unwanted situations can compromise pilot visibility during takeoff, landing, and taxiing, dramatically increasing the risk of dangerous accidents and serious incidents. 

Additionally, airports that install inadequate power and control systems risk compliance issues with regulatory authorities. These bodies prioritize safety and put strict standards in place for ongoing airfield lighting reliability and performance. Airports that are not compliant with these standards can be subject to penalties and also risk damage to their reputation. 

Fortunately, modern technology is available to ensure regulatory compliance and a reliable power supply that keeps airport lighting and navigational aids functional at all times.

Read More: The Critical Role Of Airport Lighting In Aviation Safety

Using A Ferroresonant Power Supply For Continuous Power

Ferroresonant power supplies are designed to provide reliable power regulation for critical applications under extreme operating conditions without being affected by surrounding electrical systems. That’s why these systems are widely used in modern airports, as they provide a stable output voltage over a wide range of input voltage. 

This transformer-based power supply uses nonlinear magnetic properties and a resonant circuit, ensuring constant and reliable output voltages even if the input voltage varies due to power instability or other energy disturbances. 

What separates the ferroresonant power supply from unregulated power supplies is the inclusion of the ferroresonant transformer. This self-regulating and self-current-limiting device is designed to provide a constant voltage over various load currents and a broad input voltage range. The regulated output voltage remains constant, even at ±40% input voltage.

Ferroresonant power supplies also provide isolation and protection from voltage spikes, surges and noise, thanks to the steel core that physically isolates the transformer’s primary and secondary wirings. 

Power Airport Safety With The L-828/L-829 Ferroresonant Constant Current Regulator

The fully stackable or switchgear style regulators L-828/L-829 Ferroresonant Constant Current Regulator (CCR) are the power supply unit of choice for many major and smaller airports. It allows for high-efficiency, high-power factor sinusoidal constant current output. Its output is not affected by flashing loads from strobes or runway guard lights. The unit is certified to FAA AC 150/5345-10 (Current Edition).

Its intuitive, fully digital interface is easy to use and allows fast access to the unit’s powerful software. The CCR can be recalibrated in the field, recall previous settings and calibration, change brightness steps, track warnings and faults, and more. The selectable AC constant current can change the airfield lighting intensity based on weather conditions.

The ferroresonant CCR is our industry’s preferred choice for minimizing the impact of voltage fluctuations and power surges at your airport, helping to ensure the uninterrupted service of your airport lighting infrastructure. 

Optimize Power And Control Systems With The L-890 Airport Lighting Controls And Management System

The L-890 ALCMS provides complete airport lighting system management and control and can be seamlessly integrated with the ferroresonant CCR. It features robust technology and an easy-to-use interface that controls the sequencing and intensity of runway and taxiway lights. The system ensures continuous airport operations through integrated redundancy and backup systems that keep the power flowing under all circumstances, reducing operational downtime and improving efficiency.

This unit’s customized programming features include the activation of specific lighting configurations to guide response vehicles in the event of an emergency. Emergency lighting configurations assist in navigating the airport terrain and reaching critical areas efficiently when response timing is vital. 

Get a customized power and control system solution from Airport Lighting Company

When you need a solution to help optimize your airport power and control systems for maximum efficiency and reliable operation, contact the team at Airport Lighting. Our experts will listen to your requirements and provide thoughtful, experienced recommendations that will fulfill your project’s needs, no matter how large or complex.

From ferroresonant CCRs to ALCMS and high-quality lighting products to navigational aids, Airport Lighting Company is your single source of reliable, durable equipment that will maximize your airport’s safety and efficiency.

Call Airport Lighting Company For The Latest In Airport Lighting Technology

The Airport Lighting Company team is standing by to answer your questions about how our tech-based products can help improve the safety, reliability, and efficiency of your runways. Call 315-682-6460 for fast, friendly service you can count on.

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