Lighting of obstructions

Application

For safety reasons, the uninterrupted power supply of obstruction lighting and lubricant pumps during the construction phase and during maintenance work is indispensable for wind power plants.

The challenge

During the construction phase and during maintenance work on a wind farm, sometimes no power is available from the mains. Still, the operation of obstruction lighting and pumps has to be ensured. The autonomous operation of up to three months usually causes high service and operating costs for batteries and generators, as well as significant maintenance.

More about Measurement

Wind measurement

Lighting of Obstructions

The lighting of obstructions is a safety procedure to ensure any structures that may interfere with aviation are adequately visible. These structures include towers, tall buildings, wind farms and fences in some areas with low-flying aircraft. Regulators in the aviation industry may stipulate the lighting of obstructions in terms of design and functionality. The lighting of obstructions ensures aircraft operators can navigate safely during the day and night time using clear markers. ^[1]

The Lighting of Obstructions Designs

• Aviation Red Obstruction Lights: Red lights are used in the lighting of obstructions at night. Red eyes navigate through a range of weather and light conditions which often reduce visibility at night. Pilots use red obstruction lights to identify tall structures from a safe distance. Red obstruction lighting is made of flashing beacons at 20 to 40 flashes per minute. They continuously emit a visual cue for aeroplanes flying through urban centres and other areas with obstructions.
• High-intensity Obstruction Lights: They are recommended for the lighting of obstructions that are more than 150m in height, such as chimneys and towers. They can be used during the day and night with red and white colours available. High-intensity lights operate in a steady-flashing mechanism. The LED lamps in high-intensity lights can last up to 100,000 hours.
• Medium Intensity Flashing White Obstruction Lights: Medium intensity lights are used in the lighting of obstructions in alternating periods. They can be configured to automatically shift the intensity during the daytime and at twilight. They flash at the lowest intensity during the nighttime to make structures clear enough without distracting aviation operators. They are mainly used to illuminate obstacles that range between 45 – 150m, such as cooling towers. Medium intensity lights are usually available in white, red and white/red combinations.
• Low-Intensity Obstruction Lights: They are used at night in the lighting of obstructions at landing zones such as helipads and airports. They emit steady and spaced flashes. Low-intensity lights are often fitted with sensors to guide inbound aircraft to safe landing areas. Towers and skyscrapers can also be equipped with low-intensity obstruction lights in industrial and urban areas. ^[2]

Applications in the Lighting of Obstructions

The lighting of obstructions is a procedural and regulatory requirement for any structures that may obstruct aviation. The following are some of the areas that use the lighting of obstructions to mark tall structures:

• Broadcasting infrastructure: Towers used by broadcasters often interfere with aircraft visibility. Lighting of obstructions in broadcasting equipment such as masts usually employs medium to high-intensity lights to make them conspicuous.
• Urban infrastructure: There are usually bridges, towers and skyscrapers in urban areas that may hinder aviation. Most metropolitan areas are in close proximity to airports, with major cities having airports within the urban environs. Urban authorities often collaborate with obstruction lights providers to ensure the lighting of obstructions such as buildings and cranes for in and outbound aircraft.
• Wind plants: Lighting of obstructions such as wind turbines and wind measurement apparatus in wind farms is necessary to identify their location. Wind power areas have wind turbines distributed over an expansive area. Pilots should be able to discern these areas as potential risks.^[3]

Non-aviation Uses

• Marine uses: Beyond aviation, lighting of obstructions is also applied in marine navigation. Beacons and watch towers use different forms of obstruction lighting as navigation pointers and identifiers.
• Mining: The mining sector also employs lighting of obstructions designs such as solar-powered lights to assist exploration and ensure safe conditions. Obstruction lights in mines mark excavation zones, designated routes and other hazardous areas.
• Railroads: Light of obstructions in railroads guides the movement of trains on multi-use platforms such as subways. They are one of the most important navigational tools in railways.
• Production plants: Nuclear plants, silos and other production and storage plants also use obstruction lighting since these areas often have poor visibility. Obstruction lighting helps to see despite the smoke and other suspended particles in the air. ^[3]

What are the Advantages of Lighting of Obstructions with SFC power supply?

• Low maintenance costs: From the beginning, Lighting of Obstruction with SFC power supply features easy installation. They are built to provide thousands of hours and to withstand adverse weather.
• Pioneering the future: The surge in the development of new and more efficient technology has improved aviation in many areas, including the lighting of obstructions. New lighting systems have sophisticated sensors to provide a more detailed visual view of obstructions in aviation. SFC’s power supply of obstacle lighting solutions demonstrates the power of modern lighting in aviation. ^[1]

Conclusion

Lighting obstructions is not only mandatory but an essential part of safety in aviation. Aircrafts transport people, machinery and other valuable resources from different locations throughout the world. Obstruction lighting ensures these activities move smoothly by creating an aerial picture for pilots.

Further questions and answers about lighting of obstructions