Description : purpose: This Engineering Brief provides guidance and information to airports, Airport District Offices (ADOs), and Architectural and Engineering (A&E) companies on the use of solar power supplies for airport obstruction lighting applications. background: Recent advances in light emitting diode (LED) technology for obstruction lighting have made the use of solar power systems an attractive option for many users. A direct current (DC) powered L-810 LED obstruction light may typically use one-tenth of the power required for an equivalent incandescent light. The innate power efficiency inherent to LEDs allows much smaller solar power systems than previously possible. When coupled with recent technology advances in photovoltaic solar panels (and associated components like batteries), solar-powered LED lights can become a cost-effective option. This is especially true for tower lighting applications when the distance from commercial power lines exceeds one-half mile. The cost for an extension of a commercial power line can range from $10,000 to $30,000 per mile, depending on location and terrain. In many cases, a solar power system can be designed for half the cost of a commercial power line. Many solar power systems designed to power obstruction lighting are already installed and operating throughout the United States.
Source : http://www.faa.gov/
Download : Engineering Brief no. 76 Using Solar Power For Airport Obstruction Lighting.PDF
