Executive Summary

The aviation industry is on the verge of a transformative change in airport lighting, thanks to the adoption of Light Emitting Diode (LED) technology. SIGNALIGHT has developed a ground-breaking DC Power Supply System tailored for LED lighting fixtures, offering unparalleled reliability, enhanced safety, and substantial cost savings. This white paper details the key features, advantages, and implications of this innovative power distribution system.

Introduction

The integration of LED technology in airport lighting represents a significant advancement, promising longer life, reduced energy consumption, and lower operational costs compared to traditional incandescent lamps. SIGNALIGHT's DC Power Supply System takes full advantage of these benefits, optimizing the power distribution for LED lighting and addressing key issues in airport operation: reliability, safety, and savings.

The SIGNALIGHT DC Power Supply System

1. Power Distribution Optimization

SIGNALIGHT's approach involves a departure from the conventional 6.6A circuits used for incandescent lighting, introducing a Constant Current DC Power Supply unit delivering 1.4 Amps. This lower amperage is specifically tailored to the needs of LED lighting engines, simplifying the power distribution circuit and eliminating the need for series circuit transformers.

2. Reliability Enhancement

The lower voltage circuits used in the SIGNALIGHT DC Power System contribute to improved reliability. The system ensures uninterrupted performance by key visual aids, such as Runway Guard and Stop Bars lights, crucial for preventing runway incursions. Lower voltage circuits also result in reduced degradation of cables and equipment, enhancing the overall longevity of the power distribution system.

3. Safety Advancements

Maintenance of the SIGNALIGHT DC Power System is inherently safer due to the lower voltages involved. With voltages dropping to levels below 400 Volts, electricians face less danger when working on electrical circuits. This safety enhancement aligns with the industry's commitment to creating a secure working environment for maintenance personnel.

4. Cost Savings

The energy-efficient design of the SIGNALIGHT DC Power Supply System leads to substantial cost savings. Reduced energy consumption results in lower operational and maintenance costs, as well as a decrease in the size of cable conductors and insulation requirements. This, coupled with the system's simplified design, contributes to a significant reduction in installation costs.

Improvement in LED Lighting Fixtures

Beyond the advantages in power distribution, SIGNALIGHT's DC Power System brings notable improvements to LED lighting fixtures:

1. Simplified Electronics

Traditional LED fixtures often incorporate complex electronics for transforming high-intensity AC power into low-intensity DC. SIGNALIGHT's fixtures are designed to eliminate this need, streamlining the fixtures, and enhancing overall reliability.

2. Linear Response Curve

The SIGNALIGHT LED fixtures take advantage of the linear response curve of LED lighting, eliminating the need for sophisticated electronics to match incandescent criteria. This simplification not only reduces complexity but also ensures a consistent and efficient lighting performance.

3. Traffic Efficiency and Reliability
 

The absence of complex on-board electronics in SIGNALIGHT's LED fixtures results in almost zero maintenance needs. This not only enhances the reliability of the lighting system but also contributes to the efficiency of air traffic operations.

Conclusion

SIGNALIGHT's DC Power Supply System represents a paradigm shift in airport lighting, combining enhanced reliability, safety, and significant cost savings. This innovative approach aligns with the aviation industry's commitment to adopting sustainable and efficient technologies, making airports safer and more operationally efficient. As the industry moves toward widespread LED adoption, SIGNALIGHT's system stands out as a pioneering solution poised to shape the future of airport lighting systems.