Upgrading old or obsolete lighting technologies pose challenges within the aviation industry, and inching towards the future is never as easy as it seems. “Work is progressing to leverage the advantages of LED lighting in the aviation industry and to overcome challenges presented by the technology, such as in the areas of thermal management and in retrofitting the technology into existing lighting systems” (Les, 2009). Raleigh-Durham International Airport offers a great example of the costs in time and money to overhaul their entire runway lighting system in order to take advantage of what LED technology provides. “Officials at Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) in North Carolina realized they were spending a lot of money maintaining an antiquated airfield lighting system. The lighting fixtures were subpar. The cable was old and cracking and meg-ohm readings for many of the circuits were at zero, which meant the airport had to keep pumping up the power to feed the lights. Signage was also a problem. Some were very bright; others rather dim. Some signs were even bright and dim within the same unit” (Nordstro, 2010). "The FAA wasn't very happy with us," recalls Steve Pittman, deputy airport director of Facilities, Engineering and Maintenance. "They didn't demand that we upgrade our lighting system, but they did suggest we do something about our signage lighting" (Nordstro, 2010). “RDU took the hint and initiated a $20 million project to convert its incandescent airfield lighting system to LED technology. Over the last two+ years, roughly 230 signs and 3,200 bulbs were changed - everything from taxiway edge and centerline lighting to runway centerline lights, obstruction lights, touchdown zone lights, runway end identifier lights, and elevated and in-pavement guard lights” (Nordstro, 2010). The makeover, as it turns out, was nothing short of spectacular. “Everything that can be LED is LED. It's an amazing look at night" (Nordstro, 2010).
So why make the change to LED lights? Costs in terms of man-hours as well as dollars are a driving force. “A primary benefit of LED lights is the lack of maintenance required once they are installed” (Airport Technology.com, 2008). “LEDs are a very efficient light source [for aircraft] and can significantly reduce seat-mile costs and schedule upsets because of their dramatically increased reliability over filament lights” (Les, 2009). Cost savings and energy efficiency always lead the list of attributes associated with LEDs. “With the former incandescent lighting system, RDU maintenance crews were replacing bulbs twice a year per fixture. Operations crews were constantly checking the airfield for burned out lights. There were operational consequences as well. Airfield pavement sections had to be closed when bulbs were replaced. Electrical circuits were tied together in haphazard and confusing ways, which made maintenance time-consuming and costly” (Nordstro, 2010). “Replacing every bulb in every light at least twice a year was not only a safety issue, it was quite costly in parts and labor. Subsequent analysis showed that moving from incandescent lighting to LEDs would save approximately $400,000 per year in energy and maintenance costs including labor and parts” (Nordstro, 2010).
Energy efficiency and the “green” aspects of LEDs are always attractive elements to any application, and aviation lighting is no different. “LEDs are the hot item in lighting these days, both due to their energy saving properties and also the expected long life of the light source” (Airport Technology.com, 2008). Solar-powered LEDs are also a viable option, especially for some smaller airfields. As a versatile lighting alternative for “temporary runways, remote airfields without grid access, or as an emergency-response application, solar-powered LED lights offer distinct advantages. Self-contained, portable and wireless solar LED lights can be installed and operational in a matter of hours to provide bright and reliable lighting” (Airport Technology.com, 2008). "With a quick set-up, no scheduled maintenance and complete freedom from the costs and logistical restrictions associated with installing and operating a grid or generator-powered system, solar LED lights offer a versatile and cost-effective alternative for a variety of applications” (Airport Technology.com, 2008).
With the ten- to twelve-year lifespan of LEDs (on average), users employing LED lighting technologies can reallocate manpower and funds away from expensive and time-consuming maintenance duties onto more customer-centric tasks. It goes without saying that in the transportation/aviation industry “organizations that are responsible for large assets, the move to green technology is important” to keep business competitive, solvent and on the cutting edge of technology (Airport Technology.com, 2008).
Sources:
http://www.photonics.com/Article.aspx?AID=37892
Caren B. Les, Photonics.com – June 2009
http://airportimprovement.com/content/story.php?article=00203http://airportimprovement.com/content/story.php?article=00203
Robert Nordstro, Airport Improvement Magazine - September 2010
http://www.airport-technology.com/features/feature46764/
Author Unknown, Airport Technology.com – December 2008
