Webinar 4 Q&A
| # | Question | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 | For the smart AFL, what about redundancy?? and 5KV circuits interleave | We assume you are asking about both the “Smart Lights” complete with built-in ILCMS or the CEDD technology referred to in the Webinar. In all cases, including the standard 6.6A/5KV AGL system, redundancy in the form of interleaving is a requirement. ICAO Annex 14 Vol Chapter 8 gives operational guidance and ICAO Aerodrome Design Manual Part 5 Chapter 6 provides the information & guidance on Interleaving. |
| Q2 | Because redundancy is ICAO requirements as well as the interleave between circuits for the same type ( Edge lights by example) | See Answer to Question 1 above. |
| Q3 | So smart AFL is approved by ICAO? | Smart AFL/AGL : ICAO defines the operational performance standards that all AGL lights must achieve both individually and collectively as part of a system. Certification is carried out via an approved Third Party Accreditiation Service (such as Bureau Veritas) or Intertek for FAA Approvals. ICAO do not specify exactly HOW operational performance should be achieved hence, providing the lights meet the photometric output and are certified and/or approved accordingly, then Smart AFL/AGL lights can be used. |
| Q4 | What are your thoughts on the reliability of new technology such as ASP or LMS modules being used in environments with higher temperatures? Large amounts of technology on an airfield could casue more technical problems especially when there is a fault. | One element associated with AGL LED technology/LMS (electronics) etc is HOW to dissipate any heat generated from within the unit or affected by external heat saturation. The Technical Specifications issued & approved by the IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) for the ICAO markets or via Advisory Circulars for the FAA market specify the temperature range that AGL fixtures must operate between. Equipment operating outwith (ie. outside) this range are suspect to failure or advanced deterioration in performance therefore suppliers will not guarantee warranty in those circumstances. For example, IEC Technical Specification 61827 states the operating temperature range as -55 degC to +55 degC for ICAO markets ( FAA AC states -40 degC - +55 degC ). IEC test @ +160 degC for 10 mins and +55 degC for 24 hours to gain certification. Consequently, YES … AGL inset light fixture equipment will be subject to failure or reduced life expectancy outside these temperature ranges. |
| Q5 | Hi Keith and Robert, from what i understand the CEDD technology is limited up to 2kms. and additional base station would need to be put every 2kms, is this true? | That is correct …. There is a limit on the length of the “twisted pair” cabling to its termination. However, the CEDD systems overall has the options to provide multiple base stations housed in Environmental Cabinets in the field to accomodate the varying lengths required on AGL circuits. This is demonstated in the Netherlands at the Schiphol satellite airport. |
| Q6 | What is a PPE? | This is the Personal Protective Equipment which must be made available for all personnel working airside on Airfield Ground Lighting eg. Such as Protective Insulated Gloves/High Visibility Jackets/Hard Toe-cap Boots/Shoes etc. |
| Q7 | If we have short circuit in the 5KV AFL cable, in the smart (advanced technology) do we have something like CCMS(SCADA) to automatically isolate the shorted circuit fixture and to maintain the 5KV loop. | Within a standard AGL 6.6A Primary Circuit systems , whether feeding Tungsten Halogen, LED, ICMS remotes or Integrated Smart Fixtures, these units are in the Secondary and fed from the Primary Series circuit via their individual isolating Transformers. Any single short to earth within the single loop primary circuit has NO operational effect on the performance of the light fixtures etc. Only when there are two (2) or more earths on the primary ciircuit will an operational effect be experienced with those lights BETWEEN earths either go OUT, DIM or FLICKER. The CCR has a facility (when included) to identify WHEN the single earth occurs + an alarm level capability which is available for fault rectification purposes. The CCR’s output WILL remain ON in all these circumstances ! Should you wish to discuss this in greater deatil, we are pleased to help or alternatively attend our AGL Maintenance Training course where this wide subject is covered in great detail. |
| Q8 | What is the safest way to discharge the built up voltage once the AGL circuit is isolated? | Very simply with a short length of insulated electrical cable. WHEN the CCR is off and isolated. You first check the output is at zero with a suitable RMS Multimeter, you then touch one cable end to one side of the Output Terminal in the CCR and the other end to a known earth. The residual electrical charge will dissipate. |
| Q9 | In the last year during low visibility conditions (in Dec 2019) our eight LED got unserviceable in just 48 hrs , By adopting which measures we may protect our LEDs from frequent burns? | It would appear that during these LVP conditions, there may have been electrical activity in the atmosphere ( or an electrical storm ). You do not mention whether these ar elevated or inset lights ? Consequently, LED light fixtures installed in aluminium based inside light based may well NOT have a path to earth should local electricla activity be present ( especially IF you have replaced Tungsten Halogen with LED technology light fixtures without adding additional & appropriate earth path cabling. |
| Q10 | Can the Low IR values of underground AGL /AFL cables cause to burn the LEDs frequently? | Earths within a traditional 6.6A primary series circuit will create low insulation resistance values. As such, these earths CAN be intermittent unless rectification maintenance is performed resulting in the AGL circuit load to becoming unstable ( ie. The load will change dependent upon the number of earths existing in the circuit ). One earth gives you the LOW Insulation resistance where, IF rectification maintenance Is NOT carried out at that time, multiple earths will emerge resulting in the changes & varying load situation as explained above. The nature of LED technology & associated electronics is such that they are likely to be more sensitive to changing scenario’s within the primary circuit created by earths. A wide & sensitive subject that TMS Training Solutions specialists can help you with. |
| Q11 | Elaborative presentation on CEDD sysytem can be found in which website?Pls share.. | May I request that you contact TKH Airports. A contact for you is Wayne Rolfe (UK representative) on : w.rolfe@tkhairports.com |
| Q12 | Can we get the answers to the questions? | YES … All questions from with the Q&A session + the additional two (2) from within the Webinar 4 Presentation will be available on-line at : www.tmstrainingsolutions.com Please contact us if you wish to discuss the 2 questions from the Webinar 4 presentation. |
| Q13 | AGL is regulated by the national CAA's; where do you see the limits of responsibility or remit bewteen CNS, Aerodrome and ATC. i.e. can it be split between high/low voltage or from CCR etc? | Many discussions have taken place as to WHERE AGL fits into an airport’s management system. Traditionally, AGL personnel were considered as electricians nad Bulb changers + the power & field distribution was considered to fall within Facilities Management ! However, modern operational needs and technology advance clearly challenges this Clearly, things have changed and 1. AGL is increasingly being used as a component part of A-SMG&CS and integral in providing runway serviceability information and taxiway routing ( Ground Traffic Management –GTM and a feeder into an A-CDM 2. Technology in AGL systems has evolved and the technical knowledge & skills of AGL personnel has had to advance accordingly ! Consequently, I see AGL fitting into the CNS technical/engineering management portfolio. Interestingly, I had these same discussions some 10 years ago with a major International airport in the Middle East whilst undertaking an AGL audit. |
| Q14 | What is the difference b/w AGLAS & Airfield Smart Power and which of this require less cabling/circuits? | There is a difference between AGLAS & ASP. Both are from an ADB SAFEGATE portfolio range whereby AGLAS was the standard ADB Airfield Solutions ILCMS (Individual Light Control & Monitoring System ) utilising Powerline technology for selectively contolling lights. The AGLAS remotes in the field are installed in the Secondary Circuit and are independent ILCMS units & connected between the traditional AGL circuit’s isolating transformer and the light fixture. Control & monitoring utilises an induced frequency range superimposed across the power circuits. The ASP Safecontrol System technology, came from SAFEGATE and is designed to provide individual control and monitoring of airfield lighting using the series circuit as a means of communicating status information from airfield lights and sensors. The same concept is used for lighting control providing the foundation for SMGCS or A-SMGCS, which includes for example the automation of stop bars with or without sensors, taxiway guidance (routing) in combination with status monitoring. The ASP SafeLED IQ and the 2 amp variant concept using the IQ products, is designed to provide selective switching and/or monitoring of airfield lighting by use of an addressable switching unit inside each individually controlled light fixture. A SafeLED IQ light fixture is connected to the secondary side of a standard series circuit isolation transformer. Communications to/from a SafeLED IQ light fixture uses a unique power line communication technique developed by ADB SAFEGATE where the communication signals are superimposed on the series circuit current. In the 2A system the CCR is set at a constant 2A current and the ASP manages the intensity level of every single SafeLED IQ light fixture. Furthermore, the SafeLED IQ light fixtures could have different light intensity levels in the same circuit. The ASP systems will enable less cabling & circuits and more effective & reliable operation. |
| Q15 | What are major important factors that need to considered while upgrading AGL/AFL System from conventional halogen lights to LED Lights? | Probably the main factor when considering the migration from Tungsten Halogen (TH) to LED lighting fixtures is the reduction in Power demands. Whilst this is not without its technology demands : Eg. • Are you feeding the LED’s from a Thyristor based CCR or from a newer generation IGBT Transistor based CCR? Potential technology clashes ?? • For Thyristor based CCR’s … you need to adjust the output tappings for lower energy consumption demands from the circuit. • Where are you located eg. In areas where there are high temperature pavement concentrations. LED fixtures are sensitive to high temperature environments ! • Are you living in an area where there is high electrical activity in the atmosphere eg. Electrical storms. Potential damage to in-pavement LED light fixtures due to lightning strikes. • Workshop maintenance is limited on LED fixtures due to the nature of the modular construction. • Longevity of the LED is dramatically higher than for the TH lighting fixtures albeit there are sensitive electronics inside the LED fixture. |
| Q16 | Can high rating Isolating Transformer used with AGL lights cause LEDs to burn? | It is unlikely that higher rating isolating transformer will directly cause the LED’s to burn ! However, please bear in mind that the transformer will be loaded at a reduced level hence the efficiency of a 6.6A/6.6A transformer will be very low. This does have an effect and you will lose some of the advantages of installing LED’s in lieu of TH’s. |
| Q17 | Where can we find the online training options available? | Please contact Ms Felicity Parkes @ TMS Training Solutions Limited. |
| Q18 | Excellent and informative webinar; thank you very much. | Thankyou ! Please attend our ongoing TMS Tuesday’s Webinars. The next subject is : AGL Installation & Maintenance |
