"The Central Aviation Authority requires that obstacle warning lights be placed strategically on any towers, rooftop aerials and the like which could pose a hazard to low flying aircraft. Because of the critical safety nature of the lights they must be in continuous operation, but maintenance and replacement can prove to be a costly exercise. To address this challenge and offer an eco-friendly alternative, Jasco has developed energy efficient, low maintenance Navlight LED obstacle warning lights," says Boyan Stojilkovic, account manager of Navlight technical and sales at Jasco.
Outdated incandescent technology in such an application has a lifespan of between three and ten months. While compact fluorescent lighting (CFL) technology has been touted as being the ideal energy efficient solution, and the lifespan of these bulbs is between one and three years, the mercury contained within these bulbs is hazardous to the environment. LED technology on the other hand offers lifespans of ten years and more, and contains no harmful chemicals, for a robust, efficient, lower maintenance and eco-friendly alternative.
Using LED warning lights enables considerable savings in terms of electricity consumption and carbon emissions, particularly in applications such as this where the lights need to be running constantly. LED not only offers extreme energy efficiency and eco-friendly technology, but it also provides high levels of reliability and compliance with the highest safety standards.
"Navlight offers a complete range of low intensity type A and B and medium intensity steady obstacle warning lights with integrated monitoring control systems and kitting solutions with all of the necessary related accessories. We have also developed a complete solar powered solution which is more efficient than a generator and is also far less likely to get stolen than a generator. This is ideal for the South African market where utility power is not always available or reliable," Stojilkovic says.
"Another unique feature of the Navlights is that they contain a built-in constant current generator, which allows for the light to stay constant even through fluctuating voltage. This is particularly applicable in the African market, where unstable power is a reality, since for safety purposes these lights need to be kept at a regulated brightness," he adds.
Navlight solutions can be deployed on telecoms towers, power lines, broadcast towers, buildings, smoke stacks, rooftop antennas, silos, cranes and any other object which may present a hazard to low-flying aircraft. Navlights also have application in the marine industry as safety lighting on buoys. The solar solution is particularly useful here since it does not require complicated battery systems and maintenance.
