Dark Sky shows future of ADLS at HUSUM WIND Exhibition
Next week, the wind energy industry will meet at Husum Wind Exhibition. Solutions for Aircraft Detection Lighting Systems (ADLS) will play a major role there, as the deadline for retrofitting existing turbines in germany originally ended at the end of the year. Although a new draft law from the German government seems to grant a new deadline, this is linked to the condition to immediately submit an application to the responsible aviation authority. In this respect, many operators will complete their ADLS equipment in the next few weeks.
Neubrandenburg, Sept. 4th, 2023 | DARK SKY is now presenting a new ADLS solution in Husum, which is already focusing on future wind turbines. Under the product name TCL – Transponder Controlled Lighting – the ADLS pioneer, together with lighting manufacturer ENERTRAG Systemtechnik, has developed a product that combines aviation lights with transponder detection and is suitable both for installation in the factory and also for simple retrofitting. The set consists of two “W, red” LED lights with integrated infrared function and a compact antenna box for transponder signals. All components together weigh less than 3.5 kg. These components are combined with a control cabinet tailored to customer requirements. Alternatively, compact modules can be integrated into existing cabinets. Due to the decentralized function, no integration into existing networks or multilateration systems is necessary. The system can be put into operation immediately via the integrated GSM router by remote access. Site-specific testing is designed in such a way that time-consuming aerial surveys are not required. The always identical positioning on the wind turbine allows fast testing and commissioning.
Managing Director Thomas Herrholz sees advantages in a simple implementation of ADLS requirements: “We know from our own experience how complex it is to retrofit ADLS systems. In the future, the TCL system can be installed like a commercially available lighting system; wind turbine manufactures will not have to adapt their processes. By combining the functions of lights and ADLS, the hardware can be manufactured very cost-effectively. Our license agreement for the transponder patents also enables WTG-specific billing, with the license fees already included in our offers. With TCL, operators and manufacturers can fulfill their BNK obligations at predictable costs through a framework agreement with Dark Sky.”
The LED lights used with TCL are from the proXS series of ENERTRAG Systemtechnik. These very compact units are available in 100 cd, 2000 cd and with infrared component and have proven themselves in use for many years. The lights are monitored, and the status can be viewed via the Dark Sky online tool. The scope of maintenance for the TCL system is arranged in the service contract. With this framework, the system can be implemented easily and quickly. Contracts are available for short-time delivery with the start of the trade fair.
Dark Sky and ENERTRAG Systemtechnik will present the product at Husum Wind on a joint booth in Hall 1, booth number B07.