Southampton Airport uses solar runway lights
02.09.10
In a UK first Southampton airport has installed solar-powered LED safety lights across its airfield. Nicknamed 'wig wags' due to their flashing patterns, the lights are being used to direct aircraft and vehicles at intersections between the runway and taxiways.
Solar panels charge batteries that power the lights, and ensure the system operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week even in overcast conditions. They also provide backup, allowing the units to store enough energy to continue working for up to 120 days without any solar charging. The innovative lights were successfully trialled at Southampton Airport during last winter. Similar technology is being used at Toronto airport and by the US Air Force and Army in Afghanistan.
A spokesman for Southampton Airport said: 'As the lights are 100% solar-powered, we've been able to minimise the environmental footprint and maintenance costs by using a renewable energy light source. We've also been able to install them in the more remote areas of the airport, where there is no access to power supplies.'
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