The retrofitting of wind farms with so-called "Aircraft Detection Lighting Systems" is coming along at a fast pace. According to legislation, onshore wind power installations should be equipped with this technology by 1 January 2024, and offshore plants the following year. Two industry pioneers, who are working closely together to ensure rapid change, are at the forefront: Lanthan Safe Sky and Weidmüller.
With Aircraft Detection Lighting Systems, signal lights on wind power installations are only activated when an aircraft or helicopter approaches the wind farm. The transponder signal of the aircraft and the receiver of the wind power installation communicate every second. This technology reduces the nightly flashing of the installations by up to 98 percent. This minimises night-time light pollution and represents an important step towards the energy transition.
Ready-to-use, holistic ADLS concepts
The Lanthan Safe Sky joint venture is one of the first approved manufacturers to develop and market ADLS. As a provider of solutions for all aspects of industrial connectivity, Weidmüller produces individual applications that are perfectly tailored to the traffic detection of the ADLS technology provider. The project involves the production of stainless-steel enclosures that are equipped and wired with Lanthan Safe Sky components and Weidmüller electrical components – a turnkey solution.
"We feel that it is important to bring a system to the market that meets the requirements to ensure comprehensive deactivation of the red warning lights on wind power installations" says Hans Schlingmann, Vice President of the Wind Business Unit. The ready-to-use solution is produced in Detmold and can be installed directly into the wind power installations by Lanthan Safe Sky customers.
Customer-specific solutions for the wind industry from Weidmüller
"For years we have been a flexible partner for the production and development of customer-specific solutions in the wind industry," emphasises Schlingmann. "Thanks to many years of experience in the industry and relevant certifications, Weidmüller is able to implement such future-proof projects in close collaboration with its customers", states the business unit manager.
The current project is just one example; other solutions ranging from simple connectivity to data collection and analysis are possible. "Weidmüller has the necessary expertise from its product line", adds Schlingmann.
With innovations for greater acceptance of renewable energies
The construction of new power generation plants often meets with resistance in the population – and wind farms are no exception to this. These are often perceived as a disturbance factor and a source of danger: Changing the landscape, endangering wild birds, casting shadows and noise pollution are just some of the arguments put forward by residents.
But wind power installations make a significant contribution to the energy transition. The innovative technology from Lanthan Safe Sky is intended to increase the popularity of wind farms, thus making electricity generation in Germany even more sustainable. "In the fight against the climate crisis, we don’t just need installations that produce more clean energy at lower prices, but also innovations that improve the acceptance of wind energy", outlines the business unit manager.
