Modeling and Specifications of LED Based Runway Lighting Systems

The goal of the proposed effort is to develop models that enable the identification and mitigation of potential stability and electromagnetic coupling/compatibility issues in Light Emitting Diode (LED)-based runway lighting systems. Specific concerns of stability result from the fact that the LED lights have their own power electronic circuit that provides fixture-centric regulation. The LED lights are embedded within a runway electrical architecture in which a regulated source is used to control current to the lights. A concern is that if not properly designed, the fixture and regulated source will yield undesirable source/load interactions. In tandem with stability, a concern is that the switching of the power electronic circuits introduces unintended coupling within the system and electromagnetic interference between the lights and other electrical systems around the runway. At present, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is considering several alternative circuit and control topologies to provide power to LED-based runway lighting systems. One objective of the research is to develop models of the proposed topologies to facilitate investigation of system stability and electromagnetic coupling due to power electronic switching. In developing the models it is likely that modifications to the proposed topologies/controls or additional topologies/controls will emerge. A second objective is to develop methods to parameterize the respective models. Finally, a third objective is to explore methods of using the models to create specifications for source/load manufacturers so that source/load interactions and unintended electromagnetic coupling is prevented in runway lighting systems. The project would includes the following tasks: Models for LED systems stability, parameter characterization of stability models, stability assessment and alternative controls, models for LED system compatibility, parameter characterization of compatibility models, and assessment and compatibility.The models will provide the FAA with means to evaluate and compare alternative topologies and controls for stability and compatibility. It also provides a means to explore ways to create specifications on source/load manufacturers so that potential issues are addressed prior to runway installation. Finally, alternative topologies and/or controls may emerge that yield more efficient, cost effective, or better performing lighting systems.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • Centers of Excellence - Partnership to Enhance General Aviation Safety, Accessibility, and Sustainability

Language

• English

Project

• Status: Completed
• Funding: $290,113.00
• Contract Numbers:

  12-C-GA-PU-014,028

  12-C-GA-PU-036

  12-C-GA-PU-056

  12-C-GA-PU-067

• Sponsor Organizations:

  Federal Aviation Administration

  William J. Hughes Technical Center, Atlantic City International Airport
  Atlantic City, NJ  United States  08405
• Project Managers:

  DiPilato, Mike

• Performing Organizations:

  Purdue University, School of Electrical and Computer Engineering

  465 Northwestern Avenue
  Electrical Engineering Building
  West Lafayette, IN  United States  47907
• Principal Investigators:

  Pekarek, Steven

• Start Date: 20140717
• Expected Completion Date: 20180930
• Actual Completion Date: 0
• Source Data: PEGASAS Project 11

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Air traffic control; Airport runways; Aviation safety; Cost effectiveness; Landing aids; Landside operations (Airports); Light emitting diodes; Lighting systems; Specifications; Topology
• Subject Areas: Aviation; Operations and Traffic Management; Safety and Human Factors;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01587296
• Record Type: Research project
• Source Agency: Partnership to Enhance General Aviation Safety, Accessibility and Sustainability
• Contract Numbers: 12-C-GA-PU-014,028, 12-C-GA-PU-036, 12-C-GA-PU-056, 12-C-GA-PU-067
• Files: RIP, USDOT
• Created Date: Jan 19 2016 4:03PM