Solar Airfield Light High Angle Redirection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional solar-powered airfield lights with opaque solar panels on top limit the amount of light that can be directed upwards to high angles, failing to meet the high angle light requirements set by regulatory bodies like the FAA and ICAO, which is a barrier to their approval and adoption.
Innovation Solution
The design features a transparent, cylindrical enclosure with a curved shoulder that allows light to be redirected upwards to angles of up to 90 degrees, using a dual optical element system where one portion directs light to the sides and another to the shoulder, ensuring minimal light is lost to the solar panel, and utilizing a solar panel that does not overlie the shoulder, allowing for efficient high-angle light distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If an opaque solar panel is mounted on top of the light to power the LED, then the light source can be powered by solar energy, but the amount of light that can be directed upwards to high angles is limited, failing to meet FAA and ICAO requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The optical element is divided into multiple zones with different functions: a first zone directs light horizontally through the cylindrical sidewall, while a second zone directs light to the curved shoulder for high-angle redirection. This segmentation allows simultaneous optimization of solar panel placement and high-angle light output without compromise
Solution Approach 2:
The curved shoulder extends the light distribution into the vertical dimension, redirecting light from the optical element outward at angles within 6 and 90 degrees to the horizontal. This adds a vertical light distribution dimension that complies with high-angle requirements while maintaining solar panel coverage on the horizontal top surface
2Loss of energy
If the solar panel covers the entire top surface to maximize power generation, then energy efficiency is improved, but light transmission at high angles is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The optical element has different optical properties in different regions: the first zone is optimized for horizontal light transmission while the second zone (curved shoulder) is optimized for high-angle light redirection. This local differentiation allows each region to perform its specific function optimally without interfering with the other
3Speed
If a Fresnel lens is used to create a horizontal fan beam, then light directionality is improved, but light is lost at high angles above 10 degrees from the horizon
Solution Approach 1:
The optical element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it creates a horizontal fan beam for air traffic guidance while also redirecting light to the curved shoulder for high-angle distribution. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate optical elements for different light distribution patterns
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration enables solar-powered airfield lights to comply with high angle light requirements, maximizing light transmission and minimizing energy loss, thus addressing the regulatory compliance and efficiency issues of traditional solar-powered lights.
Implementation Method 1
an optical element within the enclosure surrounds an LED light source so as to direct light emanating from the LED in two preferential beams
Implementation Method 2
A portion of the light impinging on the curved shoulder is redirected to high angles of up to about 90°
Implementation Method 3
The light passing through the sidewall is transmitted in a substantially horizontal direction, with minimal to no diffusion or refraction of the light at angles greater than 10° from the horizontal
Implementation Method 4
Solar powered LED airfield lights
Data Source
AI summary
A solar-powered airfield light provides high angle light up to about 90°. A solar panel is mounted atop the enclosure but does not overlie a curved transparent shoulder extending upward from the transparent generally cylindrical side walls of the enclosure. An optical element within the enclosure surrounds an LED light source so as to direct light emanating from the LED in two preferential beams, one directed to the shoulder and the other directed to the side walls. A portion of the light impinging on the curved shoulder is redirected to high angles to comply with high angle light requirements for airfield lights.