Wind Turbine Approach Lighting Control Module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Constant activation of flight warning lights at wind power installations can disturb residents and create a negative image for wind power technology, especially when installations are near towns or occupied houses, as the lights remain on throughout the night.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a light control module with a receiver capable of receiving specific signals to switch on and off the lights only when an aircraft, vehicle, or ship is approaching, using signal frequency, field strength, or distance data to determine activation, and optionally transmitting positional coordinates or altering flashing rhythms to alert pilots of close proximity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If flight warning lights are constantly activated to ensure safety and visibility for air traffic, then the reliability of collision prevention is improved, but the visual disturbance to residents and negative image for wind power technology worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from static constant light activation to dynamic conditional activation. The light control module dynamically adjusts the operational state of warning lights based on real-time detection of approaching aircraft, vehicles, or ships through signal reception and evaluation, enabling the system to adapt its behavior to actual safety needs while minimizing unnecessary visual disturbance to residents.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through a closed-loop control system where the light control module continuously monitors for approach signals from aircraft, vehicles, or ships, evaluates the received signals to determine proximity and threat level, and accordingly activates or deactivates the warning lights. This feedback mechanism ensures lights are only activated when actually needed for safety while reducing unnecessary visual disturbance during periods when no approach is detected.
2Reliability
If flight warning lights remain on throughout the night to maintain continuous warning capability, then the safety function is improved, but the energy consumption and service life of the lights worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by replacing continuous light operation with intermittent operation triggered by detected approach events. Instead of maintaining constant illumination throughout the night, the system periodically activates lights only when approach signals are detected and evaluated as requiring warning, thereby significantly reducing energy consumption while maintaining adequate safety coverage through event-driven illumination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service through an autonomous light control system that automatically detects approaching objects via signal reception, evaluates the threat level, and independently decides when to activate or deactivate warning lights without requiring manual intervention. This self-managing system reduces energy consumption by activating lights only when the embedded evaluation logic determines actual safety needs arise.
3Reliability
If flight warning lights are constantly activated to ensure visibility, then the safety function is improved, but the service life of the lights worsens due to prolonged operational time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from static continuous light operation to dynamic conditional operation. The light control module dynamically determines the operational state of warning lights based on real-time detection and evaluation of approach signals, activating lights only during periods when safety requires visibility while keeping them inactive during periods when no approach is detected, thereby extending service life through demand-driven operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through a control system that continuously monitors for approach signals and automatically adjusts light operation accordingly. The feedback loop ensures lights are activated only when approach detection and evaluation indicate actual safety needs, and deactivated when no approach is present, thereby extending service life by eliminating prolonged unnecessary operation while maintaining adequate visibility during critical periods.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention concerns a wind power installation comprising a flight warning light arrangement. In accordance with the invention it is proposed that the flight warning light arrangement is switched on only when a vehicle or craft, preferably an aircraft, approaches the wind power installation to a predetermined spacing.