First LED Airfield Lighting Solution Brings Major Savings

With its Zelion H LED modules, OSRAM is the first brand manufacturer to offer a robust and flexibly deployable solution for long-lasting and resource-saving airfield lighting of the next generation.

Ever increasing volumes in passengers and freight in global air traffic also raises safety requirements. In this context, a particular concern of airport operators is the lighting of runways and taxiways. Efficient and durable LED modules such as Zelion H increasingly gain acceptance in these areas as sustainable and future-proof lighting solutions.

Light-emitting diodes, LEDs in short, offer convincing advantages for airport lighting compared with conventional lamps: they are energy-efficient, durable and extremely resistant to temperature fluctuations. The diodes not only save on energy, but also reduce maintenance requirements. With its Zelion H modules, OSRAM offers a new system, specifically designed for use in airport lighting and replacing a 48 W halogen lamp. One of the biggest challenges in the development of Zelion H was to find a suitable reflector design able to withstand the specified high temperatures as well as meeting the required spatial radiation patterns. In a further step, a combination of materials consisting of reflector, glue and circuit board had to be found which would ensure a reliable bond between the reflector and the circuit board - particularly important in view of the extreme demands on airport lighting, such being able to withstand landings as well as 'roll on and roll off'.

Tough tests during the development stage OSRAM called on its many years of experience in the field of airport lighting for the evaluation assessments during the development of Zelion H: the standard test programme included operation life tests during which the modules were operated at maximum temperatures, as well as power-temperature cycle tests, in which operating the modules included a rise from minimum to maximum temperature within the course of a single hour. In addition to these tests, the Zelion LED modules were also able to prove in the FAA Sinus Test (AC 150/5345-46C) their ability to withstand the shocks and vibrations of everyday airport use.

Many applications with just one module OSRAM Zelion H covers a wide range of different airfield applications with a single flexibly deployable four LED module. The availability of two reflector models (6° and 10°) expands the suitability of thes e LED modules to almost all kinds of airfield lighting. They can be integrated into existing lighting systems by all reputable OEMs and are available in white, red, blue and green light colours. This permits the international use of these lamps, because they meet all global norms and specifications.

Energy-efficiency and reduced maintenance requirements Energy efficiency is a particular hallmark of Zelion H LED systems. With a light intensity of 2000cd per Watt, which equals a 75 per cent energy reduction in comparison to a halogen solution (500 cd/W). Additionally one 48W halogen lamp (24 kcd) can be replaced by only four LEDs with a total of 19W (38 kcd) which results in further saving potentials.

This does not just save on energy, but also has a positive impact on the airport’s CO2 balance. In this way, the environment also benefits from the use of LED systems. In addition to energy savings, these systems also make another significant contribution toward lower operating costs: Zelion H modules can be used continuously for up to three years. In terms of durability, this makes them far superior to other lamps, too, because the average service life of a halogen lamp runs to approx. 3000 hours, that of an LED solution to at least 25,000 hours.