What is energy-efficient AGL?
Airfield lighting that uses less power for the same required light — with output, colour and distribution still meeting the standard.
Energy-efficient AGL means using less electrical power to deliver the same required lighting. The savings come from efficient LED fixtures and CCRs, lower losses in cables and transformers, and brightness and switching that match the real conditions.
Less power means lower running cost, less heat and often less maintenance. But the lighting must still meet its light output, colour and distribution requirements, so a saving that reduces required performance is never accepted. A change of light source also changes the circuit load, so compatibility with the CCR and series circuit must be checked, and the saving is confirmed by measurement.
- Measure. Establish how much power is used now and where the losses are.
- Reduce. Use efficient LED fixtures and CCRs, and cut cable and transformer losses.
- Match. Select intensity steps to suit conditions, and switch off unused sections only where allowed.
- Check fit. Confirm the new load suits the CCR, transformers and series circuit.
- Verify. Measure the saving and confirm by photometry that the lighting still meets the requirements.
- Repeat. Use the results as the baseline for the next improvement.
Delivers the required lighting with less power, using efficient equipment and brightness matched to conditions, and proves it by measurement.
Delivers the required lighting with higher power use and losses, and usually more heat and lamp replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1What is energy-efficient airfield ground lighting?
Airfield lighting that uses less electrical power to deliver the same required visual guidance. It comes from efficient fixtures and power equipment, lower losses in cables, and brightness and switching that match the actual conditions, never from reducing what the requirements ask for.
Q2Where does the saving come from?
Mainly from LED light sources, which need less power than halogen lamps for similar output, then from efficient CCRs, lower transformer losses, and intensity steps matched to visibility. Because the loop runs at constant current, cable loss does not fall just by fitting LEDs; it falls with larger conductors, shorter runs or lower brightness steps. Lower heat and longer life can also reduce maintenance effort.
Q3Can the lighting be dimmed or switched off to save energy?
Only within the requirements. Intensity steps are selected to suit conditions, and unused sections may be switched off where the regulator and the aerodrome’s procedures allow it. Light output, colour and distribution must still meet the standard whenever a light is in use.
Q4Can I replace halogen lamps with LED fixtures directly?
Not always. The new load changes the circuit, so CCR loading, transformer matching, series-circuit behaviour and light output must be checked first. A CCR that ends up lightly loaded after a retrofit can run at a poor power factor and may need load matching. A fixture must be compatible with the existing system and approved for the application.
Q5How is the saving measured?
By comparing measured energy use before and after, for similar operating conditions. Monitoring of power and brightness step helps. Photometric checks confirm that the lighting still meets the requirements after the change.
Q6Does saving energy reduce safety or compliance?
It must not. Energy efficiency is pursued inside the requirements of ICAO Annex 14, the national regulator and the aerodrome’s approved procedures. If a change would reduce required performance, the change is not made.
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