These include:obstacle limitationsreflection of sunlight for flight crewscontrollers and airside driversflora and fauna managementaccess routes for fire and rescue vehiclesinterference with CNS equipment and meteorological equipmentelectro-magnetic interference from DC-power sources (including inverters).
What are the risks of solar PV systems in airports?
There is a possibility for accidents due to the presence of the solar PV systems in the airport premises. The ICAO set standards and recommendations which are adopted by most of the aviation authorities across the globe. This helps to regulate and standardize the rules for the movement of air traffic and airport design.
Are solar photovoltaics a threat to aviation safety?
Solar PV systems are being installed in airports across the globe. It is a relatively new application of solar PV technology with a potential impact on aviation safety. The main objective of this paper is to assess the risk of solar photovoltaics at the airport.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) published a final policy aimed at ensuring that airport solar projects don't create hazardous glare. The policy requires airports to measure the visual impact of such projects on pilots and air traffic control personnel.
Do solar panels affect air traffic control towers?
Ocular transmission: A larger coefficient that accounts for radiation absorbed in the eye will mean more effects of the panel glare. Solar panel projects located within or in close proximity to an airport property are required to observe some regulations to mitigate the adverse impacts it may cause on pilots and air traffic control towers.
If not appropriately sited, solar PV facilities may penetrate the navigational airspace, which in turn affects the visibility of air traffic controllers and pilots. In such a scenario, the PV array blocks the line of sight of the staff working in the ATC tower.
Though the FAA's guidance on glare is the basis for assessment, a pragmatic approach is followed to conclude whether a predicted solar reflection cause hazard to aviation safety. Solar PV systems can safely coexist in airport premises through a combined effort of design engineers and air traffic management, airlines and stakeholders.