Helipad lighting manufacturer expanding into Europe
The client specializes in high-quality helipad lighting solutions and operates in the aviation industry, particularly focusing on expanding into the European market.
Why urban rescue helipads need reliable lighting control
With the increasing use of helicopters, particularly in medical rescue operations, there was a pressing need for a reliable and user-friendly heliport management system. The challenge was to enhance the safety and functionality of helipads, especially in urban areas where precise and reliable lighting is crucial for the safety of pilots and medical transport.
Lighting control with cameras, weather data, and backup power
A sophisticated system was developed to control and monitor helipad lighting, integrating automated lighting signals, remote activation, camera monitoring, and weather data collection. These capabilities reflect the integration principles behind industrial IoT solutions, connecting operational equipment, monitoring interfaces, and data communication to support reliable helipad operations. Main and backup power systems were also incorporated to support operational continuity.
1) System Components and Features: The system comprises various modules, including the main control cabinet, island cabinets, and associated hardware components such as controllers, power supplies, relays, cameras, weather stations, and lighting fixtures. These details provide a comprehensive understanding of the system's architecture and capabilities.
2) Control Options: The system offers multiple control options, including manual control from the main control cabinet or island cabinets, remote activation via radio signals from helicopters, and integration with the airport's lighting control infrastructure. This highlights the versatility and adaptability of the system to different operational scenarios.
3) User Interface: The user interface features a user-friendly panel with intuitive menus and icons for system configuration, monitoring, and status display. This enhances user experience and facilitates efficient operation of the system.
4) Advanced Functionalities: The system incorporates advanced functionalities such as remote lighting activation from helicopters using custom adapters, integration with network video recorders (NVRs) for recording landing procedures, email notification for system alerts, and diagnostics for lighting fixture health. These functionalities demonstrate the system's sophistication and ability to meet diverse operational requirements.
The system combines field devices, PLC-based control, network communication, and monitoring interfaces within a connected architecture. Our guide to industrial IoT architecture explains how these layers work together to support reliable monitoring and operational control.
Next steps for helipad safety features
There are plans to further refine the system, exploring additional features and technologies to enhance helipad safety and efficiency. The goal is to continue innovating in this space to ensure the client remains at the forefront of helipad technology and expands successfully into new markets.
Project team: PLC programmer, automation engineer, DevOps
- Project manager
- Business analyst
- DevOps
- PLC Programmer
- Automation engineer
- Mechanic constructor (dedicated cases)
Technology stack: WAGO PLC with Codesys, MySQL, Docker
Docker, MySQL, WAGO Control System, Networking Technologies (Ethernet, RS485), Camera and Video Recording Technology, Weather Monitoring Technology, LED Lighting Technology, Radio Communication Technology, Software Development, Integration Technologies, Codesys on WAGO PLC, MySQL database, REST API, 3D printer
Results: safer helicopter landings in emergency operations
The implemented solution significantly improved the safety and efficiency of helipad operations. The integration of advanced lighting control, real-time monitoring, and weather analysis ensures optimal conditions for helicopter landings, particularly in emergency situations. Moreover, the system's user-friendly interface and automated features greatly enhance the operational capabilities of helipads, making them safer and more reliable.
Frequently asked questions
Can helipad lights be switched on remotely by the helicopter itself?
Yes. Remote activation via radio signals from helicopters is one of the control options, alongside manual control and integration with an airport's lighting control infrastructure. In this project, InTechHouse used custom adapters for remote lighting activation from helicopters, while manual control remains available from the main control cabinet or the island cabinets of the helipad system.
How does a helipad lighting control system monitor fixture health and alert operators?
Through built-in diagnostics for lighting fixture health combined with email notifications for system alerts. In this project, InTechHouse connected controllers, cameras, weather stations and lighting fixtures over Ethernet and RS485, stored data in a MySQL database, and provided a user panel with menus and icons for configuration, monitoring and status display.
How does a helipad lighting system keep operating during a power problem?
Main and backup power systems are built into the helipad lighting design to support operational continuity. In this project, InTechHouse incorporated both alongside the main control cabinet and island cabinets, which house controllers, power supplies and relays. The system was built for helipads used in medical rescue operations, where reliable lighting is crucial for pilot safety.
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