Solar PV Systems at Airports
Through various projects, airsight has supported airports and photovoltaic project developers worldwide in evaluating the potential of open space near aircraft movement areas and on terminal/airport building roofs for photovoltaic (PV) systems.
Our services include glint & glare assessments, area filtering, CNS impact assessments, ICAO/EASA compliance checks and comprehensive risk assessments and safety cases. In addition, we work with partners on comprehensive technical and commercial solar PV studies to support approval and implementation planning of solar systems, expanding the study scope to include biodiversity analyses, environmental impact assessments, and climate resilience assessments (e.g. flood risk modelling).
These assessments and evaluations determine the design criteria and requirements for future PV systems and must considered in the PV system design planning and subsequent cost-benefit analysis. Finally, they must also be taken into account for approval by the competent authority.
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Glint & Glare Assessments
Assessing the impact of planned solar PV systems on ATC and approaching aircraft as well as reducing reflecions effects through optimization of PV panel tilt, orientation, and reflectivity requirements.
We investigate planned PV systems on roof surfaces, in open spaces close to taxiways or runways, vertical walls, and as floating PV on bodies of water. Our team analyzes the potential glare effects on approaching aircraft, helicopters, air traffic control (ATC), and ground traffic.
Recent glare incidents demonstrate that visual reflections from PV systems can significantly disrupt airport operations. Ultimately, it is clear that light reflections from PV systems must not compromise airport safety. At airsight, we are the experts when it comes to designing PV systems in such a way that negative reflections are avoided by adjusting the orientation and tilt angle as well as the panel material.
When assessing the resulting glint and glare, we take into account not only the occurrence and duration of the reflections depending on the time of day and season, but also the luminance (expressed in cd/m²) and any shading of the reflections by airport buildings.
Methodology
Our evaluation and assessment methodology is based on FAA guidelines and has been coordinated and optimized during many projects with civil aviation authorities. However, where applicable, we also apply national regulations (e.g. Switzerland, in LAI in Germany). Because the safety of avation must remain paramount, our assessment approach is as follows: Reflection intensities on aircraft approach paths must be reduced to a minimum ("green glare"), and all reflections (regardless of intensity) are prohibited for air traffic control operator (ATCO) in the ATC tower and cameras on remote towers.
What is required as input for a glint & glare assessment?
- Detailed description of the project, including coordinates and roof heights (if necessary)
- Possible preliminary specifications of the planned PV systems (number of module rows, preferred orientation/tilt angle, module type)
- Description of observation points (e.g. ATC, cameras) and approach trajectories (including helicopters)
- Consideration of ground traffic
What is the usual process for conducting a Glint & Glare Assessment?
Typically, each glint & glare assessment can be devided in two project phases:
- Phase I: Based on the client's input data and the aviation-specific information available to us (e.g., AIP), we work closely with the client to create a preliminary glare analysis and identify possible orientations/tilt angles that meet FAA requirements and, if necessary, make a go/no-go decision for the implementation of the PV systems.
- Phase II: Preparation of the actual glint & glare assessment report with a detailed evaluation of the resulting reflections. The report is suitable for submission to the competent authority.
Aeronautical Studies
Comprehensive aeronautical analyses and assessments of planned solar PV systems
airsight conducts aeronautical studies for solar PV systems near aircraft movement areas following a five-step approach. Our aim is to maximize the installed capacity of the PV system at the airport, while maintaining high safety levels at airports. For hazards posed by solar panels near aircraft movement areas, a multi-level analysis and risk assessment framework is mandatory to ensure that only acceptable risks exist for airport operations.
In addition to ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements (ICAO, EASA, and national), we carry out comprehensive glint and glare assessments and impact assessments on CNS equipment. We also take operational concerns, such as RFFS and emergency procedures, into account when defining aeronautical requirements for PV design.
The identification of suitable areas for solar PV systems is the starting point of an aeronautical study and thus already enables a high-level assessment of the achievable solar PV yield at an airport.
When filtering suitable areas for PV deployment within the airport perimeter, we consider the following criteria, among others:
• Airport design criteria acc. ICAO Annex 14 / EASA CS-ADR-DSN
• CNS Building Restricted Areas (acc. ICAO EUR Doc 015)
• Critical/sensitive areas of ILS localizer and glidepath antennas
• Safeguarding distances of meteorological equipment
• Visual obstruction and line-of-sight analysis for fixed observers
• Buffer zones for further infrastructures
• Siting for transformer stations, sub-stations and inverters
• Recognition Airport master plan development
• Definition and validation of additional buffer zones due to engine jet blast
Comprehensive glint & glare assessments are carried out for the pre-defined and filtered suitable areas. By investigating glare impact on fixed observers, approaching aircraft and ground traffic we follow FAA guidelines, but also apply national assessment standards where these are available (e.g. Germany/Switzerland).
Requirements regarding panel tilt and orientation, maximum installation height and reflective behaviour (e.g. anti-reflective coating) are defined, which are essential for the subsequent detailed technical design of the PV systems.
We analyze the PV system impact on airport CNS performance based on a predefined layout incorporating PV panel specifications from glint & glare assessments and area filtering results.
In addition to safeguarding areas according to ICAO EUR Doc 015 BRA for regular CNS elements, such as ILS, airport radars (PSR, SSR, SMR, and GMR), MLAT, DME, VHF/UHF, and GBAS, we carry out simulations of ILS, DME, and MLAT signals to investigate how PV systems influence the tolerance criteria defined by ICAO in Annex 10. Additionally, we perform detailed line-of-sight analyses considering frequency-specific signal propagation (Fresnel zone).
Upon request by clients or ANSP, we provide comprehensive numerical full-wave simulations for ILS and radar reflectivity studies through our partner network to identify bottlenecks in the preliminary PV design and further optimize the PV layout.
Commencing with a holistic approach, our focus is on maintaining the integrity of ground and apron operations throughout the complete PV lifecycle, e.g. integrating requirements from airport rescue fire fighting services (ARFFS) and emergency response into the PV design and maintenance/operation design regime. Collaborating closely with our partner network, we address concerns regarding wildlife and flora, ultimately ensuring the prevention increased breeding activity and bird strikes resulting from PV systems.
The planning, design and installation of PV systems at airports requires the involvement of relevant stakeholders - both airport owned and external ones. It is imperative that their needs, requirements and reservations are taken into account when designing the PV systems.
Within the scope of our PV related projects, we are the central pivot and anchor point between the airport-related user groups and the external planners, operators and users of PV systems.
Technical and Commercial Viability Studies
Detailed technical planning of solar PV systems upon implementation level including cost-benefit analysis
Thanks to our extensive network of independent renewable energy consultants and PV planning experts, we are the central point of contact for all questions relating to the implementation of PV solar systems at airports and around – from aeronautical reports and detailed technical PV planning to cost-benefit and business case studies and the approval and implementation planning of PV systems.
We centrally organize and manage the planning, analyses and evaluations required for approval and implementation planning of solar PV systems. Ultimately, this saves our clients valuable resources and budgets, as the necessary coordination with stakeholders and project planning are managed and monitored by airsight's PV experts.
Technical PV Design
Together with our partners, we take on the detailed technical design for solar PV systems. This includes i.a.
• General design of solar PV systems (i.a. PV layout design) adhering to requirements from aeronautical studies, environmental and biodiversity impact assessments and climate-resilience related adapation measures.
• Design of electrical transmission setup
• Design of battery energy storage systems (BESS)
• Design of maintenance regime
Lifecycle cost-benefit analysis (CBA)
We are conducting comprehensive analyses of the lifecycle cost-benefit of solar PV areas, taking also into account several degradation factors. The total cost of installed capacity is divided into its component parts: solar panels, mounting structures, electrical components, cabling, infrastructure, and energy storage systems, if applicable. To provide a meaningful context, calculated lifecycle cost rates and upfront costs are benchmarked against market rates for comparable systems. Other indicators such as CAPEX/OPEX and LCOE are also taken into account in the overall analysis.
The CBA aims to deliver clear insights into the economic viability of the planned solar PV systems and to inform stakeholders about the feasibility of implementation and to guide recommendations for further action.
Implementation and approval planning
We develop implementation plans for PV systems in which we define criteria for prioritizing their use in airport areas. This includes:
• Planning of PV pilot systems and trials to investigate system performance under real conditions
• Planning the construction site while flight operations continue, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements
• Access control concept
• Consideration of preparatory measures, such as mowing plan, ordnance clearance
• Support in the approval process with the competent authority
• Training and management of maintenance activities associated with the PV systems
• Involvement of stakeholders
How we work
Detailed knowledge of national and international regulations, industry best-practices through many years of experiences in PV-related projects
Dedicated and highly qualified team of experts with vast references on glint & glare and CNS impact assessments, aviation regulatory requirements, and risk assessments
Worldwide experience in dealing with manifold aviation stakeholders confronted with implementing renewable energy at airports
ISO9001:2015 certified Quality Management System to ensure maximum client satisfaction and efficient standardised work processes.
