In the offshore wind power industry, helicopters play a critical role in transporting personnel and light cargo, as well as conducting emergency rescue operations. In harsh weather conditions, when vessels cannot operate, helicopters provide a fast and safe alternative, ensuring timely personnel transfers, evacuations, and supply deliveries.
However, the rotation of wind turbine blades generates turbulence, which increases flight instability and operational risks. To ensure the safety of both offshore wind farm operations and helicopter flights, it is essential to provide clear and precise indications of turbine blade lock status before a helicopter approaches a turbine.
System Overview
The Search and Rescue Light System (SRLS) is primarily installed on the top of the wind turbine nacelle. It uses a green signal light to communicate the status of turbine blades and the nacelle to helicopter operators during hoisting operations, ensuring safe and efficient operation.
Features
1. Blade Lock Status Display
The helicopter hoist status lights indicate the lock status of the turbine blades through distinct display modes:
·Off: Helicopters are prohibited from approaching or hovering, maintaining a safe distance.
·Flashing Green：Indicates that the turbine blades are currently locking.
·Steady Green：Indicates that helicopters can safely approach and hover; obstruction lights will automatically turn off.
2. Reduced Light Pollution and Energy Consumption
The system features adaptive brightness control, automatically adjusting light intensity based on ambient conditions. This ensures optimal visibility at night while minimizing energy consumption. Similarly, helicopter deck floodlights operate only during nighttime, precisely meeting operational needs while avoiding excessive daytime illumination and reducing environmental light pollution.
3. Remote Control and Manual Operation
SRLS supports remote control, enabling individual lights to be operated independently to facilitate emergency transport or rescue operations. Additionally, both the helicopter hoist status lights and deck floodlights can be manually switched on or off via the hoist status light control.
