Dark Sky Showcases the Future of BNK at WindEnergy Hamburg

News Post

Hamburg, September 20, 2024. Next week, the industry will gather at WindEnergy Hamburg. Solutions for demand-driven night marking of wind turbines (BNK) will play a significant role there, as the deadline for retrofitting existing turbines was originally set for the end of the year. Although the federal government’s PV package seems to provide an extension, this is conditional on the immediate submission of an application to the relevant aviation authority. As a result, many operators will complete their BNK equipment in the coming weeks.

DARK SKY is now presenting a new BNK solution in Hamburg, which also focuses on the equipment for new installations. Under the product name TCL – Transponder Controlled Lighting, the BNK pioneer, in cooperation with lighting manufacturer ENERTRAG Systemtechnik, has developed a product combining lighting and BNK. This product is suitable for installation both at the wind turbine manufacturer’s factory and for straightforward retrofitting. The set consists of two "W, red" lights with an integrated infrared level and a compact antenna box. All components together weigh less than 3.5 kg. These components are complemented by a control cabinet that is customized to the customer’s requirements. Alternatively, assemblies that can be integrated into existing cabinets can also be used. Due to the decentralized functionality, no integration into existing networks or multilateration systems is required. The system can be put into operation immediately via the integrated GSM router with remote access. The site-specific inspection is designed in such a way that complex flyovers are not necessary. The consistent positioning on the wind turbine allows for quick inspection and commissioning.

Managing Director Thomas Herrholz sees the main advantage of the system in the straightforward implementation of BNK requirements: “We know from our own experience how complex it can be to retrofit BNK systems. The TCL system can be installed in the future like a standard lighting system, and the wind turbine manufacturer does not need to adjust its processes. By combining the lighting and BNK functions, the hardware can be produced very cost-effectively. Our licensing agreement for transponder patents also enables a wind turbine-specific billing system; the licensing fees are already included in the offers. This allows operators and manufacturers to meet their BNK obligations at predictable costs through a framework agreement with Dark Sky.”

The LED lights used come from the proXS series by ENERTRAG Systemtechnik. These very compact lights are available in 100 cd, 2000 cd, and with an infrared component and have been proven in use for many years. In the TCL system, the lights are monitored, and their status can be viewed through Dark Sky’s online tool. The scope of maintenance for the TCL system is regulated by the service contract. In this way, the system can be implemented easily and quickly and will be available immediately with the start of the exhibition.