Communicative signal lights

• The lock system for the Kiel Canal has been fitted with a new signaling system as part of modernization efforts.
• Signal lights are subjected to harsh weather conditions. These include high winds, salt water and even direct sunlight.
• In order to satisfy these requirements, the new masts have been fitted with signal lights from Phoenix Contact.
• Industrial communication technology simplifies maintenance and the use of LED technology helps save energy and increase availability.

The lock system in Kiel-Holtenau has been fitted with a new signaling system as part of modernization efforts. The lights are installed on masts and use red, green, and white signals to notify any approaching vessels whether or not the lock entrance is free.

Only components that conform to the industry standard are used for the monitoring functions. The signal lights are subjected to harsh weather conditions and must therefore satisfy special requirements. These include high winds, salt water and even direct sunlight.

The use of modern industrial communication technology ensures that the control center is permanently informed of the status of the lights. The maintenance department also wants easy installation without having to set addresses or user IDs. This is particularly important when lights have to be replaced for maintenance.

Two new masts in the lock have been fitted with 300 LED signal lights, which support maintenance personnel with status and diagnostic information. This is made possible through the use of industrial communication technology.

The lights are connected using prefabricated cables and M17 hybrid connectors from Phoenix Contact. The hybrid connector simultaneously connects the power supply and the data cable to the light. The connectors cannot be mismatched. Easy installation is particularly important when lights have to be replaced for maintenance. This is where the benefits of an electronic rating plate that can be read via the communication link come into play. This way, the control unit can detect whether or not the correct lamp is connected.

The color, size, and beam angle are transmitted, for example. In the event of faulty installation or replacement, the control unit sends an alarm signal and prevents the light from turning itself on. The light's operating hours and the those of the individual LEDs are recorded separately and stored cyclically in the light.

LED technology with many benefits

The LED technology in the light helps save energy and increase availability. The latter is a result not only of the extended service life but also of the special wiring of the lights.

When one LED fails, this is detected by a current and voltage monitor and reported back to the higher-level system. According to the instructions from the control system, the other LEDs can be readjusted in order to achieve the same light output.

In addition to the LED monitoring, two scattered light sensors are installed in the signal light, which record whether the LEDs are emitting light as well as their intensity.

The temperature of the light is also recorded in order to ensure operational reliability of the signal light in all instances. If the temperature of the light increases above the permissible range, the light output is reduced or even switched off. This function is supported by notification and alarm messages. If the temperature drops again, the light will resume operation after the message has been acknowledged.