Extra low voltage and low current systems
Extra low voltage and low current systems
The aviation industry can benefit tremendously from implementing extra-low voltage (ELV) and low current systems. ELV systems empower airports to be more efficient with their energy consumption in a way that can be integrated into their current technologies. From making systems that are faster, more efficient or more useful, ELV systems offer a wave of innovation and cost-saving for the aviation industry. This article is going to look at ELV systems and their uses in the industry, as well as developing trends within ELV systems.
What is an ELV system?
An ELV system, sometimes known as a low current system, is an engineering framework that uses low voltages to function. It has proved to be incredibly useful in areas and industries where electrical equipment – particularly high voltage equipment – can be hazardous. Airports are an excellent example of a space that benefits from ELV systems. If a device or circuit functions in the range of 50V A.C and 120V D.C then it falls under the category of an ELV system.
How does the aviation industry use ELV systems?
Extra-low voltage systems are an incredibly useful framework to make airport facilities safer and more efficient. They can be implemented across a range of locations such as satellite television systems that use antennas to receive and broadcast channels from one feed. ELV systems have also been used successfully in public announcements and voice alarm systems to relay information across an airport.
ELV systems are also useful when it comes to presentations via video signage and multimedia monitors. These are dotted across airports to update passengers about important updates to flights or general information relating to the airport.
Another important function of ELV systems is to power pathfinding systems such as maps and signage. Airports can be enormous, which causes a lot of passengers to get lost. Using ELV systems to help passengers navigate large airports helps keep costs down while still help passengers navigate airports.
Other uses for ELV systems include fire alarm and suppression systems, which are constantly powered. These are integral to the overall safety of the airport if there ever was a fire, so an ELV system can keep fire alarms powered constantly without using a lot of power. ELV systems are also used to power master clocks, which are used to keep information like flight schedules on time across airports.
Future trends for ELV systems
The future trends that are developing for ELV systems in airports all point towards more integration. Bringing together different ELV systems that use a shared data network will make airports even more efficient as the cost of cabling and making new pathways is removed.
Other innovations and trends in ELV systems point to upgrading from any of the analogue solutions found in airports. Facsimile, or fax machines, are an excellent example of an analogue technology used in airports that are inevitably going to be replaced with an ELV system.
ELV systems hold a great deal of promise for airports in terms of efficiency and functionality. Over time, the implementations of ELV systems will improve how airports operate, cut back on energy consumption and streamline overall facility operations.