Determination of glare probabilities during approach and departure at Freiburg airport caused by photovoltaic systems
March 2017 | Safety Assessment
On behalf of the city Freiburg im Breisgau GfL analyzes possible glare of flight crews during approach and departure procedures at Freiburg airport within a risk assessment. Cause for this is the planned installation of photovoltaic modules within close proximity of the airport. The general aim is to calculate reflection frequencies of sunlight in approach and departure areas taking into consideration the PV-modules’ exact position and alignment as well as the sun’s position depending on time of day and season. Hereafter, the probabilities of glare for aircrew during these periods of time are determined. Based on empirical analyzes possible damage severities caused by glare are identified and resulting operational risks are finally inspected for acceptance. Potential risk mitigation measures include alternative locations and alignment of PV-modules in regards to azimuth and elevation. For consideration of such questions, GfL’s in-house developed software GlareTech is applied. GlareTech is able to calculate glare effects induced by reflecting sunlight in a precise and rapid way, even for extensive PV-module areas. Thus, our customers benefit from short project durations. First results are expected in May.
