PI Engineering Inc.

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Lightning Notification System Extension

System Overview

    This project extended the existing lightning warning system from local only annunciation of lightning warnings and alerts, to automatic site wide warnings and alerts. A new configuration file was placed on a PC and an interface termination box was added to the existing lightning warning PC digital I/O board via a ribbon cable in order to access the warning (amber) and alert (red) conditions. The warning and alert signals are then connected to a radio frequency transmitter. The transmitter broadcasts the warning or alert signal site wide to automatically activate corresponding beacons. Currently, there are 23 receivers activating 26 sets of beacons located on land-side and air-side terminal rooftops.

System Hardware

1. Interface Box (STA-U). Location: air-side emergency operations center console.

 

2. Transmitter. Location: One floor above air-side emergency operations center in riser closet. Antenna located on the roof above.

Transmitter

Antenna Location

3. Receivers. Locations: 20 on the air-side terminal rooftops, 3 on the land-side terminal commuter area rooftops.

4. Beacon Assemblies. Locations: 20 on the air-side terminal rooftops, 6 on the land-side terminal commuter area rooftops.

Land-Side

Air-Side

5. Portable Receiver and Beacon assemblies. For use at temporary job sites.

Operations

1. Lightning Notification system detects and enunciates the current lighting condition and activates the interface relays as follows:

        • Green (all clear) – no relay, no beacon activation. A number 0 is displayed at all receivers. No receiver relays are activated.

        • Amber (warning) – relay OP1 activated, amber LED lights on transmitter and activates all remote amber beacons. A number 1 is displayed at all receivers. Receiver relays 1 and 2 are activated.

        • Amber/Red (warning) – relay OP1 remains/activates, amber LED lights on transmitter and activates all remote amber beacons. A number 1 is displayed at all receivers. Receiver relays 1 and 2 are activated.

        • Red (Alert) – Relay OP1 clears and relay OP2 activates, amber LED and beacons clear, red LED lights on transmitter and activates all remote red beacons. Receiver relays 3 and 4 are activated. Note: the Red (Alert) condition will remain activated for a minimum of 10 minutes even if alert condition clears. A number 2 is displayed at all receivers.

2. A TEST push button is located on the front of the transmitter box (see above figure). This allows for testing of the system without activating any beacons. When pressed a test signal is transmitted to all receivers and a number 3 is displayed at all receivers. Receiver relay 5 is activated. Note: if an actual warning or alert condition occurs while in test the warning or alert signal will override the test signal.

3. A portable receiver and beacon assembly was provided so that the lightning warning system can be utilized at temporary work sites. Watertight plugs and receptacles are provided for power, red beacon and yellow beacon signals. Each of these plugs/receptacles is physically different so that connections cannot be made wrongly. Operation of the portable unit is the same as described above.

***For any additional information please contact PI Engineering, contacts below.

Project History

Contact Info:

PI Engineering Inc.

2110 McLean Street

Aliquippa, Pa 15001.

Phone:

(724) 203-0624

Email:

pi@piengineeringinc.com