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Whangarei District Council Facilities Maintenance

Project Scope

Since 1996 Northpower has provided ongoing electrical maintenance to premises owned by WDC, including its commercial and office spaces, airport and public infrastructure areas. Northpower provides timely, innovative and creative solutions to a range of electrical issues. These have ranged from providing suitable lighting for the Town Basin area to upgrading the lighting on the airport approach in Whangarei Harbour.

The Northpower team provides a high level of responsiveness and a top quality service which exceeds expectations.

Challenges

Northpower faced significant challenges in managing the lighting on the approach to Whangarei District Airport. The lighting system is situated in Whangarei Harbour and must withstand severe conditions, from heavy rain to harsh sunlight and strong winds.

With the radio-controlled system previously in place giving rise to ongoing maintenance issues, it was essential to design and install a more reliable system providing bright lighting that can be clearly seen by pilots and can withstand the most severe conditions. Access to the lighting is also an issue, as it can only be reached by boat in favourable conditions.

Solutions

Northpower drew on the depth of experience and design skills within the team to develop a trouble-free solution for the airport approach. The team designed, built and installed a new, more robust system using upgraded materials and LED lighting.

The use of LED lighting offers extended lamp life and lower energy consumption than traditional lighting and has reduced operating costs for the client. LED has also increased the system’s reliability, as it is resistant to shock and vibration and thus more able to withstand conditions in the harbour. The new system’s reliability is further enhanced through the use of more durable materials to encase and protect the lighting elements.

Results

Northpower has developed an outstanding relationship with the WDC and airport management through providing a highly responsive and reliable maintenance service and creating modern, innovative solutions to challenges.

“The main problem was with the power consumption exceeding the charge during periods of inclement weather. ”

“While Northpower’s response to these problems was prompt and efficient, a better way had to be found. LED technology was considered the way to go but there were no products off the shelf that seemed to suit our needs. So Northpower staff designed and built their own system. Advantages are we are getting better, more visible light with smaller batteries. Power consumption is so low we did away with the radio gear completely and leave them to self-activate and remain on all night. Being more simple and sealed from the environment we have experienced less failures. All round an excellent result.”

Mike Chubb, Manager, Whangarei District Airport

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