PROJECTS
Airfield Lighting Control System for Thai Police Heliport
When the Royal Thai Police sought to enhance the safety and reliability of their heliport operations, they required an automation partner capable of delivering precision, stability, and clear situational awareness. KDI Automation supported this mission by providing a modern, robust Airfield Lighting Control System (ALCS) designed specifically for heliport operations.
Enhancing Safety for Critical Air Operations
The Thai Police heliport plays a vital role in emergency response, law‑enforcement coordination, medical transport, and VIP missions. Reliable lighting control is essential, especially during night operations and low‑visibility conditions.
KDI Automation delivered a solution that ensures pilots and ground staff have full confidence in the lighting system at all times.
Scope of Work
Our involvement included:
- Complete engineering and configuration of the Airfield Lighting Control System (ALCS)
- PLC software development tailored to heliport operational requirements
- HMI visualization designed for clarity, situational awareness, and fast operator response
- Integration with existing lighting equipment and power systems
- On‑site testing, verification, and functional validation
- Training of local operators and maintenance staff
The solution was built on Siemens SIMATIC® PLC technology, ensuring long‑term reliability, stability, and easy maintainability for the Thai Police engineering teams.
Operational Improvements Delivered
1. Increased Safety & Response Efficiency
The new ALCS provides instant control and monitoring of all heliport lighting equipment, enabling quick adjustments during mission‑critical operations.
2. Clear, User‑Friendly Interface
A modern HMI design gives operators a real‑time visual overview of lighting status, alarms, and system health—supporting confident decision‑making in busy operational environments.
3. Smooth Integration with Existing Infrastructure
The system was engineered to seamlessly integrate with current lighting hardware and electrical systems, minimizing downtime and disruption.
4. Robust Automation Platform
Built on proven industrial automation standards, the system ensures stable long‑term performance and reduces maintenance requirements.
A Reliable Partner for Aviation‑Critical Systems
This project demonstrates KDI Automation’s ability to deliver safe, precise, and mission‑ready automation systems for aviation environments.
Our experience in Airfield Lighting Control Systems (16+ years) allows us to support airports, heliports, and air‑operation facilities with the highest level of engineering quality.
The Thai emergency responders now benefit from a dependable ALCS that enhances safety, operational readiness, and long‑term efficiency—supporting the essential work of the safety and security of the Thai population.
CCR Integration via Interface PLC in Vietnam
When a major airport project in Vietnam required a reliable and flexible way to integrate multiple modern Constant Current Regulators (CCRs) into an older Airfield Lighting Control System (ALCS), KDI Automation was engaged to deliver a high‑performance automation solution built around an Interface PLC architecture. The project demanded precision, compatibility with existing infrastructure, and future scalability—all essential factors in ensuring safe airfield operations.
Challenge: Bringing Diverse CCR Equipment Into One Unified Control System
The airport operated with an ALCS and CCR units from different generations and manufacturers. Without a unified interface, operators faced challenges such as:
- Limited visibility of CCR status and alarms
- Inconsistent communication protocols
- Manual intervention for switching and brightness control
- Difficulty integrating with the new ALCS platform
The goal was clear: create a standardized, reliable, and maintainable interface to manage all new CCRs from a single control environment.
Solution: Interface PLC for Seamless CCR Integration
KDI Automation engineered a custom Interface PLC solution that acted as the communication and control bridge between the CCRs and the airfield’s new ALCS.
Our work included:
- Development of PLC logic for CCR monitoring and control
- Protocol mapping and signal standardization (digital, serial—depending on CCR model)
- Creation of alarm and status logic for real‑time diagnostics
- Integration with the central ALCS through a stable and secure communication layer
- Testing and verification of switching, constant current steps, and fail‑safe modes
The engineering was designed for high availability, ensuring that the control system remained stable under all operating conditions.
Key Features Delivered
1. Unified Control & Monitoring
All CCRs—regardless of type or age—are now controlled from a single operator interface, improving situational awareness and operational efficiency.
2. Enhanced Safety Through Real‑Time Feedback
The Interface PLC provides fast, accurate feedback on CCR performance, alarms, and status, helping operators respond immediately to any abnormal conditions.
3. Increased System Flexibility
The modular PLC design allows new CCRs or lighting circuits to be added without major system changes—a significant advantage for future expansion.
4. Optimized Maintenance Operations
Clear alarm structures and diagnostic data reduce troubleshooting time and improve maintenance planning.
Outcome: A Modern, Reliable CCR Integration for Vietnam’s Airfield Operations
The project successfully transformed a fragmented CCR setup into a fully integrated, operator‑friendly, and highly reliable lighting control environment.
The airport now benefits from:
- Smooth day‑to‑day operation of all runway and taxiway lighting circuits
- Consistent CCR behavior across diverse hardware
- Reliable communication with the ALCS
- Increased safety for air and ground operations
This success demonstrates KDI Automation’s expertise in Airfield Lighting Control and advanced PLC integration, adding another strong reference project to our growing portfolio in the Asian aviation sector.
