STG Aerospace is promoting its Wireless Emergency Primary Power System (WEPSS ) that it claims requires absolutely no maintenance and potential cost savings to the industry of up to a billion dollars a year.
Whereas present systems are typically using NiCad batteries, WEPSS uses a Lithium Sulphur Dioixide battery (LiSO2). These batteries are already used in flight data recorders and on-board defibrillators; the main advantage being that it will hold a charge almost indefinitely says the company.
The battery does not require maintenance or changing, also because the system is wireless it removes the need for daily visual inspection of the cabin emergency lights. It includes a diagnostic panel that allows crewmembers to perform the entire automatically.
WEPPS addresses what the company says are the three main problems affecting emergency lighting systems. Old generation batteries that require heavy maintenance, batteries that need to be replaced every three to five years and the frequent light checks usually performed by high cost labour, turning the lights on and walking up and down the aircraft checking every single light and deciding if it meets statutory requirements.
STG’s system is also ‘fit-and-forget’ and the wireless technology is not active during flight. This ensures there is no possible interference.
“WEPPS is consistent with STG’s mission to reduce the cost of operating aircraft and to make flying safer,” says chief executive Peter Stokes.
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Source: Flight Daily News
