Section 5, Chapter 2 - Power Supplies

Question 1

What are the procedures for power supplies and actions in the event of a total electrical failure at the CTB?

Answer 1

Power Supplies:

Essential ATC and Airfield Equipment:

• Powered by the OES under normal circumstances.
• Standby power provided by generator backup.
• Some essential ATC equipment supported by UPS or battery.

Failure Scenarios:

• OES failure leads to standby generators taking time to provide alternate power.
• Unsupported equipment may fail momentarily.
• Supported equipment should continue uninterrupted.
• Total electrical failure occurs when both OES and standby generators fail.
• Equipment with UPS or battery support continues functioning.

Total Electrical Failure to the CTB:

Battery Support:
* Essential equipment at RADAR1, RADAR2, ADC, and GMC desks supported by battery for at least 20 minutes.
* AGL touch screens and computers supported by UPS for at least 20 minutes.
* IRVR operational with AGL system.
* Copperchase equipment, CCDS, and METCOM supported by UPS for at least 20 minutes.
* Supplementary lighting at desk positions supported by battery for at least 20 minutes.
* Airport 20/20 System fails immediately without UPS/battery support.
* RD1, RD2, ADC, and GMC have battery support for approximately 20 minutes.
* APC and OSS positions do not have battery support.
* Handwritten observations used for Meteorological Observations.

Actions by ATC in Event of Total Electrical Failure:

Immediate Actions:

• Land or disperse aircraft as quickly and safely as possible.
• Withdraw ATC services within 20 minutes due to uncertain battery cell serviceability.

Resumption of ATC Services:

• Do not resume until OES or Sub 5 standby generator power is restored and sustained.
• Watch/Deputy Watch Manager to liaise with DEO to determine appropriate service level.
• Consider availability, serviceability, and sustainability of equipment in CTB and external sites.

Question 2

What happens during a total electrical failure at external ATC sites?

Answer 2

IRVR Site:

• Unsupported and will fail in the event of total electrical failure.

Other External ATC Sites:

• Supported by UPS or batteries.
• Remain serviceable for at least 20 minutes.

Question 3

What are the alternate power supplies and their supported equipment at various substations?

Answer 3

Alpha Substation:

Supported Equipment:
* 25 Localiser
* Far Field Monitor

Power Supply:
* Standby Generator during OES failure

Substation 4:

Supported Equipment:
* 25 IRVR
* 25 Glide Path
* 25 METCOM
* 25 DME
* 25 Surface Wind System

Power Supply:
* Standby Generator during OES failure and CAT 3 services

Substation 6:

Supported Equipment:
* 17 Localiser

Power Supply:
* Standby Generator during OES failure and CAT 3 services

Substation 7:

Supported Equipment:
* 07 IRVR
* 25 Localiser

Power Supply:
* Standby Generator during OES failure and CAT 3 services

Substation 8:

Supported Equipment:
* 17 DME
* 17 METCOM
* 17 Surface Wind System
* Mid Point IRVR
* DVOR

Power Supply:
* Standby Generator during OES failure and CAT 3 services