Submarine lighting

MIL tested light fittings for submarines

Glamox can offer a wide range of lights fittings that fulfil the MIL EMC, Shock and Vibration standards for submarines. The product range also includes explosion-proof (Ex) products that have been fully tested to MIL standards for EMC, Shock and Vibration. Glamox individual light fittings can also be integrated into a complete system and controlled via a control panel.

 

Our naval lights range are designed to withstand MIL shock without the need for shock absorbers, which means savings in weight and costs. The level of shock varies based on product and application, but we can offer a full range of products, from standard marine fittings that fulfil DNV level shock, to fully MIL tested lights that meet submarine requirements. We categorise the level of shock into Marine shock, Medium MIL shock, and Full MIL shock.

EMC tests are conducted in external and independent test laboratories, and varies from standard marine EMC to full MIL EMC according to the latest MIL standards. 

A range of vibration standards are also tested, either in our own test laboratory or at an external third-party test laboratory for the full MIL tests.

 

The Advanced Submarine Lighting System (ASLS = N MIL system)

ASLS is a modular electrical lighting system for use onboard a submarine. Specially designed as a reliable, economical and zero maintenance lighting solution, it offers practical lighting to improve work efficiency as well as the comfort of the submarine crew. The requirements for lighting systems on submarines are very different and highly specific. Evaluating the specifications of naval ship designs has given the following objectives for the system:

• Modular design for optimised, customised light scenarios all over the submarine.
• High performance 24VDC LED technology successfully combined with intelligent electronics.
• Single cables for low power and high information distribution.
• Emergency lighting system embedded in the main lighting system: multi-functionality rather than extensive hardware.
• Latest ergonomic know-how to improve the crew’s alertness and wellbeing.

 

The Advanced Submarine Lighting System basically consists of state-of-the-art components. A modular system enables various configurations for different requests and scenarios on submarines. Particularly for those who have little or no daylight during working hours, the simulation of natural light scenarios is important to human wellbeing. This is why our lighting solutions include Human Centric Lighting (HCL).

 

Special demands on lighting for submarines

Limited space on submarines requires lighting solutions that are compact with reduced installation heights and weight. ASLS components meet the challenging physical requirements due to the MIL environmental conditions, operational areas and safety policies.

 

Important factors when selecting lighting solutions for submarines:

• Low energy consumption (high energy efficiency).
• Glare and flicker-free, dimmable.
• Specified colour temperature.
• Human Centric Lighting (HCL) capability (= ‘tuneable white’).
• High lifetime expectancy.
• Minimized maintenance costs and reduced power consumption.
• Field replaceable.
• Small size, no hazardous materials.
• Mechanical strength/impact resistance.
• Shock- vibration- and explosion-proof.
• Compliant with EMC requirements.

 

Mechanical strength

LINKSrechts naval lighting solutions fulfil the very highest standards. Products must be extremely robust and work absolutely reliably within a temperature range of -25°C to +55°C. ASLS light fixtures made of seawater-resistant aluminium have a proven design, are tested according to major naval standards and have successfully passed the related vibration and shock tests.

 

No maintenance and reduced power consumption

Potential energy savings together with the longevity of LED luminaires, make for considerably lower operating and maintenance costs. Luminaires consume as little energy as possible in order to reduce the size of power generators, save energy and minimise pollution.

The efficiency and life span of LED lighting continues to improve. LED luminaires are virtually maintenance-free, which means that vessels with LED lighting will have lower operating costs compared to vessels with conventional luminaires. The system components, especially ASLS luminaires, are designed for environmental compatibility and sustainability. Lamps and circuit boards can be replaced so that subsequently the luminaire can be viewed as almost new after professional overhaul.

 

Approvals

The system components of the ASLS meet, among other things, the requirements according to guidelines for pressure, humidity, temperature, shock, EMI and light temperature. Cables and their connectors are also compliant. Within the design of the lighting system, relevant factors such as ‘melanopic (biologically) effective light’ in work areas, ‘dim to warm’ in berths, as well as ‘kelvin shift’ in accommodation areas, should be examined carefully and included within the system solution.