The lights on the chimneys of a thermal power plant serve a specific purpose related to safety and aviation regulations. These lights are commonly known as aviation obstruction lights or aircraft warning lights. Their primary function is to alert aircraft pilots to the presence of tall structures, such as chimneys or smokestacks, that could pose a collision risk.
Here are a few reasons why these lights on power plant chimneys turn on and off:
Visibility: The intermittent flashing of lights enhances their visibility, especially during nighttime or low-visibility conditions. The intermittent pattern helps draw attention to the presence of the structure and allows pilots to distinguish it from other stationary lights on the ground.
Differentiation: By using specific flashing patterns, different types of structures can be distinguished from one another. For example, the pattern used for power plant chimneys may differ from those used for communication towers or other tall structures.
Compliance with regulations: Aviation authorities typically mandate the use of these warning lights on structures of a certain height. The specific regulations regarding the type, intensity, and flashing patterns of these lights may vary between countries and regions.
Safety: The lights serve as a safety measure to prevent potential collisions between aircraft and tall structures. They help pilots navigate around the obstacles and maintain a safe distance.
The intermittent flashing of these lights is designed to minimize light pollution while still fulfilling their purpose of providing effective warning to aircraft. The specific flashing pattern and duration are usually determined by aviation regulations or guidelines to ensure consistency and standardization across structures and locations.