The lighthouse is a prominent fixture often found along coastlines, islands, reefs, harbors, and dangerous areas, serving to aid and guide navigation through air and water. It stands as a substantial and immovable symbol of navigation. Typically, lighthouses feature a tower-shaped structure with a high-light emitting apparatus situated at the top.
Throughout history, lighthouses have played a pivotal role in seafaring. As early as AD, humans began constructing lighthouses, although the technology at that time remained relatively rudimentary.
In ancient times, kerosene lamps served as the primary light source for lighthouses. The lighthouse keeper manually operated clockwork mechanisms to focus the light through lens systems, which were often buoyant in mercury to reduce friction.
During this era, lighthouses were typically built along the coastline or on nearby islands. One notable wonder of the ancient world was the Alexandria Lighthouse, situated on Faros Island near Alexander Port, Egypt.
This lighthouse, standing at a simple square tower measuring 115-150 meters in height, utilized a metal mirror to reflect sunlight, assisting ships in avoiding the coastline and finding their way to the port.
Over the past two millennia, the fundamental operations of lighthouses have remained largely unchanged.
However, with the progress of human aviation and its increasing utilization, coastal lighthouses are no longer sufficient to guarantee safe passage for vessels navigating deep-sea routes. This has spurred an urgent need for technological advancements in lighthouse systems.
With the widespread adoption of electricity, lighthouses now convert electrical energy into light. Various sources, such as diesel generator sets, wave power generation, wind power, and solar power generation, provide the necessary electrical energy.
Continuous technological innovation has led to optimized guidance services and changes in the management of navigation aids.
In modern lighthouses, electric lights and clockwork mechanisms are supplied externally, often accompanied by diesel-driven generators as backup power sources. Some lighthouses even employ solar power generation to meet their energy requirements.
Lighthouses are categorized based on their light range:
First-level lighthouses have a lighting range equal to or greater than 22 nautical miles.
Second-level lighthouses have a light range between 18 and 22 nautical miles.
Third-level lighthouses have a light range equal to or greater than 7 nautical miles, with a structure height of at least 8 meters.
Modern lighthouses have evolved beyond being mere navigation aids, encompassing a multitude of functions and characteristics.
Automation Systems: Most modern lighthouses are equipped with automated systems that monitor and control light operations through computers or other control devices.
These systems can adjust the brightness, flash patterns, and colors of the light to provide more accurate and effective navigation guidance based on weather conditions and channel requirements.
Radar and Wireless Communication Equipment: Some modern lighthouses are equipped with radar systems and wireless communication devices. These technologies monitor ship positions, speeds, and directions, enabling real-time communication with vessels. By providing up-to-date information on ship traffic, they help ships avoid collisions and navigate safely.
Automatic Energy Supply: Modern lighthouses employ various energy supply systems to ensure continuous and reliable power.
In addition to traditional diesel generators, renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and tidal energy can be utilized. This automatic energy supply reduces maintenance costs and decreases reliance on external power grids.
