MANILA, July 13 (PNA) — The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is developing a Filipino wind turbine generator in Looc, Occidental Mindoro to match the country’s technological need to withstand the destructive power of the Pacific Ocean’s winds.
With the team up of the DOST, University of the Philippines (UP) and the Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD), the new model for the permanent magnet generator’s (PMG’s) wind turbine was developed.
To test the performance of the small wind turbine, including weather durability, is also added to the objective of the mentioned PMG. A pumping system is also included in the target of the PMG implementation.
Also, the wind turbine will also be different from other similar systems, for its spin speed was made slower while the blade was also designed stronger.
The program was started to solve the problem of the Sibol ng Agham at Teknolohiya (SIBAT) wind turbine system, in which the strong winds shattered the blades, causing the turbine systems to be removed from their posts, like the project had not even began.
The Looc, Occidental Mindoro area has an average wind speed of 8 meters per second; a huge potential since 6.5 meters per second at a minimum 80 meter point is the considered suitable strength of winds for the renewable energy. The wind turbines are usually placed at a height of 80-100 meters.
Moreover, it is advantageous to the island community for it is easier to install, light to transport and is cheaper than other renewable energy capital costs.
However, the test phase, for the meantime, will only generate a miniscule two kilowatts. It will be tested in the fourth quarter of 2014, according to Supervising Science Research Specialist Raphael Dorilag.
Based on the US based-National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s (NREL) findings in 2001, the Philippines has a capability of harnessing 76,000 Megawatts (MW) from wind alone, that is coming abundantly from the Pacific Ocean. (PNA)