Lamag site visit

The 500W prototype wind turbine has been operational in Lamag, a remote barangay in the province of Ilocos Sur, North Luzon, since March. Me, Carlo and Jove visited the barangay in order to carry out essential maintenance and in order to do a feasibility study for the installation of a 1kW machine in the area. Lamag is situated in the mountains, a 14 hours bus ride and 2 hours walk from Manila. It is only accessible during the dry season as the walk includes a crossing of the Abra river - there is no bridge or boat. Currently Lamag's only source of electricity is the wind turbine and a number of solar panels (operating with mixed success) that are used for battery charging.

View from wind turbine site at barangay Lamag

The wind turbine had not been operational for a month before our visit. For those familiar with the Hugh Piggott design here is what was wrong...

The rectifier box was flooded (as it was not properly sealed). This had caused a short circuit, rendering the turbine ineffective. The water had also caused the bridge rectifiers to corrode. The rectifier box was cleaned and the rectifiers were replaced and re-wired. The box has been sealed properly.

The tail hinge outer pipe was also damaged, fractured at the corner of the notch. This was likely caused by the typhoon. The part was taken to nearby Quirino where reinforcements were welded on. Although the part was reinforced, to avoid this damage occurring again it is recommended the wind turbine is de-erected and stored safely during typhoons. SIBAT will warn the people's organisation (PO) to de-erect the turbine in the event of a typhoon.

Carlo pondering by the wind turbine in the workshop/church/bedroom

The bearing had also suffered damage, most likely as a result of the tail hinge outer pipe failure and the turbine not furling out of the wind correctly. The blades have a tendency to ‘wobble’ on the bearing, with an estimated misalignment of 4-6 degrees. This has caused the front rotor plate to rub on the stator (hence the loud noise). As a spare bearing was not available, the gap between the front rotor plate and the stator was increased by adjusting the nuts on the studs. This is only a temporary fix as the vibration and magnetic force of the two rotors will reduce this gap over time until the rotor and stator are again in contact. If this occurs the stator may be damaged, requiring an expensive and time consuming overhaul of the part.

Me, Carlo and the deacon working on the turbine.

3 anemometers were also installed on the visit as part of the feasibility study for the next wind turbine:

• On the tower of the current turbine, to monitor its performance and for correlation purposes.
• The PO proposed 2 potential sites in Lamag. An anemometer will measure wind data from one site for 6 weeks, then the PO will move it to the other site for 6 more weeks of wind measurement data. From initial observations and foliage coverage it is thought the second site will be a better option. The first site is closer to the centre of the community (and therefore favoured by the PO). This may however cause problems with noise
• By a church in nearby barangay Patiacan. The church is at the top of a hill, just above the community, it has clear wind for approx 300-320 degrees.

The wind turbine operating after the repair work. Back to Manila...