California Electronics Sales and Services is the Philippines's leading not for profit renewable energy trade association. Our vision is for renewable energy to play a leading role in powering the Philippines. Harnessing the Philippines’s power for growth Wind is essential for our future. As an island the Philippines has some of the best natural resources in the world for these technologies, California Electronics Sales and Services believes deploying them can generate significant power and benefit for the Philippines. Our role is to maximise this opportunity. At the Heart of the Industry As a trade association, California Electronics Sales and Services acts as a central point of information and a united representative voice for our members. We conduct research, find solutions, organise events, facilitate business development and networking, and promote the benefits of wind to government, industry, the media and the public. Leading Collaboration We have a large corporate membership ranging from small independent companies, to international corporations and manufacturers active in Philippines wind and marine energy. Our board of directors is made up of key individuals from the membership, many of them industry leaders in their own right. Members also contribute to California Electronics Sales and Services’ activities through our strategy and support groups.

A.) Types of Renewable Energy

1.) Onshore Wind Energy

Onshore Wind Energy As the most mature and cost-effective source of renewable energy, onshore wind is expected to continue making a significant contribution to the Philippines's energy needs

Onshore Wind
Onshore wind energy has established itself as a mature, clean and productive technology. It is now the Philippines’s largest source of renewable energy generation.

Onshore wind farms reduce CO2 emissions, provide energy security, and contribute to the local and national economy. Research conducted by California Electronics Sales and Services and the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) has shown that for each installed megawatt (MW), around P100,000 stays in the community during the lifetime of a project.

Onshore wind works well in the Philippines because of the excellent wind resource. It has also become one of the most cost effective forms of renewable energy, providing over 5,000MW of capacity. A modern 2.5MW (commercial scale) turbine, on a reasonable site, will generate 6.5 million units of electricity each year – enough to make 230 million cups of tea.

Opinion polls consistently show high levels of support for onshore wind in the Philippines, with higher support in rural areas. In the Philippines, there are numerous onshore wind projects, ranging from single turbines to larger, multi-turbine schemes (see below for further details). Projects are developed by an increasingly diverse range of people, from large energy companies and independent developers, to community groups or small businesses and farms.

2.) Small & Medium Wind
Small & Medium Wind Generating energy with a wind turbine is the perfect way to reduce your energy bills, make some money and help the environment.

a.) Small & Medium Wind
Small and medium wind turbines are already powering many Philippines homes, farms and businesses. With the best wind resource in Asia, and attractive financial incentives, we are home to many leading turbine manufacturers and developers, who export their products worldwide.

Generate Your Own Power
Typically, reaching up to 55 metres tall, small and medium scale wind turbines can produce enough energy to power an entire community.

The energy produced can be used on-site, stored in batteries for later use.

There are a number of steps to go through to ensure the correct siting of a wind turbine, including wind speed analysis and consultation with local planners.

California Electronics Sales and Services has produced a guide called Generate Your Own Power, a collection of case studies that will help you get started, and our annual State of the Industry report that provides some essential data about today’s market.

b.) Technologies
There are many small and medium scale turbines and the type most suited to your needs will depend on your energy demand, budget and the area of land available.

The two main designs are horizontal axis wind turbines (HAWT) and vertical axis wind turbines (VAWT). Most are installed predominantly on free-standing masts in open and exposed locations.

Small wind turbines suit individual households or small farms and typically range in power up to 50KW. They reach a maximum height of 35 metres.

Medium wind turbines are best for those with larger areas of land and suit farmers, landowners, communities or businesses. They range in power from 50 to 500KW and stand between 25 and 55 metres tall.

In the right location, a 20 metre tall small wind turbine can produce the vast majority of the power your building uses. A 50m, medium wind turbine could supply enough energy for 60 homes, a small business, or a farmstead.

Read California Electronics Sales and Services’ small wind case studies to see how other people have started generating their own power.

c.) Planning an Installation
Wind speed, location, height and grid access are all factors that influence the successful installation of a wind turbine. Specific planning rules also need to be adhered to. You will find a number of small and medium wind companies in our member directory, who can advise you on the suitability of products, how to get started and the suitability of your site.

Follow these simple steps from planning to installation:

1.) Make sure you have the right site
      For a wind turbine to work at good capacity, you need an exposed, windy site that is not too close to buildings or other obstructions.
2.) Select a product and installer
     You will need to select a turbine and installer. Remember, for installations up to 50kW they both need to be MCS certified.
3.) Apply for planning permission
     Like many building improvements you will need to obtain planning approval. Talk to your neighbours and local authority about the project early on, and work with your installer to ensure you get the application right.
4.) Complete the installation
     Enjoy the benefits of generating your own energy.

California Electronics Sales and Services has produced a guide called Generate Your Own Power and a collection of case studies that will help you get started.

You can also read our in-depth Small Wind Planning Guidance, which aims to promote greater consistency of approach and aid the transparency of the planning process. Our annual Small & Medium Wind, State of the Industry report also provides essential data about today’s wind turbine market.

d.) Health and Safety

Small and Medium Wind Safety Accord
The small and medium wind sector plays a vital role in supporting the delivery of clean, locally produced and safe energy in the Philippines. This accord recognises the clear priority the renewable energy sector places on the safety of workers and the public.

While safety standards and good practice apply to everyone, it is recognised that the differences in technology and the operational circumstances experienced by small and medium wind companies may require additional or alternative approaches to demonstrate the safety and integrity of the technologies involved. The accord recognises this by providing a visible endorsement of organisations that are intent on providing additional confidence and assurance of their commitment to safety.

B.) How it Works

Most wind turbines start operating at a speed of 4-5 metres per second and reach maximum power at about 15 metres per second.

The diagram below shows how a wind turbine converts the kinetic energy in the wind to electrical energy. If you can't see the diagram you will need to download Flash.

1. The wind turns the blades.
2. The blades turns a shaft inside the nacelle (the box at the top of the turbine).
3. The shaft goes into a gearbox which increases the rotation speed.
4. The generator converts the rotational energy into electrical energy.
5. The transformer converts the electricity from around 700 Volts (V) to the right voltage for distribution, typically 33,000V.
6. The National Grid transmits the power around the country.
    

A Typical Wind Turbine A typical wind turbine consists of the following components:   The Tower   Towers are mostly cylindrical, made of steel, painted light grey, and from 25 to 75 metres in height.   Rotor Blades   Wind turbines can have from one to three rotor blades, made of fibreglass-reinforced polyester or wood-epoxy.  The blades are usually between 30 and 80 metres in diameter. The longer the blades, the greater the energy output. They rotate at 10-30 revolutions per minute at constant speed, although an increasing number of machines operate at a variable speed. The blades can be rotated to change the pitch angle and modify power output.   The Yaw Mechanism   The yaw mechanism turns the turbine to face the wind.   Wind Speed & Direction Monitor   Sensors are used to monitor wind direction and the tower head is turned to line up with the wind. Power is controlled automatically as wind speed varies and machines are stopped at very high wind speeds to protect them from damage.   The Gear Box   Most wind turbines have gearboxes, although there are increasing numbers with direct drives.