20/12/2021
THE FIRST OUTSIDE JAPANπ΅ππ€π―π΅ MAGNUS VERTICAL AXIS WIND TURBINE IN BASCO, BATANES
β’ Both Japan and the Philippines regularly experiences typhoons that often devastate large areas, which gave the opportunity for the Tokyo Based startup company Challenger to demonstrate a turbine in these two typhoon vulnerable nations that works in cyclonic conditions, which typically shut down most wind installations, turning them into a potential energy source.
β’ The worldβs first Magnus Vertical Axis Wind Turbine (Magnus VAWT) is the next generation turbine that utilizes the principle of the βMagnus effectβ in combination with a vertical axis orientation. This allows the Magnus VAWT to control power generation amidst varying wind speeds and direction.
β’ As compared to the horizontal axis wind turbines utilizing conventional propellers, the Magnus VAWT has lower manufacturing costs, less noise, and has lower risk of bird strikes. It is designed to withstand winds of up to 340kph, making it suitable for typhoon prone areas. The demonstration unit in Ishigaki Island, in Okinawa, Japan and Basco, Batanes has been shown to be able to continue power generation even during typhoons.
β’The microgrid system based on the technology is intended to increase electricity access even during typhoons. This bodes well for livelihood opportunities on the island province. The wind turbine is also the first of its kind to be put up in the Philippines.