News and Features
Smart Installs The Country’s First Wind-Powered Cell Site In Malapascua Island, Cebu
[May 1, 2007/ Manila] - Summer heat is now upon us, but this year’s summer is particularly hotter than it has been! Today, our world is warmer. By the end of the century, if greenhouse gas emissions are not brought under control, the global temperature will likely climb higher. Global warming is the catastrophe to beat!
In the polar areas of the world, ice is breaking and melting so fast. Methane gas is trapped in the atmosphere. Ozone layer is dissolving and earth’s temperature rising. For years we have been releasing more and more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere by burning fossil fuels like, coal, gas and oil. This leads to rising global temperatures, and deadly and unpredictable changing climates.
The choices human make today will decide the climate of the future. We are challenged to reduce greenhouse gas emissions such as carbon dioxide to prevent climate change that may harm the ecosystems and its habitants. Implementing these solutions will enable people to usher in a new era of energy, one that will bring economic growth, technological innovation and, most importantly environmental protection.
Malapascua island is one beach destination you may try to visit this summer. It is a small island located about seven kilometers north-east of Cebu and about 25 kilometers west of Leyte. A 4-hour bus ride from Cebu City and 40-minute boatride from Maya wharf will bring you to the 2.5 kilometers long and about one kilometer wide paradise. It is home to a traditional fishing community of around 3,500 people. Also known as the “little boracay”, the island has a handful of white beach resorts and a couple of diving spots.
Malapascua is not only famous for its thresher shark sightings but it is also home to the first wind powered cell site in the Philippines!
Smart Communications Inc. (SMART) led by its Network Services Division (NSD) has taken the lead to counteract an impending ecological catastrophe that might affect this beautiful island in the future.
Smart, through its vendor Powercity Corporation, installed the very first wind power system in Sitio Guimbitayan, Malapascua Island. The wind power is the electrical power source for the site.
One way to combat this environmental threat of global warming is through the use of renewable energy such as wind power. Wind is an economical alternative because it is a clean fuel and is mainly used to generate electricity.
According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Malapascua Island is one of the richest wind resource areas in the country.
“Putting up a connect cell site in an island is a major challenge. We need to haul 2000 liters of diesel every month to keep the generator supplying electricity to the tower running,” said Ma. Hiyasmin Quiñal, Smart Senior Manager, Network Services Assurance in Visayas.
Smart’s cell site in Malapascua provides network service to more than 2000 subscribers in the area as well as its visitors. As commercial power runs from 6pm to 12am only, a generator is needed to keep the cell site running.
In December 2006, Smart’s solution provided an efficient alternative to using fuel generators. The cell site is now powered by two small windmills which supply up to 10kw/hr a day. Each is equivalent to 30 amps at 50 volt DC. The wind turbines installed at the tower structure is only 300kgs with a blade diameter of 2.25 meters to 6.2 meters. This very light equipment has been tested in Indang , Cavite by the strong winds of the typhoon Milenyo wherein wind speed reached 110kmph to 130 kmph.
The wind powered cell sites require minimal maintenance unlike a diesel-driven generator, which generally requires, at a minimum, a monthly visit for refueling and they can also be heavily prone to theft.
“Mas malinis ngayon sa cell site ng Smart kasi naiiwasan na ang oil spill. Pati yung ingay ng generator lalo na sa gabi, nawala na din.Tahimik lang yung wind power lalo na kung di kalakasan ang hangin (The cellsite of Smart now is cleaner because we minimize oil spill. Specially the noise of the generator at night, it's now gone. The wind power is silent specially if the gust isn't that strong.),” said Sanny Masong, cell site’s caretaker.
Powercity developed a horizontal axis wind turbine with auto furling overspeed protection and an additional battery capacity of 400AH. The wind machine uses blades to collect the wind’s kinetic energy. Windmill works as it slows down the speed of the wind. The blades are connected to a drive shaft that turns an electric generator to produce electricity. This goes to a controller and stores the energy at the battery bank. In case of very poor wind, the stored energy is capable of providing electricity to the tower for two days. Soon, the system will be connected to a back-up generator.
“We have significantly reduced fuel consumption and maintenance costs. Yung 2000 liters na ginagamit namin dati for a month, magagamit na ngayon for four months. ” said Edgar Acero, NSD Engineer in Malapascua
But the most important aspect of renewable energy is that it provides a clean, robust, very low-cost source of power. Innovations in efficient power supply will help ensure that the industry can meet its predicted target of connecting people to the network.
For the locals, life in the island is much convenient as it always was until the technology of texting and making calls from this remote area became available. More business opportunities sprung and more tourists are influenced to visit.
Myla Pinlac, a native from Leyte, has been working as a helper at the Cocobana Resort in Malapascua for two years now. She communicates with her mother in Leyte and sister in Palawan through the mobile phone. “Kahit malayo ako sa pamilya ko parang malapit na din kasi nakakausap ko sila araw-araw (Even if my family lives far-away, they're near because I get to talk to them everyday) .”
Even when electricity is only available in the evening, business continues. Booking reservations and inquiries can be made through text messages.
“Nung nagka Smart signal na dito, mas dumami na ang naging interesado na pumunta para magbakasiyon at magdive. (When Smart's signal went live, more people became interested to go her for vacation and diving)Easier for them to contact their family. Ngayon na may elisi na dun sa tower ng Smart, mas environment friendly pa yung energy source. Di na din maingay ang generator (Now that Smart's tower has a propeller, the energy source is more environment-friendly. The generator is not noisy anymore)” said Lemuel Daño of Daño Beach Resort.
As a bonus, Smart has reduced its cell site carbon emissions through the wind power system and most importantly, has not given up a single comfort for its customers.
So during your summer escapade in Malapascua, enjoy the beach and don’t forget to send as many MMS as you can to your family and friends! @
