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The Metals Industry Research and Development Center of the Department of Science and Technology is currently developing a microhydro turbine for power and irrigation use that is seen to help local farmers and communities located away from power grids.

“The dual function of microhydro turbine would make it a very helpful facility,” said Science Secretary Mario Montejo. “It helps increase crop yield by pumping water into the fields and provide power to remote communities.”

The microhydro turbine is a hydraulic system that integrates pump and turbine for pumping water, an action that generates electricity. The pump and turbine share one prime mover powered by water.

With the installed centrifugal pump in the turbine’s water power shaft, part of the power is used by the pump to deliver water at higher elevation for irrigation use. Meanwhile, the remaining power is utilized by converting mechanical energy into electricity, from DC 12 volts to AC 220 volts.

The generated electricity is low-cost and serves as a clean replacement for fuels, such as kerosene and diesel which are often expensive and a source of pollutants.

The MIRDC is currently field testing the prototype turbine to determine its full capacity. The turbine’s centrifugal pump has a capacity of 60 liters/minute. Its turbine is run-off-the-river propeller type, with a 1kw capacity, a 130 liters/second volume flow and 1.5 meters head. An automotive type, the turbine has both AC and DC alternator,. An input of 12 volts and output of 220 volts.

The turbine project of MIRDC helps meet the needs of the Filipino farmers and enables villages located in remote areas to light up their homes and engage in small business. (Marlyn Ramones, S&T MediaService)

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DOST Secretary Mario Montejo awarded diploma to the Class of 2011 of Philippine Science High School—Main Campus. In his commencement address, he urged the graduates to pursue courses in sciences and engineering so they can later contribute to the welfare of fellow Filipinos by developing new products, processes and techniques, and by freely sharing their highly-specialized knowledge and skills. (Text and photo by Alan C. Taule, S&T Media Service)

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Fukushima-Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant Accident in Japan
INFORMATION BULLETIN № 14
28 March 2011
Update as of 10:00 AM


* The DOST-PNRI continues to closely monitor the situation at the Fukushima-Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant.
* The condition in the plant remains very serious but not worsening.
* Extremely high levels of radiation (10 million times normal) appeared to be a reporting error and had been retracted by Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO). Nevertheless, high levels of radiation remain inside the nuclear power plant but pose danger only to the emergency workers.
* Environmental radiation monitoring all over the world including the Philippines has detected very tiny amounts of radioactive isotopes which appeared to be coming from the Fukushima nuclear power plant and which pose no human health hazards.
* Latest DOST-PNRI RADIATION LEVEL CHECK at PNRI grounds as of 9:00 AM, March 28, 2011: 93-115 nSv/hr (nanoSieverts per hour), STATUS: NORMAL
* Based on the PAGASA model, air parcel coming from northern Japan is forecasted to move east towards the Pacific Ocean for the next three days.
* For the latest information, please access the following websites:
o International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) (http://www.iaea.org)
o Nuclear and Industrial Safety Administration (NISA) of Japan (www.nisa.meti.go.jp/english/index.html)
o World Health Organization (http://www.who.int/hac/crises/jpn/en/index.html)

* For further advisories, please call the PNRI trunklines with Tel Nos. 929-6010 to 19 or visit the following:
o DOST (www.dost.gov.ph)
o PNRI (www.pnri.dost.gov.ph)
o STII (www.stii.dost.gov.ph)

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(From left, clockwise) DOST Undersecretary Graciano P. Yumul Jr. addresses participants to the Climate Symposium, an event to mark the 61st World and 146th National Meteorological Day at PAGASA Science Garden, QC March 22. The symposium is also netcast throughout the PAGASA weather observation offices in the country.

Mayor Ronaldo Golez of Dumangas, Iloilo presents the town's benefits from the Climate Field School.

Governor Jose “Joey” Salceda of the Province of Albay shares Albay's first best use of climate information.

DOST Undersecretary Graciano P. Yumul Jr. fielding questions from the members of media. Flanking him are PAGASA Acting Administrator Nathaniel Servando (left) and PAGASA Acting Deputy Administrator Vicente Malano (right). Photos by Alan C. Taule, S&T Media Service