The discussion revolves around the physics and design of windmills, including various types, their applications, and structural details. Participants seek information and references for a project related to windmills, covering both theoretical and practical aspects.
Participants generally agree on the existence of various types of windmills and their applications, but there is no consensus on specific details or sources of information. Multiple competing views and requests for clarification remain unresolved.
Some participants express uncertainty regarding the specific types of windmills and their applications, as well as the availability of detailed resources and images. The discussion includes references to aerodynamic principles but does not resolve the complexities of windmill design.
Individuals interested in windmill design, physics students working on related projects, and those seeking to understand the applications and mechanics of wind energy conversion.
If you mean that you need to determine what type you need to suit a particular application, you can probably best determine it by comparing fan or propellor properties from aerodynamics. A windmill is just a fan in reverse. For instance, large highly angled blades (paddles) will give more torque at lower speed which is what the Dutch style requires to run heavy mechanical equipment. Smaller, flatter, more numerous ones (turbines) give high speed with little torque, as you find running alternators on some farms. There are also vertical turbines such as are used on some 'wind farms'. They are more like helicopter rotors set on end. Medium speed and torque, but very high efficiency. Height above the ground and placement relative to other physical objects also matter, because it should be in the highest average airflow.brucephy said:
quark said: