Something for the Weekend - Part 191 - Golden age of windmills

[davescm]

We see a lot of modern wind turbines these days but this windmill, in York, dates back to 1770 and was milling flour long before the houses appeared around it in the 1900's. Now restored, by volunteers in the Holgate Mill Preservation Society, it is open to visitors and does grind flour on open days.

The restorers have done an excellent job on the mill, but can you show what the scene might have looked like in its golden years of the 18th century?

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Have fun.

Dave

[EuanWilliamson]

The Holgate Mill Preservation Society reaches new heights in it's fund raising efforts by offering cheap thrill rides

(nb. bring your own safety gear)

[davescm]

Off to a flying start then Euan 🙂

Dave

[EuanWilliamson]

It's an interesting pic.
I hadn't initially noticed that apart from feathering the main blades that the vanes on the blades also feather.
I wonder why?

[davescm]

Yes - I was looking at the mechanism at the top that does all that. A precursor to helicopters? There were some clever people in the 18th century 🙂

Dave

[EuanWilliamson]

chatGPT4

"Windmill sails, also known as windmill blades or vanes, often feature shutters or louvers. The shutters serve several important functions in the operation of a windmill. Here are the reasons why windmill sails have shutters:

1. Control of Wind Capture: Windmills need to capture and harness the energy from the wind effectively. The shutters on the windmill sails allow for precise control over the amount of wind that is captured by the blades. By opening or closing the shutters, the windmill operator can adjust the surface area exposed to the wind, regulating the amount of power generated by the windmill.

2. Regulation of Speed: Shutters play a role in regulating the rotational speed of the windmill. By adjusting the position of the shutters, the operator can control the resistance offered by the wind to the blades. This resistance affects the speed at which the windmill rotates. Opening the shutters increases the surface area exposed to the wind, allowing the windmill to rotate faster. Conversely, closing the shutters reduces the surface area, thereby slowing down the rotation.

3. Wind Direction Adjustment: The shutters on windmill sails also provide a means to adjust the angle of attack with respect to the wind direction. By changing the position of the shutters, the operator can optimize the windmill's performance for different wind conditions and directions. This adjustment helps ensure that the wind strikes the blades at an optimal angle, maximizing the energy transfer and efficiency of the windmill.

4. Protection from Overloading: In case of strong or gusty winds, the shutters can be partially or fully closed to protect the windmill from overloading. By reducing the surface area exposed to the wind, the shutters help control the amount of power generated, preventing excessive strain on the windmill's structure and components.

5. Maintenance and Safety: Shutters also aid in maintenance and safety procedures. By closing the shutters completely, the windmill can be effectively stopped and secured for maintenance work. This reduces the risk of accidents and allows technicians to safely access and service the windmill.

In summary, windmill sails incorporate shutters to control wind capture, regulate rotational speed, adjust wind direction, protect against overloading, and facilitate maintenance and safety procedures. These shutters provide the windmill operator with greater control and flexibility in harnessing wind energy efficiently."

[jane-e]

"In days gone by, when the world was much younger, men harnessed the wind to work for mankind." 

This thread requires a link (or two, or three) to Windmills, by Alan Bell. Here's the version by Tommy and Liam: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ApPJtVFTJOE

Jane

[Monika Gause]

This is such a beautiful song. Thanks for sharing!

[Monika Gause]

Or: put together manually and illustrated with mechanical drawings: https://www.lowtechmagazine.com/2009/10/history-of-industrial-windmills.html  

[Monika Gause]

I guess there was no difference to today's situation whenever someone erects a windmill, right?

Just incase someone is intrigued about the 10H rule. It's this. Thankfully nobody has translated it into English yet, because it's just too embarassing. But there you are, you all know how Google Translate works: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/10H-Regelung

[davescm]

Nice idea and nicely done Monika. It used to be mobile phone masts now it's turbines.

Dave

[Monika Gause]

Thank you, Dave. Not to forget the Chemtrails and vaccines.

[Abambo]

Nice idea and nicely done Monika. It used to be mobile phone masts now it's turbines.

Dave

By @davescm

Well, it's basically anything. People move to the countryside because of the rural atmosphere, but then like to forbid the native rooster to crow when he feels like it. 

[Trevor.Dennis]

[davescm]

It looks more natural in that environment Trevor 🙂

Dave

[jane-e]

This scene terrifies me Trevor! Dams are deadly and to be avoided at all costs. I do like the ducks though.

Jane

[Trevor.Dennis]

[davescm]

Distant cousins 🙂

Dave

[happie_97]

[davescm]

I like that layout, it works well 🙂

Dave

[happie_97]

Thanks, Dave! 🙂

[davescm]

Did someone say golden age?

Dave

[happie_97]

Wow! This is amazing!

[jane-e]

+1 with Happie — this is amazing and I love it!

I'm wondering about the numbers "770", Dave? I looked it up and a found a bunch of stuff about Angel Numbers, whatever they are. The angels promise they will always be always at your side.

"Angel number 770 is a wake-up call from your angels pointing towards a possible shift that can alter your life for the better. This significant change can provide all the answers you have been seeking for so long."

But if you don't believe in numerology (I don't), it's also the area code for most of Georgia, including Atlanta. 😊

Jane

[davescm]

It is actually 1770 Jane - the year the windmill was built 🙂

Thanks for the kind comments guys - it involved a couple of new tricks I learnt this week with Gen Fill (I'll post a link later as it was a game changer that changed Gen Fill from a novel plaything into a really useful and controllable tool for me ) plus lots of layer blending and layer styles.

Dave