Maria asks…
Why do irrigation windmills (on farms) have a higher blade surface area than electrical generation turbines?
It seems strange that the rotor chosen for most electrical turbines is a three-blade design. I don’t understand why a much higher surface area design (i.e. the rotor of an irrigation windmill — the ones you see pictured in any Americana photo of a large farm) is not employed to catch a larger amount of wind. Does it have to do with bird mortality? Also, do electrical turbines have any ability to steer directly into the wind, as you see a weather vane do?
admin answers:
Wind turbine generators definitely have the ability to change their direction according to wind conditions. On the very large turbines, there is usually a smaller weather station on the top of the nacelle to measure wind speed and direction. Inside the nacelle (that’s the ‘body’ of the turbine, on top of the tower, to which the blades attach), the turbine control computers direct motors to adjust the turbine into the wind.
The control computers also adjust the pitch of the turbine blades, to catch more or less wind, depending on power output and wind conditions. This is very similar to the propeller technology used on airplanes.
The old-time windmills of the Americana era are simple fixed-blade designs that were intended to be cheap and withstand a large range of wind conditions.
In modern wind turbines, each blade is a highly engineered, carefully controlled, very expensive device. And, each blade is HUGE compared to the little windmill blades. Long-term studies have compared many different blade designs, and found that 3 blades is the most acceptable tradeoff considering cost, performance, reliability, and ability to extract useful energy from the wind.
Susan asks…
What is the significance of the windmill in Animal Farm?
admin answers:
The windmill represents the rapid industrialization pushed by communist regimes
Mark asks…
In Animal Farm, how is the windmill destroyed the first time?
Napoleon says Snowball was responsible, the humans say it fell down, and all the chickens dreamed they heard a gunshot. what really happened?
if it was just a storm, then where do the gunshots come in?
admin answers:
The windmill is first destroyed by a major storm that tears it off its foundation and topples it over the second time it is blown up w/ dynamite
Mandy asks…
What is the significance of the ‘battle of the windmill’ in Animal Farm, by George Orwell? ?
What is the significance of ‘the battle of the windmill‘, compared to the other ‘battles’ within the story?
I really need help with this, so any answers would be much appreciated.
Thanks.
admin answers:
The early battles with the ex-owner signify the Russian revolution
the battle of the windmill is representative of WWII with Fredericks being Hitler in comparison and the animals Russia – a so-called former friend turning on them
Joseph asks…
Windmill Farm in Palm Springs –> Getting there?
Hi all. Does anyone know the exit off the I-10 freeway to see the windmill farm in palm springs? I know they’re closed for renovations, but I need to take some pictures for a photo class and wanted to know how close I could get to them? Thanks so much in advance!!!!
admin answers:
My suggestion would be to go east on I-10 past Cabazon and the Morongo Casino, past the rest area where you will climb White Water grade, and begin to see the wind farm. Continue to Indian Ave. And exit going over the the west bound side of the freeway. From this vantage point you will be able to view the entire wind farm, and get bearings to allow you to get closer. It is usually very windy here with lots of blowing sand. Please remember it is private property. Don’t trespass.
As an alternative, there is also a wind farm on Hwy 14 just north of Mojave as you head for Tehachapi
George asks…
In Windmills of the Gods, what does the “windmill” in the title refer to?
I need another novel that prominently features windmills, other than animal farm and don quixote.
If you know any others, it would be greatly appreciated if you would tell me.
admin answers:
I have searched the net but Don Quixote and Animal Farm are the only two books that have an important windmill.
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