Windmill History |
Hampshire's windmill history is just beginning to trickle in. Most of the below information is thanks to John Reid. As more is learned about the windmill and the technology, this history will become more complete. In the summer of 1984, John Reid, a Hampshire student, constructed the windmill in the field near Enfield, with assistance from a few friends. The design was taken from a now, out of print book by Michael A. Hackleman, Wind and Windspinners. John modified the design to make the windmill more solid and resistant to degradation. Because the windmill location on Hampshire campus has low wind speeds on average, John decided that a Savonious Rotor style windmill would be most appropriate. The Savonious Rotor is a drag based vertical axis wind turbine. Because of its design, the windmill rotation does not exceed the speed of the wind itself. Horizontal axis wind turbines, on the other hand, can use blades which provide lift and allow it to rotate faster than the wind itself similar to the way air flows faster over a planes wing enabling it to fly. This means the Savonious Rotor has low revolutions per minute (RPM) but high torque. The American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) has a page which describes vertical axis wind turbines in more detail here. The original purpose of the windmill was to provide aeration for the fish tanks located in the Enfield greenhouse. The turning windmill compressed air which was stored in large tanks at the base of the structure. At one time, plans existed to also power piston driven devices such as fans, but they those plans were never completed. Sometime around 1990, a student removed the air tanks in hopes of upgrading them. He unfortunately disappeared without completing the intended plan. Around 1997 another unnamed student started to put new siding on the windmill. The “repair” was again abandoned before completion. As can be seen in this photo, the remaining siding still sits next to the base of the windmill. Many repairs are needed to bring the windmill back to its original condition. Siding, internal supports, and rotted wood need to be replaced or repaired. In addition, when the windmill was built, it stood about ten feet above the trees. To again catch the maximum amount of wind, the windmill would need to be raised above the tall trees. |
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Questions & Comments: jared@hampshire.edu | Page last modified: |
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