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I start this "retrotech" thread with the Dutch Windmill, published by Tommy Mueller. This windmill is designed to carry water upwards to another higher table or irrigation platform. Wings capture the wind energy which is transmitted, by the gears, to the water wheel.
URL: https://grabcad.com/library/dutch-windmill
It is a very old principle: water wheels for raising water in a chain of pots or for driving norias were described by Philo of Byzantium in the 3rd century BC and Vitruvius describes the gearing system that regulated the speed during the 1st century BC. The image below is a virtual rendering of his watermill, described in his treatise on architecture (De Architectura).
URL (in French): https://rome.unicaen.fr/pdr_realisations.php?fichier=machines/moulinEau
Later, it was mainly the Dutch who developed the most efficient form of windmill, around the 16th century, which can be seen in Tommy's publication.
An example of a retroprospective approach to innovation by Hans de Ridder, who has published a modernised windmill. It suggests that perhaps we need to look to the past to find solutions for tomorrow's world.Â
URL : https://grabcad.com/library/new-dutch-windmill-1
Another great realisation of Dutch Windmill, by thinkin3D, with nice rendering.
URL : https://grabcad.com/library/november-rendering-competition-1
Alexandre Soares' model of watermill, which shows a 'hammer mechanism' (I don't know the exact term) engaged by the paddle wheel.
URL : https://grabcad.com/library/watermill-2
Another realisation by Alex Petuhov, which brings us this time to the medieval period. This is a reproduction from a model on Turbosquid. Original model was made by lightmachine, which has also produced other medieval buildings.
URL : https://grabcad.com/library/mill-42
By the way, if you are interested, there are many windmill models on Turbosquid.
URL : https://www.turbosquid.com/fr/Search/Index.cfm?keyword=windmill&media_typeid=2
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