Wind pumps are used to pump water from various sources for drinking, irrigation, and livestock. They can also relieve flooded areas and produce salt. There are two types: horizontal and vertical axis, with different rotor types. Piston pumps are commonly used to pump water from wells. Wind direction is important for horizontal axis wind pumps, while vertical axis wind pumps can be installed close to the ground. Maintenance costs for horizontal axis wind pumps are high, but they are more efficient than vertical axis wind pumps.
A wind pump is a windmill that pumps water from a variety of water sources, including wells. Pumped water is usually used to provide clean drinking water, irrigate farmland, or hydrate and feed livestock. Wind pumps are also used to relieve flooded areas of excess water and for the production of salt from sea water. Often used in rural, arid and semi-arid areas, wind pumps can be seen in parts of Argentina, South Africa, Asia and the United States.
The origin of the wind pump dates back to the end of the 19th century. They were an important part of the economic development of many remote areas of the United States. Advances in technology continue to be made.
The main types of windmill pumps are piston, centrifugal and mono pumps. In general, however, wind pumps can be classified into two types: the more commonly used horizontal axis wind pump and the vertical axis wind pump. As the names suggest, the rotor shaft in the horizontal axis wind pump is parallel to the ground, while in the vertical axis pump it is perpendicular to the ground. The types of rotors used in horizontal axis wind pumps are usually multi-bladed or three-bladed airfoil. Common rotor types for vertical axis windmill pumps are Panemone and Darrieus.
The rotor shaft of the horizontal axis wind pump must point into the wind direction and the generator must be installed at the top of the tower. On the other hand, a vertical axis wind pump does not require its vertical rotor shaft to be positioned in the wind, and the rotor can be installed close to the ground. Although the maintenance cost of horizontal axis wind pumps is high, their efficiency is typically higher than that of vertical axis wind pumps. Wind pumps have a tail fin that automatically moves the machine away from the direction of wind flow, thus preventing damage from high wind speeds.
In general, piston pumps are used to pump water from a well. The pump and rotor should work together to efficiently drive the wind pump. The wind flow facilitates the rotation of the rotor blades and the power is transferred to the pump rods, usually made of galvanized steel. This causes the piston pump to pump water into a storage tank, which can later be dispensed with.
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