How Do Paddle Wheels Work in Water?

Water wheels, with all their variations, have been used for multiple purposes, from driving certain mechanisms placed near rivers to propelling boats. Paddle wheels are mostly used for propulsion, and even though the working principle is ancient and more efficient alternatives exist, the paddle wheel remains a widely used mechanism.

Working Principle

Paddle wheels, like all other water wheels, operate on the principle that every active force has a counterforce of the same power acting in the opposite direction. The water that flows though one side of a wheel will generate the same force on the other side of the wheel, making the wheel spin. The energy can be transferred to the axle of the wheel and used or converted to other kinds of usable forces.

Types

Paddle wheels come in two basic types: vertical paddle wheels and horizontal paddle wheels. For energy generation purposes, both types can be set up on water flows, while propelling employs vertical paddle wheels.

Uses

Paddle wheels are used to generate electricity. They are driven by the force of the flowing water and are forced to spin as the water passes through them. When the wheel spins, the spin of the axle generates energy that is converted into electrical energy.

When paddle wheels are used for propelling purposes, the entire process is reversed. A force is applied to the axle of the wheel to make the wheel spin, and the paddles move into the water, providing propulsion.

Advantages

Paddle wheels have the advantage of being able to convert the natural movement of the water into energy. They are among the most environmentally friendly energy-generating solutions. When used as propelling devices, they can also be fitted on boats and vehicles of any sizes, providing enough power and lower power consumption compared with other propelling technologies. The maintenance of paddle wheels is easy because the mechanism itself is simple.

Considerations

Even though many methods of propulsion are available that are more efficient than paddle wheels, because of their simplicity they remain widely used in sky-jets, hydro-bicycles and other water recreational vehicles.

References

• ChestOfBooks: Water Wheels
• WaterHistory: Water Wheels

Resources

• AmericansternWheel: Paddlewheel
• OtherPower: Water Power