Summary

The website content discusses the history and modern applications of paddle wheels, highlighting their use in historical paddle steamers, current technological updates, and practical uses in various industries.

Abstract

The article delves into the nostalgic journey of paddle wheels from their historical prominence to their contemporary relevance. It describes the SS Montreux, a 1904 paddle steamer on Lake Geneva, which underwent modernization, including a return to steam power in the late 1990s. The technical aspects of paddle wheel design, such as the "feathering" method for efficiency, are explored. The piece also touches on the European origins of stern-wheelers and their widespread use in North America, particularly on the Mississippi River, as well as their depiction in Mark Twain's literature. The narrative connects personal memories with the evolution of paddle ships, referencing a painting by J. M. W. Turner. Finally, the text outlines the current utility of paddle wheels in various applications such as aeration in shrimp ponds, algae mixing, water pumping, irrigation control, and low-head hydro power generation, emphasizing their environmental friendliness and suitability for localized energy production.

Opinions

The author expresses a personal connection to paddle wheels, recalling a conversation with their father about riding a paddle-steamer on the Mississippi.
There is a sense of nostalgia and appreciation for the restoration of historical elements, particularly in the case of the SS Montreux.
The author seems to admire the technological advancements that allow paddle wheels to remain relevant and efficient in modern times.
The mention of Mark Twain's book and J. M. W. Turner's painting suggests the author's cultural appreciation for the impact of paddle ships on art and literature.
The author appears to be inspired by the versatility and sustainability of paddle wheels in today's world, highlighting their use in eco-friendly energy solutions and aquaculture.
The author concludes with a whimsical note, suggesting that such reflections are inspired by the simple act of sipping coffee.

Paddle Wheels.

Exploring History and Today’s Paddle Wheel Applications.

SS *Montreux* outside Lutry, Lake Geneva in August 2018. By Barryfromwales — Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=72565084. Licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license.

Came to mind while sipping coffee, Conversation with dad decades ago, Told me of paddle-steamer he rode on Mississippi, Amazing what springs to mind when sipping coffee!

Occured to me, Why not write about paddle-steamers still in service today.

Steamship SS Montreux on Lake Geneva.

SS Montreux originally 1904 paddle steamer, “Modernised” in 1960's, Diesel replaced steam, Once elegant fittings stripped out, Became just another cruise ship.

Between 1998 and 2001, Converted back to steam, Automated boiler, New steam engine two-cylinder inclined marine steam engine of classical appearance, All controlled from bridge.

Becoming nostalgic replica of earlier era and first example of “modern steam” engine supplanting diesel, Once again most impressive ship on Lake Geneva.

Paddle wheels

Left: Riveted steel paddle wheel from a sidewheeler paddle steamer on the lake of Lucerne Right: Detail of a steamer. Photo by focus mankind — thinknact.com foto taken july/03 in Lucerne Released here under the GFDL. Licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.

Paddle wheel has large steel framework, Outer edge fitted with regularly spaced paddle blades, Wheel’s bottom quarter travels under water, Upper part enclosed in “paddlebox” to minimise splashing of inquisitive passengers.

Engine rotates wheel producing thrust, Design features “feathering” method, Keeps each blade close to vertical while in water, Increasing efficiency.

Stern-Wheelers.

*Finlandia Queen*, a paddle-wheel ship from 1990s in Tampere, Finland. Photography © 2000 Zubro and released under GFDL. https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=51070. Licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.

Stern-wheelers European invention, Saw most service in North America, Especially on Mississippi River, Wonder which one dad rode?

*State of Washington* (sternwheeler). By Alvin H. Waite (1862–1929). Licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.

Washington built 1816, Two decks and became prototype for subsequent steamboats on Mississippi, Including those made famous in Mark Twain’s book Life on the Mississippi.

Paddle Ships and Art.

A paddle tug pulling HMS *Temeraire* to a breaking yard in 1838. By J. M. W. Turner — National Gallery of Art, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=37144597. (*The Fighting Temeraire*. 1839, by Joseph Mallord William Turner. Measures 3' x 4'). This is a faithful photographic reproduction of a two-dimensional, public domain work of art. The work of art itself is in the public domain.

Turner is one of favorite painters, Remember this painting from time in England, Junior engineer carousing with nurses in London during 1970's.

Useful Paddles Today

A paddle wheel aereator used in an Indonesian shrimp pond. By Herman Gunawan, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2878260. Licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.

Paddle wheels still useful today, Like aerator for shrimp ponds and mixing algae for algaculture applications.

Low-lift water pumping flooding paddy fields, Flow sensors used in controlling irrigation.

Low-head hydro power, Paddle wheels used at low heights (1–5 metres) and medium flows, Safe for aquatic life, Installed where energy is needed, No need for electrical transmission lines.

Amazing what happens when sipping coffee, Feel inspired to drink some more.

Blessed be.