How is it possible that 2 windmills next to each other rotate in opposite directions?

Answer

Bye Ruben

The fact that windmills rotate in the opposite direction can be explained very simply: the direction of rotation is determined by the angle the blades make in relation to the wind direction. You can compare this perfectly with the propeller that drives a boat: depending on the angle that the blades make with the sailing direction, the propeller must turn left or right to move the boat forward. Every boat owner knows whether his vessel is equipped with a left-hand or a right-hand screw.

An interesting question is why a mill turns left or right. Most modern windmills rotate clockwise. We are more or less used to that: it is the direction of the sun, of watch hands, etc. There is not quite agreement about why many classic windmills turn counterclockwise. One explanation says that the mill is then easier to operate for the miller. However, the most logical explanation is the following: the blades of such a mill are mounted on a rotating shaft. Of course a tree stump was/is used for this. Now trees grow clockwise, with the rotation of the sun. If such a tree stump is now loaded against its growth direction, the wood fibers may loosen earlier, causing the axis to lose its strength. When the shaft is loaded in the direction of its growth, it actually gains in strength. For a more in-depth explanation, please refer to the link!

Kind regards