Windmills 1

Windmill
s
Class VII
Definition
A windmill is a structure that converts the energy
of wind into rotational energy, primarily using
sails or blades. Traditionally, windmills have been
used for various purposes such as grinding grain,
pumping water, and even generating electricity
in modern times.
A windmill is defined as a machine that converts
the kinetic energy of the wind into mechanical
energy. All the blades of windmill always rotate in
a clockwise direction.
Interesting Facts About Wind Energy
 TheWorld Has Been Using Wind Energy Since
500 BC
Wind turbines weren’t invented until the 1800s, after the discovery
of electricity. Windmills, on the other hand, have been around for
centuries and used to pump water, cut wood and grind grain. Now,
large wind turbines can provide electricity to power all those needs
and more.
 Wind Turbines Are Taller Than the Statue of

Liberty
To produce the amount of electricity that wind turbines can, a large
onshore model is typically around 330 feet high, with their rotors
 Wind Energy Is Another Form of Solar Energy
A gust of wind is never random. Wind is a result of the uneven
heating of the earth’s surface. Because of the different types of
surfaces (land and water), the earth absorbs the sun’s heat at
different rates, which results in wind currents. That’s why the
source of wind energy is the sun.
ATypical Wind Turbine Can Power Around 1,300

Homes
Every month, an onshore turbine can produce 843,000 kWh of
electricity. That’s enough to power several neighborhoods. A
singular onshore or offshore wind turbine can produce enough
energy in about three hours to power a single home for a month.
A Small Wind Turbine Could Power a Business
Everyday people can benefit from harnessing wind power. There
are several factors that determine whether you’re eligible. These
include wind strength on your property, having at least an acre of
land, being allowed to build wind turbines in your area and having
no access to a power grid.
 Wind Turbines Can Last for 20-30 Years

This is just the estimated life of a wind turbine excluding the
servicing it will need throughout the years. Items such as blades,
gearboxes and generators will most likely need to be replaced.
When it does come time to replace the entire wind turbine, two
things could happen: the turbine goes through the process of
 Wind Power Has Become More Affordable
Since the boom of wind turbines in the 1980s, there has been a
significant decline in the cost of wind turbines. It has not only
become cheaper but also more efficient as the technology
continues to improve. It is estimated that since the ‘80s, the cost
of producing energy from the wind has dropped about 90%.
 WindTurbine Service Technician Is One of the

Fastest-Growing Jobs
This is more than just a fun fact about wind energy. It’s a great
opportunity to train to become involved with it!
Size and Height
 Modern wind turbines can be over 260 meters
(850 feet) tall, with blades longer than a football
field (~120 meters or 393 feet).
 Offshore
turbines are typically taller and larger
than onshore ones, maximizing the stronger and
more consistent winds over the ocean.
How Wind turbines convert wind energy
into electricity
 Wind creates lift
Wind flows over the turbine's blades, creating lift, similar to how an
airplane wing works. The air pressure on one side of the blade
decreases, creating a difference in air pressure on either side of the
blade. The lift force is stronger than the drag, causing the rotor to
spin.
 Rotor spins
The rotor connects to the generator, either directly or through a
gearbox. The gearbox speeds up the rotation and allows for a smaller
generator.
 Generator creates electricity

Components of Wind turbines
 Blades: The propeller-like blades that collect the

wind's kinetic energy
 Rotor: The rotor connects to the generator and
spins when the blades turn
 Generator: The generator converts the kinetic
energy into electrical energy
 Nacelle: A box that houses the generator and
shaft
Efficiency and Power Generation
 Modern wind turbines have an efficiency of
around 35-50%, meaning they convert up to half
of the wind's kinetic energy into electricity.
 Theyare most efficient at wind speeds of 12–25
mph (19–40 km/h).
A single large wind turbine can generate enough
electricity to power 1,500–3,000 homes
annually.
 The
largest wind turbines have a capacity of 15
MW (megawatts) or more.
History of windmills
 Ancient Origins: The first windmills are believed to have
been developed in Persia (modern Iran) as early as 500–
900 AD. These early windmills had vertical-axis sails and
were used to grind grain or pump water.
 European Development: By the 12th century, horizontal-
axis windmills were common in Europe, particularly in
the Netherlands and England. They played a key role in
agriculture and milling.
 Industrial Revolution: During the 18th and 19th
centuries, windmills became more advanced, with
improved designs for greater efficiency.
Types of Windmills
1. Horizontal-Axis Windmills (HAWMs):
 The most common type.
 The blades rotate around a horizontal axis.
 Used for both traditional purposes and modern wind
turbines.
2. Vertical-Axis Windmills (VAWMs):

 Less common but simpler in design.
 Can capture wind from any direction.
 Typically used for small-scale applications.
Traditional Uses of windmills
 Grinding Grain: Windmills were often used to

grind wheat, corn, or other grains into flour.
 Pumping Water: In many regions, windmills
pumped water for irrigation or livestock.
 Sawing Wood: Some windmills powered
sawmills for cutting lumber.
Modern Windmills: Wind Turbines
 In modern times, the term "windmill" often refers
to wind turbines, which generate electricity.
Unlike traditional windmills:
 Purpose:Wind turbines are used to generate
renewable energy.
 Design: They have sleek, aerodynamic blades
and are usually much taller.
 Efficiency: Modern wind turbines can generate
significant amounts of electricity and are a key
component of renewable energy strategies
worldwide.
Advantages of Windmills
 Renewable Energy: Wind is a free and inexhaustible

resource.
 Eco-Friendly: Wind power produces no pollution or

greenhouse gases.
 Low Operating Costs: After installation, maintenance

costs are relatively low.
Challenges
 Intermittent Energy Source: Wind isn’t always

available, leading to variability in energy production.
 Noise and Aesthetic Impact: Some communities

oppose wind farms due to noise and visual impact.
 Wildlife: Wind turbines can pose a threat to birds and

bats.
Future of Wind Energy
 The future of windmills lies in improving

the efficiency and scale of wind turbines,
integrating them into smart grids, and
combining them with other renewable
sources like solar power.
 Offshore wind farms, where wind is
stronger and more consistent, are also
expected to play a significant role in the

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Windmill

 Wind Turbines Are Taller Than the Statue of

ATypical Wind Turbine Can Power Around 1,300

 Wind Turbines Can Last for 20-30 Years

 WindTurbine Service Technician Is One of the

 Generator creates electricity

 Blades: The propeller-like blades that collect the

2. Vertical-Axis Windmills (VAWMs):

 Grinding Grain: Windmills were often used to

 Renewable Energy: Wind is a free and inexhaustible

 Eco-Friendly: Wind power produces no pollution or

 Low Operating Costs: After installation, maintenance

 Intermittent Energy Source: Wind isn’t always

 Noise and Aesthetic Impact: Some communities

 Wildlife: Wind turbines can pose a threat to birds and

 The future of windmills lies in improving

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