What is a wind turbine and it's history?

Title: What is a wind turbine and it's history?

Author: Jeanne Kvarfordt

Article:
What is a wind turbine? Where did it come from?

There are actually many definitions of a wind turbine and many
different uses. For our purposes we will stay very basic, as I
assume this is information for someone who has no prior
knowledge.

The best way to describe it is this:

A machine that captures the energy of the wind and transfers the
motion to an electric generator shaft.

The history of the wind turbine is fascinating actually. The
first windmills were developed to automate the tasks of
grain-grinding and water-pumping. The first system was actually
developed in Persia about 500-900 A.D and the first documented
design was also from Persia. Grain grinding was the first
documented wind mill application. Vertical-axis windmills were
also used in China, which is often claimed as their birthplace.
The earliest actually documentation of a Chinese windmill was in
1219 A.D. by Chinese statesman Yehlu Chhu-Tshai. One of the most
scenic and successful application of wind power is the use of
water pumping machines on the island of Crete. There are
literally hundreds to pump water for crops and livestock. (find
more detailed information on www.telosnet.com/wind/early.html).
There is a role for smaller system wind turbines, especially to
help the average, every day American save money on power and
contribute to cleaner energy. Wind resource is a constant for
the life of the machine, there is never not enough of it! Wind
is not subject to manipulation or cost increases. Mother Nature
has provided it beautifully FREE. I believe, in the near future
that wind energy will be the most cost effective source of
electrical power. You can use wind power for your benefit and
for the planet's.

www.windturbinesolarcells.com

About the author:
Just doing my part in helping to create alternate sources of
energy.