What Is the Purpose for the Windmill?

Windmills have been around for thousands of years and people have used them in a number of ways to solve issues in the production of usable grain, water and electricity.

History

The first windmills were created in China over 2,000 years ago and were used as a way to facilitate grain grinding and water pumping. Although humans could have completed these tasks themselves, harnessing wind energy allowed them to become more efficient with their time and effort.

Function

Today, people use windmills to harness the kinetic energy of wind and turn it onto electricity. Wind power is healthier for the planet than other alternatives, like fossil fuels, because it is renewable and doesn't create any pollution; therefore, it does not contribute to global warming.

Location

In order for a windmill to work, there has to be wind. For this reason, windmills are built in areas where wind is more frequent. When there is no wind, electricity must be produced in alternative ways.

References

• Energy Information Administration/ Energy Kids: Renewable Wind
• Illustrated History of Windpower Development: Part 1 - Early History Through 1875
• Bionomic Fuel: Benefits of Windmill Energy