Wind Turbines - When Were They Created?

One of the most popular ways of alternative energy are wind turbines. As each year passes by they are continuing to grow within their people's interest, especially with the new green movement. Windmills are great in that they receive energy through a source that will never run out. This is a large reason why windmills are growing as an alternative energy source within countries. When were wind turbines first introduced into the world? Are they are a new invention? Actually wind turbines were created first between 500-900 A.D. by the Persians and were used as a water pumping system. The vertical axis was the first design of a windmill. This vertical axis was created with vertical sails made of reeds grouped together to the central vertical shaft by horizontal struts. The windmill concept then moved over to Western Europe in the appearance of a horizontal axis in 1270 A.D. The model was changed because they found the structural efficiency of drag-type for the horizontal axis wind turbines was superior than the vertical axis. The wind turbine was then changed to be able to be used in many ways such as irrigation, grain grinding, saw milling of timber, and pumping water. It was in 1888 that Americans were then able to successfully create a multi-blade wind turbine design that was to produce electricity. From here on the design of the windmill would changed constantly to becoming more efficient in making the highest amount of electricity. From the 1970s to 1990s countries began the creation of wind farms in a way for alternative energy over fossil fuel, and even more during the Arab oil crisis in 1973. At that point the United States government got involved and started to finance some of the wind energy programs as an alternative energy source. From here on the models of wind turbines were perfected into producing the maximum amount of kilowatts for the lowest amount of cost. Energy production for wind turbines is starting to be cheaper than other ways. Wind energy is even said to be under pricing the capital costs of pretty much every other power plant type in other countries! This is good for people since they can start building their own windmill for their home. This will give people the chance to lower their electricity costs and stop depending on the electric company for all their power needs.