Windmills: Historical Designs, Uses & Benefits

Windmills use the power of the wind to turn blades that turn a shaft within the windmill. The first windmills were thought to be made and used in Persia around 800AD, although some historians believe they could have been in use in 600AD or even earlier.  In the past, windmills have been used for a variety of purposes including grinding grain, pumping water, and powering saw mills.  With the invention of electricity, windmills have been replaced with electrical devices in all but the most isolated of areas.  Now, with the soaring cost for fuel and the modern concern with reducing pollution, windmills are regaining some of their popularity.  Uses for modern windmills include pumping water, pond aeration, and electricity generation (although these windmills are generally called wind turbines).

Historical Designs vs. Contemporary Designs

The first windmills invented had a vertical axis, meaning the blades were like small ship sails and moved like a merry-go-round.  In the 1180s, in Europe, horizontal axis windmills that have the blades at the front like a propeller were invented.  At first, windmills were fixed and were, therefore, only effective in places where a constant wind from one direction blew, as occurs, for instance, in coastal areas which get a steady off-shore breeze.   Later models were self-adjusting; the top portion of the windmill turned to position the blades into the wind.

Modern windmills typically have a horizontal axis design, are self-adjusting, and are made of metal. 

Historical Uses vs. Contemporary Uses

Windmills were first used for pumping water.  In some cases, water was pumped from low-lying areas to clear the land for agriculture.  In other instances, the windmill pump was used for irrigation or to water livestock.   Windmills are still used for these purposes today.  Another early use was to grind cereal crops such as corn and wheat.  Farmers would bring grain to the mill for grinding and leave a portion of the flour behind as payment for the service.

More recently, windmills, replacing electrical devices, have been used for the purpose of pond aeration, done to control algae in the water. 

The Benefits of Using Windmills

The benefits of using windmills are obvious.  Wind is free.  Windmills are fully compatible with farming and cause zero emissions and no environmental concerns.  They are also very quiet compared to alternatives such as gasoline-powered generators that are often used to power electrical devices.  Once established, windmills require very little regular maintenance, needing only to be oiled once a year.  Windmills are excellent for locations where the delivery of electricity is difficult or unpredictable.  Wind energy is an important power source historically and an extremely promising source of power for the future, especially as the world moves away from the burning of fossil fuels.