When was the Wind Turbine Invented: Unraveling the History of Wind Power

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The wind turbine, as we know it today, has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. From its early use in propelling boats along the Nile River to its modern-day use in generating electricity, the wind turbine has evolved significantly over time. In this comprehensive blog post, we will explore the fascinating history of wind power and the invention of the wind turbine.

The Origins of Wind Power (5,000 BC – 200 BC)

The first known instance of wind energy being harnessed was around 5,000 BC, when wind was used to propel boats along the Nile River in ancient Egypt. This early use of wind power was a significant milestone in the history of renewable energy.

By 200 BC, wind-powered water pumps were being integrated in China, and windmills were grinding grain in the Middle East. These early wind-powered devices were primarily used for agricultural and irrigation purposes, demonstrating the versatility of wind power even in ancient times.

The Spread of Wind Technology (11th Century – 19th Century)

when was the wind turbine invented unraveling the history of wind power

In the 11th century, the Middle East were using wind pumps and mills for food production, and this technology gradually spread to Europe through merchants and crusaders. By the 19th century, windmills had become a common sight in the United States, particularly in the western states, where they were used extensively for pumping water.

One of the earliest recorded instances of a wind turbine being used for electricity production was in 1888, when inventor Charles Brush built a wind turbine in the United States to provide electricity for his home. This wind turbine had a diameter of 17 meters and a generator that produced 12 kilowatts of power.

The Rise of Large-Scale Wind Turbines (1941 – 1980)

The first turbine with a power of over one MW was not installed until 1941, in Castleton, Vermont, USA. It was designed by the scientist Palmer Cosslett Putnam and manufactured by the S. Morgan Smith company, and it operated for 1,000 hours until a failure in one of the blades brought its operation to an end.

In the 1970s, during the US energy crisis, researchers and leaders began to explore alternative energy options, and development of wind power came primarily from the US with a research program backed by NASA. In 1978, the US Congress passed the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act, requiring companies to buy a fixed amount of electricity from renewable energy sources.

The Emergence of Wind Farms (1980 – 1991)

The first wind farm in the world was installed in December 1980 in New Hampshire by U.S. Windpower, consisting of 20 wind turbines at 30 kilowatts (kW) each. This marked a significant milestone in the commercialization of wind power.

In November 1991, the Delabole wind farm was created in the UK, consisting of 10 turbines, making it the first commercial wind farm in the country. The world’s first offshore wind farm, Vindeby, was built in 1991 in Denmark with 11 450kW turbines, covering the annual consumption of 2,200 Danish households.

The Modern Era of Wind Power (1990s – Present)

Today, wind turbines are a crucial part of the journey to net zero, and they are used extensively around the world to generate electricity. Large commercial wind turbines are the most visible, with some of the largest turbines having a rotor diameter of over 200 meters and a power output of up to 12 MW.

Small wind turbines are also used for individual use, such as providing power to a caravan or boat. These smaller turbines typically have a power output of less than 100 kW and are often used in remote or off-grid locations.

The development of wind power technology has come a long way since its early beginnings thousands of years ago. From the simple wind-powered boats of ancient Egypt to the massive offshore wind farms of today, the wind turbine has evolved into a crucial component of the global effort to transition to renewable energy sources.

Reference:

  1. https://www.siemensgamesa.com/en-int/explore/journal/2019/11/siemens-gamesa-inventors-day
  2. https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/wind/history-of-wind-power.php
  3. https://www.bbvaopenmind.com/en/technology/innovation/history-of-windpower-from-origins-to-world-war-ii/
  4. https://www.renewableenergyworld.com/storage/history-of-wind-turbines/
  5. https://www.nationalgrid.com/stories/energy-explained/history-wind-energy