Wind Power

By EzekielF.E.T.

  • first windmill

    he first windmill for electricity production is built by Professor James Blyth of Anderson's College, Glasgow (now Strathclyde University). The professor experiments with three different turbine designs, the last of which is said to have powered his Scottish home for 25 years.

  • Charles Brush builds a 12kW wind turbine

    Professor Charles F. Brush builds a 12kW wind turbine to charge 408 batteries stored in the cellar of his mansion. The turbine, which ran for 20 years, had a rotor diameter of 50m and 144 rotor blades.

  • 1st verticle axis wind turbine

    The first vertical axis wind turbine, the Darrieus turbine, is invented by Frenchman George Darrieus who in 1931 has it patented in the US. The design, often referred to as the "eggbeater windmill", due to the appearance of its two or three blades, is still used today.

  • precursor to the modern horizontal wind generator is used in Yalta, generating 100kW

    A precursor to the modern horizontal wind generator is used in Yalta, generating 100kW. The turbine has a 30m tower and a 32% load factor, meaning it provides 32% of its potential energy output, pretty good even by today's standards.

  • world's first megawatt wind turbine is built and connected to the power grid in Castleton

    The world's first megawatt wind turbine is built and connected to the power grid in Castleton, Vermont. The turbine has 75-foot blades and weighs 240 tons.

  • Gedser wind turbine is built by Johannes Juul

    The a former student of Poul la Cour. The 200kW, three-bladed turbine inspired many later turbine designs, and Juul's invention - emergency aerodynamic tip breaks – is still used in turbines today. The turbine operated until 1967 and was refurbished in the mid 1970s at the request of Nasa.

  • United States government, led by Nasa, begins research into large commercial wind turbines.

    The United States government, led by Nasa, begins research into large commercial wind turbines. Thirteen experimental turbines are put into operation and the research paves the way for many of the multi-megawatt technologies used today.

  • world's first windfarm

    The world's first windfarm consisting of 20 turbines is built in New Hampshire. The windfarm however, is a failure as the turbines break down and the developers overestimate the wind resource.

  • UK's first onshore windfarm is opened in Delabole,

    The UK's first onshore windfarm is opened in Delabole, Cornwall. The farm consists of 10 turbines and produces enough energy for 2,700 homes.

  • UK's first offshore windfarm is opened.

    The UK's first offshore windfarm is opened. North Hoyle offshore windfarm is located 7-8km off the north Wales coast between Prestatyn and Rhyl and consists of 30 2mW turbines.