Käsitesivu

Refers to a device for tapping the energy of the wind; it typically also refers to the building or structure supporting or housing the device. Characteristically, the device operates by means of a rotating shaft on which sails are mounted or placed at an angle so that the force of wind against them causes rotation, which in turn produced energy. Windmills were traditionally used chiefly in flat districts for operating a mill to grind grain, for pumping water, or for creating electricity. The older and most characteristic European form consists of a conical mill-house with a dome or cap supporting four sails. The more modern American form consists of a disk of sails mounted on a framework of girders, and is used chiefly for pumping or sawing.