Difference between Windmill and Wind Turbine
Both of these technologies convert wind kinetic energy into other types of energy. However, there are several distinctions between them, which are highlighted in the table below:
Basis of Difference |
Windmill |
Wind Turbine |
---|---|---|
Definition | A windmill is a machine that converts wind kinetic energy into rotational mechanical energy. | A wind turbine is a wind-powered machine that generates electricity by utilizing the kinetic energy of the wind. |
Construction | A windmill is made up of massive blades that move in a circular motion due to the force of the blowing wind. | A typical wind turbine is made up of two or three blades that are rotated by the force of the wind. |
Working principle | A windmill’s operation is based on the pressure difference created by the blowing wind. | The wind turbine operates on the principle of lift and drag forces, which operate the turbine’s blades. |
Main components | The main components of a wind mill are the rotor blades, the rotor shaft, and the driving machine. | The main components of a wind turbine are the rotor blades, rotor shaft, gearbox, and generator. |
Applications | Windmills are used to pump water, drive machines, grind grains, crush rocks, shred agricultural materials, and so on. | Wind turbines primarily generate electricity for residential and commercial use. |
Wind Turbine- How it Works?
The wind is the natural movement of air in the Earth’s atmosphere. It is caused by the uneven heating of the Earth’s surface by the sun. As warm air rises above, cooler air rushes in to fill the void, resulting in air movement, which we perceive as wind.
Wind can occur at different speeds and directions, and it can have a significant amount of impact on the environment and weather patterns. To harness wind as a renewable energy source, wind turbines can also be used.