Vesisulkua

Vesisulkua, also known as a water wheel, is a simple machine used to convert the energy of flowing or falling water into rotational mechanical energy. It consists of a wheel with buckets or scoops that are filled with water as they rotate. The water's weight causes the wheel to turn, which can then be used to power various tasks such as grinding grain, sawing wood, or pumping water.

The earliest known water wheels date back to ancient civilizations, including the Greeks and Romans. They were commonly used in watermills, which were integral to the industrial development of medieval Europe. Water wheels can be classified into two main types: undershot and overshot. An undershot water wheel is positioned below the water source, allowing water to flow underneath the wheel. In contrast, an overshot water wheel is positioned above the water source, with water flowing over the top of the wheel.

Water wheels have several advantages, including their simplicity, reliability, and the fact that they can be powered by a wide range of water flow rates. However, they also have limitations, such as their sensitivity to variations in water flow and their relatively low efficiency compared to modern power sources. Despite these drawbacks, water wheels remain an important part of human history and continue to be used in various applications today, including small-scale hydroelectric power generation and decorative purposes in gardens and parks.