eoliche

Eoliche is the Italian term for wind turbines or windmills, devices that convert the kinetic energy of wind into mechanical power or electricity. Traditional windmills were used for milling grain or pumping water, while modern eoliche refer to large installations designed to generate electrical power for the grid.

The history of wind-based energy spans centuries. Ancient and medieval windmills appeared in several regions to grind grain and raise water. In the 20th century, advances in materials, aerodynamics, and electrical machinery led to the development of purpose-built wind turbines for electricity. Growth accelerated from the 1990s onward due to rising energy demand, policy support for renewables, and concerns about greenhouse gas emissions.

Most contemporary eoliche are horizontal-axis wind turbines, featuring three blades attached to a rotor that turns a nacelle mounted on a tall tower. The nacelle houses the drive train and generator, often with a gearbox to adapt rotor speed to electrical output. A minority of installations use vertical-axis designs. Onshore machines typically have capacities from 1 to 4 megawatts with hub heights around 80 to 120 meters; offshore turbines are larger, commonly 6 to 12+ MW, with taller towers and longer blades to access steadier winds.

Operation depends on wind resources and grid integration. Capacity factor, a measure of actual output versus rated capacity, varies by site. Eoliche contribute low operating emissions but require suitable siting to minimize environmental and social impacts, including wildlife disturbance, noise, and visual considerations. End-of-life recycling and blade disposal are growing areas of focus as installations mature. Overall, eoliche form a central component of many countries’ strategies to expand renewable power.