Final answer:
To build a larger windmill, William would need expertise in engineering for increased rotor sizes, material strength, and efficient drivetrain and generator designs, aiming for substantial power outputs while keeping in mind the challenges of scaling and efficiency.
Step-by-step explanation:
To build a larger windmill, William would require a deeper understanding of several factors that include designing for increased rotor diameter, selection of appropriate materials to ensure structural integrity at larger scales, and engineering of the drive system and generator for higher energy outputs. Given that most windmills generate about 1kW and the desire to create windmills of a scale that could compete with the power output similar to those windmills in California capable of generating 1.4GW in total, there's a significant need for scaling up. In particular, considering windmills in West Europe and the practicality of smaller wind turbines (like a 4 m diameter turbine on a house), there are challenges in making the transition to larger units that generate upwards of several hundred kilowatts each.
Historically, wind power has been used for milling and moving ships, but today, it focuses on generating electricity. The push for clean, sustainable energy has led to a rise in the number of wind turbines across places like the United States, with the U.S. wind industry adding significant capacity in recent years. William's larger windmill would contribute to this growing shift towards renewable energy sources.
Lastly, the problem statement from the referenced text about the inefficiency of giant land-based turbines in water environments suggests a focus on land-based, large-scale wind turbines. William would be considering efficiency levels, such as 50% mentioned for jumbo wind turbines, to estimate the power output. This efficiency plays a crucial role in determining how much power the windmill will deliver at maximum design wind speeds, with higher efficiency leading to more power generated.