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Betz Limit

Maximum fraction of wind energy any turbine can capture.

Formula

C_{p,max} = \frac{16}{27} \approx 0.593

Variables

C_{p,max}Maximum power coefficient

Example

No turbine can exceed ~59.3% capture

Did You Know?

Albert Betz proved in 1919 that slowing the wind too much blocks the flow — capping efficiency at 59.3%.

renewable wind betz

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