Theoretical efficiency of a wind turbine in non-uniform base flow: Revisiting the Betz–Joukowsky limit
Abstract
Classical one-dimensional momentum theory suggests that there is an upper limit to the power that can be extracted from the available wind resource. In the present work, we relax the assumption of constant velocity and investigate how the power efficiency of a turbine is affected by a non-uniform velocity field in the base flow. The analysis shows that a non-uniform base flow velocity in the streamwise direction can increase or decrease the maximum theoretical efficiency of a turbine for accelerating or decelerating flow, respectively. Furthermore, the effect of cross-stream flow shear on the maximum theoretical efficiency of a turbine is discussed.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Wind Energy Research and Development
Cavitation Phenomena in Pumps
Biomimetic flight and propulsion mechanisms
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Physics of Fluids
- Publisher
- AIP Publishing
- Volume
- 38
- Issue
- 4
- Publication date
- 1 April 2026
- Language
- EN