Betz, Albert
Published: August 18, 2006, 3:02 pm
Updated: August 18, 2006, 3:02 pm
This article has been reviewed by the following Topic Editor:
Tom Lawrence
Albert Betz (1885-1968), a German physicist noted for his path-breaking theoretical studies of wind turbines. Betz' Law (1919) states that a wind turbine can convert 16/27 (or 59%) of the kinetic energy in the wind to mechanical energy. However, in practice, wind turbine rotors convert much less than this theoretical maximum. This is caused by energy losses in transmission, generation, and power conditioning. Energy loss is also caused by changes in wind speed, changes in wind direction, and changes in temperature. Using early wind tunnels, Betz also tested swept wing models for the German airplane manufacturer Messerschmitt, demonstrating that this wing design would allow airplanes to reach higher speeds. Betz's theoretical contributions are still the foundation for today's rotor theory.
Further Reading
Betz's Law (Danish Wind Industry Association)
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Citation
Cutler J. Cleveland (Lead Author);Tom Lawrence (Topic Editor) "Betz, Albert". In: Encyclopedia of Earth. Eds. Cutler J. Cleveland (Washington, D.C.: Environmental Information Coalition, National Council for Science and the Environment). [First published in the Encyclopedia of Earth August 18, 2006; Last revised Date August 18, 2006; Retrieved May 25, 2013 <http://www.eoearth.org/article/Betz,_Albert>
The Author
Cutler J. Cleveland is Professor of Earth and Environment at Boston University, where he also is on the faculty of the Center for Energy and Environmental Studies. Professor Cleveland is Editor-in-Chief of the Encyclopedia of Energy (Elsevier, 2004), winner of an American Library Association award, the Dictionary of Energy (Elsevier, 2005), Handbook of Energy (Elsevier, forthcoming), and is the Founding Editor-in-Chief of the Encyclopedia of Earth. He is the recipient of the Adelma ... (Full Bio)
Albert Betz (1885-1968), a German physicist noted for his path-breaking theoretical studies of wind turbines. Betz' Law (1919) states that a wind turbine can convert 16/27 (or 59%) of the kinetic energy in the wind to mechanical energy. However, in practice, wind turbine rotors convert much less than this theoretical maximum. This is caused by energy losses in transmission, generation, and power conditioning. Energy loss is also caused by changes in wind speed, changes in wind direction, and changes in temperature. Using early wind tunnels, Betz also tested swept wing models for the German airplane manufacturer Messerschmitt, demonstrating that this wing design would allow airplanes to reach higher speeds. Betz's theoretical contributions are still the foundation for today's rotor theory.
Further Reading
Betz's Law (Danish Wind Industry Association)
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