Wind power fundamentals

Wind energy technology is based on the ability to capture the energy contained in air motion. Wind power quantifies the rate of this kinetic energy extraction. Wind power is also the rate of kinetic energy flow carried by the moving air. Because the motion is both the source of the energy and the means of its transport, the efficiency of wind power extraction is a balance of slowing down the wind while maintaining a sufficient flow. This chapter quantifies these fundamental concepts and discusses the nature of wind.