Undergrad Power available to a wind powered vehicle traveling directly downwind

Thread starter electrodacus
Start date Nov 15, 2022
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Power Vehicle Wind

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The discussion centers on the equation for calculating the wind power available to a vehicle traveling directly downwind. Participants debate the importance of including factors like sail area, wind speed, vehicle speed, and the drag coefficient in the equation. One participant provides the equation 0.5 * air density * area * (wind speed - vehicle speed)^3, while others challenge its accuracy and emphasize the need for the drag coefficient. The conversation highlights the necessity of understanding the relationship between force and power in the context of wind energy. Ultimately, agreement on the correct equation is sought before further exploration of conservation of energy principles.

Nov 16, 2022

russ_watters

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electrodacus said:

What you describe is an overunity device like those electric generators powered by an electric motor and electric motor is supplied by the electric generator and on top of that you can also power a light bulb.
As I already mentioned not understanding energy conservation.

Incorrect. The power extracted never exceeds the power available per the equation. At this point I'm going to lock the thread since you seem to be uninterested in learning how these devices actually work and we're stuck in a loop where you just keep referring back to the wrong equation.