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Small Wind Power: Aerodynamics and Actual Curves

Calculate shaft and electrical wind power from explicit conditions, or interpolate an actual turbine curve with documented cut-in and cut-out limits.

Use this result well

Inputs that matter
Horizontal-axis rotor diameter (m), Wind speed at rotor (m/s), Air density (kg/m³), Shaft power coefficient Cp, and 5 more
Output to expect
Aerodynamic operating point, Electrical power-curve lookup
  • Check the units and required inputs before comparing results.
  • Keep the assumptions with a copied result so you can reproduce the calculation later.
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Reference & details

How it works

Aerodynamic operating point

Calculate rotor-stream kinetic power, extracted shaft power and converted electrical power from the stated operating point. Keep a constant-Cp point estimate distinct from a turbine power curve or annual production.

Stream W = 0.5 × density × swept area × speed³; shaft W = stream W × Cp; electrical W = shaft W × conversion efficiency.

Electrical power-curve lookup

Interpolate a documented turbine electrical power curve at an entered wind speed and enforce its explicit cut-in and cut-out range. Preserve the curve source and operating conditions.

Within the operating range, P(v) = P₁ + (P₂−P₁)(v−v₁)/(v₂−v₁); outside the range P = 0.

Updated: September 2026

Example Scenarios

Try this example to see the calculation, then enter actual documented values and preserve the measurement conditions. A failed or unresolved comparison is part of the record.

→ 1.939619 kW electrical estimate

Try this example to see the calculation, then enter actual documented values and preserve the measurement conditions. A failed or unresolved comparison is part of the record.

→ 2.15 kW from the entered curve

FAQ

Calculate rotor-stream kinetic power, extracted shaft power and converted electrical power from the stated operating point. Keep a constant-Cp point estimate distinct from a turbine power curve or annual production. Interpolate a documented turbine electrical power curve at an entered wind speed and enforce its explicit cut-in and cut-out range. Preserve the curve source and operating conditions.

Use the exact equipment data, measurement point, operating conditions and units described in the selected mode. Record source documents, dates and unresolved conditions in Sources and assumptions. Built-in examples illustrate arithmetic; they are not manufacturer ratings or approved designs.

Use Save planning case for an explicit local history entry. Copy MD keeps current inputs and notes; Download CSV exports the result breakdown. Export portable copies before clearing storage and save a separate case after changing equipment, conditions or measurements.

About Small Wind Power: Aerodynamics and Actual Curves

Calculate rotor-stream kinetic power, extracted shaft power and converted electrical power from the stated operating point. Keep a constant-Cp point estimate distinct from a turbine power curve or annual production. Interpolate a documented turbine electrical power curve at an entered wind speed and enforce its explicit cut-in and cut-out range. Preserve the curve source and operating conditions.