On Vortex Wind Power

An infinite viscous laminar vortex with no reverse flow region in the exit plane, but with axial inflow at the base, is analyzed. The axial inflow is assumed to be finite everywhere. From the analysis, the maximum wind power that can be obtained from such a vortex is calculated. The results show that the power developed depends on the circulation at infinity and on the viscous radius of the core of the vortex. The significance of this result, as it relates to the recently proposed vortex wind energy system, is discussed.