Reassessing thermodynamic and dynamic constraints on global wind power

Abstract

Starting from basic physical principles, we present a novel derivation linking the global wind power to measurable atmospheric parameters. The resulting expression distinguishes three components of the atmospheric power (the kinetic power associated with horizontal and vertical motion and the gravitational power of precipitation) and highlights problems with previous approaches. Focusing on Lalibert\'e et al. (2015), we show how inappropriate treatment of material derivatives in the presence of phase transitions leads to significant errors in wind power analyses. We discuss the physical constraints on global wind power and the opportunities provided by considering the dynamic effects of water vapor condensation.