Betz

Betz is a surname of German origin. It is found in German-speaking countries and in regions influenced by German immigration, and has been borne by various individuals across science, industry, and culture. In addition to its use as a family name, Betz appears in the names of companies and organizations, reflecting its status as a personal surname.

One of the most widely cited uses of the name is Betz's law, or the Betz limit, a theoretical limit on the efficiency of wind turbines. Formulated by the German physicist Albert Betz, the law states that no wind turbine can convert more than about 59.3% of the wind's kinetic energy into useful power, under idealized conditions. The limit arises from momentum and mass conservation and the generation of turbine wake. In practice, real turbines approach but do not exceed this limit.

Beyond Betz's law, the name Betz appears in a variety of contexts as a surname, including individuals in academia, business, and the arts, and it is encountered in branding and placenames. Because Betz is a surname, its specific referents can vary by region and historical period.