A modular, electricity generating apparatus comprises an elongate, central member comprising a first end and a second end; at least one solar foil disposed about the central member in fluid interacting relation thereto; the solar foil comprising an outer surface having photovoltaic properties; the first end and the second end dimensioned and configured to be connected to a connecting node; and, the elongate central member at least partially comprised of an electrically conductive material and configured to conduct electricity from at least one of the connecting nodes to the other of the connecting nodes.

The invention relates to a method for control of a flying wing. The flying wing is arranged to be controlled to move along a predetermined trajectory by means of a fluid stream passing a wing of the flying wing. The flying wing comprises at least one control surface for controlling the movement of the flying wing along the predetermined trajectory. The flying wing is positioned in a reference frame where the x-axis is directed horizontally along a level L above which the flying wing moves, the y-axis is perpendicular to the x-axis in a vertical direction and the z-axis is perpendicular to the x-axis along the level L in a direction along the principal direction of the fluid stream. The invention further relates to a system comprising a flying wing and a computer-readable medium for use with a flying wing.

A wind blade for a wind turbine, comprising: a curved panel (1), the middle portion of which forms a concave structure, a side of said panel (1) being provided with a resistance portion (12), and the side of said panel (1) having the resistance portion (12) being provided with a plurality of jet stream holes (6); a cover plate (2) fixedly connected to the edge of the curved panel (1) and partially covering the concave structure in the middle portion of the curved panel (1); and, a connection member (5) for mounting the blade on a central rotating device. Said wind blade is structurally simple, and is well-adapted for safe operation and power generation at both high and low wind speeds.

A system for harvesting energy from wind flow includes a bluff body comprising an elongate member having a non-circular cross-section. The bluff body is configured for creating movement when placed in a wind stream. The system includes a compliant mechanism comprising a translating shuttle coupled to the bluff body for moving in a transverse galloping motion when the bluff body is placed in the wind stream and moves. The system includes a mechanical to electrical energy conversion mechanism coupled to the compliant mechanism for generating electrical energy in response to movement of the translating shuttle.