The present invention relates generally to systems, devices and methods for the efficient use of utilities, more particularly to the distribution and provision of electricity supply at appropriate voltages, monitoring and usage by end devices, and to facilitating consumers in changing their energy usage behaviour, and to adopt and easily install appropriate sustainable, energy efficient or renewable technologies. Said end devices typically including traditional electric, electronic and lighting appliances requiring AC or DC power provision or low voltage DC power via AC/DC converters.

The present invention relates to an electric power system for converting wind energy into electric energy, comprising a duct for air, the duct comprising a floor, a first and a second wall, a roof, defining an air inflow direction towards, a turbine having a diameter, and being located adjacent to or at least partially in the duct; and defining together with the duct an air outflow direction wherein an area free of pressure and/or turbulence increasing obstructing elements, extending in the resultant air outflow direction of the turbine over a length of at least one, and preferably more than two times the turbine diameter, measured from the centre of rotation of the turbine. The invention further relates to a building comprising such system.

The present invention relates to an electric power system for converting wind energy into electric energy, comprising a duct for air, the duct comprising a floor, a first and a second wall, a roof, defining an air inflow direction towards, a turbine having a diameter, and being located adjacent to or at least partially in the duct; and defining together with the duct an air outflow direction wherein an area free of pressure and/or turbulence increasing obstructing elements, extending in the resultant air outflow direction of the turbine over a length of at least one, and preferably more than two times the turbine diameter, measured from the centre of rotation of the turbine. The invention further relates to a building comprising such system.

A manufacturing method for producing a tower segment, a tower portion and a tower section for a tower, in particular for a tower of a wind power installation. A tower segment, a tower portion and a tower section for a tower, in particular for a tower of a wind power installation, to a tower, and to a wind power installation. The manufacturing method comprises: providing a plate that extends in the longitudinal direction and, orthogonally thereto, in a circumferential direction, wherein the extent in the longitudinal direction is larger than the extent in the circumferential direction; and rolling the plate for incorporating a thickness profile along a longitudinal direction of the plate, wherein the rolling comprises: incorporating a first constant portion having a substantially constant first thickness which differs from a substantially constant second thickness of a second constant portion that in the longitudinal direction is disposed so as to be substantially parallel to said first constant portion; and bending the plate in the circumferential direction.

A manufacturing method for producing a tower segment, a tower portion and a tower section for a tower, in particular for a tower of a wind power installation. A tower segment, a tower portion and a tower section for a tower, in particular for a tower of a wind power installation, to a tower, and to a wind power installation. The manufacturing method comprises: providing a plate that extends in the longitudinal direction and, orthogonally thereto, in a circumferential direction, wherein the extent in the longitudinal direction is larger than the extent in the circumferential direction; and rolling the plate for incorporating a thickness profile along a longitudinal direction of the plate, wherein the rolling comprises: incorporating a first constant portion having a substantially constant first thickness which differs from a substantially constant second thickness of a second constant portion that in the longitudinal direction is disposed so as to be substantially parallel to said first constant portion; and bending the plate in the circumferential direction.

The present invention relates generally to systems, devices and methods for the efficient use of utilities, more particularly to the distribution and provision of electricity supply at appropriate voltages, monitoring and usage by end devices, and to facilitating consumers in changing their energy usage behaviour, and to adopt and easily install appropriate sustainable, energy efficient or renewable technologies. Said end devices typically including traditional electric, electronic and lighting appliances requiring AC or DC power provision or low voltage DC power via AC/DC converters.

Disclosed is a system and method for both consumer and utility scale energy extraction from flow-based energy sources. The passive system may utilize directing perforations on a surface in order to create and air jet vortex generators. Alternatively the system may provide for flow through discrete orifices aligned with the span of an aerodynamic assembly in a co-flow direction, utilizing a Coanda effect. Further additional configurations include directing flow through a perforated surface skin that is near the trailing edge on the suction side. Even further are embodiments for blowing air directly out of the trailing edge of an airfoil. The disclosed systems and methods support a wide variety of scenarios for fluid flow energy extraction, such as wind or water flow, as well as for related products and services.

Disclosed is a system and method for both consumer and utility scale energy extraction from flow-based energy sources. The passive system may utilize directing perforations on a surface in order to create and air jet vortex generators. Alternatively the system may provide for flow through discrete orifices aligned with the span of an aerodynamic assembly in a co-flow direction, utilizing a Coanda effect. Further additional configurations include directing flow through a perforated surface skin that is near the trailing edge on the suction side. Even further are embodiments for blowing air directly out of the trailing edge of an airfoil. The disclosed systems and methods support a wide variety of scenarios for fluid flow energy extraction, such as wind or water flow, as well as for related products and services.

An apparatus for converting solar energy to electrical energy comprises at least a central trunk or stem, preferably extending from a base, wherein the base can be attached to a stationary structure like a wall or a house or a garage or a bridge or wherein the base can be part of a mobile device having wheels and at least one or exactly one branch and preferably multiple branches connected to the central trunk or stem, wherein at least or exactly a first branch comprises one or more photovoltaic panels. Additionally, or alternatively comprises a second branch one or more photovoltaic panels. Each of the photovoltaic panels of the first branch preferably comprises one or more sheets of photovoltaic material and preferably one or more anchors for attaching the sheets of photovoltaic material to the first branch.

Disclosed is a system and method for both consumer and utility scale energy extraction from flow-based energy sources. The passive system may utilize directing perforations on a surface in order to create and air jet vortex generators. Alternatively the system may provide for flow through discrete orifices aligned with the span of an aerodynamic assembly in a co-flow direction, utilizing a Coanda effect. Further additional configurations include directing flow through a perforated surface skin that is near the trailing edge on the suction side. Even further are embodiments for blowing air directly out of the trailing edge of an airfoil. The disclosed systems and methods support a wide variety of scenarios for fluid flow energy extraction, such as wind or water flow, as well as for related products and services.