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.

A fluid machine (1) having an intake part (21), a discharge part (26), and an impeller (24), the impeller (24) being arranged in an enclosure (18), and a transmission (90) arranged in the enclosure (18) and operationally connecting a rim (11) of the impeller (24) with an energy converter (2,2′).

A power generating system for sailboats and sailing vessels employing the vacuum provided by a Venturi generator while the boat or vessel is in motion. Placement of a turbine for recovering the energy of air moving from the atmosphere to the throat of the Venturi generator in a duct leading from above deck to the Venturi generator. A variety of methods for generating the required vacuum while avoiding fouling of moving parts and clogging by debris in the water.

A wave energy converter utilizes a flotation module that rises and falls with the passage of waves, a submerged tube containing a constriction which multiplies the speed of the water passing therethrough, a turbine (or other hydrokinetic apparatus) positioned so as to extract energy from the accelerated flow of water within and/or through the tube, and a submerged gas- or liquid-filled chamber housing one or more energy conversion components (e.g. generators, transformers, rectifiers, inverters). By providing a chamber in proximity to the turbine, generators can be placed in closer proximity to the turbine that turns them, and the shared shaft can be shorter than if the generators were placed in the buoy adjacent to the surface.

A runner for a hydraulic turbine configured to reduce fish mortality. The runner includes a hub and a plurality of blades extending from the hub. Each blade includes a root connected to the hub and a tip opposite the root. Each blade further includes a leading edge opposite a trailing edge, and a ratio of a thickness of the leading edge to a diameter of the runner can range from about 0.06 to about 0.35. Further, each blade has a leading edge that is curved relative to a radial axis of the runner.

A runner for a hydraulic turbine configured to reduce fish mortality. The runner includes a hub and a plurality of blades extending from the hub. Each blade includes a root connected to the hub and a tip opposite the root. Each blade further includes a leading edge opposite a trailing edge, and a ratio of a thickness of the leading edge to a diameter of the runner can range from about 0.06 to about 0.35. Further, each blade has a leading edge that is curved relative to a radial axis of the runner.

A device to augment gas flow so an exit gas flow will have a higher exit velocity than an inlet gas flow has an inner structure having a first open end and a second open end. The inner structure is hollow. The inner structure tapers down from both the first open end and the second open end to a neck area. At least one opening is formed in the neck area. An outer structure has a first open end and a second open end. The outer structure is hollow. A diameter of the first open end of the outer structure and the second open end of the outer structure are approximately equal and allow the inner structure to slide within the outer structure. At least one outer structure opening is formed in a central area of the outer structure. A housing is attached to the at least one outer structure directing gas flow from a propulsion device within the housing into the device.

Provided is a wind power generation system including: a wind power generation apparatus that includes at least a duct having a longitudinal cross section formed in a substantial streamline shape, the longitudinal cross section being cut along a central axis, an impeller placed in the duct, and a power generator that generates power by rotation of the impeller; an anemovane installed so as to be able to measure a wind direction and/or wind power in a vicinity of the wind power generation apparatus; a rotating pedestal that supports the wind power generation apparatus so as to be rotatable along a supporting surface; and a control device that controls a rotational angle of the rotating pedestal based on the wind direction and/or the wind power measured by the anemovane.

An encased wind turbine has a casing, rotationally symmetrical in relation to the longitudinal axis and has the cross-section of an airfoil. The radially inner upper side delimits a flow channel. A guide element is rotationally symmetrical in relation to the longitudinal axis projects by part of its length, contrary to the direction of flow, over the casing. The propeller drives a generator, arranged in the housing, for generating electrical energy. The propeller viewed in the direction of flow, is located at least approximately at the guide-element trailing edge. Impinged on by the main flow of the wind, while a bypass flow, owing to the airfoil profile, generates a negative pressure downstream from the guide element and thus accelerates the main flow, is generated between the casing and the guide element. The propeller may be located downstream from the guide element and arranged to be adjustable in its longitudinal position.

A traction mat system and a method of manufacturing comprising a mat having a grip layer adhered to or mate integral to the surface of the mat. The grip layer can be a textured material foil sheet combined to a top surface and/or a bottom surface of the mat system. The texture of the grip layer is retained when the mat is contoured with a raised pattern to give the entire surface of the mat a texture to improve traction and grip. A method of manufacturing comprises a traction mat system wherein the traction mat can comprise of manufacturing step for placing a grip layer on the mat surfaces, for placing the foil sheet and/or aggregate on the mat. Each operation can be performed for both surfaces simultaneously or can be its own operation such as one surface at a time, or both surfaces at once.