Abstract: A turbine system comprises a rotor operatively coupled to a plurality of blades, at least one blade of the plurality of blades having one or more blown passages for providing a pressurized fluid to a pressure side and/or suction side of the at least one blade. The rotor is selectively or simultaneously coupled to a compressor and a power generator. In some situations, the rotor is selectively coupled to one of the power generator and the compressor with the aid of a clutch.

Abstract: A blade for use in a wind turbine comprises a pressure side and suction side meeting at a trailing edge and leading edge. The pressure side and suction side provide lift to the turbine blade upon the flow of air from the leading edge to the trailing edge and over the pressure side and suction side. The blade includes one or more openings at the suction side, in some cases between the leading edge and the trailing edge. The one or more openings are configured to provide a pressurized fluid towards the leading edge of the blade, in some cases at an angle between about 0° and 70° with respect to an axis oriented from a centerline of the blade toward the leading edge.

Abstract: Provided herein is a vapor absorption system, adapted to receive a vapor comprising a vacuum pump having an operating liquid, where the vapor is received by an operating liquid and condensed therein to provide condensed liquid mixed with the operating liquid.

Abstract: A fluid pathway is provided with a flow controller in at least a portion of its length wherein the flow controller comprises an active surface capable of influencing the fluid flow through the fluid pathway, the configuration of the active surface conforming to at least one logarithmic curve conforming to the Golden Section.

Abstract: A vortex ring generator adapted to be associated with a body subjected to fluid flow, the vortex ring generator being adapted to produce a fluid flow in the form of a vortex ring with the fluid flow moving over the body from the vortex ring generator.

Abstract: A housing for a blower, fan or pump or turbine, the housing adapted to be associated with a rotor adapted in use to cooperate with fluid flowing through the housing wherein the housing comprises a shroud for guiding the fluid moving in association with the rotor, the rotor having at least one vane adapted to cooperate with the fluid to drive or to be driven by the fluid, wherein the shroud is configured to promote vortical flow of the fluid through the housing.