Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer program products are disclosed for determining a power curve for a fluid turbine. Determining a power curve for a fluid turbine includes receiving an indication of a fluid speed condition; if a predetermined load compliant with an MPPT protocol for the fluid turbine operating under the fluid speed condition is available, obtaining the predetermined load; and applying the predetermined load to the fluid turbine, thereby adjusting a rotational velocity in accordance with the MPPT protocol and the fluid speed condition; if the predetermined load is unavailable, applying a plurality of candidate loads in an iterative manner in accordance with the MPPT protocol and the fluid speed condition; determining an MPPT-compliant load that generates greater power; applying the MPPT-compliant load to the fluid turbine; and storing the MPPT-compliant load in association with the fluid speed condition for subsequent application.

Abstract: A fluid turbine may include a vertically-orientable shaft having at least one opening extending transversely therethrough, a first blade portion configured for vertical orientation on first side of the shaft, a second blade portion configured for vertical orientation on a second opposite side of the shaft, at least one rod extending through the shaft opening and connectable at a first end to the first blade portion and at a second end to the second blade portion. A reinforcing sleeve may extend through the shaft opening and may be interposed between the rod and the shaft opening for reinforcing at least one of the shaft, the at least one shaft opening, or the rod against forces exerted by the first and second blade portions when fluid impacts the first and second blade portions.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer program products are disclosed for controlling a voltage output of a turbine. Controlling a voltage output of a turbine includes a rectifier for converting an AC output of a turbine to a DC voltage; a sensor for measuring the DC voltage; a charge controller for receiving the DC voltage from the rectifier and produce a DC output, including: a first circuit meeting a first performance criterion for a first DC range, a second circuit meeting a second performance criterion for a second DC operating range, a switch channeling the DC voltage between the first and second circuits; and a processor for receiving the DC voltage measurement from the sensor, and use the switch to channel the DC voltage between the first and second circuits, thereby meeting the first and second performance criteria when the DC voltage is in the first and second DC ranges, respectively.

Abstract: A method of removing contaminants from an aqueous material, the method comprising the steps of: providing an aqueous material comprising one or more non-particulate contaminants; and filtering the aqueous material to remove at least part of the one or more non-particulate contaminants to form a recovered portion of the aqueous material in which the amount of contaminant is reduced to an amount allowing re-use of the recovered portion of the aqueous material, wherein filtering the aqueous material includes passing the aqueous material across a partially permeable membrane at a temperature higher than 50° C.

Abstract: A wireless tunneling system tunnels communications between a first host device and a second host device through a wireless link, while maintaining compliance of the communications between the first and second host devices with a wired communication protocol and operates in a power efficient manner. Two host devices may communicate with each other through a wireless link using the wireless tunneling system, as if two host devices were connected through the wired cable. The wireless tunneling system operates in one of a high power state and one or more low power states. In the high power state, the wireless tunneling system exchanges data at a higher data rate for tunneling. In the low power state, the wireless tunneling system disables power hungry components for conserving power.

Abstract: A wireless tunneling system tunnels communications between a first host device and a second host device through a wireless link, while maintaining compliance of the communications between the first and second host devices with a wired communication protocol and operates in a power efficient manner. Two host devices may communicate with each other through a wireless link using the wireless tunneling system, as if two host devices were connected through the wired cable. The wireless tunneling system operates in one of a high power state and one or more low power states. In the high power state, the wireless tunneling system exchanges data at a higher data rate for tunneling. In the low power state, the wireless tunneling system disables power hungry components for conserving power.