WO2010150248A2

WO2010150248A2 - Fluid flow processing system

Info

Publication number: WO2010150248A2
Application number: PCT/IL2010/000491
Authority: WO
Inventors: Iftach Spector
Original assignee: Iftach Spector
Priority date: 2009-06-22
Filing date: 2010-06-22
Publication date: 2010-12-29
Also published as: WO2010150248A3

Abstract

A fluid flow processing system comprising a plurality of fluid flow receiving modules, each having a central axis along which the module is configured to receive the fluid flow. The system further comprises a 3D structure capable of free vertical standing and supporting its own weight on a support surface, e.g. ground, and ports in the structure for mounting thereto the fluid flow receiving modules in a three dimensional array

Description

FLUID FLOW PROCESSING SYSTEM

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to fluid flow utilization systems. In particular, to systems comprising a plurality of fluid flow utilizing modules arranged in a predetermined grid arrangement.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It has been long known to utilize fluid flow receiving modules, e.g. wind turbines, water turbines etc. for the production of energy, and in particular, for the production of electrical energy. Conventionally, such a module comprises blades or similar elements mounted on a shaft, such that the blades are adapted to be driven by the flow of the fluid (wind, water etc.) and thereby rotate the shaft. The rotation of the shaft, in turn, may be used for the production of energy.

It has also been known to use systems including arrays of such fluid flow receiving modules, in order to maximize the efficiency of the energy production procedure. For example, it has been known to set a line of wind turbines along a certain mountain ridge in order to utilize the airflow passing along/across the ridge.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one aspect of the subject matter of the present application, there is provided a fluid flow processing system comprising: a plurality of fluid flow receiving modules, each having a central axis along which the module is configured to receive said fluid flow;

- a 3D structure capable of free vertical standing and supporting its own weight on a support surface, e.g. ground; and

- ports in said structure for mounting thereto said fluid flow receiving modules in a three dimensional array. The structure may be any free-standing structure adapted to support its own weight.

In particular, the 3D structure, when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the support surface, may exhibit a non-linear profile (i.e. not a straight line). Specifically, at least a portion of the profile may have a first end point Pi and a second end point P₂, such that the profile does not lie on the imaginary line L extending between the end points, such that there exists a peak-point P on the profile which is the most remote from the line L. Even more specifically, the 3D structure may have an extension H along the vertical direction such that the ratio between a distance D of the peak-point point P from the line L, and the extension H (e.g. L/H) is such that allows the 3D structure to be free-standing. According to a particular example, the distance D is at least equal to the height H, more particularly at least 50% of the height H, even more particularly at least 35% of the height H, and even more particularly at least 20% of the height H. According to an alternative definition, the outline of the 3D structure may have an extension along the orthogonal axes x, y and z, such that when positioned on the surface, axis z is aligned with the vertical direction and the axes x, y defined an x-y plane generally parallel to the surface. At least a portion of the profile of the structure may be delimited, along the x-y plane by an inscribing rectangle having sides of dimensions a and b extending along the x and y axes respectively. The arrangement may be such that at least the smaller of the dimensions a and b is at least equal to the extension c of the structure along the z axis, more particularly at least 50% of the extension c, even more particularly at least 35% of the extension c, and even more particularly at least 20% of the extension c. According to the above, the above portion of the profile of the structure may have a shape, along the support surface, of at least one of the following: a semi-circle, an arc, a single wave etc. It should be appreciate that the profile of the structure may be constituted by a plurality of such portions, forming a complex profile, e.g. zig-zag, continuous wave, sinusoid, accordion etc. According to particular example, the dimensional array may be arranged so that the central axis of at least a majority of the fluid flow receiving modules is directed transverse to the vertical direction of the structure. Alternatively, the array may be arranged so that the central axis of at least a majority of the fluid flow receiving modules is directed generally parallel to the vertical direction of the structure.

Furthermore, the structure may be such that the weight thereof is sufficient to stably position it on the support surface, without the requirement of further support means.

The array of the fluid flow receiving modules may comprise at least one row and/or at least one column of modules, each of the rows/columns comprising more than one module. More particularly, the array may comprise a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns, each comprising more than one module. The array may be arranged such that the models in each row are directly below one another so that in each column, the central axis of the modules are aligned one below the other (along the vertical direction). Alternatively, the array may be such that the rows are shifted with respect to one another so that the central axes of the modules in each column are shifted with respect to one another so as to form a bee-hive like array.

According to one example, the fluid flow receiving modules may comprise at least one driven component adapted to be driven by the fluid flow, i.e. to be displaced/rotated by the fluid flow. One such fluid flow receiving module may be a turbine, the driven component of which may be its rotor. In this case, the central axis of the module may be constituted by a rotation axis of the rotor. Such modules may be utilized for the generation of electricity by virtue of the rotation of their rotors.

Alternatively, the fluid flow receiving modules may comprise at least one component adapted to obtain data from said fluid flow. One such fluid flow receiving module may be a filter adapted to measure the quality and/or quantity of the flow passing therethrough. This module may also be used for filtering the fluid flow, e.g. removing therefrom undesired particles.

The modules may be of at least any one of the following shapes: round, oval, elliptic and polygonal (e.g. rectangular, hexagonal etc.) in a cross-section taken along a plane perpendicular to the central axis of the module. Each of the fluid flow receiving modules may further comprise a flow directing arrangement, adapted to direct the fluid flow towards the module. In particular, the flow directing arrangement may be adapted to change its orientation with respect to the direction of the fluid flow (and/or its orientation with respect to the central axis) in order to tunnel the flow to the fluid flow receiving module. In addition, the fluid directing arrangement may be adapted to dynamically change the cross-sectional area through which flow is passed to the module. According to one example, the flow directing arrangement may be in the form of one or more panels surrounding the flow receiving module, attached to a periphery thereof. In particular, each of said panels may have a first extension, along the central axis of the fluid flow receiving module, extending in front of the module (i.e. such that the fluid flow reaches the extension before it reaches the module), and/or a second extension, along the central axis of the fluid flow receiving module, extending behind the module (i.e. such that the fluid flow reaches the extension after it leaves the module).

According to a particular design, the lengths Li or L₂ of at least the first extension and the second extension (respectively) may be equal to or greater than 0.25 of the nominal dimension (e.g. diameter) of the fluid flow receiving module measured along a plane perpendicular to the central axis.

The fluid flow directing arrangement may also be used for effectively delimiting the fluid flow module so as to reduce mutual effects of neighboring fluid flow modules on one another. In accordance with another aspect of the subject matter of the present application, there is provided a fluid flow processing system configured to receive a fluid flow from at least one predetermined direction, the system comprising:

- a plurality of fluid flow receiving modules arranged in an array, each module being configured for mutual interaction with said fluid flow, resulting in vibration/stress of the array; each module further comprising at least one dynamic element configured for disposing between at least two positions, each position entailing a different vibration/stress conditions of the array; and a controller configured for receiving a signal indicative of the vibration/stress of the array and associated with orienting means to change said orientation or position of the at least one dynamic element so as to reduce said vibration and thereby prevent said array from reaching a vibration resonating state.

The system may further comprise a measuring arrangement adapted for measuring the vibration level of each of the fluid flow receiving modules, and providing the controller with said indicative signal.

In accordance with one example, each module may comprise: o a hub adapted to rotate about a central axis parallel to said direction; o at least one blade having a longitudinal axis and extending from the hub so that its longitudinal axis is radial of said central axis, the blades being configured for rotating with said hub by virtue of their interaction with the fluid flow, said rotation of the plurality of modules being capable of causing vibration/stress of the array; and o orienting means configured for changing orientation or position of each blade (blade's pitch) with respect to the hub; Changing of the orientation of each of the blades with respect to the hub may be performed, for example, by at least one of the following: o revolution of the blade relative to the hub about the central axis; o revolution of the blade relative to the hub about the longitudinal axis of the blade; o revolution of the blade relative to the hub about an axis perpendicular to both the central axis and the longitudinal axis of the blade; and o displacing the blade along the longitudinal axis so as to change the distance between the hub and an end point on the blade located farthest from the hub. Alternatively and/or additionally, the dynamic element of the module may be constituted by a flow directing arrangement, such that transposition between the above two positions is performed by changing the orientation of the flow directing arrangement with respect to the module.

According to yet another example, the module may be constituted by a filter, in which case a dynamic element may be a grid of the filter, such that transposing from the first position to the second position is performed by increasing/decreasing the grid size of the filter. In accordance with still another aspect of the subject matter of the present application, there is provided a fluid flow processing system configured to receive a fluid flow from at least one predetermined direction, the system comprising:

- a plurality of fluid flow receiving modules, each having a central axis along which the module is configured to receive said fluid flow; and

- a pole-like structure extending along a pole axis, and configured for vertical positioning on a support surface, such that said pole axis is oriented perpendicular to that surface;

- a carrier sleeve mounted onto the structure, being free to revolve about the pole axis; and ports in said sleeve for mounting thereto said fluid flow receiving modules such that said modules are free to revolve together with said sleeve. According to a particular example, the modules are mounted onto the sleeve such that the central axis thereof is transverse to the pole axis. According to another particular design, the structure may be a vertical standing post, having mounted thereon a plurality of fluid flow receiving modules, at different heights. In particular, the modules may be attached to the sleeve arranged in pairs, side by side, such that each pair is configured to revolve about the post.

It should be understood however, that more than two modules may be mounted onto the same sleeve. For example, a number n of modules may be mounted on the same sleeve, and be equally spaced about the pole axis.

It should further be understood that the structure may comprise more than one carrier sleeve, in which case, the sleeves may be located one above the other along the pole axis. The carrier sleeve may further be formed with a divider adapted to prevent mutual effects of fluid flow between the modules. The divider may be in the form of a panel extending vertically between the two modules, and being integrally formed or fixedly mounted onto the sleeve so as to rotate therewith.

According to a specific design example, the system may comprise a plurality of modules adapted for coupling to a generator for generating electricity by virtue of their rotation. In particular, at least two modules may be mechanically coupled to the same generator, thus eliminating the need for a separate generator for each of the modules. According to one example, each module pair as disclosed above, is coupled to a single generator which is also mounted onto the sleeve and adapted to rotate therewith. Thus, the module pair becomes a generally independent power generating unit.

In addition to all of the above aspects of the subject matter of the present application, the system may include at least any one of the following features:

- the modules are turbines having rotors with a diameter ranging between 10- 130 meters; the height of the structure is 50 meters and higher, more preferably 80meters and higher, even more preferably 100 meters and higher, and even more preferably 130 meters and higher; the system is configured for positioning so as to receive an optimal fluid flow;

- the fluid flow is wind (i.e. the fluid is air);

- the fluid flow is a current (e.g. in a river, ocean, basin etc.); and - the structure is a geodesic structure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to understand the invention and to see how it may be carried out in practice, embodiments will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. IA is a schematic isometric view of a three-dimensional array of fluid flow receiving modules when mounted onto a structure;

Fig. IB is a schematic top view of the system shown in Fig. IA; Figs. 1C and ID are schematic top views of possible configurations of the structure shown in Fig. IA;

Fig. 2A is a schematic isometric view of a fluid flow receiving module shown in Fig. IA;

Figs. 2B to 2E are schematic demonstrations of orientation change between two positions of the module of the system shown in Fig. IA; Figs. 3A to 3C are schematic top view of possible configurations of the structure shown in Fig. IA; Figs. 4A and 4B are schematic views of possible arrangements of the fluid flow receiving modules within the structure;

Fig. 5 is a schematic view of the fluid flow receiving module shown in Fig. 5, when fitted with deflectors; Fig. 6 is a schematic isometric view of a fluid flow receiving module according to another example of the disclosed subject matter; and

Figs. 7 A to 7C are schematic front views of examples of the system shown in Fig. 6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Turning to Figs. IA and IB, a fluid flow processing system generally designated as 1 is shown comprising a vertically standing structure 2 having the shape of a wave. The structure 2 is formed as a grid constituted by vertical struts 5 and horizontal wave struts 3. The structure 2 has mounted onto the grid several fluid flow modules 10, disposed along the structure t form a three dimensional array. The structure 2 is set up on a support surface S, such that the wave shape thereof extends along a plane parallel to the support surface S. This wave shape allows the structure 2 to become free-standing, i.e. supporting its own weight without the requirement of additional securing means. The structure 2 is arranged such that, for an orthogonal axis system, the vertical direction corresponds to axis z, and the wave lies on the x-y plane.

Turning now to Figs. 1C, the structure is such that a portion 6 thereof may be inscribed in a rectangle having sides a and b. The arrangement is such that the short side a is at least equal to the height of the structure 2 along the vertical direction (axis z).

With reference to Fig. ID, the same portion 6 may be defined as a curve having two end points pi and p2, such that the curve extends outside the straight line L passing through the points. The curve also has an extremity point p, such that there's a distance D between the point p and the line L. The arrangement may be such that the dimension D is equal to at least 50% of the height of the structure 2 along the vertical direction.

Reverting to Fig. IA, the structure 2 is set on the surface S at a particular orientation, corresponding to an expected main direction of fluid flow, designated f, which is to be utilized by the modules 10. It is important to note that the fluid flow direction is liable to vary through time, and so, the direction / is to be considered as, statistically, the most likely direction of fluid flow.

Each of the fluid flow modules 10 has a central axis X along which it is adapted to receive flow. In particular, receiving fluid flow along the direction X will provide the most effective operation of the module 10, however, it should be understood that receiving fluid flow from other directions will still entail operation of the module 10.

The modules 10 are mounted onto the structure 2 in a manner allowing them to pivot about a vertical axis Y, so as to align the central axis X thereof with the fluid flow direction, so that if the direction of fluid flow changes, the modules 10 are still adapted to receive the flow along the X axis thereof.

Turning now to Fig. 2, the module 10 comprises a turbine having a hub 12 and rotors 14 extending therefrom in the radial direction. The hub 12 and rotors 14 define the central axis X of the module 10.

The turbine is positioned within a frame structure 20 formed as a circular frame 22, and is held therein using supports 24 extending from the hub 12 to the frame 22. The arrangement is such that the turbine is free to rotate about the vertical axis Z in order to direct the central axis X thereof in virtually any direction according to the direction of the fluid flow/

The frame 22 is attached to the structure 2 using connecting projections 26 configured for attachment to specially designated ports 4 (shown Fig. 1) in the structure 2 itself.

Turning now to Figs. 3 A to 3C, various profiles of the structure 2 are shown. In particular, Fig. 3A displays a sinusoid wave profile, Fig. 3B displays a zig-zag profile and Fig. 3C displays a discrete wave profiles. Each of the profiles is formed of a plurality of portions 6 which correspond to the definitions discussed with respect to

Figs. 2A and 2B.

Turning now to Figs. 4 A and 4B, the fluid flow receiving modules 10 may be arranged within the structure in different array arrangements. In particular, in the arrangement shown in Fig. 4 A, the modules 10 are arranged directly one below the other such that the central axes X thereof are located on directly below the other, i.e. arranged along the vertical direction. Alternatively, with respect to the Fig. 4B, the array arrangement may be such that the modules 10 are shifted with respect to one another in each row so that the central axis of a module 10 in one row is located between two axes of neighboring modules in the row above it. Thus, a bee-hive structure is formed, allowing for a more compact arrangement of the modules 10.

Turning now to Fig. 5, an improved example of the module 10 is shown, now further comprising a fluid flow directing arrangement 30. The arrangement 30 is in the form of a panels extending from the periphery of the module 10. The directing arrangement 30 comprises front panels 32 extending along the central axis X in front of the turbine, and rear panels 34 extending along the central axis X behind of the turbine. The terms 'in front and 'behind are used herein with reference to the direction flow entering the module 10.

The front panels 32 have an extension Ll along the central axis while the rear panels 34 have an extension L2 along this axis. The dimensions are chosen so that Ll equals about 0.25 of the nominal dimension (in this case D, the diameter of the module 10.

The directing arrangement facilitates the provision of a maximal amount of fluid flow entering the module 10 so as to increase the effectiveness thereof. In addition, the front panels 32 are attached to the rear panels 34 via hinges 36 allowing the front panels 32 to revolve about the hinge so as to vary the cross-sectional area through which fluid flow enters the module 10.

In addition, the flow directing arrangement 30 allows separating each module so as to reduce mutual effects between two neighboring modules 20. Furthermore, the flow directing arrangement may generate a flow regime along the module which is beneficial for the operation of the module 20.

Reverting now to Fig. IA, when the system is in operation, interaction of the fluid flow modules 10 with the incoming flow tends to generate vibrations/stresses within the structure 2, which may damage the mechanical integrity of the structure 2. In order to prevent, or at least t reduce, such vibrations/stresses, a controller C is provided adapted to regulate the operation of the modules lOofthe entire array.

With particular reference being drawn to Figs. 2B to 2E, the controller is adapted to instruct each of the modules to change its orientation with respect to the fluid flow so as to reduce the level of vibration/stresses within the structure 2. Orientation changes may be performed as follows (respective to Figs. 2B to 2E): revolution of the blade relative to the hub about the central axis; o revolution of the blade relative to the hub about the central axis; o revolution of the blade relative to the hub about an axis perpendicular to both the central axis and the longitudinal axis of the blade; o revolution of the blade relative to the hub about the longitudinal axis of the blade; and o displacing the blade along the longitudinal axis so as to change the distance between the hub and an end point on the blade located farthest from the hub.

The controller C is configured for receiving signals from measuring devices (not shown) located along the structure and indicative of the vibration/stresses within the structure, and accordingly, change the parameters of desired modules so as to reduce the vibrations/stresses. In particular, the controller may be adapted to regulate the operation of the modules 10 so that the array and structure 2 do not go into a resonating state.

Turning now to Fig. 6 design of a fluid flow base system is shown, generally designated as 100, and comprising a central pole 103, extending vertical from a surface (not shown). On the pole 103, there is mounted a sleeve arrangement comprising two sleeves 107, configured to freely revolve about the pole 103.

The sleeves 107 are attached to two modules 110 using struts 109, s that the modules extend horizontally from the pole 103, and the central axis X thereof is directed towards the fluid flow.

The system 100 further comprises a divider 130 fixedly attached to the sleeves, and adapted t revolve therewith. The divider 130 allows reducing mutual effects between the two modules 110.

Turning now to Figs. 7A to 7C, three examples of the system 100 are shown, being respectively designated as 200, 200' and 200", each comprising a different number of fluid flow receiving modules 210 - the system 200 comprises two modules 210, the system 200' comprises three modules 210, and the system 200" comprises four modules 210. In each of the systems 200, 200' and 200", all the modules are coupled via a drive-train 245 to a single generator 250, such that rotation of each of the rotors of the modules 210 is transferred to the same generator 250.

Each of the systems 200, 200' and 200" also comprises a dividing arrangement 230, 230' and 230" respectively, adapted to eliminate mutual effects of neighboring modules 220 on one another.

The examples disclosed in Figs. 7A to 7C all demonstrate the use of a plurality of modules 220 coupled to a single generator 250, thus eliminating the need for providing an individual generator for each of the modules 220. With reference to all of the above, the fluid flow processing system may be used for working in conjunction with both a gaseous medium (airflow) and with a liquid medium (water flow, other liquids). The systems 1, may be adapted for generating electricity by virtue of the fluid flow, or may be adapted for measuring/filtering the fluid flow. The systems 1, 100, 200, 200' and 200" may be adapted for positioning on a ground surface and exposed to air, or alternatively even be submerged in a liquid medium, e.g. on the floor bed of a basin (such as the sea).

The modules may vary in dimension between, and, at least in the case where the modules are turbines, may have a diameter between 10-130m. In addition, the height of the structure may be considerably greater than currently known structures, partially due to the profile of the structure, providing it with the proper stability. In particular, the height of the structure may be 100 meters and higher.

Those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains will readily appreciate that numerous changes, variations, and modification can be made without departing from the scope of the invention, mutatis mutandis.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A fluid flow processing system comprising: a plurality of fluid flow receiving modules, each having a central axis along which the module is configured to receive said fluid flow; and - a 3D structure capable of free vertical standing and supporting its own weight on a support surface, e.g. ground; and ports in said structure for mounting thereto said fluid flow receiving modules in a three dimensional array.

2. A fluid flow processing system according to Claim 1, wherein said 3D structure, when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the support surface, is of a non-linear profile.

3. A fluid flow processing system according to Claim 2, wherein at least a portion of said profile has a first end point Pi and a second end point P₂, such that said portion of the profile extends outside the imaginary line L extending between the end points, and such that there exists a peak-point P on the profile which is the most remote from the line L.

4. A fluid flow processing system according to Claim 3, wherein said 3D structure has an extension H along the vertical direction such that the ratio between a distance D of the peak-point point P from the line L, and the extension H is chosen so as to allow the 3D structure to be free-standing.

5. A fluid flow processing system according to Claim 4, wherein the distance D is at least equal to the height H is at least equal to the height H, more particularly at least 50% of the height H, even more particularly at least 35% of the height H, and even more particularly at least 20% of the height H.

6. A fluid flow processing system according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, wherein the outline of the 3D structure has an extension along orthogonal axes x, y and z, such that when positioned on the surface, axis z is aligned with the vertical direction and the axes x, y defined an x-y plane generally parallel to the surface, and such that at least a portion of the profile of the structure may be delimited, along the x-y plane by an inscribing rectangle having sides of dimensions a and b extending along the x and y axes respectively, at least the smaller of the dimensions a and b is at least equal to the extension c of the structure along the z axis.

7. A fluid flow processing system according to any one of Claims 2 to 6, wherein said portion of the profile has a shape, along the support surface, of at least one of the following: a semi-circle, an arc, a single wave etc.

8. A fluid flow processing system according to Claim 7, wherein said profile is constituted by a plurality of such portions, forming at least any one of the following: zig-zag, continuous wave, sinusoid and an accordion.

9. A fluid flow processing system according to any one of Claims 1 to 8, wherein the dimensional array is arranged so that the central axis of at least a majority of the fluid flow receiving modules is directed transverse to the vertical direction of the structure.

10. A fluid flow processing system according to any one of Claims 1 to 8, wherein the array is arranged so that the central axis of at least a majority of the fluid flow receiving modules is directed generally parallel to the vertical direction of the structure.

11. A fluid flow processing system according to any one of Claims 1 to 10, wherein the weight of said structure is sufficient to stably position it on the support surface, without the requirement of further support means.

12. A fluid flow processing system according to any one of Claims 1 to 11, wherein the array of the fluid flow receiving modules comprises at least one row and/or at least one column of modules, each of the rows/columns comprising more than one module.

13. A fluid flow processing system according to Claim 12, wherein the array comprises a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns, each comprising more than one module.

14. A fluid flow processing system according to Claim 13, wherein the array is such that the rows are shifted with respect to one another so that the central axes of the modules in each column are shifted with respect to one another so as to form a bee-hive like array.

15. A fluid flow processing system according to any one of Claims 1 to 14, wherein the fluid flow receiving modules comprise at least one driven component adapted to be driven by the fluid flow, so as to be displaced/rotated by the fluid flow.

16. A fluid flow processing system according to Claim 15, wherein said fluid flow receiving module is a turbine, and the driven component is a rotor.

17. A fluid flow processing system according to any one of Claims 1 to 14, wherein the fluid flow receiving modules comprises at least one component adapted to obtain data from said fluid flow.

18. A fluid flow processing system according to Claim 17, wherein said fluid flow receiving module is a filter adapted to measure the quality of the flow passing therethrough.

19. A fluid flow processing system according to any one of Claims 1 to 18, wherein the module is of at least any one of the following shapes: round, oval, elliptic and polygonal (e.g. rectangular, hexagonal etc.) in a cross-section taken along a plane perpendicular to the central axis of the module.

20. A fluid flow processing system according to any one of Claims 1 to 19, wherein each of the fluid flow receiving modules further comprises a flow directing arrangement, adapted to direct the fluid flow towards the module.

21. A fluid flow processing system according to Claim 20, wherein the flow directing arrangement is configured to change its orientation with respect to at least one of the following:

(a) the direction of the fluid flow; and (b) the central axis of the module in order to tunnel the flow to the fluid flow receiving module.

22. A fluid flow processing system according to Claim 20 or 21, wherein the fluid directing arrangement is also configured to dynamically change the cross-sectional area through which flow is passed to the module.

23. A fluid flow processing system according to Claim 20, 21 or 22, wherein the flow directing arrangement is in the form of one or more panels surrounding the flow receiving module, pivotally attached to a periphery thereof.

24. A fluid flow processing system according to Claim 23, wherein at least one of the one or more of said panels has a first extension, along the central axis of the fluid flow receiving module, extending in front of the module, and/or a second extension, along the central axis of the fluid flow receiving module, extending behind the module.

25. A fluid flow processing system according to Claim 24, wherein the lengths Li or L₂ of at least the first extension and the second extension, respectively, are equal to or greater than 0.25 of the nominal dimension of the fluid flow receiving module measured along a plane perpendicular to the central axis.

26. A fluid flow processing system configured to receive a fluid flow from at least one predetermined direction, the system comprising: a plurality of fluid flow receiving modules arranged in an array, each module being configured for mutual interaction with said fluid flow, resulting in vibration/stress of the array; - each module further comprising at least one dynamic element configured for disposing between at least two positions, each position entailing a different vibration/stress conditions of the array; and

- a controller configured for receiving a signal indicative of the vibration/stress of the array and associated with orienting means to change said orientation or position of the at least one dynamic element so as to reduce said vibration and thereby prevent said array from reaching a vibration resonating state.

27. A fluid flow processing system according to Claim 26, wherein the system further comprises a measuring arrangement adapted for measuring the vibration level of each of the fluid flow receiving modules, and providing the controller with said indicative signal.

28. A fluid flow processing system according to Claim 26 or 27, wherein each module comprises: o a hub adapted to rotate about a central axis parallel to said direction; o at least one blade having a longitudinal axis and extending from the hub so that its longitudinal axis is radial of said central axis, the blades being configured for rotating with said hub by virtue of their interaction with the fluid flow; and o orienting means configured for changing orientation or position of each blade with respect to the hub.

29. A fluid flow processing system according to Claim 28, wherein changing of the orientation of each of the blades with respect to the hub is performed by at least one of the following: o revolution of the blade relative to the hub about the central axis; o revolution of the blade relative to the hub about the longitudinal axis of the blade; o revolution of the blade relative to the hub about an axis perpendicular to both the central axis and the longitudinal axis of the blade; and o displacing the blade along the longitudinal axis so as to change the distance between the hub and an end point on the blade located farthest from the hub.

30. A fluid flow processing system according to Claim 26 or 27, wherein the dynamic element of the module is constituted by a flow directing arrangement, such that transposition between the above two positions is performed by changing the orientation of the flow directing arrangement with respect to the module.

31. A fluid flow processing system configured to receive a fluid flow from at least one predetermined direction, the system comprising: a plurality of fluid flow receiving modules, each having a central axis along which the module is configured to receive said fluid flow; and - a pole-like structure extending along a pole axis, and configured for vertical positioning on a support surface, such that said pole axis is oriented perpendicular to that surface; - a carrier sleeve mounted onto the structure, being free to revolve about the pole axis; and - ports in said sleeve for mounting thereto said fluid flow receiving modules such that said modules are free to revolve together with said sleeve.

32. A fluid flow processing system according to Claim 31, wherein the modules are mounted onto the sleeve such that the central axis thereof is transverse to the pole axis.

33. A fluid flow processing system according to Claim 31 or 32, wherein the structure is a vertical standing post, having mounted thereon a plurality of fluid flow receiving modules, at different heights.

34. A fluid flow processing system according to Claim 33, wherein the modules are attached to the sleeve arranged in pairs, side by side, such that each pair is configured to revolve about the post.

35. A fluid flow processing system according to any one of Claims 31 to 34, 5 wherein more than two modules are mounted onto the same sleeve, and are equally spaced about the pole axis.

36. A fluid flow processing system according to Claim 35, wherein the structure comprises more than one carrier sleeve, the sleeves being located one above the other along the pole axis.

10 37. A fluid flow processing system according to any one of Claims 31 to 36, wherein the carrier sleeve is further be formed with a divider adapted to prevent mutual effects of fluid flow between the modules.

38. A fluid flow processing system according to Claim 37, the divider is in the form of a panel extending vertically between the two modules, and being fixedly mounted

15 onto the sleeve so as to rotate therewith.

39. A fluid flow processing system according to any one of Claims 31 to 38, wherein two or more modules are mounted onto the pole, at least two of the two or more modules being coupled to a single generator.