Boundary-layer turbomachine

A boundary-layer turbine configured to receive fluid via an inlet end and discharge the fluid via an outlet end, comprising:

• a plurality of ducts concentrically arranged around a longitudinal axis of the boundary-layer turbine between the inlet end and the outlet end to convey the fluid from the inlet end towards the outlet end, the plurality of ducts at least partially defined by corresponding duct walls configured to rotate about the longitudinal axis;
• one or more flow inlets disposed at the inlet end and configured to receive the fluid into the plurality of ducts at least partially azimuthally around the longitudinal axis towards the outlet end in accordance with rotation of the duct walls of the plurality of ducts, the fluid being frictionally engaged with the duct walls to transfer mechanical energy to, or from, the fluid flowing in the plurality of ducts, the one or more flow inlets being configured to draw the fluid into the plurality of ducts to impart rotation to the duct walls to generate power;
• and
• a plurality of blades rotatably disposed around the longitudinal axis at a downstream end of a duct of the plurality of ducts, the plurality of blades adapted to receive the fluid oriented at least partially azimuthally around the longitudinal axis and to redirect the fluid generally parallel to the longitudinal axis, the fluid thereby imparting rotation to the plurality of blades about the longitudinal axis to generate power.