A method for fabricating a heat exchange construct is provided.

Aspects of the disclosure include a multilayer surface-covering assembly adapted to convert solar radiation to heat. The multilayer surface-covering assembly may include a first composite layer comprising a first amorphous refractory material and first metal nanoparticles, wherein the first amorphous refractor material encapsulates the first metal nanoparticles, and wherein the first composite layer is thermally coupled with a surface of a structure for conduction of heat from the first composite layer to the structure. he multilayer surface-covering assembly may also include an antireflective layer, wherein the first composite layer is disposed between the antireflective layer and the surface of the structure.

Aspects of the disclosure include a multilayer surface-covering assembly adapted to convert solar radiation to heat. The multilayer surface-covering assembly may include a first composite layer comprising a first amorphous refractory material and first metal nanoparticles, wherein the first amorphous refractor material encapsulates the first metal nanoparticles, and wherein the first composite layer is thermally coupled with a surface of a structure for conduction of heat from the first composite layer to the structure. he multilayer surface-covering assembly may also include an antireflective layer, wherein the first composite layer is disposed between the antireflective layer and the surface of the structure.

A novel method is described for water heating using stored solar heat. Solar heat is stored in an insulated tank by using scrap and inexpensive heat absorbing or heat storing materials. Stored solar heat can then be used to heat water in a storage tank by extracting the solar heat using an antifreeze liquid which in turn heat cold water in the water tank. Water temperature in the storage tank is controlled by a thermostat. When the water temperature drops below the set point on the thermostat, a circulating pump turns on and pump the cold water until it reaches the desired set temperature. Once it reaches the set point in the thermostat, the water circulation pump turns off.

A novel method is described for water heating using stored solar heat. Solar heat is stored in an insulated tank by using scrap and inexpensive heat absorbing or heat storing materials. Stored solar heat can then be used to heat water in a storage tank by extracting the solar heat using an antifreeze liquid which in turn heat cold water in the water tank. Water temperature in the storage tank is controlled by a thermostat. When the water temperature drops below the set point on the thermostat, a circulating pump turns on and pump the cold water until it reaches the desired set temperature. Once it reaches the set point in the thermostat, the water circulation pump turns off.

A spectrally selective solar absorber is described and comprises a substrate, double cermet layers comprising multi-metal nanoparticles embedded in a dielectrics matrix, and double antireflection layers deposited on cermet layers. The tungsten or titanium or tantalum infrared reflector layer suppressing the diffusion of substrate elements and multi-metal nanoparticles in the cermet are disclosed.

A method is disclosed for producing a plasmonic-nanostructure spectrally selective solar absorber having high solar absorptance, low thermal emittance, and superior thermal stability. The method includes the steps of providing an alloy structure containing a base metal and a copper alloying impurity, wherein copper has a weight percent concentration in the alloy of at least 0.25%; and applying an alkaline solution to a surface of the alloy structure to selectively dissolve base metal elements at the surface resulting in fabrication of sponge-like copper nanostructures on the surface configured to scatter, trap, and absorb light in solar wavelengths.

A method is disclosed for producing a plasmonic-nanostructure spectrally selective solar absorber having high solar absorptance, low thermal emittance, and superior thermal stability. The method includes the steps of providing an alloy structure containing a base metal and a copper alloying impurity, wherein copper has a weight percent concentration in the alloy of at least 0.25%; and applying an alkaline solution to a surface of the alloy structure to selectively dissolve base metal elements at the surface resulting in fabrication of sponge-like copper nanostructures on the surface configured to scatter, trap, and absorb light in solar wavelengths.

Heat exchanger assemblies and methods for providing heat exchange as well as methods providing specific energy to predetermined materials within an assembly as well as gas turbine engines as well as methods of powering same are provided. Heating assemblies are provided that can include: a heat-sinking substrate; and a selective emitter layer in thermal communication with the substrate. These assemblies can be provided as part of heat exchanger assemblies. Methods for providing heat to a fluid are also provided that can include heating a layer upon a substrate to provide photons of a predetermined wavelength to a fluid from the layer. Turbine combustion engines are also provided that can include a turbine having at least a portion of the blades in the hot section of the turbine coated with an emissivity layer in thermal communication with the turbine blade. Methods for powering turbine combustion engines are also provided.

Inventive concentrated solar power systems using solar receivers, and related devices and methods, are generally described. Low pressure solar receivers are provided that function to convert solar radiation energy to thermal energy of a working fluid, e.g., a working fluid of a power generation or thermal storage system. In some embodiments, low pressure solar receivers are provided herein that are useful in conjunction with gas turbine based power generation systems.