Abstract: Described herein are thermophotovoltaic receivers comprising cores and integrated submount assemblies with thermophotovoltaic cells as well as thermophotovoltaic systems (e.g., energy-storage systems) comprising such receivers. Specifically, a core comprises a set of gas supply channels, a set of gas return channels, a coolant supply channel, and a coolant return channel, such that this core and all channels are formed by extrusion (e.g., aluminum). The core also comprises four faces such that a set of thermophotovoltaic modules is positioned on each face and thermally coupled to the core. The gas channels are used to form sweeping gas curtains over each face and thermophotovoltaic modules, thereby protecting the modules from undesirable condensation deposits. The coolant channels circulate the cooling fluid through the core, thereby maintaining the core and module temperature within the desired temperature ranges.

Abstract: Some aspects of the disclosure provide a valve system that includes a valve made of brittle material, such as ceramic, graphite and the like. In some examples, the valve is made of one or more materials that remain a solid state in a temperature range of 1000° C. to 3000° C. The valve includes a valve housing with a cavity extending in a length direction of the valve. The valve housing includes a first port aligned with the cavity and a second port that is formed on a side of the cavity. The valve includes a plunger that is movable in the cavity of the valve housing and configured to control a fluid flow between the first port and the second port. Methods of forming the valve and operating the valve are also provided.

Abstract: A joint structure may include a first component and a second component aligned in a first direction, where a first end of the first component is opposed to a first end of the second component. The joint structure may include a packing shell positioned around the first end of the first component and the first end of the second component such that the first component is inserted into the packing shell from the first end and the second component is inserted into the packing shell from the first end. The joint structure may include a first sealing element positioned between the packing shell and the first end of the first component and further extending into the packing shell. The joint structure may include a second sealing element positioned between the packing shell and the first end of the second component and further extending into the packing shell.

Abstract: Aspect of the disclosure provides a method of pumping a liquid material. The method may include pumping the liquid material by rotating an impeller attached to a shaft assembly. The pump includes the impeller, the shaft assembly, and a pump chamber. The method includes controlling the minimum pressure of the liquid material in the pump chamber to be above a threshold pressure by controlling a pressure of a gas that is supplied to the pump chamber. The shaft assembly includes a first shaft and a second shaft that are separated by a gap and are physically coupled by a coupling component.