Abstract: In various embodiments, novel methods of fabricating and/or packaging aerogels are provided.

Abstract: A solar spectrum selective absorption coating is disclosed. The coating includes, from the substrate to the air interface: substrate 1, infrared reflective layer 2, semiconductor absorption layer 3 (Ge), and antireflection layer 4 formed by a higher refractive-index dielectric layer 41 and a lower refractive-index dielectric layer 42. The solar spectrum selective absorption coating has superior spectrum selectivity, with a steep transition zone between solar absorption and infrared reflection zones. It has a relatively high absorptance ? in the solar spectrum range (0.3-2 ?m), and a very low absorptance/emissivity ? in the infrared thermal radiation spectrum range (2-50 ?m); its a/c ratio is significantly higher than current commercially available products, making it suitable for medium-temperature solar heat collectors using low-power optical concentration. The manufacturing process is simple and does not require complex deposition equipment, so it is suitable for low-cost large-scale production.

Abstract: A solar spectrum selective absorption coating is disclosed. The coating includes, from the substrate to the air interface: substrate 1, infrared reflective layer 2, metal absorption layer 31 with thermal-matching function and semiconductor absorption layer 32 (Ge), and antireflection layer 4 formed by higher refractive index dielectric layer 41 and lower refractive index dielectric layer 42. The coating has superior spectrum selectivity, with a steep transition zone between solar absorption and infrared reflection zones. It has a relatively high absorptance ? in the solar spectrum range (0.3-2.5 ?m), and a very low absorptance/emissivity ? in the infrared thermal radiation spectrum range (2-50 ?m); its a/c ratio is significantly higher than current commercially available products, making it suitable for medium-temperature solar heat collectors using low-power optical concentration.

Abstract: In certain embodiments an all vapor driven absorption heat pump is provided comprising a first heat pump generator comprising a falling film heat exchanger and configured to receive a high temperature vapor and a dilute working medium and to evaporate heat transport material from the dilute working medium; optionally, a second heat pump generator comprising a second falling film heat exchanger configured to receive concentrated working medium and output vapor produced in the first heat pump and to further evaporate the working medium and provide a mid-temperature vapor output and a concentrated working medium; and a heat pump absorber configured to receive a low temperature vapor and the concentrated working medium from the first heat pump generator when the second heat pump generator is absent and to receive said concentrated working medium from the second heat pump generator when the second heat pump generator is present.