Active Vacuum Insulation Panel With Vacuum Port Pressure Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vacuum insulation panels (VIPs) face challenges such as high costs, uncertain service lifespans, sensitivity to internal pressure changes, and susceptibility to thermal bridging, limiting their adoption in building applications due to their high costs and inability to be customized on-site.
Innovation Solution
The development of an active VIP system that includes a shell with a core material to inhibit collapse under pressure differentials, equipped with a port for communication with a vacuum source, allowing for regular evacuation to maintain optimal insulation performance, using materials like fiberglass and metallized barrier laminates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If vacuum insulation panels are used to achieve high insulating values, then thermal insulation performance is improved, but cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from static vacuum insulation to dynamic active vacuum insulation. The system uses a vacuum pump and control system to dynamically maintain optimal vacuum levels, allowing the insulation performance to be actively managed and adjusted over time, thereby extending service life and maintaining high thermal insulation performance without requiring replacement due to vacuum degradation.
2Loss of energy
If vacuum insulation panels are used to achieve high insulating values, then thermal insulation performance is improved, but the panels cannot be customized on-site
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the vacuum insulation system into modular components: vacuum-sealed panels with integrated vacuum ports. This modular design allows panels to be manufactured in standard sizes and then customized on-site by connecting multiple panels or adjusting the vacuum system configuration to fit specific building requirements, thereby achieving both high insulation performance and adaptability.
3Loss of energy
If vacuum insulation panels are used to achieve high insulating values, then thermal insulation performance is improved, but vacuum is lost over time reducing service life
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by implementing a control system with vacuum sensors that continuously monitor the vacuum level inside the panels. When the vacuum degrades below optimal thresholds, the system automatically activates the vacuum pump to restore the vacuum level. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures consistent thermal insulation performance and extends the service life of the insulation system by maintaining optimal vacuum conditions throughout the building's operational life.
4Loss of energy
If vacuum insulation panels are used to achieve high insulating values, then thermal insulation performance is improved, but the panels are sensitive to internal pressure changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by designing the vacuum insulation system to automatically monitor and maintain its own vacuum levels. The integrated vacuum ports, vacuum pump, and control system work together to detect pressure changes and automatically restore optimal vacuum conditions without external intervention. This self-regulating mechanism reduces sensitivity to pressure changes and improves the reliability and robustness of the thermal insulation performance.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The active VIP system achieves thermal conductivities an order of magnitude higher than conventional insulation, providing improved energy efficiency and extending the service life by regularly maintaining low internal pressures, thus reducing operational costs and enhancing customizability.
Implementation Method 1
The shell defines an opening configured to provide communication with a vacuum source
Implementation Method 2
The core material is configured to inhibit collapse of the shell when the shell is subject to a pressure differential between the interior and the exterior
Data Source
AI summary
An insulating element includes a shell having an interior and an exterior and a core material positioned within the interior of the shell. The core material is configured to inhibit collapse of the shell when the shell is subject to a pressure differential between the interior and the exterior. The shell defines an opening configured to provide communication with a vacuum source.