Vacuum Insulation Panel with Polymer Coating for Moisture Barrier
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vacuum insulation panels (VIPs) face challenges in achieving long-term durability and improved thermal conductivity while maintaining ease of handling and aesthetic integrity, with existing solutions compromising between thermal performance and dimensional stability, and existing envelopes are prone to moisture and air ingress leading to reduced longevity.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a vacuum insulation panel with a porous insulating core, a non-foam polyurethane coating layer on the envelope, and a metalized film envelope with a metal foil layer between the envelope and the core, which reduces thermal bridging and enhances vacuum retention, thereby improving the panel's robustness and longevity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the density of the core is reduced to improve thermal conductivity, then thermal performance is improved, but the core becomes less robust and more prone to breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite core structure combining particulate silica (providing low thermal conductivity) with a continuous polymer matrix (providing mechanical strength and robustness). This composite approach allows the core to maintain low density for thermal performance while the polymer binding provides structural integrity and resistance to breakage during handling.
2Reliability
If the thickness of the envelope is increased to reduce permeability to moisture and air ingress, then longevity is improved, but thermal conduction through the envelope increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different material properties to different parts of the envelope system. The envelope itself maintains optimal thickness for thermal performance, while a selective polymer coating is applied only to the external surface of the envelope to provide moisture and air ingress resistance. This localized protection allows the envelope to remain thin for thermal efficiency while still providing long-term durability through the coated barrier layer.
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 solution results in a VIP with reduced thermal conductivity, increased robustness, and extended longevity, maintaining thermal performance over time while preventing moisture and air ingress, thus enhancing its suitability for various applications.
Implementation Method 1
a non-foam polyurethane coating layer applied to the envelope, wherein the coating layer is formed over the entire (external) surface area of the envelope
Implementation Method 2
The envelope is evacuated and sealed to provide a vacuum insulation panel
Implementation Method 3
Thermal conductivity properties of VIPs are typically of the order of about 0.005 W/(m·K)
Implementation Method 4
a metalized film envelope with a metal foil layer between the envelope and the core, which reduces thermal bridging
Data Source
AI summary
Vacuum insulation panels, methods for manufacture thereof, and applications thereof are described. The vacuum insulation panels comprise a porous insulating core encapsulated in an envelope to which a vacuum is applied. The envelope is coated with a waterproof coating layer which increases the robustness of the vacuum insulation panel.