Vacuum Insulation Panel Assembly for Curved Tank Heat Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vacuum insulation panels with standard flat shapes are ineffective for complex tank designs such as hot water heater tanks, expansion tanks, and gas tanks, which require dome and cylindrical shapes for optimal insulation and heat loss performance.
Innovation Solution
The development of vacuum insulation panel assemblies with arcuate, dome-shaped, and cylindrical configurations, featuring apertures and overlap joints for secure assembly, which provide enhanced compressive strength and improved thermal insulation by eliminating edge effect heat loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If flat panel VIPs are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to complex tank designs deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The insulation system is divided into multiple flat VIP panels that are assembled together to form complex three-dimensional shapes. Each panel remains simple to manufacture while the assembly achieves the required adaptability to tank geometries through modular construction with overlap joints and aperture configurations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If dome and cylindrical VIP shapes are used, then adaptability to tank designs improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Complex dome and cylindrical shapes are achieved by segmenting the insulation into multiple flat VIP panels that are assembled together. This avoids the need to manufacture each complex shape as a single piece, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
Dome and cylindrical shapes are created through the geometric arrangement and overlapping of flat panels rather than by forming each panel into a curved shape. The curvature is achieved at the assembly level through overlap joints and aperture configurations, not at the individual panel manufacturing level.
3Ease of manufacture
If standard flat VIP panels are used, then manufacturing ease is maintained, but insulation performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Dome and cylindrical configurations are implemented using assembled flat panels with overlap joints. This approach maintains the manufacturing ease of flat panels while achieving the superior insulation performance of curved surfaces by eliminating edge effects and gaps through the overlap joint design.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple flat VIP panels are merged together with overlapping edges to create a continuous insulation envelope. The overlap joints combine the panels in a way that eliminates thermal bridges and gaps, achieving superior insulation performance while maintaining the simplicity of flat panel manufacturing.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple panels with overlap joints are used, then adaptability to complex shapes improves, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The insulation system is segmented into standardized flat VIP panels with integrated overlap joints. This segmentation allows complex shapes to be achieved through simple repetition and assembly of identical or similar components, reducing assembly complexity compared to custom-formed panels.
Solution Approach 2:
The flat VIP panel design with standardized overlap joints and aperture configurations serves as a universal building block that can be assembled into various tank geometries. This multi-functionality reduces assembly complexity by using the same basic component design for different applications.
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 significantly enhances heat loss performance compared to traditional designs, achieving an R-value of approximately 45 R/inch, while maintaining the same thickness, and providing compressive strength required for tank applications.
Implementation Method 1
Vacuum insulation panels (VIPs) have recently transitioned to being used as a standard insulator on refrigeration units
Implementation Method 2
an overlap joint is formed on an edge of the body
Data Source
AI summary
A vacuum insulation panel assembly having upper, lower, and first and second side vacuum insulation panels. The upper vacuum insulation panel has an aperture formed therethrough and an edge forming an overlap joint. The lower vacuum insulation panel also has an aperture formed therethrough and an edge forming an overlap joint. The first and second side vacuum insulation panels have an arcuate, half-cylindrical shape with a top edge forming an overlap joint configured to engage the overlap joint of the upper vacuum insulation panel, a bottom edge forming an overlap joint configured to engage the overlap joint of the lower vacuum insulation panel, and first and second side edges forming overlap joints configured to engage the overlap joints of the first and second side edges of the other side vacuum insulation panel.