Vacuum Insulating Panel Thermal Protection Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vacuum Insulating Panels (VIP) face challenges with fragile barrier envelopes that degrade at high temperatures, leading to reduced thermal insulation performance and increased permeability to air and water vapor, limiting their application in high-temperature environments.
Innovation Solution
A thermal insulation assembly comprising VIP panels with a porous material resistant to compression, enclosed in a gas-tight vacuum-sealed envelope, combined with a latent heat storage material layer that maintains a temperature difference and provides mechanical protection, preventing envelope degradation and enhancing insulation performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a thin barrier envelope is used to create vacuum insulating panels, then the panel achieves good apparent rigidity and reduced thickness, but the envelope becomes fragile and degrades at high temperatures above 40-45°C
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite structure combining a vacuum insulating panel (VIP) with a rigid protective layer. The VIP provides superior thermal insulation with reduced thickness, while the rigid protective layer (made of materials like cement board, fiber cement, or metal) provides mechanical strength and thermal stability. This composite assembly allows the thin VIP to function effectively without being exposed directly to high temperatures and mechanical stresses.
2Volume of moving object
If the barrier envelope is made thin to reduce panel thickness, then bulk is minimized, but the envelope becomes vulnerable to perforations and heat degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a rigid protective layer beforehand to shield the thin barrier envelope of the VIP from potential damages. This protective layer acts as a cushion against mechanical impacts, sharp objects, and thermal stresses before they can reach the vulnerable envelope, preventing perforations and extending the service life of the VIP.
3Loss of energy
If VIP panels are used directly without additional protection, then the thermal insulation performance is maximized, but the panels cannot tolerate compressive or bending forces that elongate the envelope
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite insulation assembly where the VIP panel (providing thermal insulation) is combined with a rigid protective layer (providing structural strength). The rigid layer protects the VIP from compressive and bending forces, preventing envelope elongation and maintaining the VIP's thermal performance over time.
4Strength
If a rigid protective layer is added to protect the VIP panel, then mechanical strength is improved, but the overall bulk and complexity of the insulation system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a thin rigid protective layer that provides adequate mechanical protection without adding excessive bulk. The protective layer is designed to be as thin as possible while maintaining its protective function, and the VIP panel itself contributes to the overall structural rigidity, allowing the assembly to achieve necessary strength with minimal additional volume.
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 provides durable and effective thermal insulation even at high temperatures, maintaining the integrity of the VIP panels and preventing envelope degradation, while minimizing bulk and ensuring airtightness, thus enhancing the overall thermal performance and lifespan of the insulation.
Implementation Method 1
A thermal insulation assembly comprising a plurality of insulating panels (3) each having a plate shape... a thermal protection layer (2) comprising at least one latent heat storage material distributed throughout the thermal protection layer (2)
Implementation Method 2
each of the panels (3) comprising a porous material (3a) resistant to compression and a gas-tight barrier envelope (3b), closed under vacuum, which encloses the porous material (3a)
Data Source
Figure 1A~2
Figure 3A~3D
Figure 4A~4B
AI summary
The thermal insulation assembly (1) is assembled using a plurality of insulating panels (3) of PIV type and a thermally protective layer (2) which comprises at least one latent heat storage material, preferably moisture resistant. The attaching of the panels (3) allows these to be distributed into at least one layer of panels which is held firmly against one and the same internal face (2a) of the layer (2). This thermally protective layer continuously covers the external face (F2) of the layer of panels (3) and has a thickness (e2) that is not greater than the thickness (e1) of the panels (3). Thanks to the storage of latent heat, for example using a phase-change material, the temperature on the inside face (2a) is lower than the temperature on the outside face (2b) when the assembly (1) is subjected to a temperature rise on the outside.