What is Vacuum Insulation, its Benefits, Drawbacks, and Is Price the Only Reason Why VIP Panels Aren’t More Popular?
In conventional construction, particularly for private properties, vacuum insulation is not a commonly encountered term. However, vacuum insulation panels, often referred to as VIP (vacuum insulated panels), are occasionally mentioned as the future of insulation materials, boasting up to ten times better insulation properties than commonly used materials.
What Exactly Are Vacuum Insulation Panels?
Vacuum insulation panels operate on the principle of a thermos bottle, utilizing a vacuum for low thermal conductivity, unlike standard insulation materials that rely on porous, air-filled structures. These panels are made from porous materials such as compressed powder boards, glass fibers, or organic foams. These boards are then wrapped in an airtight foil after being vacuum-sealed.
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This results in panels with thermal conductivity between 0.0035 to 0.0010 W/m², up to ten times lower than that of conventional insulation materials. In practice, this means that one centimeter of VIP thickness can replace ten centimeters of mineral wool insulation.
Another advantage of VIP panels is their resistance to moisture, thanks to the airtight foil wrapping. This ensures that the insulating material does not degrade or lose its insulating properties due to moisture exposure.
Disadvantages of Vacuum Insulation Panels
Despite these impressive features, VIP panels have certain drawbacks. The primary disadvantage is cost, with prices reaching up to 100 dollars per square meter. Additionally, working with VIP panels is complex, requiring special care during transport, storage, and installation. The panels cannot be cut to size during installation, as any damage to the airtight foil will lead to air penetration and a loss of insulating properties.
Consequently, VIP panels are typically used for special applications and are custom-made. They are commonly used in the automotive industry, where every centimeter of available space is crucial. In construction, VIP panels are used for floor insulation when high insulation levels are needed without significantly raising the floor height.
One frequent application is in the insulation of exterior doors, aiming for maximum insulation with minimal increase in door dimensions. VIP panels are also popular for insulating historical buildings, where high insulation is needed without altering the original dimensions and appearance of the structure.
The Future of Vacuum Insulation Panels
Currently, VIP panels can be considered as insulation for special purposes. However, as energy-efficient buildings become more popular and passive houses are increasingly chosen for private residences, it is expected that the technology for producing VIP panels will continue to advance, making this type of insulation more accessible.
Key Takeaways:
- Benefits: High thermal performance, moisture resistance, space efficiency.
- Drawbacks: High cost, complexity in handling and installation, custom production.
- Applications: Automotive industry, floor insulation, exterior doors, historical buildings.
As energy-efficient construction trends grow, the adoption of VIP panels is likely to increase, driven by technological advancements and cost reductions.