Research on the development and application of Vacuum Insulation Panels (VIPs) - Eureka

OCT 8, 20244 MIN READ

Generate Your Technical Report in Patsnap Eureka

AI-Powered Innovation Solution Platform for R&D

VIP Technology Background and Objectives

The primary objective is to provide a comprehensive overview of the development history and current status of Vacuum Insulation Panels (VIPs) technology. This section will explore the key milestones and evolutionary trends that have shaped this field, shedding light on the technological advancements and breakthroughs achieved over time.
Additionally, it will clearly define the expected technological goals and performance targets that VIPs aim to achieve, outlining the desired outcomes and potential applications driving further research and development efforts in this domain.

Market Demand for Vacuum Insulation Panels

Growing Demand
Vacuum insulation panels (VIPs) are witnessing a surge in demand due to their exceptional thermal insulation properties and space-saving advantages. The construction industry is a major driver, as VIPs enable thinner walls and roofs while meeting stringent energy efficiency standards.
Energy Efficiency Regulations
Tightening energy efficiency regulations and building codes are propelling the adoption of VIPs in both residential and commercial construction projects. Governments worldwide are promoting energy-efficient building practices, creating a favorable market environment for VIPs.
Cold Chain and Logistics
The cold chain and logistics sectors are increasingly utilizing VIPs to maintain desired temperature ranges during transportation and storage of temperature-sensitive goods, such as pharmaceuticals, food, and beverages.
Appliance and Equipment Insulation
VIPs are finding applications in insulating refrigerators, freezers, and other appliances, as well as in industrial equipment and machinery, where space constraints and high insulation performance are critical.
Emerging Applications
Innovative applications of VIPs are emerging in areas like automotive insulation, protective packaging, and wearable technology, driven by the demand for lightweight, compact, and highly efficient insulation solutions.

Current State and Challenges of VIPs

Current Technological Limitations
VIPs face challenges in maintaining vacuum over long periods, as gas permeation through the envelope and outgassing from core materials can degrade insulation performance.
Manufacturing Complexities
Producing VIPs with consistent quality and performance is difficult due to the stringent requirements for vacuum levels, envelope sealing, and core material processing.
Material Constraints
The selection of suitable core materials and envelope materials is limited, as they must meet specific criteria for low thermal conductivity, low gas permeability, and compatibility with vacuum conditions.
Aging and Degradation Issues
Over time, VIPs can experience aging effects, such as gas permeation, material degradation, and loss of vacuum, leading to reduced insulation performance.
Geographic Distribution Challenges
The production and application of VIPs are concentrated in certain regions, with limited availability and adoption in other parts of the world, hindering widespread implementation.

Evolution Path of Vacuum Insulation Technology

Current Solutions for VIP Implementation

01 VIP Structure and Composition
The results cover the use of different core materials like opacified powders or fibers, and protective skins or coatings to prevent air leakage and maintain the vacuum within the panels.
- VIP Structure and Composition: The results cover different core materials, like multi-layer, polymer-coated, and graduated density cores, to enhance thermal insulation. Reinforcing elements like steel meshes and edge insulation techniques to reduce thermal bridging are also discussed.
- Thermal Insulation Performance Evaluation: Methods and equipment for evaluating thermal insulation performance, such as guarded hot plate method, rapid testing devices, and equipment for vacuum glass production lines, are covered.
- Building and Construction Applications: VIPs are used in external thermal insulation systems, insulation layers for walls and roofs, and thermal insulation for steel structures. Composite insulation solutions with polyurethane foam and construction methods for integrating VIPs are discussed.
- Thermal Insulation Containers and Vessels: The integration of VIPs in insulation systems of refrigerators, thermal insulation boxes, and storage containers, along with their production methods and materials, is covered.
- Fireproofing and Thermal Protection: The preparation methods and materials for enhancing fire resistance and thermal protection capabilities of VIPs in applications like fireproof vacuum insulation panels for building external thermal insulation systems are addressed.
02 Thermal Insulation Performance Evaluation
Methods and equipment for evaluating thermal conductivity, heat transfer, insulation effectiveness, and rapid testing devices for improving accuracy are covered.
03 Building Insulation Systems Integration
The integration of VIPs into building insulation systems like exterior and interior wall insulation, insulation for specific components, construction methods, layer configurations, and thermal bridging reduction techniques are discussed.
04 Thermal Insulation in Containers and Appliances
The use of VIPs for thermal insulation in refrigerators, thermal insulation boxes, wine insulation cans, and the design and construction of insulated containers using VIPs are covered.
05 Fireproofing and Edge Insulation
The development of fireproof VIPs for building insulation systems, and techniques for improving edge insulation and reducing thermal bridging at the edges of VIPs are addressed.

Key Players in VIP Industry

The Vacuum Insulation Panels (VIPs) market is growing due to energy efficiency needs, particularly in construction and refrigeration sectors. Key players like Fujian SuperTech Advanced Material Co., Ltd., Kingspan Research & Developments Ltd., and Dow Silicones Corp. are leading in innovation and production capabilities, while others like Suzhou Weiaipu New Materials Co., Ltd. and va-Q-tec AG are also making significant advancements. The competitive landscape is dynamic, with continuous improvements in VIP technology and applications.

Fujian SuperTech Advanced Material Co., Ltd.

Technical Solution: Fujian SuperTech Advanced Material Co., Ltd. develops high thermal resistance VIPs for building insulation and cold chain logistics, maintaining low temperatures over extended periods.

Strength: High thermal resistance. Weakness: Limited market presence outside of Asia.

Kingspan Research & Developments Ltd.

Technical Solution: Kingspan Research & Developments Ltd. offers advanced VIPs with low thermal conductivity and high insulation efficiency for energy-efficient buildings and retrofitting projects.

Strength: High thermal performance. Weakness: Higher cost compared to traditional insulation materials.

Core Innovations in VIP Technology

Vacuum insulated panels of arbitrary size and the method for manufacturing the panels

PatentWO2013123328A1

Innovation

Utilizing two thin metal foil pieces welded together to form a sealed and evacuated enclosure for the vacuum insulation panel core
Incorporating a molecule-absorbing getter inside the evacuated enclosure to maintain the vacuum
A novel manufacturing process involving clamping, evacuating, and welding the metal foil enclosure

Future Directions for VIP Research

Aerogel-based VIPs
Hybrid VIPs with Multilayer Structures
Advanced Envelope Materials and Sealing Technologies

Regulatory and Environmental Considerations for VIPs

Vacuum insulation panels (VIPs) are high-performance thermal insulation materials composed of a porous core material encapsulated in a gas-tight envelope. VIPs have an extremely low thermal conductivity, making them ideal for applications requiring superior insulation performance in a compact space. The development of VIPs aims to enhance their insulation capabilities, durability, and cost-effectiveness for widespread adoption in various industries, including construction, refrigeration, and transportation. Key areas of research include optimizing core materials, improving envelope materials and sealing techniques, and developing cost-effective manufacturing processes. The potential applications of VIPs span from energy-efficient buildings to advanced cooling systems, offering significant energy savings and environmental benefits.

the structure of the environmentally friendly knitted fabric provided by the present invention; figure 2 Flow chart of the yarn wrapping machine for environmentally friendly knitted fabrics and storage devices; image 3 Is the parameter map of the yarn covering machine

Economic Impact of VIP Adoption

Vacuum insulation panels (VIPs) are high-performance thermal insulation materials composed of a rigid, porous core material encapsulated in a gas-tight envelope under vacuum. VIPs offer superior insulation properties, with thermal conductivities as low as 4-8 mW/(m·K), making them highly efficient for various applications. The development of VIPs aims to address the growing demand for energy-efficient building materials, refrigeration systems, and thermal packaging solutions. Key challenges include improving the service life, reducing production costs, and enhancing the mechanical properties of VIPs. Ongoing research focuses on exploring new core materials, barrier films, and manufacturing techniques to overcome these challenges and unlock the full potential of VIPs in various industries.

If you want an in-depth research or a technical report, you can always get what you want in Patsnap Eureka TechResearch . Try now!