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Investigation into Window Insulation Retrofitting of Existing Buildings Using Thin and Translucent Frame-Structure Vacuum Insulation Panels

Author

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  • Zhang Yang

    (Division of Human Environmental Systems, Graduate School of Engineering, Hokkaido University, N13-W8, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-8628, Japan)

  • Takao Katsura

    (Division of Human Environmental Systems, Graduate School of Engineering, Hokkaido University, N13-W8, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-8628, Japan)

  • Masahiro Aihara

    (Division of Human Environmental Systems, Graduate School of Engineering, Hokkaido University, N13-W8, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-8628, Japan)

  • Makoto Nakamura

    (Division of Human Environmental Systems, Graduate School of Engineering, Hokkaido University, N13-W8, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-8628, Japan)

  • Katsunori Nagano

    (Division of Human Environmental Systems, Graduate School of Engineering, Hokkaido University, N13-W8, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-8628, Japan)

Abstract

Insulation performance in older buildings is usually poor, so retrofitting the insulation in these buildings would reduce the energy required for heating, resulting in cost and energy savings. Windows account for a significant amount of the heat loss, therefore, we have developed vacuum layer type vacuum insulation panels (VIPs) with a frame structure that is also slim and lightweight. The developed VIPs are inexpensive and easy to install, as well as being slim and translucent, so retrofitting the window insulation of existing buildings can be easily performed. In this paper, we propose a frame covering with a low emissivity film and a gas barrier envelope coating, with a focus on a reasonable design method. Firstly, a structural model was created to evaluate the safety and specifications of the frame using element mechanical analysis. Next, a finite element model (FEM) was created to predict the insulation performance. Subsequently, experimental validation was completed and the insulation performance was evaluated with the measured thermal conductivity by a guarded hot plate (GHP) apparatus. Finally, case studies were used to evaluate the insulation performance under different conditions. The optimum design included a reasonable frame-structure to hold the vacuum layer with a high insulation thermal conductivity performance of approximately 0.0049 W/(m·K).

Suggested Citation

  • Zhang Yang & Takao Katsura & Masahiro Aihara & Makoto Nakamura & Katsunori Nagano, 2018. "Investigation into Window Insulation Retrofitting of Existing Buildings Using Thin and Translucent Frame-Structure Vacuum Insulation Panels," Energies, MDPI, vol. 11(2), pages 1-13, January.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:11:y:2018:i:2:p:298-:d:129062
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Alfonso Capozzoli & Stefano Fantucci & Fabio Favoino & Marco Perino, 2015. "Vacuum Insulation Panels: Analysis of the Thermal Performance of Both Single Panel and Multilayer Boards," Energies, MDPI, vol. 8(4), pages 1-20, March.
    2. Taesub Lim & Jaewang Seok & Daeung Danny Kim, 2017. "A Comparative Study of Energy Performance of Fumed Silica Vacuum Insulation Panels in an Apartment Building," Energies, MDPI, vol. 10(12), pages 1-12, December.
    3. Declan Butler, 2008. "Architecture: Architects of a low-energy future," Nature, Nature, vol. 452(7187), pages 520-523, April.
    4. Zhang Yang & Takao Katsura & Masahiro Aihara & Makoto Nakamura & Katsunori Nagano, 2017. "Development of Numerical Heat Transfer and the Structural Model to Design Slim and Translucent Vacuum Layer Type Insulation Panels to Retrofitting Insulation in Existing Buildings," Energies, MDPI, vol. 10(12), pages 1-15, December.
    5. Saari, Arto & Kalamees, Targo & Jokisalo, Juha & Michelsson, Rasmus & Alanne, Kari & Kurnitski, Jarek, 2012. "Financial viability of energy-efficiency measures in a new detached house design in Finland," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 92(C), pages 76-83.
    6. Sihyun Park & Bo-Hye Choi & Jae-Han Lim & Seung-Yeong Song, 2014. "Evaluation of Mechanically and Adhesively Fixed External Insulation Systems Using Vacuum Insulation Panels for High-Rise Apartment Buildings," Energies, MDPI, vol. 7(9), pages 1-23, September.
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    Cited by:

    1. Liang Guo & Wenbin Tong & Yexin Xu & Hong Ye, 2018. "Composites with Excellent Insulation and High Adaptability for Lightweight Envelopes," Energies, MDPI, vol. 12(1), pages 1-10, December.
    2. Giorgio Baldinelli & Agnieszka Lechowska & Francesco Bianchi & Jacek Schnotale, 2020. "Sensitivity Analysis of Window Frame Components Effect on Thermal Transmittance," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(11), pages 1-12, June.

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