Aerogel insulation for buildings - Revision history

Designing Buildings at 11:15, 6 January 2022

2022-01-06T11:15:46Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:15, 6 January 2022
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	This article is based on a paper written by Mark Dowson of --[[User:Buro_Happold\|Buro Happold]]. An online version of Mark's EngD thesis can be downloaded at the Brunel University website: [http://bura.brunel.ac.uk/bitstream/2438/7075/3/FulltextThesis.pdf http://bura.brunel.ac.uk/bitstream/2438/7075/3/FulltextThesis.pdf]		This article is based on a paper written by Mark Dowson of --[[User:Buro_Happold\|Buro Happold]]. An online version of Mark's EngD thesis can be downloaded at the Brunel University website: [http://bura.brunel.ac.uk/bitstream/2438/7075/3/FulltextThesis.pdf http://bura.brunel.ac.uk/bitstream/2438/7075/3/FulltextThesis.pdf]

−	= Related articles on Designing Buildings ~~Wiki~~ =	+	= Related articles on Designing Buildings =

	* Advanced phase change materials.		* Advanced phase change materials.
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	* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aerogel http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aerogel]		* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aerogel http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aerogel]
	* Aspen Aerogels: [http://www.aerogel.com/ http://www.aerogel.com/]		* Aspen Aerogels: [http://www.aerogel.com/ http://www.aerogel.com/]
−	* Xtralite: [http://www.xtralite.co.uk/ http://www.xtralite.co.uk/]
	* Proctor: [https://www.proctorgroup.com/products/spacetherm https://www.proctorgroup.com/products/spacetherm]		* Proctor: [https://www.proctorgroup.com/products/spacetherm https://www.proctorgroup.com/products/spacetherm]
	* Kalwall: [http://www.kalwall.com/ http://www.kalwall.com/]		* Kalwall: [http://www.kalwall.com/ http://www.kalwall.com/]

Designing Buildings at 09:43, 15 September 2020

2020-09-15T09:43:35Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:43, 15 September 2020
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	* [https://www.idtechex.com/research/reports/aerogels-2019-2029-technologies-markets-and-players-000644.asp https://www.idtechex.com/research/reports/aerogels-2019-2029-technologies-markets-and-players-000644.asp]		* [https://www.idtechex.com/research/reports/aerogels-2019-2029-technologies-markets-and-players-000644.asp https://www.idtechex.com/research/reports/aerogels-2019-2029-technologies-markets-and-players-000644.asp]

−	[[Category:~~Sustainability~~]] [[Category:~~Products_/_components~~]] [[Category:DCN_Product_Knowledge]]	+	[[Category:DCN_Definition]] [[Category:DCN_Guidance]] [[Category:DCN_Product_Knowledge]] [[Category:Sustainability]] [[Category:Products_/_components]]

Designing Buildings at 10:29, 16 July 2020

2020-07-16T10:29:37Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:29, 16 July 2020
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	* [http://www.aerogel.org/ http://www.aerogel.org/]		* [http://www.aerogel.org/ http://www.aerogel.org/]
	* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aerogel http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aerogel]		* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aerogel http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aerogel]
−	* Cabot Corporation: [http://www.cabot-corp.com/Aerogel http://www.cabot-corp.com/Aerogel]
	* Aspen Aerogels: [http://www.aerogel.com/ http://www.aerogel.com/]		* Aspen Aerogels: [http://www.aerogel.com/ http://www.aerogel.com/]
	* Xtralite: [http://www.xtralite.co.uk/ http://www.xtralite.co.uk/]		* Xtralite: [http://www.xtralite.co.uk/ http://www.xtralite.co.uk/]
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	* [https://www.idtechex.com/research/reports/aerogels-2019-2029-technologies-markets-and-players-000644.asp https://www.idtechex.com/research/reports/aerogels-2019-2029-technologies-markets-and-players-000644.asp]		* [https://www.idtechex.com/research/reports/aerogels-2019-2029-technologies-markets-and-players-000644.asp https://www.idtechex.com/research/reports/aerogels-2019-2029-technologies-markets-and-players-000644.asp]

−	[[Category:Sustainability]] [[Category:Products_/_components]]	+	[[Category:Sustainability]] [[Category:Products_/_components]] [[Category:DCN_Product_Knowledge]]

Designing Buildings at 07:59, 3 May 2019

2019-05-03T07:59:09Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:59, 3 May 2019
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	This article is based on a paper written by Mark Dowson of --[[User:Buro_Happold\|Buro Happold]]. An online version of Mark's EngD thesis can be downloaded at the Brunel University website: [http://bura.brunel.ac.uk/bitstream/2438/7075/3/FulltextThesis.pdf http://bura.brunel.ac.uk/bitstream/2438/7075/3/FulltextThesis.pdf]		This article is based on a paper written by Mark Dowson of --[[User:Buro_Happold\|Buro Happold]]. An online version of Mark's EngD thesis can be downloaded at the Brunel University website: [http://bura.brunel.ac.uk/bitstream/2438/7075/3/FulltextThesis.pdf http://bura.brunel.ac.uk/bitstream/2438/7075/3/FulltextThesis.pdf]

−	~~= Find out more =~~	+	= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =
−		+
−	=== Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki ===	+

	* Advanced phase change materials.		* Advanced phase change materials.
		+	* Advanced phase change materials industry.
	* Aerogel market.		* Aerogel market.
	* BREEAM Insulation.		* BREEAM Insulation.
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	* U-values.		* U-values.

−	=== External references ===	+	= External references =

	* Mark Dowson, David Harrison, Salmaan Craig, Zachary Gill. International Journal of Sustainable Engineering, Taylor & Francis Group, March 2, 2011.		* Mark Dowson, David Harrison, Salmaan Craig, Zachary Gill. International Journal of Sustainable Engineering, Taylor & Francis Group, March 2, 2011.

Isla at 12:45, 11 March 2019

2019-03-11T12:45:12Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:45, 11 March 2019
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	* Aspen Aerogels: [http://www.aerogel.com/ http://www.aerogel.com/]		* Aspen Aerogels: [http://www.aerogel.com/ http://www.aerogel.com/]
	* Xtralite: [http://www.xtralite.co.uk/ http://www.xtralite.co.uk/]		* Xtralite: [http://www.xtralite.co.uk/ http://www.xtralite.co.uk/]
−	* Proctor: [~~http~~://www.proctorgroup.com/products~~/thermal-insulation~~/spacetherm ~~http~~://www.proctorgroup.com/products~~/thermal-insulation~~/spacetherm]	+	* Proctor: [https://www.proctorgroup.com/products/spacetherm https://www.proctorgroup.com/products/spacetherm]
	* Kalwall: [http://www.kalwall.com/ http://www.kalwall.com/]		* Kalwall: [http://www.kalwall.com/ http://www.kalwall.com/]
	* [https://www.idtechex.com/research/reports/aerogels-2019-2029-technologies-markets-and-players-000644.asp https://www.idtechex.com/research/reports/aerogels-2019-2029-technologies-markets-and-players-000644.asp]		* [https://www.idtechex.com/research/reports/aerogels-2019-2029-technologies-markets-and-players-000644.asp https://www.idtechex.com/research/reports/aerogels-2019-2029-technologies-markets-and-players-000644.asp]

	[[Category:Sustainability]] [[Category:Products_/_components]]		[[Category:Sustainability]] [[Category:Products_/_components]]

Designing Buildings at 09:43, 28 February 2019

2019-02-28T09:43:08Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:43, 28 February 2019
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	See Transparent insulation materials for more information.		See Transparent insulation materials for more information.
		+
		+	See also: [https://www.idtechex.com/research/reports/aerogels-2019-2029-technologies-markets-and-players-000644.asp https://www.idtechex.com/research/reports/aerogels-2019-2029-technologies-markets-and-players-000644.asp]

	-----		-----
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	* Proctor: [http://www.proctorgroup.com/products/thermal-insulation/spacetherm http://www.proctorgroup.com/products/thermal-insulation/spacetherm]		* Proctor: [http://www.proctorgroup.com/products/thermal-insulation/spacetherm http://www.proctorgroup.com/products/thermal-insulation/spacetherm]
	* Kalwall: [http://www.kalwall.com/ http://www.kalwall.com/]		* Kalwall: [http://www.kalwall.com/ http://www.kalwall.com/]
		+	* [https://www.idtechex.com/research/reports/aerogels-2019-2029-technologies-markets-and-players-000644.asp https://www.idtechex.com/research/reports/aerogels-2019-2029-technologies-markets-and-players-000644.asp]

	[[Category:Sustainability]] [[Category:Products_/_components]]		[[Category:Sustainability]] [[Category:Products_/_components]]

Designing Buildings at 11:33, 29 November 2018

2018-11-29T11:33:18Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:33, 29 November 2018
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	* Proctor: [http://www.proctorgroup.com/products/thermal-insulation/spacetherm http://www.proctorgroup.com/products/thermal-insulation/spacetherm]		* Proctor: [http://www.proctorgroup.com/products/thermal-insulation/spacetherm http://www.proctorgroup.com/products/thermal-insulation/spacetherm]
	* Kalwall: [http://www.kalwall.com/ http://www.kalwall.com/]		* Kalwall: [http://www.kalwall.com/ http://www.kalwall.com/]
−	* Scobalit: [http://www.scobalit.ch/en/scobatherm.html http://www.scobalit.ch/en/scobatherm.html]

	[[Category:Sustainability]] [[Category:Products_/_components]]		[[Category:Sustainability]] [[Category:Products_/_components]]

Designing Buildings at 13:51, 4 May 2018

2018-05-04T13:51:03Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:51, 4 May 2018
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	* Advanced phase change materials.		* Advanced phase change materials.
	* Aerogel market.		* Aerogel market.
		+	* BREEAM Insulation.
	* Insulation specification.		* Insulation specification.
	* Life cycle assessment.		* Life cycle assessment.

Editor at 16:13, 19 April 2018

2018-04-19T16:13:19Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:13, 19 April 2018
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	The total thermal conductivity of porous insulation depends on the heat transfer through convection in the pores, conduction through the solid and pores, and radiation. Typically, pores within conventional insulation are over 1mm wide, allowing gas molecules to move freely and transfer thermal energy by convection. By comparison, pores within aerogel can be as small as 20-40nm (even smaller than the ‘mean free path’ of air at 60-100nm). As a result, individual air molecules within the pores have no space to transfer thermal energy by convection.		The total thermal conductivity of porous insulation depends on the heat transfer through convection in the pores, conduction through the solid and pores, and radiation. Typically, pores within conventional insulation are over 1mm wide, allowing gas molecules to move freely and transfer thermal energy by convection. By comparison, pores within aerogel can be as small as 20-40nm (even smaller than the ‘mean free path’ of air at 60-100nm). As a result, individual air molecules within the pores have no space to transfer thermal energy by convection.

−	Conduction through the solid structure and air molecules within aerogel is also minimal. With little space for convection, air molecules constantly collide with the walls of the pores, suppressing gas conduction. Furthermore, as aerogel only contains 0.1-5% silica and the thermal conductivity of air is very low, heat transfer is minimal and conduction in the gas will diminish with any decreases in pressure. A vacuum inside the pores results in the best insulating properties, with thermal conductivity of 0.~~004W~~/m.K (ten times better than conventional insulation).	+	Conduction through the solid structure and air molecules within aerogel is also minimal. With little space for convection, air molecules constantly collide with the walls of the pores, suppressing gas conduction. Furthermore, as aerogel only contains 0.1-5% silica and the thermal conductivity of air is very low, heat transfer is minimal and conduction in the gas will diminish with any decreases in pressure. A vacuum inside the pores results in the best insulating properties, with thermal conductivity of 0.004 W/m.K (ten times better than conventional insulation).

	The amount of radiative heat transfer through aerogel is dependant on the intensity and wavelength of the thermal radiation, the optical properties of the material, the size and shape of its pores and its overall thickness. At ambient temperature, the nanosized pores and particles provide effective attenuation of infrared thermal radiation due to high levels of absorption and reflection.		The amount of radiative heat transfer through aerogel is dependant on the intensity and wavelength of the thermal radiation, the optical properties of the material, the size and shape of its pores and its overall thickness. At ambient temperature, the nanosized pores and particles provide effective attenuation of infrared thermal radiation due to high levels of absorption and reflection.
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	* Life cycle assessment.		* Life cycle assessment.
	* Phase change materials.		* Phase change materials.
		+	* Sarking.
	* The thermal behaviour of spaces enclosed by fabric membranes.		* The thermal behaviour of spaces enclosed by fabric membranes.
	* Thermal comfort.		* Thermal comfort.

Editor at 15:07, 23 January 2018

2018-01-23T15:07:06Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:07, 23 January 2018
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	= Introduction =		= Introduction =

−	Aerogels are synthetic low-density materials with unique physical properties. They are formed by removing the liquid from a gel under special drying conditions, bypassing the shrinkage and cracking experienced during ambient evaporation. This creates a solid three-dimensional nanoporous structure containing 80-99% air. Due to their high porosity, aerogels exhibit the lowest thermal conductivity of any solid, whilst being transparent to light and solar radiation. Aerogels are often cited as a promising material for translucent insulation applications. They can made from practically any material, although the most common form is silica aerogel which can be produced as granules or in solid (monolithic) tiles.	+	Aerogels are synthetic low-density materials with unique physical properties. They are formed by removing the liquid from a gel under special drying conditions, bypassing the shrinkage and cracking experienced during ambient evaporation. This creates a solid three-dimensional nanoporous structure containing 80-99% air.
		+
		+	Due to their high porosity, aerogels exhibit the lowest thermal conductivity of any solid, whilst being transparent to light and solar radiation. Aerogels are often cited as a promising material for translucent insulation applications. They can made from practically any material, although the most common form is silica aerogel which can be produced as granules or in solid (monolithic) tiles.

	Commercial products for the building sector include:		Commercial products for the building sector include:
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	Despite this, In 2008, the two major manufactures of silica aerogel both received ‘Silver’ cradle-to-cradle environmental awards from McDonough Braungart Design Chemistry (MBDC) for their aerogel production. MBDC claim to evaluate a products complete formulation, energy use, water use and recycling potential when assessing environmental impacts. However, the data from these studies is confidential, making it difficult to assess the rigour and validity of the results.		Despite this, In 2008, the two major manufactures of silica aerogel both received ‘Silver’ cradle-to-cradle environmental awards from McDonough Braungart Design Chemistry (MBDC) for their aerogel production. MBDC claim to evaluate a products complete formulation, energy use, water use and recycling potential when assessing environmental impacts. However, the data from these studies is confidential, making it difficult to assess the rigour and validity of the results.

−	To investigate these issues further, Mark Dowson conducted a first hand life cycle assessment (LCA) of silica aerogel following ISO standards. Working in collaboration with the University of Bath (who manufacture aerogel as part of an optics research programme) Mark made some aerogel himself, and measured the raw material and electricity use across the production line. The findings from the study demonstrated how the energy and CO2 required to manufacture high performance silica aerogel insulation can be recovered within 0-2 years (when comparing results to the in-use savings arising from retrofitting to single glazing). Key factors influencing the environmental payback were the efficiency of production and re-use / recycling of materials such as liquid CO2 and solvents.	+	To investigate these issues further, Mark Dowson conducted a first hand life cycle assessment (LCA) of silica aerogel following ISO standards. Working in collaboration with the University of Bath (who manufacture aerogel as part of an optics research programme) Mark made some aerogel himself, and measured the raw material and electricity use across the production line.
		+
		+	The findings from the study demonstrated how the energy and CO2 required to manufacture high performance silica aerogel insulation can be recovered within 0-2 years (when comparing results to the in-use savings arising from retrofitting to single glazing). Key factors influencing the environmental payback were the efficiency of production and re-use / recycling of materials such as liquid CO2 and solvents.

	[[File:How_aerogel_is_made.jpg\|link=File:How_aerogel_is_made.jpg]]		[[File:How_aerogel_is_made.jpg\|link=File:How_aerogel_is_made.jpg]]
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	* Thermal comfort.		* Thermal comfort.
	* Transparent insulation materials.		* Transparent insulation materials.
		+	* Types of insulation.
	* U-values.		* U-values.