Improving thermal insulation can increase the performance of refrigerated containers and spaces. With claimed thermal conductivities up to 5 times lower than typical polyurethane panels, vacuum insulation panels (VIPs) offer enhanced thermal resistance for the same or even reduced thicknesses. Therefore, using VIPs can increase useable volume, improve temperature control and reduce energy consumption of refrigeration equipment.The use of VIPs in refrigerators and shipping containers for food and pharmaceuticals was studied experimentally and via mathematical modelling to determine the benefits and optimum ways of using the panels. Model results showed heat gains into the refrigerators being reduced by a factor of between 2 and 3, and similarly an extension in preservation times of chilled and frozen temperatures in the shipping containers. The difference was found to be due to 'edge effects’ where heat is conducted around the edges of the VIPs through the metallised films.
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