Gas-Filled Panels: An update on applications in the building thermal envelope

摘要

This paper discusses the application of Gas-Filled Panels to the building thermal envelope. Gas-Filled Panels, or GFPs, are thermal insulating devices that retain a high concentration of a low- conductivity gas, at atmospheric pressure, within a multilayer infrared reflective baffle. The thermal performance of the panel depends on the type of gas fill and the baffle configuration. Heat- flow meter apparatus measurements have shown effective apparent thermal conductivities of 0.194 Btu(center dot)in/h(center dot)ft(sup 2)(center dot)(degree)F with air as the gas fill, 0.138 Btu(center dot)in/h(center dot)ft(sup 2)(center dot)(degree)F with argon, and 0.081 Btu(center dot)in/h(center dot)ft(sup 2)(center dot)(degree)F with krypton. Calorimetric measurements have also shown total resistance levels of about R-12.6 h(center dot)ft(sup 2)(center dot)(degree)F/Btu for a 1.0-inch thick krypton panel, R-25.7 h(center dot)ft(sup 2)(center dot)(degree)F/Btu for a 2.0-inch krypton panel, and R-18.4 f(center dot)ft(sup 2)(center dot)(degree)F/Btu for a 10-inch xenon panel. GFPs are flexible, self-supporting and can be made in a variety of shapes and sizes to thoroughly fill most types of cavities in building walls and roofs, although the modular nature of the panels can lead to complications in installing them, especially for irregularly shaped cavities. We present computer simulation results showing the improvement in thermal resistance resulting from using an argon-GFP in place of glass fiber batt insulation in wood-frame construction. This report also presents estimates of the quantity and cost of material components needed to manufacture GFPs using current prototype designs.