Gas-Filled Panel High-Performance Thermal Insulation

This paper introduces a new high performance non-CFC based insulating material with primary applications for refrigerator/freezer and building walls. Characteristics of these gas-filled panels, projected and experimental thermal performance levels, cost estimates, and manufacturing/installation issues for this material are discussed. Independent testing of prototypes has yielded R-values of 36 m-K/W (5.2 hr-ft2-F/Btu-in) or air filled panels, 49.32 m-K/W (7.1 hr-ft2-F/Btu-in) for argon filled panels, and 86.8 m-K/W (12.5 hr-ft2-F/Btu-in) for krypton filled panels. Target R-values values are 36 m-KLW (5.2 hr-ft2-F/Btu-in), 55 m-K/W (8 hr-ft2-F/Btu-in), and 105 m-K/W (15 hr-ft2-F/Btu-in) for air, argon, and krypton filled panels, respectively. Manufacturing costs depends strongly on gas-fill, and structural requirements and are estimated at 42 to 850 $/m3 (0.10 to 2.00 $/ft2-in). This insulation system can be fabricated using commercially available materials and equipment.