Accelerating the Adoption of Vacuum Insulation Technology in Home Construction, Renovation, and Remodeling (December 2002, 141 p.)
New technologies developed for use in applications unrelated
to the residential sector can have the potential to significantly
enhance the performance of our housing. While they can eventually
find their way into residential construction and remodeling,
the lag to adoption and widespread use can be appreciable.
Vacuum Insulation is a technology with the potential to improve
the thermal performance of housing. A Vacuum Insulated Panel
consists of a core material sealed in an evacuated envelope
of some impermeable material. It can yield an insulation value
approximately six times that of fiberglass batts. This technology
is currently being used in applications outside the home building
industry.
In response to the opportunity for gains in residential thermal
performance, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
commissioned a program aimed at accelerating the development
of Vacuum Insulated Panel products for home construction,
renovation, and remodeling. The effort undertaken represents
the first attempt under the PATH program to develop a residential
product based on technology from non-residential sectors.
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