Lead Performer: Argonne National Laboratory – Lemont, IL; partner: Alcorix Co. — Plainfield, IL
March 5, 2019
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Lead Performer: Argonne National Laboratory — Lemont, IL
Partner: Alcorix Co. — Plainfield, IL
DOE Total Funding: $500,000
FY19 DOE Funding: $500,000
Project Term: October 1, 2018 – September 30, 2021
Funding Type: Lab Call
Project Objective
The dynamic phononic metamaterial (DPM) aims to achieve revolutionary insulator performance at a low cost by utilizing two key physics concepts to reduce or alter the flow of heat. First, the material will have a nanostructure that creates a phononic band gap that significantly reduces heat transfer to create a superinsulator. Second, the materials will be tailored to allow heat transfer when appropriative to reduce the required building cooling energy, creating the equivalent of a thermal diode. This seed-funded project will identify and model potential structures with a focus on the superinsulating properties and demonstrate fabrication techniques that can produce reduced thermal conductivity materials.
Project Impact
This research project aims to dramatically reduce heating and cooling energy loss through building envelopes by creating a DPM superinsulator. DPM will be a market disruptive material capable of being an affordable alternative to rigid foam insulators for high-performance buildings. It would provide a 500% increase in thermal resistance while avoiding the high cost and fragility inherent in aerogels and vacuum insulated panels. The technical potential for energy savings for a 2-inch-thick R-23 composite of DPM and standard rigid insulation is in excess of 1.5 quad annually.
Contacts
DOE Technology Manager: Sven Mumme
Lead Performer: Ralph Muehleisen, Argonne National Laboratory