Optimization of Very Low Thermal Conductivity Material

Lead Performer: Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee
DOE Total Funding: $150,000
Cost Share: $150,000
Project Term: October 1, 2017 – September 30, 2018
Funding Type: Technology Commercialization Fund

Project Objective

Oak Ridge National Laboratory aims to develop a cost-effective insulation material with thermal resistance R-values higher than the state-of-the-art insulation material, Aerogel, and two to three times higher than conventional insulation, such as polyurethane foams. The project will develop and test a novel low thermal conductivity material (target thermal conductivity of 0.01453 W/mK), as well as conduct cost analyses for industrial scale manufacturing. To develop the insulation material, the project team will combine nanotechnology principles with "Knudsen effect.” The main objectives of the project:

• Achieve a material with an R value of greater than 10 per inch – better than the state-of-the-art-insulation material, Aerogel
• Lower the cost to $3 for a 1-square-foot by 0.5-inch thick sample
• Achieve mechanical properties two times better than that of Aerogel

The development of this insulation material will be applicable to a wide range of applications, including retrofitting existing buildings, water supply pipe systems, and cryogenic hydrogen storage systems.

Project Impact

This project will lead to a new area of materials with very low thermal conductivities while keeping costs lower. Thermal insulation materials with a value of R-10 can exceed 1 Quad of energy savings potential.

In addition to wall insulation, the material can also be used in refrigerator walls, as an insulative coating on aluminum window frames, as a filler in sealants, and in other building envelope applications where thermal insulation is required. As a high R-value material, it will open a new market of retrofitting the existing building envelope; for example, a thin layer can be applied to the inner side of the wall for increasing its insulation or incorporating a same thickness of material in the existing wall cavity can improve its insulation efficiency. The high R- value and low cost of the material will appeal to builders compared to existing insulation materials.

Contacts

DOE Technology Manager: Sven Mumme
Lead Performer: Jaswinder Sharma, Oak Ridge National Laboratory