• About
• Take Action to Save Energy
• Partner with DOE
• Activities
  • Appliances Research
  • Building Envelope Research
  • Windows, Skylights, & Doors Research
  • Space Heating & Cooling Research
  • Water Heating Research
  • Lighting Research
  • Sensors & Controls Research
  • Energy Efficient Buildings Hub
  • Building Energy Modeling
  • Max Tech & Beyond Design Competition
  • Buildings to Grid Integration
• Technology Research, Standards, & Codes

Vacuum Insulation Panels Research Project

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is currently conducting research into vacuum insulation panels. These panels should fully integrate with existing exterior insulated façade systems.

Project Description

The project seeks to develop a high R-value wall panel featuring vacuum insulation panels with an exterior insulated façade system. This can deliver a commercially viable wall system up to R-40.

Project Partners

Research is being undertaken between DOE, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Dryvit, and Dow Corning.

Project Goals

The goal of this project is the development of vacuum insulation panels with performance levels of R20, R30, and R40, while providing a unitized protection system of vacuum insulated panels (VIPs) that can be handled by tradesmen without damaging and losing vacuum. In addition, the handbooks for the ASTM International and the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers will be updated.

Benefits and Impacts

Proper insulation can save homeowners money on both heating and cooling, which account for 50 – 70% of home energy use. By developing improved wall designs, the improved air sealing can reduce a buildings' energy use for both heating and cooling.

Related Links

• Oak Ridge National Laboratory
• Dryvit
• Dow Corning

Contact Information

Andre Desjarlais
desjarlaisa@ornl.gov