U.S. Department of Energy - Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

Federal Energy Management Program

New and Underutilized Technology: Aerogel Insulation

The following information outlines key deployment considerations for aerogel insulation within the Federal sector. This information spans:

• Benefits
• Application
• Key Factors for Deployment
• Ranking Criteria
• Resources

Benefits

Aerogel insulation products displace current insulation materials. The thermal conductivity of aerogel is very low, allowing it to retain insulation properties at a much thinner thickness.

Application

Aerogel insulation is appropriate for deployment across piping, ducts, and within most building categories. It should be considered in building design, construction, or major renovation.

Key Factors for Deployment

Aerogel insulations are more expensive than typical insulations. However, they are ideal for special applications, such as translucent wall panels.

Ranking Criteria

Federal energy savings, cost-effectiveness, and probability of success are ranked 0-5 with 0 representing the lowest ranking and 5 representing the highest ranking. The weighted score is ranked 0-100 with 0 representing the lowest ranking and 100 representing the highest ranking.

Resources

The following resources are available:

• Aerogel Wall Technologies: Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) summary covering several configurations of commercial roofs and steel-framed walls deployed between 2005 and 2006.

• Whole R-Value Calculator and Thermal Mass Calculator: Resource offered as part of the ORNL Material Database for Whole Wall Building Energy Calculations tool.

• Translucent Wall and Ceiling Panels: National Association of Home Builders resource covering translucent wall and ceiling panel details, manufacturers, testimonials, resources, and more.