The Invention of Vacuum Insulated Wallpaper (VIW) for Energy Savings and Net-Zero Energy Sustainability Goals
摘要
Buildings account for 34% of global energy demand and 37% of energy-related CO₂ emissions, underscoring the urgent need for innovative insulation solutions to address climate change, escalating energy costs, and sustainability goals. Vacuum Insulated Wallpaper (VIW) emerges as a transformative, ultra-thin (4 mm) insulation technology offering exceptional thermal conductivity of 5 mW/m·K. Designed for do-it-yourself (DIY) installation, VIW addresses traditional insulation challenges, such as high costs, complex installations, and limited retrofitting options, while achieving significant energy efficiency gains. This study highlights the superior performance of VIW compared to traditional materials. VIW shows a 93.2% reduction in thermal conductivity over 10 mm Thermal Insulating Wallpaper and a 90% reduction compared to 4 mm Wall-rock Thermal Liner. Against bulk insulation materials, VIW achieves reductions of 88.6% for 200 mm Glass Mineral Wool and 85.3% for 250 mm Rock Mineral Wool. Even advanced materials like 180 mm PIR Insulation Board exhibit a 77.3% reduction in thermal conductivity when compared to VIW. VIW also excels across various wall types, reducing thermal conductivity by 71.74% in single brick walls, 41.98% in cavity walls, and 86.92% in concrete walls. Its unparalleled efficiency and space-saving design make it an ideal choice for both residential and commercial applications, while extending potential uses to electric vehicles and aviation. VIW bridges the gap between research and practice, providing a scalable, sustainable solution to improve energy efficiency, reduce carbon footprints, and reimagine spaces globally.