February 2, 2017 – Significant energy savings could be realized by the Department of Defense with the deployment of a low-cost vacuum insulation panel developed with help from researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. A team led by Kaushik Biswas is evaluating how wall retrofit solutions can cut in half energy loss through walls. The innovative manufacturing approach achieves vacuum insulation performance without the need for multi-stage low-pressure vacuum pumping. This evaluation, enlisted by DOD to combat the estimated $200 million per year in energy losses at its facilities, is being conducted at a classroom building in Fort Drum, New York. Initial analysis indicated a 14 percent reduction in heating energy use by adding vacuum insulation panels to existing 2-by-6 wood framed walls with fiberglass. For older, poorly insulated buildings, the savings are expected to be much higher.
A vacuum insulation panel can produce big savings, especially for older Department of Defense buildings.