Recent trends in superinsulation materials for building – aerogel-enhanced products


openaccess, Vol. 557 (1) 2019 / wtorek, 22 stycznia, 2019
[Open Access]

U. Berardi

DOI: 10.15199/33.2019.01.03

Volume 557: Issue 1
Pages 26-29
Accepted for publication: 06.12.2018 r.

The development of innovative materials aiming to achieve energy savings is a main focus in the building technology sector. In this regard, aerogel-enhanced products are often indicated as promising materials for achieving high thermal resistance in the building envelope. This paper aims to review the current state of the art of the aerogel-enhanced opaque systems. Cement-based products are reviewed as well as aerogel-enhanced renders and plasters. The focuses moves also on aerogel-enhanced blankets, which are among the most promising superinsulating systems. Comparative thermal characterization tests of several aerogel- -enhanced blankets confirm their superior performance with a thermal conductivity as low as 0.010 W/(mK). Finally, future research challenges for making aerogel-enhanced products more common in buildings are presented.

Keywords: superinsulation; aerogel; aerogel-enhancedmaterials; thermal conductivity.
[1] Baetens R., B.P. Jelle, A. Gustavsen. 2011. „Aerogel insulation for building applications: Astateof- the-art review”. Energy Buildings 43: 761 – 769.
[2] Berardi U. 2018. Aerogel-enhanced Insulation for Building Retrofits, ed. F. Pacheco Torgal (Book title: „Nanotechnology in Eco-efficient Construction”), Elsevier. ISBN 9780081026410.
[3] Berardi U., M. Calisesi, M. Garai. 2017. „Investigation of the aerogel inclusion in cement products”. Proceeding SET. Bologna. Italy.
[4] Berardi U., R. Nosrati. 2018. „Long-term performances of aerogel-enhanced insulating materials”. Energy 147: 1188 – 1202.
[5] Berardi U. 2015. „The development of a monolithic aerogel glazed window for an energy-retrofitting project”. Applied Energy 154: 603 – 615.
[6] Berardi U. 2017. „Across country comparison of building energy consumption and their trends”. Resource Conservation and Recycling 123: 230 – 241.
[7] Berardi U. 2018. „Aerogel-enhanced solutions for building energy retrofits: insights from a case study”. Energy and Buildings 159: 370 – 381.
[8] BurattiC.,E. Moretti, E. Belloni. 2016. „Aerogel Plasters for Building Energy Efficiency, in Nano Biotech Based Materials for Energy Building Efficiency” (ed. Pacheco Torgal et al.): 17 – 40.
[9] Cuce E., P. M. Cuce, C. J.Wood, S. B. Riffat. 2014. „Toward aerogel based thermal superinsulation in buildings: A comprehensive review”. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 34: 273 – 299.
[10] Gao T. 2014. „Aerogel-incorporated concrete: An experimental study”. Construction and Building Materials 52: 130 – 136.
[11] IbrahimM., P.H. Biwole, P.Achard, E.Wurtz, G. Ansart. 2015. „Building envelope with a new aerogel-based insulating rendering: Experimental numerical study, cost analysis, and thickness optimization”. Applied Energy 159: 490 – 501.
[12] Nosrati R., U. Berardi. 2018. „Hygrothermal characteristics of aerogel-enhanced insulating materials under different humidity and temperature conditions”. Energy and Buildings 158: 698 – 711.
[13] Shukla N., A. Fallahi, J.Kosny. 2014. „Aerogel Thermal Insulation – Technology Review Cost Study”. ASHRAE Transactions 120: 294 – 307.
Dr Umberto Berardi, Associate Professor, Ryerson University; Faculty of Engineering and Architectural Science; Toronto, Canada

prof. Umberto Berardi uberardi@ryerson.ca