A n E x p e r i m e n t a l P e r f o r m a n c e C o m p a r i s o n o f V I P s W a l l
717
Figure 9: Wall surface temperatures of the joiner type (left) and wooden lath type (right) from the
infrared image
Conclusion
This study evaluated the experimental thermal performance of VIP walls according to
VIP installation methods; the thermoplastic joiner type and wooden lath type. From the
experimental results, it was concluded that the joiner type has nearly 2 times better
thermal performance than the wooden lath type, and the former is more advantageous
than the latter in terms of thermal bridge effect. However, although the connecting area
of the wooden lath type seems to be more vulnerable to heat loss than the joiner type, it
can be claimed that this type of VIP installation is a viable option as is readily available
and relatively inexpensive.
In addition, it was found that although the wall has a same thickness of VIP applied, the
thermal performance can be extremely varied by thermal bridge characteristic at the VIP
connecting areas that is related to the connecting material, its size, air gap and so on.
Therefore, it is very important to choose the proper installation method of VIPs into
building elements that minimizes the thermal bridge effect.
Acknowledgements
This work was supported by Priority Research Centers Program through the National
Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) funded by the Ministry of Education, Science and
Technology (No.2009-0093825) and the Human Resources Development of the Korea
Institute of Energy Technology Evaluation and Planning (No.20114010203040) grant
funded by the Korea government Ministry of Knowledge Economy
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