A methodological framework for the analysis of the service life of VIPs based envelope components in buildings

Vacuum Insulation Panels (VIPs) represent one of the most promising solution for building insulation. Nevertheless the VIPs service life may be limited by water vapour as well as gas permeations. The extent of their occurrence is strictly dependent by the severity of temperature and humidity at which VIPs are exposed during their operation. In the context of IEA EBC Annex 65 activities, a common simulation based procedure was introduced to identify potential critical hygrothermal working conditions for VIPs when they are used in different building components. A methodological framework was developed to estimate the yearly profiles of temperature and relative humidity at the boundaries of VIPs considering different indoor and external conditions and envelope configurations. This procedure provided general data suggesting guidelines for the correct design of VIP based building components considering their actual working conditions.