GB2259732A

GB2259732A - Thermal insulation apparatus with flexible seal.

Info

Publication number: GB2259732A
Application number: GB9216557A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Shimon Klier
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1991-08-05
Filing date: 1992-08-04
Publication date: 1993-03-24
Also published as: GB9216557D0; IL99094A0; DE4225757A1

Description

??CC711 THERMAL INSULATION APPARATUS WITH FLEXIBLE SEAL The present

invention relates to insulation techniques in general, and, in particular, to techniques for maximizing the space between opposing panels of an insulation unit while preventing mechanical failure thereof due to a change in volume of a gas contained by the insulation unit.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The provision of thermal insulation by employing a pair of spaced apart, typically parallel, light transmissive panels, is well known. A typical application or this principle is the provision of double-glazing in place of the windows of a building. It is also known to maximize the air space between the panels, so as to maximize the insulative effect provided thereby. Preferably. the panels are assembled in the form of an hermetically sealed unit. thereby preventing the movement of air through the unit. and thus maximizing the efficiency thereof. Hermetically sealed insulation units are also known to be sealed under a slight negative pressure, thereby preventing the formation of condensation on an interior surface of the unit.

Conventional sealing techniques prevent provision of an air gap in hermetically sealed insulation units of the abovedescribed construction of greater than about 22 - 24 mm. This constraint is caused by the very high pressures exerted on the panels by a volume of gas when subject to even a relatively small change in temperature.

2 - Accordingly, in a hermetically sealed insulation unit having an air gap of greater than about 22 or 24 mm, daily heating and cooling of the air inside the insulation unit would cause high positive or negative pressures inside the unit, leading to material failure of the unit. Most prone to material failure in this manner are the seals between the light transmissive panels.

As described, inter alia, in Applicant's U.S. Patent No. 4,815.442. in order to prevent the development of high positive or negative pressures inside the insulation unit, such a unit may be constructed as a vented unit. such that the pressure inside the unit is generally atmospheric. Although this provides a solution to the problem of material failure caused by the generation of high pressures within the unit, the insulative effect of such a unit is reduced due to the exchange or air with the atmosphere. Furthermore. non-hermetically sealed units are prone to condensation. which is aesthetically undesirable.

Condensation also causes a loss in radiation transmission through the unit.

Accordingly. the best insulative results would be received by providing a unit which is hermetically sealed, and in which the spacing between the panels is not limited by the abovedescribed problem caused by hermetic sealing of insulation units.

k SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention seeks to provide a hermetically sealed thermal insulation unit overcoming disadvantages of known art.

There is provided. therefore. in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. thermal insulation apparatus including a pair of spaced apart panels. of which one or both are transmissive to solar spectrum radiation; and flexible sealing apparatus, associated with the pair of panels, defining with the pair of panels a sealed interior space containing a gas, the flexible sealing apparatus being operative to permit relative movement to occur between the pair of panels in response to a change in gas pressure inside the sealed space.

There is also provided. in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention. solar collector apparatus including the following: a body of material sought to be heated; thermal insulation apparatus including a pair of spaced apart panels, or which one or both are transmissive to solar spectrum radiation; and flexible sealing apparatus, associated with the pair or panels. defining with the pair of panels a sealed interior space containing a gas. the flexible sealing apparatus being operative to permit relative movement to occur between the pair of panels in response to a change in gas pressure inside the sealed space. There is also provided apparatus for mounting the thermal insulation apparatus in association with the body of material.

Additionally in accordance with an embodiment of the 4 - invention, the pair or panels define edge portions and the f lexible sealing apparatus includes a resilient member, associated with the edge portions or the pair or panels, operative to take up a deformed configuration in response to a minimum force, and to return to a non-deformed configuration when the minimum force is removed; and gas- impermeable sealing apparatus associated with the resilient member and the pair of panels so as to provide a gas-impermeable seal therebetween.

According to one embodiment of the invention, resilient member has a bellows configuration, extending transversely between the pair of panels and peripherally therealong.

According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the pair of panels includes first and second panels having respective first and second edge portions, the resilient member extending along the edge portion of the first edge portion of the first panel. According to this embodiment, the gas impermeable sealing apparatus includes a rigid frame member extending along the first and second edge portions of the first and second panels and oriented transversely with respect thereto, the rigid frame member having first and second elongate edge portions associated with respective ones of the first and second edge portions of the first and second panels, the first elongate edge portion of the rigid frame member being transversely spaced from the first edge portion of the first panel. and the second elongate edge portion of the rigid frame member being secured to the second edge portion of the second panel via gas impermeable securing apparatus; the resilient member being disposed between z - and defining a gas impermeable seal with the first elongate portion of the rigid frame apparatus and the first panel, thereby permitting movement of the first panel, relative.to the second panel, in response to a minimum force.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be more fully understood and appreciated from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a schematic. perspective illustration of a thermal insulation unit employing a flexible seal and constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; Fig. 2A is a sectional illustration of an edge detail of the unit of Fig. 1; Fig. 2B is a sectional illustration corresponding to Fig. 2A, but wherein the unit is illustrated in an expanded position; Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional illustration of the flexible seal of Figs. 1 - 2B; Fig. 4 is a schematic, perspective illustration of a thermal insulation unit employing a flexible seal and constructed in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the invention; Fig. 5A is a sectional illustration of an edge detail of the unit of Fig. 4; Fig. 5B is a sectional illustration corresponding to Fig. 5A. but wherein the unit is illustrated in an expanded position; Fig. 6 is a sectional illustration of an edge construction employing a sealing element similar to that illustrated in Fig. 5A, but having an edge construction according to an alternative embodiment of the invention; Fig. 7 is a sectional illustration of an edge construction detail of a thermal insulation unit constructed in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention; Fig. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional illustration of a solar collector structure in which a wall element has attached thereto and is heated by a thermal insulation unit constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional illustration of a solar collector structure, constructed in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the invention, in which a window space formed in a wall element has mounted therein a thermal insulation unit, constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 10A is a top view illustration of a fixed mounting structure designed and operative in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 10B is a side view illustration of insulation units, mounted on the mounting structure of Fig. lOA; Fig. 11 is a pictorial illustration of an insulation unit constructed and operative in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; Fig. 12 is an enlarged illustration of a portion of the insulation unit of Fig. 11; and Fig. 13 is a schematic sectional view of an edge detail of a double glazing unit constructed in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference is now made to Fig. 1, in which is illustrated a hermetically sealed thermal insulation unit 10, constructed according to an embodiment or the invention. Referring now also to Fig. 2A, unit 10 includes first and second spaced apart panels. respectively referenced 12 and 14. of which one or both are transmissive to solar spectrum radiation, and a flexible seal. referenced generally 16. Panels 12 and 14 may be formed of any suitable light transmissive material, such as PMMA (PolyMethylMethacrylate), UV protected polycarbonate or glass, formed by any suitable technique. According to one embodiment of the invention, one of the panels may be opaque.

Flexible seal 1 snace 18 6 defines with panels 12 and 14 a containing a gas, typically air. The permit relative movement to occur between panels 12 and 14 in response to a change in gas pressure inside the sealed interior space 18. Typically, although not necessarily, a layer 19 of solar spectrum transmissive insulation. in the form of an array of cells is provided within space 18. Layer 19 is substantially as described in conjunction with Fig. 12 below, and further as described in Applicant's U.S. Patent No. 4,815,442. the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

As described hereinabove. changes in the gas pressure inside thermal insulation units such as unit 10, are caused by a change in temperature of the gas inside the unit. Conventionally, hermetically sealed double glazing units are limited to a thickness of approximately 20 - 24 mm in order to avoid material sealed interior function of flexible seal 16 is to failure thereof.

Units employing an air gap larger than 20 - 24 mm are conventionally not hermetically sealed, as this leads to premature failure of the seals due to their inability to withstand the large pressure changes within the unit as the gas is heated and seeks to expand, thereby causing a large increase in the gas pressure, or as the gas is cooled and seeks to contract, thereby causing a large decrease in the gas pressure.

It will be appreciated that with the provision of flexible seal 16, various embodiments of which are described below, much greater spacing between panels 12 and 14 of unit 10 may be provided. Regardless of the spacing between the panels, as the gas contained in unit 10 undergoes a temperature change, the panels are permitted to move apart in response to a change in the gas pressure inside unit 10. The movement apart of the panels results in equalization of the external and internal forces acting on the unit, and thus prevents premature material failure of the unit.

According to the present embodiment, and referring additionally to Figs. 2B and 3. flexible seal 16 is a resilient strip 20 which is secured at locations 21 to opposing first and second edge portions 22 and 24 of respective panels 12 and 14. Typically. both the sealing of unit 10 and the securing of seal 16 to panels 12 and 14 may be provided in accordance with prior art double-glazing techniques, and are not, therefore, described in detail herein. An example or a material suitable ror sealing of unit 10 is butyl rubber. Examples of materials suitable for securing flexible seal 16 to panels 12 and 14 are silicon rubber, polysulfide and the like.

In Fig. 2A, resilient strip 20 is shown in a relatively non-extended position, indicating an initial position of equilibrium between the internal and external forces acting on the unit 10.

In Fig. 2B, however, resilient strip 20 is shown to be in a relatively extended position. wherein expansion of the gas contained in space 18 due to heating thereof has caused a relative movement apart of the first and second panels, to a second equilibrium position. The full extent or this movement is indicated by an arrow 26 (Fig. 2B). Subsequent cooling of the gas in space 18 causes a contraction of unit 10 as indicated by arrow 28 (Fig. 2A).

As indicated schematically in Fig. 1. resilient strip 20 extends transversely between panels 12 and 14 and between the edge portions 22 and 24 thereof.

As illustrated, particularly in Fig. 3. resilient strip 20 has a bellows or spring-like crosssectional configuration, and is typically made of a thin sheet of metal, such as stainless steel, formed into the illustrated configuration by known techniques.

Reference is now made to Fig. 4, in which is illustrated a hermetically sealed thermal insulation unit, referenced generally 30. constructed according to an alternative embodiment of the invention. Referring now also to Figs. 5A and 5B, unit 30 includes first and second spaced apart panels, respectively referenced 32 and 34, of which one or both are transmissive to solar spectrum radiation, and sealing apparatus, referenced generally 36. As with the embodiment of Figs. 1 - 2B, panels 32 and 34 may be formed of any suitable solar spectrum radiation transmissive material.

Sealing apparatus 36 includes a compressible, resilient member 38 extending along an edge portion 40 of first panel 32.

Resilient member 38 may be made of any suitable material, such as an elastomer, for example. There is also provided gas impermeable sealing apparatus which, in the present embodiment. includes a rigid frame member 42 extending along first and second edge portions, respectively referenced 40 and 44. of the first and second panels 32 and 34. Frame member 42 is oriented transversely with respect to the panels and has first and second elongate edge portions, respectively referenced 48 and 50, respectively associated with the first and second edge portions 40 and 44 of the first and second panels.

In the illustrated embodiment the first elongate edge portion 48 of frame member 42 is transversely spaced from first edge portion 40 of first panel 32. Second elongate edge portion 50 of frame member 42 is secured to and sealed together with second edge portion 44 of second panel 34. at location 52, via suitable adhesive and sealing materials such as described hereinabove in conjunction with the embodiments of Figs. 1 - 3.

Further according to the present embodiment, resilient member 38 is secured to and sealed together with first elongate portion 48 of frame member 42 and the first panel 32, by provision of a suitable adhesive and sealing materials as described above. at locations 53. Provision of resilient member 38 as illustrated permits movement of first panel 32 relative to second panel 34. Such movement would typically be in response an internal pressure change caused by a change in the temperature of the gas contained in space 33 defined by panels 32 and 34 and sealing apparatus 36.

According to the present embodiment, and referring particularly to Fig. 5A. resilient member 38 is initially in a relatively non-compressed position, indicating a first position of equilibrium between the internal and external forces acting on the unit 30.

In Fig. 5B. however, resilient member 38 is illustrated in a compressed position, expansion of the gas contained in space 33 due to heating thereof having caused a relative movement apart of the first and second panels, to a second equilibrium position. The extent of this movement is i ndicated by an arrow 54 (Fig. 5B). Subsequent cooling of the gas in space 33 results in a contraction of unit 30. which is indicated by an arrow 56 (Fig.

5A).

The embodiment illustrated in Fig. 6 is generally similar to that of Figs. 5A and 5B. In the present embodiment, however. the second elongate edge portion 50 of frame member 42 is attached and sealed to an outward-facing surface 47 of second panel 34, rather than to an inward-facing surface thereof.

Referring now briefly to Fig. 7. there is shown an edge detail of a thermal insulation unit construction in which the embodiments of Figs. 2A and 2B. and Figs. 5A - 6, are combined. Accordingly. resilient strip 20 is secured to and sealed between 1 first and second panels 58 and 60 at locations 21. Additionally, frame member 42 and resilient member 38 are also provided. suitable adhesive and sealing materials substantially as described hereinabove in conjunction with the any of the embodiments of Figs. 1 - 5B, being provided at locations 53 and 49.

It will be appreciated that, in the present heating of gas contained within an interior space illustrated unit causes expansion of the gas and extension of strip 20 and compression of member 38, as and 60 move apart. Subsequent cooling of the gas in permits contraction of strip 20 and a recovery of member 38. accompanied by a contraction of the panels original positions.

The thermal insulation apparatus shown and described above in conjunction with Figs. 1 - 7 is suitable for different applications, typically, but not only, as double glazing for dwellings and industrial buildings; and in conjunction with greenhouses. thermal walls, and solar ponds, for example.

Reference is now made to Fig. 13, in which is illustrated and edge detail of a double glazing unit 110. constructed in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention. In the present embodiment, there are provided first and second spaced apart panels, respectively referenced 112 and 114. which are separated by a flexible seal referenced generally 116.

Flexible seal 116 comprises a resilient strip 118, embodiment, 62 of the consequent panels 58 space 62 resilient to their which is placed between strips 120 of any suitable flexible insulation material. Insulation strips 120 are supported between rigid elements 122, typically metal profiles, which are sealed together with inward-facing surfaces of panels 112 and 114 by any suitable sealant, shown at 125, such as buthyl rubber. Resilient strip 118 is preferably similar to resilient strip 20 as shown and described hereinabove in conjunction with Figs. 2A - 3.

According to conventional double-glazing practice, elements 122 are provided so as to contain a hygroscopic material 124 which is exposed to the interior of the unit 110 so as to absorb any water vapor that may be present therein, thereby preventing condensation from forming on either of the inwardfacing surfaces of the panels.

A strip 126 formed of a suitable securing material is provided along the external edge of flexible seal 116, in accordance with conventional double-glazing practice. Strip 126 is typically formed of silicon rubber. polysulfide, or the like.

According to further embodiments of the invention, any or all of the materials and techniques of the present embodiment may be incorporated into any of the embodiments of Figs. 1 7 described above.

Referring now to Fig. 8, there is illustrated in schematic cross-section a solar collector structure 69 in which a wall element 70. which may be a portion of an external wall of a dwelling, workplace. or other building, has attached thereto thermal insulation unit 72. Unit 72 may be constructed in accordance with any of the embodiments shown and described hereinabove in conjunction with of Figs. 1 - 7.

1 In the present embodiment, wall element 70 is sought to be heated by the incidence of solar spectrum radiation thereon. As described above, unit 72 is transmissive to solar spectrum radiation but is generally opaque to thermal IR, thereby preventing substantial heat loss from the wall fabric. This principle is substantially as described in Applicant's U.S.

Patent No. 4.815,442.

Referring now to Fig. 9, there is illustrated a further solar collector structure, referenced generally 75. Solar collector structure 75 includes a wall element 76 having formed therein a window space 74. Window space 74 has mounted therein a window frame 78 adapted to receive a thermal insulation unit 80 constructed in accordance with any of the embodiments shown and described hereinabove in conjunction with of Figs. 1 - 7.

Solar spectrum radiation, indicated schematically by arrow 77. impinges on an external panel 82 of unit 80, and is transmitted therethrough so as to emerge through an internal panel 84 of unit 80. so as to heat a body of air contained in an air space 79. adjacent to the interior of the wall element.

Unit 80 is, in the illustrated embodiment. employed in place of conventional single or double glazing. Due to the flexible seal provided in unit 80, it may be substantially thicker than a conventional double glazing unit. Accordingly, unit 80 provides thermal insulation that is far better than that provided by conventional double glazing.

Referring now generally to Figs. 10A and 10B, there is illustrated a solar pond structure, referenced generally 90. in which an array 92 of thermal insulation units 94, constructed in accordance with the teachings of any of Figs. 1 - 7. is supported above a body 96 of liquid. typically water. AS described hereinbelow, units 94 are transmissive to solar spectrum radiation, thereby permitting heating of the liquid, and are preferably opaque to thermal IR, thereby preventing heat loss from the liquid.

Array 92 is supported above surface 98 of the liquid by any suitable support apparatus, indicated schematically at 100. Array 92 may be constructed and positioned with respect to the body of liquid according to any of the embodiments shown and described in U.S. Patent No. 4,815. 422, and is thus not described in detail herein.

Reference is now made to Fig. 11 in which is shown an insulation unit 94. constructed according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The unit 94 comprises top and bottom parallel panels 102 and 104. respectively, rectangular side walls 106 which are perpendicular to and disposed between the top and bottom panels surfaces. Side walls 106, illustrated schematically herein, preferably incorporate flexible sealing apparatus as illustrated and described above in conjunction with any of Figs. 1 - 7.

Reference is now made additionally to Fig. 12 in which is shown an enlarged view of an array of cells 108 which occupy the interior of insulation unit 94. Each such cell is, as shown, typically square in plan and rectangular in section, so as to extend either at right angles to top and bottom panels 102 and 1o4, or at a predetermined inclination thereto. Typical dimensions of each cell 102 are 4mm x 4mm x loomm. Unit 94 and array of cells 108 may be of any suitable construction, but preferably as described in Applicant's U.S. Patent No. 4,815,442.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the invention is not limited by what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove. Rather the scope of the present invention is defined only by the claims which follow:

Claims

CLAIMS Thermal insulation apparatus comprising: a pair of spaced apart

panels, at least one of which is transmissive to solar spectrum radiation; and flexible sealing means, associated with said pair of panels, defining with said pair of panels a sealed interior space containing a gas, said flexible sealing means being operative to permit relative movement to occur between said pair of panels In response to a change in gas pressure inside said sealed space.
2. Apparatus according to claim 1, and wherein said pair of panels define edge portions and said flexible sealing means comprises:

resilient means, associated with said edge portions of said pair of panels, operative to take up a deformed configuration in response to at least a minimum force applied thereto via said edge portions, said resilient means being further operative to return to a non-deformed configuration when said minimum force is removed; and gas impermeable sealing means associated with said resilient means and said pair of panels so as to provide a gas impermeable seal therebetween.
3. Apparatus according to claim 2, and wherein said resilient means comprises bellows extending transversely between said pair of panels and peripherally therealong.
4. Apparatus according to claim 2. and wherein said resilient means comprises a resilient member having a spring-like cross-section, extending transversely between said pair of panels and peripherally therealong, and secured to said pair of panels via gas impermeable securing means.

19
5. Apparatus according to claim 2, and wherein said pair of panels comprises first and second panels having respective first and second edge portions, said resilient means comprises a compressible, resilient member extending along said edge portion of said first edge portion of said first panel, and said gas impermeable sealing means comprises:

a rigid frame member extending along said first and second edge portions of said first and second panels and oriented transversely with respect thereto. said rigid frame member having first and second elongate edge portions associated with respective ones of said first and second edge portions of said first and second panels, said first elongate edge portion of said rigid frame member being transversely spaced from said first edge portion of said first panel, and said second elongate edge portion of said rigid frame member being secured to said second edge portion of said second panel via gas impermeable securing means, and wherein said resilient member is disposed between and defines a gas impermeable seal with said first elongate portion of said rigid frame means and said first panel, thereby permitting movement of said first panel. relative to said second panel, in response to a minimum force.
6. Apparatus according to claim 2 or any claim appendant thereto, and wherein said resilient means is made of one of the group which consists of: an elastomer, and metal.
7. Apparatus according to claim 2, and wherein said pair of panels comprises first and second panels having respective first and second edge portions and said resilient means comprises:

a first resilient member extending along said edge portion of said first edge portion of said first panel; and a second resilient member extending transversely between said first and second edge portions of said first and second panels and peripherally therealong; and said gas impermeable sealing means comprises:

a rigid frame member extending along said first and second edge portions or said first and second panels and oriented transversely with respect thereto. said rigid frame member having first and second elongate edge portions associated with respective ones of said first and second edge portions of said first and second panels, said first elongate edge portion of said rigid frame member being transversely spaced from said rirst edge portion of said first panel, and said second elongate edge portion of said rigid frame member being secured to said second edge portion of said second panel via gas impermeable said first resilient member being disposed between said first elongate portion of said rigid frame means and said first panel, so as to permit movement of said first panel, relative to said second panel, in response to a minimum force; and means for providing a gas impermeable seal between said second resilient member and said first and second edge portions of said first and second panels, and. further. for providing a gas impermeable seal between said first elongate portion of said rigid frame means and said first panel.

securing means
8. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, and wherein both said pair of panels are transmissive to solar spectrum radiation.
9. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, and also comprising an array of cells generally transmissive to solar spectrum radiation and generally opaque to thermal radiation located in said sealed interior space.
10. Solar collector apparatus comprising:

a body of material sought to be heated; thermal insulation apparatus comprising:

a pair of spaced apart panels, at least one of which is transmissive to solar spectrum radiation; and flexible sealing means, associated with said pair of panels, defining with said pair of panels a sealed interior space containing a gas, said flexible sealing means being operative to permit relative movement to occur between said pair of panels in response to a change in gas pressure inside said sealed space; and means for mounting said thermal insulation apparatus in association with said body of material.

said pair configuration Ir
11. Apparatus according to claim 10, and wherein said pair of panels define edge portions and said rlexible sealing means comprises:

resilient means, associated with said edge portions or of panels, operative to take up a deformed response to at least a minimum force applied thereto via said edge portions, said resilient means being rurther operative to return to a non-deformed configuration when said minimum force is removed; and gas impermeable sealing means associated with said resilient means and said pair or panels so as to provide a gas impermeable seal therebetween.
12. Apparatus according to claim 11, and wherein said resilient means comprises bellows extending transversely between said pair of panels and peripherally therealong.
13. Apparatus according to claim 11, and wherein said resilient means comprises a resilient member having a spring-like cross-section, extending transversely between said pair of panels and peripherally therealong, and secured to said pair of panels via gas impermeable securing means.
14. Apparatus according to claim 11, and wherein said pair of panels comprises first and second panels having respective first and second edge portions, said resilient means comprises a compressible, resilient member extending along said edge portion of said first edge portion of said first panel, and said gas impermeable sealing means comprises:

a rigid frame member extending along said first and second edge portions of said first and second panels and oriented transversely with respect thereto, said rigid frame member having first and second elongate edge portions associated with respective ones of said first and second edge portions of said first and second panels, said first elongate edge portion of said rigid frame member being transversely spaced from said first edge portion of said first panel, and said second elongate edge portion of said rigid frame member being secured to said second edge portion of said second panel via gas impermeable securing means, and wherein said resilient member is disposed between and defines a gas impermeable seal with said first elongate portion of said rigid frame means and said first panel. thereby permitting movement of said first panel, relative to said second panel, in response to a minimum force.
15. Apparatus according to any one of claims 11 to 14, and wherein said resilient means is made of one of the group which consists of: an elastomer, and metal.
16. Apparatus according to claim 11, and wherein said pair of panels comprises first and second panels having respective first and second edge portions and wherein said resilient means comprises:

first resilient member extending along said edge portion of said first edge portion of said first panel; and second resilient member extending transversely between said first and second edge portions of said first and second panels and peripherally therealong; and said gas impermeable sealing means comprises:

a rigid frame member extending along said first and second edge portions of said first and second panels and oriented transversely with respect thereto, said rigid frame member having first and second elongate edge portions associated with respective ones of said first and second edge portions of said first and second panels, said first elongate edge portion of said rigid frame member being transversely spaced from said first edge portion of said first panel, and said second elongate edge portion of said rigid frame member being secured to said second edge portion of said second panel via gas impermeable securing means, said first resilient member being disposed between said first elongate portion of said rigid frame means and said first panel, so as to permit movement of said first panel, relative to said second panel, in response to a minimum force; and means for providing a gas impermeable seal between said second resilient member and said first and second edge portions of said first and second panels, and. further, for providing a gas impermeable seal between said first elongate portion of said rigid frame means and said first panel.
17. Apparatus according to any of claims 10 to 16, and wherein said means for mounting said thermal insulation apparatus is adapted to mount said thermal insulation apparatus in a nonperpendicular orientation relative to the direction of gravitational acceleration.
18. Apparatus according to claim 17, and wherein said body of material is air, both said pair of panels are transmissive to solar spectrum radiation, and said means for mounting said thermal insulation apparatus comprises a window frame construction.
19. Apparatus according to claim 17, and wherein said body of material comprises a wall construction, and said means for mounting said thermal insulation apparatus comprises means for mounting said thermal insulation apparatus in thermally transmissive association therewith.
20. Apparatus according to claim 15, and wherein said means for mounting said thermal insulation apparatus is adapted to mount said thermal insulation apparatus in an orientation generally perpendicular to the direction of gravitational acceleration.
21. Apparatus according to claim 20, and wherein said body of material comprises a liquid.
22. Apparatus according to claim 10, and also comprising an array of cells generally transmissive to solar spectrum radiation and generally opaque to thermal radiation located in said sealed interior space.
23. Apparatus according to claim 1, substantially as herein described with reference to and as shown in any of Figures 1 to 3; 4 to 5B; 6; 7; 9; 10A and lOB; 11 and 12; or 13 of the accompanying drawings.
24. Apparatus according to claim 10, substantially as herein described with reference to and as shown in any of Figures 1 to 3; 4 to 5B; 6; 7; 8; 9; IOA and lOB; 11 and 12; or 13 of the accompany ing drawings.

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