WO2011020617A2

WO2011020617A2 - Heat-insulating element and method for the production thereof

Info

Publication number: WO2011020617A2
Application number: PCT/EP2010/005098
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jens Struckmeier
Original assignee: Jens Struckmeier
Priority date: 2009-08-21
Filing date: 2010-08-19
Publication date: 2011-02-24
Also published as: DE102009038461B4; WO2011020617A3; DE102009038461A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a thermal heat-insulating element, which comprises at least two abutting layers, wherein each layer is formed from a plurality of connected strands, which run parallel to one another and are arranged in one plane. Each strand is formed from a plurality of connected, hollow and evacuated, elongated cells, each cell in the same strand adjoins no more than two further cells, all of which are sealed with respect to one another by constrictions, and the cells of a layer are arranged offset in the strand direction with respect to the respectively adjoining cells of an adjoining layer. The invention additionally relates to a method for producing a heat-insulating element, comprising melting material, pressing the molten material through an opening into an evacuated chamber in the form of a hollow strand, constricting the strand at approximately equal intervals, and stretching the strand, so that the wall thickness of the strand is reduced.

Description

HEAT INSULATION ELEMENT AND METHOD FOR THE PRODUCTION THEREOF

DESCRIPTION

5 Field of the invention

The invention relates to thermal insulation elements of low thermal conductivity, for example for thermal insulation or thermal insulation of buildings or technical equipment, with multicellular, individually sealed, evacuated cavities and o o process for producing such thermal insulation elements.

Background of the invention

Thermal insulation elements are used in many areas from the refrigerator to the thermal insulation of space capsules. Due to the need of

Energy savings in heating and cooling energy consumption of houses, buildings and refrigerators and freezers and rooms are highly efficient heat-insulating

Servings necessary and meaningful. o The amount of heat that is transferred from a warmer area to a colder area in a certain period of time is called heat flow. Of the

Heat flow through a solid depends on its thermal conductivity. Of the

Thermal conductivity of a solid results from its length, the passage area of the heat flow and a material-specific thermal conductivity λ. It is the

5 Wärmeleitwert for a solid at a minimum passage area and / or a maximum path length for the heat flow through the solid minimum. In addition to the heat conduction in the interior of the solid, heat is released outside the solid by convection, ie the transport of molecules, and heat radiation of the solid. Thermal insulation or insulation means to reduce at least one of these effects. In homes, buildings, refrigerators and freezers and rooms nowadays readily available and large-scale cost-effective insulation materials, which have low thermal conductivity are used. One representative of these materials is polystyrene (Styropor ™). This consists essentially of foam balls filled with gases or air. Other low thermal conductivity materials used for thermal insulation purposes include mineral wool and fibers, hollow fibers, perlites, as well as natural or biological materials such as virgin wool or straw. With these materials, a thermal conductivity λ of 0.03 to 0.08 W / (mK) is typically achieved. The low thermal conductivity is based on the one on the low

Thermal conductivity of the framework itself, but on the other significant on the low thermal conductivity of the enclosed gas. In the case of most conventional insulation materials, air is trapped. Air has one

Thermal conductivity of λ -0.0261 W / (mK). To the thermal conductivity of the

In addition to optimizing the framework material, the thermal conductivity of the enclosed gas must be reduced.

A gas with very low thermal conductivity is carbon dioxide (λ -0.015 W / (mK)), which is often used in high-damping materials for this reason. A permanent inclusion in, for example, foamed plastics is difficult because it comes to the outdiffusion of the gas over time. At present, many efforts are being made to further reduce the thermal conductivity of thermal insulation materials.

A technologically sophisticated approach is to reduce the number of gas molecules by creating a vacuum. "Evacuated" or "vacuum" means that a fluid in a volume, for example in one of the cells 4A, 4B, 4C, of Figure 1 has a pressure significantly lower than the atmospheric pressure at

Normal conditions is. This may be a rough vacuum at 10 to 10 Pa, a fine vacuum of 10 ² to 10 ¹ Pa, a high vacuum of 10 ^"1 to 10 ^{" 4} Pa or even an ultra-high vacuum of less than 10 ^"4 Pa.

A known embodiment of such a vacuum insulation is to evacuate the cavity of a double-walled container. This is used for Example in thermoses or Dewar vessels. The double-walled cavities, the walls of which are a few millimeters apart, usually consist of glass or stainless steel surfaces and have no supporting structures. Residual pressure is in the range of 10 ^" 'Pa. Due to the lack of support core, mainly rotationally symmetric 5 containers can be realized In such vacuum-insulated structures without support core, the edge losses via the contact points of the two parts of the double jacket account for most of the heat losses.

At the beginning of the 1990s, there were activities in the USA for the development of insulating materials o based on partially evacuated glass microspheres (see US Pat. Nos. 5,500,287 and 5,501,871).

To the best of our knowledge, there are no commercial products based on these patents.

The other possibility of vacuum insulation is the use of a

5 support core. Such an evacuated body with low thermal conductivity for

Thermal insulation is known as a vacuum insulation panel (Vacuum Insulated Panel, VIP for short) (for example from DE 1 434 758, DE 38 28 669). It consists of a porous core material and a sufficiently gastight envelope. The core material serves as a support body and the shell prevents the gas entry into the insulation board. With such materials o thermal conductivities of about 0.004 W / (mK) can be realized. This value is lower by a factor of 5-10 compared to conventional insulating materials (e.g., polystyrene). Due to the ecological and economic benefits is for vacuum insulation panels, especially for insulation in house construction, especially after Passivhausstandart a large

Development and market potential seen.

5

So far, the production of these materials is expensive and therefore the associated price is high. In addition, such an insulating board is very sensitive to mechanical damage. No matter how small damage in the hermetic shell at any point can penetrate ambient air and thus leads to a massive o increase the thermal conductivity of the entire insulation board. Already while laying this

Plates damage can easily occur and these are not easily detected when installed. Another disadvantage of the VIPs is that the high insulation value is achieved only theoretically. In practice joints occur in the millimeter range during installation that can not be completely avoided. Such joints already cause significant unwanted thermal bridges.

As a problem with the current state of the art of vacuum insulation panels is also seen that the long-term stability of the hermeticity of the envelope can not be guaranteed easily over decades. When the shell of a vacuum insulation panel is damaged, the vacuum collapses and the thermal conductivity of the panel drastically increases, making it virtually unusable. Especially in house building a stability of the vacuum over well over 20 years is desired.

Although a solution to this problem provides the patent US 4,468,423. It discloses a thermal insulation element consisting of several individually evacuated chambers

is composed. The chambers are initially each an opening to be sucked by the gases contained; after suction, the opening is closed. In one example, multiple layers of such chambers are stacked.

Another approach is disclosed in US Pat. No. 3,769,770. It describes a thermal insulation element with hollow fibers whose interior is evacuated. The hollow fibers are intertwined and coated with a reflective material.

The present invention is based on the object, heat insulation elements of the type mentioned but to further improve.

Summary of the invention

The invention provides a thermal insulation element which comprises at least two layers, wherein the layers are each formed from a plurality of strands which are approximately parallel to each other and interconnected in a plane, the strands each of a plurality of hollow, at least partially evacuated elongated cells are arranged in a row one behind the other, and wherein the cells are made of a hardenable material and assembled during curing so that each cell with the cells of the adjacent Strands of the same layer and the cells of the adjacent layers is directly connected.

The invention also provides a process for producing a thermal insulation element, comprising the steps of: melting starting material for the

Thermal insulation element; Injecting the molten material through an opening into an evacuated chamber as at least one strand enclosing one or more cavities; and multiple necking the or each strand at intervals along the strand and stretching the strand such that the wall thickness of the or each strand is reduced to the desired extent. From a plurality of strands, a layer is formed in which the strands are arranged approximately parallel to each other and connected together in a plane and in which each strand adjacent to two further strands, wherein the strands are joined together before they are cured.

Other aspects and embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the

dependent claims, the following description and the drawings.

In one embodiment, the cells are made of glass.

In an alternative exemplary embodiment, the cells are formed from hardenable plastic.

In another embodiment, each cell is directly connected to the cells of the adjacent strands of the same stratum and the cells of the adjacent strata via one or more material bridges.

The at least partially evacuated cells can after another

Embodiment also be filled with an insulating material.

In another embodiment, a cross-section of the at least two superposed layers has a pattern of regular hexagons. In a further embodiment, the heat-insulating element further comprises at least one infrared-reflective coating.

In a particular embodiment, the infrared-reflective coating is disposed between the layers.

In a further embodiment, the heat-insulating element is permeable to light in the visible range.

In a further embodiment, the thermal insulation element further comprises a layer for protection against mechanical stress.

In a further embodiment, the thermal insulation element is configured to enter into a connection with a facade coating.

In a particular embodiment, the thermal insulation element has at least four layers.

In another embodiment, at least two adjacent each

Layers are each combined in a layer package, in which the constrictions of the layers are arranged at equal intervals, wherein adjacent constrictions of different layers are arranged in a constriction plane perpendicular to the strand direction, and the constricting planes of adjacent layer packages are arranged offset to one another.

In one embodiment, gaps between the cells are evacuated.

In one embodiment, a thermal insulation effect depends on a direction of a temperature gradient.

In a further embodiment, the heat-insulating element at lateral edges on a connection profile for the positive connection with an adjacent thermal insulation element. In an alternative embodiment, the Wämedärnmelement at lateral edges on a coating for thermally insulating connection with an adjacent thermal insulation element.

5

In a further embodiment, the thermal insulation element with a

Photovoltaic element or a solar panel combined.

In one exemplary embodiment, a layer is formed from a plurality of strands, in which the strands are connected and extend approximately parallel to one another and in which each strand adjoins at most two further strands.

In one embodiment, the layer is adapted to the shape of a body to be insulated.

1 5

In a particular embodiment, the layer becomes a tubular

Rolled up thermal insulation element.

In another embodiment, at least two layers are stacked.

2 0

In a further embodiment, the constrictions of the strands of one of the at least two layers to the constrictions in another layer in

Strangrichtung offset arranged.

2 5 In a particular embodiment, the at least two layers in

even sections cut.

In a particular embodiment, the at least two layers are divided into uniform sections so as to provide a connection profile at lateral edges

3 o a positive connection with an adjacent thermal insulation element

exhibit. In one embodiment, the at least two layers form a thermal insulation element.

In one embodiment, the strands are arranged parallel to a pipeline. They serve in the form of a pipe jacket the insulation of the pipe and could be used for insulation requirements in pipeline construction and in solar thermal energy.

In a further embodiment, one or more layers on the inside or outside are provided with a photovoltaic layer.

In a further embodiment, the thermal insulation element is removed through a vacuum lock from the evacuated chamber.

Brief description of the drawing

Further features, advantages and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention and from the drawing. Here are shown schematically:

1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a thermal insulation element according to the invention with a plurality of cells;

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a further exemplary embodiment of a heat-insulating element according to the invention with a plurality of cells and a flat cross-sectional area; FIG.

3a shows a cross-sectional view of a further embodiment of a heat-insulating element according to the invention with cells with a round cross-section;

3b shows a cross-sectional view of a further embodiment of a heat-insulating element according to the invention with hexagonal cells; 3c shows a cross-sectional view of a further exemplary embodiment of a heat-insulating element according to the invention with octagonal cells; and

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a

5 thermal insulation elements according to the invention with adjacent layers, the

Make up shift packages.

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a

heat insulation elements according to the invention with superimposed layers surrounded o of a protective structure and a fold as a connection profile for positive locking

Connection with a neighboring heat-insulating element for the reduction of

Thermal bridges.

The drawing is not necessarily to scale. Some parts are only schematic

5 is shown. Attention was paid to the principle of the invention.

Description of the preferred embodiments

Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a

O heat insulation elements according to the invention with four layers 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, wherein

Of course, a multiple of it may be included as needed in a heat-insulating element. The layers 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D are approximately parallel and immediately adjacent to each other. Each layer 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D comprises several strands,

exemplified by 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D. The strands 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D of a layer 2A, 5 2B, 2C, 2D are approximately parallel to each other. In the illustrated embodiment, the

Strands 3 A, 3 B, 3 C, 3D of a layer 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D also approximately parallel to the strands of the adjacent layers. Each strand 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D comprises a plurality of cells, exemplified by 4A, 4B, 4C. The cells 4A, 4B, 4C in a strand 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D are arranged in a row, ie each cell 4A, 4B, 4C has in the same strand 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D at most two adjacent neighboring cells. The cells 4A, 4B, 4C are approximately tubular in this example, ie, their dimension in the strand direction is greater than their dimensions transverse to the strand direction. The cells 4A, 4B, 4C are respectively evacuated or at least partially evacuated, ie in the cells a pressure of about 10 ² Pa prevails. Each cell 4A, 4B, 4C is individually sealed gas-tight, ie, a gas exchange between the cells 4A, 4B, 4C or between a cell 4A, 4B, 4C and a

Environment does not take place.

The anisotropic elongated geometry of the structure also causes anisotropy of the thermal conductivity in the ratio of about 2: 1. The main insulating effect is given perpendicular to the element structure. The strands 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D therefore extend approximately at right angles to a heat-insulating direction, the heat-insulating direction for the region of the application describing the mean direction of heat flows through the heat-insulating element when used as intended. The heat-insulating direction therefore runs approximately parallel to a gradient of the temperature in the region of the heat-insulating element 1.

The cells 4A, 4B, 4C form a regular or irregularly arranged structure and are individually evacuated. As a result, the thermal insulation element 1 is constructed of individual mutually thermally independent cells. In the case of a mechanical impact on the component, such as a shock, drilling a hole or penetrating sharp objects (e.g., a nail), only locally cells are damaged and only lose their highly insulating properties. The

Thermal insulation element 1 as such remains functional. Such

Damage would be compared to a vacuum insulation board, as they are for

Application is usually used in construction, bring a failure of the thermal insulation of the entire vacuum insulation board, i. the

Thermal conductivity would increase to the level of an ambient fluid.

2 shows a perspective view of a further exemplary embodiment of a thermal insulation element 1 according to the invention. In the exemplary embodiment shown, each strand 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D has a round cross section. Each layer 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D is offset by one-half the strand width from the adjacent layers 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D so that, for example, strands 3A, 3B, 3C of layer 2D each have a boundary 6A, 6B, 6C between two Cover strands of the adjacent layer 2C. Each cell 4A, 4B, 4C is directly connected to the cells 4A, 4B, 4C of the adjacent strands 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D of the same layer and the adjacent layers 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D. Since the cells are made of glass in this example, thus creates a stable and dense heat-insulating structure of a component that carries itself 5, without an additional support or support material between the cells is necessary.

In one embodiment, the strands 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D are joined together for bonding before they are fully cured, after being melted as a raw material e.g. Glass by a mold to strands with one of the form

corresponding cross-section have been pressed. Thus, each cell 4A, 4B, 4C is connected to the cells 4A, 4B, 4C of the adjacent strands 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D of the same layer 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D and the cells of the adjacent layers 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D directly connected via one or more material bridges. The walls of the cells 4A, 4B, 4C are at least partially fused to the walls of the adjoining cells 4A, 4B, 4C of the adjacent strands 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, so that adjoining walls merge into one another without an additional wall Carrier or support material between the cells is necessary. o The positioning of the strands to each other in this example is similar to the positioning of hexagons of a regular hexagon pattern, as known from honeycombs.

By arranging these individual evacuated cells 4A, 4B, 4C in the manner of a

5 honeycomb structure, in which the cells 4A, 4B, 4C in the strands 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D

are mechanically connected to adjacent cells, the thermal insulation element 1 is replaced by a very high mechanical stability in addition to the thermal insulation effect. Thus, it is basically conceivable that the thermal insulation element 1 in addition to his

Thermal insulation effect can also take a structural-static function.

0

In FIGS. 1 and 2, constrictions 5A, 5B close the cells 4A, 4B, 4C in a strand 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D against each other. The cells are arranged in one embodiment such that the constrictions 5A, 5B are not the same for all the cells 4A, 4B, 4C Height are arranged, but that the constrictions 5A, 5B offset from the

Constrictions 5A, 5B are arranged in the adjacent strands and / or layers. This arrangement reduces heat flows through the thermal insulation element 1:

In thermal insulation element 1, a heat flow occurs essentially along the cell walls, since a heat flow is minimal in the interior of the cells due to the vacuum. The thermal conductivity of the thermal insulation element 1 is therefore essentially determined by the

Thermal conductivity of the cell walls and the geometry of the heat-insulating element 1 is influenced, namely by a surface passing through the heat flow and a path length through the thermal insulation element 1. To reduce the heat flow, the cell walls are not only designed as thin as possible, the staggered arrangement of the cells also extends the average path length the thermal insulation element 1 in relation to the thickness of the heat-insulating element 1, which reduces a relative thermal conductivity.

The constrictions 5A, 5B provide a path through the thermal barrier element which has a higher thermal conductivity than a path exclusively along the lateral cell walls. This is due to the fact that when constricting the hollow strands, the cell walls are pulled together and the strands are shortened slightly, so that in the area of the constrictions 5 A, 5 B more material in relation to

Wärmedämmelementoberfiäche in the region of the constrictions 5A, 5B is present. As a result, the passage area is increased in relation to the heat-insulating element surface.

In the exemplary embodiment in FIGS. 1 and 2, the constrictions 5A, 5B of the layer 2D are moreover arranged in the vicinity of the constrictions of the layer 2 after the next. Between these constrictions are cell walls of adjacent strands of the intermediate layer 2C. This results along these constrictions and the cell walls, an approximately rectilinear and therefore relatively short path through the thermal insulation element 1, whereby a thermal conductivity is increased in this area. In a particular embodiment, therefore, the constrictions in three

successive layers each arranged offset to the other two layers, so that such short paths are avoided by the thermal insulation element 1. 3a shows a cross section of a further exemplary embodiment of a heat-insulating element 1 according to the invention with six layers 2A-2F of strands 3 with a round cross-section. The thermal insulation element 1 has at its outer layers 2A, 2F each have a cover 8A, 8B, which protects the cells of the heat-insulating element 1 against mechanical stress. Due to the round cross section of the strands 3, the strands 3 can not fill a volume of the heat-insulating element 1 completely. There are therefore interstices 7 between the strands 3. The interstices 7 extend along the strands 3 and form a passage for fluids. As can be seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, there are also free areas around the constrictions 5A, 5B. The free areas around the constrictions 5A, 5B, in conjunction with the spaces 7, form a passage for fluids extending over several layers 2A-2F. Since the fluids in these spaces 7 and the free areas around the constrictions 5 A, 5 B are suitable to transfer heat by convection are in one

Exemplary embodiment, the gaps 7 and / or the free areas around the

Constrictions 5A, 5B at least partially blocked for fluid transport and evacuated, so that a heat flow through the interstices 7 is prevented. Blockages in a particular exemplary embodiment are designed so that heat conduction through the blocks remains minimal. The blockages are as thin as possible in this embodiment and made of a material with a low thermal conductivity.

In this variant as well, it is fundamentally conceivable that the thermal insulation element 1, in addition to its thermal insulation effect, can also assume a structural-static function.

In another embodiment, the gaps 7 of

Heat-absorbing elements 1 filled with a solid with low thermal conductivity to prevent convection through the thermal insulation element.

In a further embodiment, not shown, the constrictions surround the strands 3 not completely, but are formed only as depressions on one side or on two opposite sides of the strands 3, so that the

Diameter of the strands 3 is partially retained even in the area of constrictions. With a suitable orientation about the longitudinal axis of the strands 3, the layers are thus impermeable to fluids in the heat-insulating direction.

3b shows an alternative embodiment in which the cross section of a strand 3 5 is approximately hexagonal, so that the volume of a heat-insulating element 1 is filled by the strands 3 and gaps 7 between the strands 3 are minimal or avoided. In one embodiment, a heat flow along the free areas around the constrictions is prevented by arranging all the constrictions such that the free areas of the constrictions are not in fluid communication with each other. Although the free areas are evacuated around the constrictions, a heat flow along the constrictions is largely prevented. The areas where the strands touch 3, are in this

Arrangement significantly enlarged. This gives the structure additional stability, but it also increases a contact surface along which a heat flow over several layers 5 propagates through the thermal insulation element 1.

Since each wall in the region of the contacting surfaces is formed by the walls of two cells, these walls are twice as thick as the cell walls of a single strand 3. Strands 3 with further reduced wall thickness can therefore be used for this region.

If the wall thickness of the cells of a structure having round cross sections is reduced to a technically possible minimum, without thereby falling below a required mechanical strength, it may optionally be calculated and / or tested whether this structure 5 offers better thermal resistance than a structure with a cross section

Hexagons. It depends on various parameters. For example, increases an increased contact area between strands of 3 superimposed layers, the thermal conductivity of the heat-insulating element 1. The blockages or the

Solid to seal the gaps 7 contributes in such embodiments to o heat conduction along the direction of thermal insulation.

Other embodiments of the cross section of a heat-insulating element 1 are also conceivable. In Fig. 3 c has a thermal insulation element 1 cells with a Cross section pattern of regular octagons. Such a cross section arises, for example, when superimposed strands 3 are not offset but in

Heat insulation direction are arranged on each other. This arrangement results in the same thickness of the individual layers to a thicker thermal insulation element 1. A thicker thermal insulation element 1 is generally better suited to a bending load of

Endure thermal insulation elements 1. In addition, the number of gaps 7 between two layers 2 is reduced, so that fewer gaps 7 must be blocked. Also, the number of contact points between two layers 2 is lower than in a staggered structure, which provides a thermal resistance of the

Heat-insulating elements 1 basically increased.

4 shows a further embodiment of an arrangement of several layers, in which in each case three successive layers heat insulation elements or

Layer packages 20A, 20B, 20C form. In each layer package 20A, 20B, 20C, all the constrictions are approximately equidistantly spaced, and adjacent constrictions of different layers are each arranged approximately in a constriction plane 50A, 50B, 50C perpendicular to the strand direction in constriction groups. In the middle

Layer package 20B, the constriction plane 50C is offset from the constriction planes 50A, 50B of the outer layer package 20A. In this embodiment, short paths are avoided by the thermal insulation element 1 in the region of constrictions, since not only the boundaries between two strands lie on a straight path through the Wärmedärnmelement 1 along the constrictions, but also at least one strand is superimposed, which overlaps the boundary. Because in this

Embodiment, the constrictions of multiple layers are arranged in the same places, it is easier to produce than embodiments in which the locations of the constrictions for each layer differ from adjacent layers.

Fig. 5 shows a detail of the perspective view of another

Embodiment of a thermal insulation element 1 according to the invention consisting of several sub-elements. The thermal insulation element 1 has nine examples here

Layers 2A-2A, each grouped into three groups, of strands 3 each consisting of a plurality of closed cells 4 on. Between the layer 2C and the layer 2D and between the layer 2G and the layer 2H is a infrared reflecting layer 9 arranged. The outside of the heat-insulating element 1 is covered with a protective layer 10. This has, for example, predominantly two functions: First, it provides mechanical protection of the layers, on the other hand, it allows a simple mechanical processing or installation of the elements. In order to minimize thermal bridges caused by air gaps between adjacent elements, the thermal insulation element 1 according to FIG. 5 is designed such that it contains a groove or recess 12 on the lateral edge surface. An adjacent (not shown) Wärmdämmelement has formed on the lateral edge surface, for example, a spring or a recess 12 complementary to the recess so that two o adjacent thermal insulation elements can be connected at the lateral abutment surface via the coupling of the example tongue / groove.

In Fig. 5 shows the area 5 "cuts in the thermal insulation element 1 for the better

Representation of the internal structure. In this area, the enveloping layer 10 is not shown in FIG. 5.

Basically, it is less important for a function of the thermal insulation elements 1 of the aforementioned embodiments, whether the cells have the same lengths or

have different lengths. Also, the diameter of the cells may be the same or may vary for all cells.

A preferred embodiment comprises cells in the form of a honeycomb structure with a diameter of 1-10 mm and a wall thickness of 5-150 μm. The cells have a length of 1-50 cm in this embodiment. The heat-insulating element 5 preferably consists of 3-1000 layers of these cells and is designed to have an area of

100x100mm ² to 1000x1000mm ² cover. To the heat conduction of a

To reduce thermal insulation elements 1 along the edges thereof, the edge region may be formed in the form of a groove or a step, so that profiles adjacent

Heat insulation elements into each other or overlap. In order to ensure a permanent o Vakuumeinschluß, as the material is preferably glass or a

to use air-impermeable plastic. The quality of the vacuum is preferably to be chosen so that the free path of the remaining gas molecules is a multiple of Diameter of the elements is, for example, in a fine or high vacuum at a pressure of 10 to 10 ^'4 Pa.

A preferred embodiment is a thermal insulation element based on FIG. 1. 5 The thermal insulation according to the invention consists essentially of a

Glass structure. Glass as a material combines the advantages of high diffusion-tightness and pressure stability with low raw material costs. This glass structure consists of eight layers, each with a honeycomb diameter of 5 mm, one length of each

Honeycomb element of 50mm and a wall thickness of 0.050mm embedded in a o polystyrene shell of 5mm thickness. The entire element has a width of 750x750mm ² and a thickness of 50mm. The residual pressure of the enclosed gas (air) is less than 1 Pa (to withstand this pressure against the external pressure would be at least a wall thickness of 8,5μπι required). Between each of the eight layers is an infrared-reflective aluminum layer. The thus formed 5 thermal insulation element has a thermal conductivity of λ ~ 0.01 W / mK. For comparison:

This value is at least a factor of 4 smaller than the best classic

Insulating materials (e.g., mineral wool λ -0.04 W / mK). This means, for example, that an extremely well-insulated house wall of a passive house does not have one

Insulation thickness of 350mm, but with an insulating layer of 100mm to o is realized. This allows for the same insulating effect significantly slimmer

Wall structures. In passive house construction, the classically insulated walls are z.T. an insulating material with a layer thickness of 350mm provided. This typically leads to a total wall construction with a wall thickness of 500mm and more for solid houses in the passive house standard. This aesthetic disadvantage is with the invention

5 device avoided. An essential second advantage, especially in urban

Housing area plays a major role, is the area consumption. At the same

External size of the house is significantly more living space available through the use of the device according to the invention (per meter wall surface and floor results in a surface difference of 0.25m ² ). For a two-storey detached house with a floor area of ten by ten meters, this corresponds to an area gain of 18m (20m minus 10% wall portion). The total cost of a home is typically quoted in Euros per square meter of living space. The area profit would correspond with a total price of 1200 € / m ² a sum of 216006. Also If this is only a very simplified estimate, it will nonetheless be readily apparent that possible additional costs of such a system compared to today's conventional and state-of-the-art insulation materials can be quickly relativized or even overcompensated.

To improve the processability of the thermal insulation element, the

Heat insulation element to be surrounded by an outer shell. This shell is preferably made of relatively soft material with thermal insulation properties. This may, for example, be a wrapper with liquid wood or polystyrene.

To reduce radiation heat losses, in some embodiments within the cells, between the individual cells and / or between the layers, an infrared-reflective coatings are applied. The coating is realized in one embodiment by vapor deposition of a metal layer, for example a thin aluminum layer. Even small infrared-reflecting particles between the cells or as part of the material of the cells can take over the function of infrared reflection. The infrared-reflective coating does not just reflect

Thermal radiation from a warmer area outside the heat-insulating element, it also reduces heat radiation from the thermal insulation element to an environment.

In a further embodiment, the thermal insulation element is made transparent and acts in conjunction with a light-absorbing layer on the

Building inside as transparent insulation. In a further embodiment, on or in the thermal insulation element

Integrated photovoltaic elements. This allows cost-effective and function-optimized facade and roof elements with integrated photovoltaic technology or with

Produce solar panels. This can go so far that the thermal insulation element takes on both a structural-like function as masonry, and the

Thermal insulation function for the thermal building envelope takes over and serves as housing and weatherproof encapsulation of photovoltaic elements. Another Ausführungsbei game is a thermal insulation element, which is composed of individual closed honeycomb, cuboid or round cells. These cells are evacuated or filled with a gas with low residual pressure. The closed cells are also filled with a filling material (eg foams, perlite, 5 natural or synthetic fibers). An advantage of the invention that, when the element is damaged, only individual cells are affected and the overall functionality of the device

Wärmedämmelements is maintained, is also given in this exemplary embodiment.

Another exemplary embodiment may contain getters which bind possible residual gases and moisture in the individual cells.

In the following, an embodiment of a manufacturing process of a

Thermal insulation elements described. 5 A raw material, such as glass or plastic, is melted and passed by means of a supply line in an evacuated manufacturing chamber (vacuum chamber). In one embodiment, in the manufacturing chamber, the raw material is in one

continuous process pressed by a mold. This shape forms, for example, a row of tubes or a honeycomb structure two-dimensionally so that strands emerge from this shape, which have a corresponding cross-section. The

Production chamber is completely evacuated or may still have a residual pressure of special gases or air. The molded material is mechanically guided after leaving the mold so that the desired shape is formed. In an exemplary embodiment, the structure is stretched in order to achieve very thin, uniform wall thicknesses

The strands are tapered in the following step at regular intervals by means of mechanical devices, for example by impellers, so that they are closed at intervals by constrictions. This occlusion results in the formation of local three-dimensional chambers, ie the cells in which the manufacturing chamber pressure o is enclosed and thus conserved. The order of the process steps can also be designed differently: first constrict, then stretch, or first stretch and then constrict. The structure cools down in the further course and hardens. The thus pressed and drawn structure of several strands with cells in a plane represents a layer of insulating material.

To produce a multi-layer thermal insulation element, the o.g.

Manufacturing arrangement spatially arranged several times in a row in one embodiment. The individual layers are laid one on top of the other in the course of the process and connect to the thermal insulation element. In another

Embodiment, only one layer is formed and placed in meanders on top of each other. In an alternative embodiment, at least one layer is rolled up into a tube.

Depending on the temperature and the resulting strength, the contact surfaces between the strands are larger or smaller. For example, if the strands are already nearly cured when stacked, they barely change shape, leaving the contact areas small. If the strands are not hardened so far, the contact surfaces are larger due to adhesion forces and it can be in a particular embodiment, strands with hexagonal

Form cross sections.

Before the strands are assembled in multiple layers, they are at least cooled to the extent that the cavities are preserved inside the cells despite a load by adjacent strands. In one embodiment, the strands are assembled before they are fully cured so that they bond to adjacent strands so that no fluid penetrates between the strands. The strands fuse together in the region of their contact points, so that adjoining walls of adjacent strands are integrally formed and the adjacent strands are mechanically directly connected after curing.

In one embodiment, interstices 7 between strands and / or free areas are sealed around constrictions in some places before two layers are stacked so that the interstices 7 and / or free areas remain evacuated around the constrictions when the heat insulation element is removed from the

Production chamber is removed. In some embodiments, individual layers are provided with an infrared light and heat radiation reflecting layer. This can take the form of a

Steaming with metallic layers by a sputtering process or by

5 application of thin films can be realized.

In one embodiment, a trimming device cuts the

Heat insulation elements in the desired length from. After sufficient cooling and thus fixation of the mold, the heat-insulating elements are subsequently removed from the production chamber via a vacuum lock.

Thus, a thermal insulation element with very low thermal conductivity is obtained.

For further processing, the process chain mentioned above can optionally have another

Follow process chain in which the finished modules are placed in a mold. The mold is filled with a low cost thermal insulating material (e.g., styrofoam, plastics, natural or liquid wood). Through this process step, the inner structure is surrounded by a protective cover. The material properties of the protective cover can be selected so that they can be used directly for the intended use as support material, e.g. suitable for plasters. The protective cover is in some embodiments so with

Tongue and groove or similar structures equipped that can bring elements almost free of heat bridge together. In addition, the protective cover facilitates the processing and prevents functional damage to the insulating element, as in particular in the construction industry often harsh environmental conditions

5 are found.

Other variants and embodiments of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

A thennish thermal insulation element comprising at least two layers (2, 2A, 2B, 2C, 2E, 2F), wherein:

5 - the layers (2, 2A, 2B, 2C, 2E, 2F) each of a plurality of

Strands (3, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D) are formed, which are arranged approximately parallel to each other and connected to each other in a plane,

the strands (3, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D) are each formed from a plurality of hollow, at least partially evacuated elongate cells (4A, 4B, 4C) arranged in an o row one behind the other,

wherein the cells (4A, 4B, 4C) are made of a hardenable material and joined together during curing such that each cell (4A, 4B, 4C) with the cells of the adjacent strands (3A, 3B, 3C, 3D) of the the same layer and the cells of the adjacent layers (2A, 2B, 2C, 2D) is directly connected.

5

2. Thermal insulation element according to claim 1, wherein the cells (4A, 4B, 4C) are formed of glass or thermosetting plastic.

A thermal barrier element according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each cell (4A, o 4B, 4C) is connected to the cells of the adjacent strands (3A, 3B, 3C, 3D) of the same layer and the cells of the adjacent layers (2A, 2B , 2C, 2D) via one or more

Material bridges is directly connected ..

4. The thermal insulation element according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the 5 cells (4A, 4B, 4C) are designed approximately tubular.

5. Thermal insulation element according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a

Cross-section of the at least two superposed layers (2, 2A, 2B, 2C, 2E, 2F) has a pattern of regular hexagons.

0

6. Thermal insulation element according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising an infrared-reflective coating.

The thermal barrier element of claim 6, wherein the infrared-reflective coating is disposed between the layers (2, 2A, 2B, 2C, 2E, 2F).

8. Thermal insulation element according to one of the preceding claims, which is transparent to light in the visible range.

9. Thermal insulation element according to one of the preceding claims, which is transparent to light in the visible range and which is provided on the back with a light-absorbing layer or a photovoltaic layer.

10. Thermal insulation element according to one of the preceding claims, which is coated on a surface with a photovoltaic layer.

1 1. A thermal insulation element according to any one of the preceding claims, which further comprises a cover (8A, 8B) for protection against mechanical stress.

12. Thermal insulation element according to one of the preceding claims, which

is configured to enter into a connection with a facade coating. 0 13. The thermal insulation element according to one of the preceding claims, which has at least four layers (2, 2A, 2B, 2C, 2E, 2F).

14. The thermal insulation element according to claim 13, wherein in each case at least two adjacent layers (2, 2A, 2B, 2C, 2E, 2F) in each case a layer package (20A, 20B, 5 20C) are summarized, in which the constrictions of the layers (2 2A, 2B, 2C, 2E,

2F) are arranged at equal intervals, with adjacent constrictions

different layers (2, 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F) are arranged in each case a constriction plane (50A, 50B, 50C) perpendicular to the strand direction, and the

Constricting planes (50A, 50B, 50C) of adjacent layer packets (20A, 20B, 20C) o are arranged offset to each other.

15. A thermal insulation element according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein intermediate spaces (7) between the cells (4A, 4B, 4C) are evacuated.

16. Thermal insulation element according to one of the preceding claims, in which an insulating effect depends on a direction of a temperature gradient.

5 17. A thermal insulation element according to one of the preceding claims, which an

lateral edges has a connection profile for positive connection with an adjacent thermal insulation element.

18. Thermal insulation element according to one of claims 1 to 16, which at lateral o edges a coating for thermally insulating connection with an adjacent

Having thermal insulation element.

19. Thermal insulation element according to one of the preceding claims, which is combined with a photovoltaic element or a solar collector.

5

20. Thermal insulation element according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cells (Figure 4A, 4B, 4C) are joined together during the curing such that ^'each cell (4A, 4B, 4C) with the cells of the adjacent strands (3A, 3B, 3C, 3D) of the same layer and the cells of the adjacent layers (2A, 2B, 2C, 2D) is directly connected.

21. A method of making a thermal barrier element comprising:

Melting of starting material for the thermal insulation element,

Pressing the molten material through an opening in one

5 evacuated chamber as at least one strand, one or more cavities

circumaural,

Multiple constriction of the or each strand at intervals along the

Strand, and

Stretching the or each strand, such that the wall thickness of the strand is reduced to o to the desired degree, and

wherein a plurality of strands of a layer is formed, in which the strands arranged approximately parallel to each other and connected in a plane and in which each strand is adjacent to two more strands, the strands being joined together before they are cured.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein a plurality of strands of a layer is formed, in which the strands are connected and extend approximately parallel to each other and in which each strand adjacent to two further strands.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein the layer is provided with an infrared-reflective coating.

24. The method according to any one of claims 22 or 23, wherein the layer is adapted to the shape of a body to be insulated.

25. The method of claim 23, wherein the layer is rolled up into a tubular thermal insulation element.

26. The method according to any one of claims 22 to 25, wherein at least two layers are stacked.

A method as claimed in claim 26, wherein the constrictions of the strands of one of the at least two layers are staggered to the constrictions in another layer in a strand direction.

28. The method of claim 26, wherein each at least two layers are arranged in layer packages, wherein adjacent constrictions of different layers are arranged in each layer package in a constriction plane and the constricting planes of adjacent layer packets are arranged offset to each other.

A method according to any one of claims 26 to 28, wherein the at least two layers are divided into uniform sections.

30. The method of claim 29, wherein the at least two layers are divided into uniform sections so that they at lateral edges

Have connection profile to a positive connection.

31. The method according to any one of claims 26 to 30, wherein the at least two layers form a thermal insulation element.

32. The method according to any one of claims 25 or 31, wherein the

Thermal insulation element is removed through a vacuum lock from the evacuated chamber.

A method according to any of claims 21 to 32, wherein the material is glass or thermosetting plastic and the strands are joined together before they are cured.