VacuPanel Inc.

COMPANY/LOCATION: VacuPanel Inc., Xenia, Ohio

PRODUCT: Vacuum insulation for custom applications

YEARS IN BUSINESS: 3

EMPLOYEES: 5

SITUATION:

VacuPanel was developing a high-efficiency solar refrigerator for the storage of vaccine and other medicines in third world countries and needed a way to insulate the refrigerator. VacuPanel's work in this area led them to the Oak Ridge Centers for Manufacturing Technology, which has been conducting research in vacuum insulation a process in which a gas barrier film is sealed and filled with silica powder under a vacuum, thereby producing an insulation value (R value) much higher than standard insulation. Vacuum insulation produces R values that average R-25 per inch of thickness, compared to about R-3 per inch for such insulations as fiberglass.

PROJECT:

VacuPanel discovered that there were no manufacturers of the vacuum insulation the company needed and subsequently started its own production facility. It is now prototyping various applications for vacuum insulation. VacuPanel has developed a refrigerator with 4-in.-thick walls rated at R-90 that can operate indefinitely on 5 1/2 watts of power from a solar panel and maintain an inside temperature of about 41°F while outside temperatures are above 90°F. The company also is working on applications of vacuum insulation for packaging of medical products, frozen foods, and prototyping for a major national producer of water heaters to produce vacuum insulation that can operate in various shapes and improve the efficiency of the water heaters.

RESULTS:

VacuPanel's work with ORCMT helped the company create 5 jobs in 1995 and may create an additional 50 jobs in 1996. In addition, the collaboration helped VacuPanel avoid costs of up to $10,000 in 1995 and up to $100,000 in 1996 and may reduce production costs by as much as $500,000 in 1996. The company also has been able to reduce its waste stream and use of hazardous chemicals and to promote energy conservation.

Keith Meyer, one of the founders of VacuPanel, said that the interaction with ORCMT has been "invaluable. They have given us a tremendous resource, providing data and expertise we would rely on. The staff has been extremely responsive and supportive. It has been an excellent working relationship," Meyer said.

PARTNERS: