VIPs thermal conductivity measurement: test methods, limits and uncertainty

Super Insulating Materials, such as Vacuum Insulation Panels (VIPs), are characterized by lower thermal conductivities in comparison to traditional building materials. Because of this property the experimental measurement methods and criteria for VIPs may be affected by an higher measurement uncertainty and a reduced trustworthiness. This is due to the low thermal flux through the sample material during experimental assessing. The aim of this research is to verify the reliability and the accuracy of existing testing and measuring methods when are applied to VIPs, showing their drawback and limits, and proposing possible correcting criteria and guidelines. (C) 2015 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.