HISTORY OF INDUSTRY
Over 40 years ago, NASA developed the radiant barrier technology to protect astronauts in
the Apollo Program from temperatures that ranged from 250 F above zero to 400 F below
zero. This feat in temperature control technology enabled the astronauts to work inside the
Apollo Command Module wearing short-sleeve shirts, with temperatures similar to those of a
regular business office. The radiant barrier has been applied to virtually all spacecrafts,
including unmanned spacecraft with delicate instruments that need protection from
temperature extremes. It has also been applied to the astronauts' space suits, protecting them
during space walks.
Made of aluminized polymer film, the radiant barrier maintains a consistent temperature in an
environment where ordinary insulation methods will not suffice. The aluminization of the
material provides a reflective surface that keeps more than 95 percent of the radiated energy
in space from reaching the spacecraft's interior. In space suits, the thin and flexible material
reflects the astronauts' body heat back to them for warmth, while a the same time reflecting
the sun's radiation away from them to keep them cool Using conventional insulation, a space
suit would have required a 7-foot-thick protective layer.
Since the 1970s', private industries have had the opportunity to apply radiant barrier
technology to various commercial applications. This NASA-developed, public domain
technology has been applied to energy conservation techniques for homes and offices, and
even to specialty applications such as candy wrappings, thermos bottles, windshield covers
for automobiles, fire suits, space blankets for forest rangers, race cars, and refrigeration
trucks, to name a few.
The insulation system of radiation barrier reflects heat energy instead of trying to absorb it. A
pure aluminum radiant barrier reflective insulation is unaffected by humidity and will continue
to perform at consistent level no matter how humid it may be. If you are depending on a
R-Value alone to insulated against heat gain and loss, remember that traditional forms of
insulation are virtually transparent to radiant energy and are affected by changes in humidity
or moisture levels. According to a reference from the HVAC Manual 10.6; McGraw-Hill, a
1-1/2% change in the moisture content of fiberglass insulation will result in a 36% decrease in
performance.
Astro-Foil is a revolutionary type of industrial, commercial and general purpose insulation
incorporating state-of-the-art technology in design and manufacture. It includes a building
code approved vapor barrier, air infiltration barrier and a powerful insulation, all in one. It's
unique composite design consists of layers of polyethylene air bubble pockets, surrounded by
a thin layer of reflective aluminum foil that is inorganic, water-resistant, puncture-resistant,
termite and fungus resistant, non-allergenic and inhospitable to nesting rodents. This product
is easy to install. It's thin, pliable, lightweight design is especially suited for pre-engineered
and post-frame buildings. There are no needs for gloves, protective masks or safety glasses.
Basically, this product makes it easy on your building's design load.
In nutshell, radiant barrier products are changing the way we presently consume energy.
Oakridge National Laboratory, Oakridge, Tennessee
Click for link to Department of Energy
Florida Solar Energy Center @ the University of Central Florida
Click for link to FSEC
Over 40 years ago, NASA developed the radiant barrier technology to protect astronauts in
the Apollo Program from temperatures that ranged from 250 F above zero to 400 F below
zero. This feat in temperature control technology enabled the astronauts to work inside the
Apollo Command Module wearing short-sleeve shirts, with temperatures similar to those of a
regular business office. The radiant barrier has been applied to virtually all spacecrafts,
including unmanned spacecraft with delicate instruments that need protection from
temperature extremes. It has also been applied to the astronauts' space suits, protecting them
during space walks.
Made of aluminized polymer film, the radiant barrier maintains a consistent temperature in an
environment where ordinary insulation methods will not suffice. The aluminization of the
material provides a reflective surface that keeps more than 95 percent of the radiated energy
in space from reaching the spacecraft's interior. In space suits, the thin and flexible material
reflects the astronauts' body heat back to them for warmth, while a the same time reflecting
the sun's radiation away from them to keep them cool Using conventional insulation, a space
suit would have required a 7-foot-thick protective layer.
Since the 1970s', private industries have had the opportunity to apply radiant barrier
technology to various commercial applications. This NASA-developed, public domain
technology has been applied to energy conservation techniques for homes and offices, and
even to specialty applications such as candy wrappings, thermos bottles, windshield covers
for automobiles, fire suits, space blankets for forest rangers, race cars, and refrigeration
trucks, to name a few.
The insulation system of radiation barrier reflects heat energy instead of trying to absorb it. A
pure aluminum radiant barrier reflective insulation is unaffected by humidity and will continue
to perform at consistent level no matter how humid it may be. If you are depending on a
R-Value alone to insulated against heat gain and loss, remember that traditional forms of
insulation are virtually transparent to radiant energy and are affected by changes in humidity
or moisture levels. According to a reference from the HVAC Manual 10.6; McGraw-Hill, a
1-1/2% change in the moisture content of fiberglass insulation will result in a 36% decrease in
performance.
Astro-Foil is a revolutionary type of industrial, commercial and general purpose insulation
incorporating state-of-the-art technology in design and manufacture. It includes a building
code approved vapor barrier, air infiltration barrier and a powerful insulation, all in one. It's
unique composite design consists of layers of polyethylene air bubble pockets, surrounded by
a thin layer of reflective aluminum foil that is inorganic, water-resistant, puncture-resistant,
termite and fungus resistant, non-allergenic and inhospitable to nesting rodents. This product
is easy to install. It's thin, pliable, lightweight design is especially suited for pre-engineered
and post-frame buildings. There are no needs for gloves, protective masks or safety glasses.
Basically, this product makes it easy on your building's design load.
In nutshell, radiant barrier products are changing the way we presently consume energy.
Oakridge National Laboratory, Oakridge, Tennessee
Click for link to Department of Energy
Florida Solar Energy Center @ the University of Central Florida
Click for link to FSEC
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