Rapid On‑Line Thermal Performance Testing for Vacuum Insulation Panels (VIP)

The HF-120-VIP system performs rapid on-line thermal-performance testing of vacuum insulation panels (VIPs). Its sensor and measurement unit heats a VIP and detects heat flow. A control unit reads and outputs data; a display unit shows instrument status and operation; a computer with software or an embedded touch-screen system displays the test process, stores data, and prints reports; and an optional barcode reader reads VIP serial numbers. The indoor environment should remain below 23 °C and 40% RH, with clean air and no vibration or electromagnetic interference. For each channel, the panel width is 150–760 mm and should be within ±50 mm of the standard panel; thickness is 5–50 mm and should be within ±5 mm of the standard panel. The measurement range is 1–9 mW/(m·K), and the standard panel's thermal-conductivity value should be within ±5%. The user supplies the standard panels. Their thermal-conductivity error is 0.5 mW/(m·K), and the difference among three standard panels should be 2 ±0.5 mW/(m·K). Input-voltage measurement accuracy is ±0.025 mV. Inputs accept voltage and thermocouple signals; thermal power is controlled at constant power. The system supports 1–5 sensor connections and 1–5 test channels, audible alarm output, a standard computer interface, and AC 120–240 V, 50/60 Hz, 3 A power. The sensor includes a 10 W/85 Ω heater, an insulating body with thermal conductivity 43.8 W/(m·K), thermal resistance 1.148 m²·K/W, density 0.1304 g/cm³, and weight 43 g; another material with known parameters may be selected. The thermocouple is copper–constantan, and the sensor is 52 mm in diameter and 117 mm high. The display unit indicates operation, provides rapid cooling, shows ambient temperature, and indicates test status. Software provides automatic calibration, automatic testing with a Chinese interface, process display, storage, and report output. A barcode reader is optional. A single-specimen measurement is completed in 3 minutes, with one data indication at 120 s.