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

The HF-120-VIP system enables rapid, on-line evaluation of the thermal performance of vacuum insulation panels (VIP). Designed for production environments, it integrates sensing, control, display, and data management to deliver fast, repeatable measurements and automated reporting. System architecture includes: (1) a sensor and measurement unit that applies heat to the VIP and measures the resulting heat flux; (2) a control unit to manage sensors and handle data acquisition and output; (3) a display unit for instrument status and operation; (4) a computer with software, or an embedded system with a touch screen, to visualize the test process, store data, and generate reports; and (5) an optional barcode reader to capture VIP serial numbers. Environmental requirements: maintain indoor ambient temperature at or below 23 ℃, relative humidity at or below 40% RH, with clean air, no vibration, and no electromagnetic interference. Sample requirements: per channel, acceptable panel width is 150–760 mm within ±50 mm of the standard panel; thickness is 5–50 mm within ±5 mm of the standard panel. Measurement range is 1–9 mW/m·K, with the standard panel’s thermal conductivity value controlled within ±5%. Custom sample fixtures can be designed as required, for example up to 2000 × 2000 × 50. Standard panels: provided by the user, with thermal conductivity uncertainty of 0.5 mW/m·K. The conductivity difference among three standard panels should be set to 2 ± 0.5 mW/m·K. Electrical and control specifications: input voltage measurement accuracy is ±0.025 mV. Inputs support voltage and thermocouple signals. Thermal power control operates in constant-power mode. The system supports 1–5 sensor connections and 1–5 measurement channels. It provides audible alarms and a standard computer interface. Power supply: AC 120–240 V, 50/60 Hz, 3 A. Sensor specifications: heater rated at 10 W / 85 Ω. The insulation body has a thermal conductivity of 43.8 W/m·K, thermal resistance of 1.148 m²·K/W, density of 0.1304 g/cm³, and weight of 43 g (other materials with known parameters may also be used). Thermocouple type is copper–constantan. Sensor dimensions are 52 mm in diameter and 117 mm in height. Display unit: provides operating status, a dedicated rapid cooling function, ambient temperature display, and real-time test status indications. Barcode reader (optional): supports standard barcode reader connectivity for serial number capture and traceability. Software: includes automated calibration, fully automated testing with a Chinese-language interface, real-time process visualization, data storage, and report generation. Computer or embedded display system: supports barcode information display, test status visualization, measurement output, evaluation result output, test condition setup, and report printing. Throughput: measurement results for a single sample are completed within 3 minutes, with data points indicated at 120-second intervals.

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