Microtherm® SlimVac for high efficiency refrigerators and freezers.
Energy efficiency and capacity in refrigerators
Microtherm® SlimVac is a “superinsulation” offering optimised thermal protection for domestic refrigerators and freezers at a fraction of the thickness of conventional PU foam.
The Microtherm Group has been supplying vacuum insulation panels for more than a decade and our latest product, Microtherm® SlimVac, represents the very best quality and performance available.
EU Energy Labelling
Energy labelling of household appliances was introduced in a European directive 92/75/EEC which first came into force on 1st January 1995.
An updated version was introduced in September 1999, and a further update in July 2004 which introduced two new categories A+ & A++ for the most efficient products.
To make the labels easier to understand a further revision is planned for 2011 which will replace the A+ and A++ labels with ‘A-20%’ and ‘A-40%’ classifications.
Microtherm® SlimVac
Microtherm® SlimVac vacuum insulation panels are high performance Microtherm® microporous insulation covered in an impermeable outer envelope which is heat sealed under vacuum to optimize the thermal performance. The result is an exceptionally low thermal conductivity.
The outer envelope comprises multiple polymer layers, each chosen for their specific contribution towards maintaining a long working life without performance deterioration.
For manufacturers, the challenge in achieving the most energy efficient design for a refrigerator or a freezer is to minimise energy consumption by improving insulation performance, without compromising the available internal storage capacity.
Microtherm® SlimVac panels have a centre panel thermal conductivity of just 4.2 mW/m.K which is roughly five times lower than blown PU foam.
They are normally bonded to the outer casing and ensure greatly improved thermal performance from the refrigerator wall without a thickness increase which would reduce internal storage volume. The foaming then secures the composite construction.
The ultra low permeation barrier film of Slimvac® panels is suitable for adhesion with the most common PU foams.
By using Microtherm® SlimVac panels, compliance with the performance requirements for A+ and A++ ratings becomes readily achievable.
The benefits of Microtherm® SlimVac
- Very low centre panel thermal conductivity (4,2 mW/m.K).
- Reduction of heat loss = improved energy savings = higher energy rating.
- Possible increase of internal capacity while still maintaining performance.
- Environmentally friendly product, contains no harmful respirable fibres
- Fully recyclable insulation core.