EcoRenovator - View Single Post - Space Suit = Multi-Layer Insulation (MLI)

AC_Hacker · 08-04-14, 11:39 PM

I have wondered if NASA space suit technology could be useful for me.

I did some investigation and found that the general principle was the use of multiple layers of radiant energy reflection material. It turns out that in space, the principle of convective heat loss is not operative because, being in a near vacuum there is no fluid, no gas that could enable convection. That leaves only radiant losses.

The solution was to use thin layers of reflective material, alternated between spacer material sometimes referred to as 'bridal veil'. It may in fact actually be bridal veil.

But the principle was that 1 layer of the reflective material could stop nearly 97% of the heat loss, and the next would stop 97% of what was left, etc., etc. for 10 to 60 layers.

So I thought it would be an interesting thing to try to use the principle, to see if it could be useful in preventing heat loss.

Being as how it is August, the hottest month after all, I thought I might design and make a vest using the principle of Multi Layer Insulation.

I did some searching around, and found out that those crinkly cheap "Space Blankets" actually do work, so I thought that they would be an excellent candidate for my MLI vest.

I checked on Amazon and ordered a pack of 10 Space Blankets. Turns out that they are pretty cheap in August, at $7 for 10. I also ordered a couple of yards of Thinsulate, it may not be enough, but I figure it would be enough for a test of concept.

The idea is alternating layers of Space Blanket and Thinsulate and Space Blanket and Thinsulate, etc. til I run out of material. I am expecting my MLI vest will be warm and crinkly.

So, the MLI materials are on the way.

So I guess what I will be testing, though in a non-scientific way, is the efficacy of reflective insulation, since I don't live in a near-vacuum.

* * *

But, along the way, while I was researching, I came across some very interesting tidbits... namely that MLI insulation is being used to great effect in the UK and also in New Zealand.

[EDIT: The bad link in the paragraph below has been corrected.]
If you look into these products, be sure to convert the specified R-valurs to U-values by deviding 1 by the specifiec R-value and then using the Conversion Tool that I posted in the "Tools" section...

The R-values actually are quite good, once you have properly converted them.

-AC

08-04-14, 11:39 PM	#1
AC_Hacker Supreme EcoRenovator Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Portland, OR Posts: 4,004 Thanks: 303 Thanked 723 Times in 534 Posts	Space Suit = Multi-Layer Insulation (MLI) I have wondered if NASA space suit technology could be useful for me. I did some investigation and found that the general principle was the use of multiple layers of radiant energy reflection material. It turns out that in space, the principle of convective heat loss is not operative because, being in a near vacuum there is no fluid, no gas that could enable convection. That leaves only radiant losses. The solution was to use thin layers of reflective material, alternated between spacer material sometimes referred to as 'bridal veil'. It may in fact actually be bridal veil. But the principle was that 1 layer of the reflective material could stop nearly 97% of the heat loss, and the next would stop 97% of what was left, etc., etc. for 10 to 60 layers. So I thought it would be an interesting thing to try to use the principle, to see if it could be useful in preventing heat loss. Being as how it is August, the hottest month after all, I thought I might design and make a vest using the principle of Multi Layer Insulation. I did some searching around, and found out that those crinkly cheap "Space Blankets" actually do work, so I thought that they would be an excellent candidate for my MLI vest. I checked on Amazon and ordered a pack of 10 Space Blankets. Turns out that they are pretty cheap in August, at $7 for 10. I also ordered a couple of yards of Thinsulate, it may not be enough, but I figure it would be enough for a test of concept. The idea is alternating layers of Space Blanket and Thinsulate and Space Blanket and Thinsulate, etc. til I run out of material. I am expecting my MLI vest will be warm and crinkly. So, the MLI materials are on the way. So I guess what I will be testing, though in a non-scientific way, is the efficacy of reflective insulation, since I don't live in a near-vacuum. * * * But, along the way, while I was researching, I came across some very interesting tidbits... namely that MLI insulation is being used to great effect in the UK and also in New Zealand. [EDIT: The bad link in the paragraph below has been corrected.] If you look into these products, be sure to convert the specified R-valurs to U-values by deviding 1 by the specifiec R-value and then using the Conversion Tool that I posted in the "Tools" section... The R-values actually are quite good, once you have properly converted them. -AC __________________ I'm not an HVAC technician. In fact, I'm barely even a hacker... Last edited by AC_Hacker; 08-05-14 at 07:52 PM..