Architectural Team Looks to Win Department of Energy Competition by Using Thermablok(R) Aerogel Insulation
|
| Posted
:
Thu, 02 Jul 2009 15:45:55 GMT |
| Author
:
Acoustiblok, Inc. |
| Category
:
Press Release |
| News Alerts by
Email ( click
here ) |
|
|
|
|
The DOE's 2009 'Solar Decathlon' includes entries from all over the world TAMPA, Fla., July 2
TAMPA, Fla., July 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Living green is a matter of striking the right balance between innovation and environmental stewardship. With that in mind, Tampa-based Thermablok(R) donated 2,000 linear feet of its revolutionary aerogel insulation material to California architecture and design students participating in the 2009 "Solar Decathlon." The Solar Decathlon is a prestigious international competition sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy that challenges 20 college and university teams to design, build, and operate the most aesthetic, energy-efficient model home possible.
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090702/FL41200 )
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070118/CLTH007LOGO-a )
When students from the California College of the Arts (CCA) and the Santa Clara University, California began preparing for the competition, they approached Thermablok(R) President and founder Lahnie Johnson for information regarding energy-conserving Thermablok aerogel insulation. Thermablok's aerogel nano-technology, developed in conjunction with NASA, is the highest insulating material known to exist.
It is estimated that 40-percent of our energy is used controlling the temperature in buildings alone. Most of this energy escapes from the building primarily through the conventionally insulated walls and windows in a process termed thermal bridging (an ever greater problem when popular foam is used in a wall.)
Taking the newly discovered aerogel insulation technology, Thermablok(R) developed a highly efficient product that may soon become a standard in the building industry. Tests by the U.S. Department of Energy's Oak Ridge Laboratory and J.M. Laboratory indicate that adding just one, 1/4-inch x 1 1/2-inch (6.25 mm x 38 mm) strip of Thermablok to each stud before hanging drywall breaks the conductive "thermal bridging" path, and can increase the overall wall R-factor by more than 40-percent.
Thermablok is virtually weightless, 100-percent recyclable, hydrophobic (will not combine with water) and consists of more than 95-percent air, making it easy and inexpensive to ship, store and install. It is Class "A" fire rated with Cradle to Cradle Silver certified and will not age.
Team California is out to prove that artistic design and engineering can work together to create an awesome living space with their REFRACT house, an innovative solar design that they say will offer real green technology solutions like Thermablok and other renewable energy sources, as well as opportunities to use energy more efficiently.
Utilizing their craft and artisanal skills, and taking into account California's fabulous climate, the students (all undergraduates) are designing and building the 800-square foot home that "is completely powered by solar energy which doesn't compromise the planet, lifestyle, comfort, or aesthetics," said Kadee Mardula, a participating Santa Clara University student.
With energy needs dictating the future of housing design and development, most people welcome innovative sustainability ideas. Situated in the San Francisco and Silicon Valley region, a hub of environmental consciousness, Team California is uniquely qualified to take green living to a new level. Their motto: "Green living isn't a compromise. It's the new standard."
Students are scored in 10 categories: architecture, engineering, market viability, communications, comfort, appliances, hot water, lighting, energy balance, and transportation. Each house must produce enough electricity and hot water to perform all the functions of a home and also to power an electric car. The competition focuses on cutting edge energy efficiency and renewable energy innovation while providing a unique green jobs training opportunity for each of the students
Construction is taking place on the Santa Clara University campus. Once built, they will disassemble the house, truck it across the country to Washington DC, and reassemble it on the National Mall to be open for judging and public viewing October 8-18.
Started in 2002, the Solar Decathlon is a biannual event. Santa Clara University's involvement in the 2007 competition drew third place honors from the judges even though it was the smallest university involved in the competition, beating out top competitors including Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) as well as two-time winner the University of Colorado at Boulder. SCU earned top marks for its advanced engineering.
Thermablok and its parent company, Acoustiblok, Inc., an international acoustical research company, are proud to sponsor environmentally important projects in the worldwide community such as the Solar Decathlon. NASA has been developing aerogel insulation technology for several years, using it on the space shuttle, in space suits, and for other advanced insulation requirements including the latest and future Mars missions. With the potential to revolutionize energy conservation; as recently reported on the Science Channel's Ecopolis program, Thermablok aerogel will be the breakthrough in building energy-conserving buildings.
Contact: Liz Ernst
lernst@acoustiblok.com
813.980.1400 Ext. 210
SOURCE Acoustiblok, Inc.
|
Copyright © 2008
PR Newswire. All rights reserved.
|
|
|
|
|
Related
News
APHA Applauds Prevention and Wellness Provisions in House Health Reform Bill
PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 8 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The American Public Health Association (APHA) applauds the prevention and wellness provisions in the health reform bill passed last night by the House.
"With passage of this bill, the House takes important steps toward universa...
House Passes Health Care Bill on the Backs of Small Businesses
Higher Costs and Crushing Taxes Nail Nation's Job Creators
WASHINGTON, Nov. 8 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In response to U.S. House passage of the health care bill (H.R. 3962), Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council (SBE Council) president & CEO Karen Kerrigan issue...
ATA Announces Results for Second Fiscal Quarter 2010
BEIJING, Nov. 8 /PRNewswire-Asia-FirstCall/ -- ATA Inc. ("ATA" or the
"Company") (Nasdaq: ATAI), the leading provider of computer-based testing and
testing-related services in China, today announced unaudited finan...
GOOD MORNING -- November 08, 2009
This is PR NEWSWIRE -- transmitting news releases, advisories and
other information to the news media around the United States since
1954.
If you have questions regarding your PRN teleprinter, your PRN computer
service, or if you wish to arrange to receive P...
Suntech and Huadian Partner on 10MW Solar Plant in Jiangsu Province
WUXI, China, Nov. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd. (NYSE: STP), the world's leading manufacturer of crystalline silicon photovoltaic (PV) modules, today announced it will develop a 10MW solar power plant in Dongtai, Jiangsu Province in conjunction with its strategic partne...
Taskcity.com Releases Free Offline Service This November
Outsourcing is cost-effective when buyer and provider both understand and trust each other quite well. Taskcity offline service can leverage to build a trusting relationship with their customers and help them obtain the assurance of a well-executed project./I/P
PSan Jose, CA (PRWEB) Nov...
Democratic National Committee Chairman Tim Kaine Issues Statement Praising the House of Representative's Historic Vote to Pass Health Insurance Reform
WASHINGTON, Nov. 7 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Tonight the House of Representatives passed the Affordable Health Care for America Act, landmark health reform legislation that will ensure every American has access to quality, affordable, stable and secure health care coverage. The legislation...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|