A revolutionary solution to the challenge of responsible, sustainable construction

Pioneering science company DuPont has developed a radical new patented technology that is now available to the construction market for timber, steel and aluminium framed buildings. In today's climate - both political and meteorological - the drive towards sustainability and energy saving in all areas of life has never been of greater importance. Cost-effectiveness and comfort are also key factors in successful building design, for which DuPont™ Energain® offers significant benefits.

Understanding these challenges and responding to the call for meaningful solutions for architecture, design and construction, DuPont Building Innovations has invented a thermal mass panel with valuable energy saving and temperature control properties. Furthermore DuPont™ Energain® has been designed as a practical answer not only to reducing the CO₂ footprint of a building but also in terms of ease of installation and long-term, stable performance.

Tested in the laboratory at INSA, University of Lyon and currently by the EDF Group (Electricité de France) in a fully equipped test house in France, DuPont™ Energain® is launched initially in the UK, with a planned global roll-out to follow.

What is DuPont™ Energain®?

A lightweight panel of 5mm thickness, DuPont™ Energain® is composed of a Phase Change Material made from paraffin encapsulated in a DuPont copolymer at a 60% - 40% ratio and laminated on either side in a high quality aluminium sheet. The panels are supplied in 1.2m x 1.2m dimensions. The paraffin content is stable and will not leak, however, DuPont™ Energain® is also supplied with a special aluminium tape which is required to seal joins between panels and repair any abrasions. The aluminium sheet and tape act in a safety capacity as a barrier against fire.

How does it work?

DuPont™ Energain® is designed to add thermal mass to structures and to stabilize room temperature. It works by employing the capability of the phase change material to absorb and release heat. Simplified, the compound has a melt point of 22°C, at which stage it begins to absorb heat from the room and to store it. When the interior temperature drops back to 18°C, it re-solidifies and releases warmth back into the room. DuPont™ Energain® can store about 20 times more energy than concrete, but with a fraction of its mass.

In "low inertia" structures, often open plan and subject to both external solar gains and internal gains from human and electronic activity, energy consuming cooling systems are often the only compensation. DuPont™ Energain® can not only minimise uncomfortable temperature peaks by up to 7°C, it can save up to 35% of air conditioning costs (and 15% of heating costs - particularly at night time and mid-season). The resulting reduction in CO₂ emissions has wider implications for responsibility in construction and building management.

What are the applications?

The panels have been designed to be installed behind the plasterboard lining on the interior walls and ceilings of lightweight structures such as timber, steel or aluminium framed buildings. DuPont™ Energain® is suitable for a wide range of commercial, public and residential buildings. Designed to be fitted alongside standard materials such as insulation, plasterboard and partition walls, DuPont™ Energain® works together with mechanical ventilation systems and in co-ordination with heating and air conditioning systems. Currently, while the installation of the thermal mass panels does not replace the need for air conditioning it may allow for a reduction in the size - and definitely in the use - of AC units. Ultimately, with further development, it may be possible, in some cases, to eliminate the need for air conditioning all together.

How is it specified?

A DuPont proprietary version of the numerical software programme, CoDyBa (version CDB_dDDN_V2), has been specially created to help specifiers calculate precisely how much of the material is needed and where. The software illustrates the thermal behaviour of a specific building with and without DuPont™ Energain®, including energy savings and the CO₂ emission reductions. These simulations will be made available through the DuPont™ Energain® sales and technical teams who will be on hand to advise. The panels are then delivered on site, ready to install.

How is it installed?

DuPont™ Energain® is simple and straightforward to fit. The pre-cut and pre-taped panels of 1.2m x 1.2m x 5mm thickness are lightweight and can be easily cut and then screwed, nailed or stapled in place. DuPont™ Energain® aluminium tape must be applied to any new cuts or areas where the paraffin and polymer compound is exposed. The panels are positioned between the insulation and the interior wall-covering, or between inner partition walls. They can also be installed between the attic finishing and roofing insulation or behind the ceiling finishing.

For further information please contact:
Peggy Beicht - Media Relations
DuPont Building Innovations
L2984 Luxembourg
Tel: (352) 3666 5945
Fax: (352) 3666 5021
Email: peggy.beicht@lux.dupont.com