Does DuPont™ Energain® replace insulation?
No, DuPont™ Energain® is complementary to insulation and should be used in a well-insulated structure. The main function of DuPont™ Energain® is not to insulate, but to bring additional thermal mass to a building.
How much thermal mass does DuPont™ Energain® bring to a building?
Comparing the addition of DuPont™ Energain® panels with more conventional thermal mass, DuPont™ Energain® behaves approximately like a 15cm thick brick layer.
How many square meters of DuPont™ Energain® do I need to install, in order to have the desired effect of creating additional thermal mass?
The actual amount of DuPont™ Energain® required in a building will depend entirely on the structure of the building, its orientation (N/W/S/E), the number of windows, and the weather conditions etc. Many internal factors must also be considered, including the volume of air in a building or room. For information on your specific project, we’d be happy to assist.
Is there a risk of the paraffin wax leaking out of the panel, for example if a panel is punctured, cut or damaged on a construction site?
DuPont has scientifically designed DuPont™ Energain® with a copolymer, which retains the paraffin wax even when it has melted 100%. So there is no risk of the paraffin wax leaking out due to an abrasion. The only requirement stipulated with the panels is to seal the edges (or a puncture) with the DuPont™ Energain® aluminium tape, which is provided with the panels.
Does the panel contain any toxic or hazardous materials?
The core of DuPont™ Energain® only contains a paraffin wax, similar to candle wax, and a copolymer, which is completely inert. Consequently, the interior of DuPont™ Energain® does not emit toxic fumes and can be handled without issue. Contact with skin, for example during installation is safe, regardless of temperature. The bottom line is that there are absolutely no safety concerns in working with DuPont™ Energain®. Wearing gloves during the course of the installation is only recommended in order to avoid cuts from the sharp aluminium edges, if the panels need to be cut to a different size.
What role does the aluminium lining play?
In the event of a fire, the aluminium lining prevents flames getting to the core of the panel. It also gives the panel structural support. The aluminium is not there to retain the paraffin, which would not leak out if the aluminium sheets were not present.
How much energy does a DuPont™ Energain® panel absorb per square metre over a set period of time?
Total heat storage capacity = 203 W.hr/m².day. This means that during the day the panel can utilize its maximum storage capacity, whilst giving the heat back during the night.
How often does the panel function over the course of a year?
The panel functions depending on the inside temperature of the room in which it is installed. So the panel functions each time the cycle (melting - solidification) occurs. This means, every time the room gets warmer than 22 °C and then cooler than or around 18 °C. Theoretically this could happen every day.
What happens if the panel does not melt 100%: does this affect its efficiency?
If the paraffin wax in a panel does not completely melt or solidify, it will affect the efficiency in proportion to the degree that it has melted or solidified. For example, think of a sponge, which is already half-absorbed with water: if the sponge is only half dry, then it can only absorb half the amount of water.
What is a Phase Change Material (PCM)?
It is a material that has both sensible and latent heat, which means that during its phase change, it absorbs and releases energy. DuPont™ Energain® contains a paraffin wax that changes from a solid to liquid and back to solid. Paraffin wax is perhaps best known for its use in candles. However, DuPont has used a very specific kind of paraffin wax for DuPont™ Energain®.
What is the expected lifespan of a DuPont™ Energain® panel in a building?
All tests indicate that DuPont™ Energain® panels will be effective during the entire lifetime of a building and will not deteriorate in functionality, over the course of time.
Can DuPont™ Energain® replace a vapour barrier on the exterior wall?
Vapour barriers protect walls or roof structures from moisture penetrating from the inside into the structure. Vapour barriers are only installed on exterior walls from the inside, behind plasterboard. In this specific application, DuPont™ Energain® can act as a vapour barrier, as it is 100% vapour tight. Of course, in that specific case, the same levels of attention to detail in installing DuPont™ Energain® must be applied as in installing a vapour barrier, such as taping two adjacent panels together.
