Investigation of the Laser Welding Process on CrNi Steel Shells for Vacuum Insulation Panels

Vacuum insulation panels (VIP) are insulating elements which, with their thermal conductivity up to ten times lower than that of conventional insulating materials, meet very high thermal insulation requirements in a limited space. In addition to supporting bodies, VIPs consist of a vacuum-tight sheathing, which is usually constructed as a composite foil consisting of several layers of plastic and aluminium metallization. This results in limitations when using VIPs, as the composite film becomes unstable at temperatures above 80 °C and vacuum-tightness can therefore no longer be guaranteed.

The aim of the project is to develop a mechanically and thermally resilient VIP by replacing the conventional cladding with a very thin CrNi steel cladding. The result of the project should be a finished demonstrator that meets the market requirements for high-performance applications. Examples of sales markets for the improved VIP are solar thermal applications, thermal energy storage, aircraft construction and the insulation of heat chambers. High-speed thermographic film of a micro-weld seam on 50 µm stainless steel cladding material in tenfold slow motion.