Modular Design and Additive Manufacturing of Interlocking Superinsulation Panel from Bio-based Feedstock for Autonomous Construction

Default ARPA-E Project Image


Program:
HESTIA
Award:
$3,544,764
Location:
College Park, Maryland
Status:
ACTIVE
Project Term:
10/28/2022 - 12/28/2024
Website:

Technology Description:

The University of Maryland will design modular interlocking multifunctional superinsulation panels that can be roll-to-roll manufactured and readily assembled by robotic automation. The rapid-prototyping hydrophobic panels, which consist of recyclable biogenic materials (cellulose, straw, etc.) and superinsulating silica aerogel, will provide high thermal insulation, structural durability, moisture and fire resistance, soundproofing, and easy installation at a low cost. The panels will meet embodied and operational carbon-negative emission requirements and provide recycling/repurposing capabilities. Compared with drywall or multilayer structural insulated panels, the proposed panels also provide a pathway for autonomous construction to further reduce emissions. HESTIA projects will facilitate the use of carbon storing materials in building construction to achieve net carbon negativity by optimizing material chemistries and matrices, manufacturing, and whole-building designs in a cost-effective manner.

Potential Impact:

HESTIA projects will facilitate the use of carbon storing materials in building construction to achieve net carbon negativity by optimizing material chemistries and matrices, manufacturing, and whole-building designs in a cost-effective manner.

Security:

HESTIA technologies will reduce the carbon footprint of the built environment.

Environment:

Building materials and designs developed under HESTIA will draw down and store CO2 from the atmosphere.

Economy:

A variety of promising carbon storing materials are being explored and commercialized for building construction. Currently these materials are generally scarcer, cost more per unit, and/or face performance challenges (e.g., flame resistance for biogenic carbon-containing materials). HESTIA seeks technologies that overcome these barriers while nullifying associated emissions and increasing the total amount of carbon stored in the finished product.

Contact

ARPA-E Program Director:
Dr. Laurent Pilon
Project Contact:
Shenqiang Ren
Press and General Inquiries Email:
ARPA-E-Comms@hq.doe.gov
Project Contact Email:
sren@umd.edu

Partners

Oak Ridge National Laboratory
SUNY University at Buffalo
CleanFiber, LLC

Related Projects


Release Date:
06/13/2022