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More energy efficiency and climate comfort in (electric) bus transport

Thermal vehicle insulation with vacuum insulation panels (VIPs) by the German company va-Q-tec lead to a significant reduction of the energy consumption of e-buses I © va-Q-tec

Due to the megatrends of sustainability and reduction of CO2 emissions, municipalities and cities are increasing the use of buses in public transport. To achieve the climate targets, however, it is not sufficient to only reduce individual traffic. The public transport systems such as buses also need to become more energy-efficient and produce fewer emissions. Thermal vehicle insulation with vacuum insulation panels (VIPs) by the German company va-Q-tec represents a major step towards more sustainability in public transport. Both buses with combustion engines and electric motors benefit sustainably from this innovative insulation solution. 

Solutions are needed here, especially in connection with the air-conditioning in the passenger compartment: For example, compensating extreme outside temperatures through air conditioning and heating, reduces the range of the vehicle battery by up to 50%. This can only be compensated by recharging more frequently or by reducing air conditioning. This increases timetable changes and delays. Also, the fuel consumption of internal combustion engines increases significantly during the summer months due to the use of air conditioning. va-Q-tec’s VIPs offer an optimal solution here due to their excellent insulation values combined with low space requirements. They transfer the insulation principle of the thermos flask to insulation boards, which have an insulation performance 10 times better than conventional insulation materials. They can be produced in various standard shapes and thicknesses or individually according to customer requirements. VIPs can, therefore, also excellently insulate very narrow areas, e.g. in the engine compartment or the vehicle body.

va-Q-tec vehicle insulation with vacuum insulation panels (VIPs) I © va-Q-tec

The results of the installation of VIPs are consistently positive: Due to the improved insulation against extreme outside temperatures and the resulting reduction in the use of air conditioning or heating, the range and service life of electric vehicle batteries is considerably extended. With combustion engines, fuel consumption is reduced. Insulating the battery of electric buses is also uncomplicated. This significantly extends the range – especially in the cold winter months. In this way VIPs make a valuable contribution to the fight against climate change.

VIPs also improve the insulation value of a conventional vehicle wall by up to 70%. This means that smaller and thus energy-saving air-conditioning units can be installed without sacrificing comfort in the vehicle interior. A noticeably more pleasant room climate is created there. VIPs do not require any subsequent maintenance and therefore do not cause any follow-up costs.

Up to 50 % of the energy consumption of e-buses is used for heating and cooling – optimised insulation helps to reduce the energy consumption significantly I © va-Q-tec

Another advantage is the ecological sustainability of the panels: In contrast to many conventional plastics that are usually used for insulation in vehicles, va-Q-tec’s VIPs are also very environmentally friendly: They are made of almost 100% recyclable materials and therefore save valuable resources.

Further information on va-Q-tec’s technologies can be found here:

01.09.2020
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