VIP – Vacuum Insulation Panel
VIP stands for vacuum insulation panel. In thermal packaging, the abbreviation describes an insulating component with greatly reduced internal gas pressure. This construction reduces heat transfer through the gas inside, providing high insulation performance with a thin panel.
What does VIP do in a shipping system?
- It reduces heat exchange in both directions: heat ingress in a hot environment and heat loss in a cold environment.
- It does not store cooling energy in the same way as a PCM coolant pack. Insulation and thermal buffering perform different tasks.
- Compact insulation can provide more payload space within the same external dimensions. The benefit nevertheless depends on the complete design.
What does the abbreviation not tell you?
VIP alone does not specify a temperature hold time or demonstrate qualification. Joints, protective layers, loading and coolant packs affect system performance. The construction and damage risks of the individual component are explained in the vacuum insulation panel entry.
Related terms: PCM · Insulated shipper
Technical references:
va-Q-tec: How vacuum insulation panels work