How Much Better Is the Thermal Insulation of UHPC Panels Than Ordinary Concrete Panels? Thermal Performance and Qinglong Group's Energy-Saving Design

Due to its high density (porosity typically below 5%), UHPC panels have a thermal conductivity λ value of approximately 1.8-2.2 W/(m·K), lower than that of ordinary concrete (1.8-2.5 W/(m·K)), but neither qualifies as an insulation material. The thermal insulation advantage of UHPC panels lies mainly in their ability to be fabricated as thin panels (15-30mm) and, when combined with high-performance insulation materials (such as rock wool or polyurethane), to form 'insulation-decorative integrated panels', with a system heat transfer coefficient K value that can be reduced below 0.5 W/(m²·K), far superior to traditional concrete walls. In the energy-saving design of the Yirui Biotechnology Building in Shenzhen, we used a composite panel consisting of a 20mm-thick UHPC facing layer + 100mm-thick rock wool, achieving a system K value of 0.38 W/(m²·K), meeting the design requirement of 65% energy savings for public buildings in the hot-summer, warm-winter climate zone. The value of UHPC lies in providing a robust and durable decorative facing layer for high-performance insulation systems.

Analysis of the Material's Own Thermal Performance

UHPC's thermal conductivity is slightly better than that of ordinary concrete of the same thickness, but its excellent flexural strength allows it to be made thinner, thereby reducing the conduction cross-section of thermal bridges. However, UHPC panels alone cannot meet building energy efficiency codes and must be used in combination with an insulation layer.

Composite Systems Are the Key to Energy Efficiency

The UHPC insulation-decorative integrated panel developed by Qinglong Group reliably connects the UHPC facing panel, insulation layer, and base wall through thermal-break anchors, completely eliminating the cracking and detachment risks of traditional external wall insulation systems. Verified through thermal calculations and testing, the system's K value is stable and reliable, and its design service life matches that of the building.

Suitable for Passive Ultra-Low Energy Buildings

By increasing the thickness of the insulation layer, UHPC composite panels can easily meet the stringent passive house requirement of K value ≤ 0.15 W/(m²·K). Their high airtightness and durability make them particularly suitable for buildings with extremely high demands for energy efficiency and indoor environmental quality. We have provided customized solutions for multiple passive building projects.

The value of UHPC in the field of building energy efficiency lies in its role as a structural decorative facing layer, joining forces with insulation materials to achieve a unity of safety, aesthetics, and energy efficiency. Qinglong Group is committed to advancing the development of high-performance building envelopes.