Flexible Hybrid Composite Insulation for Software Shelters Navy SBIR FY2014.2 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2014.2 Topic No.: N142-088 Topic Title: Flexible Hybrid Composite Insulation for Software Shelters Proposal No.: N142-088-0453 Firm: Luna Innovations Incorporated 1 Riverside Circle Suite 400 Roanoke, Virginia 24016 Contact: John Beck Phone: (540) 961-4506 Web Site: www.lunainnovations.com Abstract: With renewed emphasis on energy efficiency, the Marine Corps currently employs radiant insulating barriers in the Expeditionary Shelter System of softwall shelters. These barriers provide an additional insulation value of R-4 consisting of layered textiles that insulate radiant heat and reflect radiant heat. The current barriers are thick and heavy which negates some of the energy savings because of the greater logistical burden associated with the transport of the current barriers due to the additional space and weight constraints. Therefore, there is a need to replace these insulation materials with barriers that have greater R-value as well as decreased storage and weight characteristics over the currently used technologies. The ideal system would be robust, less than � inch thick, weighing less than 12 ounces/yd2 and possess an effective R-value of 4+. Luna Innovations has identified an innovative approach to thermal insulation through the use of lightweight, flexible hybrid composites that mimic the properties of silica aerogels, but at a fraction of the cost. These hybrid materials have been shown to achieve R-values/inch of 20+ under ambient conditions and can be used in combination with radiant (low emissivity) insulation materials to provide an unparalleled barrier to heat and moisture transfer. Benefits: When fully developed, the robust, flexible, hybrid composite insulation system will be poised for implementation and commercialization. The system will enable extended mission performance with reduction in energy use and maintenance. The technology will initially be deployed for the Marine Corps, however, the technology will have far reaching applicability to any of the myriad of military and commercial applications. The flexible insulation will find use in industrial and mechanical applications particularly in the naval and aerospace industry. Luna's material could also be used in evacuated panels require inexpensive starting materials and can be prepared in a wide variety of geometries to suit archtiectural needs. There are also a large number of commercial applications for which this technology is relevant such as medical (blood, tissue, organ, vaccine) transport, recreational coolers, and building insulation. Return