Technology improves energy efficiency of household refrigerators by up to 10%

09-Sep-11

Dow Polyurethanes, in cooperation with Cannon SpA, will officially launch PASCAL™ Technology. PASCAL™, a new polyurethane foam insulation technology that improves energy efficiency of refrigerators and freezers by up to 10%, was first featured in household refrigerators and freezers by Haier and is now commercially available to appliance manufacturers. Combining a proprietary polyurethane foam specifically formulated for this application, PASCAL™ Technology doubles the efficiency of insulation while continuing to provide thermal conductivity and adhesion—qualities that distinguish polyurethane from alternative types of insulation. PASCAL™ is just one of the innovative solutions spurred by Dow’s commitment to addressing the world’s most critical challenges, including the need to conserve energy. The technology incorporates vacuum equipment from Cannon SpA, during the insulation process to bypass the deficiencies of standard insulation. The vacuum, paired with a hydrocarbon blowing agent, allows PASCAL polyurethane foam to fit into the small spaces traditional insulation might miss, especially in modern designs, and also mold to the contours of the appliance, reducing the amount of energy lost during consumer use. The resulting system can also decrease the insulation reactivity time from a standard of about five to three minutes.