Gaasivahed

Gaasivahed, which translates to "gas gaps" in English, refers to intentional empty spaces filled with a gas, typically air or a noble gas, within a material or structure. These gaps are designed to exploit the poor thermal conductivity of gases, making the material act as an insulator.

The most common application of gaasivahed is in double glazing or triple glazing for windows. In these systems, two or three panes of glass are separated by sealed frames, creating one or more gaasivahed. This significantly reduces heat transfer by convection and conduction, improving the energy efficiency of buildings by minimizing heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer. The effectiveness of the insulation depends on the width of the gap and the type of gas used. Noble gases like argon or krypton are often preferred over air because they are denser and less prone to convection, leading to superior insulating properties.

Beyond windows, the principle of gaasivahed can be found in other insulating materials. For example, some types of foamed plastics and ceramics incorporate microscopic gas pockets to reduce thermal conductivity. The controlled creation of these internal voids is crucial for achieving the desired insulating performance. The stability and sealing of the gas gap are also important factors to prevent gas leakage and maintain the insulating properties over time.