In building energy conservation, HVAC systems, and industrial insulation projects, the design of the insulation layer thickness directly affects the system's energy-saving effect, structural space occupation, and construction feasibility. Glass wool and aerogel, as two widely used but completely different insulation materials, have significant differences in thickness requirements. This article will systematically analyze the differences in thickness requirements between glass wool and aerogel to provide a reference for project selection.

I. Material Properties Determine Thickness Logic

1. Material Characteristics of Glass Wool

Glass wool is an inorganic fiber insulation material, mainly made from inorganic minerals such as quartz sand through high-temperature melting and fiberization. Its internal structure consists of a large number of interwoven fibers, forming a porous system that reduces heat transfer through a layer of still air.

This insulation mechanism determines that glass wool is highly dependent on thickness; only after reaching a certain laying thickness can a stable and effective insulation layer be formed.

2. Material Properties of Aerogel

Aerogel is a novel nanoporous insulation material with nanoscale pores, greatly restricting air molecule movement and effectively suppressing heat conduction, convection, and radiation.

Due to its extremely low thermal conductivity, aerogel can achieve high thermal resistance even with a relatively thin thickness, making it a typical high-efficiency thin-film insulation material.

II. The Impact of Thermal Conductivity Differences on Thickness

In engineering design, insulation thickness is usually calculated based on thermal conductivity.

Glass wool: Thermal conductivity falls within the range of conventional insulation materials, requiring increased thickness to meet energy-saving standards.

Aerogel: Significantly lower thermal conductivity, providing higher thermal resistance per unit thickness.

Therefore, to achieve the same insulation effect, aerogel requires a significantly smaller thickness than glass wool, a difference particularly noticeable in space-constrained projects.

III. Thickness Differences in Typical Engineering Scenarios

1. Building Exterior Wall and Roof Insulation

In building envelopes, glass wool is typically laid in thicker thicknesses to meet energy-saving design requirements. Aerogel, through composite structures, can achieve the same or even higher thermal insulation performance at a thinner thickness.

2. Duct and Equipment Insulation

For space-constrained areas such as ducts and equipment rooms, increasing the thickness of glass wool can easily lead to space compression, affecting system layout. Aerogel, with its ultra-thin advantage, is more suitable for such scenarios.

IV. Impact of Thickness Differences on Construction and Structure

Impact of Glass Wool Thickness

Increased thickness increases overall volume

Higher requirements for supporting structures and fixing methods

Potentially increases building load

Impact of Aerogel Thickness

Thinner, smaller footprint

More conducive to renovation projects and compact equipment

Higher requirements for construction precision and protective layers

In space- and weight-sensitive projects, the thickness advantage of aerogel is more readily apparent.

V. Economic Efficiency and Comprehensive Cost Analysis

From a purely material cost perspective, glass wool is usually cheaper than aerogel. However, after considering comprehensive factors such as thickness, construction, and structural adjustments, the actual cost difference between the two becomes closer.

Glass wool: Low material cost, but increased thickness leads to higher construction and structural costs.

Aerogel: High material cost, but reduced thickness and space occupation lower overall project costs.

VI. Summary of Thickness Selection and Applicable Scenarios

| Application Scenarios | Glass Wool Thickness Characteristics | Aerogel Thickness Characteristics |

| ---- | ------- | ------- |

| Building Exterior Walls | Large Thickness Requirement | Significantly Reduced Thickness |

| Duct Systems | Thickness Limited | Obvious Advantages |

| Equipment Insulation | Large Space Occupancy | High Adaptability |

| Energy Saving Retrofit | Many Restrictions | More Flexible |

Analysis of the differences in thickness requirements between glass wool and aerogel shows that each has its own focus in engineering applications. Glass wool is suitable for conventional projects with ample space and strict cost control, while aerogel is more suitable for high-standard projects with high requirements for thickness, weight, and insulation efficiency. In actual design, the material type and thickness scheme should be rationally determined based on the usage environment, structural conditions, and energy-saving goals to achieve the optimal engineering effect.