When we open a refrigerator, we are often struck by the interior volume which seems much less than what the exterior dimensions promise. In fact, the walls and doors are filled with a thick layer of insulation to maintain freshness in the different compartments. Also often, manufacturers use polyurethane-based insulating foam which, depending on its quality, takes up more or less space, but necessarily reduces the available storage volume. Many manufacturers have already tried to thin the walls of their devices, such as Samsung (Spacemax system) or Liebherr which explored the path of a volcanic rock that is a very poor thermal conductor: perlite.
Whirlpool’s approach is not very different – a replacement for polyurethane foam – but proposes to fill the walls with millions of insulating particles, themselves compressed in a layer of vacuum (a technique for double glazing, for example). elsewhere), all between two layers of solid material which will form the interior and exterior walls.
According to Marc Bitzer, president of Whirlpool, “SlimTech Insulation is the most important innovation in the world of refrigerators in 50 years”, just that. The doors and walls would effectively become 60% thinner than those of current devices, allowing 25% more interior space. Still in the numbers department, SlimTech technology would save almost 50% of energy, a real breakthrough for refrigerators which are among the most energy-intensive equipment in our interiors, mainly due to their permanent use.
A technological, aesthetic and ergonomic change
Marc Bitzer also emphasizes that refrigerators equipped with this SlimTech technology should be more stylish than the large cabinets we know today. Thanks to the thinner edges and edges, designers will be able to give free rein to their imagination to offer products more suited to our kitchens, of course, but also to our living rooms and dining rooms.
Marc Bitzer even imagines a world in which refrigerators become smaller, but more numerous: “Today, the norm is to have this gigantic 700 l refrigerator in the kitchen. But why not have a smaller appliance in the kitchen and another complementary one in the living room. Because all of a sudden, energy and storage volume losses would no longer be a problem.” And to add “Ultimately, we’re going to have to think of refrigerators as pieces of furniture in their own right. Big doors and thick walls will be a thing of the past and you will be able to think about distributing refrigerated food to all rooms of the house, not just the kitchen.”
SlimTech technology has already appeared on certain models from the JennAir brand, an American manufacturer of high-end household appliances. The prices are approximately the same as those of “classic” refrigerators. Whirlpool is expected to unveil its SlimTech devices at CES in Las Vegas early next year.