The Vacuum Insulated Heatable Curtain (vihc): From conceptual invention to market deployment as a cost-effective dual solution for window heat loss reduction and localised radiant comfort

Title : The Vacuum Insulated Heatable Curtain (vihc): From conceptual invention to market deployment as a cost-effective dual solution for window heat loss reduction and localised radiant comfort

Abstract:

The Vacuum Insulated Heatable Curtain (VIHC), invented and industrially advanced by Professor Saim Memon, represents the world’s first curtain system that simultaneously reduces heat loss through windows and provides targeted low-power radiant heating. This invention has progressed from Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 1 to TRL 9, with successful transition from initial laboratory proof-of-concept to mass manufacturing and commercial launch. The VIHC comprises a 7 mm composite assembly integrating a 3 mm vacuum insulation layer (λ ≈ 0.013 W•m⁻¹•K⁻¹) with an ultra-thin electrically powered heating mesh. The curtain functions as a portable retrofit technology, requiring no glazing replacement, structural works, or professional installation beyond a conventional curtain pole and power connection. Experimental evaluations indicate that an average power input of 333 W (≈ 1 kWh over 3 hours) provides gentle radiant warmth while mitigating cold downdraughts, enhancing mean radiant temperature near the occupied zone, and reducing reliance on central heating systems. Its dual functionality allows users to lower thermostat set-points or shorten heating runtimes, leading to reduced energy consumption and improved comfort, particularly in heritage buildings, rental properties, hotels, schools, and domestic environments where glazing replacement is impractical. Unlike conventional thermal curtains or portable heaters, the VIHC uniquely combines advanced vacuum insulation with decentralised, user-controlled radiant heating in a single lightweight unit. This research-to-industry pathway exemplifies how academic innovation can deliver practical, scalable, and sustainable energy solutions for the built environment.

Keywords: Vacuum Insulated Heatable Curtain, VIHC, Heating, Insulation, Buildings; Net Zero Energy, Energy Savings, Sustainability.

Biography:

Professor Dr Saim Memon is an Inventor, Scientist, Chartered Engineer, Industrial Professor and a pioneer in vacuum-insulation energy technologies. As CEO of Sanyou London, he has led ideas from TRL-1 to TRL-9, taking inventions into mass manufacture and real-world impact, including the world’s first Vacuum Insulated Wallpaper (VIW), Vacuum Insulated Curtain (VIC) and Vacuum Insulated Heatable Curtain (VIHC). A UK-trained academic (PhD, PGCert, MSc, BEng Hons) and Fellow of Advance HE, he has taught across electrical, mechanical and renewable energy engineering, supervised scores of researchers, and collaborated with leading universities and industry worldwide. His work spans net-zero buildings, vacuum insulation, PV/T systems and thermal management OF Electric Vehicles, with 150+ publications and global recognition for research excellence. In 2025 he launched AISaim, the world’s first Digital Twin AGI Professor, bringing his pedagogy and industrial practice to learners everywhere.