Dynamic insulation system for switchable building envelope

A structural insulation assembly having a variable insulating value and being incorporated into a thermal envelope of a structure, the assembly comprising:

• a wall comprising a first surface,
• a second surface and
• a cavity between the first and second surfaces and at least partially filled with a gas;
• a plurality of insulating elongated fins, each fin comprising thermally insulating foam disposed between the first surface and the second surface of the wall and fixed to distinct rotational axes, the rotational axes being parallel to each other, the plurality of elongated fins being continuously rotatable between a closed position, where the plurality of elongated fins are substantially vertical, and a fully open position, where the plurality of elongated fins are perpendicular to the first and second surfaces and parallel to each other;
• an actuator coupled to the plurality of insulating elongated fins and controlling a rotational angle of the insulating elongated fins to effectuate the variable insulating value;
• a motor operating the actuator, wherein the motor and the actuator are located external to the structure;
• and
• a controller configured to control an R-value of the structural insulation assembly by passing instructions to the actuator dictating the angle of the insulating elongated fins, to maintain steady state heat flux between the first and second surfaces.