Thermal Insulation of Container Houses

Thermal insulation in container houses is mainly achieved through material selection, structural design, and auxiliary measures, comprehensively improving thermal performance to ensure warmth in winter and coolness in summer.

1. Core Thermal Insulation Materials and Structures

1. Multi-layer Composite Walls
   The mainstream solution adopts a structure of "outer metal panel + intermediate thermal insulation layer + inner functional panel." The outer layer commonly uses anti-corrosion color-coated steel sheets to reflect sunlight and protect the thermal insulation layer. The intermediate layer primarily consists of polyurethane foam panels (thickness ≥ 50mm) or rock wool panels, which have low thermal conductivity (polyurethane ≤ 0.024W/(m·K), rock wool ≤ 0.040W/(m·K)), effectively blocking heat conduction. The inner layer is paired with fire-resistant gypsum boards or calcium silicate boards, working in conjunction with moisture-proof films to control humidity and maintain stable temperatures. For example, China's "Technical Standard for Steel Structure Integrated Houses" requires that the heat transfer coefficient of residential container walls be ≤ 0.45W/(㎡·K), with a thermal insulation efficiency 1.8 times that of traditional brick-and-concrete walls.

2. Thermal Break Insulation Technology
   Thermal break aluminum profiles are used at the connections between doors, windows, and walls, paired with double- or triple-glazed units (such as 6Low-E+12A+6 insulated glass), reducing thermal bridge effects and minimizing heat transfer through metal frames.

2. Key Design Optimizations

1. Ventilation and Shading Systems
   Adjustable sunshades or eaves are installed on the roof to reduce direct sunlight exposure, while ventilation slots are designed at the bottom to promote air circulation using the thermal pressure principle, lowering indoor temperatures. For example, a café in Mogan Mountain uses aluminum foil reflective sandwich panels, combined with a sunshade roof and ventilation slots, maintaining comfort without air conditioning in summer.

2. Sealing and Joint Treatments
   Sealing strips are added around doors and windows, and waterproof membranes and sealants are used to fully seal panel joints, ensuring continuous sealing without breaks. For example, a container space capsule shop solved water leakage issues by optimizing roof drainage slopes and panel overlapping.

3. Auxiliary Temperature Control Measures

1. Temperature Control Equipment
   Air conditioners, graphene floor heating systems, or entrance air curtains are installed as needed to quickly adjust indoor temperatures. For example, in northern regions, floor heating can be paired in winter to compensate for the low specific heat capacity of metal structures.

2. Customized Modifications
   Thermal insulation performance can be further enhanced by increasing the thickness of insulation layers (e.g., raising polystyrene foam thickness from 50mm to 80mm), selecting high-density rock wool (density ≥ 120kg/m³), or spraying polyurethane rigid foam. Some projects also adopt double-layer container structures with thermal insulation materials filled in between, creating an "air gap" to strengthen thermal insulation.

4. Performance Verification and Standards

Field measurements show that high-quality container houses experience a 22-minute slower temperature rise indoors compared to outdoors at noon in summer, with only a 1.3°C drop in indoor temperature after 8 hours of closure in winter, resulting in minimal perceived temperature fluctuations and comfort levels close to those of traditional buildings.