Insulation of Container-Renovated Houses
Four core elements need to be focused on for the insulation of container-renovated houses: insulation materials, structural design, sealing performance, and temperature control equipment.
1. Selection and Construction of Insulation Materials
Insulation materials directly affect the thermal performance of the house. Common materials include polyurethane foam boards, rock wool boards, and polystyrene foam. For example, the Apple Cabin container uses a full-house spray of high-density polyurethane insulation layer, with a comprehensive heat transfer coefficient of ≤0.28W/㎡·K, meeting ultra-low energy consumption building standards. The Yunnan Hongfeng container achieves sound and thermal insulation effects by filling with thermal insulation rock wool. The refrigerated container of Qingdao Jiecheng Hongye relies on a marine-standard insulation layer to ensure temperature stability during cold chain transportation. The thickness of the material needs to be adjusted according to climatic conditions. For example, in extremely cold regions, the thickness of the polyurethane layer needs to be increased to more than 50mm, and fire-resistant gypsum boards and moisture-proof films are used on the inner layer to form a multi-layer thermal insulation structure.
2. Optimization of Structural Design
The metal shell of containers is prone to heat conduction, so structural design is required to reduce the thermal bridge effect. For example, using double-layer containers with an air layer in between forms a natural thermal insulation barrier. Or, installing an aluminum foil reflective layer on the exterior wall to reflect sunlight and block thermal radiation. Window design should prioritize double- or triple-glazed windows with low thermal conductivity and strong sealing performance, and sealing strips should be installed at the edges to further reduce heat leakage. The roof can be equipped with a sloped roof or ventilation slots to utilize natural convection and lower the indoor temperature in summer.
3. Strengthening of Sealing Performance
The seams of containers are key points for heat loss. During construction, sealing treatment should be carried out on the joints of the container body, the edges of doors and windows, and other parts, using weather-resistant silicone or special sealing strips to fill the gaps. For example, a café in Mogan Mountain combines a bottom ventilation slot with an adjustable sunshade roof, ensuring ventilation in summer and preventing cold air infiltration in winter. The measured indoor temperature only dropped by 1.3℃ after being sealed for 8 hours.
4. Assistance of Temperature Control Equipment
In extreme climates, active temperature control equipment is required to maintain indoor comfort. The combination of floor heating, air conditioning, and heat pump technology can cope with temperatures as low as minus 20℃. For example, the Apple Cabin achieves a constant indoor temperature of 22℃ through a dual system of floor heating + air conditioning, supplemented by heat pump heating. For temporary scenarios, graphene floor heating or portable air conditioners can reduce energy consumption costs. In addition, adding a fresh air system can balance the air quality in a closed environment and avoid stuffiness.
