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I am researching online for container homes complete with personal small solar plant. However the region I am living in has a sharp fluctuation in temperature. Aside from the solar charging plant, another thing I have to consider is how to insulate or how or where to find a good insulator material to be used in container in sub-zero temperature without compromising too much on space. During winter, the regional temperature can go down as much as -30 to -40 C in average possible more.
If I were thinking about doing this, I would start with a factory insulated container. As a former truck driver in the 1970s, we called them "reefers" or refrigerated containers since they normally held a diesel-powered air conditioning unit on the front of the box. The non-refrigerated containers were called "dry" containers.
We normally expect to see -20F every winter. Parts of this state see -30F.
Our house was a steel 'kit' building that I assembled. I sprayed 2 inches of urethane foam on the walls and across the ceiling, then I hung 9 inches of fiberglass batting, before installing the interior wall surfaces.
We seem to do fine with solar power. Remember to keep your battery-bank above freezing.
With temps that low, I would suggest looking into a geo-thermal heat pump system. While it's -30 at the surface, the temperature is about 10C just a few feet below the surface.
With temps that low, I would suggest looking into a geo-thermal heat pump system.
They are making a lot of improvements with heat pumps.
Recently a couple SC corporations came up here and built a few 200-unit complexes for the State University students. The first winter they saw the limits of heat pumps.
The lastest is the mini-split with variable speed compressor, those are much better. I know a few people who are able to use them for the shoulders. But having warmth in the shoulders does not equal heat in the winter.
Heat-pumps that take you through the Spring and Fall, will greatly reduce your over all heat expenses.
Quote:
... While it's -30 at the surface, the temperature is about 10C just a few feet below the surface.
"just a few feet"???
Really are we talking 50 feet?
Frost in my town goes to 4 feet. Dig down 4 feet in January and it is solid ice, and we do not see -30F here.
Heat pumps are best used in regions that do not need heat.
Geo Thermal heat pumps are about the most efficient Heating system you can buy. Kwong 7 is right, about 8 feet below the surface the ground temps are in the 50's in almost all regions of the US. But they are pretty spendy.
We have Air source heat pumps and it got to a low of -25 last winter. We stayed toasty in a well insulated house.
But I have researched Container homes and in cold climates they just don't make sense. You still have to insulate them and furr them out to hold sheetrock for the interior and all you are saving is outside Sheathing.
They are no longer cheap, going for about 3500 to 400 each. For that you could have built the frame.
Geo Thermal heat pumps are about the most efficient Heating system you can buy. Kwong 7 is right, about 8 feet below the surface the ground temps are in the 50's in almost all regions of the US. But they are pretty spendy.
We have Air source heat pumps and it got to a low of -25 last winter. We stayed toasty in a well insulated house.
But I have researched Container homes and in cold climates they just don't make sense. You still have to insulate them and furr them out to hold sheetrock for the interior and all you are saving is outside Sheathing.
They are no longer cheap, going for about 3500 to 400 each. For that you could have built the frame.
( 3rd paragraph).........all you are saving is outside sheathing ...
I am researching online for container homes complete with personal small solar plant. However the region I am living in has a sharp fluctuation in temperature. Aside from the solar charging plant, another thing I have to consider is how to insulate or how or where to find a good insulator material to be used in container in sub-zero temperature without compromising too much on space. During winter, the regional temperature can go down as much as -30 to -40 C in average possible more.
Unless it's free, skip the "container home." Build a small home framing with 2x6 studs (it'll cost about the same as the container) and you can spray in closed-cell insulation. If you want additional insulation, you can add polystyrene insulation on the exterior, under your siding. Your finished product will be much nicer, and will probably cost less.
Just remember that the overwhelming majority of heat is lost through your ceiling, your windows, and your doors.
Last edited by Volvo Driver; 04-27-2017 at 09:18 PM..
Skip the "container home." Build a small home framing with 2x6 studs (it'll cost about the same as the container) and you can spray in closed-cell insulation. Your finished product will be much nicer, and will probably cost less.
I am not sure the 2x6s provide any benefit once you consider thermal-bridging.
Obviously I like spray-on foam, I did it. But foam is expensive. With one inch of foam you gain all the benefits of foam. To go over 2 inches you are just adding cost with little benefit.
2 inches of foam is clearly not enough, time to add some other insulation that is cheap. Introducing fiberglass batting [otherwise called itch].
2 inches of foam and a foot of itch is ideal. But you must stay away from expensive wood stick construction.
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