Ventilation-optimised equipment containers

What we designed and built

The project started with two 10ft High Cube double-door shipping containers. Although both units were designed as equipment spaces, their insulation, ventilation, electrical systems and interior details were configured differently to suit their individual operating requirements.

The compact container format makes the equipment spaces movable while providing a protected and controlled environment for the client’s systems.

Insulation and temperature control

The walls, ceiling and doors of the first container were insulated with 100 mm EI90 fire-rated mineral wool. The floor was insulated from underneath with 50 mm XPS panels, preserving as much usable interior height as possible.

The second container was fitted with 40 mm PIR thermal-insulation panels on the walls, ceiling and doors. Its floor was also insulated from underneath with 50 mm XPS panels.

Air heat pumps were installed to control the indoor temperature. The outdoor units were protected with custom covers, and condensate water was directed through pipes to the ground and away from the container walls.

Controlled ventilation and electrical systems

Both containers were equipped with supply air valves and duct fans selected according to the required airflow. Stepless thyristor controllers allow the users to adjust the exhaust airflow accurately.

A CO₂ sensor was installed in the first container and connected to its duct fan. When the measured CO₂ level exceeds the predefined threshold, the fan automatically increases its output and continues operating until the level returns to the required range.

Both containers have a 16A/400V power supply, a 230V socket for the client’s equipment and LED ceiling lighting. Electrical kill switches allow the power supply and electrically operated equipment to be disconnected quickly. Two separately operating kill switches were installed in the second container to provide more precise control over its systems.

Floors and equipment integration

The first container retained its original plywood floor. It was also fitted with two Ø25 mm cable openings and mounting points for a removable aluminum loading ramp.

The floor of the second container was covered with a 3 mm aluminum tear plate to improve point-load resistance. Three larger openings were created for routing the client’s equipment connections through the container structure.

Highlights of this build

• Two new 10ft HC double-door shipping containers

• Application-specific equipment in each unit

• 100 mm EI90 fire-rated insulation in the first container

• 40 mm PIR thermal insulation in the second container

• 50 mm XPS floor insulation in both containers

• Air heat pumps with protected outdoor units

• Two to three supply air valves per container

• Adjustable mechanical exhaust ventilation

• CO₂-controlled duct fan in the first container

• 16A/400V power supply

• 230V sockets and LED lighting

• Electrical kill switches

• 3 mm aluminum tear plate flooring in the second container

• Custom cable and equipment openings

• Removable aluminum loading ramp for the first container