In today's video, Channing will discuss the latest and greatest in HVAC tech, the Mini-Split Heat Pump! We had to create custom recession boxes to fit these units on these shipping containers! Stay tuned, hope you learn something!
Integrating Heat Pumps into Shipping Containers
Channing McCorriston, The Container Guy, walks through the future of heating and cooling inside shipping containers and introduces a custom heat pump integration system designed specifically for container builds.
The focus is on sustainability, efficiency, and solving the unique challenges that come with installing heat pumps in steel structures.
Why Heat Pumps Matter
Heat pumps are positioned as the long term solution for heating and cooling.
Key points discussed:
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They transfer heat instead of generating it
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They are highly efficient
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They reduce reliance on fossil fuels
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They are becoming more common due to government incentives
In cold regions such as Canada, cold climate rated units are essential.
The Installation Challenge
In this specific project, containers were cut in half and installed underground. This created a major problem.
There was no exterior space available to mount the condenser unit.
The Solution
A recessed condenser box was designed into the container wall.
This allowed the exterior unit to sit inside the wall cavity while still functioning properly.
The recessed area also doubles as a workbench inside the container.
Recessed Condenser Box Design
The box functions similarly to a window frame kit.
Key features:
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Exterior frame defines the opening
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Inner box recesses inward
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Sloped pan directs airflow to the condenser
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Spray foam insulation seals the thermal envelope
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Rigid foam used in lower sections
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Spray foam used in upper sections where heat rises
For cooling dominant setups, the wood floor below the unit remains intact.
For heating dominant climates, bar grating may replace the wood floor to allow condensation to drip through and prevent moisture buildup.
Installation Process Overview
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Install exterior frame to define depth and position
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Insert inner box and secure it
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Attach outer panel
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Ensure everything is square
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Insulate with rigid and spray foam
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Mount condenser and route line set
The system integrates with container strut framing for structural stability.
Hidden fastener profiles were developed to avoid visible hardware.
Slide Out Condenser Track System
An accidental but valuable innovation emerged during the build.
The condenser sits on a slide out track system.
Benefits:
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Loosen a few bolts
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Slide the condenser out
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Perform cleaning or maintenance
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Slide it back in
This is especially useful for rental containers or units operating in extreme climates.
Interior Layout and Space Optimization
The recessed box forms a usable workbench surface.
Storage drawers were sacrificed in favor of simplicity and durability.
The team is exploring reducing intrusion depth from 24 inches to 20 inches to gain more interior space.
The system still allows room for:
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Office chairs
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Mini fridges
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Equipment
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Storage under shelving
Trades Required for Installation
Heat pump installation requires two trades:
Electrician
Handles power supply and connections.
Plumber or HVAC technician
Connects refrigerant line set and performs vacuum procedures.
Labor cost often equals or exceeds the unit cost due to complexity.
Cold Climate Performance
Heat pumps operate efficiently between approximately:
10°C and negative 18°C
They typically function down to around negative 28°C, depending on model.
Below those temperatures, auxiliary heat sources such as:
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Wood stove
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Furnace
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Backup electric heat
may be required.
In extreme cold, ice buildup can form beneath the condenser.
Interesting observation:
The ice formed tends to be porous and easier to break apart compared to solid dense ice.
Regular maintenance is required in harsh climates.
Efficiency and Cost Considerations
Heat pumps outperform traditional heating systems across most moderate temperature ranges.
With rising fossil fuel costs and carbon taxation, heat pumps are expected to become more economically attractive over time.
They represent:
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Lower emissions
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Higher efficiency
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Long term cost benefits
Components of the Container Heat Pump Kit
The team developed a container specific integration system featuring:
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Recessed condenser box
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Sloped airflow pan
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Combined rigid and spray foam insulation strategy
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Slide out condenser track
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Smart thermostat compatibility
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Flexible line set routing
The system is still being refined with 3D modeling and future commercialization in mind.
Smart Control Integration
The interior head units are cold climate rated smart heat pumps.
They can be paired with:
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Affordable smart thermostats
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Wi Fi control
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Voice assistant integration
This allows remote temperature management and energy optimization.
Final Thoughts from The Container Guy
Heat pumps are the future of container climate control.
By developing a container specific mounting kit with:
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Recessed installation
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Slide out maintenance access
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Insulated envelope integration
this system solves many of the challenges associated with steel container builds.
The design is still evolving, and community feedback is welcomed to improve the sliding hardware system further.