“Optimizing Shipping Container Cooling in South Africa and Air Conditioning Installation”

Introduction

Shipping containers have become integral in various industries, offering versatile solutions for storage, transportation, and even as makeshift workspaces. In regions with diverse climates like South Africa, the need for effective air conditioning in these containers is paramount. This blog aims to explore the importance of fitting air conditioning systems into shipping containers, their uses, and the specific considerations for sizing in the South African context.

In this blog, SOS Air Conditioning Systems will concentrate on the sun, and it’s effects that cause uncomfortable temperatures in the container, especially if being used for home and office purposes. A situation similar to the last time you left your vehicle sitting outside all day in the hot sun, and on arriving to continue your journey, you opened the door, only to get a blast of hot, humid air.

Unless the container has been specifically built to be refrigerated, shipping containers are just like your car – external conditions dictate the internal temperature. The shipping containers are also typically made from steel, which conducts heat very well. Temperature control is therefore imperative if you are living in your the container, or using it as an office.

In hot climates, particularly in the summer, shipping containers can easily reach unbearable temperatures. It is therefore important to plan ahead, and for this reason SOS Air Conditioning Systems will primarily focus on the air conditioning and the keeping of your 20ft and 40ft container cool and safe.

It is not difficult at all to purchase an air conditioner, let alone finding one to your liking. Many options are available and you would not lack of options. But choosing the right cooling and heating system for a specific space in your home, office, or commercial facility is not always easy as you would expect. If what you seek is a perfect match for your comfort needs, budget, and personal requirements, having an idea about the system you require will go a long way in helping you make a smart purchase.

Uses of Air Conditioning in Shipping Containers:

1. Temperature-sensitive Cargo: Many goods, especially perishables like food and pharmaceuticals, require specific temperature conditions during transit. Air conditioning ensures that these items reach their destination in optimal condition.
2. Mobile Offices and Workspaces: Shipping containers are often repurposed into mobile offices, workshops, or laboratories. Air conditioning not only ensures a comfortable working environment but also safeguards electronic equipment from overheating.
3. Storage of Sensitive Equipment: Certain equipment, such as electronics or machinery, may be stored in containers. Controlling the temperature within the container prevents damage from extreme heat or cold.

Types of air conditioning fitted in containers

In this article, we’ll be looking at two unique systems that can both heat and cool a room using just one unit—the commonly used Packaged Terminal Air Conditioners or PTACs and the innovative ductless mini split system.

• A packaged Terminal Air Conditioner (PTAC): This is a ductless, through-the-wall heating and cooling system that is normally used in commercial spaces, but they can also be used in typical residential environments. PTAC is the type of air conditioning unit that you would often find installed in hotel rooms. Many condominiums and apartment buildings that do not have a centralized heating and air conditioning units are also often installed with PTAC units. Institutional facilities, hospitality business spaces, and other large residential properties also normally make use of this type of system.

• Mini Split System: This type of aircon is used more commonly in South Africa in Residential housing as well as the converted shipping containers. This is also a split-type heating and cooling system that consists of two main components—the outdoor compressor/condenser unit and an indoor unit. These two units are connected and linked to work together as one system by a set of pipes called a line set that consists of two copper tubes called a suction line and a liquid line. Although many companies use aluminum tubing due mainly to the cheaper cost factor, SOS Air Conditioning Systems prefer to use Copper tubing as aluminum tubing is a softer compound metal, and more susceptible to gas leaks etc.

Keep in mind that the more the installation is complicated and labour-intensive, the more it can cost. Installation-wise, the ductless mini split system is definitely easier to do or less complicated, and besides other advantages listed below, we will concentrate on this type of air conditioning for our converted containers in South Africa.

Added advantages of the mini split system:

• Energy-efficiency
• Cooling and Heating Performance
• Versatility
• Multi-room Application
• Design and Space-saving Capability

Calculating Air Conditioner Size in Square Meters:

To determine the size of the air conditioner required in square meters, you can follow these general steps:

1. Calculate Volume: Measure the length, width, and height of the container in meters. Multiply these values to find the volume in cubic meters.

                                         Volume (m³) = Length (m) × Width (m) × Height (m)

2. Consider Insulation and External Factors: Adjust the volume based on the insulation quality and the expected external temperature variations. Well-insulated containers may require a smaller capacity, while less insulated ones may need a larger unit.

3. Conversion to BTUs: Convert the adjusted volume from cubic meters to BTUs. One cubic meter is roughly equal to 35.3 cubic feet, and 1 BTU is required to cool 1 cubic foot by 1 degree Fahrenheit.

                                  BTUs = Adjusted Volume (m³) × 35.3 × Temperature Difference (°C)

Conclusion:

In South Africa, where temperature variations can be significant, proper air conditioning is crucial for shipping containers. Whether transporting temperature-sensitive cargo or creating functional workspaces, the right air conditioning system ensures the integrity of both the container and its contents. By understanding the specific needs of 20ft and 40ft containers and calculating the appropriate size based on volume and external factors, businesses can optimize their operations and ensure the success of their ventures involving shipping containers in South Africa.

SOS Air Conditioning Systems, will be publishing a free downloadable eBook, which will be inserted into this blog, showing you a lot more detailed information and calculations regarding allowing for insulation and also the calculation for creating the desired temperature in the container by considering the drop or rise in temperature inside the container compared to the external environment. (Should you require any further information in the meantime, please don’t hesitate to call our office or email Sonia directly)

“Happy container converting”

Email: info@sosairconsystems.co.za

Website:  www.sosairconsystems.co.za