2017 has seen the world’s number one major appliances and connected air conditioning brand, Haier, at the forefront of design and innovation with new product releases providing a glimpse into the future.
At the annual Appliance & Electronics World Expo in Shanghai, the Haier Air Conditioning team showcased a fully functional 3D printed air conditioning unit.
Its unique 3D wave pattern transitions from white to blue, it boasts fully functional heating and cooling systems and an LCD
display that’s also 3D printed. Haier’s high quality Smart Ecosystem powers the unit.
The 3D printed unit comes with the added bonus of being easily tailored to suit a customer’s wish list. Haier believes the consumer is no longer just looking for an air conditioner – they are after function that fits stylishly into their home décor.
Product personalisation has been a big focus for Haier this year.
Home Air Conditioners general manager, Wang Youning, said customisation is the key to Haier’s success in a market squeezed by rising inventory and increased costs.
“We have to adapt to the modern trend of customisation, otherwise we will be left out of the market," Youning said.
To be at the forefront of this trend in the Chinese market, Haier Domestic Air Conditioning has built an “Online Factory” in Zhengzhou, Henan province.
By allowing mass customisation, Haier has given online customers more freedom to control the manufacturing process – giving them the ability to develop Air Conditioning based on their own specifications.
For example, Haier has developed the Tianzun Air Conditioner freestanding model which holds an Apple MFi certificate, allowing it to automatically connect to any iOS device. It meets Apple’s strict criteria around product design, quality and compatibility required to be awarded an MFi certificate.
So how has this changed things for consumers?
It means their smart appliance can automatically connect with their iOS device, giving them control of the unit remotely. This technology is perfect for cooling down a home, before the home owner walks in their front door.
"It’s the first of many Air Conditioning and Appliance products Haier will bring online with smart technology, as the company drives towards a future where our home appliances become connected internet terminals," Youning said.
Haier is building its industrial architecture of ‘One cloud and N terminals’ to help drive future ‘smart home’ plans.
"Haier believes this development will see cutting edge technology take over mundane household chores at the touch of a button and ultimately free up more leisure time for customers," Youning said.
2017 was also the year Haier released the Magnetic Bearing Centrifugal Chiller unit, which has the world’s largest cooling capacity.
This is further proof that the Haier Commercial Air Conditioning division has been setting records in 2017, the company said.
A 4200RT magnetic bearing centrifugal chiller unit rolled off the production line at Haier’s factory in Qingdao, China earlier this year.
It has the world’s largest cooling capacity – one unit is able to cool 100,000 sq m. The 4200RT is oil and friction free and uses less energy than traditional Central Air Conditioning.
In the Chinese market, Haier is the market leader having, to date, built and installed 539 magnetic bearing centrifugal chillers.
Haier has been the market leader in centrifugal chillers for five consecutive years, the company said.
According to industry experts, the new 4200RT unit not only represents advances in magnetic levitation technology applications and innovation, but also contributes to energy conservation and emission reductions.
In terms of intelligent technology, the unit is equipped with the self-cleaning Driverless Maglev system. This system is designed to require no human intervention for upkeep and maintenance during the entire life cycle.
At the same time, Haier Commercial Air Conditioning has a built a new interactive Manufacturing Facility. This facility brings to life the mission of producing user-centric Central Air Conditioners that leverage the technology of interconnected devices, that combine energy-saving technology, artificial intelligence and mass customisation.
The establishment of this interactive Manufacturing Facility sees a transformation from mass production to mass customisation.
To learn more about Haier Air Conditioning technology and what products are currently available in Australia call 1300 729 948.
*Haier is the number one brand of major appliances in the world in volume sales.
Source: Euromonitor International Limited; Consumer Appliances 2017, % unit share, 2016 data. Major Appliances category is the sum of dishwashers, home laundry appliances, large cooking appliances, microwaves, and refrigeration appliances.
** Source: Euromonitor International Limited; Claim issued on 1 Feb 2017. Haier is the number one brand of connected air conditioner (including smart air conditioner) in the world, with a market share of 23.6% in terms of volume sales in 2016.