Midea Building Technologies, a division of Midea Group, is setting a global benchmark by integrating artificial intelligence (AI) across the entire lifecycle of building cooling systems. From intelligent design to post-installation service, AI plays a critical role in improving system performance, reducing energy consumption, enhancing user comfort, and achieving carbon neutrality. With its “GREEN FOR ONE” sustainability initiative and a focus on low-carbon operations, Midea is establishing a blueprint for the future of intelligent buildings.
At the heart of Midea’s innovation is its AI-powered R&D framework, which reshapes how cooling systems are conceptualized and developed. The Midea Chongqing Lighthouse Factory, recognized as the world’s first fully AI-powered chiller factory, exemplifies this transformation.
- AI algorithms analyze over 230,000 historical blueprints, identifying patterns and component configurations that significantly reduce design time.
- The design cycle has been shortened by 45%, and automated order selections, once taking over five days, now take less than 24 hours.
- With over 100 high-precision simulation models, the accuracy and performance of each design iteration are dramatically improved.
This phase illustrates how AI expedites innovation, enabling faster go-to-market timelines and more efficient system architecture.
Midea’s smart manufacturing approach leverages AI to optimize workflows, equipment layout, and logistics. Key production lines, especially those for centrifugal compressors and heat exchangers, are embedded with real-time sensors and AI-driven controllers to ensure precision and agility.
- The Chongqing facility, operating since 2004, has evolved into a dynamic AI-powered hub for scalable production.
- AI ensures fault detection and self-correction during the production process, reducing human error and improving product consistency.
- Robotic automation, integrated with machine learning, dynamically adjusts configurations based on historical output data.
This use of intelligent manufacturing aligns with global trends toward Industry 4.0 and supports Midea’s rapid customization capabilities for both commercial and residential cooling solutions.
Installation goes far beyond setting up hardware. With the KONG brand, Midea integrates AI, IoT, and OT systems to create intelligent environments that adjust to building demands in real-time.
- Buildings are transformed into “living ecosystems” capable of sensing occupancy, analyzing thermal load, and adjusting cooling delivery instantly.
- The KONG full-lifecycle platform merges IT (like AI and data management) with OT (building automation and infrastructure) to offer end-to-end control.
Through AI-enhanced Building Information Modeling (BIM), Midea ensures optimal placement of units, minimal energy loss, and enhanced user comfort from day one.
The iBUILDING cockpit system is at the core of Midea’s AI-enhanced operational control. This platform aggregates sensor data and makes autonomous decisions based on real-time analytics.
- Adaptive algorithms regulate the entire HVAC system, fine-tuning compressor speeds, fan performance, and refrigerant flow.
- Zero-carbon operation goals are supported by predictive energy management tools.
- In pilot projects, such as Midea’s West Zone HQ, buildings have seen a reduction in energy costs by up to 30%, thanks to smart monitoring and control.
This results in peak energy efficiency, stable temperature control within ±1°F, and operational transparency across multiple facilities.
Maintenance is often the Achilles’ heel of complex cooling systems. Midea tackles this by incorporating AI-enabled predictive diagnostics, particularly through its KWING brand.
- The iSystem and iApp work in tandem to deliver predictive insights, alerting users to potential faults before they occur.
- These tools use real-time data and historical patterns to spot anomalies like refrigerant leaks or component fatigue.
- Service teams are dispatched before failures happen, reducing unplanned downtime and repair costs.
This predictive approach replaces outdated maintenance cycles with data-driven, dynamic support models.
Post-installation, Midea’s AI systems continue to gather data, learning from building behavior and refining performance algorithms over time.
- Remote monitoring dashboards, powered by AI, provide building managers with visual insights into energy usage, efficiency metrics, and system health.
- With remote diagnostics, manual inspections are reduced, and issues can often be resolved without on-site intervention.
- The KONG ecosystem supports full integration with third-party energy management tools, ensuring seamless connectivity and compatibility.
Midea’s long-term engagement with clients goes beyond service contracts—it’s about partnerships in performance and sustainability.
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The “GREEN FOR ONE” initiative, launched in 2023, underlines Midea’s unwavering commitment to environmental responsibility. Through AI-supported design and operation, the company targets carbon neutrality across the cooling lifecycle.
- The Chongqing factory is a showcase for zero-carbon industrial practices, implementing AI-driven energy optimization, green materials usage, and intelligent water conservation systems.
- Midea’s R&D efforts now prioritize eco-friendly refrigerants, noise reduction, and minimal power draw, guided by simulation tools that predict lifecycle impact.
- Each installation comes with an AI-generated sustainability report, enabling customers to track their own carbon savings.
This strategy doesn’t just comply with green building standards—it defines the future of low-emission intelligent infrastructure.
At the product level, Midea’s Genius Core technology and Cool Stream modules redefine the capabilities of HVAC systems.
- Genius Core reduces signal transmission energy loss by 71%, improving power conversion efficiency across the board.
- Cool Stream Technology prevents PCB overheating, extending component lifespan in high-performance systems.
- Bionic-inspired fan blade designs improve airflow efficiency while cutting energy use by 30%.
These innovations are not just enhancements—they’re industry disruptors built with AI at their core.
Comprehensive AI Lifecycle Summary
| Stage | AI Application | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Design & R&D | Smart design, simulation-based optimization | Design cycle down by 45%, 5.3-day selection cut to 1 day |
| Manufacturing | Automated layouts, predictive quality control | Efficient, error-free scalable production |
| Installation | IT/OT integration for smart buildings | Full building adaptation, lower install errors |
| Operation | Real-time adaptive cooling, zero-carbon cockpit | 30% less energy consumption, enhanced user experience |
| Maintenance | Predictive diagnostics, AI alerts | Reduced downtime, increased reliability |
| After-Service | AI-led monitoring, remote tuning | Long-term optimization and lower service costs |
| Sustainability | “GREEN FOR ONE” strategy | Lifecycle carbon neutrality, eco-compliant installations |
Midea Building Tech’s deployment of artificial intelligence in cooling systems is not just a technical enhancement; it’s a complete transformation. From AI-assisted design to predictive maintenance and real-time optimization, every stage is reimagined for efficiency, performance, and sustainability. Through its GREEN FOR ONE strategy, Midea positions itself not only as a global leader in smart cooling but also as a trailblazer in green building technology.
