Case Study | Haier Smart Manufacturing·Future Innovation Center

In the core area of Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area, Haier Intelligent Manufacturing ・ The Future Innovation Center has undergone a remarkable transformation, evolving from a conventional logistics hub into an open, “four-in-one” industrial park through urban renewal. This 89,000-square-meter smart campus integrates R&D, intelligent manufacturing, an industrial internet platform, and a sales center, not only embodying Haier’s vision for industrial upgrading but also setting a benchmark for green architecture with its comprehensive Building‑Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) system. Breaking free from the limitations of traditional “add‑on” photovoltaic installations, the project seamlessly incorporates BIPV modules into key architectural elements—such as inter‑floor walls, atrium skylights, and vehicle ramps—realizing the innovative concept of “buildings as power generators” and injecting sustainable development at the heart of high‑end commercial office spaces.

Layered Adaptation: Differentiated BIPV Solutions for Three Core Application Scenarios

As an ultra-large-scale green building project, As the curtain wall general contractor, HaiLi has collaborated with Mingyang Thin-Film Technology to design and develop an integrated photovoltaic module–based curtain wall system that seamlessly blends architectural aesthetics with stringent technical requirements. Tailored to the functional needs and usage characteristics of different spaces, we have developed an all‑scenario coverage solution that combines opaque and translucent elements, turning every architectural surface into a producer of green energy.

1. Office floor partition walls: A “high-efficiency power generation + energy-saving insulation” dual‑benefit solution with opaque components.

To address the functional requirements of non‑transparent areas between floors in office buildings, the project employs custom‑designed opaque BIPV modules to replace conventional wall materials. These modules seamlessly integrate into a high‑end office environment while providing structural support and weatherproofing, thereby reducing resource consumption and construction complexity. This approach delivers three core benefits: prioritized energy generation efficiency, enhanced energy‑saving performance, and a harmonious blend of aesthetics and structural integrity.

2. Atrium Skylight: The Art of Balancing “Natural Daylighting + Green Energy Supply” with Translucent BIPV

As the park’s central public space, the atrium achieves a perfect balance between daylighting requirements and energy‑use efficiency through high‑transmittance BIPV modules:

Dual excellence in light transmission and power generation: By employing hollow BIPV photovoltaic glass with a 50% light transmittance, it not only brings ample natural light into the atrium, creating an open, comfortable spatial experience, but also converts sunlight into clean electricity.

Anti-glare and shading optimization: The module surface is treated with a special coating that effectively filters ultraviolet rays and intense glare, mitigating the impact of direct sunlight on the office environment. It replaces traditional shading louvers, delivering an integrated “power generation + shading + daylighting” solution.

3. Vehicle Ramp: An Innovative Application of Translucent BIPV Featuring “Functional Adaptation + Spatial Illumination”

In the unique setting of automotive ramps, the project employs custom-designed translucent BIPV modules, addressing the longstanding challenges of conventional ramps—insufficient daylighting and excessive energy consumption.

Low‑light performance optimization: Designed to thrive in sloped, semi‑enclosed environments with variable light angles, the modules employ wide‑spectrum‑responsive thin‑film solar cell technology, ensuring stable power generation even under low‑light and diffused‑light conditions. This enables efficient energy conversion even on overcast days or during early morning and late afternoon hours.

Spatial lighting alternative: The component’s high light transmittance provides natural illumination within the ramp, reducing energy consumption from artificial lighting, while its uniform light distribution enhances driving safety and creates a bright, open circulation environment.

Integrated Structure and Waterproofing: The module is seamlessly integrated with the ramp’s load-bearing structure, while its edges are sealed using proprietary sealing technology and an automated sealant‑application process. This ensures compliance with wind‑ and snow‑load performance standards, eliminates the risk of rainwater infiltration, and accommodates the ramp’s unique operating environment.

Technological Synergy: BIPV Integrated with Energy Efficiency Across the Building’s Entire Lifecycle

Haier Smart Manufacturing ・ The BIPV applications at the Future Innovation Center are not merely the sum of individual technologies; rather, they achieve full‑lifecycle optimization of building energy efficiency through multidimensional technological synergy.

Energy-Efficient Upgrade of Curtain Wall Systems: BIPV modules, together with low‑emissivity glass and metal subframes, form an integrated curtain wall system. , reducing building energy consumption by more than 40% compared with traditional office parks and significantly cutting carbon emissions and reliance on the power grid;

Full Lifecycle Value: BIPV Modules It is certified to Fire Protection Class A and features an extended operating temperature range of –40°C to +85°C, ensuring a service life that matches that of the building’s main structure. , achieving a green asset appreciation model of “one-time investment, long-term returns.”

As a model of integrating urban renewal with green building, Haier Intelligent Manufacturing ・ BIPV Implementation at the Future Innovation Center Extend BIPV applications to specialized settings such as vehicle ramps. , demonstrating that BIPV technology can achieve deep integration across entire buildings and all application scenarios;

Project Adopting the “curtain wall general contracting + photovoltaic customization” model. , providing a replicable implementation pathway for BIPV integration in large commercial office buildings, fostering the deep convergence of photovoltaic technology and the construction industry, and supporting the realization of the “dual carbon” goals.

Conclusion: Enabling Buildings to Become Producers of Green Energy

Haier Smart Manufacturing ・ Centered on all‑scenario BIPV applications, the Future Innovation Center redefines the energy ecosystem of high‑end office parks—efficient power generation through office floor partitions, balanced light transmission in atriums, and functionally optimized vehicle ramps. Every design element embodies the innovative principle of “architecture and energy in symbiosis.” This green campus, which seamlessly integrates aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability, will become a low‑carbon landmark in Beijing’s Economic-Technological Development Area, offering valuable practical insights for the integrated photovoltaic application in commercial buildings worldwide and driving green architecture toward a transformative leap—from “passive energy conservation” to “active energy generation.”