Core Viewpoint - The air conditioning industry has reached a rare consensus on the "aluminum instead of copper" self-discipline convention, with 19 companies including Haier, Midea, Hisense, and Xiaomi participating in promoting this technological transformation [1][3]. Group 1: Industry Consensus and Reactions - The self-discipline convention emphasizes the prohibition of malicious attacks and encourages scientific promotion of aluminum heat exchanger air conditioners [3]. - Gree, although involved in the revision of national standards for aluminum instead of copper, did not join the self-discipline convention, stating that it currently has no plans to adopt aluminum due to concerns over performance and reliability [3][4]. - Gree's Vice President previously indicated that the company would not pursue aluminum until performance and quality could be guaranteed [4]. Group 2: Technical and Economic Considerations - The technical feasibility of aluminum replacing copper has significantly improved through structural optimization and process improvements, despite aluminum's thermal conductivity being only 60% that of copper [6]. - The cost advantage of aluminum is substantial, with copper prices reaching 92,000 yuan per ton compared to aluminum at 22,000 yuan per ton, making aluminum four times cheaper [7][8]. - The use of aluminum could reduce the cost of materials for a single air conditioner from approximately 600 yuan (copper) to 140 yuan (aluminum), potentially enhancing price competitiveness for manufacturers [8]. Group 3: Environmental and Strategic Implications - The shift towards aluminum is supported by national strategies, as the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has expressed support for aluminum instead of copper, aligning with resource security and carbon reduction goals [7]. - Aluminum's production has a lower carbon footprint, with a 50% reduction in direct carbon emissions and a recycling rate of over 95% [6][7]. - The air conditioning industry consumed 1.723 million tons of copper in 2023, accounting for 10.7% of the national copper consumption, highlighting the industry's reliance on imported copper resources [7].
小米等19家巨头铝代铜被指合谋减配!董明珠放话:坚决不用……