美的、海尔、小米等联手推动→

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses China's initiative to promote the use of aluminum instead of copper in air conditioning systems, driven by rising copper prices and the need for a secure supply chain in the multi-billion dollar industry [3][4]. Group 1: Industry Standards and Developments - China has released the group standard for "Aluminum Tube Fin Heat Exchanger Production Line for Room Air Conditioners" and is in the process of drafting additional standards related to aluminum heat exchangers [3][4]. - Major companies such as Gree, Midea, Haier, Xiaomi, and others are participating in the revision of national standards for air conditioning heat exchangers, with discussions scheduled for January 2026 [3][4]. - The China Household Electrical Appliances Research Institute has expanded its research group on aluminum applications in air conditioning to 19 members, including leading air conditioning manufacturers and related material companies [3][4]. Group 2: Technical Challenges and Solutions - The transition to aluminum heat exchangers faces three main challenges: high corrosion resistance technology, lack of standardized testing methods, and consumer biases against aluminum [4][5]. - The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has outlined a plan to support the development of aluminum heat exchangers for air conditioning and refrigeration, emphasizing the need for high corrosion resistance technology [5]. - Companies are focusing on three technical directions for aluminum replacement: corrosion-resistant material design, surface treatment, and coating design, which require enhanced manufacturing and welding capabilities [5]. Group 3: Market and Consumer Perception - The demand for copper in household air conditioning is significant, with 10.7% of China's copper consumption (approximately 1.723 million tons) attributed to this sector, heavily reliant on imports [4]. - There is a need for government guidance and market cultivation to overcome consumer skepticism regarding aluminum's effectiveness compared to copper [4][5]. - A self-regulation agreement has been established among major air conditioning companies to promote the benefits of aluminum heat exchangers and enhance consumer trust in the technology [5].