In eastern China’s Shandong province, the world’s first ultra-low carbon office building has been erected; a 117-meter-high tower that operates entirely on clean energy and smart technology.
Away from the conventional solar panels panels on roofs, this building has integrated photovoltaic glass on the east, south and west facades. This configuration transforms the building into a direct current generator that covers 25% of its energy needs, reducing conversion losses and avoiding emissions estimated at 500 tons of CO₂ per year.
Recycled batteries: storage with a second life
To maximize the use of solar energy solar energy14 batteries from electric vehicles have been reused. These store surplus energy during the day and allow its use during peak demand or when solar radiation is low.
This solution reduces electricity costs to 0.22 yuan per kWh and extends the life cycle of the batteries in an efficient circular model.
This is how China’s zero-emission building works
Inside the tower, some 24,000 sensors replace traditional switches. These devices automatically control lighting, elevators and air conditioning. According to Yu Dexiang, president of TELD New Energy, this automation has reduced energy consumption and operating costs by 30%, improving the efficiency of the building as a whole.
The tower combines solar glass, smart sensors and recycled batteries to operate without emissions. Source: CCTV Video News Agency
Vertical parking
The building also houses the world’s first fully automated high-speed vertical parking system. Vehicles are placed in place in as little as 35 seconds thanks to precision tracking and gearing technology.
In addition, electric electric cars are connected to the building’s electrical system through a bidirectional network, known as vehicle-to-grid (V2G), providing up to 3,000 kWh per day, or about 50% of the building’s consumption.
Source and photo: CGTN
