Expo Buildings Champion Eco-Friendly Energy Saving: Circulating Water Cooling and Solar Lighting

The permanent buildings of the Shanghai World Expo — 'One Axis and Four Pavilions,' including the Expo Axis, Expo Center, Theme Pavilion, China Pavilion, and Performing Arts Center — are now fully ready. Visitors from around the world will have the opportunity to experience the world's newest and most popular concepts of energy conservation and environmental protection. New technologies such as rainwater recycling, solar and wind power generation, river water and geothermal energy as air-conditioning power sources, and wall insulation will let you enjoy the future green lifestyle in advance.

Expo Uses Circulating Water for Cooling

Speaking of energy conservation in Expo buildings, it is understood that many Expo buildings are located along the Huangpu River, fully utilizing the river water to cool the air conditioning systems and provide circulating cooling for these venues. In addition, a rooftop rainwater collection system is used to recycle rainwater and remove heat from the buildings, making it unnecessary to use high-power air conditioning during the day.

It is reported that the purpose of doing so is, first, to facilitate ventilation and bring sunlight into the building; second, to allow visitors from elsewhere to integrate into the lives of Shanghai residents and feel at home. Of course, the 30,000 square meters of horizontal greening on the north and south plazas and the 7,000 square meters of vertical greening planted on the east and west exterior walls can also provide insulation and cooling for the walls.

As for the architectural features and energy-saving highlights of the flying-saucer-shaped Performing Arts Center, it is understood that upon completion, the center can freely change the number of seats and the size and shape of the stage according to performance needs and audience capacity. This is a unique energy-saving feature of the Expo buildings. It can not only use the river-water-source cooling system to cool the interior, but also employ a number of environmentally friendly and energy-saving technologies such as a pneumatic waste recycling system, air-conditioning condensate water, and a programmed water-saving irrigation system for green spaces to cool and self-clean the Performing Arts Center, enhancing the building's green content.

Solar energy will be used for lighting

Expo President Xu Zheng once stated in an interview with media reporters: "Using the architectural design of buildings to maximize solar energy in service of humanity is another highlight of the Expo buildings. For example, the China Pavilion, represented by its distinctive cantilevered design, has many solar cells installed on its roof and exterior walls to provide indoor lighting. Even in summer, there is no need to worry, since the naturally formed upper-to-lower-layer shading system can be used for shading. During high summer temperatures, ice-storage cooling technology can be used to produce ice during off-peak nighttime electricity use, and then release the cooling during the day. At the same time, the newly added artificial wetland can achieve recycling and self-cleaning, and the entire venue will be nearly 10% lower than the nationally-mandated energy-efficiency standards."

Xu Zheng stated that at the Expo Center, marble and granite will be avoided as much as possible. When asked about the reasons, he explained: "Because the insulation and energy-saving performance of these building materials is poor." As for how to address the lighting needs of the large conference hall at the Expo Center. Data shows that, across the entire Expo Park, the "One Axis and Four Pavilions" have the most complete infrastructure and the most comprehensive functional requirements. Visitors only need to take Metro Line 8 to enter any venue from underground via the Expo Axis, without fear of wind, rain, scorching sun, or extreme heat. This is because this underground space is a transportation hub, not only connected to the Expo Axis, but also tightly linked to the other four venues through the Expo Axis.

Shanghai World Expo Will Be More Low-Carbon

It is understood that this edition of the World Expo features a wide variety of venues, including national pavilions, joint pavilions, corporate pavilions, and the first-ever Best Urban Practice Area, marking the largest number of venues to date. Currently, over 200 countries and international organizations are participating, and most venues employ the latest ecological and energy-saving technologies. These buildings are more aligned with urban development, contributing to a better life for people. At the same time, the venues extensively incorporate the latest ecological, green, low-carbon, and architectural technologies. In terms of energy conservation and emission reduction, the organizers have installed a total of 4.5 megawatts of solar power generation equipment at the China Pavilion, the Expo Cultural Center, the Expo Center, and the Theme Pavilion, which can be used for daily operations. The park features over 1 million square meters of green space, with one-third of the park area covered by greenery.

Standing in long lines under the scorching sun in July and August to enter the pavilions would hardly put anyone in a good mood, but this time you don't have to worry too much—a spray technology can bring you coolness. While waiting outside the Japan and Australia pavilions, you could already feel a hint of coolness. The vaporized spray is dispersed above people's heads, much like a fine spring drizzle, except it consists entirely of gas with no liquid water, so your clothes won't get wet.

Research experts in the field of energy conservation are also very confident that, after the World Expo, the public's awareness of energy conservation and environmental protection will be enhanced, and the adoption rate of energy-saving products and technologies across various sectors will increase. Over the past 159 years, each comprehensive World Exposition has always brought people novel inventions and creations. Under the theme of this edition of the World Expo, "Better City, Better Life," people will explore smarter solutions to common challenges facing humanity such as global warming and environmental protection.