Qingdao Hisense Hitachi Air-Conditioning Systems Co., Ltd.

What Qingdao Hisense Hitachi Air-Conditioning Systems Co., Ltd. does

Qingdao Hisense Hitachi Air-Conditioning Systems Co., Ltd. is a Chinese joint venture established on January 8, 2003 between Hisense Group and Johnson Controls Hitachi (the global Hitachi AC business that combined with Johnson Controls in 2015), headquartered in Qingdao, Shandong Province. The company develops, manufactures, and sells central air-conditioning systems for residential and commercial markets, operating three production facilities with combined annual capacity of 11 million units and exporting products to 80+ countries. Its stated customer base exceeds 5 million users globally, including 3.96 million households in China, and it has delivered air-conditioning solutions to 12,000+ healthcare projects serving 10,000+ medical institutions over the past five years.

The core product portfolio centers on Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) multi-connected systems, including the SET-FREE series (AIII, E, V+, V, PH, WS water-source variants), FLEXMULTI, CAM III, MAT air-source heat pumps, the VAM residential line, and the "Whole-House Full-Sense" (全屋全感) smart air customization platform. Underlying technology is anchored in scroll-compressor technology (invented by Hitachi in 1983), EVI vapor injection for low-temperature heating (operating envelope -30°C to 59°C), three-stage subcooling, five-level redundancy backup, and IoT/AI-enabled remote management. The company holds 2,500+ patents and runs an international R&D organization of more than 600 personnel. In October 2024 its Huangdao factory was designated the world's first World Economic Forum "Lighthouse Factory" in the multi-connected air-conditioning category.

Revenue is generated primarily through hardware sales of VRF and water-source systems to seven segments: residential, healthcare, education, transportation hubs (airports/rail), hospitality, commercial real estate, and industrial customers. The company sells through a multi-layered channel model: direct enterprise sales teams for large commercial and government projects, an authorized dealer and installer network across China, e-commerce flagship stores on JD.com and Tmall, and preferred-supplier specifications with top Chinese real estate developers (Vanke, Longfor, Huarun, Country Garden, Shimao). Additional revenue streams include engineering project services, after-sales maintenance, and a 2026-launched "Spring Breeze Plan" targeting the existing-building retrofit market. Pricing is project-specific and not publicly disclosed; the company does not publish list prices and routes quotes through dealers or direct sales representatives.

Name

Qingdao Hisense Hitachi Air-Conditioning Systems Co., Ltd.

Legal name

青岛海信日立空调系统有限公司

Website

https://hisensehitachi.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2003

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

251–500 employees

Short description

Qingdao Hisense Hitachi Air-Conditioning Systems Co., Ltd. is a Hisense Group and Johnson Controls Hitachi joint venture that manufactures VRF multi-connected central air-conditioning systems, heat pumps, fresh air, and smart air solutions for residential, commercial, healthcare, and infrastructure customers globally.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Central HVAC / VRF Air Conditioning Systems

NAICS

Ventilation, Heating, Air-Conditioning, and Commercial Refrigeration Equipment Manufacturing (33341), Air-Conditioning and Warm Air Heating Equipment and Commercial and Industrial Refrigeration Equipment Manufacturing (333415), Automatic Environmental Control Manufacturing for Residential, Commercial, and Appliance Use (334512), Major Household Appliance Manufacturing (33522)

SIC

Air-Cond & Warm Air Heatg Equip & Comm & Indl Refrig Equip (3585), Auto Controls For Regulating Residential & Comml Environments (3822), Household Appliances (3630)

akta.pro primary industry

Chillers & Cooling Plant Equipment (IMAHAKAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Controls, Thermostats, Sensors & Building Automation (HVAC Controls) (IMADANAH), HVAC Controls & Optimization (Smart Thermostats, VAV, Chillers/Boilers Controls) (BPABAGAB), Smart Air Quality Sensors, Purifiers & Humidifier/Dehumidifier Integration (HSAOANAH), Heat Pump & Smart HVAC Controller Integration (HSAOANAD)

Keywords

• VRF air conditioning
• Multi-connected systems
• Central HVAC systems
• Heat pump technology
• Smart air customization

Headquarters

HQ city

Qingdao Shi

HQ country

China

HQ region

Asia

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Central Air Conditioning Equipment Sales: The company generates primary revenue from manufacturing and selling VRF multi-connected systems, water-source multi-connected systems, air-source heat pump units, direct-expansion air handling units, fresh air systems, and residential air conditioning products. Products are sold through direct enterprise sales, dealer networks, and e-commerce channels.
2. Aftermarket Services and Maintenance: The company provides after-sales installation, maintenance, warranty services, and sells replacement parts and consumables. Professional service teams across China support ongoing customer relationships beyond initial equipment sale.
3. Engineering and System Integration Services: The company offers engineering project services for commercial building retrofit/upgradation (春风计划), system design, installation, and commissioning for large-scale projects including healthcare facilities, transportation hubs, and commercial buildings.

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

Qingdao Hisense Hitachi designs, manufactures and sells central air-conditioning systems for residential and commercial use, with VRF multi-connected systems as its core product family. Its offerings span commercial lines (SET-FREE AIII/E/V+/V/PH/WS water-source series, FLEXMULTI, CAM III, F series, MAT air-source heat pumps), residential lines (VAM Zunrui, SET-FREE Zhixiang integrated floor-heating, Shuishushi VF household water systems, Tianjing fresh air, UX ducted units, airHome series), and full smart air management platforms including the Whole-House Full-Sense Smart Air Customization System, Smart Villa Water System and ECO-B Smart Building Management System. Products are sold via direct enterprise sales, an authorized dealer/installer network, e-commerce (JD.com, Tmall), and real-estate developer specifications across 80+ countries.

Product overview

日立中央空调是青岛海信日立空调系统有限公司旗下品牌，提供以变频多联机为核心的中央空调全品类产品组合。核心商用产品包括SET-FREE系列变频多联机（含AIII、E、V+、V、PH、水源多联机WS、SET-FREE镜等多个型号）、FLEXMULTI系列灵活组合多联机（含Renewal更新机、极昱热回收系列）、CAM III/F系列商用多联机、变频店铺机、MAT系列空气源热泵冷水机组（A/E/EH/VE1型号）、天恒系列直膨式组合空气处理机组、全热Q3新风产品等。家用产品涵盖VAM尊睿系列变频中央空调、SET-FREE智享系列地暖中央空调、水墅适系列户式水机、天净系列新风系统、UX系列风管机、airHome系列家用空调等。解决方案平台包括全屋全感智慧空气定制系统（空调+地暖+新风+除湿+加湿AI一体化控制8维定制）、智墅全感智慧空气定制水系统、ECO-B智慧楼宇管理系统（Air/Energy/O&M三大子系统）、极光（S-master）楼崽控、E-master空调管理系统等控制系统产品，以及医疗净化综合解决方案，形成从家用到商用、从单一产品到系统解决方案的完整产品矩阵。

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• SET-FREE: Commercial multi-connected air-conditioner series including SET-FREE AIII, SET-FREE E, SET-FREE V, SET-FREE V+, SET-FREE PH, SET-FREE WS water-source series
• FLEXMULTI
• C-SPACE
• VAM
• airHome
• 水墅适 (Shuishushi)
• 全热Q3 (Quanre Q3)
• MAT

Products and services

• SET-FREE AIII Multi-Connected System The latest generation full-DC variable-frequency high-efficiency multi-connected system for commercial applications, equipped with EVI vapor injection technology, five-level backup operation, IoT module and NFC functionality for installer convenience. Supports -15°C to -30°C low-temperature heating operation.
• SET-FREE E Multi-Connected System High-efficiency commercial variable-frequency multi-connected system using 360° high-efficiency refrigerant cooling and distributed heat dissipation, with three-stage subcooling cycle technology supporting 54°C high-temperature cooling operation.
• SET-FREE V+ Multi-Connected System Three-pipe control technology enabling independent temperature and humidity control plus year-round dehumidification, providing a whole-house air solution for premium residential and commercial users.
• SET-FREE V Multi-Connected System Dual-effect heat dissipation system enabling operation across -21°C to 59°C wide-range conditions; full-DC variable frequency for super Grade-1 energy efficiency, with single side-discharge APF up to 6.2.
• SET-FREE PH Combined Air Conditioning and Floor Heating Central air conditioning + floor heating combination for premium comfort spaces, with a single outdoor unit able to drive up to 7 indoor units.
• SET-FREE WS Water-Source Variable-Frequency Multi-Connected System Water-loop variable-frequency multi-connected system with three-pipe heat recovery for simultaneous cooling and heating; IPLV up to 10.1, far exceeding national Grade-1 energy efficiency standard. Uses the new generation variable-flow water-source architecture assessed as internationally leading (Feb 2024).
• SET-FREE Jing (Mirror) Series Multi-Connected Industry-first innovative mirror-image design with standard type and mirror type products for symmetric household layouts; supports 52°C high-temperature cooling.
• FLEXMULTI Renewal Update Retrofit System Dedicated multi-connected machine for retrofitting existing systems, enabling reuse of original piping and wiring, reducing installation work and safeguarding renovation project quality.
• FLEXMULTI Jiyu (Heat Recovery) Series Three-pipe heat recovery air conditioning technology for simultaneous cooling and heating; refrigerant heat recovery ratio 0–100%, energy savings up to 70%, supports deep low-temperature dehumidification.
• CAM III Variable-Frequency Multi-Connected System Commercial central AC with flexible system design for diverse commercial-space interior styles; APF optimization up to 5.4.
• F Series Multi-Connected System Designed for small-to-medium spaces with strong dynamic performance, comfortable cooling/heating, green energy savings; uses R32 environmentally-friendly refrigerant.
• Variable-Frequency Storefront Air Conditioner Commercial storefront AC with extra-large airflow and extra-strong cooling/heating, flexibly matched to building spaces for small-business use.
• MAT-A Series Air-Source Heat Pump Chiller Air-source heat pump chiller with R410A high-efficiency fully-enclosed scroll compressor; COP and IPLV both reach national Grade-1 energy efficiency.
• MAT-E / MAT-EH Series Air-Source Heat Pump Large-space air-source heat pump with average heating capacity increase of 15% or more; 55°C heating outlet water temperature; supports free combination of up to 16 modules.
• MAT-VE1 Low-Temperature Enhanced Heat Pump Low-temperature enhanced air-source heat pump with operating range down to -26°C; 55°C heating outlet water temperature; cooling IPLV(C) up to 4.45.
• Tianheng (天恒) Series Direct-Expansion Modular Air Handling Unit Whole-air-processing product customized for tall-large spaces with 30+ functional segments on demand; widely applied across shopping malls, schools, healthcare facilities, rail transit and other venues.
• Quanre Q3 Fresh Air System (全热Q3) Fresh air product with bi-directional ventilation, PM2.5 filtration efficiency above 96%, internal-cycle purification function, and minimum operating noise of 23dB(A).
• Jiguang (S-master) Centralized Control System (极光/极光S-master) Commercial IoT centralized control system supporting 4G network (with three years of free communication), with a single gateway able to connect up to 64 outdoor units and no more than 160 indoor units for remote centralized control.
• E-master III Air Conditioning Management System Centralized management system able to manage up to 5,120 indoor units, with each hardware able to connect up to 160 indoor units; features sub-metering capability and integration with hotel property management systems.
• Building Automation System (LonWorks/BACnet/MODBUS Gateways) Building automation gateway product family — LonWorks HARC-BX, BACnet HC-A64BNP, and MODBUS i-Modkit (CPC-H2M1C / CPC-H2M3C) — enabling connection of central AC equipment to BAS via standard building automation protocols.
• Smart Controller Product Series Smart controller line including real-estate-specific smart controllers, standard controllers, Wi-Fi controllers, HD color-screen controllers, and mini touch color-screen controllers; supports smart home integration with Xiaomi, Baidu, Huawei smart speakers and Hongyun smart-home systems.
• VAM Zunrui (尊睿) Residential Variable-Frequency Central AC Household variable-frequency central AC with multiple model variants (villa, boundless, full-effect) fitting different residential types — villas, large flats, apartments; decorated home solutions.
• SET-FREE Zhixiang Integrated Floor-Heating Central AC Integrated floor-heating central air conditioner — China's first Japanese-system integrated air-cooled floor-heating product; one outdoor unit simultaneously provides air conditioning + floor heating (or + domestic hot water).
• Shuishushi (水墅适) Household Water-Source System Household water-source heat-pump product line with full-variable-frequency variants (VF series) for high-end residences; suitable for villas and luxury apartments.
• Tianjing (天净) Fresh Air System Series Fresh air system product line including smart-dehumidifier type, smart type, Yun Jing II, Yun Jing and Jingya variants; includes PM2.5 filtration and purification.
• UX Series Ducted Air Conditioning Units Grade-1 energy-efficiency ducted indoor units with energy-saving and comfort upgrades; UX Pro Series and UX Series variants.
• airHome Series Residential Air Conditioners Household air conditioner series including Lingyao (灵曜) wall-mounted units and Zhuoguang (琢光) cabinet units emphasizing healthy, comfortable, smart and energy-saving operation.
• EX-Shuxiang Series Residential Air Conditioner Newly launched EX-Shuxiang Series residential AC product with double-fan matrix — newly launched in January 2025.
• VAM mini II Series Central AC 10-year classic evolution of the VAM mini central AC line — over a million households selected. Newly launched in January 2025.
• Whole-House Full-Sense Smart Air Customization System (全屋全感智慧空气定制系统) Integrated control system combining air conditioning, floor heating, fresh air, dehumidification and humidification with AI intelligent control addressing 8 air-quality dimensions: temperature, humidity, oxygen, smell, hearing, airflow, cleanliness, and aesthetics.
• Smart Villa Whole-Sense Smart Air Customization Water System (智墅全感) Whole-sense smart air customization water system targeted at villas and large residences — one integrated system combining cooling, floor heating, fresh air, dehumidification and humidification with AI algorithms for automated operation.
• ECO-B Smart Building Management Solution IoT smart building system covering three subsystems — Air management, Energy management, O&M — spanning enterprise/commercial, government/public buildings, education/training, healthcare and industrial/factory environments.
• Medical Purification Comprehensive Solution Smart purification air solution tailored for medical buildings — covering outpatient halls, patient wards, operating theatres, ICU, examination laboratories and similar healthcare spaces; backed by 12,000+ delivered healthcare projects and 10,000+ medical institutions.
• SET-FREE RIII Update Series Top-Discharge Multi-Connected Update of the SET-FREE RIII commercial multi-connected line with new top-discharge configuration; awarded 2025 China Refrigeration Expo Innovation Product (announced October 2025).
• Whole-House Full-Sense 3.0 Smart Air Customization System (全屋全感3.0) Newest-version upgrade of the Whole-House Full-Sense system, redefining the future air paradigm for the high-end residential market. Launched March 2026.

Quantifiable outcome

• Achieved 30%+ energy reduction in retrofitted buildings with the 'Spring Breeze Plan' renovation program
• +7 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration12 records

AI capability8 records

Feature10 records

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered major, minor and core.

• Huawei (华为)majorTechnology or Integration · 30 October 2024Hitachi air conditioning products became among the first to support Huawei's 'Pure Blood HarmonyOS' (HarmonyOS NEXT). The Zhihui Smart Home App (智家App) added early support for Huawei's new operating system, enabling users to control Hitachi air conditioning systems through the native HarmonyOS ecosystem.
• Cheng Chung Design (郑中设计/CCD)majorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 28 August 2024Deep strategic cooperation signed August 2024 with Cheng Chung Design (CCD), a leading international hotel design firm, to reshape industry格局 and create future value. The partnership focuses on combining Hitachi's air conditioning technology with CCD's design expertise for high-end hospitality projects.
• Beike (贝壳)majorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 August 2024Strategic partnership signed August 2024 with Beike (China's leading real estate services platform) to jointly develop the home air conditioning market, leverage online and offline channels, and promote quality residential living environments through technology-enabled solutions.
• National HVAC&R University Talent Support Program (全国高校建环专业青年人才支撑计划)majorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 19 April 2024Hisense Hitachi signed an agreement to support the National HVAC&R University Talent Support Program initiated by the China Refrigeration Society and the Teaching Guidance Committee for Building Environment and Energy Application Engineering. The company provides training funding and internship opportunities for outstanding young talents in the HVAC field, partnering with Tsinghua University and Tianjin University on research projects.
• China State Construction Engineering Corporation Third Bureau Real Estate Investment Co., Ltd. (中建三局城投公司)majorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 2 November 2023Strategic cooperation agreement signed November 2023 to build a new strategic partnership promoting high-quality residential development. The partnership focuses on combining Hitachi's air conditioning technology with CSCEC's real estate development capabilities to deliver premium green building projects in China.
• gorenje (古洛尼)minorGTM or Marketing Partner · 28 August 2023High-end home appliance brand partnership for the Hi-Design Interior Design Competition and co-marketing activities. The partnership combines Hitachi's air conditioning technology with gorenje's premium home appliances to offer comprehensive home comfort solutions, targeting high-end interior design projects and designer communities.
• Johnson Controls (江森自控)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2015Johnson Controls combined its air conditioning business with Hitachi in 2015 to form Johnson Controls Hitachi Air Conditioning Group, creating a global enterprise with world-class capabilities in commercial and residential air conditioning. The Qingdao JV operates under this global umbrella structure.
• Johnson Controls Hitachi (江森日立)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 8 January 2003Joint venture established January 8, 2003 between Hisense Group and Johnson Controls Hitachi (江森日立). The JV combines Hisense Group's local market expertise and manufacturing capabilities with Hitachi's 100+ years of air conditioning technology heritage. The joint venture operates as 'Qingdao Hisense Hitachi Air-Conditioning Systems Co., Ltd.' and holds the rights to use both Hisense and Hitachi brands for central air conditioning products in China. This is the core corporate structure through which all business activities are conducted.
• Various Chinese Design Institutes (全国知名设计院)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOngoing strategic technical cooperation with major Chinese design institutes including Tsinghua University, Tongji University, China Architecture Design Group, Shanghai Jiaotong University, and others. These partnerships support product R&D, technical standards development, and project-specific design collaboration for healthcare, transportation, and commercial building applications.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Daikin (China): Global VRF market leader with strong China presence and direct overlap in multi-connected systems, premium residential, and commercial HVAC. Competes head-to-head with Hisense Hitachi in the same Chinese premium and commercial project channels.
• Mitsubishi Electric (China): Major Japanese VRF and central AC competitor with parallel product lineup targeting premium residential, commercial, and large-building segments in China. Direct peer on technology positioning and developer specifications.
• Gree Electric: China's largest domestic AC manufacturer with rapidly expanding VRF and central AC portfolio. Competes with Hisense Hitachi across residential and light-commercial segments with a cost-leadership advantage.
• Midea Group: Major Chinese home appliance and HVAC player with growing presence in multi-connected central AC and commercial systems. Overlaps with Hisense Hitachi in residential and light-commercial VRF, and increasingly in commercial projects.
• Haier Smart Home: Chinese home appliance conglomerate with expanding central AC and VRF business serving residential, developer, and light-commercial customers. Increasingly competitive in the same premium residential fitment (精装) channel as Hisense Hitachi.
• Toshiba Carrier: Japanese VRF and central AC manufacturer with established China operations through the Toshiba-Carrier JV. Direct competitor in commercial and high-end residential VRF with comparable Japanese technology positioning.
• Panasonic (China): Japanese HVAC and appliance manufacturer with multi-connected VRF systems and broad residential offerings in China. Direct peer in premium residential and selected commercial VRF segments.

Broad incumbents

• Trane Technologies: Global commercial HVAC and refrigeration incumbent with broad product portfolio including chillers, air-handling units, and building controls. Competes with Hisense Hitachi in commercial and infrastructure projects at a global scale.
• Carrier Global: Global HVAC major with strong China presence, broad product portfolio spanning residential, commercial, and refrigeration. Overlaps with Hisense Hitachi across commercial VRF, chillers, and building automation, while offering broader scale.

Others

• Johnson Controls: Parent-level partner in the Qingdao JV (via Johnson Controls Hitachi) and global building automation/HVAC incumbent. Not a direct competitor in China VRF but provides parent-level strategic context and overlaps on building management systems.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

Compliance13 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles18 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Qingdao Hisense Hitachi Air-Conditioning Systems Co., Ltd.