In a groundbreaking move towards technological innovation and sustainable development, CRCHI (China Railway Construction Heavy Industry) has introduced the “Highland Space Station” series, a remarkable collection of prefabricated intelligent buildings designed specifically for high-altitude regions. This series has attracted significant attention at the 5th China Tibet Tourism and Culture International Expo held on June 18th.
Among the notable exhibits at the expo were a 150 m2 demonstration residence that seamlessly blends traditional Tibetan architectural elements with modern technological advancements, and a L10.6m x W2.4m x H3m mobile house. These versatile products can be applied in various contexts, including high-altitude housing, medical facilities, mountain camping, and office spaces in mining areas. Their debut marks the first-ever high-altitude prefabricated intelligent buildings, filling a critical technological gap in pressurized and oxygen-enriched constructions worldwide. The introduction of these innovative products is expected to play a vital role in accelerating the high-quality economic and social development of the Tibet region, while also improving the living conditions of inhabitants in high-altitude areas.
One of the standout features of the “Highland Space Station” series, is its suitability for high-altitude regions, effectively mitigating acute altitude sickness among residents and improving the health indicators of those accustomed to living in high-altitude areas. It addresses the challenges associated with cardiovascular, neurological, and digestive system ailments that are prevalent among long-term high-altitude residents. Additionally, it addresses the issues faced by short-term visitors to high-altitude regions, such as altitude sickness symptoms including breathing difficulties, fatigue, headaches, and insomnia. Traditional methods of oxygen supply, such as diffusion or nasal oxygen inhalation, have limitations in significantly enhancing the body’s ability to intake oxygen.
Wang Weiqiang, General Manager of Tibet CRCHI Technology Co., Ltd., explained that the research and development team specifically designed the “Highland Space Station” series to cater to the extremely cold, low-pressure, and oxygen-deficient environments of high-altitude regions. Leveraging CRCHI’s technical expertise in high-end equipment design, manufacturing, digitalization, and engineering, the team incorporated principles from pressurized oxygen cabins and aircraft cabins. By altering the air pressure and oxygen partial pressure inside the building, they achieved an indoor environment equivalent to that of lower-altitude regions, effectively resolving the issue of tissue hypoxia and improving overall oxygen supply to the human body.
The series excels in technical innovation, boasting real-time monitoring and intelligent control of indoor air quality, ensuring constant pressure, oxygen levels, temperature, humidity, cleanliness, and tranquility. It is equipped with emergency pressure relief devices that enable rapid decompression within 60 seconds, automatic decompression during power outages, and automatic opening of doors and windows. The series also features a pressure continuously variable control technology that ensures a smooth transition of pressure differentials between the interior and exterior spaces, guaranteeing stable indoor pressure and facilitating efficient entry and exit of personnel. Furthermore, the products adopt a steel frame structure, full-thickness thermal insulation, and seismic design of 9 degrees to effectively withstand temperatures as low as minus 40 degrees Celsius. They also incorporate advantages such as photovoltaic power generation, green energy storage, and achieving energy self-sufficiency.
The “Highland Space Station” series, as a pioneering product worldwide, offers a diverse range of product types, including hotels, residences, offices, healthcare facilities, large spaces, mobile houses, garrisons, and quality improvements. These eight series cater to a wide range of applications in high-altitude areas, encompassing residential, commercial, cultural, tourism, and medical sectors, among others.
It is worth mentioning that in January 2023, CRCHI established its wholly-owned subsidiary, Tibet CRCHI Technology Co., Ltd., and established the “Highland Space Station” Science and Innovation Experimental Base in Lhasa. With a focus on leveraging its technical advantages in high-end equipment design, manufacturing, digitalization, and engineering, CRCHI aims to foster the highland prefabricated intelligent building industry and bring the “Highland Space Station” series of products to fruition, thereby achieving localized manufacturing in Tibet.
