HVAC manufacturer LG Electronics is partnering with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) on a new program designed to accelerate adoption of new energy-saving technologies for commercial buildings.
As a launch partner in the new DOE Technology Performance Exchange (TPEx) program, LG Electronics USA is helping building owners identify the industry’s most efficient commercial air conditioning systems.
Variable refrigerant flow (VRF) commercial air systems, led by LG’s groundbreaking Multi V IV system, bring a new level of energy efficiency, performance and flexibility to U.S. commercial office buildings, schools, hotels and hospitals, sources report.
Using the DOE TPEx program, product evaluators and purchasers can access a centralized, web-based portal for finding and sharing energy performance data for commercial building technologies such as VRF systems. This will allow them to quickly and easily identify best-in-class technologies and data for assessing their energy saving impact on a building.
Technology evaluators can leverage the raw data contained in the Technology Performance Exchange to greatly reduce the time required to evaluate technology performance and improve the quality of their assessments. Energy-saving products will thus be able to penetrate the marketplace more quickly than ever before.
“VRF technology is redefining HVAC energy efficiency,” says Kevin McNamara, vice president, Commercial Air Conditioning, LG Electronics USA. “We are pleased to collaborate with DOE in the launch of the TPEx, which is a valuable tool to help drive energy efficiency in commercial buildings.”
Significant Energy Savings
The company has chosen to start work on the TPEx project by providing DOE the performance attributes of its VRF systems.
“VRF represents a significant opportunity for energy savings in the HVAC arena. And LG’s Multi V IV ushers in the next generation of VRF innovation. It combines unparalleled efficiency and ease of installation in a lighter-weight and more-compact outdoor unit that requires less piping,” McNamara said.
With the TPEx, builders can better assess LG’s product performance, conduct financial analyses with greater confidence, and compete more effectively for limited organizational capital resources by presenting robust energy savings and payback analysis’ for approval, McNamara explained.
“LG realizes that evaluating a technology’s impact on any given commercial building can be burdensome and we applaud the DOE for expediting the process through the kinds of solid data insights the TPEx provides. LG plans to continue adding technology performance attributes to the TPEx to help commercial buildings conserve energy,” he said.
Meeting Demand for Energy-Saving HVAC Technology
The fourth generation in LG’s popular Multi V series uses industry-leading VRF technology that delivers significant benefits versus traditional HVAC systems, enabling improved energy efficiency by allowing occupants to choose whether to cool or heat only the zones in use. LG Multi V IV systems, whether Heat Recovery or Heat Pump systems, build on the success of the LG Multi V III, as LG’s flagship commercial HVAC system in the United States, where demand for high-performance, energy-saving HVAC technology continues to grow.
Among its many benefits, the LG Multi V IV offers users a more compact footprint and is lighter in weight than other models currently on the market. Equally significant, the new Multi V IV model allows for a wider heating and cooling operating range than its competitors and a wider range than thought possible.
“This new system is even easier to service and maintain. Combined with the Multi V IV’s increased energy efficiency and greater versatility for building owners, this clearly shows how LG leads the industry in making the case for VRF for all applications. We understand the challenges faced by engineers, architects and builders in today’s market, and the LG Multi V IV exemplifies how we’re creating solutions and application options that not only meet those needs but surpass them,” McNamara said.
LG VRF systems are engineered to significantly reduce the costs often associated with traditional HVAC products. Typical systems include large duct work, distribution fans, water pumps, water piping, cooling towers and complex controls. The LG VRF system eliminates these huge initial costs and lowers lifecycle costs. Multi V IV effectively eliminates efficiency losses experienced by current HVAC systems and provides more sustainable energy benefits. Multi V IV will help building designers achieve as many as 16 LEED points.
Key VRF Differentiators for Builders and Architects
The LG Multi V IV delivers a number of key differentiators to architects, commercial contractors and building owners, including:
- Enhanced Energy Efficiency – New compressor design and optimized heat exchanger contribute to enhanced AHRI certified efficiency of up to 28.2 IEER.
- AHRI 1230 Certification – Multi V IV is performance-certified. This ensures building owners receive verified ratings which comply with national energy codes.
- G Inverter Scroll – A high side shell innovation offers a more compact size for the same capacity output with greater reliability in cold climates.
- Low Ambient Heating – Heating operating range down to -25F which provides greater comfort and saves on installation and operating costs for additional systems.
- HiPORTM – High Pressure Oil Return removes efficiency losses and Smart Oil return eliminates timed oil recovery cycles.
- Greater Elevation Difference – Owners can reach extra zones with an enhanced reach of 131 feet indoor unit to indoor unit and 360 feet elevation between outdoor and indoor units. This allows for more effective piping on one system and saves on installation.
- Compact and Lighter – More indoor zones, less outdoor space. When space or access is at a premium, this equates to significant cost advantages for the owner on large projects.
LG Multi V IV systems are available in the U.S. Additional information about these current systems can be found online at www.LG-VRF.com.