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LG Electronics' Multi V IV Features Improved Performance and Efficiency

Nov. 8, 2013
According to sources, the LG Multi V IV offers users a more compact footprint and is lighter in weight than other models currently on the market. The new Multi V IV model allows for a wider heating and cooling operating range than its competitors, LG reports.

LG Electronics has introduced its newest Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) commercial air conditioning system, the Multi V IV. LG sources report the product brings a new level of efficiency, performance, and flexibility to office buildings, schools, and hotels.

The LG Multi V IV. Photo by LG.

The fourth generation in LG’s popular Multi V series uses industry-leading VRF technology that delivers significant benefits versus traditional ducted HVAC systems, enabling improved energy efficiency by allowing occupants to choose whether to cool or heat only the zones in use. The LG Multi V IV builds on the success of its predecessor, the Multi V III, as LG’s flagship commercial HVAC system in the U.S., 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.

“As adoption rates for VRF systems in the U.S. market continue to increase, we’re leading the way with innovations showing that it’s all possible with LG,” says Kevin McNamara, vice president, Commercial Air Conditioning, LG Electronics USA. “The Multi V IV ushers in the next generation of VRF innovation. It combines the same ease of installation and maintenance as our previous Multi V models, in a lighter-weight and more-compact outdoor unit that requires less piping," McNamara says.

LG's Kevin McNamara told editors LG is improving its outreach to specifying engineers. Photos by Terry McIver.

“This new system is even easier to service and features remote diagnostics capability. 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. LG understands the challenges faced by engineers, architects and builders in today’s market, and Multi VI IV exemplifies how we’re creating solutions and application options that not only meet those needs but surpass them,” he said.

LG VRF systems are engineered to significantly reduce the costs associated with traditional HVAC systems. 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 the long-term costs of ownership. Multi V IV effectively eliminates efficiency losses experienced by current HVAC systems and provides more sustainable energy benefits. Multi V IV will also help building designers achieve as many as 16 LEED points.

The LG Multi V IV delivers a number of key differentiators to architects, commercial contractors and building owners, including:

• AHRI 1230 Certification — Multi V IV is performance-certified. This ensures building owners receive verified ratings which comply with national energy codes.

Members of the LG Electronics marketing and R&D teams. From left: Chris Ahn, director, commercial air conditioning product management; Lorie Quillin-Bell, 'Go To Market' director; Kevin McNamara, vice president, commercial air conditioning division; Brian Bogdan, product engineering manager.

• Enhanced Energy Efficiency — New compressor design and optimized heat exchanger contribute to enhanced AHRI certified efficiency of up to 28.2 IEER.

• LG 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 -13F which provides greater comfort and saves on installation and operating costs for additional systems.

• HiPORT — High Pressure Oil Return removes efficiency losses and Smart Oil return eliminates timed oil recovery cycles. "With Smart Oil, we've put an oil level sensor in the sump. It sounds simple, but nobody is doing it. We do an oil return cycle when we measure that it's needed," said Brian Bodgan, engineering manager.

• Higher Elevation Piping Distances — Owners can reach extra zones further off the same VRF units with a enhanced reach of 131-ft. IDU to IDU. This eliminates the need to invest in extra systems 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.

Multi V IV is available in the United States beginning this fall. Additional information about these current systems can be found online at www.LG-VRF.com.

How LG is 'Engineering' VRF Growth

During a recent meeting with HVACR industry press editors at LG's Atlanta headquarters, Kevin McNamara, vice president of the LG air conditioning business in the U.S., said that an improvement in construction data shows the VRF segment has "nowhere to go but up."

"There has been a rebound in the past two years as far as growth in housing. It's nothing like it was before, but we have seen growth, particularly in the multi-family arena," he said. "And, commercial buildings are showing a little bit more activity."

Kevin McNamara says the VRF market has 'nowhere to go but up,' thanks in part to improving construction data.

But LG never took its foot off the R&D pedal during the downturn, and now it's ready to do its part in growing what is currently a $382 million VRF industry, with five new products that will all be available by the conclusion of the 2014 AHR Expo in New York City in January.

According to McNamara, one thing that will improve VRF's acceptance is to earn greater support among the specifying engineer community.

"It's amazing that only four in 10 engineers have specified a VRF job in the past three years," McNamara said. "We're attempting a paradigm shift, to work with consulting engineers and help them see the value in VRF."

"China's VRF market is $3 billion per year, and their chiller market is also about $3 billion," McNamara said. "VRF has a long way to go in the U.S. There’s a lot of upside in this business. We see it as a great place to be. We see our slice of the pie continuing to expand. Our goal is to make sure that expansion continues."

Toward that goal, the company just completed a 10-city promotional tour for Multi V IV, with engineers as a key audience.

"I'm very comfortable in saying LG has taken a leadership position in the U.S., in driving the technology, getting the hearts and minds of the engineering community wrapped around all the advantages that VRF and our other types of systems offer. We realize it's a huge task, but it's all a part of the LG focus in the U.S." — Terry McIver

OTHER NEW PRODUCTS
The Multi V Water IV
is LG’s latest water-cooled air-conditioning solution and particularly well suited for high-rise HVAC applications. LG’s fourth generation inverter compressor enables the Multi V Water IV to offer the widest operational range the industry can offer. THE Multi V IV uses a continuous heating system, which maintains a pleasant indoor temperature without any heat loss from defrosting.

The LG Multi V Water Mini is a compact unit that can be placed inside a closet, eliminating the need for rooftop or other outdoor installations.  Special front connections, front-panel access and single-phase electrical capabilities make the LG MV Water Mini an attractive technical solution for building owners in settings tight for space.

"The introduction of the LG Multi V Water Mini to the U.S. market now gives builders and designers a desirable option, providing them a way to incorporate VRF and its many benefits in spaces and buildings they previously would not have been able to," McNamara says.  "This is another example of how, with LG, it's all possible, showing how LG continues to innovate and meet the needs of a wide range of building structures."

The Hydro Kit is now available. It manages sanitary hot water supply and floor heating more efficiently than a conventional boiler despite using less energy. The system also does its part to protect the environment by significantly reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. LG reports the Hydro Kit can achieve energy savings of up to 77% over a boiler, which translates to approximately 3.6 times greater energy efficiency. In addition, the Hydro Kit’s heat pump works much more efficiently and conserves more energy than a traditional heating system based on fossil fuels or electricity, enabling customers to reduce running costs as well as carbon emissions.

The Multi V Space is described as an ideal comfort solution for more refined and luxurious living spaces. It features a reight and left side air flow system, high-speed air discharging and no interference between floors. Noise and vibration are reduced by front discharge and the sealed structure of the outdoor unit. The Multi V Space will be available following the January 2014 AHR Expo.