LG Advances Commercial Heat Pump Rooftop Unit in DOE HVAC Challenge
Key Highlights
- The 10-ton heat pump rooftop unit is designed for cold climates, operating efficiently at temperatures as low as -10° F.
- Field testing is underway at retail and research facilities to assess energy performance, reliability, and operational efficiency.
- The project aligns with industry trends toward electrification, low-GWP refrigerants, and decarbonization in commercial HVAC systems.
ALPHARETTA, Georgia — LG Electronics announced its commercial heat pump rooftop unit has completed the laboratory validation phase of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Commercial Building HVAC Technology Challenge.
According to LG, the company’s next-generation 10-ton heat pump rooftop unit is participating in the challenge’s 10- to 14-ton category and is designed to support commercial building performance in cold climates. The unit uses R-32 refrigerant and incorporates advanced controls intended to improve efficiency and reduce energy consumption, depending on application and operating conditions.
LG said the all-electric rooftop unit demonstrated heating performance and operational efficiency during laboratory testing, including operation at ambient temperatures as low as -10° F. The testing was conducted at Intertek as part of the Department of Energy challenge program.
The rooftop unit includes refrigerant flow controls, compressor and electric heating capabilities, and dual-sensing controls for humidity and temperature. According to the company, the system is designed to reduce reliance on electric resistance heating under certain operating conditions.
LG also stated the unit supports integration with building automation systems, with additional grid-interactive and demand flexibility capabilities planned for future development phases. The rooftop unit is intended for both new commercial installations and replacement applications.
Following laboratory validation, LG has begun field testing the system in commercial environments. A prototype unit was installed at a retail location in Zionsville, Indiana, and a second unit is scheduled for installation at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory facility in Richland, Washington.
Data from the field trials will be evaluated to assess energy performance, operation, and reliability. LG said additional testing is planned through 2027 as part of the ongoing Department of Energy program.
“Our successful validation in the DOE Technology Challenge highlights LG’s commitment to meeting commercial market needs,” said Gautham Devarakonda, HVAC product development and engineering manager at LG Electronics USA. “LG’s 10-ton heat pump RTU demonstrated strong heating performance and efficiency in laboratory testing, including operation at low ambient temperatures down to minus 10°F.”
For commercial HVAC contractors, the project reflects continued industry movement toward electrified rooftop systems, low-global warming potential refrigerants, and grid-interactive building technologies. The field testing phase may also provide insight into how next-generation heat pump rooftop units perform in cold-climate commercial applications, an area of growing interest as building owners evaluate energy efficiency and decarbonization strategies.