ALPHARETTA, Ga. — LG Electronics USA has introduced its Multi V III variable refrigerant flow (VRF) commercial air conditioning system for large-scale facilities, such as commercial office buildings, hotels, hospitals, and schools. The company said this would be its flagship commercial HVAC system, “as demand for energy-saving HVAC technology continues to grow.”

During its rollout to the press in September, the company called it “a world-class technology” suitable for the demands of today’s commercial buildings (sustainability, comfort, rising energy costs, and long-term cost of ownership).

There are multiple levels of building impact, said Kevin McNamara, vice president, commercial air conditioning, LG Electronics USA. “Besides efficiency, you’re looking at multiple alternatives” to achieve design and operational goals, he said, such as longer piping availabilities.

The product’s VRF technology helps improve energy efficiency by allowing occupants to choose whether to air condition or heat only the zones in use. It will be available in the United States beginning in Q4 2011. It’s suitable for retrofits as well as new installations.

Balance

The mission, said McNamara, was to find a balance between comfort and energy. “Besides efficiency, you’re talking about a system that can provide superior zone control, as well as being able to provide heating and cooling simultaneously.”

“LG is committed to designing and providing innovative, energy-efficient products to all of our U.S. customers,” said McNamara. “For commercial air conditioning in particular, VRF technology is a game changer.” The Multi V III combines easy installation and maintenance with energy efficiency, he said. “As a result, it offers lower lifecycle costs than traditional HVAC systems on the market today, and allows building designers to claim up to 16 LEED points.”

LEED, or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is an internationally recognized green building certification system developed by the U.S. Green Building Council, or USGBC. It provides building owners and operators with a framework for identifying and implementing practical and measurable green building design, construction, operations, and maintenance solutions.)

This is every bit a system designed for specific application, the company said, which is why training is necessary for its proper design. The system placed in The NEWS’ recent Dealer Design Awards. Maintenance is facilitated with new enhancements, like the self-lowering filter on ceiling-mounted units to encourage regular filter replacement.

Benefits

The Multi V III is said to deliver these key benefits for building owners:

• LG inverter scroll: A new high-side shell design offers a more compact size for the same capacity output, with greater reliability in cold climates.

• Rapid start: The fast-response cooling or heating feature reaches room set point temperatures 40 percent faster than previous LG systems.

• AHRI 1230 certification: Multi V III is one of the first performance-certified VRF systems; according to the manufacturer, this ensures that building owners receive verified ratings that comply with all national energy codes.

• Smaller footprint: The system supports more indoor zones while taking up less outdoor space. When space or access is at a premium, this equates to significant cost advantages for the owner on large projects.

• Longer piping distances: Owners can reach extra zones that are further away from the new unit, eliminating the need to invest in extra systems.

• Enhanced energy efficiency: The high-side shell compressor, coil optimization, and a double-spiral subcooler result in verified efficiency improvements for new national energy codes.

The system’s reduced carbon footprint give contractors and engineers the opportunity to offer their clients meaningful green, both in terms of the environment and their energy costs, McNamara said.

Training on the Multi V III will be available at LG’s facilities in Secaucus, N.J.; Dallas; and Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., with plans to make more training available through the company’s representatives.

Visit www.lg-vrf.com.

Publication date: 10/10/2011