Taking time to explain an air conditioning system to an end-user can pay big dividends, as Graham Hendra of LG explains
A SUCCESSFUL air conditioning installation doesn't finish with handover - customer service has got to be at the top of the list for problem-free operation. A post-installation health check on the system along with sound practical advice on how to operate it easily and efficiently will pay dividends in customer satisfaction.

LG was recently involved in a project in Newbury to install three new Multi V II heat recovery VRF systems, which are packed with features to make life easier for both the installation contractor and, ultimately, the customer.

However, no matter how well the units are installed there is always some tweaking to be done to a new system. The problems are fairly simple to solve but to expect a contractor who deals with many different products from a variety of manufacturers to know all of them is not realistic.

The three new Multi V II heat recovery VRF systems units specified for the Newbury project were installed in phases as the building was refurbished. As expected installation and commissioning went according to plan with minimum fuss but after handover a number of issues were raised by the customer, so the contractor responsible for the installation called in LG to fix the problem.

He feared the customer would lose faith in the kit and withhold payment, so we were called in. Once on site we talked through the job and addressed each problem individually. The first to be addressed was the age-old one of people sitting directly in the airflow from a ceiling cassette.

The solution is simple: adjust the vane angles and advise the customer that sitting in a draught is pleasant for 10 minutes but any longer and it will drive you crazy. We swiftly altered the angles to cut the draught and in some units blocked the airflow from one side. This is a new function on our 2008 range of cassettes, where each louvre can be operated independently to the other three from the remote controller.

The next problem to be overcome was temperature control. In some areas the units were overcooling the rooms by as much as 3°; when a temperature of 23°C was set the room would fall to 20°C. All LG units have a sensor in the fan coil and one in the remote controller. The theory is that the remote controller is mounted near to the occupants because sensing the temperature here gives better temperature control where it really matters.

The problem occurs when you mount the controller onto a pillar in the middle of the room - it will detect the pillar temperature as well as that of the air around it. To prevent this happening LG includes an insulated pad to be installed behind the controller, which had not been fitted by the contractor. However, by flicking a switch in the back of the remote controller we disabled the
function and the unit could then sense the temperature up at the fan coil. Problem solved.

Nuisance issues like these can easily turn customers against a perfectly applied system. Ideally these problems should be foreseen at commissioning. A return visit a week after handover is costly but often it can pay dividends, a happy customer calls out the service engineer less and recommends you as a good supplier.

Product testing

Multi V II is the result of a two-year intensive testing programme aimed at achieving convenience of installation and a zero rate of error. Multi V II powers up to 48 indoor units from just one outdoor unit. It can be controlled via the internet, from a PC, or by a deluxe or simple controller and promise high efficiency, reliability and low noise.

The outdoor unit features: a high efficiency compressor with Gold Fin (a finish on the condensing coils which makes them highly durable); uniform and effective distribution of refrigerant; low noise/high static pressure outdoor fan; the PCB is encapsulated in a urethane mould for reliability and security; high efficiency inverter control; two comp cycle for uniformity in oil and pressure; LEV and sub-cooling system; and R410A refrigerant gas. There is also non-polar communication between the outdoor and indoor units. The system also has an auto restart facility.

The indoor units can be any mixture of up to 48 cassettes, wall mounts, ducted or stylish Art Cools - all operated from a single rooftop mounted outdoor unit.

LG is also fielding the efficient, energy-saving Eco V heat recovery ventilator to counter poor indoor air quality.

It saves energy in air conditioned buildings, while dramatically improving indoor air quality and contains a washable particle collection filter with an efficiency of 80% meaning that it can trap particles smaller than tobacco smoke.

Indoor air quality is a high priority for hotels, restaurants, pubs and clubs and the LG Eco V heat recovery ventilator can ensure that buildings meet minimum air quality requirements.

The LG Eco V also features external static pressure control and phased control of the motor allowing significantly reduced commissioning time and greater flexibility in ductwork installation.
It saves energy in two ways: firstly, by using the energy within the expelled air and transferring this energy to the incoming air via a high efficiency enthalpy heat exchanger; and secondly, by increasing the effectiveness of the air conditioning system by helping to reduce the overall load.
Installing the LG Eco V couldn't be simpler. It simply interlocks with any existing LG multi-split air conditioning system. There are four unit sizes to choose from, with nominal capacities ranging from 500 CMH to 2000 CMH.

There are two control options. An LCD wired remote controller allows quick and easy control of operation mode, set timer, error diagnosis and identification. Alternatively, a simple central hard wired controller gives centralised control of a maximum of 16 indoor units.

LG's Eco V provides a cost-effective solution as the enthalpy heat exchanger recovers not only temperature but also moisture from the air - therefore fresh, external air is introduced while the indoor temperature and humidity is maintained.

Not only is the indoor environment more comfortable - creating a healthier, more productive atmosphere - but ac cooling loads are reduced in the summer, as are humidity levels in the winter. In addition, compared to a temperature-only heat exchanger, the LG Eco V enthalpy version is three times more efficient at extracting heat from the incoming air.

The second way in which LG Eco V reduces running costs is by working in synchronisation with a multi-split air conditioning system. Because it helps recover energy and moisture from the incoming fresh air to match indoor conditions, the load placed on the ac system is diminished - dramatically reducing energy consumption and running costs.

Low sound levels are also key as the LG Eco V allows air volume and external static pressure to be easily tweaked for each application in 255 stages using a wired remote controller.
The unit is entirely automatic - switching the ventilation mode according to the operating status of the air conditioner. In this way, a constant indoor air temperature is maintained - regardless of the external conditions.

The SMPS (Switching Mode Power Supply) reduces energy consumption in 'standby' mode by up to 90%. Another benefit is that the LG Eco V can be controlled individually or integrated with the air conditioning/heating system.

The majority of products in the UK are available on an ex-stock basis from a distributor network for customers' service and technical support.

LG Air Conditioning
01753 491 500