LG Electronics launched the Multi V 5 (model ref: ARUM***LTE5), its latest Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) solution, equipped with a host of technological advancements, in the UK this month. These include a ‘Dual Sensing Control’ system, which monitors both temperature and humidity levels, reacting to both sensible and latent heat loads. The new Multi V 5 features LG’s own 5^th generation ultimate inverter compressor and a larger system capacity offering, along with improved seasonal efficiencies, making Multi V 5 the ultimate climate control solution.

Dual Sensing Control

Directly benefiting the end user, Dual Sensing Control is a new advanced system concept that reduces operating costs and optimises comfort conditions. The Multi V 5 system reacts to load requirements by monitoring both temperature and humidity levels. Using Smart Load Control (SLC), the system operating conditions are regulated in reaction to both latent and sensible heat loads rather than a traditional sensible load only, increasing energy efficiency by up to 31% compared to none SLC models.

A typical VRF system operation would fluctuate considerably in order to maintain the required room conditions, normally operating on a thermostat on, thermostat off cycle.  The Multi V 5 Dual Sensing Control offers each user a selectable Comfort Cooling option, which maintains supply air temperatures around the desired room set point, reducing on/off cycling, eliminating draughts and delivering maximum user comfort. 

The Multi V 5 Dual Sensing Control coupled with its Comfort Cooling option provides a comprehensive automated solution reacting to multiple climatic conditions achieving optimal energy efficiency with maximum comfort levels.

Ultimate Inverter Compressor

LG’s own fifth generation compressor offers a host of unique LG technological developments, including a High Sided Shell (HSS),  High Pressure Oil Return (HIPOR), and a new Polyetheretheketone (PEEK) bearing allows an all inverter, system compressor to operate  between 10Hz – 165Hz, increasing partial efficiencies, extending capacity, and increasing reliability.

The advanced PEEK bearing system sees a redesigned scroll bearing consisting of  Polyetheretheketone, a material normally used in aeroplane engines to give high reliability by suffering minimum effects of frictional wear at high temperatures, caused normally by periods of oil less operation.

High Pressure Oil Return (HiPOR) greatly reduces compressor energy wastage by returning oil directly into the sump of the compressor, instead of via a traditional method of suction line return. Oil viscosities are kept low, volumetric efficiencies high and this adds to increased compressor efficiencies by up to 10%.

LG’s concept of real time oil monitoring is included in each compressor. ‘Smart Oil Management’ utilises a sensor placed in each compressor to monitor oil levels in real time, allowing corrective action when required, improving life cycle expectancies and extending heating periods by eliminating unnecessary oil return, coupled with the added ability to balance oil levels between compressors.

Large Capacity ODU

Adopting an awareness of biological – inspired engineering, a biomimetic fan has been developed and incorporated with a four-sided heat exchanger and improved compressor performance. Multi V 5 ‘s efficiency and capacity has been enhanced to a position where it is able to provide 26HP (72.8kW) from a single outdoor unit.

Working with Seoul University’s Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, the researchers behind the development of Multi V 5, drew inspiration from the Humpback whales functional morphology of flipper structures to give a naturally evolved passive flow control. By adopting a biomechanical approach, increased airflows have become possible, negating most of the associated negatives.

Ocean Black Fin

Equipped with LG’s exclusive Ocean Black Fin anti-corrosion coating, Multi V 5’s four side heat exchanger is protected to reduce the effects of corrosion normally found in coastal and industrial environments. The two-part coating consists of a black epoxy resin providing the resistance and a hydrophilic coating to minimise the accumulation of moisture, which would accelerate any chemical reaction. The durability provided from Ocean Black Fin prolongs the products life span in the most challenging environments, paving the way for exceptional, long-lasting performance. 

Improved Heating Performance

A split heat exchanger, humidity sensor regulation and real time oil level monitoring all work together to give Multi V 5 improved heating performance through delayed defrosting. Dual Sensing Control regulates the evaporator temperature to latent heat loads, therefore maximising its exchange efficiency for longer periods. Alongside Dual Sensing Control, Vapour Injection technologies, guarantee heating performance at -25°C, maintaining 100% heating capacity at -7°C.

Multi V 5 system technologies help to increase heating operation time by 11% per day and lead to a 7% reduction in power input when compared to conventional VRF systems.

Solution to a varied application.

With ever increasing demand for various applications of VRF across the HVAC industry, LG’s Multi V range has always offered a common outdoor unit model with the possibility to attach fan coils, air handling units, water production, heat recovery ventilation and an array of control integrations, where the sole distinguishing factor of selection is whether the system is a heat pump or heat recovery design.  With the introduction of Multi V 5, LG has made this outdoor unit selection even easier with a common chassis, not only across indoor application, but also between heat pump and heat recovery systems. A change to system application once tenants have moved into the building has now never been easier.

Andrew Slater, LG Electronics Air Conditioning and Energy Solutions technical and research manager, said: “Building on the continued successes of the past, with its application of unique technologies and components designed and developed by LG’s Engineering teams, Multi V 5, our new flagship VRF system will offer the industry unparalleled design and efficiency opportunities.

“Multi V 5 carries the factors considered at design stage through to real life system regulation, through humidity monitoring - part of our Dual Sensing Control. We believe that extending our development to consider all areas of system application, will allow customers to benefit from the comfort levels and operational savings that are expected from an industry leading solution.”

LG’s new flagship air conditioning VRF system, Multi V 5, is available now.