Can you personalize comfort and save energy at the same time? LG thinks so

by Brianna Crandall — May 3, 2017 — LG Electronics USA, Air Conditioning Technologies division, showcased a new lineup of air-conditioning systems and controls at the American Institute of Architects’ AIA Conference on Architecture Expo 2017 that provide architects, engineers, and contractors versatility for residential and commercial projects.

LG, a provider of commercial and residential air-conditioning systems including variable refrigerant flow (VRF) technology and system controls, introduced innovative solutions to elevate the design and function of modern buildings today — from high-rise office buildings to single-family homes. The systems are said to provide a seamless integration between products and controls enable the creation of buildings that save energy and deliver personalized comfort.

AIA Expo 2017 also marked the premiere of the latest video case study of real-life applications in LG’s Project Profile series, featuring the beautiful Sharpe Building at The Foundry in Providence, RI. Nestled on the Woonasquatucket River, the Sharpe Building is a restored mill-turned-luxury apartment complex featuring 196 high-end units. Leveraging LG’s Multi V heat recovery HVAC systems, The Foundry offers modern comfort to residents while preserving the historic interior and exterior architectural features that make the well-known building so distinctive.

The innovative LG controls, systems and platforms demonstrated at AIA Expo 2017 include the new LG MultiSITE Controls Suite, Multi V 5 VRF systems for commercial applications and more, as highlighted below.

LG MultiSITE Controls Suite: Versatile control capabilities

LG MultiSITE Remote Controller

Representing a critical element of building design and operability, the LG MultiSITE Remote Controller is an intuitive controller that features a customizable touchscreen and configurable functionality to meet the requirements of each installation. In addition to the flexibility of the user interface, the LG MultiSITE Remote Controller uses its onboard BACnet MS/TP to directly integrate into a building management system.

LG MultiSITE Remote Controller

The LG MultiSITE Remote Controller is an intuitive controller that features a customizable touchscreen and configurable functionality to meet the requirements of each installation, using its onboard BACnet MS/TP to directly integrate into a building management system. (PRNewsfoto/LG Electronics USA)

Packaged in a compact and sleek design, the LG MultiSITE Remote Controller includes built-in occupancy and humidity sensors and ZigBee wireless compatibility, delivering a complete out-of-the-box solution for a host of installations. Building owners and facilities managers can now easily scale the functionality to suit the needs of occupants in the space while being conscious of their bottom line with the LG MultiSITE Remote Controller.

LG MultiSITE Communications Manager

The LG MultiSITE Communications Manager integrates the power of LG VRF technology into an existing third-party building management system. For the first time ever, architects can specify a controls framework that directly integrates with a VRF system; eliminating the need for a gateway.

LG Electronics USA MultiSITE-Communications-Manager

The LG MultiSITE Communications Manager integrates the power of LG VRF technology into an existing third-party building management system, enabling building managers to maximize the performance, power and capability of each system. (PRNewsfoto/LG Electronics USA)

Powered by the robust Niagara Framework, the LG MultiSITE Communications Manager allows for seamless integration with North American building management systems. Employing industry-standard BACnet, LonWorks and Fox protocols, programmers can easily connect the LG MultiSITE Communications manager, reducing program development costs. The LG MultiSITE Communications Manager enables building managers to maximize the performance, power and capability of each system.

LG MultiSITE VM3 Building Management Solution

The new LG MultiSITE VM3 building management solution maximizes the sophistication of control in each building system for cohesive building operation and synergistic performance. With the LG MultiSITE VM3, architects can leverage a single, seamless solution that marries LG VRF and controls for streamlined system programming and the freedom to design a solution that best meets the needs of building owners and FMs.

Utilizing the open Niagara Framework, architects can tailor and customize a building’s operation to improve efficiency, minimize operational costs, and maximize comfort. FMs now have a window into their building’s operations and efficiency, empowering them to program their system to react as internal and external conditions change. The LG MultiSITE VM3 is a scalable solution capable of managing a single system all the way up to an enterprise-level network for even more flexibility and responsiveness.

LG Technology: Innovative indoor and outdoor solutions

LG Multi V 5

The LG Multi V 5, the company’s new flagship product in LG’s state-of-the-art air-source VRF systems, represents the next generation in the popular LG Multi V family.  Multi V 5 is available from 6- to 42-tons, with a choice of three-phase 208V-230V or 460V electrical power as heat recovery/heat pump outdoor units. New to the Multi V line-up are the single frame 16-, 18-, and 20-ton units. As a smaller and lighter solution, the Multi V 5 not only reduces footprint requirements, but also helps to reduce installation costs. The 20-ton unit represents the largest-tonnage single frame on the market today, says the company.

LG Multi V 5

The LG Multi V 5 air-source VRF system features Advanced Smart Load Control to proactively address the impact of pending weather changes; LG Intelligent Heating technology to prevent frosting; and a new biomimetic fan design to operate more efficiently and increase airflow while reducing the perceived noise level. (PRNewsfoto/LG Electronics USA)

With Multi V 5 the capacity has increased while the footprint remains the same, reducing the number of systems required.  Building upon Smart Load Control of the Multi V IV, the Multi V 5 features Advanced Smart Load Control, which proactively addresses the impact of pending weather changes ensuring optimal comfort for every building occupant. The Multi V 5 also features LG Intelligent Heating technology that works to prevent frosting and defrosts only as needed rather than responding once frost has reached a preset point. On top of active response capabilities, the Multi V 5 also features a new biomimetic fan design that enables the unit to operate more efficiently and increase airflow while reducing the perceived noise level.

LG Multi V S

LG’s expanded Multi V S single-phase VRF lineup includes single-phase 2-ton heat pump and 5-ton heat recovery models, designed to provide excellent energy efficiency and versatility. LG was reportedly the first to offer a single-phase VRF 5-ton heat recovery system for the U.S. market providing simultaneous heating and cooling. With the addition of 2- and 5-ton models in the popular Multi V S series, LG now offers architects and builders across the country more energy-efficient air-conditioning options than ever before.

LG RED° Heat Technology

LG optimizes cold climate performance with its LG RED° Heat Technology. Duct-free products featuring LG RED° Heat are designed to deliver superior heating performance: 100 percent heating capacity performance down to 5° F and continuous heating operations down to -13° F. This increased performance not only delivers heat when traditional models are unable to but also operates with incredible efficiency, making products with LG RED° Heat the ideal heating solution for less temperate regions of the US. This technology is available on 9K, 12K 15K and 18K Btu/h-capacity LG Art Cool Premier systems.

For more information visit the LG Electronics USA Air Conditioning Technologies Web site.