Save Energy, Accelerate Expansion: LG Electronics Launches Oil-Free Turbo Chiller

Over 20% Improvement in Part-Load Efficiency
Approximately 30% Additional Annual Power Savings
Pre-fabricated Modular Systems Shorten Deployment Time

LG Electronics has launched a new air-cooled turbo chiller optimized for artificial intelligence (AI) data centers, strengthening its strategy to target the global cooling market. The new product enhances cooling efficiency and energy savings, while supporting rapid deployment and flexible expansion with modular systems to respond to burgeoning demand in the fast-growing AI Data Center (AIDC) market.

On September 20, LG Electronics announced the launch of its new "Air-cooled Oil-Free Inverter Turbo Chiller." With the addition of this high-capacity turbo chiller to its lineup, the company has expanded its AIDC cooling solution portfolio beyond conventional screw chillers. Key features of this new product include reduced energy use and total cost of ownership (TCO), compliance with global environmental and carbon regulations, and meeting customer needs for faster data center commissioning and more flexible expansion capabilities.

The core of the new product lies in LG Electronics' proprietary "oil-free magnetic bearing technology." By applying a magnetic levitation method that suspends the rotor shaft by electromagnetic force, mechanical friction losses are minimized and performance is improved. The absence of lubricating oil means oil circulation pumps and piping are not required, and the lack of an oil film inside the heat exchanger prevents the decline in cooling efficiency found in traditional systems.

As a result, the new product's part-load efficiency (NPLV) is more than 20% higher than that of traditional inverter screw chillers widely used in data centers. It also extends compressor lifespan and reduces maintenance costs for routine tasks such as oil changes and filter management, while decreasing the likelihood of downtime during operation.

Photo of LG Electronics' new product, the "Air-Cooled Oil-Free Inverter Turbo Chiller." LG Electronics.

During intermediate and winter seasons when outdoor temperatures are low, the "refrigerant free cooling" technology circulates the refrigerant naturally without operating the compressor. This approach stops the compressor—which accounts for over 80% of the chiller's power consumption—and uses external cold air to naturally circulate and cool the refrigerant. Compared to previous water-based free cooling methods, this technology can reduce annual power consumption by approximately 30% and contributes to improved power usage effectiveness (PUE) for data centers.

An eco-friendly refrigerant has also been adopted. The new product uses R-513A, which has a global warming potential (GWP) more than 50% lower than the previously used R-134a refrigerant. This aligns with strengthened environmental regulations in major markets such as North America and Europe, as well as the stringent ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) standards set by global hyperscalers.

To enable rapid commissioning and flexible expansion for data centers, LG Electronics has also incorporated "hydronic modular" technology. In the past, building cold water delivery systems required on-site welding and assembly of pumps and piping, resulting in high costs and lengthy installation times.

The new product, however, pre-integrates essential components—such as pumps, valves, and emergency buffer tanks—inside an ISO-standard container as a ready-to-use system. On-site, operators can connect the chiller body to the container module, significantly shortening installation and construction time. As many standardized modules as needed can be added, enabling flexible capital investment in line with data center expansion plans.

The chiller also features capabilities for stable AIDC operations. Using machine learning technology to analyze real-time performance data, the system can detect sudden fluctuations in cooling water flow and pressure, as well as early signs of abnormal operation, and implement preventive measures to avoid unexpected shutdowns.

In emergencies such as power outages, the uninterrupted power supply (UPS) for the control system and a built-in buffer tank help maintain cooling water circulation. After power restoration, a rapid restart technology recovers 100% of the rated cooling capacity within 180 seconds, thereby protecting AI servers.

Jaesung Lee, President of LG Electronics Eco Solution (ES) Business Division, stated, "This new product represents a comprehensive solution, bringing together overwhelming efficiency and rapid, modular deployment capabilities to meet every need of our AI data center customers. With our differentiated technological edge, we will further strengthen our leadership in the rapidly evolving global AI data center cooling market."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.