UAE, June 4, 2017: LG Electronics has launched across the UAE its new-generation magnetic bearing chiller system, an oil-and-contact-free drive solution for centrifugal compressors in chillers, the company said through a Press communiqué. Combining a high-speed permanent magnet motor and active magnetic bearings with integrated controls, the magnetic system can operate with variable-speed drives to deliver energy savings of at least 10% versus conventional centrifugal compressor designs.

LG said the new magnetic bearing centrifugal chiller lineup is suitable for green building application and can yield an additional LEED point for energy savings and refrigerant charge amounts. According to the company, the chiller boasts an efficiency of COP 7.0 and IPLV of 12.0 at AHRI conditions. Additionally, the lineup offers a capacity range of from 260 TR to 1,100 TR for single compressor and from 520 TR to 2,200 TR for dual compressor, based on AHRI conditions, the company claimed.

“Our next-generation solutions are what the HVAC industry needs today,” said Yong Geun Choi, President of LG Electronics Gulf. “With the rise of smart cities and green buildings in the UAE and in the region, the demand for the best solutions places LG at the forefront of the nation’s most promising residential, commercial and industrial applications. We are committed to products that are not only cutting edge and durable, but also strictly comply with the nation’s energy-efficiency regulations laid down by the government and green building policy makers.”

According to LG, the technology also reduces maintenance costs for the user and provides reliable and cost-effective air conditioning. Electromagnets levitate the compressor shaft, allowing it to rotate without contact, the company said. By eliminating the mechanical contact and the losses that occur with oil-lubricated bearings, the magnetic system from LG reduces energy use and costs significantly, the company added.

Without the need for oil lubrication, the system also improves heat-transfer efficiency in the evaporator and condenser, the company claimed. In addition, the system’s vibration and nearly friction-free performance capabilities enable extremely quiet operation with a low noise level of 73db (A) at full-load condition, the company further claimed. 

According to the company, the permanent magnet motor at the heart of the solution is more energy-efficient than induction motors at full and partial loads, and it offers a higher power factor and lower current draw, thanks to the company’s VSD technology with high power factor (> 0.95) and low harmonic distortion with pre-installed AC/DC reactor (THDv < 5%).