LG Electronics has introduced a customized turbo chiller tailored for AI data centers, strengthening its strategy to capture the rapidly growing AI data center market.
The company announced on the 20th the release of a new air-cooled oil-free inverter turbo chiller. This product is optimized to address essential needs for AI data center operations, including reduced power consumption, lower total cost of ownership (TCO), compliance with carbon regulations, and flexible scalability.
The turbo chiller's core innovation lies in LG Electronics' proprietary oil-free magnetic bearing technology. Using magnetic levitation powered by electromagnetic force, the rotating shaft floats in the air, eliminating mechanical friction losses.
By eliminating the need for lubricating oil, the system removes the necessity for oil circulation pumps and piping, while also preventing oil film formation in heat exchangers that can reduce cooling efficiency.
The new product boasts a part-load efficiency (NPLV) over 20% higher than conventional inverter screw chillers used in data centers. Its strengths include extended compressor lifespan, reduced maintenance costs from less frequent inspections, and minimized risk of operational downtime.
LG Electronics applied free-cooling technology to the new model, allowing the refrigerant to circulate naturally without compressor operation during mild and cold seasons when outdoor temperatures are low. This stops the compressor—which accounts for over 80% of the chiller's power consumption—while the refrigerant condenses through external cooling and circulates autonomously to dissipate heat.
Compared to conventional free-cooling systems, this reduces annual power consumption by approximately 30%, improving the Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE), a key data center efficiency metric.
The new chiller uses R-513A refrigerant, which has a Global Warming Potential (GWP) over 50% lower than the conventional R-134a refrigerant, meeting stringent ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) standards of global hyperscaler clients.
A hydronic modular technology has also been introduced to support flexible data center expansion. By connecting chiller units and container modules like LEGO blocks, immediate operation is possible, significantly shortening construction periods compared to traditional setups.
The turbo chiller incorporates advanced technologies to enhance operational reliability. Machine learning analyzes real-time operational data to detect anomalies in advance, preventing sudden shutdowns. A rapid restart technology recovers 100% of rated cooling capacity within 180 seconds after power restoration, ensuring safe protection of AI servers.
“IJ Lee, President of LG Electronics' ES Business Division, stated, “This solution integrates all the value AI data center customers need—from overwhelming efficiency to modular-based rapid deployment capabilities. We will solidify our leadership in the rapidly evolving global AI data center cooling market by leveraging our differentiated technological prowess.”
