LG debuts AI-powered HVAC system for smarter energy control
LG Electronics ANZ has introduced the Multi V i HVAC system, a commercial air solution that incorporates artificial intelligence to support climate control and energy management in business environments.
The Multi V i Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) system is designed for commercial buildings seeking to address energy efficiency and decarbonisation objectives. According to LG, HVAC systems typically represent around 40 percent of a site's overall energy usage, making them prime candidates for optimisation in the drive to reduce carbon emissions and operational costs.
Mr Dan Lim, Managing Director at LG Electronics ANZ, said:
"At LG, our commitment to empowering a better life through smart, intuitive solutions is clearly demonstrated by our flagship Multi V i HVAC solutions. It represents a significant leap forward in HVAC technology, delivering on business concerns around efficiency and comfort. It's about providing an uncompromising experience for our customers, helping them achieve their energy saving goals, and underscoring our dedication to delivering premium air solutions and service across the HVAC sector".
AI-driven energy management
The Multi V i features an AI engine that adapts to changing environmental conditions and user behaviours, supporting optimised system performance and energy savings. The AI Smart Care function gathers real-time data, including temperature and humidity, and applies algorithms to manage settings across indoor units, initially focusing on comfort before moving to a power-saving mode to minimise unnecessary energy use.
Alongside this, the AI Smart Metering capability tracks energy usage in real time and produces an estimation model for consumption. This enables business users to monitor their estimated energy savings at daily, weekly, monthly, and annual intervals through a controller interface, informing decisions on energy management.
The AI Energy Management feature analyses operational data and predicts future energy needs, using a generated Energy Pattern Model to regulate the outdoor unit's activity in line with set monthly energy targets. This approach is intended to prevent excessive power consumption and may assist with managing monthly energy costs, particularly for organisations lacking a dedicated energy management system.
User comfort
In addition to its focus on efficiency, the system incorporates features designed to address temperature consistency throughout commercial spaces. AI Indoor Space Care uses algorithms to identify and group adjacent indoor units, managing them to maintain balanced temperatures as indoor or outdoor conditions shift.
The Multi V i also integrates external weather data through Weather Interlocking Control, sourcing real-time updates from AccuWeather. According to LG, this enables functionalities such as pre-heating, automatic snow removal for the outdoor units, and comfort cooling, all tailored to local weather variations.
Performance details
The Multi V i supports a performance output of 26 HP and is specified for operation between -30°C and 52°C, with full rated performance available from -11°C to 43°C. The system's adaptability is further enhanced through compatibility with additional LG products, such as the Hydro Kit for heating, hot water, cooling, and humidification. Indoor safety features are also supported through integration with an LG leak detector.
Users can control the system via wired remote controllers such as the Standard III Wired unit or ACP 5/AC Smart 5, and can set operational noise limits with Noise Target Control for suitability in densely populated areas. LG states that the AI engine will continue to be refined over time, as data gathering and algorithm improvements are ongoing for further operational enhancements.
The implementation of these AI-driven features and real-time control opportunities are aimed at assisting commercial building operators to monitor, predict, and adjust their HVAC energy usage for both efficiency and comfort, without the need for intricate building management infrastructure.
