LG Electronics (066570.KS) has unveiled a new chiller that can raise cooling efficiency at artificial intelligence data centers by more than 20%, using technology that spins fans with almost no friction by relying on magnetic force. The company plans to lead the market for AI data center cooling systems with the new technologies, which also reduce power consumption and breakdowns.
LG Electronics said on Sept. 20 that it had launched the air-cooled oil-free inverter turbo chiller, a new product for AI data centers. The chiller improves non-standard part load value (NPLV), a measure of cooling efficiency, by more than 20% compared with existing inverter screw chillers. The gain comes from its core technology, an oil-free magnetic bearing.
The oil-free magnetic bearing uses electromagnetic force to suspend in midair the rotating shaft that turns the fan. Unlike conventional chillers, in which the shaft is mounted directly to the body, the design minimizes mechanical friction. The principle is similar to that of a magnetic levitation train, which runs at high speed without friction. Because the lubricant that conventional chillers use to reduce friction is unnecessary, circulation pumps and piping can be eliminated, simplifying the chiller's structure.
The new product also features refrigerant pre-cooling and a hydronic modular system. Refrigerant pre-cooling keeps the compressor from running during winter, when temperatures are low. Compressors account for more than 80% of a chiller's power consumption. The technology prevents unnecessary waste in winter, when the compressor is relatively less needed. LG Electronics said the feature cuts annual power consumption by 30% compared with conventional pre-cooling methods.
The hydronic modular system allows the chiller body and related equipment to be assembled on-site as easily as Lego blocks. Essential components such as pumps, valves and emergency buffer tanks are manufactured in advance as finished products meeting international standards, then delivered to the construction site.
The chiller also includes an ultra-fast restart function. In emergencies such as a power outage, an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) for control power and an integrated buffer tank keep coolant circulating, allowing the unit to recover 100% of its rated cooling capacity within 180 seconds after power is restored.
"This product brings together every value that AI data center customers need, from overwhelming efficiency to the ability to build out sites quickly on a modular basis," said Lee Jae-sung, head of the Eco Solution business unit at LG Electronics. "With differentiated technology, we will firmly secure leadership in the rapidly reshaping global AI data center cooling market."
