LG Electronics has launched a high-efficiency Air-Cooled Centrifugal Chiller (ACC) to meet the increasing cooling demands of AI data centres (AIDCs).
The chiller, available from 1680 to 2110kW, uses an oil-free magnetic bearing centrifugal compressor, eliminating the need for lubricating oil, reducing friction losses and thus improving compression performance.
The new system also incorporates ‘refrigerant free-cooling’ technology, using cool outdoor air to lower the compressor cooling load. Unlike conventional free-cooling systems, it circulates refrigerant directly without an intermediate heat exchanger and does not require glycol, LG says, minimising heat and pressure losses and simplifying maintenance. Based on LG’s internal simulation, refrigerant free-cooling can consume approximately 30% less energy annually than waterside free-cooling.
In addition, LG’s series counter flow (SCF) technology helps maintain balanced operation by distributing the cooling load among the compressors. The chiller features a gap sensor, integrated into the magnetic bearing system, precisely detects the rotation axis to enable accurate control. Machine learning capabilities allow the chiller to adapt to operating patterns, helping reduce surges. During a power outage, an integrated uninterruptible power supply (UPS) provides emergency power, allowing the shaft to stop safely and lowering the potential for bearing damage. It also features a fast recovery function which restores cooling capacity within three minutes upon power restoration.
LG’s proprietary Core Tech is central to the new chiller, encompassing key components such as compressors, motors, inverters and magnetic bearings, developed and manufactured in-house, thus optimising overall performance, improving parts availability and shortening maintenance response times, the manufacturer said.
James Lee, president of LG said:
As AI data centres become increasingly dense and heat-intensive, energy-efficient, reliable cooling is more critical than ever. With our Core Tech and data centre cooling expertise, we will continue to expand our portfolio of solutions to meet these evolving requirements.”
LG is also strengthening its control and operation capabilities with the launch of Data Center Cooling Management (DCCM). This software enables integrated monitoring and data-driven control across complex cooling infrastructure, the firm says, including CDU, Computer Room Air Handler (CRAH) and Air-cooled Centrifugal Chiller.
DCCM supports continuous operation through early anomaly detection and virtual sensor-based diagnostics. It contributes to stronger risk management with predictive maintenance, while real-time optimisation based on IT workloads can improve operational efficiency.
