LG Electronics Launches Air-Cooled Turbo Chiller for AI Data Centers

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LG Electronics Launches Air-Cooled Turbo Chiller for AI Data Centers

Published2026.09.21 11:33

Oil-free magnetic bearings and refrigerant free cooling applied, reducing TCO and supporting modular expansion

LG Electronics is entering the AIDC cooling market by introducing a new air-cooled turbo chiller product exclusively for AI data centers (AIDC). This product is characterized by combining oil-free magnetic bearings, refrigerant free cooling, and modular installation methods to enhance operational efficiency and installation flexibility.

LG Electronics announced the launch of its new "air-cooled oil-free inverter turbo chiller" on the 21st.

It is a higher-capacity product compared to conventional screw chillers and was developed with the aim of expanding the AIDC cooling portfolio.

This product focuses on △reducing power consumption and total cost of ownership (TCO) △responding to global ESG and carbon regulations △supporting early data center operation and flexible expansion.

The core technology is the oil-free magnetic bearing independently developed by LG Electronics.

By using electromagnetic force to levitate the rotating shaft, it reduces mechanical friction losses and eliminates the need for oil circulation pumps and piping equipment.

Efficiency degradation caused by oil film inside the heat exchanger does not occur.

According to LG Electronics, the non-full-load efficiency (NPLV), which indicates chiller operational efficiency, is over 20% higher compared to inverter screw chillers.

Extended compressor lifespan and reduced regular maintenance costs such as oil changes, as well as minimized operational shutdown risk, are cited as additional advantages.

Additionally, "refrigerant free cooling" technology has been applied, which allows natural circulation of refrigerant without running the compressor during intermediate and winter seasons when external temperature is low.

By stopping compressor operation, which accounts for over 80% of power consumption, and cooling using external cold air, annual power consumption can be reduced by approximately 30%, according to the company.

The refrigerant adopted is R-513A, which has a global warming potential (GWP) 50% lower than the conventional R-134a, enhancing compliance with global environmental regulations.

The new product also incorporates "hydronic modular" technology.

Essential equipment such as pumps, valves, and emergency buffer tanks are pre-integrated in an ISO standard container, allowing immediate operation simply by connecting to the chiller unit on site.

Standardized modules can be additionally connected as needed, enabling phased investment aligned with data center expansion plans.

In terms of operational reliability, the system features machine learning-based anomaly pre-detection and avoidance functionality, and maintains cooling water circulation through UPS and buffer tank for control power during power outages.

It also supports ultra-fast restart functionality that recovers 100% of rated cooling capacity within 180 seconds after power restoration.

Lee Jae-sung, President of LG Electronics' ES Business Division, stated, "This new product is a comprehensive solution that consolidates the value required by AI data center customers, from efficiency to rapid on-site deployment capability based on modular design," and added, "We will continue to strengthen our leadership in the global AI data center cooling market."

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