LG has introduced an air-cooled, oil-free centrifugal chiller designed for AI data centers. The system uses a magnetic-bearing centrifugal compressor, which suspends the rotating shaft without physical contact. LG says this eliminates the need for lubricating oil, reducing friction and improving compression efficiency.
The system is also refrigerant-free, using outdoor air to reduce the compressor’s cooling load. LG says its design eliminates the need for glycol and an intermediate heat exchanger, reducing heat and pressure losses while simplifying maintenance. The company says the system can use up to 30 percent less energy than traditional liquid-based free-cooling systems. It is available in 480 to 600 refrigeration tons per unit and can be configured to meet individual data center cooling needs.
“As AI data centers become increasingly dense and heat-intensive, energy-efficient, reliable cooling is more critical than ever,” said James Lee, president of the LG Electronics Eco Solution unit. “With our core tech and data center cooling expertise, we will continue to expand our portfolio of solutions to meet these evolving requirements.”
