NEW for 2007 from LG is a VRF range. It is innovative, easy to install, energy efficient and designed to complement a range of stylish indoor units with end-user health benefits in a new, advanced filtering systems.

The LG Multi V VRF range includes Multi V, Multi V Plus and Multi V Space - each with a specific set of features.

All three systems can power up to 40 indoor units and can be controlled via the internet, a PC, a deluxe or simple controller. The range is the result of a two year intensive testing programme which promises convenience of installation and a zero rate of error.

'These are technically superior products,' says LG's Tony Gittings.

'We appreciate there are some big names in the air conditioning market which have long-established reputations with consultants and contractors. To get in among them we have to provide the same levels of excellence and offer an increased amount of features, benefits, innovation and customer service levels,' he adds.

'The philosophy we employ in the UK is to offer technically superior, high-performance products which are easier to install, easier to use and as energy efficient as possible,' insists Tony.

For instance, the Multi V Space is an energy efficient, space saving and quiet VRF unit. It is suited to any site.

This energy efficient outdoor unit, which can also be sited indoors, is inverter driven - both compressors and fan motors. It is also up to 10dB quieter than equivalent capacity conventional systems. LG's Multi V Space is suited to office blocks, hotels, conference suites, and retail and residential apartment blocks.

Inside a cupboard

It can be sited inside a cupboard or a plant room with the fans facing outwards on a louvered wall or exterior grille. The sirocco fans reject the heat away from the outdoor unit to the left and the right which prevents short cycling between the air off and air on.

Although it is designed for internal installation, this product may also be used outdoors.

The Multi V Space systems are available in either 5 or 10hp in heat pump option only. The unit needs only access to the front - thus allowing it to be mounted inside a cupboard in the living area of an apartment block, for example. The minimum installation space requirements are 900mm front access (service space), the rear of the unit can be fitted flush against a louvered wall, or ducting can be fitted if required (ESP can be increased if necessary up to 120 Pascals). The units can be placed alongside each other.

The Multi V VRF system outdoor unit features: one inverter-driven and one high-efficiency compressor, featuring Gold Fin on the condensing coils for durability; uniform and effective distribution of refrigerant; low noise/high static pressure outdoor fan; the PCB is encapsulated in a urethane mould for reliability and security; high efficiency inverter control; two comp cycle for uniformity in oil and pressure; LEV and sub-cooling system; and R410a refrigerant gas. There is also non-polar communication between the outdoor and indoor units. The system also has an auto restart facility.

Long pipe runs

Multi V pipe runs can be up to 170m and a maximum vertical height of 50m.

The outdoor unit also uses 'auto addressing'. There is automatic confirmation of each indoor unit, without the use of cumbersome dip switches, by storing and sending specific numbers to the EEPROM. This facility reduces installation time. Another time saver is the use of non-polarized wire. Communication between outdoor and indoor units is impossible if the polarization is different. The Multi V houses an algorithm which automatically finds the correct polarity and enables quick, simple and easy communication.

There is also a self-diagnostic programme. During installation, commissioning and operation phases, any problem can be diagnosed easily and conveniently using a PC or notebook. If an error occurs its code will be displayed on the controller screen.

Multi V Plus is a two-pipe VRF system. It is suited to high-rise and large buildings. It can handle pipe runs lengths of up to 150m and 50m elevation.

The two-pipe system is available from 5 to 40hp.

Another version of Multi V Plus is a 3-pipe heat recovery system which provides simultaneous heating and cooling - and when running at an optimum balance, the amount of externally supplied energy needed to drive the system is reduced when compared with more conventional systems.

It achieves efficiency and comfort through its use of VRF, inverter-driven compressors and, in some variants, heat recovery technology. Combined, they give Multi V Plus a level of finesse that allows it to run at its optimum levperformance throughout its cycle, regardless of fluctuations in external and internal temperatures and other influencing factors.

Completing the VRF range is the Universal Synchro outdoor unit which is designed for applications where open space is a major feature.
It is easy to install, highly efficient and is quiet because of its use of MPS technology.

Synchronisation

It is called the Synchro because of the ease with which a system can be synchronised for simultaneous on/off operation through the use of a single wired remote control or, in the case of a convertible unit, an infrared remote control.

There are three Synchro variants - Duo, Trio and Quartet - and they take their names from the 2, 3 or 4 branch pipes associated
with them.

The branch pipes offer a level of flexibility not previously available in this type of joint. Their design also maintains uniform refrigerant distribution without the need for any additional work.

Specifying Universal Synchro is made equally easy, as it uses the same indoor units as the Universal range which makes holding stocks that much easier, as they can double up on the potential use of any indoor units they may hold.

One of the key features is MPS Inverter control which allows up to 70% in energy savings. This combination of a highly efficient constant speed compressor and a DC inverter compressor makes it one of the most energy efficient - and economical - methods of operating a multi-split system.

Economy is enhanced through the intelligent MPS-driven system, which gauges the cooling or heating load and utilises the correct compressor - or combination of compressors - to best achieve the desired effect.

At the start of a cycle, both will usually come into operation to achieve the required temperature quickly. Once achieved, the low speed necessary to maintain the temperature is provided by the inverter compressor.

Reduces energy

This optimisation of compressor usage drastically reduces energy consumption, subsequent costs and also noise levels, as it features a low noise compressor and a low noise fan.

All features and benefits are commonly available for the accompanying indoor units. For example: Jet Cool high speed mode which quickly and efficiently creates a cool, comfortable atmosphere; a self diagnostic programme responds by displaying the error code; plasma air purifying system assists in removing odours, microscopic contaminants, dust, house mites, pollen, moulds and pet fur; auto restart ensures restoration of operation when power is restored following failure; wired remote control ­restores settings before power loss.