LG extends heat pump research to China
3rd September 2024
SOUTH KOREA: LG Electronics has expanded its global heat pump R&D network with the establishment of the Chinese Consortium for Advanced Heat Pump Research (CCAHR) in Harbin.
The Chinese consortium, which joins existing LG-led initiatives in North America and Europe, will develop next-generation core technologies for HVAC solutions capable of providing strong, dependable performance in extreme cold conditions.
It will operate new research facilities in Harbin and Mohe City. Harbin, known for its harsh winter conditions, and Mohe, where temperatures can drop to below -50ºC, are seen as ideal settings for advancing LG’s research into heat pump technologies that can maintain high efficiency in severely cold climates.
CCHAR will conduct tests on the company’s HVAC solutions, including residential air conditioners, at two facilities: a university-owned building at the Harbin Institute of Technology campus, and a residential site in Mohe. The consortium will gather comprehensive operational data to improve the heating performance, energy efficiency and overall reliability of LG’s HVAC products.
The Chinese consortium is seen as a significant addition to LG’s growing international R&D collaborations, complementing the consortiums established in Korea and the US last November, and in Europe this June.
During a recent CEO-led investor forum, LG outlined four key strategies for business portfolio innovation, including the acceleration of its B2B capabilities – particularly in the area of HVAC. By leveraging its inverter, heat pump and chiller technologies, LG says it aims to lead the market in high-efficiency HVAC solutions, while actively targeting the growing demand for cooling systems, especially in AI data centres.
Additionally, in key markets, LG’s HVAC business is establishing a locally self-sufficient operation system encompassing the in-house production of core components and the creation of production bases optimised for regional supply. This system, which covers everything from R&D to sales and maintenance, greatly enhances LG’s B2B capabilities and is expected to support meaningful long-term growth.
