RACA Journal June 2026 | Page 28

FEATURE SERIES artificial intelligence

The Multi Vi connects seamlessly to LG’ s AC Smart 5 controller, which allows facility managers and technicians to monitor, control and adjust parameters remotely. The system supports Wi-Fi connectivity, eliminating the need for hardwired connections, and includes a built-in black box function that stores up to six months of operating history. This makes fault tracing simpler and more accurate.

Environmental responsibility remains a key focus. The Multi Vi is fully compatible with R32 refrigerant, which has a significantly lower global warming potential( GWP) than traditional refrigerants. The system also integrates with LG’ s Hydro Kit for heat recovery, enabling waste heat from cooling operations to be used for domestic hot water, underfloor heating or pool heating – reducing both operational cost and carbon footprint

To meet evolving safety standards, the Multi Vi introduces an enhanced refrigerant leakage detection and mitigation system. Depending on configuration, the system can automatically shut down affected indoor units, isolate circuits using third-party actuators, or deactivate the entire outdoor unit if required. This feature, Bekker noted, aligns with new regulatory requirements emerging in markets such as Botswana, where hotel projects increasingly demand built-in refrigerant leak safety controls.

PERFORMANCE THAT PAYS FOR ITSELF While AI integration inevitably raises initial equipment costs, LG’ s testing indicates that the investment pays back rapidly through energy savings. Based on regional field data, the Multi Vi achieved an ROI within six months in Durban, seven months in Cape Town and eight months in Johannesburg.

“ This is not theoretical modelling. These are real installations we’ ve monitored, proving that energy savings translate directly into financial returns,” said Bekker.

The launch also introduced LG’ s AC Smart 5 control system – the heart of its intelligent building management ecosystem. The platform enables remote access to system diagnostics, load balancing and energy tracking. It supports BACnet and Modbus protocols, allowing seamless integration with third-party building management systems( BMS).

For contractors and facilities managers, the ability to monitor CO₂ sensors, fans and external equipment through LG’ s platform simplifies commissioning and long-term maintenance.“ Everything can be controlled from one point – it’ s a fully connected environment,” he added.

“ True innovation is not about adding complexity – it’ s about creating comfort, efficiency and reliability through intelligence. With Multi Vi, we’ re giving our customers exactly that: a system that thinks for itself and performs for them,” said Bekker. engineered to deliver advanced inverter technology, superior energy efficiency and high durability tailored for South African operating conditions.

The new LG rooftop units are available in capacities ranging from 90 000 to 300 000 BTU, each featuring inverter-driven compressors. Unlike conventional on / off systems, inverter compressors automatically adjust their speed to match the building’ s real-time cooling or heating demand. This allows for stable indoor temperatures, reduced mechanical stress, and significant energy savings.

Under comparable conditions, traditional systems consume around 21.83kW, while LG’ s inverter units require as little as 12.07kW. A field case in Cape Town demonstrated a reduction of 18.14kW, underscoring both the financial and environmental benefits of the technology.

The design prioritises efficiency, reliability and ease of maintenance. The units employ brushless DC fan motors with a direct drive fan system, eliminating belts that typically require periodic adjustment and cause energy losses. This configuration enhances performance while lowering maintenance costs.

Each fan connects to its own PCB control board, allowing precise speed modulation and optimised airflow. Dual temperature sensors – monitoring both indoor and outdoor air – ensure that the unit maintains comfort without wasting energy.

Maintenance efficiency is built in: slide-out air filters are easy to access and clean, enabling technicians to complete service tasks quickly and safely. Designed with local challenges in mind, the units include built-in voltage protection to guard against power surges and load-shedding fluctuations – a crucial feature for South Africa’ s variable grid conditions.

Up to 16 indoor systems can be connected to a single interface, allowing users to manage temperature setpoints, lock individual zones and schedule operation across 24-hour or sevenday cycles. These intelligent controls enhance flexibility, comfort and energy optimisation.

LG SHOWCASES NEXT-GENERATION INVERTER ROOFTOP PACKAGE UNITS LG also unveiled its latest generation of rooftop package units,

Part of the LG presentation.