www. refrigerationandaircon. co. za RACA Journal I May 2025 21
Business
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The I and S Motors’ Workshop and Warehouse facility called for energy conservation – all while operating entirely off-grid.
from the solar power supply. This means that the system is not just energy-efficient but also works in harmony with solar installations, especially in areas where the HVAC system only operates during the day, when solar energy is available.
The Smart Inverter system monitors the solar panels’ charging capacity and sends information to the LG AC Smart 5 central controller system. This enables the LG system to operate the air conditioning system based on the solar charging capacity, ensuring that the HVAC system never overburdens the available power supply.
He explains how this technology is gaining traction in South Africa, especially in environments such as office buildings: " Remote locations and office blocks are ideal for this type of installation, where air conditioning only runs during the day when the sun is up, thus directly utilising solar power without the need for battery backup."
However, for environments like hotels, where cooling might still be required at night, battery backup can complement the system, ensuring that the HVAC system never overburdens the solar power supply or the system itself.
One of the standout features of the Multi V5 system is its ability to regulate energy usage based on the available solar energy. The system monitors the power supply from both the solar panels and battery backups, especially during night hours, ensuring that the HVAC system is in perfect sync with the energy needs at all times. This is crucial in avoiding any overloads that could potentially harm the system or the power supply.
What sets the Multi V5 system apart is its adaptability to various installation types. Bekker highlights that this system is not restricted to any specific project requirements.“ Any system can be transformed to enable this type of control. This versatility is a significant advantage, allowing businesses and property owners to integrate energy-efficient solutions regardless of their location or infrastructure.” previously unavailable for large-scale VRF systems. The system’ s intelligent monitoring and adjustment capabilities ensure optimal performance even during periods of reduced sunlight,” says Bekker.
Its remote monitoring capability plays a crucial role in ensuring efficient operation and preventing potential issues before they escalate. This feature allows operators to check system operation and performance data, such as inverter frequency, pressure levels and more, from anywhere at any time.
“ Remote monitoring also has a direct impact on the return on investment( ROI). Thanks to remote monitoring, contractors can oversee projects remotely, reducing unnecessary callouts and ensuring that maintenance is efficient. In cases where the system is monitored remotely, the ROI can be as quick as three months, thanks to reduced maintenance costs and enhanced system performance,” explains Bekker.
The remote monitoring system can also help to preemptively detect issues. " If you opt for a dedicated team to monitor the system, they can detect any issues before they turn into major problems." While clients can also log in to check the system themselves, having a dedicated team on hand ensures that any potential system faults are identified and addressed promptly – whereas clients themselves typically tend to monitor only when something has already gone wrong. RACA
REMOTE MONITORING AND ROI“ What sets this installation apart is its ability to dynamically adjust output based on available solar power— a feature
LG’ s Multi V5: powering South Africa’ s first fully solar HVAC solution.
www. refrigerationandaircon. co. za RACA Journal I May 2025 21