Improvement of indoor air quality, flexible application by the use, high energy- and cost-efficiency
September, 2020 – Throughout history, humankind used to work primarily outdoors. The new reality is that we spend most of our working lives indoors. The statistics from the National Human Activity Pattern Survey (NHAPS) show that people spend approximately 90 percent of their waking hours indoors. Furthermore, average people spend over 13 years of their life at work according to one analysis from HuffPost Australia.
At the same time, advances in technology have reshaped our daily lives. Cities are becoming smart, buildings are becoming smart, and the future workplace is becoming smart. According to “Top 6 Future Work Trends” by Gartner, a global research and advisory firm, physical workplaces become smart.
The evolvement of HVAC system, which is one of the key elements of building management, is nature course with this trend. In order to achieve this, there are three major necessary conditions of HVAC systems; increase the productivity of employees, meet the needs of office buildings by traits, and promote both energy and economic efficiency.
Healthy air to boost up the business performance
Average working people spend eight hours a day, breathing air from the office. Therefore, it is obvious that Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) of the office affects business performance.
In 2015, a study by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and United Technologies Climate, Controls & Security found that productivity and indoor air quality in the office are strongly linked. Comparing the performance of employees working in ‘healthy air’ to those working in ‘polluted air’, employees working in healthy air made up an additional $15,500 more per year.
Furthermore, result of the cognitive function was improved by 50 percent when the CO2 level in the office was lowered from the normal concentration of 1,400 ppm to 600 ppm according to a study by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
Therefore, offices need to manage the IAQ by keeping set temperature by adjusting the wind direction automatically or utilizing a sensor to detect when no one is present and stops operation.
Customized zoning satisfying the various needs of buildings
From large office buildings to government offices and apartment-type factories in a city, modern workplaces vary in kind. Even single work environment is composed of several distinct spaces that meet the needs of various kinds of work. Therefore, flexible offices shall be able to apply HVAC systems optimized for orientation of the building and interior space characteristics.
For example, IberEspacio based in Spain designs and manufactures thermal control hardware for space. The company’s biggest challenge was interior climate control for offices and laboratories. As a result, IberEspacio chose the HVAC system that could flexibly manage the airflow depending on the use of the space.
In the case of office buildings located in the middle of a city, there are many environmental challenges to overcome due to surrounding buildings and floating population. WeWork, a global commercial real estate company providing shared workspaces, proceeded the historic renovation project at Aviation House office space in London. Considering the regional characteristics into consideration, the office installed an HVAC system meeting allowable noise level without losing capacity.
Maximized energy- and cost-efficiency
According to the European Commission’s “Energy performance of buildings directive”, buildings are responsible for 40 percent of energy consumption in Europe. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) also says commercial buildings consume a large portion of energy in the U.S. due to the increased use of existing electrical equipment and the introduction of new types of office equipment and telecommunication equipment.
Fortunately, advancements in HVAC systems could help building owners save energy by predicting future energy consumption. CIBIS Tower 9, a landmark and LEED® Platinum- certified building in Jakarta, was demanded highly efficient air conditioning system that could reduce operating energy. The building chose the best solution by simulating and comparing energy consumption before installation.
Also, CIBIS Tower 9 could save the cost with the support from design, development and construction stage. As the building introduced the total HVAC solution, the client can benefit from smooth maintenance service. Moreover, an accurate billing system for each tenant helps to prevent the unnecessary cost.
LG’s customized HVAC System for the office
LG Electronics, a world-renowned home appliance & HVAC company, has released a line of customized HVAC systems to improve the efficiency and bring down the TCO (Total Cost of Ownership) of the office. The company has introduced the Multi V series to provide the benefits of Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) to office buildings.
To improve the working environment, LG offers Multi V AHU and Multi V Dual Vane 4 Way Cassette. Multi V AHU, providing ventilation with cooling and heating, maintains a constant CO2 concentration to provide pleasant indoor air. Multi V Dual Vane 4 Way Cassette adjusts the temperature of both direct and indirect wind to create a comfortable and efficient working environment. Plus, the cassette provides clean air with LG’s advanced air purifying kit and panel which achieves Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) of 692.2 ft3/min.
LG’s HVAC system benefits consultants with products considering space characteristics. With one outdoor unit, Multi V 5 can operate both cooling and heating at the same time. For example, Multi V 5 can provide cooling in a computer room and a communication device room with a high heat output while simultaneously provide heating in general office rooms. In this way, the flexible, functional and multipurpose needs of the building could be satisfied.
Also, LG provides great support and service throughout and after the installation which is a great help to both building owners and consultants. Moreover, LG offers “Energy Simulation Analysis” to help customers compare energy consumption. Furthermore, customers are able to get timely technical support and onsite training for the installation team.
About LG Electronics Inc.
LG Electronics Inc. is a global innovator in technology and manufacturing with operations in 140 locations and a workforce of over 70,000 around the world. With 2018 global sales of USD 54.4 billion, LG is composed of five companies – Home Appliance & Air Solution, Home Entertainment, Mobile Communications, Vehicle Component Solutions and Business Solutions. LG is a world-leading producer of TVs, refrigerators, air conditioners, washing machines and mobile devices, including premium LG SIGNATURE and LG ThinQ products featuring artificial intelligence. For the latest LG news, go to www.LGnewsroom.com.
About LG Electronics Air Solution Business Unit
LG Electronics’ Air Solution Business Unit is a global leader in HVAC and energy solutions with a comprehensive portfolio of proven expertise and performance. Launching Korea’s first residential air conditioner in 1968, LG has paved the way for total HVAC solutions over the last five decades through strategic utilization of advanced technologies. With a well-established production base and industry-leading capacity, the company provides effective HVAC solutions for both the commercial and residential sectors. Its wide range of cutting-edge systems for heating, ventilation and air conditioning truly represent LG’s initiative in offering the most optimized solutions for a variety of uses. Pursuant to its mission of “Innovation for a Better Life,” the company offers solutions boasting high energy efficiency and reliability based on its state-of-the-art knowhow and technologies to ensure the most optimal environment for users. For more information, please visit www.LG.com.