LG Electronics is partnering with SK Enmove to develop next-generation thermal management technology for industrial applications, including artificial intelligence (AI) data centers. The collaboration will focus on jointly developing eco-friendly refrigerants and refrigerant oils, while expanding existing immersion cooling cooperation to include energy storage systems (ESS) and electric vehicle components.
On September 21, LG Electronics announced that it signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with SK Enmove at the SK Serin Building in Jongno, Seoul, for the joint development of new refrigerants, refrigerant oils, and immersion cooling technology for home appliances, commercial, and industrial applications. The signing ceremony was attended by Lee Jae-sung, President of LG Electronics' Energy Solutions Division, and Kim Won-ki, President of SK Enmove.
The two companies will combine LG Electronics' heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) product and system technology with SK Enmove's refrigerant and refrigerant oil development capabilities. As the demand for efficient cooling increases with the expansion of AI data centers, they aim to secure key material technologies that influence the performance and efficiency of thermal management systems.
Initially, they will jointly develop next-generation refrigerants in response to global environmental regulations. With stricter regulations on the global warming potential (GWP) of refrigerants in Europe and North America, they plan to develop refrigerants with a GWP of less than 150 that do not contain perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The goal is to ensure eco-friendliness, safety, and cooling performance.
SK Enmove will leverage its experience in refrigerant development and evaluation to create new refrigerant candidates, while LG Electronics will validate the applicability and performance of these candidates based on its operational experience with HVAC products and systems.
They will also jointly develop refrigerant oils suitable for the next-generation refrigerants. Refrigerant oil is a material that helps reduce friction and damage between key components, such as compressors in HVAC systems, ensuring stable operation. The companies plan to develop refrigerant oils optimized for the characteristics of the new refrigerants to enhance the performance and efficiency of HVAC products while maintaining cost competitiveness.
The collaboration will also expand the immersion cooling technology, which has primarily focused on AI data centers. Immersion cooling involves submerging heat-generating equipment, such as servers, in a non-conductive liquid to dissipate heat. As the heat output and power consumption of high-performance AI servers increase, this next-generation cooling technology is gaining attention for its potential to improve power and cooling efficiency in data centers.
Previously, LG Electronics had been exploring the feasibility of developing immersion cooling solutions for AI data centers in collaboration with SK Enmove and U.S.-based immersion cooling specialist GRC. This partnership will also consider expanding the application scope to include high-heat power and electronic devices, such as ESS and electric vehicle components.
Kim Won-ki, President of SK Enmove, stated, "Through our collaboration with LG Electronics, we will accelerate the development of next-generation refrigerants, refrigerant oils, and immersion cooling technologies, while expanding business opportunities across various industries."
Lee Jae-sung, President of LG Electronics' Energy Solutions Division, remarked, "By combining LG Electronics' cooling technology with SK Enmove's refrigerant and refrigerant oil expertise, we will strengthen the competitiveness of next-generation thermal management solutions and continuously seek new business opportunities in the global market."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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