By Eamonn Ryan
In RACA Journal January, we profiled a VRF project (LG’s I & S Motors in De Deur, within the Midvaal Municipality of the Vaal Triangle) backed by an off-grid solar power system.
The I and S Motors’ Workshop and Warehouse facility called for energy conservation – all while operating entirely off-grid. All images by ©RACA Journal
The drive toward sustainability is becoming increasingly prominent among businesses, with many seeking to reduce their carbon footprint and achieve green certifications. According to Andries Bekker, Air Solutions Field Engineering Team Leader at LG Electronics South Africa, since that first project there has been a surge in interest, especially from companies aiming for green star ratings – though the solar panel need to be supplied through a third party company. This trend reflects a growing awareness of the importance of sustainability in modern business practices, even as load shedding in South Africa is hopefully a thing of the past.
The facility called for a high-efficiency HVAC solution for energy conservation, flexibility for convenient installation and comprehensive system control—all while operating entirely off-grid. The project presented a unique set of challenges that pushed the boundaries of conventional HVAC VRF solutions. With no access to the municipal power grid, the remote location demanded an innovative approach.
Bekker explains the company’s approach: “Until now, only small residential units have been installed to operate on solar energy. However, for larger loads like VRF systems, there are specific capacities that can run on solar power, but they lacked the intelligence to adjust operations based on real-time battery power. This makes our solution an industry first.”
The Multi V5 system is equipped with an ultimate inverter compressor that significantly contributes to energy efficiency. This compressor optimises the energy consumption of the system, ensuring that it adapts to the variable energy available 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.”
LG’s Multi V5: powering South Africa’s first fully solar HVAC solution.
Remote monitoring and ROI
“What sets this installation apart is its ability to dynamically adjust output based on available solar power—a feature 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.
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