LG eyes data centers with new cooling system products

MANILA — LG Electronics Philippines is hoping to count data centers among its clients for its new cooling systems.

At the opening of LG’s HVAC Academy and Business Innovation Center in Pasig, LG executives showcased some of the company’s newest products, including an oil-free magnetic-bearing centrifugal chiller, which has low maintenance costs because it doesn’t use lubricants. 

Officials also presented new variable refrigerant flow (VRF) units, which work as efficient cooling systems because they are equipped with AI engines.

On the sidelines of the event, Vanlee Budod, LG Philippines chiller sales part leader, said data centers are growing in the country.

“Our main target, actually, LG Global is our data centers. You know, right now, AI is very rampant, growing,” he said.

Budod said he sees data centers as a “very important” part of the electronics giant’s business in the Philippines.

“It’s quite very important because global storage, Philippine storage right now, is also increasing. Like banks, not only banks but also social media and shopping. So it all requires cloud storage. Without data centers developing here in the Philippines also, we will be left behind,” he said.

Asked if LG is already serving data centers in the Philippines, Budod said, “For now, large-scale data centers, I think the first will be Converge. But it will take time.”

He also noted, however, that LG expects growth from its newest home appliances.

At the event, LG officials also presented a dehumidifier and air conditioners that can be monitored and operated via an app. The newest aircon, in particular, has an AI air feature, which analyzes the indoor environment and adjusts the temperature, wind direction, and wind speed as needed.

It also presented its new steaming closet, which has five dynamic moving hangers that can shake clothes during steaming to remove wrinkles and dirt.

“Actually, the trend right now is mostly residential or ongoing construction,” said LG Philippines commercial air conditioning sales team head Ryan Canete.

When asked how optimistic he is about home appliances sales amid a condominium supply glut, Canete said, “Currently, most of the developers are changing their current forecast for offices into residential because they also cannot get any time from BPO companies.’

“So that’s why they’re converting [most] of their office project into residential. So there’s a lot of demand for residential for this year,” he said.