LG Electronics - Experts & Thought Leaders

Mega Clima Kenya is HVAC+R industry exhibition, which will be organized by Elan Expo, will take place on 18-20 June 2025 at Sarit Expo Center at Nairobi, Kenya. Mega Clima Kenya The General Manager of ELAN EXPO - Mr. Suer AY expresses their success, "After the successful years with ELAN EXPO’s experience in HVAC+R sector, and lengthy discussions with the industry regarding the need for a focused HVAC+R event in Nairobi- Kenya, we have responded and will launch Mega Clima Kenya." He adds, "Kenya is a major communications and logistics hub, with an important Indian Ocean port and strategic land borders with Ethiopia, South Sudan, Uganda, Tanzania, and Somalia. Kenya has been described as 'the cradle of humanity', and also Nairobi is East Africa’s capital and main financial hub will provide the perfect platform to take the event to a higher level." Air-conditioning systems exhibition Mega Clima Kenya will be the most comprehensive air-conditioning systems exhibition in the East African region prepares to bring national and international brands together. Mega Clima welcomes HVAC+R professionals serving commercial, industrial, residential, and institutional markets. In the previous HVAC Expos - Mega Clima Nigeria and Mega Clima Algeria, manufacturers from all over the world exhibited their systems, equipment, and components with air-conditioning, heating, plumbing, ventilation, and refrigeration applications. Thousands of contractors, engineers, OEMs, distributors and other industry professionals attend the exhibitions in search of new products and services. Global brands and Companies at the event Mega Clima Kenya 2023 attracted 95 global brands and 4,600 visitors from 11 countries Mega Clima Kenya 2023 attracted 95 global brands and 4,600 visitors from 11 countries; Egypt, Japan, Germany, Tanzania, South Korea, South Africa, China, Sweden, U.A.E., Kenya, and India. Six conferences and workshops were organized successfully. Local and international sector giants showcased their newest technologies and products such as Robert Bosch, Lg Electronics, Wilo, Shanghai Fujie Petrochemical, Climacento Green Tech, Eetco, Rubber World Industry, Hidronix, Saldflux, Ningbo Iceage, Heri Homes Limited, Frigitec Supplies, Trident Vocational Training Centre, Erp-Spine Business Systems, Refrigeration Components, Sinclair Engineering, Nike Civil Works And Construction, Kraftfeld Enterprises, Nuair Technologies, Environmental Engineering Technology Co., Jiangsu Frozcube Environment Technology Co. Ltd, A-Gas (South Africa) (Pty) Ltd, Qingdao Tianyicool Co.,Ltd, Ningbo Iceage Imp & Exp Co., Ltd., Shandong Dofun Refrigeration Technology Co.,Ltd, Qingdao Shingchem New Material Co., Ltd., Xuzhou Yingliang Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd. and more. In MEGA CLIMA KENYA, KENYA-NAIROBI will prove to be an exhibition in which they will bring together international participants and visitors from all around the world. Throughout the exhibition they will organize workshops and provide participants and visitors to meet each other, and share knowledge and experiences, they also give the special attention to B2B meetings to establish business contacts. Save The Date Mega Clima Kenya, which provides perfect interaction to all sector; HVAC&R, Ventilation & Air Conditioning Systems and Equipments, Heating Systems And Equipments, Refrigeration Systems and Components, Installation Systems, And Water Purification, Treatment Systems And Equipments Insulation Materials Service Groups, will take place between the dates 18-20 June 2025 at Sarit Expo Center at Nairobi, Kenya.

Mega Clima Nigeria: 8th International Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Exhibition, which is organized by Elan Expo, will be held on 20-22 May 2025 at Landmark Center, Lagos, Nigeria. Mega Clima Expo is on the Stage in Lagos, Nigeria, for the 8th Time. Elan Expo is in Lagos again with its worldwide HVAC Shows brand Mega Clima Expo; 8th Mega Clima Nigeria Expo on 20-22 May 2025 with the product line of Ventilation & Air Conditioning Systems And Equipments, Heating Systems And Equipments, Refrigeration Systems And Components, Installation Systems, Water Purification, Treatment Systems And Equipments Insulation Materials Service Groups. Why Nigeria is hosting Mega Clima Expo for 8th time?  Nigeria market is the most profitable market in the West African region for the HVAC+R sector investments  Nigeria market is the most profitable market in the West African region for the HVAC+R sector investments under its large market size, annually increasing construction numbers, and population. Nigeria is also a perfect communication and logistic hub with a perfect Atlantic Ocean port.  After the successful previous editions, the positive reviews and the recommendation from exhibitors and visitors about enlarging the space of the exhibition prompted Elan Expo to focus on Mega Clima Nigeria HVAC Expo. Listen to Participants "It was a good experience, we were able to tell people about our product, we met amazing people. we learnt from other vendors. It was a good platform. Thank you," says Simi Solar & Technology Limited.  "The expo has exceeded my experience and expectations as it gives me more opportunities to interact with local and foreign companies. It was where we initiated many business engagements. I am much grateful to ElanExpo for that," says Danquilah Solar Venture.  "The registration process for the expo was seemless. Stand visibility was good and facilities were good." says Golden House I & E. "It was a success." says SODECA S.L.U. "We had a great experience during the recent exhibition, and we are enthusiastic about showcasing our products once again. Participating in Mega Clima has always been fruitful for us, and we believe the next edition will be equally beneficial." says MIDEA-SOMOTEX Mega Clima Nigeria 2024 global brands Mega Clima Nigeria 2024 attracted 172 global brands, representing companies from 25 countries Mega Clima Nigeria 2024 attracted 172 global brands, representing companies from 25 countries, as well as more than 8600 professional visitors throughout the World: Bulgaria, Canada, China, Egypt, Germany, Ghana, India, Italy, Japan, Lebanon, Morocco, Nigeria, Poland, Russia, S. Arabia, S. Africa, S.Korea, Spain, Taiwan, Turkey, U.S.A, Ukraine, U.A.E., U.K, and Jordan. Local and international sector giants Local and international sector giants showcased their newest technologies and products such as PYGAR INTERNATIONAL LIMITED, Carrier-Mandilas, Beijing Worlead International Exhibition Co., Ltd, ZHEJIANG KAIDI REFRIGERATION EQUIPMENT CO., LTD., ZHEJIANG JINZE REFRIGERANT CO., LTD, ZHUJI SANLI MECHANICAL & ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT CO., LTD, TAIZHOU WEIYE REFRIGERATION EQUIPMENT CO., LTD., SEPAT AIR COOLER & OUTDOOR HEATER, NINGGUO CITY QIBO ELECTRONIC CO., LTD, GUANGZHOU KLC CLEANTECH CO., LTD, ZENGO GROUP LIMITED, QINGDAO TIANYICOOL CO., LTD., ZHEJIANG JUFLORON NEW MATERIAL TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD, GUANGDONG PHNIX ECO-ENERGY SOLUTION LTD., Daitech Nigeria Ltd, GLS Marine Ltd, BITZER KÜHLMASCHINENBAU (S.A.) (PROPRIETARY) LTD., Somotex Nigeria Ltd, EMC CONTRACTORS & SERVICES LIMITED.  LG Electronics Africa Logistics, FZE Dubai, YACSN, Staking Electro-Mechanical Engineering Ltd, Air Conditioning Engineering Technologies Nigeria Ltd, AHI CARRIER FZC, Kerimler Klima Isıtma Soğutma Taah. İnş. San. Tic. A.Ş., Mitsufeel, SODECA, S.L.U., Mihama Cool Nigeria Limited, LARYZE TECHNICAL COMPANY LIMITED, TICA, Ice Pole Refrigerators Trading LLC, Hyly International Industries Ltd, ARNERGY, Atlas Copco Nigeria Limited, Danquilah Solar Venture, ASHRAE NIGERIA CHAPTER, SIMI SOLAR & TECHNOLOGY LIMITED and more. Various Engineering bodies  The biggest trade show of its kind in Nigeria and West Africa has created an avenue to expand the frontiers of the Nigerian HVAC environment with an enlightened workshop and also had a strongly supporting presence of various engineering bodies, such as; the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air conditioning Engineers Nigeria (ASHRAE), Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria, (APWEN), Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Nigerian Institution of Mechanical Engineers (NIMECHE), Nigerian Institution of Builders (NIOB), Nigerian Institution of Civil Engineers (NICE), Nigerian Association of Refrigeration And Air-conditioning Practitioners (NARAP), and Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN). Overview of the Workshop Mega Clima Nigeria delivered world-class educational programs and knowledge-sharing sessions by the expert speakers pioneering the HVAC industry about the popular themes inspired from what's happening around, making it more relevant and interesting.  6 Panel Sessions 2 Certified Workshops 14 Speakers & Panelists Save the Date The 8th International Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Exhibition is scheduled as follows: Date: 20-22 May 2025 Venue: Landmark Event Center Victoria Island Lagos, Nigeria. Time: 10:00 am–05:00 pm daily.

The Ghana Mega Clima Show 2025, organized by Elan Expo, takes place from June 17-19, 2025, at the International Convention Center in Accra, Ghana. New Era In HVAC Innovatıon With a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.2% from 2024 to 2030, the Ghana HVAC market is expanding rapidly due to urbanization, rising temperatures, and increasing demand for efficient cooling solutions. The market is expected to reach $258.3 million by 2029, supported by investments in residential and commercial infrastructure. Accra, as the capital city, has several ongoing and potential construction projects that require advanced HVAC systems. Notable projects include the $1.9 million air conditioning and refrigeration test lab recently opened in Accra. Additionally, ongoing projects such as the $150 million redevelopment of the Accra Mall and the construction of new hotels like the Marriott Accra Airport Hotel are driving demand for advanced HVAC solutions. Ghana Energy Commission's regulations The Ghana RAC Roadmap aims to accelerate the transition to climate-friendly sustainable technologies The Ghana Refrigeration and Air Conditioning (RAC) Roadmap aims to accelerate the transition to climate-friendly sustainable technologies, with a goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by promoting 380 green air conditioning units through demonstration projects and training programs for technicians. The split AC sub-sector is particularly impactful, accounting for about 8% of national GHG emissions, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable solutions. The government is actively promoting energy efficiency through projects like the Ghana Energy Commission's regulations on energy standards and mandatory certification for HVAC technicians. Ghana's HVAC sector  Despite this growth potential, the HVAC market in Ghana faces challenges such as underdeveloped distribution channels, a lack of skilled professionals, and affordability issues for consumers. By participating in the HVAC Fair Show, companies will have a unique opportunity to not only showcase their innovative products and technologies but also address the urgent needs of the Ghanaian market. This event serves as a critical platform for networking with industry pioneers, decision-makers, and stakeholders, fostering valuable collaborations and networks that can enhance service delivery, expand market presence, and, lastly, make their brands stand out in the HVAC industry as a pioneer. As Ghana's HVAC sector continues to grow, businesses that engage in this fair will position themselves at the forefront of industry advancements, gaining insights into emerging trends and consumer demands.  First Mega Clima Show in Ghana The First Mega Clima Show in Ghana is a pioneering event set to reshape the HVAC landscape in West Africa The First Mega Clima Show in Ghana is a pioneering event set to reshape the HVAC landscape in West Africa. Organized by Elan Expo, a pioneer in international exhibitions with 25 years of extensive experience in the region, this show promises to be a compelling opportunity for industry stakeholders to connect, collaborate, and innovate. Elan Expo has successfully organized similar shows in Nigeria, Algeria, and Kenya, establishing itself as a trusted name in the HVAC sector in the African region. The previous events have consistently attracted significant participation and engagement rates and generated impressive results. Mega Clima Nigeria 2023  For instance, the recent Mega Clima Nigeria 2023 attracted over 8,600 visitors and featured 172 brands from 25 countries notably from Algeria, Belgium, China, Egypt, Germany, Ghana, India, Italy, Japan, Lebanon, Nigeria, Poland, Russia, South Korea, Spain, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, including well-known brands like Panasonic, Daikin, Carrier, Trane, Mitsubishi Electric, LG Electronics, Fujitsu, Honeywell, York, and Gree,  Rheem, Toshiba, Sanyo, Bosch, Emerson, and Chigo. In total, the events across the region have welcomed over 30,000 visitors and showcased more than 600 brands from around the world. The past exhibitions have consistently demonstrated the value of participation; for instance, exhibitors reported that over 80% of them found new business opportunities and expanded their networks in a meaningful way.  Exploring innovative technologies  Mega Clima Show will attract an amount of diverse participants showcasing and exploring technologies Drawing on the extensive experience from previous successful events, they anticipate a similarly impressive participation in Ghana. Therefore, they want to bring together key players once again in Ghana’s HVAC market. With urbanization on the rise and increasing demand for sustainable cooling solutions, they anticipate that the Mega Clima Show will attract a remarkable amount of diverse participants showcasing and exploring innovative technologies that enhance energy efficiency and sustainability.  The Ghana Mega Clima Show will undoubtedly serve as a premier platform for exhibitors to showcase their latest products and services specialized for the HVAC industry. Promising To Shape Industry Standards "The Mega Clima Show is set to be a novel event for the HVAC industry in Ghana," stated Mr. Süer AY, General Manager of ELAN EXPO, adding "This is the first time we are launching this show in Ghana, which provides the opportunity for international exhibitors for the first time in this region to showcase their products and innovative technologies, connect with industry pioneers and stakeholders, foster collaboration and innovation in a professional environment."  He continues, "This event is not just about showcasing products; it is an opportunity to drive the adoption of sustainable technologies and practices that will significantly influence the growth and efficiency of the HVAC sector in Ghana. By bringing together key players in the industry, we aim to address current challenges, share best practices, and ultimately shape a more sustainable future for climate control solutions in West Africa."  "Now is the time for companies to seize this opportunity to contribute to a more efficient and sustainable future in the HVAC industry, helping to shape the industry of Ghana’s rapidly evolving HVAC market while guaranteeing  their own growth and success." Mr. Süer AY emphasized.  Save the date Dates: June 17-19, 2025 Location: Accra International Conference Center, Castle Rd, Accra, Ghana Exhibitor Profile: Ventilation & Air Conditioning Systems and Equipments, Heating Systems and Equipments, Refrigeration Systems and Components, Installation Systems, Installation Systems.

AHR Expo 2024 was abuzz with activity, befitting a dynamic industry in the throes of change.  Industry developments such as electrification and the refrigerant transition render business opportunities on the AHR Expo show floor, where exhibitors display a determination to meet the challenges and thrive in the process. Walking from booth to booth during the three-day show in Chicago, I saw the best the HVAC industry has to offer, up close and personal. Innovation and adaptability are the watchwords as the industry journeys into 2024 and beyond. Refrigerant Transition Top of Mind  Patented R-454B refrigerant enables a simpler transition without redesigning equipment The technology transition is well underway for OEMs seeking to meet a pending AIM Act deadline at the end of the year. OEMs are choosing to embrace either R-32 or R454-B refrigerant to replace legacy R-410A, which is being phased out. Patented R-454B refrigerant enables a simpler transition without redesigning equipment, while R-32 offers advantages such as higher capacity, higher efficiency, and easier cradle-to-cradle management. Arkema Arkema is the only producer of R-32 refrigerant in the United States. The newer refrigerant is being embraced as HVAC OEMs seek to meet the deadline of Jan. 1, 2025, to use lower-GWP (global warming potential) refrigerants in their products. The technology transition is just part of the AIM Act implementation that will also limit allocation and require refrigerant management. Chemours Chemours is a manufacturer of R-454A, R-454B, and R-454C refrigerants. At AHR, they presented hourly education sessions on a variety of subjects. The refrigerant transition will impact everyone in the industry, including refrigerant producers, equipment manufacturers, contractors, and end users. R-454B refrigerant provides identical performance in HVAC systems compared to the previous refrigerant (R-410A). There is less need to redesign equipment; just adding sensors for leak mitigation can address the mild flammability of A2L refrigerants. Because of the 2025 deadline, 2024 will be the “year of new products” in the HVAC market. OEMs pioneering Innovation  Carrier and others are offering smaller footprints, seeking to meet environmental targets Innovation in the HVAC market is led by companies such as Carrier, which has introduced 100 new products each year for the past eight years. Carrier and others are offering smaller footprints, seeking to meet environmental targets, and providing flexibility for customers. New products include the AquaSnap 30RC air-cooled chiller and the AquaEdge 19MV chiller with low GWP refrigerant to meet pending regulatory requirements.  Copeland Copeland, recently divested from Emerson, also emphasizes innovation, including 12 research and development (R&D) facilities, 1,700 engineers, and more than 3,000 patents. At a press conference at AHR Expo, the 100-year-old company announced it is a “new” company owned by Blackstone Private Equity.  Products featured Among the featured products at AHR are Copeland’s oil-free centrifugal compressor with Aero-lift bearing technology; and Copeland’s CC200 case controller, specifically designed to handle the unique challenges of the current retail grocery refrigeration environments. Copeland also pledges to play a role in educating the market about new trends and the transition to new refrigerants.  Emphasizing a Smaller Footprint  Trailblazer AGZ-F is an R-32 air-cooled scroll chiller that delivers 10% greater capacity and efficiency Daikin Daikin highlights the Atmosphera, a single-zone ductless split system (using R-32) that can reduce carbon emissions by 80% (compared to R-410A). Also, Trailblazer AGZ-F is an R-32 air-cooled scroll chiller that delivers 10% greater capacity and efficiency. Products emphasize a smaller footprint and less weight than their predecessors. Rebel Applied is a packaged rooftop unit that continually adjusts operation to address the building load, consuming less energy. Trailblazer HP is an air-to-water heat pump chiller with a reversing function that allows the product to switch between cooling and heating based on temperature requirements.  Friedrich Air Conditioning Friedrich Air Conditioning features the Breeze universally flexible inverter heat pump, a ducted mini-split for upgrading traditional equipment. It works with any furnace or air handler, has side discharge, is 40% smaller, and is cold weather capable to minus 13. Friedrich's new Vert-I-Pak is a line of M1-compliant single package Vertical Heat Pumps (available in 9K, 12K, 18K, and 24K Btu), supporting decarbonization efforts with heat pump operation down to 10°F. High Efficiency for Commercial and Residential Johnson Controls Johnson Controls exhibits their highly efficient residential and commercial HVAC solutions designed for Department of Energy (DOE) 2023 compliance and helping customers achieve Net Zero goals through decarbonization. On display was the York High-Efficiency 18 SEER2 Side-Discharge Heat Pump with up to 30% smaller footprint than vertical-discharge equipment. Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning's Aircore 700 single split system is aimed at light commercial and residential. Midea Their 3-ton model achieved 118% of rated capacity heating output at minus 15 degrees Fahrenheit Midea, known for selling consumer products, has kept a low profile in the professional sector, selling products that are either OEMed for Carrier or private-labeled by a contractor company. Seeking to promote the Midea brand, the Chinese company is staking its claim on the trade market with an emphasis on performance: The company exceeded performance in the Department of Energy’s “ColdClimate Heat Pump Challenge:” Their 3-ton model achieved 118% of rated capacity heating output at minus 15 degrees Fahrenheit. Heat pump awareness Results of a survey conducted by Midea show that more than half of homeowners are not fully aware of heat pumps and their function. Awareness lags among contractors, too: 70% of contractors indicate they do not know that the current’s advanced heat pumps can generate 100% heat output to a minimum temperature of minus 4 F. Wide Selection of New Products Mitsubishi Electric Trane HVAC US Mitsubishi Electric Trane HVAC US emphasizes all-electric heat pump solutions. The Deluxe Wall-mounted H2i sumo System connects with an outdoor unit, and the intelli-HEAT dual fuel system can determine the best source of heat – electric or gas – on cold days. Among commercial products, Heat2OHeat Pump Water Heaters are designed to produce high-volume domestic hot water for commercial facilities in any climate. LG Electronics LG Electronics’ booth includes a wide product range, including advanced heating, ventilating, air conditioning LG Electronics’ booth includes a wide product range, including advanced heating, ventilating, air conditioning, and building management solutions for residential and commercial applications. Home electrification products include the LG R32 Air-to-Water Heat Pump Monobloc system; the LG Inverter Heat Pump Water Heater the LG Electronics Home 8 Energy Storage System, and ThinQ, LG’s mobile app. LG Art Cool Gallery multi-zone wall-mount indoor unit The LG Art Cool Gallery multi-zone wall-mount indoor unit features a customizable picture frame that doubles as a cooling and heating vent. Also, LG’s Medium and High-Temperature Hydro Kit Systems use a refrigerant-to-water heat exchanger to produce chilled or heated water. LG’s Split Compact M3 DOAS with Multi V S is suited to light commercial use where single-phase power is available and as an HVAC solution for outdoor air treatment. Easier Access for Technicians  Rheem Manufacturing New equipment at the Rheem Manufacturing booth at AHR Expo includes true multi-zone operation, smaller footprints, lighter weights, and components that are positioned for easy access by technicians. An LED in the control cabinet displays a fault code that identifies the problem to service technicians. The Resolute and Renaissance lines are commercially packaged heat pump units. The company is emphasizing the transition from R-410A to R-454B refrigerant by the end of 2024. Aeroseal Whether a new install or a retrofit, the product saves energy, saves money, and keeps customers compliant Aeroseal seals ducts by spraying a vinyl acetate polymer substance to increase HVAC efficiency. Whether a new install or a retrofit, the product saves energy, saves money, and keeps customers compliant, and a 30% tax deduction is available through the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).  Airzone Airzone is a Spanish company that controls inverters and VRFs (variable refrigerant flow units). Their communication gateway controller incorporates protocols from various manufacturers, and the Easyzone is an easy-to-install zoning system.  Infinitum Infinitum manufactures a motor system that leverages a printed circuit board as a stator, making the motor system lighter weight and also smaller, quieter, and more efficient. The Aircore EC uses a standard printed circuit board manufacturing process to eliminate bearings. The component is used in blowers by OEMs Lau, Acme, Canarm, and Peerless, whose products are displayed at the booth.  Bell & Gossett Bell & Gossett debuts its line of smart, connected products designed to improve sustainability Bell & Gossett, a Xylem brand, debuts its line of smart, connected products designed to improve the sustainability of commercial buildings and reduce complexity in the design process. Combining pumps and smart motors are the e-1510 end-suction pump, e-80 vertical in-line pump, and TECHNOFORCE e-HV packaged booster system.  NIBCO Simplifying the job of an HVAC installer is the PressACR copper press connection system from NIBCO, which connects copper pipes without brazing, which involves soldering and high temperatures, thus a fire hazard. The patent-pending groove design and crimp pattern support the higher-pressure requirement of an HVACR system. Pipes are pressed together using PressACR jaws and adapter jaws in a variety of sizes. NIBCO also displayed its Webstone brand of residential and commercial valves.  Control Products Provide Data  Resideo Resideo displayed home system products, including the Honeywell Home T10+ thermostat with RedLINK 3.0; sensors enable temperature balancing for hot and cold spots. Pro-IQ Services provides software tools designed for the connected home, including insights on heating, cooling, water, and indoor air quality devices to help contractors track customers. Professional-grade water damage prevention, the First Alert L2 WiFi Water Sensor and Switch provide alarms if there is a water leak.  Schneider Electric The EcoStruxure Building Operation system is open system software for building and facility management Schneider Electric seeks to be “digital partners for our customers,” working with Fortune 500 companies seeking to achieve ESG (environment, social and corporate governance) goals. They help customers establish where they are currently vis-à-vis their goals and then deploy science-based key performance indicators (KPIs) to direct them to where they want to be. The EcoStruxure Building Operation system is open system software for building and facility management, including two products for the small and medium building (SMB) market. Energy measurement Schneider measures energy usage through power meters, indoor air quality, and energy spent to achieve efficiency, compiling data according to what the customer wants to achieve. They sell through a national sales team, direct branch business (20 branches), and 200 system integrators (EcoXperts). Their customers include QSR (quick-service restaurant chains) that control climate centrally with data compiled in the cloud.  Siemens Siemens displays solutions for smart, adaptable buildings for a sustainable tomorrow, including the Building X system and the Sustainability Manager application, providing an understanding of a building’s performance and tracking it against sustainability and compliance targets. The Building X Lifecycle Twin tracks operational building performance via a “digital twin,” providing an augmented reality (AR) headset through which one can view equipment with information superimposed on the screen. Uponor  Uponor seeks to leverage the capital cost of heating systems to deliver heating and hot water. They make pipes and connectors and other technologies, including the AuqaPort, which improves water quality and energy savings in domestic hot water (DHW) applications. They seek to future-proof buildings by combining energy efficiency and comfort. Water recirculates and provides hot water on demand using 40% less piping. A “radiant roll-out mat” is preconfigured piping that can be rolled out to simplify installation. 

Millennials have been shaped by their experiences growing up with technology and by their heightened awareness of the environment. These facets of a consumer market dominated by millennials will guide the future of the HVAC market over the next several years. Each generation reshapes markets in their own image. In the case of millennials, trends and behaviors are influencing how companies design new solutions, including those in the world of HVAC. Sustainable solutions and personalized experiences Millennials place a premium on sustainable solutions that reduce their environmental impact Millennials place a premium on sustainable solutions that reduce their environmental impact. Millennials also want more personalized and convenient experiences, and they value enhanced customer service support. New systems designed with a personalized and ecological mindset are amplifying efficiency and convenience and giving unprecedented control to create a truly connected home for technophilic millennials. Future HVAC products to cater to millennials The challenges of catering to millennials is one of the trends LG Electronics has listed among those likely to impact the HVAC industry in the months and years ahead. The trends are directly guiding LG’s product mix, including WiFi-enabled indoor units and LG’s Smart ThinQ application, which put the ability to control a home’s comfort system at the consumer’s fingertips. Here are some other trends to watch, listed by LG Electronics, when looking ahead to 2021 and beyond: Greener solutions on the horizon: Beyond appealing to millennial sensitivities, green solutions have a long list of their own advantages. Industry providers are responding by creating more sustainable and efficient products to enable customers to reduce their carbon footprints. LG Inverter air conditioning systems are designed to minimize efficiency losses, provide sustainable energy savings and contribute to lower lifecycle costs. More efficiency and reduced costs: Geothermal heat pumps have quickly proven themselves to be an alternative energy source, offering both warming and cooling capabilities. They are a highly effective and renewable energy source that can transfer heat from the ground to cool and heat buildings. Minimizing greenhouse gas emissions: Connecting HVAC to the electrical grid highlights the importance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Air-to-water heat pumps and other solutions can generate cooling and heating from one unit, thus furthering the transition from natural gas, fuel oil or coal. Fulfilling the need for new employees: The next generation of HVAC engineers and technicians requires training programs. LG Air Conditioning Academies provide training and skills programs around the world to empower the new generation of HVAC professionals. The impact of COVID-19: The pandemic has created a need for greater safety precautions within the HVAC industry. Remote working trends and additional precautions will likely continue to impact the industry even post-pandemic. LG HVAC systems are evolving to better aid the road to recovery and to prepare for the new normal with optimal solutions for the ever-changing challenges.

Closed and cramped environments are especially problematic to the spread of the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19. A ‘smart’ glass-paneled bus stop shelter, developed in Korea, embodies new approaches to making such spaces safe, including elements of HVAC. Smart shelters The smart shelters are closed-in glass cubes that serve as bus stops in the Seongdong district in northeastern Seoul, South Korea. The local district office collaborated with LG Electronics to develop the futuristic technology, which is designed to combat summer heat, monsoon rain and the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Air conditioning and ultraviolet (UV) light sterilizers clean and cool the air Air conditioning and ultraviolet (UV) light sterilizers clean and cool the air. A solar panel on the roof provides back-up power. Surveillance cameras keep watch over the bus riders and intelligent video, an alert bell and an artificial intelligence (AI) noise sensor can provide information immediately to police and fire professionals, in case of an emergency response. Equipped with digital video screens Digital video screens provide warning when a bus approaches, and the sound system plays therapeutic music. Other amenities include free WiFi, charging stations for laptops or mobile phones, and even hand sanitizer. A thermal camera mounted at the entrance measures temperatures and allows entry through the automatic doors only to those with temperatures below 99.5 degrees Fahrenheit (37.5 degrees Celsius). Mounted at a lower height is a separate camera installed for children. Smart bus shelters to prevent COVID-19 spread A Seongdong district official said the smart shelters provide an environment where people can escape scorching weather and pouring rain, while preventing virus infections. The smart bus shelters represent a new approach to preventing coronavirus infection. Ideally, people should avoid small, closed-in spaces during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, crowded urban areas make it harder to do so. Also, the persistence of the pandemic and its continuation for months and likely into 2021, makes development of new solutions even more urgent. Technologies to protect against infection When social distancing is difficult, solutions such as the smart shelters will enable societies to return to some semblance of normalcy. However, people entering the shelter are still encouraged to wear masks, practice good hygiene and to stay one meter apart from others. Such technology developments will be crucial in large cities around the world, where crowded populations cannot return to their productive lives until additional mitigating approaches are developed to slow the virus spread. Avoiding disruption of transportation infrastructure Smart shelters contribute positively to economic recovery as the coronavirus impact subsides By helping to ensure operation of the transportation infrastructure, the smart shelters can contribute positively to economic recovery as the coronavirus impact subsides. However, the smart shelters are expensive, about a million dollars for the 10 units installed in South Korea or some US$ 84,000 for each shelter. Since they were installed, each shelter has been used by about 300 to 400 people a day. Obviously, many more of the shelters would be needed to provide a comprehensive solution. New innovations to counter continuous pandemic spread South Korea has not been spared by the novel coronavirus, despite deployment of widespread testing and tracing. The country is credited with waging one of the world’s most successful fights against COVID-19 and never imposed a nationwide lockdown. Of the country’s more than 50 million people, there have been around 23,000 cases and 385 deaths. However, as Asia’s fourth largest economy, the country has continued to suffer persistent outbreaks, especially in the more densely populated areas. The smart shelter demonstrates the need for new innovative solutions to address the novel coronavirus, and the important role of HVAC systems as a component of those solutions.