LG Electronics and SK Enmove to develop cooling for AI data centers — Korea Herald
In South Korea, LG Electronics and SK Enmove have agreed to jointly develop next-generation materials and technologies for cooling artificial intelligence data centers and other high-heat applications. The Korea Herald reports.
Under the agreement, the partners will work on low-emission refrigerants, compressor lubricants, and immersion cooling systems. The developments are intended for residential, commercial, and industrial equipment.
New refrigerants and lubricants
LG Electronics will provide expertise in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, while SK Enmove will develop refrigerants and lubricants. The companies plan to develop refrigerants free of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, with a global warming potential below 150.
Such materials are expected to meet stricter environmental requirements in Europe, North America, and other markets while maintaining cooling safety and efficiency. SK Enmove will develop and evaluate refrigerant options, while LG will test their suitability for commercial HVAC systems.
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The companies will also create compressor lubricants optimized for the new refrigerants. Such lubricants reduce friction and wear on compressor parts, which is expected to contribute to the reliability, energy efficiency, and cost competitiveness of the systems.
Immersion cooling
The agreement expands the existing cooperation between LG Electronics and SK Enmove in immersion cooling. This technology involves placing servers and other heat-generating equipment directly into an electrically non-conductive liquid. Its use is growing in AI data centers because it can remove heat more efficiently than traditional air cooling and reduce energy consumption.
Together with the U.S.-based Green Revolution Cooling, the Korean companies are already conducting technology tests and assessing commercialization opportunities. They will now also explore the use of immersion cooling in energy storage systems, electric vehicle components, and other electrical equipment with high heat generation.
