LGE is World's First to Commercialize Linear Compressor
- Power saving technology for the next generation that will transform the white appliance market - First application in new refrigerator models to realize lowest power consumption - 40% reduction in power compared to foreign models...LGE further widens technology gap with competition - Recruited 200 homemakers for evaluation group to promote its powerful power saving benefits
LG Electronics has succeeded in commercializing the linear compressor - the crux of cutting-edge power saving technology.
In particular, with foreign leading white appliance compressor makers such as Matsushita (Japan), Electrolux (Sweden), and Embraco (Brazil) all focused on developing their own linear compressor as the next generation core technology, LGE has already secured a firm technological foundation to become the world's No. 1 in white appliances with introduction of DIOS, a two-door refrigerator using the world's first linear compressor.
LGE invested over 60 researchers and 40 billion won for 8 years to develop the linear compressor and during this process also obtained more than 500 patents. Unlike existing compressors based on the circular movement of the motor, the new linear compressor moves linearly to drastically cut down on power consumption.
The new DIOS refrigerator with linear compressor boasts the lowest power consumption (36kw) in its class of refrigerators. This means the new refrigerator uses 16% less power compared to LGE's other models and more than 40% less power compared to refrigerators from Whirlpool, GE, and other foreign manufacturers.
With the successful development of the linear compressor, LGE has further widened the gap in power saving technology with its competition to 2 to 5 years and has secured a strong competitive edge to lead the market.
LGE's linear compressor uses a next generation motor that is also used for sound speakers, magnetic levitation trains and elevators in high-rise buildings. Unlike conventional motor that moves in circle, the new motor moves linearly.
In other words, because conventional compressors compress coolant by changing the motor's circular movement to linear movement, there is about a 20% energy conversion loss. But the linear compressor moves vertically or in a linear fashion to eliminate energy loss. It also has no joints that could give rise to friction or abrasion, cutting down on the noise level.
Furthermore, whereas existing compressors require frequency converters such as an inverter to change the motor's circulation speed in synch with the change in temperature, the linear compressor controls the distance to and from the compressor via a digital circuit. As a result, cooling effect is enhanced depending on items in the refrigerator or external temperature change.
LGE plans to expand application of the linear compressor to large size models in the new product line up for the first half of 2002.
