An Insight into the History of LG’s Compressors Through The Eyes of a Senior Researcher

I am Jae-ho Jo, a senior researcher at LG Compressors & Motors. I joined LG in 1987, and have been working here for the last 35 years.

Looking back in the past, when I was a new employee, I worked to build design infrastructure such as 3D CAD, C4 (CAD, CAE, CAT, CAM) and BOM. At the same time, we announced independent development of the compressor, which was initially manufactured with a technical tie-up, and started development on a full-scale.
The target model was a compressor developed by participating in the task of development of L-Series, which is a large-sized compressor for refrigerators, which marked the beginning of creation of company's first double-door refrigerator. This was followed by the task of development and mass-production of the medium-sized M-Series compressor. Using this model as a standard, we set-up overseas factories to expand our business.
Recently, the domestic water purifier market based on thermoelectric elements has been replaced by developing a miniature compressor i.e., BCA compressor. Taking advantage of its compact size, we continue to develop DC power outdoor and vehicle compressors.

By thoroughly examining the main points and customer needs regarding the thermoelectric element-based water purifiers, we were able to develop a compact BCA compressor and turn it into a blue ocean product.

We resolved customer complaints in the water purifier market, monopolized by slimming using thermoelectric elements. By providing a compressor that can be slimmed down, our compressor delivered an opportunity to our client to secure a large quantity of products in a short period of time.

Due to ESG management, which has become a hot topic recently, replacement of R134a with high ODP is expected to be quicker with alternative refrigerants, and the expansion of Chinese companies, a manufacturing powerhouse, will continuously accelerate. We, LG, believe that we need to stay one step ahead in the future by understanding our client's entire journey, and competing with new values.

With a compressor like BCA compressor that has never existed in the past, we believe that we need to be able to provide a refrigeration solution that can be applied more easily in various industrial fields, while providing a valuable experience for customers at the same time. We are preparing for the future by actively participating in research work.

As I said before, I have been developing everything from large to ultra-compact as a researcher for 35 years, and my retirement age is not far off. However, with the passion left in my heart, I want to become a role model for my juniors by continuing to develop products that can be sustainably developed despite rapid environmental changes.