Abstract: A refrigerant flow path switching unit is disposed between a heat source unit and a utilization unit and switches a refrigerant flow in the utilization unit. The refrigerant flow path switching unit includes: a flow path switching valve; and a case that houses the flow path switching valve. The case has: a first maintenance opening on a first side surface; and a second maintenance opening on a second side surface.

Abstract: A refrigerant flow path switching unit, disposed between a heat source unit and a utilization unit and that switches a refrigerant flow in the utilization unit, includes: a flow path switching valve; a case that houses the flow path switching valve; and an electric component box that houses an electric component that controls the flow path switching valve. At least two surfaces of the case include a box attachment part that is configured to attach the electric component box to the case.

Abstract: An HVAC system with an integrated source of outdoor air is provided. In one embodiment, an HVAC system includes an outdoor unit, having a compressor and a heat exchanger, and a ventilation unit to receive and provide outdoor air to a structure. The ventilation unit has a blower, a dehumidifying coil, and a reheat coil installed in a housing. The HVAC system also includes a first electronic expansion valve coupled outside the housing of the ventilation unit to control refrigerant flow into the dehumidifying coil and a second electronic expansion valve coupled outside the housing of the ventilation unit to control refrigerant flow into the reheat coil. An electronic expansion valve controller is connected to control operation of the first electronic expansion valve and the second electronic expansion valve. Additional systems, devices, and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: An HVAC system with an integrated source of outdoor air is provided. In one embodiment, an HVAC system includes an outdoor unit, having a compressor and a heat exchanger, and a ventilation unit to receive and provide outdoor air to a structure. The ventilation unit has a blower, a dehumidifying coil, and a reheat coil installed in a housing. The HVAC system also includes a first electronic expansion valve coupled outside the housing of the ventilation unit to control refrigerant flow into the dehumidifying coil and a second electronic expansion valve coupled outside the housing of the ventilation unit to control refrigerant flow into the reheat coil. An electronic expansion valve controller is connected to control operation of the first electronic expansion valve and the second electronic expansion valve. Additional systems, devices, and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: An air conditioning system includes: an outdoor unit; indoor units; one or more refrigerant flow path switching devices that switch flow paths of a refrigerant between the outdoor unit and the indoor units; and external pipes extending from the outdoor unit to the indoor units. The air conditioning system is configured such that a sum of a first value and a first correction value is equal to or less than a predetermined upper limit value determined based on an industrial standard, where the first value is based on a total length of the external pipes from the outdoor unit to the indoor units via the one or more refrigerant flow path switching device, and the first correction value is based on a sum of capabilities of the indoor units connected to the one or more refrigerant flow path switching devices.

Abstract: A refrigerant flow path switching device includes: a first header pipe that is connected to a high-and-low-pressure gas connection pipe of a heat source unit in an air conditioner; a second header pipe that is connected to a sucked-gas connection pipe of the heat source unit; a third header pipe that is connected to a liquid connection pipe of the heat source unit; switching units that each correspond respectively to utilization units in the air conditioner and include valves that control refrigerant flows; and a casing accommodating the first header pipe, the second header pipe, the third header pipe, and switching units. The refrigerant flow path switching device switches among refrigerant flow paths, each of which is between the heat source unit and one of the utilization units.

Abstract: A refrigerant flow path switching unit is disposed between a heat source unit and a utilization unit and switches a refrigerant flow in the utilization unit. The refrigerant flow path switching unit includes: a flow path switching valve; and a case that houses the flow path switching valve. The case has: a first maintenance opening on a first side surface; and a second maintenance opening on a second side surface.

Abstract: A refrigerant flow path switching unit, disposed between a heat source unit and a utilization unit and that switches a refrigerant flow in the utilization unit, includes: a flow path switching valve; a case that houses the flow path switching valve; and an electric component box that houses an electric component that controls the flow path switching valve. At least two surfaces of the case include a box attachment part that is configured to attach the electric component box to the case.