Air conditioning system and its installation method

Abstract

This air conditioning device comprises: a compressor and an outdoor heat exchanger which are provided inside an outdoor unit housing; an indoor heat exchanger and an indoor blower which are provided inside an indoor unit housing; and heat medium piping connected to the indoor heat exchanger and through which flows a heat medium that performs heat exchange directly with indoor air. The indoor heat exchanger includes a first heat exchange unit that heats the indoor air during a dehumidification operation, and a second heat exchange unit that cools the indoor air during the dehumidification operation and condenses water vapor in the indoor air. The indoor heat exchanger is provided to the indoor unit housing in a first installation mode or a second installation mode. A surface of the indoor heat exchanger, the surface facing an air flow generated by the indoor blower, is different in the first installation mode and the second installation mode, and the second heat exchange unit is provided below the first heat exchange unit in both the first installation mode and the second installation mode.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an air conditioner and a construction method thereof.

Background Art

[0002] In the summer operation of an air conditioner, there is a technique in which an indoor heat exchanger installed indoors functions as a condenser and an evaporator in order to dehumidify without significantly reducing the indoor temperature (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In Patent Document 1, the indoor heat exchanger is composed of a cooling heat exchanger and a reheating exchanger. The cooling heat exchanger functions as an evaporator and cools the sucked air. The reheating exchanger functions as a condenser and heats the sucked air.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, in an air conditioner, a pipe through which a heat medium such as a refrigerant, water, antifreeze, or brine flows is connected to an indoor heat exchanger provided inside an indoor machine housing. However, in the air conditioner proposed in Patent Document 1, the arrangement direction of the indoor heat exchanger inside the indoor machine housing and the position of the connection port to which the pipe is connected to the indoor heat exchanger are not considered. For this reason, when there is a limit to the space for installing the indoor machine housing and the arrangement direction of the indoor machine housing cannot be selected, in order to connect a pipe to the indoor heat exchanger, the pipe may be extended or bent. However, extending or bending the pipe has a problem that the flow resistance of the heat medium increases and the performance of the air conditioner deteriorates.

[0005] This disclosure was made against the backdrop of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide an air conditioning system and its installation method that suppress the deterioration of the air conditioning system's performance caused by the arrangement of piping, and that allows for the installation of the indoor unit housing. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The air conditioning system according to this disclosure comprises a compressor and an outdoor heat exchanger located inside the outdoor unit housing, an indoor heat exchanger and an indoor blower located inside the indoor unit housing, and heat transfer piping connected to the indoor heat exchanger through which a heat transfer medium that directly exchanges heat with indoor air flows. , a first throttling device located inside the indoor unit housing, and refrigerant piping connecting the compressor, outdoor heat exchanger, indoor heat exchanger, and first throttling device, through which the refrigerant flows as a heat transfer medium, The indoor heat exchanger comprises a first heat exchange section that heats the indoor air during dehumidification operation and a second heat exchange section that cools the indoor air during dehumidification operation to condense water vapor in the indoor air. The indoor heat exchanger is mounted on the indoor unit housing in either a first or second mounting configuration. The surface of the indoor heat exchanger facing the airflow generated by the indoor blower differs between the first and second mounting configurations. In both the first and second mounting configurations, the second heat exchange section is located below the first heat exchange section. The heat transfer piping is part of the refrigerant piping, the first heat exchange section of the indoor heat exchanger functions as a condenser during dehumidification operation, the second heat exchange section of the indoor heat exchanger functions as an evaporator during dehumidification operation, the refrigerant piping includes a first refrigerant piping provided between the outdoor unit housing and the first heat exchange section, and a second refrigerant piping provided between the outdoor unit housing and the second heat exchange section, the indoor unit housing has a first wall surface having a first opening through which the first refrigerant piping passes and a second opening through which the second refrigerant piping passes in the first mounting configuration, and a second wall surface having a third opening through which the first refrigerant piping passes and a fourth opening through which the second refrigerant piping passes in the second mounting configuration, and the first wall surface and the second wall surface are facing each other. .

[0007] The method for installing an air conditioning system according to this disclosure is a method for installing an air conditioning system, comprising the step of installing an indoor heat exchanger in an installation configuration among the first and second installation configurations, in which the length of the heat transfer piping located between the outdoor unit housing and the indoor heat exchanger is shortened. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to this disclosure, the indoor heat exchanger has a first heat exchange section that heats the indoor air during dehumidification operation and a second heat exchange section that cools the indoor air during dehumidification operation to condense the water vapor in the indoor air. The indoor heat exchanger can be installed inside the indoor unit housing in either a first or second mounting configuration. In the first and second mounting configurations, the surfaces of the indoor heat exchanger that face the airflow differ, but in both configurations, the second heat exchange section is located below the first heat exchange section. Therefore, even when installing the indoor unit housing in a space where the orientation of the indoor unit housing cannot be selected, the indoor heat exchanger can be installed inside the indoor unit housing in either the first or second mounting configuration, thereby suppressing the deterioration of the air conditioning system's performance caused by the arrangement of the heat transfer medium piping. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of the air conditioning system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] This is a diagram illustrating the first mounting configuration of the indoor heat exchanger according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 3] This is a diagram illustrating a second mounting configuration of the indoor heat exchanger according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 4] This figure illustrates a modified example of the indoor unit housing shown in Figure 2. [Figure 5] This figure illustrates a modified example of the indoor unit housing shown in Figure 3. [Figure 6] This diagram illustrates the first and second mounting configurations of the indoor heat exchanger according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 7] This is a diagram illustrating the heat transfer tubes of an indoor heat exchanger according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 8] This is a diagram illustrating another example of a heat transfer tube in an indoor heat exchanger according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 9] This diagram illustrates the configuration of the side plate and fixing plate when the indoor heat exchanger according to Embodiment 1 is in the first mounting configuration. [Figure 10] It is a diagram for explaining the configurations of the side plate and the fixing plate when the indoor heat exchanger according to Embodiment 1 is in the second mounting mode. [Figure 11] It is a schematic bottom perspective view of the indoor unit housing for explaining the side plate when the indoor heat exchanger according to Embodiment 1 is in the first mounting mode. [Figure 12] It is a schematic bottom perspective view of the indoor unit housing for explaining the side plate when the indoor heat exchanger according to Embodiment 1 is in the second mounting mode. [Figure 13] It is a schematic bottom perspective view of the indoor unit housing for explaining another example of the side plate when the indoor heat exchanger according to Embodiment 1 is in the second mounting mode. [Figure 14] It is a schematic bottom perspective view of the indoor unit housing for explaining the mounting mode of the side plate according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 15] It is a diagram for explaining the installation mode of the indoor unit housing according to Comparative Example 1. [Figure 16] It is a diagram for explaining the installation mode of the indoor unit housing according to Comparative Example 2. [Figure 17] It is a schematic refrigerant circuit configuration diagram of the interior of the indoor unit housing according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 18] It is a diagram for explaining the flow of refrigerant between the first heat exchange part and the second heat exchange part of the indoor heat exchanger according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 19] It is a diagram for explaining the first branch part according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 20] It is a diagram for explaining the first mounting mode of the indoor heat exchanger according to Embodiment 3. [Figure 21] It is a diagram for explaining the second mounting mode of the indoor heat exchanger according to Embodiment 3. [Figure 22] It is a diagram schematically showing the wind speed distribution in the first mounting mode of the indoor heat exchanger according to Embodiment 4. [Figure 23] ]>It is a diagram schematically showing the wind speed distribution in the second mounting mode of the indoor heat exchanger according to Embodiment 4. [Figure 24]This is a diagram for explaining the first aspect of the indoor blower according to Embodiment 5. [Figure 25] This is a diagram for explaining the second aspect of the indoor blower according to Embodiment 5. [Figure 26] This is a diagram for explaining the first aspect of another example of the indoor blower according to Embodiment 5. [Figure 27] This is a diagram for explaining the second aspect of another example of the indoor blower according to Embodiment 5. [Figure 28] This is a schematic configuration diagram of the air conditioner according to Embodiment 6. [Figure 29] This is a diagram for explaining the indoor heat exchanger according to Embodiment 6.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, the air conditioner according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. The present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments and their modifications, and can be variously modified without departing from the gist of the present disclosure. Also, the present disclosure includes all possible combinations of the configurations shown in the following embodiments and each modification. Further, in the following description, terms indicating directions (for example, "up", "down", "right", "left", "front", "rear", etc.) are appropriately used for easy understanding, but these are for the purpose of explanation and do not limit the present disclosure. Also, in each figure, those with the same reference numerals are the same or corresponding ones, which is common throughout the entire specification. Note that in each drawing, the relative dimensional relationships or shapes of each component may be different from the actual ones. Furthermore, regarding the high and low of temperature, pressure, etc. in the following description, they are not determined in relation to absolute values in particular, but are relatively determined in the state or operation of the air conditioner.

[0011] Embodiment 1. (Configuration of the air conditioner) Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the air conditioning system 100 according to Embodiment 1. The solid arrows in Figure 1 indicate the direction of refrigerant flow during cooling operation of the air conditioning system 100. The white arrows indicate airflow. In Figure 1 and subsequent drawings, refrigerant flow is indicated by solid arrows, and airflow is indicated by white arrows.

[0012] As shown in Figure 1, the air conditioning system 100 of this embodiment comprises an indoor unit 200, an outdoor unit 500, and refrigerant piping 400. The indoor unit 200 comprises an indoor unit housing 210. Inside the indoor unit housing 210 are an indoor heat exchanger 20, a first throttling device 104, and an indoor blower 220. The outdoor unit 500 comprises an outdoor unit housing 510. Inside the outdoor unit housing 510 are a compressor 101, a flow path switching device 102, an outdoor heat exchanger 50, a second throttling device 105, an outdoor blower 520, and a control device 103. The compressor 101, the flow path switching device 102, the outdoor heat exchanger 50, the second throttling device 105, the indoor heat exchanger 20, and the first throttling device 104 are connected by refrigerant piping 400, thereby forming a refrigerant circuit through which the refrigerant, which is the heat transfer medium, circulates.

[0013] The indoor heat exchanger 20 comprises a first heat exchange section 21 and a second heat exchange section 22. The refrigerant piping 400 comprises a first refrigerant pipe 401 provided between the outdoor unit housing 510 and the first heat exchange section 21, a second refrigerant pipe 402 provided between the outdoor unit housing 510 and the second heat exchange section 22, and a third refrigerant pipe 403 provided between the first heat exchange section 21 and the second heat exchange section 22. The first refrigerant pipe 401 is connected to the first heat exchange section 21. The second refrigerant pipe 402 is connected to the second heat exchange section 22. The third refrigerant pipe 403 is connected to both the first heat exchange section 21 and the second heat exchange section 22. The first throttling device 104 is provided on the third refrigerant pipe 403. The second throttling device 105 is provided on the refrigerant piping 400 between the outdoor heat exchanger 50 and the first heat exchange section 21. Details of the first heat exchange section 21 and the second heat exchange section 22 will be described later. Furthermore, in the following description, when there is no need to distinguish between the first heat exchange section 21 and the second heat exchange section 22, they will simply be referred to as "indoor heat exchanger 20" as appropriate. When referred to as "indoor heat exchanger 20," it will include both the first heat exchange section 21 and the second heat exchange section 22. Furthermore, in the following description, when there is no need to distinguish between the first refrigerant piping 401, the second refrigerant piping 402, and the third refrigerant piping 403, they will simply be referred to as "refrigerant piping 400" as appropriate. When referred to as "refrigerant piping 400," it will include at least one of the first refrigerant piping 401, the second refrigerant piping 402, and the third refrigerant piping 403.

[0014] The compressor 101 draws in refrigerant, compresses the drawn-in refrigerant to a high-temperature, high-pressure state, and discharges it. The refrigerant compressed by the compressor 101 is discharged and flows into the flow path switching device 102. The compressor 101 is composed of, for example, a rotary compressor, a scroll compressor, a screw compressor, or a reciprocating compressor.

[0015] The flow path switching device 102 switches the direction of refrigerant flow in the refrigerant circuit. The flow path switching device 102 is, for example, a four-way valve. The flow path switching device 102 switches the direction of refrigerant flow during heating operation of the air conditioner 100 and the direction of refrigerant flow during cooling operation and dehumidification operation. In the refrigerant circuit during cooling operation and dehumidification operation, the flow path switching device 102 connects the discharge port of the compressor 101 to the outdoor heat exchanger 50, and the intake port of the compressor 101 to the indoor heat exchanger 20. In the refrigerant circuit during heating operation, the flow path switching device 102 connects the discharge port of the compressor 101 to the indoor heat exchanger 20, and the intake port of the compressor 101 to the outdoor heat exchanger 50. The first refrigerant piping 401 connecting the outdoor unit housing 510 and the first heat exchange section 21 is connected to the discharge side of the compressor 101 during cooling operation and dehumidification operation. Furthermore, the second refrigerant piping 402, which connects the outdoor unit housing 510 and the second heat exchange section 22, is connected to the suction side of the compressor 101 during cooling and dehumidifying operations.

[0016] The outdoor heat exchanger 50 exchanges heat between the refrigerant flowing in from the refrigerant piping 400 and a heat exchange fluid such as air flowing through the outdoor heat exchanger 50. The outdoor heat exchanger 50 is composed of, for example, a fin-and-tube heat exchanger, a microchannel heat exchanger, a shell-and-tube heat exchanger, a heat pipe heat exchanger, a double-tube heat exchanger, or a plate heat exchanger.

[0017] The outdoor heat exchanger 50 functions as an evaporator during heating operation. In the outdoor heat exchanger 50, which functions as an evaporator, heat exchange occurs between the refrigerant flowing into the interior and the heat exchange fluid, causing the refrigerant to evaporate and vaporize.

[0018] The outdoor heat exchanger 50 functions as a condenser during cooling and dehumidifying operations. In the outdoor heat exchanger 50, which functions as a condenser, heat exchange occurs between the refrigerant flowing into the interior and the heat exchange fluid, causing the refrigerant to condense and liquefy.

[0019] The outdoor fan 520 supplies air as a heat exchange fluid to the outdoor heat exchanger 50. The outdoor fan 520 is installed adjacent to the outdoor heat exchanger 50 in order to supply air. By supplying air from the outdoor fan 520 to the outdoor heat exchanger 50, the efficiency of heat exchange between the refrigerant and the outdoor air in the outdoor heat exchanger 50 is increased. Depending on the flow rate, static pressure, or other operating conditions, the outdoor fan 520 is composed of a propeller fan, a line flow fan (registered trademark), or a multi-blade centrifugal fan. In addition, the heat exchange fluid supplied to the outdoor heat exchanger 50 may be water instead of air. In this case, a water pump or the like may be provided instead of the outdoor fan 520.

[0020] The second throttling device 105 expands the refrigerant to reduce the pressure. That is, the second throttling device 105 functions as a pressure reducing valve or an expansion valve. The second throttling device 105 is composed of, for example, an electrically operated expansion valve capable of adjusting the flow rate of the refrigerant. However, the second throttling device 105 is not limited to an electrically operated expansion valve and may be composed of a mechanical expansion valve employing a diaphragm in the pressure-receiving part. Furthermore, the second throttling device 105 does not have to be installed inside the outdoor unit housing 510. The second throttling device 105 may be installed inside the indoor unit housing 210. Although not shown in the figures, if multiple indoor units are provided, the second throttling device 105 may be installed in a flow divider unit that distributes the refrigerant to the multiple indoor units.

[0021] The indoor heat exchanger 20 exchanges heat between the refrigerant flowing in from the refrigerant piping 400 and the heat exchange fluid flowing through the indoor heat exchanger 20. The indoor heat exchanger 20 is composed of, for example, a fin-and-tube heat exchanger, a microchannel heat exchanger, a shell-and-tube heat exchanger, a heat pipe heat exchanger, a double-tube heat exchanger, or a plate heat exchanger.

[0022] During heating operation, both the first heat exchange section 21 and the second heat exchange section 22 of the indoor heat exchanger 20 function as condensers. In the first heat exchange section 21 and the second heat exchange section 22, which function as condensers, heat exchange occurs between the refrigerant flowing inside and the indoor air, causing the refrigerant to condense and liquefy.

[0023] During cooling operation, both the first heat exchange section 21 and the second heat exchange section 22 of the indoor heat exchanger 20 function as evaporators. In the first heat exchange section 21 and the second heat exchange section 22, which function as evaporators, heat exchange occurs between the refrigerant flowing inside and the indoor air, causing the refrigerant to evaporate and vaporize.

[0024] During dehumidification operation, the indoor heat exchanger 20 has a first heat exchange section 21 that functions as a condenser and a second heat exchange section 22 that functions as an evaporator. In the first heat exchange section 21, which functions as a condenser, heat exchange occurs between the refrigerant flowing in and the indoor air, causing the refrigerant to condense and liquefy. In the second heat exchange section 22, which functions as an evaporator, heat exchange occurs between the refrigerant flowing in and the indoor air, causing the refrigerant to evaporate and vaporize.

[0025] The indoor blower 220 supplies air as a heat exchange fluid to the indoor heat exchanger 20. The supply of air from the indoor blower 220 to the indoor heat exchanger 20 increases the efficiency of heat exchange between the refrigerant and the indoor air in the indoor heat exchanger 20. Depending on the flow rate, static pressure, or other operating conditions, the indoor blower 220 may be a propeller fan, a line flow fan (registered trademark), or a multi-blade centrifugal fan.

[0026] The first throttling device 104 expands the refrigerant to reduce the pressure. That is, the first throttling device 104 functions as a pressure reducing valve or an expansion valve. The first throttling device 104 is composed of, for example, an electrically operated expansion valve capable of adjusting the flow rate of the refrigerant. However, the first throttling device 104 is not limited to an electrically operated expansion valve and may be composed of a mechanical expansion valve employing a diaphragm in the pressure-receiving part.

[0027] The control device 103 controls the overall operation of the air conditioning system 100. The control device 103 consists of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that executes a program stored in dedicated hardware or memory. The CPU is also called a central processing unit, processing unit, arithmetic unit, microprocessor, microcomputer, or processor. If the control device 80 is dedicated hardware, the control device 103 may be, for example, a single circuit, a composite circuit, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or a combination thereof. Each of the functional units realized by the control device 103 may be realized by individual hardware, or each functional unit may be realized by a single piece of hardware.

[0028] When the control device 103 is a CPU, each function performed by the control device 103 is realized by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. The software and firmware are written as programs and stored in memory. The CPU realizes each function of the control device 103 by reading and executing the programs stored in memory. Here, the memory is a non-volatile or volatile semiconductor memory such as RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), flash memory, EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), or EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory). In addition, some of the functions of the control device 103 may be realized by dedicated hardware, and some may be realized by software or firmware. The control device 103 may be provided outside the outdoor unit housing 510.

[0029] The control device 103 controls the compressor 101, the flow path switching device 102, the outdoor fan 520, the indoor fan 220, the first throttling device 104, and the second throttling device 105 during heating, cooling, and dehumidifying operations. For example, the control device 103 controls the flow path switching device 102 to switch the direction in which the refrigerant flows in the refrigerant circuit. The control device 103 may also control the compressor 101 to adjust the discharge amount of the compressed refrigerant. Furthermore, the control device 103 may adjust the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant circuit by adjusting the opening degrees of the first throttling device 104 and the second throttling device 105.

[0030] (Operation of the air conditioning system) Next, we will explain the operation of the air conditioning system 100. First, we will explain the operation of the air conditioning system 100 during cooling operation.

[0031] [Operation during cooling operation] The high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant compressed by the compressor 101 flows through the flow path switching device 102 into the outdoor heat exchanger 50, which functions as a condenser. The high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant flowing into the outdoor heat exchanger 50 is cooled and condensed by the heat supplied by the outdoor fan 520, and flows out as a low-temperature liquid refrigerant. The liquid refrigerant flowing out of the outdoor heat exchanger 50 is depressurized by the second throttling device 105 to become a low-temperature, low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant, which flows into the first heat exchange section 21, which functions as an evaporator. In cooling operation, both the first heat exchange section 21 and the second heat exchange section 22 function as evaporators. The low-temperature, low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant flowing into the first heat exchange section 21 absorbs heat from the indoor air supplied by the indoor fan 220 and evaporates. The refrigerant that flows out of the first heat exchanger 21 flows into the second heat exchanger 22 either through the fully open first throttling device 104 or by bypassing the first throttling device 104. The refrigerant that flows into the second heat exchanger 22 evaporates and flows out of the second heat exchanger 22 as low-pressure gaseous refrigerant. In other words, the refrigerant flows out of the indoor heat exchanger 20 as low-pressure gaseous refrigerant. The low-pressure gaseous refrigerant that flows out of the indoor heat exchanger 20 passes through the flow path switching device 102 and is then drawn into the compressor 101. The low-pressure gaseous refrigerant drawn into the compressor 101 is compressed again by the compressor 101 and discharged as high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant. This cycle is repeated during the cooling operation of the air conditioning system 100.

[0032] [Operation during dehumidification] Next, the operation of the air conditioning system 100 during dehumidification will be described. The high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant compressed by the compressor 101 flows through the flow path switching device 102 into the outdoor heat exchanger 50, which functions as a condenser. The high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant that flows into the outdoor heat exchanger 50 is cooled and condensed by supplying heat to the outdoor air supplied to the outdoor blower 520, and flows out as a gaseous two-phase refrigerant. The gaseous two-phase refrigerant that flows out of the outdoor heat exchanger 50 flows into the first heat exchange section 21 either through the fully open second throttling device 105 or by bypassing the second throttling device 105. In dehumidification operation, the first heat exchange section 21 functions as a condenser, and the second heat exchange section 22 functions as an evaporator. The gaseous two-phase refrigerant that flows into the first heat exchange section 21 condenses while releasing heat to the indoor air supplied by the indoor blower 220, becoming a low-temperature liquid refrigerant. The low-temperature liquid refrigerant flowing out of the first heat exchanger 21 is reduced in pressure by the first throttling device 104 until it reaches a saturation temperature below the dew point temperature of the indoor air, becoming a low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant. The low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant flowing out of the first throttling device 104 flows into the second heat exchanger 22, which functions as an evaporator. The low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant flowing into the second heat exchanger 22 absorbs heat from the indoor air supplied by the indoor blower 220 and evaporates, becoming a low-pressure gaseous refrigerant. The low-pressure gaseous refrigerant flows out of the second heat exchanger 22. In other words, the refrigerant flows out of the indoor heat exchanger 20 as a low-pressure gaseous refrigerant. The low-pressure gaseous refrigerant flowing out of the indoor heat exchanger 20 passes through the flow path switching device 102 and is then drawn into the compressor 101. The low-pressure gaseous refrigerant drawn into the compressor 101 is compressed again by the compressor 101 and discharged as a high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant. This cycle is repeated during the dehumidification operation of the air conditioning unit 100.

[0033] The following describes the airflow inside the room during dehumidification operation. The air in the indoor space is humid, and the indoor fan 220 supplies the humid air drawn in from the indoor space to the indoor heat exchanger 20. Upstream of the indoor heat exchanger 20, the humid air flows in, splitting into a first heat exchange section 21 and a second heat exchange section 22. The air flowing into the first heat exchange section 21, which functions as a condenser, has its temperature rise, while the air flowing into the second heat exchange section 22, which functions as an evaporator, has its temperature lowered and is dehumidified. The air whose temperature has risen in the first heat exchange section 21 and the air whose temperature has decreased and has been dehumidified in the second heat exchange section 22 merge downstream of the indoor heat exchanger 20. As a result, the decrease in indoor temperature is suppressed, while dehumidified air is supplied to the room.

[0034] [Operation during heating operation] Next, the operation of the air conditioning system 100 during heating operation will be described. The high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant compressed by the compressor 101 flows through the flow path switching device 102 into the indoor heat exchanger 20, which functions as a condenser. During heating operation, both the first heat exchange section 21 and the second heat exchange section 22 function as condensers. The high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant that has flowed sequentially into the second heat exchange section 22 and the first heat exchange section 21 is cooled and condensed by the heat supplied to the indoor air supplied by the indoor blower 220, and flows out from the first heat exchange section 21 as a low-temperature liquid refrigerant. In other words, the refrigerant flows out from the indoor heat exchanger 20 as a low-temperature liquid refrigerant. The liquid refrigerant that has flowed out from the indoor heat exchanger 20 is depressurized by the second throttling device 105 to become a low-temperature, low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant, which flows into the outdoor heat exchanger 50, which functions as an evaporator. The low-temperature, low-pressure gaseous-liquid two-phase refrigerant flowing into the outdoor heat exchanger 50 absorbs heat from the outdoor air supplied by the outdoor fan 520. At this time, the liquid refrigerant in the gaseous-liquid two-phase state evaporates due to the absorbed heat, becoming a low-pressure gaseous refrigerant. The low-pressure gaseous refrigerant flows out of the outdoor heat exchanger 50, passes through the flow path switching device 102, and is then drawn into the compressor 101. The low-pressure gaseous refrigerant drawn into the compressor 101 is compressed again by the compressor 101 and discharged as a high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant. This cycle is repeated during the heating operation of the air conditioning system 100. Note that during heating operation, the first throttling device 104 may be in a closed state, or the refrigerant may bypass the first throttling device 104.

[0035] [Indoor heat exchanger] Next, the indoor heat exchanger 20 will be described with reference to Figures 2 to 6. Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating a first mounting configuration of the indoor heat exchanger 20 according to Embodiment 1. Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating a second mounting configuration of the indoor heat exchanger 20 according to Embodiment 1. Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating a modified example of the indoor unit housing 210 shown in Figure 2. Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating a modified example of the indoor unit housing 210 shown in Figure 3.

[0036] Here, we define the directions used for explanation in this embodiment and subsequent embodiments. The airflow direction X is the direction along the airflow and is indicated by the symbol X in the figure. The upstream side of the airflow direction X is designated as the upstream airflow direction X1, and the downstream side of the airflow direction X is designated as the downstream airflow direction X2. The vertical direction Y is the direction of gravity and is indicated by the symbol Y in the figure. In Figure 2, the vertical direction Y is the direction from the top of the paper downwards. The depth direction Z is the depth direction of the indoor unit housing 210 and is indicated by the symbol Z in the figure. In this embodiment, the depth direction Z is the horizontal direction. The front side of the indoor unit housing 210 is designated as the front of the indoor unit housing Z1, and the rear side of the indoor unit housing 210 is designated as the rear of the indoor unit housing Z2.

[0037] As described above, the indoor heat exchanger 20 includes a first heat exchange section 21 and a second heat exchange section 22. The first heat exchange section 21 has a first connection port 24 to which the first refrigerant pipe 401 is connected. The second heat exchange section 22 has a second connection port 25 to which the second refrigerant pipe 402 is connected. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the second heat exchange section 22 is provided below the first heat exchange section 21 in the vertical direction Y. The first heat exchange section 21 and the second heat exchange section 22 are installed in the indoor unit housing 210 such that the cross-section of the indoor heat exchanger 20 along the vertical direction Y and the airflow direction X is a horizontal V shape. The part where the end of the first heat exchange section 21 and the end of the second heat exchange section 22 come into contact, or the part where the ends of the first heat exchange section 21 and the second heat exchange section 22 are closest, becomes the apex of the horizontal V shape. The indoor heat exchanger 20 is positioned opposite the indoor blower 220 so that the airflow generated by the indoor blower 220 passes around the heat transfer tubes of the indoor heat exchanger 20. In the example shown in Figure 2, the indoor heat exchanger 20 is located X2 downstream of the indoor blower 220 in the airflow direction. A filter 106 may be provided between the indoor heat exchanger 20 and the indoor blower 220 to capture dust contained in the airflow.

[0038] There are two mounting configurations for the indoor heat exchanger 20, which is installed inside the indoor unit housing 210: a first mounting configuration and a second mounting configuration. The first and second mounting configurations differ in which surface of the indoor heat exchanger 20 faces the airflow generated by the indoor blower 220. In the first mounting configuration, as shown in Figure 2, the indoor heat exchanger 20 is installed so that its horizontally V-shaped inner surface faces the airflow generated by the indoor blower 220. In the second mounting configuration, as shown in Figure 3, the indoor heat exchanger 20 is installed so that its horizontally V-shaped outer surface faces the airflow generated by the indoor blower 220. In both the first and second mounting configurations, the second heat exchange section 22 is installed below the first heat exchange section 21.

[0039] As shown in Figure 2, in the first mounting configuration, the first refrigerant pipe 401 is inserted into the indoor unit housing 210 through a first opening 211a provided in the first wall surface 211 of the indoor unit housing 210. The second refrigerant pipe 402 is inserted into the indoor unit housing 210 through a second opening 211b provided in the first wall surface 211 of the indoor unit housing 210. That is, the refrigerant pipe 400 is inserted into the indoor unit housing 210 from the front side Z1 of the indoor unit housing. In the vertical direction Y, the second opening 211b is provided below the first opening 211a. The first refrigerant pipe 401 inserted through the first opening 211a of the indoor unit housing 210 is connected to the first connection port 24 of the first heat exchange unit 21. The second refrigerant pipe 402 inserted through the second opening 211b of the indoor unit housing 210 is connected to the second connection port 25 of the second heat exchange unit 22.

[0040] As shown in Figure 3, in the second mounting configuration, the first refrigerant pipe 401 is inserted into the indoor unit housing 210 through a third opening 212a provided in the second wall surface 212 of the indoor unit housing 210. The second refrigerant pipe 402 is inserted into the indoor unit housing 210 through a fourth opening 212b provided in the second wall surface 212 of the indoor unit housing 210. That is, the refrigerant pipe 400 is inserted into the indoor unit housing 210 from the rear side Z2 of the indoor unit housing. In the vertical direction Y, the fourth opening 212b is provided below the third opening 212a. The first refrigerant pipe 401 inserted through the third opening 212a of the indoor unit housing 210 is connected to the first connection port 24 of the first heat exchange unit 21. The second refrigerant pipe 402 inserted through the fourth opening 212b of the indoor unit housing 210 is connected to the second connection port 25 of the second heat exchange unit 22. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the first wall surface 211 and the second wall surface 212 of the indoor unit housing 210 face each other. Hereinafter, unless there is a need to distinguish between the first opening 211a, the second opening 211b, the third opening 212a, and the fourth opening 212b, they will simply be referred to as "openings."

[0041] Furthermore, the first refrigerant pipe 401 and the second refrigerant pipe 402 in this embodiment are not limited to being inserted into the same wall surface of the indoor unit housing 210 as shown in Figures 2 and 3, but may be inserted into different wall surfaces. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the first refrigerant pipe 401 may be inserted into the indoor unit housing 210 along the depth direction Z, and the second refrigerant pipe 402 may be inserted into the indoor unit housing 210 along the vertical direction Y. As shown in Figure 4, in the first mounting configuration, the first refrigerant pipe 401 is inserted into the first opening 211a provided in the first wall surface 211 of the indoor unit housing 210. The second refrigerant pipe 402 is inserted into the second opening 213b-1 provided in the bottom surface 213 of the indoor unit housing 210 in the opposite direction of the vertical direction Y. Then, in the second mounting configuration, as shown in Figure 5, the first refrigerant pipe 401 is inserted into the third opening 212a provided in the second wall surface 212 of the indoor unit housing 210. The second refrigerant pipe 402 is inserted in the opposite direction of the vertical Y direction into the fourth opening 213b-2 provided in the bottom surface 213 of the indoor unit housing 210. In this way, in both the first and second mounting configurations, the first refrigerant pipe 401 and the second refrigerant pipe 402 are inserted into the adjacent walls of the indoor unit housing 210, respectively. The second refrigerant pipe 402 is inserted into the same bottom surface 213 in both the first and second mounting configurations, but its insertion position differs between the first and second mounting configurations.

[0042] Furthermore, the indoor unit housing 210 may have a first opening 214a-1 and a third opening 214a-2, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, instead of the first opening 211a and the third opening 212a shown in Figures 2 and 3. That is, the indoor unit housing 210 may have a second opening 211b and a fourth opening 212b, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, and a first opening 214a-1 and a third opening 214a-2, as shown in Figures 4 and 5. Although not shown, a first refrigerant pipe 401 may be inserted into the indoor unit housing 210 along the vertical direction Y, and a second refrigerant pipe 402 may be inserted into the indoor unit housing 210 along the depth direction Z. In this case, in the first mounting configuration, the first refrigerant pipe 401 is inserted in the vertical direction Y into the first opening 214a-1 provided on the top surface 214 of the indoor unit housing 210. The second refrigerant pipe 402 is inserted into the second opening 211b provided in the first wall surface 211. In the second mounting configuration, the first refrigerant pipe 401 is inserted in the vertical direction Y into the third opening 214a-2 provided in the top surface 214 of the indoor unit housing 210. The second refrigerant pipe 402 is inserted into the fourth opening 212b provided in the second wall surface 212. Thus, in both the first and second mounting configurations, the first refrigerant pipe 401 and the second refrigerant pipe 402 are inserted into the adjacent wall surfaces of the indoor unit housing 210. Note that the first refrigerant pipe 401 is inserted into the same top surface 214 in both the first and second mounting configurations, but its insertion position differs between the first and second mounting configurations.

[0043] Next, the mounting configuration of the indoor heat exchanger 20 will be described with reference to Figure 6. Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating the first and second mounting configurations of the indoor heat exchanger 20 according to Embodiment 1. Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing the indoor heat exchanger 20 in the first mounting configuration and the indoor heat exchanger 20 in the second mounting configuration projected onto the first wall surface 211 of the indoor unit housing 210, from the rear side Z2 of the indoor unit housing toward the front side Z1 of the indoor unit housing. Figure 6 is a diagram showing a first projection view obtained by projecting the indoor heat exchanger 20 in the first mounting configuration horizontally onto the first wall surface 211, and a second projection view obtained by projecting the indoor heat exchanger 20 in the second mounting configuration horizontally onto the first wall surface 211, superimposed on each other. Hereafter, the indoor heat exchanger 20, the first heat exchange section 21, the second heat exchange section 22, the first connection port 24, and the second connection port 25 in the first mounting configuration may be referred to as indoor heat exchanger 20a, the first heat exchange section 21a, the second heat exchange section 22a, the first connection port 24a, and the second connection port 25a, respectively. In addition, the indoor heat exchanger 20, the first heat exchange section 21, the second heat exchange section 22, the first connection port 24, and the second connection port 25 in the second mounting configuration may be referred to as indoor heat exchanger 20b, the first heat exchange section 21b, the second heat exchange section 22b, the first connection port 24b, and the second connection port 25b, respectively.

[0044] The first virtual point VP1a is a point in the first projection diagram obtained by projecting any point on the first heat exchange unit 21 in the first mounting configuration, and the second virtual point VP1b is a point in the second projection diagram obtained by projecting the same arbitrary point in the second mounting configuration. The straight line connecting the first virtual point VP1a and the second virtual point VP1b is defined as the first virtual line VL1. The third virtual point VP2a is a point in the first projection diagram obtained by projecting any point on the second heat exchange unit 22 in the first mounting configuration, and the fourth virtual point VP2b is a point in the second projection diagram obtained by projecting the same arbitrary point in the second mounting configuration. The straight line connecting the third virtual point VP2a and the fourth virtual point VP2b is defined as the second virtual line VL2. The fifth virtual point VP3a is a point in the first projection drawing obtained by projecting the center of the first connection port 24 in the first mounting configuration, and the sixth virtual point VP3b is a point in the second projection drawing obtained by projecting the same center in the second mounting configuration. The straight line connecting the fifth virtual point VP3a and the sixth virtual point VP3b is designated as the third virtual line VL3. The seventh virtual point VP4a is a point in the first projection drawing obtained by projecting the center of the second connection port 25 in the first mounting configuration, and the eighth virtual point VP4b is a point in the second projection drawing obtained by projecting the same center in the second mounting configuration. The straight line connecting the seventh virtual point VP4a and the eighth virtual point VP4b is designated as the fourth virtual line VL4. The first virtual line VL1, the second virtual line VL2, the third virtual line VL3, and the fourth virtual line VL4 are parallel to each other.

[0045] Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating the heat transfer tubes of the indoor heat exchanger 20 according to Embodiment 1. Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating the heat transfer tubes of another example of the indoor heat exchanger 20 according to Embodiment 1. The heat transfer tubes of the indoor heat exchanger 20 may be cylindrical tubes 30 as shown in Figure 7, or flattened tubes 31 as shown in Figure 8.

[0046] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, in both cases where the heat transfer tubes of the indoor heat exchanger 20 are circular tubes 30 or flattened tubes 31, the first heat exchange section 21 and the second heat exchange section 22 are each provided with a flow divider header 28 and a confluence header 29. The flow divider header 28 of the first heat exchange section 21 has a first connection port 24, and the confluence header 29 of the second heat exchange section 22 has a second connection port 25. The first refrigerant piping 401 is connected to the first connection port 24 of the flow divider header 28. The second refrigerant piping 402 is connected to the second connection port 25 of the confluence header 29. The confluence header 29 of the first heat exchange section 21 and the flow divider header 28 of the second heat exchange section 22 are connected by a third refrigerant piping 403. A first throttling device 104 is provided in the third refrigerant piping 403.

[0047] [Side panels and fixing plates] The side plates 230 and fixing plates 240 attached to the indoor heat exchanger 20 will be described with reference to Figures 9 and 10. Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the side plates 230 and fixing plates 240 when the indoor heat exchanger 20 according to Embodiment 1 is in the first mounting configuration. Figure 10 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the side plates 230 and fixing plates 240 when the indoor heat exchanger 20 according to Embodiment 1 is in the second mounting configuration.

[0048] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the first heat exchange section 21 and the second heat exchange section 22 of the indoor heat exchanger 20 are fixed and integrated by a fixing plate 240. The fixing plate 240 is a triangular plate-like member. The fixing plate 240 is attached to the first heat exchange section 21 and the second heat exchange section 22 so as to connect their opposing surfaces. As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the position inside the indoor unit housing 210 changes depending on the first and second mounting configurations of the indoor heat exchanger 20. In Figures 9 and 10, each of the first heat exchange section 21 and the second heat exchange section 22 is provided with a projection for screwing the fixing plate 240 to it. However, the method of attaching the fixing plate 240 to the first heat exchange section 21 and the second heat exchange section 22 is not particularly limited. The fixing plate 240 may be connected to the first heat exchange section 21 and the second heat exchange section 22 with adhesive or the like.

[0049] By rotating the indoor heat exchanger 20 in the first mounting configuration shown in Figure 9 by 180 degrees around a virtual rotation axis AX extending vertically upward, it becomes the second mounting configuration shown in Figure 10. Similarly, by rotating the indoor heat exchanger 20 in the second mounting configuration shown in Figure 10 by 180 degrees around the virtual rotation axis AX, it becomes the first mounting configuration shown in Figure 9. As shown in Figure 9, in the first mounting configuration, the fixing plate 240 located on the front side Z1 of the indoor unit housing is located on the rear side Z2 of the indoor unit housing in the second mounting configuration, as shown in Figure 10.

[0050] Although not shown in the diagram, an opening may be provided in the indoor unit housing 210 so that the indoor heat exchanger 20, which is integrated with the fixing plate 240, can be removed from inside the indoor unit housing 210. Alternatively, at least one of the first wall surface 211 or the second wall surface 212 of the indoor unit housing 210 may be made removable from the indoor unit housing 210 so that the indoor heat exchanger 20, which is integrated with the fixing plate 240, can be removed from inside the indoor unit housing 210.

[0051] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, a side plate 230 is attached to the second heat exchange section 22. The side plate 230 is a component for fixing the indoor heat exchanger 20 to the indoor unit housing 210. The side plate 230 is a triangular plate-shaped member. The portion of the side plate 230 that is fixed to the bottom surface 213 of the indoor unit housing 210 is called the side plate fixing portion 231. As shown in Figure 9, the side plate fixing portion 231 may protrude from the plate-shaped member of the side plate 230 in a direction that intersects with the flat surface of the plate-shaped member of the side plate 230. The side plate fixing portion 231, which is in surface contact with the bottom surface 213 of the indoor unit housing 210, is fixed to the indoor unit housing 210, thereby fixing the second heat exchange section 22 to the indoor unit housing 210. The position in which the side plate 230 is fixed to the indoor unit housing 210 differs between the first mounting configuration and the second mounting configuration of the indoor heat exchanger 20.

[0052] The position where the side plate 230 is fixed will be explained with reference to Figures 11 to 14. Figure 11 is a schematic bottom perspective view of the indoor unit housing 210 to illustrate the side plate 230 when the indoor heat exchanger 20 according to Embodiment 1 is in the first mounting configuration. Figure 12 is a schematic bottom perspective view of the indoor unit housing 210 to illustrate the side plate 230 when the indoor heat exchanger 20 according to Embodiment 1 is in the second mounting configuration. Figure 13 is a schematic bottom perspective view of the indoor unit housing 210 to illustrate another example of the side plate 230 when the indoor heat exchanger 20 according to Embodiment 1 is in the second mounting configuration. Figure 14 is a schematic bottom perspective view of the indoor unit housing 210 to illustrate the mounting configuration of the side plate 230 according to Embodiment 1. In the following description, the side plate 230 and the side plate fixing portion 231 in the first mounting configuration of the indoor heat exchanger 20 may be referred to as the side plate 230a and the side plate fixing portion 231a, respectively. Furthermore, the side plate 230 and the side plate fixing part 231 in the second mounting configuration of the indoor heat exchanger 20 may be referred to as side plate 230b and side plate fixing part 231b, respectively. Also, when there is no particular need to distinguish between the side plate 230 and the side plate fixing part 231, the side plate fixing part 231 may be included when referred to as side plate 230. Figures 11 to 13 are views of the side plate 230 and the second heat exchanger 22 as seen from the bottom surface 213 of the indoor unit housing 210 along the rotation axis AX shown in Figures 9 and 10. Figure 11 shows the side plate 230a, and Figures 12 and 13 show the side plate 230b.

[0053] As shown in Figures 9 and 11, in the first mounting configuration, the side plate 230 is located on the front side Z1 of the indoor unit housing. The side plate fixing portion 231 protrudes toward the front side Z1 of the indoor unit housing. In the second mounting configuration of the indoor heat exchanger 20, the side plate 230b can be fixed to either the front side Z1 of the indoor unit housing or the rear side Z2 of the indoor unit housing. Figure 12 shows the side plate 230, which has been removed from the second heat exchanger 22a shown in Figure 11, rotated 180 degrees around the vertical and attached to the lower surface of the second heat exchanger 22b. In the second mounting configuration shown in Figures 10 and 12, the side plate 230b is fixed to the front side Z1 of the indoor unit housing with the side plate fixing portion 231b protruding toward the rear side Z2 of the indoor unit housing. Figure 13 shows the second heat exchanger 22a and the side plate 230 as a single unit, rotated 180 degrees around the vertical. In the second mounting configuration shown in Figure 13, the side plate fixing portion 231b protrudes toward the rear Z2 of the indoor unit housing, and the side plate 230b is fixed to the rear Z2 of the indoor unit housing.

[0054] The relationship between the configuration in Figure 11 and the configuration in Figure 13 will be explained with reference to Figure 14. Figure 14 is a bottom perspective view of the indoor unit housing 210 along the rotation axis AX (see Figure 9), showing the side plates 230a and 230b. In Figure 14, any three points on the side plate 230a in the first mounting configuration are shown as the first point PPT1a, the second point PPT2a, and the third point PPT3a, respectively. Similarly, these three arbitrary points in the second mounting configuration are shown as the first point PPT1b, the second point PPT2b, and the third point PPT3b. The imaginary straight line connecting the first point PPT1a and the first point PPT1b is called the first imaginary straight line SL1. The imaginary straight line connecting the second point PPT2a and the second point PPT2b is called the second imaginary straight line SL2. The imaginary straight line connecting the third point PPT3a and the third point PPT3b is called the third imaginary straight line SL3. As shown in Figure 14, when viewed in the axial direction of the rotation axis AX, the first virtual line SL1, the second virtual line SL2, and the third virtual line SL3 intersect at the virtual intersection point VO. In this way, the indoor heat exchanger 20 is positioned in both the first and second mounting configurations such that the first virtual line SL1, the second virtual line SL2, and the third virtual line SL3 are tolerated at the virtual intersection point VO. The position of the virtual intersection point VO is the same as the position of the virtual rotation axis AX.

[0055] (Effects of air conditioning systems) The effects of the air conditioning system 100 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 15 and 16. Figure 15 is a diagram illustrating the installation configuration of the indoor unit housing according to Comparative Example 1. Figure 16 is a diagram illustrating the installation configuration of the indoor unit housing according to Comparative Example 2.

[0056] Comparative Example 1, shown in Figure 15, will now be described. The indoor unit housing 2100 of Comparative Example 1 is provided with an indoor heat exchanger 2000, an indoor blower 2200, and a filter 2006. The indoor heat exchanger 2000 comprises a first heat exchange section 2010 and a second heat exchange section 2020. A first refrigerant pipe 4010 is connected to a first connection port 2400 of the first heat exchange section 2010, and a second refrigerant pipe 4020 is connected to the second heat exchange section 2020. The first refrigerant pipe 4010 and the second refrigerant pipe 4020 are connected to an outdoor unit (not shown) located outside the room via a wall hole 6001 provided in the wall 6000.

[0057] In Comparative Example 1, the direction of airflow in the space where the indoor unit housing 2100 is installed is fixed. Furthermore, the orientation of the indoor heat exchanger 2000 relative to the direction of airflow within the indoor unit housing 2100 is also fixed, thus restricting the direction in which the indoor unit housing 2100 can be installed. For this reason, it is not possible to install the indoor unit housing 2100 so that the first connection port 2400 and the second connection port 2500 face each other on the first refrigerant pipe 4010 and the second refrigerant pipe 4020 passing through the wall hole 6001. Therefore, in order to connect the first refrigerant pipe 4010 and the second refrigerant pipe 4020 to the first connection port 2400 and the second connection port 2500, it is necessary to extend the first refrigerant pipe 4010 and the second refrigerant pipe 4020 and then add bends to them. However, extending the first refrigerant pipe 4010 and the second refrigerant pipe 4020 and adding more bends increases the flow resistance of the refrigerant piping from the indoor heat exchanger 2000 to the compressor (not shown), which lowers the suction refrigerant pressure of the compressor and reduces the suction refrigerant density. As a result, the circulation flow rate of the refrigerant in the air conditioning system decreases, leading to a decrease in air conditioning capacity.

[0058] In Comparative Example 1, in order to avoid extending and bending the first refrigerant pipe 4010 and the second refrigerant pipe 4020, it is conceivable to change the arrangement of the indoor heat exchanger 2000 so that the first connection port 2400 and the second connection port 2500 face the first refrigerant pipe 4010 and the second refrigerant pipe 4020. That is, in Figure 15, the indoor heat exchanger 2000 should be installed so that the first connection port 2400 and the second connection port 2500 are located on the rear side Z2 of the indoor unit housing. However, in Comparative Example 1, in order to position the first connection port 2400 and the second connection port 2500 on the rear side Z2 of the indoor unit housing without changing the arrangement of the indoor blower 2200 and the surface of the indoor heat exchanger 2000 facing the airflow, the second heat exchange section 2020 would have to be provided above the first heat exchange section 2010. However, during dehumidification operation, if the second heat exchange unit 2020 functions as an evaporator, condensed water will flow into the first heat exchange unit 2010 located below it. During dehumidification operation, the first heat exchange unit 2010 functions as a condenser, so when condensed water flows in, the efficiency of heat exchange in the first heat exchange unit 2010 decreases, and the temperature of the air blown from the first heat exchange unit 2010 decreases. As a result, the room temperature decreases during dehumidification operation, and consequently, the dehumidification performance of the air conditioner decreases.

[0059] Furthermore, in Comparative Example 1, in order to avoid extending and bending the first refrigerant pipe 4010 and the second refrigerant pipe 4020, it is also possible to change the orientation of the indoor unit housing 2100 so that the first connection port 2400 and the second connection port 2500 are located on the rear side Z2 of the indoor unit housing. That is, in Figure 15, the indoor unit housing 2100 should be positioned such that the indoor blower 2200 is on the left side of the page and the indoor heat exchanger 2000 is on the right side of the page. However, in this case, the direction of the airflow generated by the indoor blower 2200 will be reversed, which may result in unsuitable conditions for the airflow path in the space where the air conditioning system is installed. For example, in spaces where a different heat source such as a boiler is located upstream of the airflow from the indoor unit housing 2100, and in spaces where air outlets for supplying air to individual rooms are located downstream of the airflow from the indoor unit housing 2100, the direction of the airflow generated by the indoor blower 2200 cannot be changed because it would lead to poor heat exchange design and the release of dust into the indoor space. In other words, the orientation of the indoor unit housing 2100 cannot be changed because the conditions for installing the indoor blower 2200 in the airflow path are not met.

[0060] Comparative Example 2, shown in Figure 16, is equipped with a blower duct 7000 to alleviate the restriction on the orientation of the indoor unit housing 2100 due to the airflow path. In Figure 16, the position of the wall hole 6001 is different from that in Figure 13, but the configuration of the indoor unit housing 2100 is the same as in Figure 15. In Comparative Example 2 shown in Figure 16, the blower duct 7000 redirects the airflow generated by the indoor blower 2200. Since the blower duct 7000 prevents the direction of the airflow generated by the indoor blower 2200 from being reversed, the installation direction of the indoor unit housing 2100 can be changed without extending or bending the first refrigerant pipe 4010 and the second refrigerant pipe 4020. However, when a blower duct 7000 is provided, as in Comparative Example 2, space is required to install the blower duct 7000. Also, including the blower duct 7000 makes the air conditioning system larger. Furthermore, since the path through which the airflow supplied from the indoor fan 2200 travels becomes longer, the airflow resistance reduces the amount of air supplied, leading to a decrease in air conditioning capacity.

[0061] On the other hand, in the air conditioning system 100 according to this embodiment, the indoor heat exchanger 20 can be installed inside the indoor unit housing 210 by selecting either the first mounting configuration or the second mounting configuration. Therefore, when installing the indoor unit housing 210 in the space shown in Figure 15, the indoor heat exchanger 20 can be installed inside the indoor unit housing 210 using the second mounting configuration (see Figure 3). Furthermore, in this embodiment, in both the first and second mounting configurations of the indoor heat exchanger 20, the second heat exchange section 22 is located below the first heat exchange section 21. Therefore, even if condensation occurs in the second heat exchange section 22, which functions as an evaporator during dehumidification operation, it will not flow into the first heat exchange section 21, which functions as a condenser. More specifically, during dehumidification operation, heat exchange occurs between the refrigerant, which is below the dew point temperature of the indoor air, and the indoor air in the second heat exchange section 22, causing condensation to occur on the outside of the heat transfer tubes. However, condensation adhering to the heat transfer tubes in the second heat exchange section 22 flows through the refrigerant piping 400 using gravity as a driving force, into a drainage path (not shown) located below, and is discharged outside the indoor unit housing 210.

[0062] As described above, unlike Comparative Examples 1 and 2, the air conditioning system 100 according to this embodiment allows the indoor heat exchanger 20 to be installed in a manner that can be selected from a first installation manner or a second installation manner. Therefore, even if there are limitations on the space in which the indoor unit housing 210 is installed, the refrigerant piping 400 can be connected to the indoor heat exchanger 20 without the need for either or both of the extension of the refrigerant piping 400 and / or bending of the refrigerant piping 400. Furthermore, in both the first and second installation manners, the second heat exchange section 22 of the indoor heat exchanger 20 is provided below the first heat exchange section 21, so that the air conditioning capacity during dehumidification operation is not reduced. In other words, the indoor unit housing 210 according to this embodiment is not subject to limitations on the space in which the indoor unit housing 210 is installed, and can be installed while suppressing the deterioration of the performance of the air conditioning system 100 caused by the arrangement of the refrigerant piping 400.

[0063] As described above, the air conditioning system 100 according to this embodiment includes a compressor 101 and an outdoor heat exchanger 50 located inside an outdoor unit housing 510, an indoor heat exchanger 20 and an indoor blower 220 located inside an indoor unit housing 210, and refrigerant piping 400 connected to the indoor heat exchanger 20 as heat transfer piping through which a refrigerant, which is a heat transfer medium that directly exchanges heat with indoor air, flows. In other words, the heat transfer piping is part of the refrigerant piping 400. The indoor heat exchanger 20 has a first heat exchange section 21 that heats indoor air during dehumidification operation and a second heat exchange section 22 that cools indoor air during dehumidification operation to condense water vapor in the indoor air. The indoor heat exchanger 20 is installed in the indoor unit housing 210 in either the first or second mounting configuration. The surface of the indoor heat exchanger 20 facing the airflow generated by the indoor blower 220 differs between the first and second mounting configurations. In both configurations, the second heat exchange section 22 is located below the first heat exchange section 21. The refrigerant piping 400, through which the refrigerant flows as a heat transfer medium, connects the first throttling device 104, located inside the indoor unit housing 210, to the compressor 101, the outdoor heat exchanger 50, the indoor heat exchanger 20, and the first throttling device 104. The first heat exchange section 21 of the indoor heat exchanger 20 functions as a condenser during dehumidification operation, and the second heat exchange section 22 of the indoor heat exchanger 20 functions as an evaporator during dehumidification operation.

[0064] In this configuration, the indoor heat exchanger 20, which has a first heat exchange section 21 that functions as a condenser during dehumidification operation and a second heat exchange section 22 that functions as an evaporator during dehumidification operation, can be installed inside the indoor unit housing 210 in either a first or second mounting configuration. The indoor heat exchanger 20 has different surfaces facing the airflow in the first and second mounting configurations, while in both configurations the second heat exchange section 22 is located below the first heat exchange section 21. Therefore, the indoor heat exchanger 20 can be installed in the indoor unit housing 210 by selecting a mounting configuration that does not require at least one of the extension or bending of the refrigerant piping 400. Therefore, when installing the indoor unit housing 210 in a space where the orientation of the indoor unit housing 210 cannot be selected, the indoor heat exchanger 20 can be installed inside the indoor unit housing 210 using either the first or second mounting method, thereby suppressing the deterioration of the air conditioning system 100's performance caused by the arrangement of the refrigerant piping 400.

[0065] Furthermore, in both the first and second mounting configurations of the indoor heat exchanger 20, the second heat exchange section 22 is located below the first heat exchange section 21. Therefore, during dehumidification operation of the air conditioning system 100, condensation water generated in the second heat exchange section 22, which functions as an evaporator, does not enter the first heat exchange section 21. Consequently, there is no difference in air conditioning capacity between the first and second mounting configurations of the indoor heat exchanger 20 during dehumidification operation of the air conditioning system 100.

[0066] Furthermore, in the air conditioning system 100 according to this embodiment, the refrigerant piping 400 includes a first refrigerant piping 401 provided between the outdoor unit housing 510 and the first heat exchange unit 21, and a second refrigerant piping 402 provided between the outdoor unit housing 510 and the second heat exchange unit 22. The indoor unit housing 210 has a first wall surface 211 having a first opening 211a through which the first refrigerant piping 401 passes and a second opening 211b through which the second refrigerant piping 402 passes, and a second wall surface 212 having a third opening 212a through which the first refrigerant piping 401 passes and a fourth opening 212b through which the second refrigerant piping 402 passes, according to the second mounting configuration. The first wall surface 211 and the second wall surface 212 face each other.

[0067] In this configuration, the refrigerant piping 400 passes through either the opposing first wall surface 211 or the second wall surface 212 of the indoor unit housing 210 and is connected to the indoor heat exchanger 20. Specifically, in the first mounting configuration of the indoor heat exchanger 20, the first refrigerant piping 401 is connected to the first connection port 24 of the first heat exchange section 21 via the first opening 211a of the first wall surface 211, and the second refrigerant piping 402 is connected to the second connection port 25 of the second heat exchange section 22 via the second opening 211b of the first wall surface 211. Furthermore, in the second mounting configuration of the indoor heat exchanger 20, the first refrigerant piping 401 is connected to the first connection port 24 of the first heat exchange section 21 via the third opening 212a of the second wall surface 212, and the second refrigerant piping 402 is connected to the second connection port 25 of the second heat exchange section 22 via the fourth opening 212b of the second wall surface 212.

[0068] Therefore, the indoor heat exchanger 20 can be installed in either the first or second mounting configuration, depending on whether the wall surface of the indoor unit housing 210 facing the ends of the first refrigerant pipe 401 and the second refrigerant pipe 402 extending from the outdoor unit housing 510 is the first wall surface 211 or the second wall surface 212. In other words, the refrigerant pipes 400 can be connected to the indoor heat exchanger 20 from the opposing first wall surface 211 or second wall surface 212 of the indoor unit housing 210 without changing the installation direction of the indoor unit housing 210, and without extending or bending the first refrigerant pipe 401 and the second refrigerant pipe 402. Thus, in a space where the orientation of the indoor unit housing 210 cannot be selected, the indoor unit housing 210 can be installed while suppressing the deterioration of the performance of the air conditioning system 100 caused by the arrangement of the refrigerant pipes 400.

[0069] Furthermore, in the air conditioning system 100 of this embodiment, the refrigerant piping 400 includes a first refrigerant piping 401 provided between the outdoor unit housing 510 and the first heat exchange unit 21, and a second refrigerant piping 402 provided between the outdoor unit housing 510 and the second heat exchange unit 22. The indoor unit housing 210 has, in the first mounting configuration, a first wall surface 211 having a first wall opening through which one of the first refrigerant piping 401 and the second refrigerant piping 402 passes, and in the second mounting configuration, a second wall surface 212 having a second wall opening through which one of the first refrigerant piping 401 and the second refrigerant piping 402 passes, and a third wall surface having a third wall opening and a fourth wall opening through which the other of the first refrigerant piping 401 and the second refrigerant piping 402 passes. The first wall surface 211 and the second wall surface 212 face each other and are connected by the third wall surface. Here, the first wall opening is either the first opening 211a through which the first refrigerant pipe 401 passes, or the second opening 211b through which the second refrigerant pipe 402 passes. The second wall opening is either the third opening 212a through which the first refrigerant pipe 401 passes, or the fourth opening 212b through which the second refrigerant pipe 402 passes. The third wall opening is either the first opening 214a-1 through which the first refrigerant pipe 401 passes, or the second opening 213b-1 through which the second refrigerant pipe 402 passes. The fourth wall opening is either the third opening 214a-2 through which the first refrigerant pipe 401 passes, or the fourth opening 213b-2 through which the second refrigerant pipe 402 passes.

[0070] Therefore, the mounting configuration of the indoor heat exchanger 20 can be either a first or second configuration, depending on the wall surface of the indoor unit housing 210 facing the first refrigerant pipe 401 and the second refrigerant pipe 402 extending from the outdoor unit housing 510. In other words, the first refrigerant pipe 401, inserted from the first wall surface 211, the second wall surface 212, and the top surface 214 of the indoor unit housing 210, can be connected to the first heat exchange section 21 without changing the installation direction of the indoor unit housing 210, and without extending or bending the first refrigerant pipe 401. Also, the second refrigerant pipe 402, inserted from the first wall surface 211, the second wall surface 212, and the bottom surface 213 of the indoor unit housing 210, can be connected to the second heat exchange section 22 without changing the installation direction of the indoor unit housing 210, and without extending or bending the second refrigerant pipe 402. Therefore, in spaces where the orientation of the indoor unit housing 210 cannot be selected, the indoor unit housing 210 can be installed while suppressing the deterioration of the air conditioning system 100's performance caused by the arrangement of the refrigerant piping 400.

[0071] Furthermore, in the air conditioning system 100 of this embodiment, the first heat exchange unit 21 has a first connection port 24 to which the first refrigerant pipe 401 is connected, and the second heat exchange unit 22 has a second connection port 25 to which the second refrigerant pipe 402 is connected. The first heat exchange unit 21 and the second heat exchange unit 22 are installed inside the indoor unit housing 210 such that the cross section of the indoor heat exchanger 20 along the vertical direction Y is a horizontal V shape. In the first mounting configuration, the inner circumferential surface of the V shape of the indoor heat exchanger 20 faces the airflow, and in the second mounting configuration, the outer circumferential surface of the V shape faces the airflow. When the indoor heat exchanger 20 is projected horizontally onto the first wall surface 211 of the indoor unit housing 210, the first virtual line VL1 is a straight line connecting the first virtual point VP1a, which is projected from an arbitrary point on the first heat exchange unit 21 in the first mounting configuration, and the second virtual point VP1b, which is projected from an arbitrary point on the first heat exchange unit 21 in the second mounting configuration. The second virtual line VL2 is a straight line connecting the third virtual point VP2a, which is projected from any point on the second heat exchange section 22 in the first mounting configuration, and the fourth virtual point VP2b, which is projected in the second configuration. The third virtual line VL3 is a straight line connecting the fifth virtual point VP3a, which is projected from the center of the first connection port 24 in the first mounting configuration, and the sixth virtual point VP3b, which is projected in the second mounting configuration. The fourth virtual line VL4 is a straight line connecting the seventh virtual point VP4a, which is projected from the center of the second connection port 25 in the first mounting configuration, and the eighth virtual point VP4b, which is projected in the second mounting configuration. The first virtual line VL1, the second virtual line VL2, the third virtual line VL3, and the fourth virtual line VL4 are all parallel to each other.

[0072] Here, the following mounting configurations for the indoor heat exchanger 20 that reverse the orientation of the indoor heat exchanger 20 with respect to the airflow generated by the indoor fan can also be considered. That is, in the first mounting configuration and the second mounting configuration, the indoor heat exchanger 20 can be mounted such that the first virtual line VL1 or the second virtual line VL2, the third virtual line VL3, and the fourth virtual line VL4 intersect at one point. However, in this case, although the positions of the first connection port 24 and the second connection port 25 can be made different in the first mounting configuration and the second mounting configuration, the second heat exchange section 22 will be located above the first heat exchange section 21. However, in this embodiment, the position of the indoor heat exchanger 20 in the first mounting configuration and the position in the second mounting configuration are determined so that the first virtual line VL1, the second virtual line VL2, the third virtual line VL3, and the fourth virtual line VL4 are parallel to each other. Therefore, in both the first and second mounting configurations, the indoor heat exchanger 20 can be installed inside the indoor unit housing 210 such that (i) the second heat exchanger 22 remains positioned below the first heat exchanger 21, (ii) the first refrigerant piping 401 is connected to the first connection port 24 of the first heat exchanger 21 without tilting horizontally regardless of whether it is inserted from the first wall surface 211 or the second wall surface 212, and (iii) the second refrigerant piping 402 is connected to the second connection port 25 of the second heat exchanger 22 without tilting horizontally regardless of whether it is inserted from the first wall surface 211 or the second wall surface 212.

[0073] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the air conditioning unit 100 includes a fixing plate 240 that fixes and integrates the first heat exchange unit 21 and the second heat exchange unit 22. The indoor unit housing 210 is provided with an openable and closable opening for removing the integrated first heat exchange unit 21 and the second heat exchange unit 22 from the indoor unit housing 210.

[0074] With this configuration, the fixing plate 240 connects the opposing surfaces of the first heat exchange section 21 and the second heat exchange section 22 at their ends, thereby ensuring the heat transfer area of ​​the first heat exchange section 21 and the second heat exchange section 22. Furthermore, the heat transfer area can be ensured in both the first and second mounting configurations. In addition, since the fixing plate 240 is provided between the first heat exchange section 21 and the second heat exchange section 22, a dedicated installation space for the fixing plate 240 is not required inside the indoor unit housing 210. This avoids increasing the size of the indoor unit housing 210 due to the provision of the fixing plate 240. Moreover, since the indoor unit housing 210 is provided with an opening that can be opened and closed, the mounting configuration of the indoor heat exchanger 20, which is integrated with the fixing plate 240, can be easily changed between the first and second mounting configurations. This makes it easy for workers to change the mounting configuration of the indoor heat exchanger 20 at the installation site of the indoor unit housing 210.

[0075] Furthermore, the air conditioning system 100 in this embodiment includes a side plate 230 that fixes the second heat exchange unit 22 to the bottom surface 213 of the indoor unit housing 210, and the position at which the side plate 230 is fixed to the bottom surface 213 differs between the first mounting configuration and the second mounting configuration. With this configuration, in both the first and second mounting configurations of the indoor heat exchanger 20, the second heat exchange unit 22 can be fixed to the bottom surface 213 of the indoor unit housing 210 by the side plate 230.

[0076] Furthermore, in the air conditioning system 100 of this embodiment, the indoor heat exchanger 20 can be rotated 180 degrees around a virtual rotation axis AX extending in the vertical direction Y, thereby changing the mounting configuration between the first mounting configuration and the second mounting configuration. If any three points on the side plate 230 are designated as the first point PPT1, the second point PPT2, and the third point PPT3, then the first virtual line SL1 is the line connecting any first point PPT1 on the side plate 230 from the position PPT1a in the first mounting configuration and the position PPT1b in the second mounting configuration. The second virtual line SL2 is the line connecting any second point PPT2 on the side plate 230 from the position PPT2a in the first mounting configuration and the position PPT2b in the second mounting configuration. The third virtual line SL3 is the line connecting any third point PPT3 on the side plate 230 from the position PPT3a in the first mounting configuration and the position PPT3b in the second mounting configuration. When viewed in the direction of the virtual axis of rotation AX, the first virtual line SL1, the second virtual line SL2, and the third virtual line SL3 intersect at a single point VO.

[0077] In this configuration, the second heat exchange unit 22 is fixed to the indoor unit housing 210 such that, in the first and second mounting configurations of the indoor heat exchanger 20, the first virtual line SL1, the second virtual line SL2, and the third virtual line SL3 intersect at a single point VO. Therefore, in both the first and second mounting configurations, the indoor heat exchanger 20 can be installed inside the indoor unit housing 210 such that (i) the second heat exchange unit 22 remains positioned below the first heat exchange unit 21, and (ii) the first connection port 24 of the first heat exchange unit 21 and the second connection port 25 of the second heat exchange unit 22 face either an opening provided in the first wall surface 211 or the second wall surface 212 of the indoor unit housing 210.

[0078] Furthermore, the installation method for the air conditioning system 100 according to this embodiment includes a step of installing the indoor heat exchanger 20 in an installation configuration, among the first and second installation configurations, in which the length of the refrigerant piping 400, which is a heat transfer medium piping located between the outdoor unit housing 510 and the indoor heat exchanger 20, is shortened. Therefore, even if there are limitations on the space in which the indoor unit housing 210 is installed and the orientation of the indoor unit housing 210 cannot be selected, the refrigerant piping 400 between the outdoor unit housing 510 and the indoor heat exchanger 20 can be made shorter. Thus, in a space where the orientation of the indoor unit housing 210 cannot be selected, the indoor unit housing 210 can be installed while suppressing the deterioration of the air conditioning system 100's performance caused by the arrangement of the refrigerant piping 400.

[0079] Embodiment 2. This embodiment will primarily describe the differences from Embodiment 1. The main difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 lies in the configuration of the refrigerant circuit inside the indoor unit housing 210. Other configurations are the same as in Embodiment 1 and will therefore not be described.

[0080] Figure 17 is a schematic diagram of the refrigerant circuit configuration inside the indoor unit housing 210 according to Embodiment 2. Figure 18 is a diagram illustrating the flow of refrigerant between the first heat exchange section 21 and the second heat exchange section 22 of the indoor heat exchanger 20 according to Embodiment 2. As shown in Figures 17 and 18, the first refrigerant piping 401 is provided with a first branch section 411, the second refrigerant piping 402 is provided with a second branch section 412, and the third refrigerant piping 403 is provided with a third branch section 413 and a fourth branch section 414. The first throttling device 104 is provided between the third branch section 413 and the fourth branch section 414. Hereinafter, the configuration of the refrigerant circuit according to this embodiment will be explained using the case where the air conditioning system 100 is performing cooling or dehumidifying operation as an example.

[0081] At the first branching point 411, the fourth refrigerant pipe 404 branches off from the first refrigerant pipe 401. The fourth refrigerant pipe 404 connects the first branching point 411 and the fourth branching point 414. That is, at the fourth branching point 414, the third refrigerant pipe 403 and the fourth refrigerant pipe 404 merge. The fourth refrigerant pipe 404 is provided with a first on-off valve 421. The first on-off valve 421 is a valve that opens and closes the flow path of the fourth refrigerant pipe 404 and is controlled by the control device 103.

[0082] The refrigerant flowing from the outdoor unit housing 510 (see Figure 1) through the first refrigerant piping 401 into the indoor unit housing 210 is divided at the first branch section 411 into the refrigerant flowing through the first refrigerant piping 401 and the refrigerant flowing through the fourth refrigerant piping 404 when the first on-off valve 421 is open. The refrigerant flowing through the first refrigerant piping 401 flows into the first heat exchange section 21. The refrigerant flowing through the fourth refrigerant piping 404 flows into the third refrigerant piping 403 at the fourth branch section 414 and then flows into the second heat exchange section 22.

[0083] At the third branching point 413, the fifth refrigerant pipe 405 branches off from the third refrigerant pipe 403. The fifth refrigerant pipe 405 connects the third branching point 413 and the second branching point 412. That is, at the second branching point 412, the second refrigerant pipe 402 and the fifth refrigerant pipe 405 merge. The fifth refrigerant pipe 405 is provided with a second on-off valve 422. The second on-off valve 422 is a valve that opens and closes the flow path of the fifth refrigerant pipe 405 and is controlled by the control device 103.

[0084] The refrigerant flowing out of the first heat exchange section 21 and into the third refrigerant pipe 403 is divided at the third branch section 413 into the refrigerant flowing into the third refrigerant pipe 403 and the refrigerant flowing into the fifth refrigerant pipe 405 when the second on-off valve 422 is opened. The refrigerant flowing into the third refrigerant pipe 403 flows into the second heat exchange section 22 through the first throttling device 104 and the fourth branch section 414. The refrigerant flowing into the fifth refrigerant pipe 405 flows into the second refrigerant pipe 402 at the second branch section 412 and flows out from the indoor unit housing 210.

[0085] The air conditioning system 100 according to this embodiment may include a temperature measuring device 250 for measuring the temperature of the refrigerant and a saturation temperature measuring device 260 for measuring the saturation temperature of the refrigerant. The temperature measuring device 250 and the saturation temperature measuring device 260 are provided in the refrigerant piping 400. Figure 17 shows an example in which the temperature measuring device 250 and the saturation temperature measuring device 260 are provided in the refrigerant piping 400 located inside the indoor unit housing 210.

[0086] The temperature measuring device 250 is provided in the refrigerant piping 400 that connects the second heat exchange unit 22 to the suction side of the compressor 101 during cooling and dehumidifying operations. The temperature measuring device 250 may also be provided in the second refrigerant piping 402. The saturation temperature measuring device 260 is provided in the refrigerant piping 400 that connects the fourth branching unit 414 to the suction side of the compressor 101 during cooling and dehumidifying operations. The saturation temperature measuring device 260 may be provided in the second refrigerant piping 402 or in the refrigerant piping 400 that passes through the second heat exchange unit 22. For example, the saturation temperature measuring device 260 may have a pressure sensor that measures the pressure of the refrigerant and measure the saturation temperature based on the correspondence between the refrigerant pressure and the saturation temperature. Alternatively, the saturation temperature may be measured by measuring the two-phase temperature of the refrigerant in the second heat exchange unit 22. In this case, the saturation temperature measuring device 260 is a temperature measuring device provided for measuring the two-phase temperature of the refrigerant in the second heat exchange section 22.

[0087] [Operation during cooling operation] In this embodiment, similar to Embodiment 1, when the air conditioner 100 is in cooling operation, the outdoor heat exchanger 50 functions as a condenser, and the first heat exchange section 21 and the second heat exchange section 22 function as evaporators. During cooling operation, the control device 103 opens the first on-off valve 421 and the second on-off valve 422. The control device 103 also closes the first throttling device 104. As a result, the refrigerant that flows into the indoor unit housing 210 through the first refrigerant piping 401 is divided at the first branching section 411 and flows through the first refrigerant piping 401 and the fourth refrigerant piping 404.

[0088] The refrigerant flowing through the first refrigerant piping 401 flows into the first heat exchange section 21. At this time, the first throttling device 104 is closed and the second on-off valve 422 is open, so the refrigerant flowing out of the first heat exchange section 21 does not flow into the third refrigerant piping 403 but flows into the fifth refrigerant piping 405. In other words, during cooling operation, no refrigerant flows from the first heat exchange section 21 to the second heat exchange section 22. The refrigerant that has flowed into the fifth refrigerant piping 405 merges at the second branch section 412 with the refrigerant flowing out of the second heat exchange section 22 and through the second refrigerant piping 402.

[0089] The refrigerant that branches off at the first branch 411 and flows into the fourth refrigerant pipe 404 flows into the third refrigerant pipe 403 at the fourth branch 414. However, since the first throttling device 104 is closed, the refrigerant that flows into the third refrigerant pipe 403 at the fourth branch 414 flows into the second heat exchange section 22 instead of the first heat exchange section 21. Since the first throttling device 104 is closed, no refrigerant flows from the first heat exchange section 21 to the third refrigerant pipe 403. The refrigerant that flows into the second heat exchange section 22 flows out into the second refrigerant pipe 402. The refrigerant that flows out of the second heat exchange section 22 merges with the refrigerant flowing in from the fifth refrigerant pipe 405 at the second branch 412 and flows out of the indoor unit housing 210 through the second refrigerant pipe 402.

[0090] As described above, in this embodiment, during cooling operation, the first heat exchange unit 21 and the second heat exchange unit 22 are arranged in parallel with the refrigerant circuit. Therefore, during cooling operation, the pressure loss of the refrigerant is reduced, and the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioning system 100 is improved.

[0091] [Operation during dehumidification] In this embodiment, similar to Embodiment 1, during dehumidification operation of the air conditioner 100, the outdoor heat exchanger 50 and the first heat exchange unit 21 function as condensers, and the second heat exchange unit 22 function as an evaporator. During dehumidification operation, the control device 103 closes the first on-off valve 421 and the second on-off valve 422, and opens the first throttle device 104 and the second throttle device 105 (see Figure 1).

[0092] Since the first on-off valve 421 is closed, the refrigerant flowing through the first refrigerant piping 401 flows into the first heat exchange section 21 without being diverted to the fourth refrigerant piping 404 at the fourth branch section 414. Since the first throttling device 104 is open and the second on-off valve 422 is closed, the refrigerant that has flowed into the first heat exchange section 21 flows into the third refrigerant piping 403 without being diverted to the fifth refrigerant piping 405 at the third branch section 413. The refrigerant that has flowed into the third refrigerant piping 403 flows into the second heat exchange section 22 through the first throttling device 104 and the fourth branch section 414. The refrigerant that has flowed into the second heat exchange section 202 flows out of the indoor unit housing 210 through the second refrigerant piping 402. In other words, during dehumidification operation, the refrigerant flows in series from the first heat exchange section 21 to the second heat exchange section 22 and flows out of the indoor unit housing 210.

[0093] During dehumidification operation, the control device 103 adjusts the opening of the first throttling device 104 so that the refrigerant flowing out of the second heat exchange unit 22 becomes superheated steam. The control device 103 receives data acquired by the temperature measuring device 250 and the saturation temperature measuring device 260. Based on the received data, the control device 103 derives the opening of the first throttling device 104 so that the refrigerant flowing out of the second heat exchange unit 22 becomes superheated steam. The control device 103 controls the first throttling device 104 so that it is open at the opening determined by the control device 103. For example, the control device 103 may transmit a control signal to the first throttling device 104 to control its opening.

[0094] As described above, in this embodiment, during dehumidification operation, the first heat exchange unit 21 and the second heat exchange unit 22 are arranged in series with the refrigerant circuit. Therefore, indoor air whose temperature has risen in the first heat exchange unit 21 and indoor air whose temperature has decreased and been dehumidified in the second heat exchange unit 22 are supplied to the room from the indoor heat exchanger 20, so that the indoor space can be dehumidified while suppressing a decrease in indoor temperature. In addition, the opening degree of the first throttling device 104 is controlled by the control device 103 so that the refrigerant flowing out from the second heat exchange unit 22 becomes superheated steam, thereby adjusting the flow rate of refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant circuit. Consequently, the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioning system 100 during dehumidification operation is improved.

[0095] [First branching point] Next, the first branch section 411 will be described with reference to Figure 19. Figure 19 is a diagram illustrating the first branch section 411 according to Embodiment 2. In Figure 19, when the air conditioning system 100 is in cooling operation, the direction in which the refrigerant flows into the first branch section 411 is shown as the inflow direction FI, the direction in which the refrigerant flows out from the first branch section 411 to the first refrigerant piping 401 is shown as the first outflow direction FO1, and the direction in which the refrigerant flows out from the first branch section 411 to the fourth refrigerant piping 404 is shown as the second outflow direction FO2.

[0096] If the dot product of the inflow direction vector FI and the gravity direction vector during cooling operation is positive, the inertial force of the inflow refrigerant at the first branch 411 does not resist gravity. As a result, the degree of uneven distribution of liquid refrigerant in the two-phase refrigerant at the first branch 411 due to gravity becomes large. However, in the indoor heat exchanger 20 according to this embodiment, the second heat exchange section 22 is provided below the first heat exchange section 21 in both the first and second mounting configurations. That is, the gravity relationship between the first heat exchange section 21 and the second heat exchange section 22 does not change depending on the mounting configuration of the indoor heat exchanger 20. As a result, the indoor heat exchanger 20 can be designed to suppress uneven distribution due to gravity with respect to the distribution of two-phase refrigerant at the first branch 411. Consequently, in both the first and second mounting configurations of the indoor heat exchanger 20, the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioning system 100 during cooling operation does not decrease.

[0097] In the air conditioning system 100 according to this embodiment, the first branch section 411 is positioned such that the dot product of the inflow direction vector FI and the gravity direction vector Y in cooling operation is negative. Since the inertial force of the refrigerant flowing into the first branch section 411 is in a direction that cancels out gravity, the uneven distribution of liquid refrigerant due to gravity is reduced. Therefore, the refrigerant can be divided without reducing the air conditioning capacity during cooling operation of the air conditioning system 100. In other words, during cooling operation, the refrigerant is divided at the first branch section 411 to the first heat exchange section 21 and the second heat exchange section 22 without reducing the air conditioning capacity, thus improving the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioning system 100.

[0098] Figures 18 and 19 show a T-shaped first branch section 411. However, the shape of the first branch section 411 is not particularly limited, as long as the dot product of the inflow direction vector FI and the vertical direction vector Y is negative. The first branch section 411 may also be Y-shaped or F-shaped. Furthermore, the first branch section 411 may be a collision-type distributor such as a distributor. In addition, the vectors of the first outflow direction FO1 and the second outflow direction FO2 of the first branch section 411 are determined according to the installation space for the refrigerant piping.

[0099] Embodiment 3. This embodiment will primarily describe the differences from Embodiments 1 and 2. The main difference between this embodiment and Embodiments 1 and 2 is that the indoor heat exchanger 20 includes a third heat exchange section 23. The same configurations as in Embodiments 1 and 2 will be omitted or simplified in this description.

[0100] Figure 20 is a diagram illustrating a first mounting configuration of the indoor heat exchanger 20 according to Embodiment 3. Figure 21 is a diagram illustrating a second mounting configuration of the indoor heat exchanger 20 according to Embodiment 3. As shown in Figures 20 and 21, the indoor heat exchanger 20 further comprises a third heat exchange section 23. The third heat exchange section 23 is provided in the first refrigerant piping 401, which is located between the outdoor unit housing 510 (see Figure 1) and the first heat exchange section 21. Therefore, the first refrigerant piping 401, which is inserted into the indoor unit housing 210 through either the first opening 211a or the third opening 212a of the indoor unit housing 210, is connected to the first connection port 24 of the first heat exchange section 21 through the third heat exchange section 23. In addition, in this embodiment, the second throttling device 105 (see Figure 1) is located upstream of the third heat exchange section 23 in the refrigerant flow direction during cooling and dehumidifying operations.

[0101] As shown in Figures 20 and 21, the first refrigerant pipe 401, inserted into the indoor unit housing 210 through the first opening 211a or the third opening 212a, is connected to the third connection port 26 of the third heat exchange unit 23. In addition, the fourth connection port 27 of the third heat exchange unit 23 and the first connection port 24 of the first heat exchange unit 21 are connected by the first refrigerant pipe 401.

[0102] In both the first and second mounting configurations of the indoor heat exchanger 20, the third heat exchange section 23 is located downstream X2 in the airflow direction X from the first heat exchange section 21 and the second heat exchange section 22. The third heat exchange section 23 is located upstream of the first heat exchange section 21 in the refrigerant flow direction during cooling and dehumidifying operations, and functions as a condenser during dehumidifying operations.

[0103] Furthermore, in the first and second mounting configurations, the surface of the third heat exchange section 23 facing the airflow is reversed. For this reason, in Figure 19, which shows the indoor heat exchanger 20 in the first mounting configuration, the third connection port 26 of the third heat exchange section 23 is located on the upper side of the page and the fourth connection port 27 is located on the lower side of the page, while in Figure 20, which shows the indoor heat exchanger 20 in the second mounting configuration, the third connection port 26 of the third heat exchange section 23 is located on the lower side of the page and the fourth connection port 27 is located on the upper side of the page.

[0104] As described above, the indoor heat exchanger 20 according to this embodiment further includes a third heat exchange section 23 provided upstream of the first heat exchange section 21 in the refrigerant flow direction during dehumidification operation. In both the first and second mounting configurations, the third heat exchange section 23 is provided downstream X2 in the airflow direction from the first heat exchange section 21 and the second heat exchange section 22. The surface of the third heat exchange section 23 facing the airflow differs between the first and second mounting configurations.

[0105] With this configuration, even if the temperature of the dehumidified air generated by the first heat exchange unit 21, which functions as a condenser, and the second heat exchange unit 22, which functions as an evaporator, is low during dehumidification operation, the third heat exchange unit 23, which functions as a condenser and is located downstream X2 in the airflow direction, can further raise the temperature of the dehumidified air. In other words, the decrease in the temperature of the outlet air sent out from the indoor heat exchanger 20 is suppressed, so the decrease in the temperature of the indoor space during dehumidification operation can be suppressed. Therefore, the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioning system 100 during dehumidification operation is improved.

[0106] Furthermore, due to heat exchange in the first heat exchange section 21, which functions as a condenser, the temperature of the air passing through the first heat exchange section 21 rises. On the other hand, due to heat exchange in the second heat exchange section 22, which functions as an evaporator, the temperature of the air passing through the second heat exchange section 22 drops to below the dew point temperature. Downstream X2 in the airflow direction of the first heat exchange section 21 and the second heat exchange section 22, condensation occurs because the air that has passed through the first heat exchange section 21 is cooled by the air that has passed through the second heat exchange section 22. However, the third heat exchange section 23 further increases the temperature of the dehumidified air generated by the first heat exchange section 21 and the second heat exchange section 22, so the occurrence of condensation is suppressed downstream X2 in the airflow direction of the third heat exchange section 23. In other words, dew on the air supply duct and dew scattering into the indoor space are suppressed. Therefore, the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioning system 100 during dehumidification operation is improved.

[0107] Furthermore, the surface of the third heat exchange section 23 facing the airflow generated by the indoor blower 220 differs between the first and second mounting configurations of the indoor heat exchanger 20. As a result, the length of the first refrigerant piping 401 between the fourth connection port 27 of the third heat exchange section 23 and the first connection port 24 of the first heat exchange section 21 does not differ significantly between the first and second mounting configurations. In other words, the extension of the first refrigerant piping 401 due to differences in the mounting configuration of the indoor heat exchanger 20 can be suppressed. Therefore, in a space where the orientation of the indoor unit housing 210 cannot be selected, the indoor unit housing 210 can be installed while suppressing the deterioration of the performance of the air conditioning system 100 caused by the arrangement of the refrigerant piping 400.

[0108] Embodiment 4. This embodiment will primarily describe the differences from Embodiments 1 to 3. The main difference between this embodiment and Embodiments 1 to 3 is the installation angle of the first heat exchange section 21 and the second heat exchange section 22 of the indoor heat exchanger 20. The same configurations as in Embodiments 1 to 3 will be omitted or simplified in this description.

[0109] Figure 22 schematically shows the wind speed distribution in the first mounting configuration of the indoor heat exchanger 20 according to Embodiment 4. Figure 23 schematically shows the wind speed distribution in the second mounting configuration of the indoor heat exchanger 20 according to Embodiment 4. As shown in Figures 22 and 23, the angle formed by a virtual line perpendicular to the first heat exchange section 21 and a virtual line perpendicular to the second heat exchange section 22 with respect to the horizontal V-shaped inner surface of the indoor heat exchanger 20 is called angle θ. The angle θ is between 90 degrees and 150 degrees. That is, in both the first and second mounting configurations of the indoor heat exchanger 20, the first heat exchange section 21 and the second heat exchange section 22 are arranged such that the angle θ is between 90 degrees and 150 degrees.

[0110] Regardless of whether the indoor heat exchanger 20 is installed in the first or second mounting configuration, by arranging the first heat exchange section 21 and the second heat exchange section 22 so that the angle θ is 90 degrees or more, a decrease in air conditioning capacity during cooling and dehumidifying operations due to uneven distribution of airflow velocity is suppressed. Furthermore, when the indoor heat exchanger 20 is installed in the first mounting configuration (see Figure 22), as the angle θ increases, the airflow velocity in the region near the top of the V-shape is higher, and the airflow velocity in the region further away from the top of the V-shape is lower. In other words, the airflow velocity decreases towards the top and bottom of the page in Figure 22. On the other hand, when the indoor heat exchanger 20 is installed in the second mounting configuration (see Figure 23), a more uniform airflow velocity distribution is formed compared to the first mounting configuration. This is because the effect of forming a U-shaped wind speed distribution in the airflow direction X, which is caused by the static pressure difference between the airflow before and after passing through the indoor heat exchanger 20, cancels out the effect of forming a U-shaped reverse wind speed distribution caused by the shear stress between the walls of the indoor unit housing 210. In this case, if θ becomes small, the heat transfer area will decrease, leading to a decrease in the heat exchange performance of the indoor heat exchanger 20. In this embodiment, by setting the angle θ to 90 degrees or more and 150 degrees or less, the heat exchange performance of the indoor heat exchanger 20 is maintained in both the first and second mounting configurations. Therefore, there is no difference in the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioning system 100 between the first and second mounting configurations of the indoor heat exchanger 20.

[0111] Embodiment 5. This embodiment will primarily describe the differences from Embodiments 1 to 4. The main difference between this embodiment and Embodiments 1 to 4 lies in the configuration of the indoor fan 220. Configurations similar to those in Embodiments 1 to 4 will be omitted or simplified in this description.

[0112] Figure 24 is a diagram illustrating a first aspect of the indoor blower 220 according to Embodiment 5. Figure 25 is a diagram illustrating a second aspect of the indoor blower 220 according to Embodiment 5. Figure 26 is a diagram illustrating a first aspect of another example of the indoor blower 220 according to Embodiment 5. Figure 27 is a diagram illustrating a second aspect of another example of the indoor blower 220 according to Embodiment 5.

[0113] In this embodiment, the indoor blower 220 is a centrifugal blower. For example, the indoor blower 220 shown in Figures 24 and 25 incorporates a multi-blade blower. Alternatively, the indoor blower 220 may be a turbo-type blower. When using a turbo-type blower, the same effect as when using a multi-blade blower can be obtained by changing the direction in which the turbo-type blower is installed and the direction in which the air is blown out from the turbo-type blower, as shown in Figures 26 and 27.

[0114] The indoor blower 220 can be installed inside the indoor unit housing 210 in either a first mode, which generates airflow toward the indoor heat exchanger 20, or a second mode, which generates airflow in the opposite direction to the direction in which the indoor heat exchanger 20 is located. That is, as shown in Figures 24 and 26, when the indoor blower 220 is installed in the indoor unit housing 210 in the first mode, the indoor blower 220 is installed upstream X1 of the indoor heat exchanger 20 in the airflow direction X. Also, as shown in Figures 25 and 27, when the indoor blower 220 is installed in the indoor unit housing 210 in the second mode, the indoor blower 220 is installed downstream X2 of the indoor heat exchanger 20 in the airflow direction X.

[0115] In the indoor unit housing 210 according to this embodiment, the mounting configuration of the indoor blower 220 can be selected from either the first configuration or the second configuration. Therefore, when installing the indoor unit housing 210 in a space where the direction of airflow is fixed but the orientation of the indoor unit housing 210 cannot be changed, the indoor blower 220 can be installed inside the indoor unit housing 210 in a mounting configuration that matches the direction of airflow. By doing so, it is not necessary to add an air duct 7000, as shown in Comparative Example 2 in Figure 16. Since the direction of the airflow generated by the indoor blower 220 can be changed by the mounting configuration of the indoor blower 220, the extension of the airflow path can be suppressed.

[0116] Furthermore, the indoor heat exchanger 20 can be installed inside the indoor unit housing 210 in either the first or second mounting configuration, but in either the first or second mounting configuration, the second heat exchange section 22 is provided below the first heat exchange section 21. Therefore, the mounting configuration of the indoor heat exchanger 20 is not limited by the mounting configuration of the indoor blower 220. In other words, in the air conditioning system 100 according to this embodiment, if there are restrictions on the connection direction of the refrigerant piping 400 and the direction of the airflow generated by the indoor blower 220 in the installation space of the indoor unit housing 210, the mounting configuration of the indoor heat exchanger 20 and the indoor blower 220 can be changed. Since the indoor heat exchanger 20 and the indoor blower 220 can be installed in the indoor unit housing 210 in accordance with the installation space of the indoor unit housing 210, the indoor unit housing 210 can be installed while suppressing a decrease in the performance of the air conditioning system 100 caused by the arrangement of the refrigerant piping 400 and the airflow direction X.

[0117] Embodiment 6. Figure 28 is a schematic diagram of the air conditioning system 100 according to Embodiment 6. Figure 29 is a diagram illustrating the indoor heat exchanger 20 according to Embodiment 6. In this embodiment, unlike Embodiments 1 to 5, the air conditioning system 100 includes a repeater 700. The same configuration as in Embodiments 1 to 5 will be omitted or simplified in the explanation.

[0118] As shown in Figure 28, the air conditioning system 100 of this embodiment consists of an indoor unit 200, an outdoor unit 500, refrigerant piping 400 which is a heat transfer medium, a relay unit 700, and water piping 800 which is a heat transfer medium. The relay unit 700 comprises a relay unit housing 710. Inside the relay unit housing 710 are an intermediate heat exchanger 70, a first throttling device 104, and a water pump 720. The intermediate heat exchanger 70 exchanges heat between the refrigerant, which is a heat transfer medium flowing through the refrigerant piping 400, and the water, which is a heat transfer medium flowing through the water piping 800. Note that the water, which is a heat transfer medium flowing through the water piping 800, may have additives such as antifreeze or brine added to it. The intermediate heat exchanger 70 comprises a first intermediate heat exchanger 71 and a second intermediate heat exchanger 72. In the following description, unless there is a need to specifically distinguish between the first intermediate heat exchanger 71 and the second intermediate heat exchanger 72, they will simply be referred to as "intermediate heat exchanger 70" as appropriate. Furthermore, when referred to as "intermediate heat exchanger 70," it includes both the first intermediate heat exchanger 71 and the second intermediate heat exchanger 72.

[0119] The water piping 800 includes a first water piping 801 connecting the first intermediate heat exchanger 71 to the first heat exchange section 21 of the indoor heat exchanger 20, and a second water piping 802 connecting the second intermediate heat exchanger 72 to the second heat exchange section 22 of the indoor heat exchanger 20. The water pump 720 includes a first water pump 721 provided in the first water piping 801, which supplies water, the heat transfer medium, to the first heat exchange section 21. The water pump 720 also includes a second water pump 722 provided in the second water piping 802, which supplies water, the heat transfer medium, to the second heat exchange section 22. The intermediate heat exchanger 70, the water pump 720, and the indoor heat exchanger 20 are connected by the water piping 800, thereby forming a water circuit through which water, the heat transfer medium, circulates. More specifically, the first intermediate heat exchanger 71, the first heat exchange section 21, and the first water pump 721 are connected by the first water piping 801, forming a single water circuit through which the heat transfer medium, water, circulates. Furthermore, the second intermediate heat exchanger 72, the second heat exchange section 22, and the second water pump 722 are connected by the second water piping 802, forming a single water circuit through which the heat transfer medium, water, circulates.

[0120] In Figure 28, a water pump 720 is provided inside the relay unit housing 710, but the installation location of the water pump 720 is not limited to the illustrated example. The water pump 720 may be provided, for example, inside the indoor unit housing 210. Furthermore, in the air conditioning system 100 according to this embodiment, the amount of heat exchanged in the intermediate heat exchanger 70 or the indoor heat exchanger 20 may be adjusted by adjusting the rotation speed of the water pump 720.

[0121] In this embodiment, a refrigerant circuit is formed in which the refrigerant, which is the heat transfer medium, circulates, by connecting the compressor 101, the flow path switching device 102, the outdoor heat exchanger 50, the second throttling device 105, the first intermediate heat exchanger 71, the first throttling device 104, and the second intermediate heat exchanger 72 by refrigerant piping 400. The configuration of the refrigerant circuit in this embodiment is the same as the configuration of the refrigerant circuits in embodiments 1 to 5, except that an intermediate heat exchanger 70 is provided instead of an indoor heat exchanger 20. Figure 28 shows an example of the refrigerant circuit of this embodiment, which has the same configuration as the refrigerant circuit described in embodiment 2. The explanation of the configuration common to embodiment 2 is omitted.

[0122] In this embodiment, in the refrigerant circuit, the first intermediate heat exchanger 71 functions similarly to the first heat exchange unit 21 in embodiments 1 to 5, and the second intermediate heat exchanger 72 functions similarly to the second heat exchange unit 22 in embodiments 1 to 5. The difference between the intermediate heat exchanger 70 in this embodiment and the indoor heat exchanger 20 in embodiments 1 to 5 is that the intermediate heat exchanger 70 performs heat exchange between the refrigerant, which is the heat transfer medium, and water, while the indoor heat exchanger 20 performs heat exchange between water, which is the heat transfer medium, and indoor air, which is the heat exchange fluid. In the indoor heat exchanger 20 in this embodiment, heat exchange takes place between indoor air and water, which is the heat transfer medium. That is, indoor air indirectly exchanges heat with the refrigerant via water.

[0123] During heating operation, the intermediate heat exchanger 70 functions as a condenser, with the first intermediate heat exchanger 71 and the second intermediate heat exchanger 72 acting as condensers. Heat exchange occurs between the refrigerant and water, heating the water. The water heated in the first intermediate heat exchanger 71 flows into the first heat exchange section 21 through the first water pipe 801. The water flowing into the first heat exchange section 21 supplies heat to the indoor air supplied by the indoor fan 220. As a result, the indoor air is heated. The water that has supplied heat to the indoor air in the first heat exchange section 21 flows back into the first intermediate heat exchanger 71 through the first water pipe 801 and the first water pump 721. The water heated in the second intermediate heat exchanger 72 flows into the second heat exchange section 22 through the second water pipe 802. The water flowing into the second heat exchange section 22 supplies heat to the indoor air supplied by the indoor fan 220. As a result, the indoor air is heated. The water that has supplied heat to the indoor air in the second heat exchanger 22 flows into the second intermediate heat exchanger 72 through the second water pipe 802 and the second water pump 722. During heating operation, this cycle is repeated in the water circuit.

[0124] Furthermore, during cooling operation, both the first intermediate heat exchanger 71 and the second intermediate heat exchanger 72 function as evaporators, and heat exchange occurs between the refrigerant and water, thereby cooling the water. The water cooled in the first intermediate heat exchanger 71 flows into the first heat exchange section 21 through the first water pipe 801. The water flowing into the first heat exchange section 21 absorbs heat from the indoor air supplied by the indoor fan 220. As a result, the indoor air is cooled. The water that has absorbed heat from the indoor air in the first heat exchange section 21 flows back into the first intermediate heat exchanger 71 through the first water pipe 801 and the first water pump 721. Also, the water cooled in the second intermediate heat exchanger 72 flows into the second heat exchange section 22 through the second water pipe 802. The water flowing into the second heat exchange section 22 absorbs heat from the indoor air supplied by the indoor fan 220. As a result, the indoor air is cooled. The water that has absorbed heat from the indoor air in the second heat exchanger 22 flows into the second intermediate heat exchanger 72 through the second water pipe 802 and the second water pump 722. During cooling operation, this cycle is repeated in the water circuit.

[0125] Furthermore, during dehumidification operation, the intermediate heat exchanger 70 functions with the first intermediate heat exchanger 71 acting as a condenser and the second intermediate heat exchanger 72 acting as an evaporator. In the first intermediate heat exchanger 71, which functions as a condenser, heat exchange occurs between the refrigerant and water, heating the water. The water heated in the first intermediate heat exchanger 71 flows into the first heat exchange section 21 through the first water pipe 801. The water that flows into the first heat exchange section 21 supplies heat to the indoor air supplied by the indoor blower 220. As a result, the indoor air is heated. The water that has supplied heat to the indoor air in the first heat exchange section 21 flows back into the first intermediate heat exchanger 71 through the first water pipe 801 and the first water pump 721. In addition, in the second intermediate heat exchanger 72, which functions as an evaporator, heat exchange occurs between the refrigerant and water, cooling the water. Furthermore, the water cooled in the second intermediate heat exchanger 72 flows into the second heat exchange section 22 through the second water pipe 802. The water flowing into the second heat exchange section 22 absorbs heat from the indoor air supplied by the indoor fan 220. As a result, the indoor air is cooled and the water vapor in the indoor air condenses. The water that has absorbed heat from the indoor air in the second heat exchange section 22 flows into the second intermediate heat exchanger 72 through the second water pipe 802 and the second water pump 722. During dehumidification operation, this cycle is repeated in the water circuit.

[0126] Next, the indoor heat exchanger 20 and indoor unit housing 210 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 29. Figure 29 shows the indoor heat exchanger 20 in the first mounting configuration. The differences between the indoor heat exchanger 20 according to this embodiment and the indoor heat exchanger 20 according to embodiments 1 to 5 are the water piping 800, the first connection port 24, and the second connection port 25. Also, the differences between the indoor unit housing 210 according to this embodiment and the indoor unit housing 210 according to embodiments 1 to 5 are the first opening 211a, the second opening 211b, the third opening 212a, and the fourth opening 212b.

[0127] The first heat exchange unit 21 has a first connection port 24 to which a first water pipe 801 through which water flowing into the first heat exchange unit 21 is connected, and a second connection port 24 through which a first water pipe 801 through which water flowing out of the first heat exchange unit 21 is connected. In other words, in this embodiment, the first heat exchange unit 21 is provided with two first connection ports 24. The second heat exchange unit 22 has a second connection port 25 through which a second water pipe 802 through which water flowing into the second heat exchange unit 22 is connected, and a second connection port 25 through which a second water pipe 802 through which water flowing out of the second heat exchange unit 22 is connected. In other words, in this embodiment, the second heat exchange unit 22 is provided with two second connection ports 25.

[0128] Furthermore, the first wall surface 211 of the indoor unit housing 210 is provided with a first opening 211a into which a first water pipe 801 through which water flowing into the first heat exchange section 21 is inserted, and a second opening 211b through which a first water pipe 801 through which water flowing out of the first heat exchange section 21 is inserted. In other words, in this embodiment, the indoor unit housing 210 is provided with two first openings 211a. Furthermore, the first wall surface 211 of the indoor unit housing 210 is provided with a second opening 211b into which a second water pipe 802 through which water flowing into the second heat exchange section 22 is inserted, and a second opening 211b through which a second water pipe 802 through which water flowing out of the second heat exchange section 22 is inserted. In other words, in this embodiment, the indoor unit housing 210 is provided with two second openings 211b. Therefore, in the first mounting configuration of the indoor heat exchanger 20, the first water pipe 801 and the second water pipe 802 are inserted into the indoor unit housing 210 from the front side Z1 of the indoor unit housing, in the same manner as the first refrigerant pipe 401 and the second refrigerant pipe 402 in embodiments 1 to 5.

[0129] Furthermore, the second wall surface 212 of the indoor unit housing 210 is provided with a third opening 212a into which a first water pipe 801 through which water flowing into the first heat exchange section 21 is inserted, and a third opening 212a through which a first water pipe 801 through which water flowing out of the first heat exchange section 21 is inserted. In other words, in this embodiment, the indoor unit housing 210 is provided with two third openings 212a. Furthermore, the second wall surface 212 of the indoor unit housing 210 is provided with a fourth opening 212b into which a second water pipe 802 through which water flowing into the second heat exchange section 22 is inserted, and a fourth opening 212b through which a second water pipe 802 through which water flowing out of the second heat exchange section 22 is inserted. In other words, in this embodiment, the indoor unit housing 210 is provided with two fourth openings 212b. Therefore, in the second mounting configuration of the indoor heat exchanger 20, the first water pipe 801 and the second water pipe 802 are inserted into the indoor unit housing 210 from the rear side Z2 of the indoor unit housing, in the same manner as the first refrigerant pipe 401 and the second refrigerant pipe 402 in embodiments 1 to 5.

[0130] As described above, the air conditioning system 100 according to this embodiment includes a compressor 101 and an outdoor heat exchanger 50 located inside an outdoor unit housing 510, an indoor heat exchanger 20 and an indoor blower 220 located inside an indoor unit housing 210, and water piping 800 connected to the indoor heat exchanger 20 as a heat transfer medium piping through which water, which is a heat transfer medium that directly exchanges heat with the indoor air, flows. The indoor heat exchanger 20 also includes a first heat exchange section 21 that heats the indoor air during dehumidification operation and a second heat exchange section 22 that cools the indoor air during dehumidification operation to condense water vapor in the indoor air. The indoor heat exchanger 20 is installed in the indoor unit housing 210 in either the first or second mounting configuration. The surface of the indoor heat exchanger 20 facing the airflow generated by the indoor blower 220 differs between the first and second mounting configurations. In both the first and second mounting configurations, the second heat exchange section 22 is located below the first heat exchange section 21. The water piping 800, which is the heat transfer medium piping, includes a first water piping 801 connected to the first heat exchange section 21 and a second water piping 802 connected to the second heat exchange section 22. Furthermore, the air conditioning system 100 according to this embodiment includes a first intermediate heat exchanger 701 connected to the compressor 101 and the outdoor heat exchanger 50 by refrigerant piping 400, which exchanges heat between the refrigerant, which is a heat transfer medium flowing through the refrigerant piping 400, and water, which is a heat transfer medium flowing through the first water piping 801; a second intermediate heat exchanger 702 connected to the compressor 101 and the outdoor heat exchanger 50 by refrigerant piping 400, which exchanges heat between the refrigerant, which is a heat transfer medium flowing through the refrigerant piping 400, and water, which is a heat transfer medium flowing through the second water piping 802; a first water pump 721 that circulates the water, which is a heat transfer medium, within the first water piping 801; and a second water pump 722 that circulates the water, which is a heat transfer medium, within the second water piping 802.

[0131] With this configuration, the air conditioning system 100 according to this embodiment allows the indoor heat exchanger 20 to be mounted in a manner that can be selected from a first mounting manner or a second mounting manner, just like the air conditioning system 100 according to embodiments 1 to 5. Therefore, even if there are limitations on the space in which the indoor unit housing 210 is installed, the water piping 800 can be connected to the indoor heat exchanger 20 without the need for either or both of the extension and / or bending of the water piping 800. Consequently, when installing the indoor unit housing 210 in a space where the orientation of the indoor unit housing 210 cannot be selected, the indoor heat exchanger 20 can be installed inside the indoor unit housing 210 using either the first mounting manner or the second mounting manner, thereby suppressing the deterioration of the air conditioning system 100's performance caused by the arrangement of the water piping 800.

[0132] Furthermore, the installation method for the air conditioning system 100 according to this embodiment includes a step of installing the indoor heat exchanger 20 in an installation configuration that shortens the length of the water pipe 800, which is a heat transfer medium pipe located between the relay unit housing 710 and the indoor heat exchanger 20, among the first and second installation configurations. That is, it includes a step of installing the indoor heat exchanger 20 in an installation configuration that shortens the length of the heat transfer medium pipe located between the outdoor unit housing 510 and the indoor heat exchanger 20. Therefore, even if there are limitations on the space in which the indoor unit housing 210 is installed and the orientation of the indoor unit housing 210 cannot be selected, the water pipe 800 between the relay unit housing 710 and the indoor heat exchanger 20 can be made shorter. Thus, in a space where the orientation of the indoor unit housing 210 cannot be selected, the indoor unit housing 210 can be installed while suppressing the deterioration of the air conditioning system 100's performance caused by the arrangement of the water pipe 800.

[0133] Although Embodiments 1 to 6 have been described above, the air conditioning system according to this disclosure is not limited to each embodiment and can be modified in various ways. For example, in each of the above embodiments, an air conditioning system 100 consisting of one indoor unit 200 and one outdoor unit 500 was described. However, the air conditioning system may have multiple indoor units or multiple outdoor units. Furthermore, in the air conditioning system 100 of this disclosure, the type of refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant circuit is not particularly limited, and various refrigerants can be used. For example, with R32 refrigerant, or refrigerants including R410A or at least olefin-based refrigerants, propane, and refrigerants with a lower gas density than R32 refrigerant, such as DME (dimethyl ether), the decrease in refrigerant circulation volume due to the low pressure of the refrigerant intake of the compressor 101 can be suppressed. Therefore, by using refrigerants that can suppress this decrease in refrigerant circulation volume, the deterioration of the performance of the air conditioning system 100 can be further suppressed. [Explanation of symbols]

[0134] 20, 20a, 20b Indoor heat exchanger, 21, 21a, 21b First heat exchange section, 22, 22a, 22b Second heat exchange section, 23 Third heat exchange section, 24, 24a, 24b First connection port, 25, 25a, 25b Second connection port, 26 Third connection port, 27 Fourth connection port, 28 Diverter header, 29 Confluence header, 30 Circular pipe, 31 Flat pipe, 50 Outdoor heat exchanger, 70 Intermediate heat exchanger, 71 First intermediate heat exchanger, 72 Second intermediate heat exchanger, 100 Air conditioning system, 101 Compressor, 102 Flow path switching device, 103 Control device, 104 First throttling device, 105 Second throttling device, 106 Filter, 200 Indoor unit, 210 Indoor unit housing, 211 First wall surface, 211a First opening, 211b Second opening, 212 Second wall surface, 212a Third opening, 212b Fourth opening, 213 Bottom surface, 213b-1 Second opening, 213b-2 Fourth opening, 214 Top surface, 214a-1 First opening, 214a-2 Third opening, 220 Indoor blower, 230, 230a, 230b Side plate, 231, 231a, 231b Side plate fixing part, 240 Fixing plate, 250 Temperature measuring device, 260 Saturation temperature measuring device, 400 Refrigerant piping, 401 First refrigerant piping, 402 Second refrigerant piping, 403 Third refrigerant piping, 404 Fourth refrigerant piping, 405 Fifth refrigerant piping, 411 First branch section, 412 Second branch section, 413 Third branch section, 414 Fourth branch section, 421 1st shut-off valve, 422 2nd shut-off valve, 500 Outdoor unit, 510 Outdoor unit housing, 520 Outdoor fan, 700 Repeater unit, 710 Repeater unit housing, 720 Water pump, 721 1st water pump, 722 2nd water pump, 800 Heat transfer fluid piping, 801 1st heat transfer fluid piping, 802 2nd heat transfer fluid piping, 2000 Indoor unit, 2006 Filter, 2010 1st heat exchange section, 2020 2nd heat exchange section, 2100 Indoor unit housing, 2110 1st wall surface, 2110a 1st opening, 2110b 2nd opening, 2120 2nd wall surface, 2120a 3rd opening, 2120b 4th opening, 2200 Indoor fan, 2400 1st connection port, 2500 2nd connection port, 4010 1st refrigerant piping, 4020 Second refrigerant piping, 6000 wall, 6001 wall hole, 7000 air passage duct, AX rotation axis, FI inflow direction, FO1 first outflow direction, FO2 second outflow direction, PPT1, PPT1a, PPT1b first point on side plate, PPT2, PPT2a, PPT2bSecond point on the side plate, PPT3, PPT3a, PPT3b Third point on the side plate, SL1 First virtual line, SL2 Second virtual line, SL3 Third virtual line, VL1 First virtual line, VL2 Second virtual line, VL3 Third virtual line, VL4 Fourth virtual line, VO Virtual intersection, VP1a First virtual point, VP1b Second virtual point, VP2a Third virtual point, VP2b Fourth virtual point, VP3a Fifth virtual point, VP3b Sixth virtual point, VP4a Seventh virtual point, VP4b Eighth virtual point, X Airflow direction, X1 Upstream side of airflow direction, X2 Downstream side of airflow direction, Y Vertical direction, Z Depth direction, Z1 Front side of indoor unit housing, Z2 Rear side of indoor unit housing, θ Angle.

Claims

1. A compressor and an outdoor heat exchanger are installed inside the outdoor unit enclosure, An indoor heat exchanger and an indoor blower are installed inside the indoor unit housing, A heat transfer medium pipe connected to the aforementioned indoor heat exchanger, through which a heat transfer medium that directly exchanges heat with indoor air flows, A first throttle device provided inside the indoor unit housing, The compressor, the outdoor heat exchanger, the indoor heat exchanger, and the first throttling device are connected, and the refrigerant piping through which the refrigerant flows as the heat transfer medium is connected, Equipped with, The aforementioned indoor heat exchanger is A first heat exchange unit that heats the indoor air during dehumidification operation, A second heat exchange unit that cools the indoor air during the dehumidification operation to condense the water vapor in the indoor air. It has, The indoor heat exchanger is provided in the indoor unit housing in either the first or second mounting configuration. The surface of the indoor heat exchanger facing the airflow generated by the indoor fan differs between the first mounting configuration and the second mounting configuration. In both the first and second mounting configurations, the second heat exchange section is provided below the first heat exchange section. The heat transfer medium piping is part of the refrigerant piping, The first heat exchange section of the indoor heat exchanger functions as a condenser during dehumidification operation. The second heat exchange section of the indoor heat exchanger functions as an evaporator during the dehumidification operation. The aforementioned refrigerant piping is A first refrigerant pipe is provided between the outdoor unit housing and the first heat exchange section, A second refrigerant pipe is provided between the outdoor unit housing and the second heat exchange section. Includes, The aforementioned indoor unit housing is In the first mounting configuration, a first wall surface having a first opening through which the first refrigerant piping passes and a second opening through which the second refrigerant piping passes, In the second mounting configuration, the second wall surface has a third opening through which the first refrigerant piping passes, and a fourth opening through which the second refrigerant piping passes. It has, The first wall surface and the second wall surface are facing each other. Air conditioning system.

2. A compressor and an outdoor heat exchanger provided inside the outdoor unit housing, An indoor heat exchanger and an indoor blower are installed inside the indoor unit housing, A heat transfer medium pipe connected to the aforementioned indoor heat exchanger, through which a heat transfer medium that directly exchanges heat with indoor air flows, A first throttle device provided inside the indoor unit housing, The compressor, the outdoor heat exchanger, the indoor heat exchanger, and the first throttling device are connected, and the refrigerant piping through which the refrigerant flows as the heat transfer medium is connected, Equipped with, The aforementioned indoor heat exchanger is A first heat exchange unit that heats the indoor air during dehumidification operation, A second heat exchange unit that cools the indoor air during the dehumidification operation to condense the water vapor in the indoor air. It has, The indoor heat exchanger is provided in the indoor unit housing in either the first or second mounting configuration. The surface of the indoor heat exchanger facing the airflow generated by the indoor fan differs between the first mounting configuration and the second mounting configuration. In both the first and second mounting configurations, the second heat exchange section is provided below the first heat exchange section. The heat transfer medium piping is part of the refrigerant piping, The first heat exchange section of the indoor heat exchanger functions as a condenser during dehumidification operation. The second heat exchange section of the indoor heat exchanger functions as an evaporator during the dehumidification operation. The aforementioned refrigerant piping is A first refrigerant pipe is provided between the outdoor unit housing and the first heat exchange section, A second refrigerant pipe is provided between the outdoor unit housing and the second heat exchange section. Includes, The aforementioned indoor unit housing is In the first mounting configuration, a first wall surface having a first wall opening through which one of the first refrigerant pipe and the second refrigerant pipe passes, In the second mounting embodiment, one of the first refrigerant piping and the second refrigerant piping has a second wall surface having a second wall surface opening, A third wall having a third wall opening and a fourth wall opening through which the other of the first refrigerant pipe and the second refrigerant pipe passes. It has, The first wall and the second wall face each other and are connected by the third wall. Air conditioning system.

3. The first heat exchange section has a first connection port to which the first refrigerant piping is connected. The second heat exchange section has a second connection port to which the second refrigerant piping is connected. The first heat exchange section and the second heat exchange section are installed within the indoor unit housing such that the cross-section along the vertical direction of the indoor heat exchanger is a horizontal V-shape. The aforementioned indoor heat exchanger is In the first mounting configuration, the V-shaped inner surface faces the airflow, In the second mounting configuration, the V-shaped outer surface faces the airflow, In the first projection view obtained by projecting the indoor heat exchanger in the first mounting configuration horizontally onto the first wall surface, and the second projection view obtained by projecting the indoor heat exchanger in the second mounting configuration horizontally onto the first wall surface, The first imaginary line is a straight line connecting a first imaginary point, which is any point in the first heat exchange section in the first projection view, and a second imaginary point, which is any point in the first heat exchange section in the second projection view. The second imaginary line is a straight line connecting a third imaginary point, which is any point on the first heat exchange unit in the first projection view, and a fourth imaginary point, which is the same arbitrary point on the first heat exchange unit in the second projection view. The third imaginary line is a straight line connecting the fifth imaginary point, which is any point in the first heat exchange section in the first projection view, and the sixth imaginary point, which is any point in the first heat exchange section in the second projection view. The fourth imaginary line is a straight line connecting the seventh imaginary point, which is any point in the first heat exchange section in the first projection view, and the eighth imaginary point, which is any point in the first heat exchange section in the second projection view. The first virtual line, the second virtual line, the third virtual line, and the fourth virtual line are parallel to each other. An air conditioning device according to claim 1 or claim 2.

4. The angle between the imaginary line perpendicular to the first heat exchange portion and the imaginary line perpendicular to the second heat exchange portion, with respect to the inner circumferential surface of the V-shape, is between 90 degrees and 150 degrees. The air conditioning device according to claim 3.

5. The refrigerant piping further includes a third refrigerant piping provided between the first heat exchange section and the second heat exchange section, The first refrigerant piping has a first branch section, The second refrigerant piping has a second branch section, The third refrigerant piping has a third branch and a fourth branch, The first throttling device is provided between the third branch and the fourth branch, The aforementioned refrigerant piping is A fourth refrigerant pipe connecting the first branch section and the fourth branch section, A fifth refrigerant pipe connecting the third branch and the second branch, Includes, A first on / off valve is provided in the fourth refrigerant piping. A second on-off valve is provided in the fifth refrigerant piping. An air conditioning device according to claim 1 or claim 2.

6. During cooling operation, the outdoor heat exchanger functions as a condenser, and the first heat exchange section and the second heat exchange section function as evaporators. The first branch section is provided such that, during the cooling operation, the dot product of the vector in the direction of refrigerant inflow and the vector in the direction of gravity is negative. The air conditioning device according to claim 5.

7. Further equipped with a control device, During cooling operation, the outdoor heat exchanger functions as a condenser, and the first heat exchange section and the second heat exchange section function as evaporators. The control device, during the cooling operation, The first and second on-off valves are opened. The first aperture device is closed. The air conditioning device according to claim 5.

8. Control device and A second throttle device provided in the first refrigerant piping, A temperature measuring device is provided in the refrigerant piping between the second branch section and the suction side of the compressor during the dehumidification operation, A saturation temperature measuring device provided in the refrigerant piping between the fourth branch and the second branch, or in the refrigerant piping between the second branch and the suction side of the compressor during dehumidification operation. Furthermore, it is equipped with The air conditioning device according to claim 5.

9. The control device, during the dehumidification operation, The first and second on-off valves are closed. The first aperture device and the second aperture device are set to the open state. The opening of the first throttle device is adjusted so that the refrigerant flowing out of the second heat exchange unit becomes superheated vapor. The air conditioning device according to claim 8.

10. The first heat exchange section and the second heat exchange section are provided with a fixing plate that fixes and integrates them, The indoor unit housing is provided with an openable and closable opening for removing the integrated first heat exchange section and the second heat exchange section from the indoor unit housing. An air conditioning device according to claim 1 or claim 2.

11. A compressor and an outdoor heat exchanger provided inside the outdoor unit housing, An indoor heat exchanger and an indoor blower are installed inside the indoor unit housing, A heat transfer medium pipe connected to the aforementioned indoor heat exchanger, through which a heat transfer medium that directly exchanges heat with indoor air flows, A first throttle device provided inside the indoor unit housing, The compressor, the outdoor heat exchanger, the indoor heat exchanger, and the first throttling device are connected, and the refrigerant piping through which the refrigerant flows as the heat transfer medium is connected, Equipped with, The aforementioned indoor heat exchanger is A first heat exchange unit that heats the indoor air during dehumidification operation, A second heat exchange unit that cools the indoor air during the dehumidification operation to condense the water vapor in the indoor air. It has, The indoor heat exchanger is provided in the indoor unit housing in either the first or second mounting configuration. The surface of the indoor heat exchanger facing the airflow generated by the indoor fan differs between the first mounting configuration and the second mounting configuration. In both the first and second mounting configurations, the second heat exchange section is provided below the first heat exchange section. The heat transfer medium piping is part of the refrigerant piping, The first heat exchange section of the indoor heat exchanger functions as a condenser during dehumidification operation. The second heat exchange section of the indoor heat exchanger functions as an evaporator during the dehumidification operation. The second heat exchange section is provided with a side plate that fixes it to the bottom surface of the indoor unit housing, The position at which the side plate is fixed to the bottom surface differs between the first mounting configuration and the second mounting configuration. Air conditioning system.

12. The indoor heat exchanger can be rotated 180 degrees around a virtual axis of rotation extending vertically, thereby changing its mounting configuration between the first and second mounting configurations. If any three points on the aforementioned side plate are designated as the first point, second point, and third point, The first virtual line is the line connecting the first point in the first mounting configuration and the first point in the second mounting configuration. The second virtual line is the line connecting the second point in the first mounting configuration and the second point in the second mounting configuration. The third virtual line is the line connecting the third point in the first mounting configuration and the third point in the second mounting configuration. When viewed in the axial direction of the aforementioned virtual axis of rotation, the first virtual line, the second virtual line, and the third virtual line intersect at a single point. The air conditioning device according to claim 11.

13. A compressor and an outdoor heat exchanger provided inside the outdoor unit housing, An indoor heat exchanger and an indoor blower are installed inside the indoor unit housing, A heat transfer medium pipe connected to the aforementioned indoor heat exchanger, through which a heat transfer medium that directly exchanges heat with indoor air flows, A first throttle device provided inside the indoor unit housing, The compressor, the outdoor heat exchanger, the indoor heat exchanger, and the first throttling device are connected, and the refrigerant piping through which the refrigerant flows as the heat transfer medium is connected, Equipped with, The aforementioned indoor heat exchanger is A first heat exchange unit that heats the indoor air during dehumidification operation, A second heat exchange unit that cools the indoor air during the dehumidification operation to condense the water vapor in the indoor air. It has, The indoor heat exchanger is provided in the indoor unit housing in either the first or second mounting configuration. The surface of the indoor heat exchanger facing the airflow generated by the indoor fan differs between the first mounting configuration and the second mounting configuration. In both the first and second mounting configurations, the second heat exchange section is provided below the first heat exchange section. The heat transfer medium piping is part of the refrigerant piping, The first heat exchange section of the indoor heat exchanger functions as a condenser during dehumidification operation. The second heat exchange section of the indoor heat exchanger functions as an evaporator during the dehumidification operation. The indoor heat exchanger further includes a third heat exchange section located upstream of the first heat exchange section in the direction of the refrigerant flow during the dehumidification operation, In both the first and second mounting configurations, the third heat exchange section is provided downstream of the first and second heat exchange sections in the airflow. The surface of the third heat exchanger facing the airflow differs between the first and second mounting configurations. Air conditioning system.

14. The aforementioned indoor fan is a centrifugal fan. The centrifugal blower is, It is installed in either a first mode that generates the airflow toward the indoor heat exchanger, or a second mode that generates the airflow toward the centrifugal blower from the indoor heat exchanger. An air conditioning device according to claim 1, claim 2, claim 11, or claim 13.

15. A method for installing an air conditioning system according to claim 1, claim 2, claim 11, or claim 13, The method includes a step of installing the indoor heat exchanger in one of the first and second mounting configurations, wherein the length of the heat transfer fluid piping located between the outdoor unit housing and the indoor heat exchanger is shortened. Installation methods for air conditioning systems.

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