Integrated space conditioning and water heating/cooling systems and methods thereto

A variable refrigerant flow (VRF) conditioning system comprising:

• an outdoor unit comprising a compressor, a condenser coil, and a fan;
• a water heater coupled to the outdoor unit;
• a first air conditioning unit coupled to the outdoor unit;
• a second air conditioning unit coupled to the outdoor unit, wherein the second air conditioning unit is configured to operate in an air heating mode and an air cooling mode independent of the first air conditioning unit;
• and
• a controller configured to:
• determine that a cooling operation mode is active during a first time interval;
• cause vapor refrigerant to be directed from the outdoor unit to the water heater and liquid refrigerant to be directed from the outdoor unit to the first air conditioning unit, such that the water heater heats water and the first air conditioning unit simultaneously outputs cooled air during the first time interval;
• determine that a heating operation mode is active during a second time interval;
• and
• cause the vapor refrigerant to be directed from the outdoor unit to both the water heater and the first air conditioning unit, such that the water heater heats the water and the first air conditioning unit simultaneously outputs heated air during the second time interval.

A variable refrigerant flow (VRF) conditioning system comprising:

• an outdoor unit comprising a compressor, a condenser coil, and a fan;
• a water heater coupled to the outdoor unit;
• a first air conditioning unit coupled to the outdoor unit;
• and
• a controller configured to:
• determine that a cooling operation mode is active during a first time interval;
• cause vapor refrigerant to be directed from the outdoor unit to the water heater and liquid refrigerant to be directed from the outdoor unit to the first air conditioning unit, such that the water heater heats water and the first air conditioning unit simultaneously outputs cooled air during the first time interval;
• determine that a heating operation mode is active during a second time interval;
• cause the vapor refrigerant to be directed from the outdoor unit to both the water heater and the first air conditioning unit, such that the water heater heats the water and the first air conditioning unit simultaneously outputs heated air during the second time interval;
• and
• cause, during the first time interval, heat energy extracted from the liquid refrigerant to be directed to the water heater.