KXZ3 Series R32 VRF Outdoor Unit

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  • 2025

  • Engineering

Designed In:

Japan

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries KXZ3 Series is a high performance VRF outdoor unit for air conditioning systems featuring multiple indoor units in commercial or industrial buildings. Lower GWP R32 refrigerant and redesigned mechanical components including the compressor deliver improved efficiency. Engineered to be unobtrusive and to blend seamlessly into modern architecture.


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  • CHALLENGE
  • SOLUTION
  • IMPACT
  • MORE
  • KXZ3 design goal was to create a high-performance unit with excellent specifications, user-friendliness, and seamless integration into various environments, while reducing the climate impact of our product by utilising lower GWP R32 refrigerant. KXZ3 series needed to embody technological innovation and design considerations to make air conditioning more efficient, more aesthetically pleasing, with lower CO2 emissions and optimised serviceability features for installers. The final design combined high performance specifications, with easy serviceability, a smaller more compact footprint, and improved external aesthetics, all while balancing these with intricate manufacturing requirements and delivering a commercially viable unit for mass production.

  • Using customer feedback, competitor analysis and research, the completely redesigned structure (heat exchanger, airflow paths) and components (compressors, fans) distinguish the KXZ3 from previous KX models and competitors. The single fan reduces the unit footprint by 28% (compared to KXZ2). Optimised compressor, airflow structure, and revised heat exchanger significantly improved efficiency. Distinctive design features including the blue front strip, smooth external surfaces, and angled fin guards that align perfectly with multiple units supported KXZ3’s seamless, aesthetically pleasing design objective. Team also repositioned the control box to the mid-upper part of the unit and improved accessibility to achieve better serviceability.

  • KXZ3 uses R32 refrigerant reducing CO2 emissions by approximately 70% compared to previous models and competitor units that use R410A refrigerant. Energy efficiency was improved through the optimised fan and airflow path design, the R32 scroll compressor, the heat exchanger with small heat transfer tubes, and advanced variable temperature and capacity control. Improved design saw the unit footprint reduce by 28% compared to KXZ2, reducing the space required for installation. Blue-coated fins on the heat exchanger increase resistance against corrosion, extending the service life of the product. Material choices and the dismountable design also make the KXZ3 easier to recycle.

  • The new design of the KXZ3 delivers 6 key design features to VRF units used for commercial applications: Reduced emissions – R32 as a lower GWP refrigerant reduces CO2 emissions by about 70% Design Flexibility – smaller footprint by 28% compared to KXZ2, reducing installation space needed and is ideal for constructions where space is a premium. New external design features are more complimentary to building design, with a flat, sleek finish. KXZ3 also features a variety of connectable indoor units and comes with a complete range of safety mechanisms. Improved Energy Efficiency – Overall efficiency has increased as a Series. Advanced efficiency features were delivered with optimised fan and airflow path design and R32 scroll compressor. Redesign of heat exchanger with small heat transfer tubes, increased contact surface area and helped improve efficiency. Unit features advanced variable temperature and capacity control (VTCC+). Wellness and Comfort – Advanced continuous heating enables non-stop heating during defrost operation with hot gas bypass and four step capacity control. Durability – Blue fin protection provides strengthened resistance against corrosion & frost. Design improvements extend the life and overall efficiency for KXZ3. Serviceability – Higher position and improved access to the control box makes on-going maintenance and servicing easier to complete