Final answer:
The advantage of using an electronic expansion valve in close-coupled heat pumps is improved system efficiency and performance through precise metering of refrigerant flow.
Step-by-step explanation:
An advantage of using an electronic expansion valve in close-coupled (package unit) heat pumps is that it allows for precise metering of refrigerant. The electronic expansion valve can adjust the flow of refrigerant based on the specific cooling or heating needs of the system, resulting in improved system efficiency and performance.
For example, if the heat pump requires less cooling, the electronic expansion valve can reduce the amount of refrigerant flowing through the system, thus saving energy. On the other hand, if the heat pump needs more cooling, the valve can increase the refrigerant flow to meet the demand. This flexibility and control over the refrigerant flow ultimately leads to better temperature regulation and energy efficiency.