In refrigeration terms, what does "superheat" refer to?

Superheat refers to the additional heat that is added to a refrigerant vapor after it has completely evaporated. This process occurs in the evaporator section of a refrigeration cycle and signifies that the refrigerant is in a gaseous state and is now being heated beyond its saturation temperature. The significance of superheat is that it ensures the refrigerant is completely in a vapor state before it enters the compressor. This is crucial for preventing liquid refrigerant from entering the compressor, which could lead to damage or inefficiency.

In operational terms, superheat is important for optimizing system performance. By monitoring superheat levels, technicians can assess whether the evaporator is functioning efficiently and determine if there is an adequate supply of refrigerant vapor. Understanding superheat is essential for diagnosing potential issues in a refrigeration system and making necessary adjustments for peak performance.