Which type of vapor is typically used in refrigeration systems to carry away heat?

In refrigeration systems, superheated vapor is a critical component because it is the form of refrigerant that carries away heat most efficiently after it has absorbed heat from the environment or the refrigerating space.

When a refrigerant evaporates in the evaporator coil, it changes from a liquid to a vapor as it absorbs heat. To maximize the heat absorption process, this vapor needs to remain at a temperature higher than that of the boiling point at the given pressure. By being in a superheated state, the vapor ensures that it is entirely gaseous and not mixed with any liquid, which enhances its ability to absorb heat.

In the cycle, once the refrigerant has reached the compressor, it is compressed into a superheated vapor before being expelled into the condenser, where it dissipates the heat it absorbed. This process aids in maintaining lower temperatures within the refrigerated spaces by effectively moving heat from one location to another.

While saturated vapor can also carry heat, it contains a balance of liquid and gas phases, which may not be as efficient for heat transfer in all circumstances as superheated vapor is. Subcooled liquid and cold liquid states are primarily involved in the cooling phase, rather than heat transfer, making them less suitable for this function in a refrigeration