When the unit is running, is the refrigerant temperature equal to the evaporator temperature?

In a refrigeration cycle, the refrigerant temperature is not necessarily equal to the evaporator temperature while the unit is running. This is because the refrigerant undergoes phase changes and heat transfer processes as it circulates through the system.

When the refrigerant enters the evaporator, it starts at a lower temperature than the evaporator surface. As it absorbs heat from the environment, it changes state from a low-temperature liquid to a vapor. However, the temperature of the refrigerant can be higher than the evaporator temperature due to two main factors:

1. Superheating: Once the refrigerant has completely evaporated, it continues to absorb heat from the surrounding air, which raises its temperature above the saturation temperature corresponding to its pressure. This state is known as superheating.

2. Saturation Temperature: The evaporator temperature is specifically the temperature at which the refrigerant boils (changes from liquid to vapor) under the given pressure in the evaporator. If the refrigerant is superheated, its temperature will exceed this saturation temperature.

The refrigerant's temperature reflects both its current state and the amount of heat energy it has absorbed, distinguishing it from the evaporator temperature.

Therefore, the answer that states "No