What does 'superheat' refer to in refrigeration systems?

Superheat in refrigeration systems refers to the temperature of the refrigerant vapor above its boiling point. This concept is crucial because it indicates that the refrigerant has been heated beyond the temperature at which it would normally condense back into liquid. Understanding superheat is essential for technicians, as it directly relates to the efficiency and performance of a refrigeration system.

When a refrigerant evaporates in the evaporator coils, it absorbs heat from the environment and changes phase from liquid to vapor. The superheating of this vapor is important because it helps ensure that the refrigerant is entirely in gas form when it enters the compressor. If the refrigerant were to contain liquid, it could cause compressor damage and reduced efficiency. Managing superheat levels ensures optimal operation and longevity of the refrigeration system, leading to better performance and reliability.

The other options do not address the specific relationship between temperature and phase change in refrigerants, making them less relevant in the context of superheat definition and significance in refrigeration systems.