What measurement is used for determining superheat?

Superheat refers to the temperature of a vapor above its saturation temperature at a given pressure. This measurement is critical in refrigeration and HVAC systems as it helps ensure that the refrigerant is completely vaporized before it enters the compressor, preventing compressor damage and inefficiencies.

The correct way to calculate superheat is by taking the actual temperature of the vapor refrigerant at the evaporator outlet and subtracting the saturated temperature of the refrigerant corresponding to the same pressure. This gives us the superheat value, which indicates how much the vapor's temperature exceeds the saturation point.

Saturated temperatures are determined by the pressure of the refrigerant, and this temperature defines the point at which the refrigerant will start condensing. Therefore, using the actual temperature minus the saturated temperature provides a precise measurement of the thermal energy above saturation, essential for optimal system performance.

This concept underlines the importance of maintaining adequate superheat to ensure that the refrigerant remains in a vapor state as it reaches the compressor, helping to prevent mechanical failure and improve system efficiency.