What is the process called when heat is removed from a saturated liquid refrigerant?

When heat is removed from a saturated liquid refrigerant, the process is referred to as subcooling. In subcooling, the refrigerant is cooled below its saturation temperature at a given pressure, which means that it transitions from the saturated liquid state to a subcooled liquid state. This is crucial for efficient refrigeration cycles because it allows the refrigerant to absorb more heat later in the process.

In the context of refrigeration systems, subcooling improves the overall efficiency and performance of the system by ensuring that the refrigerant is completely in the liquid phase before it enters the expansion device. This prevents the formation of vapor bubbles that could reduce the cooling capacity and effectiveness of the system.

Other processes mentioned, such as superheat and condensation, involve different phases of the refrigerant's heat transfer. Superheating refers to heating a refrigerant beyond its boiling point, while condensation is the phase change from vapor to liquid when the refrigerant releases heat at a constant temperature. Expansion refers to the process where the refrigerant pressure and temperature drop without heat transfer, often occurring after it exits the expansion valve. In contrast, subcooling specifically pertains to the reduction of heat in a saturated liquid.