What is the term used for adding heat to a saturated refrigerant gas?

The correct term for adding heat to a saturated refrigerant gas is "Superheat (SH)." When a refrigerant gas is in a saturated state, it is at a temperature and pressure where it can exist as both a liquid and a gas. By adding heat to this saturated refrigerant gas, you increase its temperature beyond its boiling point, effectively moving it into a superheated state. This process is critical in refrigeration cycles, as superheated gas is necessary for efficient operation in the compressor, ensuring that no liquid refrigerant enters, which could cause damage.

In contrast, subcooling (typically associated with moving a liquid refrigerant below its saturation temperature) refers to reducing the temperature of a liquid refrigerant below its boiling point without changing its pressure. Condensation involves the phase change from a gas to a liquid as a refrigerant releases heat, while evaporation is the process where a liquid refrigerant absorbs heat and turns into a gas. Understanding these distinctions is essential for anyone studying thermodynamics and refrigeration cycles.