What is the term for the temperature difference between the refrigerant boiling in the evaporator and the outlet temperature?

The temperature difference between the refrigerant boiling in the evaporator and the outlet temperature is known as evaporator superheat. This is an important concept in refrigeration systems, particularly because it indicates how much heat has been absorbed by the refrigerant after it has transitioned from a liquid to a vapor state within the evaporator.

Evaporator superheat occurs when the refrigerant vaporizes, and its temperature rises above the boiling point at a given pressure. This is significant because it ensures that only vapor enters the compressor, preventing liquid slugging, which can cause mechanical damage to the compressor. Understanding and controlling evaporator superheat is critical for efficient system operation, helping to optimize cooling performance and ensure energy efficiency.

In terms of context, latent heat refers to the heat energy absorbed or released during phase changes without altering temperature, while sub-cooling is the process where refrigerant liquids are cooled below their condensing temperature. Sublimation refers to the phase transition from solid to gas without passing through a liquid state. These terms pertain to different aspects of thermodynamics and refrigeration processes and do not describe the specific temperature difference highlighted in the question.