In the compression refrigeration cycle, at what point is the refrigerant superheated?

In the compression refrigeration cycle, the refrigerant is superheated after it has fully evaporated in the evaporator and before it enters the compressor. This process occurs at the point where the refrigerant vapor exits the evaporator.

During this phase, the refrigerant absorbs heat from the environment, causing it to change from a liquid state to a vapor state. If the refrigerant continues to absorb heat beyond the saturation point after it has evaporated, it becomes superheated. This condition is crucial because superheating the refrigerant prevents any liquid from entering the compressor, which could cause damage. Thus, by ensuring that the refrigerant is superheated at the outlet of the evaporator, the system operates efficiently and safely.

The other points in the cycle either refer to states of the refrigerant before it becomes superheated or to conditions in the condenser, where the refrigerant is in the process of rejecting heat and condensing back to a liquid.