Where in the refrigeration cycle can superheated vapor be found?

Superheated vapor can be found at the compressor inlet and outlet within the refrigeration cycle. Specifically, when refrigerant gas is compressed in the compressor, it not only increases the pressure but also raises the temperature of the gas further above its saturation temperature, resulting in superheated vapor.

This state is crucial for the efficiency of the refrigeration process because it prevents liquid refrigerant from entering the compressor, which can cause damage. The compressor inlet typically has vapor with some degree of superheat because it ensures that the refrigerant is entirely in the vapor phase when it enters the compressor.

At the compressor outlet, the refrigerant also exits as a superheated vapor, especially if the system is running under normal conditions. This vapor then moves to the condenser where it will undergo heat rejection and eventually condense into liquid refrigerant.

Other locations mentioned, such as the condenser outlet, evaporator inlet, and expansion valve, do not typically represent points where superheated vapor is present, as these states are usually characterized by the refrigerant being in liquid or subcooled states rather than superheated vapor.