In the evaporator, what type of heat is transferred from the refrigerated space to the refrigerant?

In the evaporator, the primary function is to absorb heat from the refrigerated space and transfer it to the refrigerant, which is in a low-pressure state. The heat transfer occurring here is primarily categorized as latent heat. Latent heat refers to the energy absorbed or released by a substance during a phase change without changing its temperature.

As the refrigerant passes through the evaporator coils, it absorbs heat from the surrounding air inside the refrigerated space, causing the refrigerant to evaporate from a liquid to a gas. This process requires energy in the form of heat and is fundamental to the refrigeration cycle. The absorbed latent heat is essential because it allows the refrigerant to change its state while efficiently removing heat from the space being cooled.

Understanding the distinction is crucial: while sensible heat involves temperature changes without a phase change, latent heat specifically refers to the heat involved in changing a substance's state (like from liquid to gas). In the context of the evaporator, the focus on latent heat highlights the importance of phase changes in transferring energy and maintaining the cooling process.