What happens to refrigerant during the subcooling process?

During the subcooling process, the refrigerant is cooled below its saturation point while it remains in the liquid state. This means that the refrigerant is held at a temperature lower than that at which it would normally boil at a given pressure. The primary purpose of subcooling is to ensure that only liquid refrigerant enters the expansion device, improving system efficiency and reducing the likelihood of refrigerant vapor reaching the compressor, which could lead to damage or inefficient operation.

Subcooling occurs after the refrigerant has already condensed, indicating that it has transitioned from a vapor to a liquid phase. By cooling this liquid further, the system maximizes the amount of refrigerant available for heat absorption in the evaporator. This process is crucial for the optimal performance of refrigeration systems and enhances overall energy efficiency.