Refrigeration fundamentals: During subcooling (liquid cooling below its saturation temperature at condenser pressure), is sensible heat removed from the liquid refrigerant?

Introduction / Context:
Subcooling is a common technique in vapour-compression systems to improve capacity and avoid flashing in the liquid line. Knowing what type of heat is removed clarifies enthalpy changes and energy balances across system components.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Liquid refrigerant leaves the condenser at saturation temperature corresponding to condenser pressure.
• It is further cooled below this saturation temperature at essentially constant pressure.
• No phase change occurs during subcooling.

Concept / Approach:
Sensible heat refers to temperature change without phase change. During subcooling, the refrigerant temperature decreases below saturation at the same pressure, so the removed energy is sensible heat. This lowers the enthalpy at the expansion device inlet and increases the refrigeration effect per kilogram in the evaporator.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
On a pressure–enthalpy (p–h) diagram, subcooling is a leftward movement along the liquid line below the saturated liquid point. The enthalpy change directly shows sensible heat removal.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Phase change is not involved in subcooling; therefore it is not latent heat removal.Throttling and evaporation are separate processes; subcooling occurs before the expansion device.Two-phase region is avoided during subcooling; the fluid remains liquid.

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing subcooling with superheating; superheating applies to vapour above saturation temperature, while subcooling applies to liquid below it.

Final Answer:

Yes