What temperature range must be maintained at the evaporator outlet for maximum efficiency?

Maintaining the evaporator outlet temperature within the range of 5°C to 6°C is vital for maximizing the efficiency of a refrigeration system. This temperature range is optimal because it ensures that the refrigerant absorbs the maximum amount of heat from the surrounding environment (the space being cooled) while also minimizing the risk of the refrigerant returning to the compressor in a liquid state.

At too low a temperature (like those in the 0°C to 1°C range), the system can become less efficient due to the risk of frost buildup on the evaporator coil, which can insulate the coil and reduce its heat absorption capability. Additionally, operating outside the ideal range leads to higher energy consumption as the system works harder to reach the desired cooling effects.

Conversely, higher temperatures such as 15°C to 16°C or 20°C to 21°C may not provide sufficient cooling capacity, causing the compressor to run longer and consume more energy to maintain the set cooling demand. Thus, keeping the outlet temperature in the 5°C to 6°C range strikes a balance between efficient heat exchange and effective system performance.