What term describes the quantity of energy absorbed by a unit mass of refrigerant in the evaporator?

The term that describes the quantity of energy absorbed by a unit mass of refrigerant in the evaporator is the refrigeration effect. This concept is vital in understanding how refrigeration systems operate, as the refrigeration effect quantifies the amount of heat energy that is removed from the refrigerated space or substance as the refrigerant evaporates.

In the evaporator, the refrigerant absorbs heat from the surroundings, leading to a phase change from liquid to vapor. This process effectively lowers the temperature of the environment being cooled, thereby facilitating refrigeration. The refrigeration effect is measured typically in units such as BTUs (British Thermal Units) per pound or Joules per kilogram, indicating how effective the refrigerant is at absorbing heat.

Understanding this term is crucial for diagnosing and calculating the efficiency of refrigeration systems, along with selecting appropriate refrigerants for specific applications.