In an air-conditioning system with a thermostatic expansion valve, how does the temperature of the evaporator outlet typically compare to that of the inlet?

In an air-conditioning system with a thermostatic expansion valve, the temperature of the evaporator outlet is typically cooler than the evaporator inlet. The purpose of the evaporator is to absorb heat from the surrounding environment, which causes the refrigerant inside to evaporate and cool down as it moves through the coil. As the refrigerant absorbs this heat, its phase changes from a liquid to a gas, which results in a temperature drop.

The thermostatic expansion valve plays a crucial role in regulating the flow of refrigerant into the evaporator based on the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant exiting the evaporator. This regulation helps maintain optimal cooling performance while ensuring that the refrigerant is not overfeeding or underfeeding into the evaporator. As a result, the outlet temperature is typically lower than the inlet temperature, signifying that the refrigerant has effectively absorbed heat during its journey through the evaporator coil.

This cooling effect is essential for the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the air-conditioning system in lowering the temperature of the air being circulated within a space.