What does adjusting the superheat primarily affect in a refrigeration system?

Adjusting the superheat primarily affects the evaporator efficiency in a refrigeration system. Superheat refers to the temperature of the refrigerant vapor above its saturation temperature at a given pressure. When the superheat is adjusted, it impacts how much heat the refrigerant can absorb in the evaporator before it reaches the compressor.

By increasing superheat, more heat is extracted from the evaporator, which can improve the efficiency of heat absorption and ensure that the refrigerant evaporates fully before it exits the evaporator. Conversely, if the superheat is too low, it can lead to liquid refrigerant entering the compressor, which can cause damage and reduce the overall efficiency of the system. Therefore, managing superheat is essential for optimizing the performance of the evaporator, ensuring efficient refrigeration processes, and maintaining proper system function.