What compressor discharge temperature is indicated by 212°F?

The compressor discharge temperature is a crucial indicator of the refrigerant's condition after being compressed. When the refrigerant gas exits the compressor, it has been pressurized and its temperature increases significantly due to the energy added during the compression process. In this scenario, a temperature of 212°F aligns with what one would expect from a compressor discharge, especially considering that it approximates the saturation temperature for certain refrigerants at higher pressures.

Understanding that a discharge temperature of 212°F is typical helps in assessing the efficiency of the refrigeration cycle. Should this temperature be too high, it may indicate inefficiencies or potential issues with the system, like overloading or insufficient cooling, necessitating further investigation to maintain optimal performance.

The other options represent distinct points in the refrigeration cycle. For instance, the condenser inlet temperature would be lower than the discharge temperature, as the refrigerant cools after leaving the compressor. The evaporator outlet temperature would be even lower, as this is where the refrigerant absorbs heat from the space being cooled. Ambient temperature simply refers to the outside air temperature, which does not directly correlate with compressor operation.

In summary, a compressor discharge temperature of 212°F indeed indicates the temperature of the gas exiting the compressor, marking it as the correct answer