Which TEV superheat setting is most likely to cause a hermetic compressor to run continuously and overheat?

A superheat setting of 20K is likely to cause a hermetic compressor to run continuously and overheat because this level of superheat indicates that the refrigerant entering the compressor is significantly warmer than it should be. Superheat is the temperature of the refrigerant vapor above its saturation point.

When set to a high superheat like 20K, it suggests that the evaporator may not be providing enough refrigerant to the compressor, which can lead to insufficient cooling or overheating. In this situation, the compressor works harder to maintain the required cooling, leading to continuous operation without sufficient cool refrigerant, which is crucial for its internal cooling. This scenario can result in overheating, potentially damaging the compressor.

The other options present lower superheat settings, which are typically safer for compressor operation. They would allow for better refrigerant flow and cooling within the compressor, reducing the risk of overheating and ensuring that the system operates efficiently.