ECONOMIC EVALUATION OF SOLAR-POWERED TRIPLE FLUID EINSTEIN REFRIGERATION CYCLE

Solar cooling systems are actively being developed these days. The motivation of the renewed interest in solar cooling systems includes the increase in energy prices, environmental considerations. The economic feasibility of such systems is the controlling factor for successful commercialization of such systems. Egypt, as well as most of the other Middle East countries, enjoys an abundance of solar radiation and, therefore, systems utilizing solar energy are actively being developed. The economics of solar powered Einstein refrigeration system is investigated for the application of ice production for the fishery or food industry. An icemaker like this could be used to refrigerate vaccines, meat, dairy products, or vegetables. The ice can either be sold as a commercial product, or used in a cooler or icebox refrigerator. Solar powered Einstein refrigeration cycle needs solar energy to produce the required cooling effect. Although solar radiant energy is free, the equipment required to convert it to a useful cooling is not. The objective of this economic study is to determine the economic feasibility of solar powered Einstein refrigeration system. The calculated equivalent annual cost of the system (EACsystem) is found to be $225.174/m2 of the solar collector area. The system ice production cost is found to be about 50 % more than other conventional refrigeration systems. But the use of the system in rural areas is seen to be essential