Life cycle cost analysis of two different refrigeration systems powered by solar energy

This study provides an economic comparison between a vapor compression refrigeration system powered by a photovoltaic array and a vapor absorption refrigeration system powered by a solar evacuated tubes thermal unit. The comparison between these two technologies was conducted based on life-cycle cost analysis that included the total cost of purchase and operation over their entire service life. The total cost included the costs of acquisition, energy, repair, maintenance and disposal. The results of the life cycle cost analysis have indicated that both complete systems are cost-effective regarding their benefits over their total costs. However, the complete vapor compression refrigeration system is favored over that of the complete vapor absorption refrigeration system as it has yielded more benefits, in addition to having more other advantages.