Simulation and economic analysis of a solar-powered adsorption refrigerator using an evacuated tube for thermal insulation

A detailed analysis and simulation of heat transfer of an evacuated tube for a solar-powered adsorption refrigerator, including inhomogeneous radiation heat transfer between its inner and outer tubes, two adjacent tubes in the group, the tube and back plate, sunlight reflection on back plate, etc. has been carried out. Also, a new cost-effectiveness parameter is provided to assess the comprehensive performance of the system, and consequently optimums for the diameter of tubes and the distance between two adjacent tubes are investigated. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.