With the help of an experimental data base, the overall heat transfer coefficient of the double function heat exchanger (condenser/evaporator) of a novel adsorptive solar ice maker (ASIM) was estimated. The calculation shows that this parameter, which is required for simulation, is not constant during the adsorption-evaporation phase and that it is higher during the water freezing phase. With the help of a predictive mathematical model the operation of the studied ASIM was simulated and the results were analysed. They showed that with a consistent design of the different components of this machine the daily ice production could exceed 5.2 kg, with a COPs of more than 0.14. This value of the COP's is very interesting in comparison with those usually obtained from the ASIMs operating with separate condenser and evaporator, i.e. 0.08-0.2, according to the meteorological conditions or technologies. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.