Solar Cookers: Types of Solar Cookers, Merits, and Demerits

In this article we will learn about Solar Cookers: Types of Solar Cookers, Merits, and Demerits.

Solar cooker

The cost of cooking plays a major role in the total energy expenditure per year in our country. In villages, only 95% of energy is spent on cooking. A variety of fuels are used, such as coal, kerosene, cooking gas, firewood, dung cakes, and agricultural wastes.

Of these, firewood and cow-dung cakes are the two most important cooking capitals. At present, we know very well that the fuel used is largely aimed at protecting our environment.

In such a situation, the use of solar energy for cooking is encouraged. There are basically three types of solar cookers in design. They are.

1. Flat plate box type solar cooker.
2. Multi-reflector type of solar cooker.
3. Parabolic disc concentrator solar cooker.

1. Flat plate box type solar cookers

Box type solar cooker is shown in the picture. The rectangular box made of fiberglass is insulated at its bottom and sides to prevent heat loss. It has one or two transparent glass covers on top. A blackened metal tray is placed inside the box to attract the reflected rays.

The material to be cooked is placed in a hollow vessel. As shown in the picture, solar radiation enters through the glass cover above and heats the food to be cooked.

The temperature reached by the cooking pot depends on the concentration of solar radiation and the insulation material.

The temperature inside a solar cooker with a single reflector is usually 80 to 120 higher than the ambient temperature. This will be enough to cook the food slowly and firmly.

2. Multi-reflector type solar oven

In this case, four square or triangular or rectangular reflectors are mounted on the oven body. All of these reflect solar radiation to the cooking area where the cooking utensils are placed. The maximum temperature obtained is around 250 C.

3. Parabolic disc concentration solar cookers

The picture shows the parabolic disc concentrator solar cooker. A specially designed parabolic reflector is set up to stabilize the beam radiation at its focal point. At its point of convection, the temperature is obtained at 450 C.

A circular container containing food is placed at the point of accumulation. This requires frequent adjustment to attract sunlight. These are used in a significant amount of cooking companies.

Merits

1. It does not require maintenance.
2. Does not produce any pollutants.
3. No need to be careful while cooking.

Demerits

1. It is impossible to cook at night and on cloudy days.
2. This requires more time.
3. It costs more.