Chapter 14 - Solar Thermal Energy Storage for Solar Cookers

Abstract

An overview of the three main types of solar cookers is presented in this chapter, and the basic operating principles of direct-focusing, oven, and indirect solar cookers are outlined. These three types of cookers are reviewed and discussed when they are used in conjunction with solar thermal energy storage (TES) units to enhance their usefulness during periods when solar radiation is not available. Solar cookers using both sensible-heat thermal energy storage and latent-heat thermal energy storage are reviewed and discussed. Advantages and disadvantages of the different types of solar cookers with TES are also highlighted. Methods of characterizing solar cookers are presented, and it is concluded that more research efforts are needed to develop methods of characterizing solar cookers with TES systems. The most viable options for solar cookers with TES for developing countries are oven solar cookers and direct-focusing solar cookers, because they are relatively cheap to fabricate and maintain. On the other hand, when issues of efficiency and safety are concerned, indirect solar cookers with TES are more viable; these can be implemented for community-scale cooking because they are relatively expensive to construct. Solar cookers with TES offer an alternative to polluting fossils and liquid petroleum gas in rural areas of developing countries.