Design and experimental characterization of a solar cooker with a prismatic cooking chamber and adjustable panel reflectors

Abstract

In this work, a novel solar cooker with the cooking chamber shaped like a Newton prism was designed, constructed and tested. The device is characterized by ease of construction, use and transportation. It is made of common and inexpensive materials. The proposed cooker is able to track the sun during its use through wheels placed at its base and a manual system to vary the inclination of the reflective surfaces. Experimental tests were carried out to characterize its thermal and optical performances and evaluate the wind’s influence. In particular, two identical prototypes, one shielded from the wind and the other not, were simultaneously tested by tracking the reflective surfaces at optimal angles. Several tests were carried out without and with a load using water and glycerin as test fluids. The results showed that the solar cookers have good thermal performance even at medium-high temperatures. Both prototypes reached a stagnation temperature of about 137°C. The shielded cooker usually brought 2 kg of water from 40°C up to 90°C in about two hours and 2 kg of glycerin from 40°C up to 110°C in less than three hours. These times were slightly longer for the unshielded prototype.