Experimental Investigation of Indirect Solar Cooker using Evacuated Tube Collector with Dual Thermal Storage Unit

Abstract

In this article, an indirect solar cooker using evacuated tube collector and dual sensible thermal storage unit with copper pipe is investigated experimentally. The main aspect of this solar cooker is that its thermal storage unit is made from cheap and locally available materials sand and iron grits. The water (heat transfer fluid) which gets heated in the evacuated tube is used for indirect cooking with the help of sand and iron grit. The sand and iron grit takes heat from water and this heat is used for cooking. The hot water flows in upwards direction because of thermosyphon phenomena. It was found that this type of solar cooker can cook different kinds of food for afternoon and evening cooking. It is also helpful for keep food warm till late night hours. The payback period of this solar cooker when compared with LPG and Electricity is 8.88 and 7.61 months respectively.