Experimental investigations on the performance of solar cooker using nichrome heating coil—Photovoltaic with microcontroller PIC 16F877A

Abstract

AbstractIn this article, a solar cooker with photovoltaic was developed and manufactured, which offers an electrical emergency power supply and a nichrome heating element in order to be able to cook even on cloudy days and nights. An effective charge controller is made with the microcontroller PIC 16F877A to charge and power the nichrome heating element wound on the cooking vessel. The charge controller prevented the battery from overcharging by effectively regulating the voltage and current from the solar panel. The current through the nichrome coil provides additional heating and the thermal energy that is absorbed by the cooker's absorber plate. Hence the hot water needs a minimum amount of auxiliary heat energy to reach the maximum temperature which is well supplied by the nichrome heating coil. Simulation study for the proposed cooker is recommended in the future to commercialize the cooker for a family of four members with minimum cost. The charge stored in the battery during the day is used to cook food at night and on cloudy days.