Development of a solar cooking system suitable for indoor cooking and its exergy and enviroeconomic analyses

Abstract

Abstract In the present work, a solar cooking system that makes the controlled cooking possible inside the kitchen has been developed. This cook-friendly device introduces a new solar heat transfer concept for indoor cooking by providing a heater plate installed inside the kitchen to which solar heat is transferred from a parabolic collector by means of a heat transfer fluid. An LDR-based electronic solar tracker is integrated with the parabolic collector to automatically adjust its position so that it always remains directed towards the sun to collect maximum solar radiations. A solar P-V panel continuously charges a 12\xa0V battery through charge controller. The battery supplies electricity to the solar tracker and to a DC motor-pump set which circulates heat transfer fluid through the heating coil of the heater plate. The pump is thermostatically operated to maintain correct temperature of the heater plate for effective cooking and for maintaining the nutritional value of food. The system is equipped with an electronic circuit, a digital thermometer, a pressure gauge and a relief by-pass valve in the heat transfer fluid line to ensure its safe and smooth operation. Exergy and enviroeconomic analyses of this device are also carried out to evaluate its efficiency and CO2 mitigation potential.