ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS OF A LOW-COST SOLAR STOVE USING RECYCLED MATERIALS: A CLEAN ENERGY INNOVATION FOR HOT ARID REGIONS

Abstract

Providing clean and affordable energy for domestic use remains a persistent challenge in hot and arid regions, particularly in off-grid communities. This study presents a geo-environmental analysis of an innovative low-cost solar stove designed using recycled aluminum heat exchangers and copper tubing, pressurized with air to enhance thermal conductivity. The stove was tested under extreme climatic conditions in central Iraq, where ambient temperatures exceeded 45°C, in order to evaluate its suitability as a sustainable cooking solution. Results indicated a thermal efficiency of 62%, with the system achieving boiling temperatures (170°C at the exchanger and 160°C at the cooking surface) within 28 minutes. The design showed strong potential for replacing conventional gas and electric stoves, which are associated with high carbon emissions and fuel dependency. Moreover, by integrating discarded airconditioning components, the stove promotes recycling and aligns with circular economy practices. This environmentally conscious solution not only reduces the carbon footprint to zero but also addresses the urgent need for clean cooking technologies in resource-scarce environments. The analysis underscores the stove’s applicability in regions affected by high solar exposure and energy poverty, offering a viable pathway toward sustainable development goals in the energy and environmental sectors.