Experimental evaluation of a dual-use solar cooker for indoor and outdoor applications

Abstract

The design, construction, and experimental assessment of a portable parabolic solar cooker intended for both indoor and outdoor use in Peshawar, Pakistan, are presented in this study. The cooker boiled one liter of water in 12 minutes (from 34 to 94 degrees Celsius), boiled an egg in 12 minutes, and fried an egg in just one minute. It also reached a maximum temperature of 200.6 degrees Celsius. An optical efficiency of 48.69% ± 2.5% and a thermal efficiency of 46.72% ± 2.8% were obtained from performance testing under average solar irradiance of 937.75 W/m² (787.49 W/m² at 60° tilt). In sunny conditions, it was shown to operate continuously for up to eight hours. This cooker exhibit better thermal concentration, portability (8.5 kg), and user-friendliness than previous parabolic designs (usually < 140 °C peak temperature and longer boiling times). These findings demonstrate its potential as an affordable, sustainable, and clean cooking option for both urban and rural populations.