Comparative study of box-type solar cookers in nicaragua

Abstract

Two box-type solar ovens were performance tested under various measured solar intensity conditions. One oven was the Kerr-Cole Eco-cooker assembled from a prefabricated cardboard kit. The second model was made of plywood and involved more elaborate construction. We adopt a simple parameter-free index to aid in the comparison of oven performance. Unlike other oven test procedures this index emphasizes the dynamic cooking capability of the ovens. We find that despite a substantially reduced thermal capacity the cardboard oven exhibited a maximum temperature and sufficient thermal stability for cooking similar quantities of food to that of the plywood model. The prospects for large scale introduction of the ovens in Nicaragua is evaluated in terms of local needs and interest.