Thermal performance of a solar oven with augmented sunlight concentration

Authors

  • M.J. Brooks University of Cape Town

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17159/2413-3051/2007/v18i2a3368

Abstract

This paper describes the thermal performance of a novel solar oven that incorporates a compact reflec-tive lens, or ring array, to augment sunlight concen-tration. Performance is reported in terms of the pos-itive effect of the ring array versus a non-concen-trating lid, maximum operating temperature, ther-mal efficiency, performance under partly cloudy skies, and the effects of incidence angle and track-ing. Use of the ring array lens improved thermal efficiency by 4% in the test range up to 100°C, while boosting the maximum operating temperature from 138°C to 196°C. Comparative tests conducted under clear sky conditions against two other com-mercial types showed that when tracked in the azimuth plane at near-normal incidence angles, the new design generated maximum cooking power of 300 W and boiled water at a rate 13% faster than the next best commercial oven tested. Augmented sunlight concentration sensitised the new design to higher angles of incidence and performance was negatively affected in the non-tracked state. Under non-ideal operating conditions, including partial shading by cloud, the oven outperformed both commercial units.

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Author Biography

M.J. Brooks, University of Cape Town

Energy Research Centre Snr Research Officer

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Published

2007-05-01

How to Cite

Brooks, M. (2007). Thermal performance of a solar oven with augmented sunlight concentration. Journal of Energy in Southern Africa, 18(2), 4–10. https://doi.org/10.17159/2413-3051/2007/v18i2a3368