Theoretical Model Computations for Different Components of a Hot Box Type Solar Cooker Fabricated using polymeric and recyclable Materials

Many countries having tremendous solar potentials are also the victim of the power crises since the available solar energy is not utilized efficiently. It has been recognized that the widespread use of solar thermal appliances (STA) for domestic work is being held back by excessive cost, low efficiency, high weight, and inconvenience of user and by lack of confidence in the long term durability of the material. In the present work, the limitations of materials used in various components of commercial available STA have been underlined and it has been shown that use of polymeric materials as specific component in solar thermal appliances can solve most of the existing limitations and may improve the efficiency of the existing appliances. In this paper theoretical model computations have been done for different components of a hot-box type solar cooker viz., glaze, insulation and casing material for the spectral transmittance, the solar flux absorbed and the optical efficiency, thermal efficiency, heat loses, weight, thermal profile and adjusted cooking power for several suitable materials, both conventional as well as new polymeric materials. Significant improvement in all the mentioned characteristic properties /figures of merit of the solar cooker can be achieved if right combination of polymeric materials is used in making glaze, insulation and casing. The present study offers that component improvements of a system results into cost reduction, extended lifetime and makes system easy to handle. This shall surely help in popularization of the solar appliances and enhancement of eco-friendly environment.