화학공학소재연구정보센터
International Journal of Energy Research, Vol.32, No.14, 1339-1348, 2008
Performance evaluation of a hot-box reflector solar cooker using a microcontroller-based measurement system
The performance of a low-cost compound box-reflector solar cooker designed and constructed by the department of Mechanical Engineering, at the University of Zimbabwe, was investigated and evaluated using a microcontroller-based measurement system over a period of 3 months. Solar radiation and temperature measurements are sent directly to the computer for monitoring and subsequent analysis using a spreadsheet program. The system is connected to the Computer through the RS232 port. Temperature was measured by LM335 temperature sensors, whereas solar radiation was measured by a Kipp & Zonen CM3 thermopile-based pyranometer that was initially calibrated against the Eppley Precision Spectral Pyranometer. Peak temperatures of about 90 degrees C for the food can be attained in about 5 h oil a clear day in Bindura, Zimbabwe (18 degrees S, 31 degrees E). A standardized cooking power of I I W and an overall efficiency of 15% were found for this cooker. Copyright (c) 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.