The effect of partial loads on the performance of a funnel solar cooker

Abstract

Several solar cooker designs have been proposed over the last decades. The funnel cooker is a well-known model, representative of the category of panel-type solar cookers. From the empirical experience of real practice, it is known that the use of partial loads has an impact on the performance of the cooker. However, this effect has not yet been investigated rigorously. This work aims to fill this lack. Extensive experimental work was performed to determine the effect of partial loads on a funnel cooker thermal performance. Tests were conducted on two identical funnel cookers, in Malaga, Spain, with low sun elevation. Cookers were tracked only azimuthally. Experimental protocol was based on ASAE 580.1 Standard for better replicability. Results showed that the standardised power drops by about 15% of the original value when the water volumetric load fraction drops by 25%, for both cooker operations, with and without glass enclosure. This important reduction is explained on how the fill level of the cooking vessel affects its function as a thermal radiation receiver. Results from experimental tests were correlated into a simple formula of practical interest. Finally, a new cooking vessel design, that improves performance at partial loads, i.e., a 25.4% increase in cooker power, was proposed and tested