Multiple use communal solar cookers

Solar cooking in boarding schools and communal centres in isolated areas demands the heating of large quantities of food. It is generally done in large pots of 30–40 litres. In a previous paper (Saravia et al., Energías Renovables y Medio Ambiente, ASADES, 1999, 6, 7–16), the solar cooker presented consisted of two separate units: a concentrator on one side and an insulated box containing the pot on the other. In this paper we introduce some changes which improve its working capacity. At present we can count on three different kinds of absorbers, which have been optimised to fulfill different functions in a concentrator of an area of 2 m². These alternatives allow the possibility of satisfying the needs of a communal dining centre, cooking for up to 30 children, once each concentrator has been installed.