Experimental study of multipurpose solar hot box at Freiburg, Germany
Abstract
With the aim to test and compare some properties of materials and common geometries that are used for designing solar cookers, water heaters, etc. we have made a solar hot box with two similar compartments. In the present study this hot box has been used for, (a) comparing the behavior of a metallic slab filled with a phase change material for short term heat storage, with a conventional absorbing sheet, (b) the use of a selectively coated, as compared to a normal black painted, cooking pot, and (c) for finding the overall heat loss coefficient and thermal capacity of the box. Experiments with the solar hot box will yield valuable information on solar systems that are to be constructed. Besides its use for research this multipurpose device has been used both to pasteurize up to 14-16 l of water and for cooking. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.
