2010 International Conference on Chemistry and Chemical Engineering (ICCCE 2010)

Solar Food Processor

R.Bakyalakshmi Nisha, S.Madhumitha
Electrical and Electronics Engineering Bannari Amman Institute of Technology Sathyamangalam, India bakyalakshminisha@gmail.com, smadhu06@yahoo.co.in

Abstract Cooking is one of the unavoidable activities that consumes huge amount of conventional fuel. If this state continues then all the fuel left will get depleted in about 20-30 years. This problem was identified many years ago and solar cookers were introduced. In different parts of the world solar cookers are made, studied and patented but it is not being used at homes like other conventional cookers. The necessity of the use of solar cookers in order to reduce the consumption of firewood or conventional fuel is well recognized by various National and International Organizations. In spite of various efforts made by those organizations the wide spread use of solar cookers has not become possible. Drawbacks in conventional solar cookers are they are single use based models, i.e. if one buys a cooker one can use it only for cooking but it cant be used for drying, distillation of water etc. and if one buys a solar dryer it can be used only for drying but not for cooking or distillation of water and so on. The reason is that each operation requires a different design, for cooking the cabin should be air tight, but holes should be present for drying (ventilation system) and in the case of distillation of water the glass placed on top of the cooker should be slanting, for the water to drain into the container. Another big drawback is that as one is cooking food in the solar cooker if the climate changes suddenly and if it becomes cloudy then the food will be half cooked. These cookers cant be used at night and during the period lacking sufficient sunshine. They are huge in size making it very inconvenient to use. The above mentioned problems can be overcome using the Solar Food Processor. The Solar Food Processor is a multi-purpose device unlike the conventional solar cooker; it can be used for cooking, heating/pasteurizing water (to inactivate microbes), distillation of a small quantity of water (to remove different minerals) and drying domestic products (fruits, vegetables, herbs etc.). All the activities can be performed in a single device called Solar Food Processor (SFP). If SFP is used for cooking only seven months a year and for heating water and drying for another 4 months a year, one can save on the average, 1160kWh of electricity, 650 kg of re-wood or 205 liters of kerosene (or LPG) per year. SPF can be used during the period lacking sufficient sunshine. Copper tubes filled with water are placed at the bottom of the cooker and thus solar energy will be stored in the water. The heat can be retained for a period of 2 hours and hence when the sunlight is not sufficient the heat stored in the water can be used to warm food. The heat energy is used for cooking but the light energy is wasted hence solar panels that can produce 20W of energy is fitted to the cooker. The energy thus produced is stored in a battery. SFP can be used to cook and warm food even at night using stored solar energy. The energy stored in the battery from the solar panel can be used to power an electric heating plate placed inside the cooker, on which the

vessel to be cooked or warmed can be placed. This way SFP can also be used at night and the period lacking sufficient sunshine. If the food is not cooked properly due to the unstable climate, it can be placed on the electric plate powered by the battery and food can be cooked properly. It can also be used as a hot case as it can retain heat for a longer time. Thus the SFP is very efficient, economical and convenient due to reduced size when compared with the conventional solar cookers. Keywords-multi-purpose device; electric heating plate; solar panels; copper tubes; usage at night; reduced size.

I.

INTRODUCTION

Solar cookers are the only smoke-free solutions mainly for cooking and for pasteurizing water. The necessity of the use of solar cookers in order to reduce the consumption of firewood or conventional fuel is well recognized by various national and international organizations. In spite of various efforts made, the widespread use of solar cookers has not become possible due to different reasons [1], including the impossibility of using during the period lacking sufficient sunshine for cooking. If the use of same solar cooker could be prolonged, may be for some other useful purposes like warming food, water heating for pasteurization and distillation, or drying of agricultural and other products, which do not require high solar intensity, probably more people would like to use the same. II. CONSTRUCTION

Fig. 1 shows the conventional [2] and new multipurpose (solar food processor). Fig. 2 shows the schematic drawing of the solar food processor along with the accessories. As can be seen the food processor, conceptually similar to a conventional solar oven [2], is made of inclined stainless steel box (6), with an outer dimension of 0.54m*0.35m and 0.20m high in front and 0.25m high at the back side. It has an electric black plate as an absorbing surface (1) with an area of 0.13m2 (0.45m_0.28 m) and two normal window glasses on the top, separated by a distance of 0.02 m. It also has one reflector (3) made of bright stainless sheet, to increase the solar radiation on metallic plate. The angle of the reflector can be varied using a metallic strip (3A) with various holes. Once the job is done, the reflector is also used to reduce the heat loss, when it covers the glasses. The whole box has glass wool insulation on the four sides and below the metallic plate. An electric plate (1) has a resistance as well as a thermostat (2) to regulate the plate temperature. To

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2010 International Conference on Chemistry and Chemical Engineering (ICCCE 2010)

introduce the food to be cooked or products to be dried, or to fill the water for distillation, frame with two glasses can be lifted.

Figure 3. (a)Solar food processor in the mode of cooking (b) Water pasteurization mode.

IV.

DRYER

To use as a dryer, the box also has two holes in front (4) of the oven for the entrance of ambient air as well as another three holes at the back (5) of the oven, for the exit of hot humid air. The metallic tray with the products to be dried is kept at the top of the absorbing plate (1). The holes could be closed for cooking or opened for drying, as required. Fig. 4 shows the actual assembly and drying of some domestic agriculture products.
Figure 1. (a)Conventional solar hot box cooker (b) Solar food processor

Figure 4. (a)Food processor in the mode of drying, fresh (b) Dried products

V.

DISTILLER

Figure 2. Schematic drawing of solar food processor (1) Electric plate, (2) electrical inlet and thermostat, (3) reflector, (3A) rod to adjust angle of reflector, (4) two inlet holes, (5) three outlet holes, (6) outer box, (7) electrical timer, (8) bottle for distilled water

To use the device for distillation of water, a metallic tray painted black at the bottom is filled with water and is kept on the absorbing surface (1). A metallic gutter is fixed under the lower part of the glass to collect distilled water, and finally distilled water is collected in the bottle (8) kept outside the box. Fig. 5 shows the actual assembly.

III.

COOKER AND PASTEURIZER

This box can used to cook using cooking pot, as well to pasteurize water using metallic or glass jar. The pot containing the food to be cooked is placed inside the box and the glass insulation is placed on top, all the holes are closed in order to make it an air tight cabin. The sun light gets reflected from the reflectors and falls into the cabin but the heat is not allowed to escape out due to the glass insulation. Fig. 3 shows the actual assembly.

Figure 5. Solar food processor in the mode of water distillation

VI.

ENERGY BALANCE OF FOOD PROCESSOR

Energy balance of the hybrid food processor is similar to normal solar device [2], except that there is an additional electrical energy from a 17Ah Exide Battery. Solar panels that produce 20W of energy is fitted to the cooker and a 17Ah Exide battery is charged from these panels. A DC electric plate is heated by energy from the battery. Thus during same interval of time, energy input due to sun and electricity = energy losses + useful energy QS + QE = QL + QU.

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2010 International Conference on Chemistry and Chemical Engineering (ICCCE 2010)

or QU = QL (QS + QE) =H1 * AP * ( PE + AP * UL * (TP TA) Where PE is the power of the electric plate. Due to the use of thermostat, climate and the temperature of the plate prefixed, value of PE could be 0 or 1500W. UL is the total heat loss (W/m 1C) from bottom and lateral (mainly due to conduction) and from the top (mainly due to convection and radiation). Experimentally one can measure useful energy QU, in different cases as follows: QU QU QU QU = (MF * CF + MC* CC) * (TFF TIF) = (MW * CW + MC* CC) * (TWF TWL) = MDP * CDP *(TFP TIP) + MWEV * L = MW * CW *(TFW TIW) + MWD * L for cooking. for water. for drying. for distillation

connected with the thermostat fixed at 120130C. Electricity from battery was disconnected at 12:15 h and the cooking was stopped at 12:45 h. Both meals were cooked. To cook 2156 g of meal (additional weight of pots, 835 g), 410Wh (3153Wh/m2) of solar and 16 min of electricity was used. Total input energy is 810Wh or 696.6 kcal. Effective efficiency, Useful energy gained by food and cake Total input (solar + electrical) energy MF * CF * T + MCAKE * CCAKE * A* HI dts + PE* dte T

=1.15 kg *1 kcal/kg C*(90 - 14) C+ 1.006*1 kcal/kg C*(90 -23) C/696.6 kcal =22.8% B. To Pasteurize Water Although metallic containers are preferred, however, we use transparent glass jar(s). These jars with water to be cleaned biologically are kept on the top of absorbing plate. Depending on the quantity of water and intensity of solar radiation, water attains the required temperature (6570 C) in 13 h to get pasteurized. In our experiment, two glass jars (one transparent and other painted black from outside) were used. Each one was filled with 3/4 l of water (total water pasteurized 1.5 l).

QU
. AP * H1 dts + PE * dte Where dts and dte are the intervals of time during which solar energy and electrical energy is being used. Knowing these data from the experimental measurement and standard variables like specific heat and latent heat, one can calculate approximately the efficiency of the device for the given process, using the equation. VII. WORKING AND EXPERIMENTAL RESULTS On a sunny day and without any load, the plate temperature, only with solar radiation reaches about 130 150C. During the partial cloudy days, absorbing plate is connected with the battery, in addition to solar, to realize the process required. Various types of experiments have been performed to measure its performance quantitatively. In each case, global and integrated solar intensity, water and air temperature, mass of the humid and dried product, quality and quantity of water distilled, electrical energy (if required) are measured at different intervals. Some typical data are: A. To Use the Device as a Solar Cooker All the five holes are closed tightly and the rest of the process is same as with any conventional oven. On the partially cloudy days, electricity is connected to electric plate and the thermostat is fixed at about 90120 C (depending on the urgency). Food is cooked with combined solar and electric energy, consuming the minimum quantity of electric energy if required. Cooking time is between 2 and 4 h depending on the climate and the quantity of food. Real cooking is done many times. The results are similar to conventional solar and hybrid cookers [2]. We can mention one of the recent results. On May 8, 2009, in one stainless steel pot (weight 530 g), 600 g of meat and 550 g of potatoes cut into pieces were put at 09:30 am and in another silicon tray (weight 305 g), 1006 g of cake mix (including eggs, oil and water) was put at 10:30 am, with the objective of cooking and baking. At 11 am due to possible change in climate and to accelerate the cooking process, electricity was

Figure 6. Multi uses device in the Cooking mode (1150 g of meat and potatoes + 1006 g of cake). May 8, 2009.

Figure 7. Solar Food processor in the mode of water pasteurizer (only sun). Two glass jars, transparent and black painted. Each with 3/4 l of water. May 21, 2009.

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2010 International Conference on Chemistry and Chemical Engineering (ICCCE 2010)

Due to low solar radiation and high thermal mass of glass jars, water attained pasteurization temperature (6570C) in 3 h. The time could be reduced using electricity in addition to solar energy. Also the temperature attained in black painted jar (bjar) was slightly higher as compared to that attained in transparent glass jar (tjar). Due to higher thermal capacity of absorbing plate and glass jar, the water temperature is maintained for longer period, in spite of very low solar intensity. To know that the water is really pasteurized, or has reached this temperature, or safe to drink, even when the user is not present at the site, a simple practical device water pasteurization indicator (WAPI) can be used, instead of regular thermometer. Practically, all the coli forms were inactivated. C. To Use Device as a Solar Dryer The net tray(s) with products to be dried are kept on the absorbing plate (1). During day, some or all the holes (4, 5) are opened. The dry air inside the drier has the capability of taking moisture from the products, and this humid and hot air leaves the drier through upper holes at the back of the drier. The process continues as long there is solar radiation. After the sun set (or during rainy period) all the holes are closed so that the ambient humid air could not enter in the drier. The real solar drying has been done with various products (May 2325, 2009), but here results related to only tomatoes and coriander (herb for cooking) is mentioned. Three hundred and eighty-four grams of fresh tomatoes and 109 g of fresh coriander were kept in this box. Instantaneous and integrated solar intensity, external humidity, air temperature in the drier, and the mass of the product were measured regularly. Mostly the climate was bad. However, both products got dried completely after 2 days (19.5 h). Fig. 8 shows the solar intensity on the horizontal surface, air temperature in the solar dryer, along with ambient air temperature measured on May 24, 2009.

collected in the trough. Finally distilled water is collected in a bottle (8) kept outside the box. Experiments were performed on various days; only one day results will be informed. On May 31, 2009, 1 l of water was kept in the tray. Instantaneous and integrated solar intensity, external humidity, water temperature in the tray, and the mass of the water distilled were measured regularly. Most of the time the climate was not good, however, no electricity was used. Fig. 9 shows the solar intensity and water temperature in the tray as well as ambient air temperature. During first two days of the experiment some of the relevant data/results are the solar intensity during both days was very low, the integrated intensity during this period was 7328Wh/m2 or 0.953kWh on the absorbing plate of 0.13m2, the water temperature inside the tray was varying between 45 and 55 C, volume of water collected was 390 ml (0.39 kg).

Figure 9. Food processor in the mode of solar still1 l of water. May 31, 2009.

Again using sensible heat and latent heat concepts, the energy required for evaporating this water will be 222 kcal or 0.258kWh, the thermal efficiency of the box as a still will be, MW * CW* T + MWD * L = 27% AP HI dts VIII. ADVANTAGES OF FOOD PROCESSOR It has been found useful devicemainly from convenience, fuel saving, economic and also from ecological point of view. Some of these are: A. Saving of Conventional Fuel This device for family size made of durable material (stainless steel). On an average sunny day, this can cook one meal for 34 persons in 23h and two meals in 35 h (9 am 2 pm). Using solar cookers only seven months a year and heating water and drying for another 4 months a year, one can save on the average, 1160kWh of electricity, 650 kg of rewood or 205 l of kerosene (or LPG) per year.

Figure 8. Food processor in the mode of solar drier. Drying tomato and coriander. May 24, 2009.

D. To Use the Food Processor as a Solar Still Tray is filled with water (23 cm high) to be cleaned. Here, reflector is not used. With solar radiation, liquid gets heated and is converted to vapor. These hot water vapors when rises and strikes the comparatively cooler glass surface, gets condensed, slides along the surface of glass and is

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2010 International Conference on Chemistry and Chemical Engineering (ICCCE 2010)

B. Saving of Family Budget Depending on the cost of the fuel including transportation cost at the place of use, one can calculate the amount of money saved using solar food processor. C. Power Generation Power generation using renewable sources of energy on a large scale is not very feasible due to various reasons, but generation of a small amount of power at every household is a very efficient method of usage of renewable sources of energy and economical when compared to large scale production. The power thus generated can be used to charge a mobile phone, power a radio, etc. D. Health Aspects Food cooked with little or without water and at low temperature retains most of the nutrients (proteins and vitamins). Studies have also shown children exposed to indoor smoke are affected two or three times more to respiratory infection. The uses of solar cookers (smokeless cooking) will denitely reduce the amount of smoke in the eyes and lungs. E. Social Aspects People combining solar cooker with conventional or efficient fuel Stove, especially in rural areas will need less rewood and have to walk not every day, may be once every second to fourth day. F. Envirponmental Aspects Reduced use of rewood for cooking will lead to less deforestation and less emission of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, responsible in part for the global warming. Normally cooking needs plate/air temperature of the order of 90100C, and it is not always possible only with solar energy. Although the food partially uncooked only with solar energy can be cooked with the conventional fuel, this solution may not be practical for many people. The (solar/electric) model with thermostat, can cook the meal always but with the minimum (or none) consumption of conventional fuels. There are many applications like water pasteurization, water distillation, and dehydrating of

agricultural products which need less temperature (even as low as 40C) and thus this single multipurpose device can be used for more number of days per year. IX. CONCLUSION

This five in one device, can be used for various purposes. This is a convenient model which can do many jobs, like cooking, power generation, drying, water pasteurizing and distillation, using solar energy. Effective thermal efficiency of food processor was found in the range of 2332% depending on the mode of use. In addition to good demonstration device for the promotion of solar energy to the public and to the students, it can be used for the rural people mainly for saving fuel (and consequently to have cleaner environment) as well as for the urban people mainly to maintain the environment cleaner (and consequently saving conventional fuels). It can be used at any time with net saving of conventional fuels and thus reduced emission of pollutants at the production and/or at the user site. The saving of conventional fuel can be seen at the spot and even can be measured with conventional table or wall watch. The device is not recommended to use for cooking and heating water or drying simultaneously, unless used in a very sunny climate. This combined device can be used for 1011 months in a year for different uses, as compared to 78 months if used only for cooking. Multiple use solar cookers is a simple solution to the complex problem like fuel, food, power, water and health. REFERENCES
[1] [2] [3] Solar cookersWhat we are looking for? ISES 2003 conference on solar energy. Goteborg, Sweden, June 1419, 2003. Experimental and theoretical analysis of a simple solar oven in the climate of Costa Rica-I. Sol Wind Technol 1988;5(2):15970. Dinning out on solar cookersrenewable energy 2004, An official publication of the World Renewable Energy Network (WREN/UNESCO); 2004. p. 1014. Otoniel Fernandez. Experimental study of solar oven cum water heater and solar oven cum drier-II, Published in the proceedings, II world conference on solar cookers, use and technology, Universidad Nacional, Herdiaa, Costa Rica, July 1215, 1994. p. 27384. Metcalf R. The science of safe water, solar cookers review. Solar cookers international, vol. 8, CA, USA, November 2002.

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