Performance evaluation of a box-type solar cooker integrated with Fresnel lenses

Two Fresnel lens magnifiers (FLMGs) integrated with a conventional box-type solar cooker (BTSC) is presented in the study. The cooking power of the BTSC in the presence of the FLMG is compared with the power obtained in its absence. The standardised cooking power plotted with the temperature difference as per the international testing procedure showed that the modified cooker had a standardised cooking power of 46.87 W at a temperature difference of 50°C. The concentration of the solar irradiance was increased by 48.7% and Basmati rice was prepared in an interval of 58 min. The economic and environmental study was carried out on the cooker by comparing it with the utilisation of Liquefied petroleum gas for a four-member family. The payback period of the cooker was calculated as 3.35 years. The amount of carbon dioxide reduced per month was found to be 8.26 kg. © 2021 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.