A gravity based tracking system for box type solar cookers

A novel mechanism for one-dimensional tracking of box type solar cookers along the azimuth has been reported in this paper. The proposed mechanism does not require any external power source, as the required tracking energy is drawn from the gravitational potential energy stored in a spring. The range of movement of the sun during the most feasible six hours of solar cooking period, along the altitude has been worked out for a location in the northern hemisphere, for the entire year. Based upon this range, a single plain booster mirror has been optimized to eliminate the need for solar tracking along this dimension (altitude). Experimental results and performance analysis of a prototype have been included. The proposed tracking system is simple and low cost for wide scale adoption in the developing countries.

• A novel method for solar tracking along the azimuth for box type solar cookers is suggested. • The proposed mechanism does not require any external power source. • Requirement for solar tracking along elevation is eliminated by an extended booster mirror. • Good solar tracking is achieved for 3–6 h. • Experimental results of a prototype have been included.