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Last edited: 23 March 2016      
Mueller Solartechnik Fresnel test cooker, 1-2-13

The Twin Fresnel Cooker prototype by Bernhard Müller.

A Fresnel lens is a lens that works like a standard lens, but which eliminates the bulk of such a lens by the use of a series of angled steps in the front surface of an otherwise flat sheet of glass or plastic. The steps are angled in such a way as to concentrate light at the focus.

Recent news and developments

FresnelArrayRand

Fresnel Array for Rand Tubes by Bernhard Müller

FresnelArrayRand3D

Fresnel Array for Rand Tubes by Bernhard Müller

  • September 2015: Fresnel array for evacuated tube cookers - Bernhard Müller has produced concept images for a Fresnel array that will work to provide more concentrated light on to an evacuated tube (Rand) style solar cooker. The purpose is, to heat any black glass tubes and stacked pots, but not too hot and not too rapidly in order to avoid any damages. This array will boosts the sun by the factor one to 3.11, according to Bernie. If the array assembly is produced inexpensively, this combination of evacuated tube and Fresnel array could provide a low-cost alternative for a solar cooker able to perform in less that ideal sunny conditions.
  • December 2012: Bernhard Müller has published findings based on his experimentation with a twin Fresnel lens reflector solar cooker. This cooker was never meant to be a production prototype, and his company, Mueller Solartechnik, no longer manufactures solar cookers. As an engineering exercise, he has shown that incorporating the Fresnel lens produces quite high temperatures(278.6°C/534°F). However, the usable cooking area is small. Read more: Twin Fresnel Cooker
  • August 2011: Students at MIT are working on a case study for a new type of solar powered outdoor grill. Based on the technology from MIT professor David Wilson, this grill would collect thermal energy from the sun and store it to allow cooking times for up to twenty five hours at temperatures above 230°C (450°F). Wilson’s technology uses a Fresnel solar reflector to harness the sun’s energy to melt down a container of Lithium Nitrate. The Lithium Nitrate serves as a solar battery. Due to its phase change reaction, the thermal energy is able to be stored for longer periods of time and at higher temperatures, by means of latent heat storage. Heat is then redistributed through convection, which allows for outdoor cooking. A Solar Grill Prototype for a Greener Tomorrow, August, 2011 - BarbequeLovers.com
  • April 2010: Patricia McArdle met a group of Navajo high school students who have used designs they found on the internet to make several solar cookers including the Cookit, box cookers and a Fresnel lens solar fryer for making traditional Navajo fry bread. Their Fresnel cooker won second prize two weeks ago at the nationwide Spirit of Innovation contest--beating out some elite science high schools. They and their science teacher, Paul McCarl, working with very limited resources, are now trying to make a large fresnel solar cooker that can be used by Navajo families to make fry bread.

Resources

Audio and video

  • January 2013:
Make_a_Solar_Cooking_Frame_for_Cheap_(Fresnel_Lens_Frame)

Make a Solar Cooking Frame for Cheap (Fresnel Lens Frame)

Grant Thompson describes the steps to create a fresnel lens with a moveable frame.

  • May 2012:
Sun_Cart

Sun Cart

  • July 2010:
Navajo_Students_Native_Sun_Fresnel_Solar_Cooker.mov

Navajo Students Native Sun Fresnel Solar Cooker.mov

Science teacher Paul McCarl inspired his students at Whitehorse High School in Montezuma Creek, Utah to build and enter a fresnel solar cooker in the Spirit of Innovation Award contest. The students' Native Sun Solar cooker which can make traditional fry bread was a finalist in the competition.

  • May 2008
SOLAR_COOKING_PASTA_FRESNEL_LENS_STOVE_OVEN_SOLAR_POWER_Mirror_Bouncing

SOLAR COOKING PASTA FRESNEL LENS STOVE OVEN SOLAR POWER Mirror Bouncing

Documents

See also

External links

All Fresnel solar cooker designs

All Fresnel solar cooker construction plans