Testing

A controversy exists about how best to test solar cooker variations and how to report the results of these tests. Some argue for some standardized test with standard measurements and some way to report absolute results. Others take a more pragmatic approach and suggest the following method of testing and reporting: Heat perhaps a liter of water simultaneously in two cookers, one with the modification to be tested and one without. Then after a time (before the water boils in either cooker), measure the temperature of the water in both cookers. Then determine how many degrees each cooker raised the temperature of the water. Finally calculate the percentage of difference between these two temperature changes and report this along with a description of the modification that you tested.

Solar cooking expert Barbara Kerr provides a simple method of comparing the performance of two or more cookers. With the cookers side-by-side on a sunny day, put 1/4 cup rice and 1/2 cup water in identical, black-colored "soup" cans covered with a small piece of clear glass, and place one in each cooker. Without opening the cookers (or bag in panel cookers), watch for rice rising to the surface of the water. The first one to rise is the hottest.

See also

• Thesis on Solar Cooking Testing Standards - Shawn Shaw
• Parabolic solar cooker standards
• ASAE solar cooker performance testing standards
• Thermometers

External links

• April 2000: International Standards for Testing Solar Cookers - Dr. Paul Funk