A review of recent advances in solar cooking technology

One of the primary factors affecting the amount of worldwide energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions is cooking. Solar cooking is an appropriate solution because it is both inexpensive and expandable. To illustrate modern advancements and the current status of solar cooking technology, this paper presents a review of recent experimental and analytical socioeconomic studies on solar cookers. The experimental studies have been divided into three categories based on different solar cooker structures: (i) box types, (ii) concentrating types, and (iii) panel types. Next, different designs are investigated according to their direct or indirect heat transfer modes and optional equipment for latent heat and sensible heat type thermal storage units. Moreover, reviews of studies concerning social and economic points of view and analyses of solar cooking technology are included. Different designs and configurations of solar cookers are compared for their performance, including economic aspects. Finally, some applicable solutions for current drawbacks are presented as a pathway for further investigation in solar cooking technology.