Kurukshetra: NIT researchers develop cost-effective solar oven

Kurukshetra, March 6

A team of researchers of the National Institute of Technology (NIT), Kurukshetra, has prepared a cost-effective portable heating system based on solar energy. A patent has been granted to the heating system and now the team is ready to transfer the technology to the government and industry for mass production.

Dr Chandrashekara M, assistant professor, mechanical engineering department at NIT Kurukshetra, who along with Dr Avadesh Yadav developed the technology, said: “The portable heating system, also known as the solar oven, serves as an Akshaya Patra, harnessing solar energy to prepare meals sustainably. The oven can generate temperatures up to 200°C-220°C within 25 minutes. The solar ovens available in the market costs between Rs 5000-8000, whereas our product costs only Rs 1,500, for preparing a meal for two persons. Its cost can be further reduced through mass production.”

He said: “It is cost-effective and lightweight. It has been provided with a parabolic groove to hold the flexible reflector and a handle for easy carrying.”

Dr Chandrashekara M said: “It is very compact and weighs just 3 kg, but the same technology can be scaled for preparation of complete meals up to 50 people. It can be used for tandoor, roasting and grilling without oil. This system gives uniform heat distribution without overheating.”