Cooking under the Sun: A renewable energy concept for ensuring clean environment

Abstract

The consumption of energy is increasing with fast growing population and rapid development and it is projected that world conventional energy sources will be exhausted in 50 to 100 years. Since the development of any region is reflected in its energy consumption pattern, it is essential to seek for alternative source of energy. In this context, renewable sources of energy like solar, wind, biogas and efficient utilization of biomass offer considerable advantages to arid region for it sustainable development. India occupies better position regarding solar energy potential. During the period November to February most of the Indian stations receive 4.0 to 6.3 kWh m-2 day-1 solar irradiance while in summer season this value ranges from 5.0 to 7.4 kWh m-2 day-1. The arid and semi-arid part of the country receives much more radiation as compared to the rest of the country with 6.0 kW h m-2 day-1 mean annual daily solar radiation received at Jodhpur having 8.9 average sunshine hours a day. Considering such favourable and potentially utilizable available solar energy, several solar energy devices based on thermal technology have been developed in the Division of Agricultural Engineering and Renewable Energy at CAZRI, such as animal feed solar cooker, box type solar cooker and non-tracking solar cooker etc. All these developed devices have been demonstrated in nearby rural areas and have been found to work very efficiently. Moreover, all these devices are environment friendly and also generate income for rural people and therefore has the potential niche in rural economy. Thus, the technologies developed at CAZRI have a great potential for entrepreneurship in rural areas both off-farm and on-farm level.