An Experimental Study Analysis of The Suitability of Sensible Heat Storage Materials for Solar Cooking Under Algerian Sahara Conditions

Solar power stands as a crucially sustainable energy source, primarily harnessed for heating and generating power. Various energy storage materials exist, enabling the improvement of diverse solar heating systems' performance. In this study, we've experimentally examined the thermal storage capabilities of small masonry brick pieces within a box-type solar cooker. This material was utilized atop the cooking plate in the tested cooker. The authors focused on making box cookers more efficient without breaking the bank, particularly benefiting those in remote areas. They explored using cost-effective heat storage materials, making it accessible even to those with limited education. Cooking trials showed promising results, indicating the practicality of affordable energy storage materials. These findings hint at the possibility of widespread adoption of the tested model. The cooker boasts a thermal efficiency of approximately 36.8%, a cooking power of around 61.10 W, and a thermal storage capacity of roughly 7 hours per day. The estimated cost for the cooker tested comes in at about $75.