Abstract
This paper describes technical, operational and financial metrics related to a parabolic trough solar cooking device first developed by the author in 2004 in Lesotho. It is a baking tube with a diameter of 200mm which lies in the focus of the parabolic trough and has an overall 10:1 concentration ratio. The device has been in continuous use since then, along with other ovens of the same type, pri-marily used for baking in the framework of a small cottage bread baking application. The paper describes the physical characteristics of the solar oven and its operating context. The materials and precise geometry employed is examined, along with innovations applied over the course of many years of development. As well, shop procedures for manufacture are described along with operating experience, in terms of doing applied commercial work in an authentic setting. The conclusion summarizes financial indicators, costs and potential revenues, return on investment, and prospective for scaling, extension and replication, along with contemporary linkages to the Sustainable Development Goals and energy parameters in Lesotho.
References
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How to cite this paper
A Parabolic Trough Baking Device Developed in Lesotho
How to cite this paper: Ivan Yaholnitsky. (2020) A Parabolic Trough Baking Device Developed in Lesotho. International Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, 4(4), 354-366.
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.26855/ijfsa.2020.12.001