Moving forward with solar cooking: closing knowledge gaps in technical, environmental and food quality aspects

Ana C. Araújo, Cristina L. M. Silva*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to conferencePosterpeer-review

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Abstract

Solar cooking uses the sun's energy to cook food, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional methods that depend on non-renewable energy sources. This environmentally friendly approach helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and preserves natural resources. Despite these benefits, significant knowledge gaps remain regarding the technical complexities, sustainability implications, and impact on food nutritional quality. Solar cookers have different types and shapes, demonstrating the diverse approaches to utilizing solar energy for cooking. Since 2000, there has been a significant increase in research interest, driven by the growing recognition of solar cooking's potential for sustainable and food preparation. environmentally friendly Solar cooking research and application vary widely globally, with significant contributions from countries like India, the United States, and Mexico. Solar cooking can be used effectively in both homes and large-scale settings, offering a sustainable and cost-effective solution. Successful implementation depends on several factors, including technical advancements, health benefits from reduced air pollution, and significant environmental impacts. Solar cooking also offers substantial cost savings, though barriers to widespread adoption remain. Political support and regulatory frameworks are crucial, as is addressing user needs. sustainable and cost-effective Recent advancements in solar cooking focus on improving thermal performance, design efficiency, and integrating innovative materials. Research highlights theoretical modeling and experimental validation to optimize heat transfer and predict performance. Innovations include phase change materials for better heat retention, sun-tracking mechanisms, and optimized geometries. Solar cookers can reach high temperatures quickly and are effective in various climates. Comparative studies and prediction models enhance understanding of food quality impacts and design improvements. These efforts highlight solar cooking's environmental and economic benefits, promoting its adoption as a sustainable solution. Future research should integrate interdisciplinary approaches, combining machine learning, dynamic modeling, and sustainability assessments, to advance solar cooking technologies. Understanding the impact on food quality, developing reliable prediction models, and conducting thermal performance studies with degradation kinetics modeling are essential. By testing and incorporating these studies, researchers can continuously enhance solar cooker designs and performance, creating a circular system of ongoing improvements that make solar cookers more user-friendly and efficient.
Original languageEnglish
Number of pages1
Publication statusPublished - 10 Sept 2024
Event22th World Congress of Food Science and Technology: The future of food is now: Development, Functionality & Sustainability - Palacongressi di Rimini, Rimini, Italy
Duration: 8 Sept 202412 Sept 2024
Conference number: 22th
https://iufost2024-italy.com/

Conference

Conference22th World Congress of Food Science and Technology
Abbreviated titleIUFoST 2024
Country/TerritoryItaly
CityRimini
Period8/09/2412/09/24
Internet address

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