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 language | English |
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Number of pages | 1 |
Publication status | Published - 10 Sept 2024 |
Event | 22th World Congress of Food Science and Technology: The future of food is now: Development, Functionality & Sustainability - Palacongressi di Rimini, Rimini, Italy Duration: 8 Sept 2024 → 12 Sept 2024 Conference number: 22th https://iufost2024-italy.com/ |
Conference
Conference | 22th World Congress of Food Science and Technology |
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Abbreviated title | IUFoST 2024 |
Country/Territory | Italy |
City | Rimini |
Period | 8/09/24 → 12/09/24 |
Internet address |