Clean Cooking Technology

Utilisation of Solar energy at CSMCRI Scientists colony of Bhavnagar (Gujarat)

Although much has been spoken and written about solar energy, there seems to be no serious or visible implementation of this technology even at grass-roots level as far as India is concerned.

It is to our credit that we, the residents of Hill-Drive Scientists colony (Bhavnagar), were the first to implement or exploit solar energy in our colony through the use of indigenous solar cooker which was our proud possession or rather an asset during 70's (1970-80). 

The solar cooker was simple in design; a black hollow base with a perpendicular glass reflector and a concentrator for reflecting & concentrating the sun rays on black copper vessels which acted as food containers. The whole principle was based on black body radiation with 100 % efficiency. During peak summer, the food used to be cooked in 3 hours time (boiled & baked items).

I remember using a solar cooker at our house for several years continuously during peak summer for cooking boiled food like rice, dal, potatoes, sweet potatoes, etc. My mother used to even prepare cookies, cakes and maida biscuits in solar cookers. 

Well, growing up in a scientific environment had its own benefits and merits.

We did our best and the SUN did the rest!