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BCU - Fire Solar Oven Entrance Why a Solar Oven? Method 1 Method 2 Using Your Oven Contact B.Howe |
Solar OvenMethod 2: The Permanent OvenI don't intend to go into great detail about how to cut and assemble your own oven. The principles and components are the same as outlined in the previous method. All that has changed is the materials. You can build your oven to whatever size you think you will need and invest however much money you feel is appropriate. In place of the assembly instructions I will give you some hints and tips you may want to consider during the planning stage of your oven. � The oven can be built out of almost any material, as the previous method proves. Choose your material based on what you have available or can afford to purchase. Each material will have it's advantages and disadvantages so think it through before you put any money down. For example; wood is readily available, will fit most budgets and is easily worked - it is also heavy, and must be protected from water and the sun can cause severe drying and splitting if not properly treated: Aluminum on the other hand is light weight, not reactant with sun or rain, and is readily available - it is a little more expensive and harder to work with than wood. � Using two layers of glass with a small gap between them in the lid will insulate against heat loss through the glass. � Using heat resistant weather stripping, a rubber gasket, or the seal from a conventional oven door will provide a long lasting seal between the lid and box. This will also help reduce heat loss. �Firmly attach the reflector as it can act as a quite efficient sail on windy days. � Whenever possible use black pots and pans for cooking in your oven. They become absorbers in their own right and increase the efficiency of your oven and consequently reduce the cook time required. � When designing your oven, keep in mind what you will want to cook in it. If your goal is to prepare roasts you must ensure that your roasting pan is going to fit into the completed oven. � Commercially available ovens start at approximately $150.00 (US). If your design is going to exceed this amount you may want to consider simply purchasing one and saving yourself the aggravation of building it. � Hinge both the reflector and the glass lid so that when both are closed the glass is protected from being knocked and both the inside of the oven and the glass will remain clean. � You can still use newspaper rolled into tubes as your insulation, but you may want to move into foam or fibreglass. Bear in mind that the inside of your oven may reach temperatures of 375�F, so it may be a good idea to discuss your choice with a dealer before buying. � Maintain the one inch space for the insulation between the boxes, no matter the size of your box. Brett Last Updated: March 19, 2001 |