Solar Cooking
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Fuck outa here{{GoogleTranslateLinks}}
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[[Image:Fun-Panel 45 degree view.jpg|right|320px]]
 
[[Image:Fun-Panel 45 degree view.jpg|right|320px]]
The '''Fun-Panel''' solar panel cooker can be built in 1-2 hours from a single [[cardboard]] box, [[Reflective material|aluminum foil]], a [[pot]], and an [[oven bag]]. This is significant, because traditional solar panel cookers such as the [[CooKit]] often require a large sheet of cardboard for construction. The Fun-Panel can also be adjusted more easily for different sun angles. This very powerful cooker is a true breakthough.
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The '''Fun-Panel''' solar panel cooker can be built in one to two hours from a single [[cardboard]] box, [[Reflective material|aluminum foil]], a [[pot]], and an [[oven bag]]. This is significant, because traditional solar panel cookers such as the [[CooKit]] often require a large sheet of cardboard for construction. The Fun-Panel can also be adjusted more easily for different sun angles.
   
[[Teong Tan]]'s rationale for designing this cooker is the following: The [[Funnel Cooker|Funnel solar cooker]] is very efficient in capturing sunlight with its 60° conical reflecting surface. However, it has an unstable shape that makes it difficult to keep the cooker and the pot in position. Also it is not possible to fit a regular size cooking pot into a regular size Funnel cooker because of limited space at the lower end of the cooker. The Fun-Panel retains the very efficient conical reflecting surface of the funner cooker but eliminates its disadvantages.
+
[[Teong Tan]]'s rationale for designing this cooker is the following: The [[Funnel Cooker|Funnel solar cooker]] is very efficient in capturing sunlight with its 60° conical reflecting surface. However, it has an unstable shape that makes it difficult to keep the cooker and the [[pot]] in position. Also, it is not possible to fit a regular-size cooking pot into a regular-size Funnel cooker because of limited space at the lower end of the cooker. The Fun-Panel retains the very efficient conical reflecting surface of the Funnel cooker but eliminates its disadvantages.
   
 
This is a very good design to build in construction workshops. Please see [[Media:Fun-Panel class handout.pdf|Fun-Panel Class Handout]].
 
This is a very good design to build in construction workshops. Please see [[Media:Fun-Panel class handout.pdf|Fun-Panel Class Handout]].
   
''[Note that Teong Tan has recently released an improved design for this cooker. To see the updated design, see [http://images2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20080804044346/solarcooking/images/9/9c/Fun-Panel2_Instructions.pdf Fun-Panel 2 Construction Plans].''
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''[Note that Teong Tan has recently released an improved design for this cooker. To see the updated design, see [http://images2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20080804044346/solarcooking/images/9/9c/Fun-Panel2_Instructions.pdf Fun-Panel 2 Construction Plans].]''
 
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__TOC__
 
__TOC__
 
==Some advantages==
 
==Some advantages==
*Easy to cut and fold this cooker using the cardboard from half of a single box -- you don't need a big sheet of perfect cardboard. Every U.S. Post Office sells a large cube-shaped box 50 cm x 50 cm x 50 cm (20 in x 20 in x 20 in) for about $6.00 that can be used to make two Fun-Panels
+
*Easy to cut and fold this cooker using the cardboard from half of a single box — you don't need a big sheet of perfect cardboard. Every U.S. Post Office sells a large cube-shaped 50 cm x 50 cm x 50 cm box (20 in x 20 in x 20 in) for about USD 6.00 that can be used to make two Fun-Panels.
  +
*[[Bernhard Mueller]] and [[Celestino Ruivo]] recommend scaling up the size for more cooking power. Instead of {{CM|50}} by {{CM|50}}, one can use {{CM|60}} by {{CM|60}} or even {{CM|65}} by {{CM|65}}
*All cuts are 90° cuts -- no curves
+
*All cuts are 90° cuts — no curves
 
*It's easily scaled to the size of cardboard box you have on hand
 
*It's easily scaled to the size of cardboard box you have on hand
*You can cook at all sun angles including low sun angles (morning and evening or high/low latitudes)
+
*You can cook at all sun angles, including low sun angles (morning and evening or high/low latitudes)
   
 
==Building the Cooker==
 
==Building the Cooker==
 
===What You Will Need===
 
===What You Will Need===
 
[[Image:Fun-Panel Fig-1.jpg|350px|right]]
 
[[Image:Fun-Panel Fig-1.jpg|350px|right]]
The construction materials required for a Fun-Panel cooker are simple and low cost. Teong made his cooker from a used cardboard box that measured about 50 cm (20 in) on all edges. If you use a box with different dimensions, just modify the design to suit your box. One cube-shaped cardboard box has enough material for two Fun-Panel cookers. If only a rectangular-shaped box is available, you can cut the side panel to make it square.
+
The construction materials required for a Fun-Panel cooker are simple and low cost. Teong made his cooker from a used cardboard box that measured about {{CM|50}} on all edges. If you use a box with different dimensions, just modify the design to suit your box. One cube-shaped cardboard box has enough material for two Fun-Panel cookers. If only a rectangular-shaped box is available, you can cut the side panel to make it square.
 
* A [[cardboard]] box
 
* A [[cardboard]] box
 
* Tape
 
* Tape
 
*[[Reflective material|Aluminum foil]]
 
*[[Reflective material|Aluminum foil]]
 
* [[Glue]]
 
* [[Glue]]
  +
* One [[Pots|jar or pot]]
* 1 Jar
 
* Oven Bag
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* Oven bag
   
 
===Creating the Panels===
 
===Creating the Panels===
 
* Cut the cube-shaped cardboard box to obtain two large rectangular panels. Each panel is made up of one square face of the box together with one flap.
 
* Cut the cube-shaped cardboard box to obtain two large rectangular panels. Each panel is made up of one square face of the box together with one flap.
* Draw all the fold lines at 15° angles (see [[User blog:Katjo.Mencanto/Fun-Panelo: Grada Mezuroj por Maldiligentuloj / Fun-Panel: Measuring Degrees for Lazy People#Fun-Panel: Degree Measurements for Lazy People|a simple way to measure 15°]].) and cut lines onto the panels following the Modified Fun-Panel Plan.
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* Draw all the fold lines at 15° angles (see [[User_blog:Katjo.Mencanto/Fun-Panelo:_Grada_Mezuroj_por_Maldiligentuloj_/_Fun-Panel:_Measuring_Degrees_for_Lazy_People#Making_your_Fifteen-Degree_Origami_.22Protractor.22|a simple way to measure 15° angles]]) and cut lines onto the panels following the Modified Fun-Panel Plan.
 
* Cut along the cut lines, then fold along the fold lines.
 
* Cut along the cut lines, then fold along the fold lines.
 
* Glue aluminum foil onto the inner side of the two large rectangular cardboard panels. Mix equal amounts of white glue and water. [[Wheat paste]] can also be used. For more information see [[Glue]].
 
* Glue aluminum foil onto the inner side of the two large rectangular cardboard panels. Mix equal amounts of white glue and water. [[Wheat paste]] can also be used. For more information see [[Glue]].
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===Assembling the Panels===
 
===Assembling the Panels===
   
* Join the two large rectangular cardboard panels together according to Figure 2, to form the cooker.
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* Join the two large rectangular cardboard panels together according to Figure 2 to form the cooker.
   
   
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[[Image:Fun-Panel Fig 4.jpg|left|200px]]
 
[[Image:Fun-Panel Fig 4.jpg|left|200px]]
   
For low sun angle cooking, between 35 and 50 degrees, place the cooker down, with the rectangular panel on the floor, as shown in Figure 4. For very low sun angle cooking, below 35 degrees, raise the pot by 5 to 7.5 cm (2 to 3 inches) above the base to better capture the sunlight.
+
For low sun angle cooking (between 35 and 50 degrees), place the cooker down with the rectangular panel on the floor, as shown in Figure 4. For very low sun angle cooking (below 35 degrees), raise the pot by 5 to 7.5 cm (2 to 3 in) above the base to better capture the sunlight.
   
 
===High sun angle===
 
===High sun angle===
 
[[Image:Fun-Panel Fig 5.jpg|right|200px]]
 
[[Image:Fun-Panel Fig 5.jpg|right|200px]]
With rising sun angle, between 50 and 70 degrees, flip the cooker around so that the square panel in the middle of the cooker is now horizontal, and place the cooker on top of a small box. (A box 12-15 cm, or 5-6 inches high, is now required.) See Figure 5.
+
With a rising sun angle (between 50 and 70 degrees), flip the cooker around so that the square panel in the middle of the cooker is now horizontal, and place the cooker on top of a small box. (A box 12 to 15 cm high, or 5 to 6 inches, is now required, as shown in Figure 5.)
   
The small box serves to support both the cooker and the cooking pot in this high sun angle setting. For very high sun angle cooking, above 70 degrees, tilt the vertical, rectangular panels slightly backward until the pot receives maximum reflected sunlight. Tie the two ends of the string together to hold the rectangular panel in that position.
+
The small box serves to support both the cooker and the cooking pot in this high sun angle setting. For very high sun angle cooking (above 70 degrees), tilt the vertical rectangular panels slightly backward until the pot receives maximum reflected sunlight. Tie the two ends of the string together to hold the rectangular panel in that position.
   
 
===The pot and plastic bag===
 
===The pot and plastic bag===
 
[[Image:Ovenbagbox.jpg|left|200px]]
 
[[Image:Ovenbagbox.jpg|left|200px]]
To cook, put foods inside a [[Pots|suitable cooking pot]]. Enclose the pot in a [[Plastic bags|oven cooking bag]]. Use an oven cooking bag alone or a normal plastic bag around a wire frame to keep the pot from touching the bag (to avoid melting the bag). Set the cooker according to the sun angle, and face it towards the sun. Place the cooking pot in the cooker and start cooking.
+
To cook, put foods inside a [[Pots|suitable cooking pot]]. Enclose the pot in a [[Plastic bags|oven cooking bag]]. Use an oven cooking bag alone or a normal plastic bag around a wire frame to keep the pot from touching the bag (to avoid melting the bag). Set the cooker according to the sun angle and face it towards the sun. Place the cooking pot in the cooker and start cooking.
   
[[Image:Fun-Panel with plastic bag.jpg|right|thumb|130px|Photo of Fun-Panel showing pot inside plastic bag]]
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[[Image:Fun-Panel with plastic bag.jpg|right|thumb|130px|Photo of Fun-Panel showing pot inside plastic bag.]]
The Fun-Panel cooker is also capable of cooking without the plastic bag enclosure if you have good sunshine. A test in Singapore without the use of a bag recorded a maximum empty pot temperature of 130 °C (266 °F). The 4-liter pot used had a clear glass lid. The cooker was set to the high-sun angle setting, and the sun's angle was 55 degrees when the temperature was taken.
+
The Fun-Panel cooker is also capable of cooking without the plastic bag enclosure if you have good sunshine. A test in [[Singapore]] without the use of a bag recorded a maximum empty pot temperature of 130 °C (266 °F). The four-liter pot used had a clear glass lid. The cooker was set to the high sun angle setting, and the sun's angle was 55 degrees when the temperature was taken.
   
 
===Wind stability===
 
===Wind stability===
A large rock can be placed on the back shelf to help stop the cooker from blowing away on windy days. If more wind stability is needed, tie a string to each upper corner of the reflector wings (~5 cm, or 2 inches, in from each edge.) Then tie the strings to stakes in the ground or heavy objects such as a rocks, bricks, etc.
+
A large rock can be placed on the back shelf to help stop the cooker from blowing away on windy days. If more wind stability is needed, tie a string to each upper corner of the reflector wings (~5 cm, or two inches, in from each edge). Then tie the strings to stakes in the ground or heavy objects such as a rocks, bricks, etc.
 
===Panel stability===
 
===Panel stability===
Some users have found positioning the reflector can be helped by attaching a string between the upper corners.
+
Some users have found that positioning the reflector can be helped by attaching a string between the upper corners.
 
[[File:Fun Panel tension support.jpg|right|350px]]
 
[[File:Fun Panel tension support.jpg|right|350px]]
 
{{clr}}
 
{{clr}}
  +
==Jumbo variation==
  +
[[File:Elmo_Dutra_FunPanel_design_2019.jpg|thumb|250px|Jumbo version of the Fun-Panel by Elmo Dutra]]
  +
*{{NewNov19}}[[Media:Fun-Panel_Elmo_Dutra_2019.pdf|Jumbo version of the Fun-Panel solar cooker]] - ''[[Elmo Dutra]]''{{Clr}}
  +
 
==Cement Variation==
 
==Cement Variation==
[[File:DSC02220.jpg|thumb|350px|Cement Fun-Panels]]
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[[File:DSC02220.jpg|thumb|300px|Cement Fun-Panels.]]
In 2009 [[Celestino Ruivo]] developed a Fun-Panel in concrete using mirrors for reflecting the sun rays to the pot. To make the green house effect he used two recycled windows of clothes-washing machines instead of a plastic bag. This model is working now during winter time, no problem with rain and wind, it is easy to clean and it is very heavy and thus theft-resistant. The funnel solar cooker in concrete with mirror can be a good alternative to a more durable solar cooker (many years) instead of some months of a solar [[CooKit]]. In African countries, this kind of solar cooker may also be constructed locally.
+
In 2009 [[Celestino Ruivo]] developed a Fun-Panel in concrete using mirrors for reflecting the sun rays to the pot. To make the greenhouse effect he used two recycled windows of clothes-washing machines instead of a plastic bag. This model is working now during winter time—no problem with rain and wind. It is easy to clean and it is very heavy and thus theft resistant. The Fun-Panel solar cooker in concrete with mirrors is durable and can last many years. It can be a good alternative to a solar [[CooKit]] whose service length may only be several months. In African countries, this kind of solar cooker may also be constructed locally.
  +
  +
*{{NewMay18}}See [[Media:P1_Jignesh_Mehta.pdf|Concrete Funnel Solar Cooker: Making and Cooking]]
   
 
==Making the Fun-Panel Collapsible (Optional)==
 
==Making the Fun-Panel Collapsible (Optional)==
 
[[Image:Foldable Fun-Panel Cooker.jpg|650px]]
 
[[Image:Foldable Fun-Panel Cooker.jpg|650px]]
  +
<Gallery>
[[Image:Fun-Panel with Locking Flap.jpg|350px]]
 
[[Image:Fun-Panel Fully Collapsed 1.jpg|thumb|450px|right]]
+
[Image:Fun-Panel with Locking Flap.jpg
[[Image:Fun-Panel with Locking Flap 4.jpg|350px]]
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Image:Fun-Panel Fully Collapsed 1.jpg
 
Image:Fun-Panel with Locking Flap 4.jpg
[[Image:Back angle.JPG|thumb|314px|fun-panel cooker with plastic velcro flaps instead of interlocking cardboard]]
 
  +
Image:Back angle.JPG
  +
</gallery>
   
 
==Fun-Panel Version 2==
 
==Fun-Panel Version 2==
*Teong Tan has recently updated this design. See [http://images2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20080804044346/solarcooking/images/9/9c/Fun-Panel2_Instructions.pdf Construction plans] (English) and [[Media:Suna-Kuirilo_Fun-Panelo.pdf‎|Planoj por Konstruado]] (Esperanto).
+
*Teong Tan has updated this design. See [http://images2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20080804044346/solarcooking/images/9/9c/Fun-Panel2_Instructions.pdf Construction plans] (English) and [[Media:Suna-Kuirilo_Fun-Panelo.pdf‎|Planoj por Konstruado]] (Esperanto).
   
 
==Audio and video==
 
==Audio and video==

Revision as of 21:52, 20 February 2020

Searchbox
Last edited: 20 February 2020      
Fun-Panel 45 degree view

The Fun-Panel solar panel cooker can be built in one to two hours from a single cardboard box, aluminum foil, a pot, and an oven bag. This is significant, because traditional solar panel cookers such as the CooKit often require a large sheet of cardboard for construction. The Fun-Panel can also be adjusted more easily for different sun angles.

Teong Tan's rationale for designing this cooker is the following: The Funnel solar cooker is very efficient in capturing sunlight with its 60° conical reflecting surface. However, it has an unstable shape that makes it difficult to keep the cooker and the pot in position. Also, it is not possible to fit a regular-size cooking pot into a regular-size Funnel cooker because of limited space at the lower end of the cooker. The Fun-Panel retains the very efficient conical reflecting surface of the Funnel cooker but eliminates its disadvantages.

This is a very good design to build in construction workshops. Please see Fun-Panel Class Handout.

[Note that Teong Tan has recently released an improved design for this cooker. To see the updated design, see Fun-Panel 2 Construction Plans.]

Some advantages

  • Easy to cut and fold this cooker using the cardboard from half of a single box — you don't need a big sheet of perfect cardboard. Every U.S. Post Office sells a large cube-shaped 50 cm x 50 cm x 50 cm box (20 in x 20 in x 20 in) for about USD 6.00 that can be used to make two Fun-Panels.
  • Bernhard Mueller and Celestino Ruivo recommend scaling up the size for more cooking power. Instead of 50 cm (19.7 in) by 50 cm (19.7 in), one can use 60 cm (23.6 in) by 60 cm (23.6 in) or even 65 cm (25.6 in) by 65 cm (25.6 in)
  • All cuts are 90° cuts — no curves
  • It's easily scaled to the size of cardboard box you have on hand
  • You can cook at all sun angles, including low sun angles (morning and evening or high/low latitudes)

Building the Cooker

What You Will Need

Fun-Panel Fig-1

The construction materials required for a Fun-Panel cooker are simple and low cost. Teong made his cooker from a used cardboard box that measured about 50 cm (19.7 in) on all edges. If you use a box with different dimensions, just modify the design to suit your box. One cube-shaped cardboard box has enough material for two Fun-Panel cookers. If only a rectangular-shaped box is available, you can cut the side panel to make it square.

Creating the Panels

  • Cut the cube-shaped cardboard box to obtain two large rectangular panels. Each panel is made up of one square face of the box together with one flap.
  • Draw all the fold lines at 15° angles (see a simple way to measure 15° angles) and cut lines onto the panels following the Modified Fun-Panel Plan.
  • Cut along the cut lines, then fold along the fold lines.
  • Glue aluminum foil onto the inner side of the two large rectangular cardboard panels. Mix equal amounts of white glue and water. Wheat paste can also be used. For more information see Glue.


Assembling the Panels

  • Join the two large rectangular cardboard panels together according to Figure 2 to form the cooker.


Fun-Panel Fig 2

Adding small cardboard support

Fun-Panel Fig 3

Setting up the Cooker

Low sun angle

Fun-Panel Fig 4

For low sun angle cooking (between 35 and 50 degrees), place the cooker down with the rectangular panel on the floor, as shown in Figure 4. For very low sun angle cooking (below 35 degrees), raise the pot by 5 to 7.5 cm (2 to 3 in) above the base to better capture the sunlight.

High sun angle

Fun-Panel Fig 5

With a rising sun angle (between 50 and 70 degrees), flip the cooker around so that the square panel in the middle of the cooker is now horizontal, and place the cooker on top of a small box. (A box 12 to 15 cm high, or 5 to 6 inches, is now required, as shown in Figure 5.)

The small box serves to support both the cooker and the cooking pot in this high sun angle setting. For very high sun angle cooking (above 70 degrees), tilt the vertical rectangular panels slightly backward until the pot receives maximum reflected sunlight. Tie the two ends of the string together to hold the rectangular panel in that position.

The pot and plastic bag

Ovenbagbox

To cook, put foods inside a suitable cooking pot. Enclose the pot in a oven cooking bag. Use an oven cooking bag alone or a normal plastic bag around a wire frame to keep the pot from touching the bag (to avoid melting the bag). Set the cooker according to the sun angle and face it towards the sun. Place the cooking pot in the cooker and start cooking.

Fun-Panel with plastic bag

Photo of Fun-Panel showing pot inside plastic bag.

The Fun-Panel cooker is also capable of cooking without the plastic bag enclosure if you have good sunshine. A test in Singapore without the use of a bag recorded a maximum empty pot temperature of 130 °C (266 °F). The four-liter pot used had a clear glass lid. The cooker was set to the high sun angle setting, and the sun's angle was 55 degrees when the temperature was taken.

Wind stability

A large rock can be placed on the back shelf to help stop the cooker from blowing away on windy days. If more wind stability is needed, tie a string to each upper corner of the reflector wings (~5 cm, or two inches, in from each edge). Then tie the strings to stakes in the ground or heavy objects such as a rocks, bricks, etc.

Panel stability

Some users have found that positioning the reflector can be helped by attaching a string between the upper corners.

Fun Panel tension support


Jumbo variation

Elmo Dutra FunPanel design 2019

Jumbo version of the Fun-Panel by Elmo Dutra

Cement Variation

DSC02220

Cement Fun-Panels.

In 2009 Celestino Ruivo developed a Fun-Panel in concrete using mirrors for reflecting the sun rays to the pot. To make the greenhouse effect he used two recycled windows of clothes-washing machines instead of a plastic bag. This model is working now during winter time—no problem with rain and wind. It is easy to clean and it is very heavy and thus theft resistant. The Fun-Panel solar cooker in concrete with mirrors is durable and can last many years. It can be a good alternative to a solar CooKit whose service length may only be several months. In African countries, this kind of solar cooker may also be constructed locally.

Making the Fun-Panel Collapsible (Optional)

Foldable Fun-Panel Cooker

Fun-Panel Version 2

Audio and video

Tom_Sponheim_at_Sustainable_NE_Seattle's_Solar_Cookout

Tom Sponheim at Sustainable NE Seattle's Solar Cookout

Tom Sponheim, a long-time advocate of solar cooking, discusses the Fun Panel cooker.

Boiling_water_with_cardboard_and_aluminum_foil_2

Boiling water with cardboard and aluminum foil 2

A similar design to the Fun Panel demonstrating its ability to boil water.


See also

External links