Last edited: 17 September 2014
|
The Kirk-ook is a solar panel cooker, designed by Mark Evans Kirkpatrick. It is constructed from mylar coated reflective bubble insulation sold at many of the home improvement stores in the USA.
About the Kirk-ook: The base reflector is slotted through the rear reflector to provide more stability for the cooker in windy conditions (with less base material extended and more base material supported). The bottom-rear of the cooker can be supported with rocks as shown in the picture. By extending the sides you will create a wave-formed ripple focusing more rays in the center for higher effectiveness (depending on the angle of the sun). Higher temperatures can be reached using a turkey bag around the pot & lid or split and covering the Kirk-ook on windy days (alleviating the effect from high winds known as wind chill) . The plastic film can be coated with UV agents to avoid discoloration and distortion. Alternate transparent plastics are being tested for higher heat resistance (*email suggestions). It is recommended using clear packaging tape to cover each area that is cut (easier when applied prior to cutting out the design) on each side of the cooker. Tape can also be added to other areas prone to wear-and-tear (mainly the latching triangles that connect the base and rear relector).
The Kirk-ook was developed, however not utilized, during a joint project between San Diego Coastal Rotary Club (Rotary District 5340) and Nairobi Mashariki Rotary Club (East Africa Rotary District 9200) and was financed by San Diego Rotary Club #33 (Rotary District 5340).
The Kirk-ook runs approximately $3.20 per unit (minus the pot) and the design is available to anyone (without limitations of personal use) for conducting a service project anywhere in the world.
Contact[]
Mark Evans Kirkpatrick