The Hindu : dated May 5,1953: India's Own Solar Cookers

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, May 03, 2003

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Miscellaneous - This Day That Age

dated May 5,1953: India's Own Solar Cookers

The National Physical Laboratory in New Delhi had developed India's first 100-watt solar energy cooker. It was to be made available in the market towards the end of May. Large-scale commercial production of the cookers had commenced in Bombay for large-scale manufacture with the help of Mr. B.S. Pandher, Scientific Officer of the National Physical Laboratory seconded to the manufacturing firm. Performance tests carried out in Bombay covered variations of effect due to changes in temperature, humidity, and wind velocity. Experts conducting the tests claimed successful results. In Bombay weather conditions, it took longer to cook rice and green vegetables than in Delhi.

Experts attributed the longer duration to strong prevailing winds, smoke nuisance, and high humidity over Bombay which hindered the sun's rays.

They said about 20 or 25 minutes were needed to prepare rice and vegetables in Bombay while a pound of water took 15 minutes to boil. In Delhi the experts said, 15 minutes were required to prepare rice and vegetables. Solar cookers could be used on a sunny day from an hour after sunrise to an hour before sunset. The ideal time for cooking would be at noon, experts said.

The cookers were mounted on an efficient reflector which enabled a high temperature to be obtained.

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