Solar cooking holds promise for reduced energy use and environmental impact, however there are two shortcomings: (1) temperatures are often low and do not simulate fire cooking and (2) you cannot cook when the sun is not out. The goal of this project is to address those shortcomings via a stored energy solar
stove. The desired outcome is student involvement in the design-build-test process for three of these stoves which will then be installed on or near campus for educational demonstration purposes. The project is part of a major research and development effort here at Illinois that addresses the Global Cookstove Problem, specifically that charcoal and wood fires are still routinely used by over 3 billion people worldwide and are responsible for killing nearly 2 million people a year, especially women and children living in low-income settings due to indoor and cooking-related air pollution. The SSC portion of the project allows student involvement including design, construction, testing, education, and dissemination to others.