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Here are the steps to make a reflector panel (cooker) from an aluminum lithograph printing plate. Plates are available at any government printing office, local commercial printer or newspaper.
1. Clean the ink from one side of the aluminum printing plate to reflect sun (use mineral spirits or any solvent).
2. Cut and fold the printing
plate as indicated on the above drawing. If you do not have this size or a larger printing plate, staple or rivet two or more smaller plates together. A smaller reflector the same shape will not cook as much food nor as
fast.
3. Nail a wood board to the bottom for weight and stability. It also insulates the bottom. Insulate the sides with scraps of rugs or blankets. This will increase the cooking temperature.
4. Determine which clear cover and chamber you can build from local materials:
A. Frame the reflector panel to support a clear cover;
B. Frame the glass or plastic cover to fit on or in the reflector panel;
C. Use a clear glass or plastic container (jar) to cover the cooking pot.
D. Use a plastic 'cooking bag'to cover (enclose) the cooking pot. (Optional)
5. Paint the inside bottom of the formed reflector panel and the pots black.
This low cost solar cooker is designed for emergencies and refugee camps. It can be built from materials that are available in your country. It should be considered for a give-a-way program because of its limited life and capabilities. Normal cooking capacity is 2 liters. USA, RSA, and Indian reflector patents are free for anyone to copy or modify.
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