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PNLPNL

Journal Jurnal PolimesinJurnal Polimesin Abstract

The utilization of solar energy can be adapted for household needs, such as powering electric stoves. Solar panels function as devices for converting heat into electricity, which is then used to power solar cookers as substitutes for LPG-powered stoves. This study was conducted at the Faculty of Engineering, HKBP Nommensen University, located on Jl. Sutomo No. 4A, Medan, North Sumatra, Indonesia. The objective of this study is to compare the performance of a solar cooker PV DC system using an aluminum cooking container to that of a solar cooker using a stainless steel container, with a focus on differences in the rate of temperature increase. The test results indicate that aluminum containers conduct heat more efficiently than stainless steel containers. In an experiment on heating 2 liters of water, the rate of temperature increase in an aluminum container is 1.01°C per minute, compared to 0.91°C per minute in a stainless steel container. The thermal conductivity of aluminum is approximately 205 W/m°C, with a density of 2.7 g/cm³, whereas stainless steel has a thermal conductivity of 15–25 W/m°C and a density of 7.8 g/cm³. The highest average solar radiation recorded during the test was 424.1 W/m². The solar cooker successfully cooked potatoes to a normal level in 48 minutes, from 14:26 to 15:13 on August 3, 2024, reaching a final temperature of 100.1°C, under the lowest average radiation of 216.22 W/m². In another test, 104 grams of potatoes were cooked in 35 minutes, with the temperature increasing at a rate of 1.62°C per minute in the aluminum container, reaching a final temperature of 103°C. In contrast, the stainless steel container had a rate of 1.31°C per minute and reached a final temperature of 91.3°C. The test also demonstrated that battery voltage significantly impacts cooking efficiency, as it influences the power required for cooking materials, such as water.

Conclusion

The research findings demonstrate that solar cookers utilizing aluminum containers exhibit superior heat conduction compared to those employing stainless steel.Specifically, when heating 2 liters of water, the aluminum container achieved a temperature increase rate of 1.01°C per minute, while the stainless steel container only reached 0.This difference is attributed to the higher thermal conductivity of aluminum, approximately 205 W/m°C, in contrast to the 15-25 W/m°C conductivity of stainless steel.These results highlight the importance of material selection in optimizing the efficiency of solar cooking systems.

Future Research

Further research could investigate the long-term durability and corrosion resistance of aluminum containers under prolonged exposure to sunlight and varying weather conditions, as this could impact their suitability for widespread use. Additionally, exploring the integration of phase change materials (PCMs) with both aluminum and stainless steel containers could enhance thermal storage capacity and improve cooking performance, particularly during periods of intermittent sunlight. Finally, a comparative study evaluating the economic feasibility and environmental impact of solar cookers with different container materials, considering factors like manufacturing costs, material lifespan, and carbon footprint, would provide valuable insights for promoting sustainable cooking solutions.

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