Nicaragua: Construction of Solar Oven and Redesign of Wood-Burning Stove

Author(s)

• Adela Peña, University of Dayton
• Scott Allen, University of Dayton

Document Type

Report

Publication Date

8-23-2007

Abstract

The temperatures of two solar dryers were monitored each day for two weeks using thermocouples and multimeters. It was discovered the airflow blew in the opposite direction desired every time the wind blew into the top vent. To correct this, flaps were created and installed on the top vent, preventing air from flowing in while continuing to allow airflow out.

The temperatures of two solar ovens where also monitored using thermocouples, oven thermometers and digital thermometers. The two solar ovens were designed for the autoclave with the exteriors constructed from different types of materials. The oven having a wood exterior reached higher temperatures than the oven with an exterior of sheet metal. The oven made of wood was able to reach and retain higher temperatures, but the wood deteriorated faster than the sheet metal. After reporting this observation to the Mujeres Solares, it was decided to build all new ovens using the sheet metal exterior to prolong the life of the oven.

The autoclave was also tested in these ovens over a period of two weeks. Neither of the two solar ovens reached the required temperatures for a long enough duration of time to operate an effective autoclave. It was concluded the autoclave would not be operable during the rainy season because the solar oven can not reach or remain at high enough temperatures necessary for the autoclave to sterilize medical instruments.

eCommons Citation

Peña, Adela and Allen, Scott, "Nicaragua: Construction of Solar Oven and Redesign of Wood-Burning Stove" (2007). ETHOS Technical Reports. 18.
https://ecommons.udayton.edu/ethos_reports/18