Hot Spot Concentrating Dish

Target SDGs

Market Suggested Retail Price

$280.00

Target Users (Target Impact Group)

Household

Distributors / Implementing Organizations

A Better Focus Co. The company is looking for qualifying NGOs and other organizations that promote the use of solar cooking in developing countries.

Competitive Landscape

Direct competitors include SolSuffit SuniCook, SolSource Solar Cooker, and GoSun Solar Cooker Sport.

Regions

Worldwide

Manufacturing/Building Method

The technology is suitable for mass production, but current sales volumes are still a few per month. Small communities with previous proper training could manufacture the technology as manufacturing complexity is low. ^{Interview with manufacturer}

Intellectural Property Type

Patent

User Provision Model

Users can obtain the product from the manufacturer. Price list here and contact here.

Distributions to Date Status

Few Hot Spot Concentrating Dishes per month is the sales volume (exact number not specified), and most of are shipped to the US. Interview with manufacturer

Design Specifications

Design specification includes the dish, a high-quality reflective film, hand pump vacuum (for evacuating the cavity formed between the reflective film and dish), a tripod with one telescoping leg (for elevation adjustment).

Physical specifications:
Mirror Diameter: 114 cm (45 in)
Reflective Surface: Aluminized Mylar Film
Reflective Area: 0,33 m³ (11.5 cubic ft.)
Weight: from 3.6 kg (8 lbs) to 4,5 kg (10 lbs);depending on configuration

A plastic lined cardboard film cover is provided to avoid punctures during handling, and also to prevent soiling of the reflective film.

Technical Support

The product comes along with instruction manual. View Frequently Asked Questions or contact the manufacturer.

Replacement Components

The reflective film is replaceable, but may not be available in some regions as it requires special fixtures. ^{Interview with manufacturer}

Lifecycle

This product has a 1-year warranty from date of shipment. With proper care, the product can last up to 10 years. The product is intended to be brought inside after use.  Most users hang them up on a wall. A Better Focus co. is currently testing a new film suitable for continuous use outdoors within an estimated lifecycle of 10 years. This new film is, however, more expensive. ^{Interview with manufacturer}

Manufacturer Specified Performance Parameters

Research is on-going for a larger focusing heliostat dish for power generation applications, with several prototype dishes constructed and tested. A 4-dish tracking system has been designed, and a 1/4 scale model constructed and tested. View performance data on the product's website. Research efforts have focused on these three areas:

1.Improving focusing accuracy: improved film characterization techniques have improved concentrations on the 1.2m (4 ft) diameter dishes from 130 suns to over 600 suns.

2.Developing a lightweight and cost-effective sun-tracking structure: operational for thermal testing purposes.

3.Weatherability and survival in high wind: the ¼ scale model has survived heavy snow events without damage.

For further information about the performance targets view "Pursuing Best Cost Concentration-Latest developments, including 1/4 scale model of dish-thermal system" in the events section.

Vetted Performance Status

The dish has been successfully tested to -6.7 ºC (20 ºF). Performance: Point Focus Focal Length: Variable from 3 m (10 ft) to 6 m (20 ft) Point Focus Minimum Focal Area: 10.16 cm (4 in) Concentration: Equivalent of 130 suns Time to Boil: 1.36 litres (48 oz.) of water in 15 minutes (at 900 W/m² sunlight intensity) Vacuum Hold Time: Minimum of 2 hours- always cover dish when not in use Maximum Heat Flux: 454 ºC (850 ºF)  

Safety

Safety notes:  Always wear sunglasses when using the dish and do not stare at the hot spot for extended periods. Never leave the dish unattended to prevent accidental fires. Hot cooking surfaces can potentially burn. Replace cover or relieve the vacuum.

The dish cannot be stored outdoors. The product has one year warranty from date of shipment. Damage to the reflective film is not covered by the warranty. ^{Interview with manufacturer}

Complementary Technical Systems

A Better Focus Company also sells cooking accessories as Tea Kettle for Pole Mount, 2 pegboard brackets for pole mount, insulated pan with heat diffuser plate, cast iron Omlette pan and inverted ovens (including temperature gage, internal food basket), inverted ovens pole mount, inverted oven mount to 2-dish tracker. An umbrella stand and pole for mounting food, an extra hand vacuum pump and additional sunglasses can also be ordered. 

Academic Research and References

Compliance with regulations

No ^{Interview with manufacturer}

Evaluation methods

Three types of testing fixtures where used by A Better Focus co., to evaluate the technology:Interview with manufacturer

a) Concentration ratio: Divide the 114 cm (45 in) aperture of the reflective dish by the size of the concentrated spot 5-10 cm (2-4 in), yields a concentration ratio of between 11 and 22.

b) Maximum temperature test: An insulated 15 cm (6 in) diameter pot, with a copper target inside that has a type K thermocouple attached. Max. temperatures developed approach 700 ºC (1300 ºF).

c) Total power developed by heating water from ambient temperature to over 80 ºC (176 ºF).  This test was developed by the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers.

Other Information

A Better Focus Company has organized and participated in several events to show their products. View more information here.

Physical Specification and safety notes