Development of a low-cost solar cooker for nixtamalization of maize based on multi-composite geometry

Abstract

The objective of this study was to fabricate a solar oven for nixtamalization of maize endemic to Michoacán, Mexico, and then evaluate its performance. Based on the geometry of compound parabolic concentrators. this model oven is innovative in both its design and construction materials. It was designed with dimensions to nixtamalize an amount of maize sufficient to satisfy the needs of a family of four. Results include experimental data for three types of maize: white, yellow, and black. Thermal performance was better than that of other solar devices with similar characteristics. During the cooking process, the oven achieved a standard cooking power of 77.5 W, with no need for reorientation. Cooking times varied for the different kinds of maize studied, but cooking black maize took approximately 3 h under clear skies, indicating that the oven has good efficiency. Future studies will determine nixtamalization times for other endemic varieties of maize in Michoacan.

Keywords

• Solar oven
• Low cost
• Composite parabolic concentrator
• Nixtamalization