Odisha Innovators Pioneer Solar-Powered Cooking Solution Amid LPG Supply Crisis
In response to growing scarcity of LPG, particularly for commercial users, a team of innovators from Odisha has developed a groundbreaking, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly cooking system powered entirely by solar energy. This innovative solution has already made its commercial debut in Bhubaneswar, offering a sustainable alternative during energy shortages.
The Innovative Team Behind the Solar Stove
The development team includes Manoj Kumar Nayak, professor of applied sciences at NIT-Delhi; Sudhansu Sekhar Sahoo, head of the school of mechanical sciences at Odisha University of Technology and Research; and electrician Santosh Swain. Together, they have created a DC-powered solar stove that operates without batteries, representing a significant advancement in renewable energy cooking technology.
Cost Structure and Installation Details
The solar stove installation costs between Rs 15,000 and Rs 20,000 for users who already have solar panels (2KV or 3KV) installed under the PM Surya Ghar Yojana. For those requiring complete solar panel installation, the entire setup investment rises to approximately Rs 50,000. The system utilizes power generated directly from solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, eliminating the need for battery storage and thereby reducing both initial costs and ongoing maintenance requirements.
Technological Breakthrough: Re-engineering Traditional Heating
The innovation's significance lies in its re-engineering of the traditional coil-based heater, a technology that had previously fallen out of favor due to excessive AC power consumption. "We redesigned the coil-based heater that was used in our homes earlier to make it function efficiently on direct current (DC) supplied by solar panels, eliminating the need for battery storage," explained Sahoo.
The cooking system incorporates a 2kW solar PV system integrated with a specially designed controller and regulator. The heating coil was meticulously engineered, considering critical parameters including:
- Wire diameter optimization
- Coil size adjustments
- Length specifications to withstand high current during peak solar output
This engineering makes the system shock-proof and capable of performing effectively during sunny conditions, partially cloudy weather, and even rainy days, except during periods of extremely low sunlight.
Development Timeline and Patent Achievement
The team dedicated approximately four years to designing the complete cooking system, including the specialized heater. Their efforts culminated in receiving a patent for the product in 2024. Beyond the coil-based system, they also developed a DC-compatible induction cooking system, providing users with multiple cooking technology options.
"Depending on the type of utensils, cooking requirements, and food preparations, both systems can be utilized," noted Sahoo. "They can also be operated using AC supply during nighttime hours when solar power is unavailable."
Demonstration and Commercial Implementation
Both cooking systems have been demonstrated at various technical platforms and have been operational at the OUTR-FINE incubator, where they have demonstrated consistent performance over the past two years. Amidst severe commercial LPG shortages affecting the hotel industry, the team successfully installed their cooking systems commercially at a restaurant in Bhubaneswar this week, marking a significant milestone in practical implementation.
This solar-powered cooking innovation represents a timely solution to energy challenges, combining affordability, environmental sustainability, and practical functionality for both residential and commercial users facing LPG supply constraints.
