Solar Cooker Design

TR-29.1
A Preliminary Study of Black Paints
This note records some information about black paints that may be used in the construction of solar cookers. Black surfaces absorb solar radiation better than lighter colored surfaces on cooking pots or the interior of box cookers, so black paints can improve solar cooker performance in these applications. However, paints also have other considerations, namely durability and toxicity. This note also addresses these issues briefly.

TR-34
Preliminary Work on Gasket Making for Cooking Pots
This report documents preliminary attempts at manufacturing silicone gaskets for sealing the lid gap on the SHE-designed HotPot. It concluded that gaskets made in this way are not sufficiently soft to create an adequate seal. This report still has some useful information on the topic of gasket making.