Solar stove

Abstract

A solar stove may include a cabinet with a heating area. A hollow reflector including a large opening and a small opening may be positioned below the heating area. A reflector assembly reflects solar energy toward the large opening. The cabinet may also allow solar energy to heat an outer surface of the hollow reflector. A cooking vessel used with the solar stove may include a convex bottom that extends through the small opening and into an interior of the hollow reflector.

1 . A solar stove, comprising: 
 a cabinet including a heating area; and    a hollow reflector including a large opening and a small end, the hollow reflector being positioned below the heating area such that the large opening faces downward in use.    
   
   
       2 . The solar stove of  claim 1 , further comprising a reflector assembly that includes at least one reflector that reflects solar energy toward the large opening.  
   
   
       3 . The solar stove of  claim 2 , further comprising an adjustment mechanism that adjusts a position of the reflector assembly.  
   
   
       4 . The solar stove of  claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of casters, at least two of the casters being swivel casters that facilitate rotation of the solar stove about a vertical axis.  
   
   
       5 . The solar stove of  claim 1 , further comprising a hood that covers the heating area.  
   
   
       6 . The solar stove of  claim 5 , wherein the cabinet and/or the hood comprises at least one thermally insulated panel, and at least one thermally transmissive panel.  
   
   
       7 . The solar stove of  claim 1 , wherein the hollow reflector includes at least one curved surface.  
   
   
       8 . The solar stove of  claim 7 , wherein the curved surface is a parabolic surface.  
   
   
       9 . The solar stove of  claim 1 , wherein the heating area includes a high-heat area and a lower-heat area.  
   
   
       10 . A combination, comprising: 
 the solar stove of  claim 1 , wherein the small end of the hollow reflector has a small opening, and a cooking vessel that includes a convex bottom that extends through the small opening and into an interior of the hollow reflector.    
   
   
       11 . A combination, comprising: 
 the solar stove of  claim 1 , wherein the small end of the hollow reflector has a small opening, and    a thermally conductive insert that includes a convex bottom that extends through the small opening and into an interior of the hollow reflector.    
   
   
       12 . The combination of  claim 8 , wherein a top surface of the insert is flat.  
   
   
       13 . A solar stove, comprising: 
 a hollow reflector including an inner surface and an outer surface;    a first device that conducts solar energy to the inner surface; and    a second device that conducts solar energy to the outer surface.    
   
   
       14 . The solar stove of  claim 13 , wherein the first device comprises a reflector assembly.  
   
   
       15 . The solar stove of  claim 13 , wherein the second device comprises a transparent window.  
   
   
       16 . A solar stove, comprising: 
 a hollow reflector including a large opening and a small end, and    a reflector assembly that includes at least one reflector that reflects solar energy toward the large opening.