Parabolic Reflector for Solar Cooker

Do you need a parabolic reflector for cooking or to light a fire? Here's a easy solution made with only three parts.

Step 1: Parts

For this easy solar cooker you need three parts normally have at home:

• a plastic bow, size is not really limited. Only by the blanket size.
• a space blanket (silver/gold)
• a Dunlop bike valve (maybe another fits also)

Also you need tools:

• hot melt glue
• drill, diameter like the valve
• sandpaper

Nothing more.

Okay, let's start!

Step 2: Install the Valve

The valve is to deflate the bowl:

• Drill a hole in the bowl. Drill size same like the valve diameter.
• Turn the valve from outside in the hole and seal it from inside with hot-melt glue.
• Be sure you install it the right direction: inside is outside because of the vacuum.

Step 3: Add the Space Blanket

The space blanket is the reflector:

• Flatten the space blanket and fix the edges on a flat surface, Do not stretch to much. Golden side up. Assure that there are no holes in the blanket.
• If you are fast: Make a line of hot-melt glue on the border of the bowl. Press the bowl top down to the blanket.
• If not: Put the bowl top down on the blanket. Make a line around the border of the bowl to fix the blanket.

I'm not fast.

Step 4: Trim and Deflate

And the vacuum in the bowl do the parabolic shaping:

• Trim the overhanging blanket.
• Now you are finished and you can deflate the bowl e.g. with your mouth.
• If the bowl is not fully closed you can fix it with hot-melt glue.

Step 5: Usage

You have to go outside now:

• You can use your mirror for cooking if you build a big one
• Or to light a peace of paper like I did.