Solar Urban Cooker: Permanent, Low-Cost and Emission-Free Heating System

Researchers at Universidad Carlos III de Madrid have developed and patented a fully passive outdoor solar oven designed as permanent urban or community furniture. It enables cooking, heating or sterilizing without electricity, fuel or fluids, making it ideal for public spaces, remote areas or energy-poor communities.

The system integrates solar collection, insulation and optional thermal energy storage in a robust, maintenance-free unit. It can operate under low or no solar radiation using phase change materials or other high-capacity storage media. Built with low-cost, widely available materials, it requires no solar tracking or concentration systems.

Collaboration sought: Industrial partners for investment, co-development, manufacturing, licensing or commercialization interested in sustainable urban solutions, off-grid energy devices or humanitarian technology.