The Kyoto Box is a solar cooker constructed from polypropylene with acryl glass cover. The oven traps the suns rays, creating enough heat to cook or boil water. It was invented by Jon Bohmer, a Norwegian born inventor based in Kenya. It is currently being marketed as part of the Kyoto Energy product range.
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While the original Kyoto Box consisted of two cardboard boxes, the newer, commercial version is constructed from polypropylene, making it more robust and durable. Temperatures inside the box can quickly reach 80 degrees Celsius (176 degrees Fahrenheit)[1] on a sunny day. According to the Kyoto Energy website, temperatures can reach a maximum of 165 degrees Celsius.[2] Bohmer claims that the oven is capable of boiling 10 liters of water in two to three hours.[3].
Solar cookers are being used by hundreds of thousands of people throughout the world.[4] Solar cookers can also pasteurize or sterilize water to provide safe drinking water without using or collecting firewood.[5]
Since the award of the Financial Times Climate Change Challenge 2009 the design of the Kyoto Box has been modified from the original cardboard to polypropylene, boosting the cooking performance. An interesting innovation is the use of a white reflector instead of one covered with aluminum foil or Mylar.[6]
The norwegian inventor, Jon Bohmer, made the first model of the Kyoto Box with his daughters then aged 10 and 5 years old. It was first just a project with his children, but later won the FT Climate Change Challenge award.
[7] He won the first prize, since the invention reduces carbon emissions by eliminating the need to burn wood.[8]