The focus of project SoCoNexGen, is on the design, construction, experimental testing and analysis of new types of indoor solar cookers.

Two solar cookers will be equipped with a thermal sand storage and one with a larger electrical battery storage. Two solar cookers use photovoltaic (PV) panels, one uses a solar thermal collector, and one uses PV panels and a solar thermal collector.

The solar cookers will be tested in Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia and Portugal. Functional tests of three cookers will be carried out in Germany. The German partners are creating a detailed simulation model for optimally laying out the sand storage by considering temperature distribution, charging and discharging as well as standstill behaviour. The Moroccan partner is designing a global system (power block, digital control and acquisition) for the cooker with PV panels and battery storage, and carries out laboratory testing.