Outdoors

Solar Kettle boils water using the Sun's rays

Solar Kettle boils water using the Sun's rays
Developed by British engineer James Bentham, the Solar Kettle can boil water simply by using sunlight
Developed by British engineer James Bentham, the Solar Kettle can boil water simply by using sunlight
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Two exterior reflectors open out to maximize the amount of solar energy obtained and enables the water inside to boil without the need for any further energy supply
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Two exterior reflectors open out to maximize the amount of solar energy obtained and enables the water inside to boil without the need for any further energy supply
The Solar Kettle is ideal for camping, picnics and outdoor activities
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The Solar Kettle is ideal for camping, picnics and outdoor activities
The Solar Kettle is ideal for camping, picnics and outdoor activities
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The Solar Kettle is ideal for camping, picnics and outdoor activities
Solar Kettle features a thermal vacuum tube which absorbs and converts the sun’s rays into heat
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Solar Kettle features a thermal vacuum tube which absorbs and converts the sun’s rays into heat
Developed by British engineer James Bentham, the Solar Kettle can boil water simply by using sunlight
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Developed by British engineer James Bentham, the Solar Kettle can boil water simply by using sunlight
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View gallery - 8 images

Developed by British engineer James Bentham, the Solar Kettle can boil water simply by using sunlight. The portable thermos-like product uses a special thermal technology to boil water without the need for any power input, thus making it ideal for camping, picnics and outdoor activities.

The Solar Kettle features a thermal vacuum tube which absorbs and converts the sun’s rays into heat. Two exterior reflectors open out to maximize the amount of solar energy obtained, enabling the water inside to boil without the need for any further energy supply. The kettle also comes with an built-in stand so that it can be positioned to face the sun, along with a thermometer located on the lid, which allows the user to monitor the temperature of the contents.

Similar to other insulated products, the Solar Kettle’s exterior remains cool to touch, even when the contents are at the boiling point, reducing the risk of burns to the user. It can also be used to store hot water for long periods of time.

Weighing 1.2 kilograms (2.6 lb) when empty, the Solar Kettle is light enough to carry in a backpack but is considerably heavier than your average thermos (mine weighs 300 grams/0.65 lb). The kettle can hold 500 ml (17 oz) of water, which will take approximately two hours to boil from cold. This timing can vary depending on the amount of sun available, and further reduced if the water has been previously heated.

Two exterior reflectors open out to maximize the amount of solar energy obtained and enables the water inside to boil without the need for any further energy supply
Two exterior reflectors open out to maximize the amount of solar energy obtained and enables the water inside to boil without the need for any further energy supply

In survival situations, the kettle can be used to sterilize river water or snow and purify it for drinking. It can also desalinate sea water to produced clean water that is safe to drink.

In everyday situations, the Solar Kettle can be used to boil enough water to make three cups of tea, coffee, hot chocolate or soup and even a boiled egg or two. The video below demonstrates a couple of campers boiling two cups of tea and an egg with the Solar Kettle.

UK company Contemporary Energy is currently taking online orders for the Solar Kettle, which is priced at approximately US$53.

Source: Contemporary Energy Ltd

Lunch is served! The solar boiled egg is ready :-)

View gallery - 8 images
19 comments
19 comments
Jon A.
And on a cloudy day, it won't boil at all. Rubbish!
Bryant Drake
@Jon A.
And on a rainy day my socks will get wet!
BigGoofyGuy
I think that is really cool and green. I think it would be very useful for times when the power is out. I think it would be also very good for camping or trips.
Slowburn
Given the high weight, tiny capacity, and long heating time it is not even remotely practical.
Antony Innit
it takes an electric kettle 2 minutes to boil that much water with 2000 watts, so if you had a bike powered electric generator it would take 20 minutes on slow pedal speed, or 10 going like a crazy guy. so in 2 hours 120 minutes, it's about... 30 watts...
a 30 watts thin film solar panel is about 30 pounds, and it's alot more versatile, and same as a couple of a2 sheets of paper. and it's also lighter.
interesting.
The Skud
Designed by a British engineer, it should generally have a good chance of working in sunnier climes! I wonder though, if filled right up for use on a very sunny day, is there any risk of steam pressure expelling contents when opened? Or is there an 'over-pressure' valve incorporated? I agree it seems a bit heavy for hikers though, they are usually worrying about every little gram.
Nantha
Great design concept. But, 500 ml in 2 hours is too little and too long. And this is solar powered so you will have to be stationary for 2 hours. Self defeating.
mashimisha
I am planning a climb up an 8000 meter mountain this summer. I was thinking that this might be a good solution to the drudgery of having to spend half the day melting ice for drinking.
NOT
Obviously, this guy got an engineering degree without having learned anything about engineering. If this device covered a MUCH larger area with something light like mylar, it might actually have some potential. As it is, it is an embarrassing failure.
Australian
I think it's a great idea. I'd love to see how efficient it is and if it could be integrated into solar hot water for the home. Humans are very wasteful with energy, I'd love to see more environmentally friendly solutions like this. Obviously this wouldn't suit all climates, and latitudes but there are many in which this would work extremely well.
CaLopez2012
Interesting title but dissapointing product. I mean, my respect for the designer but two hours for boiling point it is too much time for an emergency. Well, probably in my my country with a 34 celsius average temperature work faster, or in africa.
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