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.
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
