The steam engine's revival

[Martin]

Amazing, someone built a state-of-the-art steam engine with modern materials, eliminating many of the old problems. This could really help us in todays energy crisis.
I'm fascinated by the video showing the engine running fast and quiet unlike the traditional steam engines that we know.

 

[gadget_lover]

I'd like to see a hybrid electric/steam design. The electric power could get you moving while the head of steam is being built up. The two power sources would complement each other well.


Daniel

 

[jtr1962]

Interesting idea. I could see it being used in various places to capture low-level waste heat as steam only requires 212°F. The exhaust flue of a boiler comes to mind for example. Lots of energy being thrown away, but right now no practical way to capture it. You could put a few of these in the exhaust with a water source, and generate electricity. They would even work above a fireplace. Combined with mirrors to focus the sun they might well be more efficient than solar panels if used for that purpose. Drawbacks? The smaller ones seem terribly noisy but this is a problem all reciprocating engines have. A larger one operating at a few hundred RPM might be quiet enough for residential use.

One thing I noticed is these look like they could be made with cheap, low tolerance parts, not the usual tightly machined bores and cylinders usually needed for steam engines.

 

[Diesel_Bomber]

Neat engine, I wonder what long-term durability is? I wouldn't mind having one to tinker with, but I'm not quite interested enough to build one.

On a related note, BMW has steam/gasoline technology. Not quite steam/electric, but a step at a time will get us there.

:buddies:

 

[gadget_lover]

I did not see any specifications on there for power output or efficiency. Lower tolerances may mean less efficiency. A lot less.


Daniel

 

[jzmtl]

Looks like to me by the time it makes enough power to run a vehicle, it'll shake itself apart in no time, if you don't go deaf from the noise first.

 

[Norm]

A bit off topic, some photos I took of a Stanley Steamer last week.



Norm