2Bwacco
02-27-2010, 01:30 PM
Just curious, seems like this antique, abandoned technology could have applications in today's cars?
View Full Version : STEAM ENGINES (automobiles) - does anyone know how these function?
CSummer
02-28-2010, 01:02 PM
Yes, I am familiar with the principles of steam engines. What I would say about how they work is - not very well (at least small ones developed for vehicle propulsion). Of course, the same is true of today's internal combustion engines, with typical efficiencies around 25% (which means that they waste 75% of the fuel energy they burn). The positive thing about steam engines is that they are External combustion so they can burn a wider range of fuels. Might be possible to build a simple, more efficient steam engine by incorporating Stirling cycle principles - if anyone has an extra $20K they'd like to throw into such an experiment.
Clint
Just curious, seems like this antique, abandoned technology could have applications in today's cars?
Clint
Just curious, seems like this antique, abandoned technology could have applications in today's cars?