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  1. TopTop #1
    2Bwacco
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    STEAM ENGINES (automobiles) - does anyone know how these function?

    Just curious, seems like this antique, abandoned technology could have applications in today's cars?
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  2. TopTop #2
    CSummer's Avatar
    CSummer
     

    Re: STEAM ENGINES (automobiles) - does anyone know how these function?

    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


    Quote Posted in reply to the post by 2Bwacco: View Post
    Just curious, seems like this antique, abandoned technology could have applications in today's cars?
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