Comments on: The Last Great Steam Car http://www.damninteresting.com/the-last-great-steam-car/ A collection of Damn Interesting things Sat, 11 Feb 2012 01:49:52 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: gbirds http://www.damninteresting.com/the-last-great-steam-car/#comment-26064 gbirds Wed, 02 Jun 2010 21:35:50 +0000 http://www.damninteresting.com/?p=669#comment-26064 Dear Steam power inventors; 06-02-2010 I found an idea about a “Hybrid Steam Six Cycle Engine” by Bruce Crower in “The Best Inventions Of 2007” on the Internet. The present "Gulf Oil Spill" has set me off again to try to get a proto-type engine built of a hybrid steam engine. I have been writing in my journals for 30 years about a conversion I wanted to make to the gas guzzling V-8 engines. My idea has been to use two outside cylinders on one side as gas cylinders without modification. The other side inside cylinders would also be used as gas cylinders without modification. These four cylinders would be modern fuel injected with all normal computer controls. The engine must be run on these four cylinders until proper block and head temperatures are achieved. Then the four remaining cylinders would be run as two stroke units being powered by "flashsteam" injection at top dead center of the steam cylinders. The exhaust from each gas cylinder would go out of its normal exhaust port and loop around to its adjacent steam cylinder old exhaust port. The old exhaust valve and seat in the steam cylinder will be replaced with a "heat sink" which extends into the old combustion chamber and thereby replacing it. The other side of the "heat sink" will have fins on it extending up through a hole milled in the head which replaced the old exhaust valve. A stainless steel tube will be press fitted in that hole which holds that "heat sink" essentially blocking any flow into the steam cylinder. But the exhaust gas from the adjacent gas cylinder will flow through a side hole in that SS tube with the fins of the "heat sink" protruding upward. This new exhaust tube will have to come out of a hole cut in the old valve cover. There will be two such holes in the old valve covers directly in line with the replaced old exhaust valves. The original intake valves of the converted cylinders will become the new exhaust valves for the new steam cylinders. They must be controlled by a special cam shaft which has a double lobe for each of the new steam exhaust valves. This control will be to open the steam exhaust valve at bottom dead center and close it on top dead center using two new lobes on that cam position. There will be four such new double lobe cam positions. The original exhaust lobes for those cylinders will not be used. A new simplified intake manifold must be fabricated to provide normal injector placement and connection to the throttle body for the gas cylinders. A new manifold from the original intake holes on the steam cylinders which are now steam exhaust holes will be joined to the new SS gas exhaust tubes coming out of the valve covers which will mix the spent steam with the gas exhaust to be outputted to the atmosphere through normal modern exhaust systems. A computer control of the "flashsteam" injectors must be provided. The idea of using a "Corn Burner" as a heat source has been modified by using the waste heat from the standard internal combustion engine. I am not mixing water or steam into the gas cylinders. The gas cylinders will be unchanged physically or in their normal operation; just their exhaust will be diverted a bit. Limiting some of the water cooling around the new steam cylinder and head should be done to retain their heat. The "flashsteam" injector may be the proper way to run the steam cylinder. I have wanted to make what I call my "Hybrid Steam Engine" for years. Every time the price of fuel goes up, I get more interested in its development. Now the fuel price has pushed me to accomplish my goal. But I do not feel the idea or which could be an invention needs to be held in private for financial gain. I have told many people about the idea without any action. Now with the Internet, maybe this idea will catch the eye of people of the World and not be squashed by the oil companies. Attention: V-8 Engines, it is time to change your eating habits. You are going to have your gut detoured to scavenge some of your waste heat. You are not going to have to use four of your gas cylinders on your eight cylinders engines to run any more. You can have four cylinders with gas; but the other four cylinders will provide power without you expelling hot air. The four converted cylinders will not be letting out your energy just to raise the air temperature around you. Attention: Drivers of V-8 Engines, do your part to encourage the development of a more efficient internal combustion engine. Be at least interested in ideas to ultimately save your cash and our energy supplies. Enthusiasm is the spice of life; and it will provide rewards. That is better than complaining over a cup of coffee. Positive feedback with constructive criticism is what we inventors need to put our ideas into a working prototype. At least, you can see from my contributions that I am attempting to help our energy situation with positive suggestions. Attention: Inventors, car buffs, steam engine masters, and others with positive feedback, make your contribution to an energy efficient internal combustion engine. Remember, it doesn't have to be something that needs new castings. Electronic control is common place now. Rust resistant injectors are available. Bring up your problems with the idea in a positive way with alternative approaches. Let us all work toward a common goal which is to finally keep more of our hard earned cash in our pocket instead of paying through to nose for our fuel to propel our vehicles. Attention: Big SUV and pickup drivers, wouldn't it be wonderful to take your gas guzzler vehicles into a modification shop to have it converted to a hybrid steam engine. There is enough carrying capacity for this energy modification of your gas guzzler vehicle which is upside down in value of typically $10,000 because no dealer will give you jack poo for it toward a new small energy efficient vehicle. Talk about this hybrid steam engine idea that I have proposed. There must be engine builders to help make a prototype. Attention: As the writer of this hybrid steam engine, I will continue to make a prototype. In my following contribution letters, I will be more specific on the necessary modifications and my progress in making a prototype. I even am thinking about making my own camshaft by wilding and regrinding four of the lobes by following the contour of other lobes which will give me necessary lobe with two high sections. I am not worrying about things like angles just as long as the valve opens at bottom dead center and closes at top dead center. The four remaining gas cylinders are 4 cycle gas engine design. The four steam cylinders are now 2 cycles with a power stroke on every downward movement of the piston. No gas is mixed with water. No worry about heat losses because that is exactly what the hybrid steam engine does to the block heat as well as the exhaust heat. As far as heat rejection, and condensers in steam engines, that will be something to consider for better efficiency and water consumption. But if all I need to do is to add distilled water to my tank and drive the hybrid steam engine to work with its normal fuel supply, I can do that. I can even collect rain water to use a water supply. As far as freezing in cold climates, that will have to be addressed in a positive way. Water getting into the crankcase from the steam cylinders must be addressed; but has anybody tried water soluble oil in their crankcase? The automatic machining industry use soluble oil in all of their high speed cutting machines to cool and lubricate their cutters. My contribution to this forum will be positive with as much help to others to keep their enthusiasm. As I mentioned in the beginning of this letter, my thoughts of inventions has be on going for years. I do have other ideas which I would be glad to share with you. I am 71 in fair health with a strong background in electronics and CAD drawing education. My best aptitude was measured in beginning college to be mechanics and science. There is a “Six Stroke” engine designed by Bruce Crower that has unique principles. The main important principle is providing a fifth and sixth stroke in each cylinder. I am unsure of the need of a second exhaust valve in each cylinder. The sequence of operation as I understand is to have a (1) intake gas stroke, (2) compression gas stroke, (3) power gas stroke, (4) exhaust gas stroke, (5) power steam stroke, and (6) exhaust steam stroke. Would it be possible to make the exhaust gas valve to double for the exhaust steam valve? They are both in the same cylinder positioned probably side by side. With that design, the old gas guzzler V-8 could be easier modified. The cam shaft would have to be modified in your design to make it turn at 1/3 of the crank shaft and make the lob positioned in a 1/3 portion of the cam shaft. The gas exhaust lobe would have high spots that would open the valve on stroke (4) and stroke (6) if the same valve were used for the gas exhaust stroke and steam exhaust stroke; otherwise each cylinder must be provided with a third valve system. If you used the common exhaust valve idea on the six stroke hybrid steam engine but add the idea of using alternative cylinders for only steam power, can the result be a big winner? The cam shaft would need proper lobes for each cylinder based on the 1/3 cam speed. I think the cam should provide six strokes as follows: (A) An intake gas stroke, a steam power stroke, and a steam exhaust stroke. (B) A gas compression stroke, a steam power stroke and a steam exhaust stroke. (C) Gas power stroke, a steam power stroke, and a steam exhaust stroke. (D) Gas exhaust stroke, a steam power stroke, and a steam exhaust stroke. (E) Gas (steam) power stroke, a steam power stroke, and a steam exhaust stroke. (F) Gas (steam) exhaust stroke, a steam power stroke, and a steam exhaust stroke. Does the combination of the “Six Cycle Hybrid Steam Engine” and my hybrid steam engine have merit? Bear in mind that this engine should be able to be made from a modified standard V-8 engine. Only the cam shaft needs to be made. The heads could be just modified heads. The exhaust manifold as well as the intake manifold is also special welded pipes. Fuel injection is standard for the gas cylinders. Water injection must be provided out of rust free material for the steam application. Gears and chains must be provided for the 1/3 ratio of cam to crank. Don’t worry about water recovery; and don’t worry about distilled water because the use of rain water or snow-melt is good enough. The emergency use of distilled water is always the possibility. I hope my suggestions are more than hot steam. I need to put my retirement to good use to possibly help the bad economy and energy problems of our Country and World. Keep in touch because I have some other good ideas such as fine gold recovery and owner builder home construction. Sincerely, George J. Birds Jr. 601 Canyon Dr. Lebec, CA 93243 Phone: (661) 248-5152 E-mail: birdsgyjk@wmconnect.com Dear Steam power inventors;

06-02-2010

I found an idea about a “Hybrid Steam Six Cycle Engine” by Bruce Crower in “The Best Inventions Of 2007” on the Internet. The present “Gulf Oil Spill” has set me off again to try to get a proto-type engine built of a hybrid steam engine.
I have been writing in my journals for 30 years about a conversion I wanted to make to the gas guzzling V-8 engines. My idea has been to use two outside cylinders on one side as gas cylinders without modification. The other side inside cylinders would also be used as gas cylinders without modification. These four cylinders would be modern fuel injected with all normal computer controls. The engine must be run on these four cylinders until proper block and head temperatures are achieved. Then the four remaining cylinders would be run as two stroke units being powered by “flashsteam” injection at top dead center of the steam cylinders. The exhaust from each gas cylinder would go out of its normal exhaust port and loop around to its adjacent steam cylinder old exhaust port. The old exhaust valve and seat in the steam cylinder will be replaced with a “heat sink” which extends into the old combustion chamber and thereby replacing it. The other side of the “heat sink” will have fins on it extending up through a hole milled in the head which replaced the old exhaust valve. A stainless steel tube will be press fitted in that hole which holds that “heat sink” essentially blocking any flow into the steam cylinder. But the exhaust gas from the adjacent gas cylinder will flow through a side hole in that SS tube with the fins of the “heat sink” protruding upward. This new exhaust tube will have to come out of a hole cut in the old valve cover. There will be two such holes in the old valve covers directly in line with the replaced old exhaust valves. The original intake valves of the converted cylinders will become the new exhaust valves for the new steam cylinders. They must be controlled by a special cam shaft which has a double lobe for each of the new steam exhaust valves. This control will be to open the steam exhaust valve at bottom dead center and close it on top dead center using two new lobes on that cam position. There will be four such new double lobe cam positions. The original exhaust lobes for those cylinders will not be used. A new simplified intake manifold must be fabricated to provide normal injector placement and connection to the throttle body for the gas cylinders. A new manifold from the original intake holes on the steam cylinders which are now steam exhaust holes will be joined to the new SS gas exhaust tubes coming out of the valve covers which will mix the spent steam with the gas exhaust to be outputted to the atmosphere through normal modern exhaust systems. A computer control of the “flashsteam” injectors must be provided. The idea of using a “Corn Burner” as a heat source has been modified by using the waste heat from the standard internal combustion engine. I am not mixing water or steam into the gas cylinders. The gas cylinders will be unchanged physically or in their normal operation; just their exhaust will be diverted a bit. Limiting some of the water cooling around the new steam cylinder and head should be done to retain their heat. The “flashsteam” injector may be the proper way to run the steam cylinder. I have wanted to make what I call my “Hybrid Steam Engine” for years. Every time the price of fuel goes up, I get more interested in its development. Now the fuel price has pushed me to accomplish my goal. But I do not feel the idea or which could be an invention needs to be held in private for financial gain. I have told many people about the idea without any action. Now with the Internet, maybe this idea will catch the eye of people of the World and not be squashed by the oil companies.

Attention: V-8 Engines, it is time to change your eating habits. You are going to have your gut detoured to scavenge some of your waste heat. You are not going to have to use four of your gas cylinders on your eight cylinders engines to run any more. You can have four cylinders with gas; but the other four cylinders will provide power without you expelling hot air. The four converted cylinders will not be letting out your energy just to raise the air temperature around you.

Attention: Drivers of V-8 Engines, do your part to encourage the development of a more efficient internal combustion engine. Be at least interested in ideas to ultimately save your cash and our energy supplies. Enthusiasm is the spice of life; and it will provide rewards. That is better than complaining over a cup of coffee. Positive feedback with constructive criticism is what we inventors need to put our ideas into a working prototype. At least, you can see from my contributions that I am attempting to help our energy situation with positive suggestions.

Attention: Inventors, car buffs, steam engine masters, and others with positive feedback, make your contribution to an energy efficient internal combustion engine. Remember, it doesn’t have to be something that needs new castings. Electronic control is common place now. Rust resistant injectors are available. Bring up your problems with the idea in a positive way with alternative approaches. Let us all work toward a common goal which is to finally keep more of our hard earned cash in our pocket instead of paying through to nose for our fuel to propel our vehicles.

Attention: Big SUV and pickup drivers, wouldn’t it be wonderful to take your gas guzzler vehicles into a modification shop to have it converted to a hybrid steam engine. There is enough carrying capacity for this energy modification of your gas guzzler vehicle which is upside down in value of typically $10,000 because no dealer will give you jack poo for it toward a new small energy efficient vehicle. Talk about this hybrid steam engine idea that I have proposed. There must be engine builders to help make a prototype.

Attention: As the writer of this hybrid steam engine, I will continue to make a prototype. In my following contribution letters, I will be more specific on the necessary modifications and my progress in making a prototype. I even am thinking about making my own camshaft by wilding and regrinding four of the lobes by following the contour of other lobes which will give me necessary lobe with two high sections. I am not worrying about things like angles just as long as the valve opens at bottom dead center and closes at top dead center. The four remaining gas cylinders are 4 cycle gas engine design. The four steam cylinders are now 2 cycles with a power stroke on every downward movement of the piston. No gas is mixed with water. No worry about heat losses because that is exactly what the hybrid steam engine does to the block heat as well as the exhaust heat. As far as heat rejection, and condensers in steam engines, that will be something to consider for better efficiency and water consumption. But if all I need to do is to add distilled water to my tank and drive the hybrid steam engine to work with its normal fuel supply, I can do that. I can even collect rain water to use a water supply. As far as freezing in cold climates, that will have to be addressed in a positive way. Water getting into the crankcase from the steam cylinders must be addressed; but has anybody tried water soluble oil in their crankcase? The automatic machining industry use soluble oil in all of their high speed cutting machines to cool and lubricate their cutters. My contribution to this forum will be positive with as much help to others to keep their enthusiasm.

As I mentioned in the beginning of this letter, my thoughts of inventions has be on going for years. I do have other ideas which I would be glad to share with you. I am 71 in fair health with a strong background in electronics and CAD drawing education. My best aptitude was measured in beginning college to be mechanics and science.

There is a “Six Stroke” engine designed by Bruce Crower that has unique principles. The main important principle is providing a fifth and sixth stroke in each cylinder. I am unsure of the need of a second exhaust valve in each cylinder. The sequence of operation as I understand is to have a (1) intake gas stroke, (2) compression gas stroke, (3) power gas stroke, (4) exhaust gas stroke, (5) power steam stroke, and (6) exhaust steam stroke.

Would it be possible to make the exhaust gas valve to double for the exhaust steam valve? They are both in the same cylinder positioned probably side by side. With that design, the old gas guzzler V-8 could be easier modified. The cam shaft would have to be modified in your design to make it turn at 1/3 of the crank shaft and make the lob positioned in a 1/3 portion of the cam shaft. The gas exhaust lobe would have high spots that would open the valve on stroke (4) and stroke (6) if the same valve were used for the gas exhaust stroke and steam exhaust stroke; otherwise each cylinder must be provided with a third valve system.

If you used the common exhaust valve idea on the six stroke hybrid steam engine but add the idea of using alternative cylinders for only steam power, can the result be a big winner?

The cam shaft would need proper lobes for each cylinder based on the 1/3 cam speed. I think the cam should provide six strokes as follows:

(A) An intake gas stroke, a steam power stroke, and a steam exhaust stroke.
(B) A gas compression stroke, a steam power stroke and a steam exhaust stroke.
(C) Gas power stroke, a steam power stroke, and a steam exhaust stroke.
(D) Gas exhaust stroke, a steam power stroke, and a steam exhaust stroke.
(E) Gas (steam) power stroke, a steam power stroke, and a steam exhaust stroke.
(F) Gas (steam) exhaust stroke, a steam power stroke, and a steam exhaust stroke.

Does the combination of the “Six Cycle Hybrid Steam Engine” and my hybrid steam engine have merit? Bear in mind that this engine should be able to be made from a modified standard V-8 engine. Only the cam shaft needs to be made. The heads could be just modified heads. The exhaust manifold as well as the intake manifold is also special welded pipes. Fuel injection is standard for the gas cylinders. Water injection must be provided out of rust free material for the steam application. Gears and chains must be provided for the 1/3 ratio of cam to crank. Don’t worry about water recovery; and don’t worry about distilled water because the use of rain water or snow-melt is good enough. The emergency use of distilled water is always the possibility.

I hope my suggestions are more than hot steam. I need to put my retirement to good use to possibly help the bad economy and energy problems of our Country and World. Keep in touch because I have some other good ideas such as fine gold recovery and owner builder home construction.

Sincerely,

George J. Birds Jr.
601 Canyon Dr.
Lebec, CA 93243

Phone: (661) 248-5152
E-mail: birdsgyjk@wmconnect.com

]]> By: retrotull http://www.damninteresting.com/the-last-great-steam-car/#comment-26038 retrotull Wed, 19 May 2010 14:12:00 +0000 http://www.damninteresting.com/?p=669#comment-26038 Maybe steam has another chance. Check out www.brashengines.com to see the Air Steam Hybrid that eliminates the start up delay and large boiler! It's got a small working prototype and a new contract from DOT to help with development. Maybe steam has another chance. Check out http://www.brashengines.com to see the Air Steam Hybrid that eliminates the start up delay and large boiler! It’s got a small working prototype and a new contract from DOT to help with development.

]]> By: emag http://www.damninteresting.com/the-last-great-steam-car/#comment-22569 emag Wed, 20 Aug 2008 16:35:26 +0000 http://www.damninteresting.com/?p=669#comment-22569 mariasman is the only one who mentioned it.....biomass gasifier. Literally millions of vehicles have run on wood/coal/biomass gasifiers, go to woodgas'dot'com for more info. Use woodgas to run a generator and you can charge your electric vehicle batteries every day. I cook with a woodgas stove - it generates a s#@tload of heat just using the brush, trimmed branches, lawn clippings, coffee grounds and banana peels I throw into it. Besides that, it's just fun to use (okay, I'm a closet pyro :-)). For a stationary ICE, say pump or generator, woodgas is great, a bit (i.e., a LOT) more difficult to adapt to a motor vehicle. Combine that technology with steam and you might really have something. mariasman is the only one who mentioned it…..biomass gasifier. Literally millions of vehicles have run on wood/coal/biomass gasifiers, go to woodgas’dot’com for more info. Use woodgas to run a generator and you can charge your electric vehicle batteries every day. I cook with a woodgas stove – it generates a s#@tload of heat just using the brush, trimmed branches, lawn clippings, coffee grounds and banana peels I throw into it. Besides that, it’s just fun to use (okay, I’m a closet pyro :-)). For a stationary ICE, say pump or generator, woodgas is great, a bit (i.e., a LOT) more difficult to adapt to a motor vehicle. Combine that technology with steam and you might really have something.

]]> By: holubjj http://www.damninteresting.com/the-last-great-steam-car/#comment-21748 holubjj Thu, 12 Jun 2008 17:32:42 +0000 http://www.damninteresting.com/?p=669#comment-21748 check out the" bullet engine" designed by kasmericz holubowicz off google search that claims to capture 92% power conversion using 12 stroke high torque "bullet" type explosion technology. I also think a dobie like steam conversion for home wood burners could capture heat losses, while generating electricty and hot water. any other dobie like engine conversion stories out there? Jeff check out the” bullet engine” designed by kasmericz holubowicz off google search that claims to capture 92% power conversion using 12 stroke high torque “bullet” type explosion technology.

I also think a dobie like steam conversion for home wood burners could capture heat losses, while generating electricty and hot water.

any other dobie like engine conversion stories out there?

Jeff

]]> By: adventurerjim http://www.damninteresting.com/the-last-great-steam-car/#comment-19132 adventurerjim Sun, 23 Dec 2007 14:14:22 +0000 http://www.damninteresting.com/?p=669#comment-19132 Witht he recent interest in alternative energy and hybrid vehicles the Doble and similar vehicles are getting notice. In the 1/08 issue of Hemmings Classic Car there is a great article on the 1925 Doble. Additionaly there is a blog www.route66chronicles.blogspot.com with lots of articles on similar cars. Witht he recent interest in alternative energy and hybrid vehicles the Doble and similar vehicles are getting notice. In the 1/08 issue of Hemmings Classic Car there is a great article on the 1925 Doble. Additionaly there is a blog http://www.route66chronicles.blogspot.com with lots of articles on similar cars.

]]> By: mariasman http://www.damninteresting.com/the-last-great-steam-car/#comment-17222 mariasman Sun, 09 Sep 2007 20:53:04 +0000 http://www.damninteresting.com/?p=669#comment-17222 Steam is the better power plant for automobiles. Those who disagree most often do not understand steam, and/or they are biased in favor of other options. Steam solves all of the problems presented by the alternatives. The primary issues are performance, range, efficiency, emissions, reliability, longevity, safety, fuel availability. Let's compare: Electric cars get points for performance, emissions, reliability, and fuel availability. Efficiency is lacking. One person here argues that municipal power plants are more efficient implying that the electric car is on net balance more efficient. Not quite. There are an average of 30% transmission losses from power plant to battery charger. Battery charger sees additional 10% loss. Batteries themselves only deliver about 75% of the energy used to charge them. Motor controller has losses and motor has losses. Therefore, on net balance the electric car is seeing about 15% efficiency at best. Then there are other problems to contend with.... the range of the electric car is limited, batteries take time to charge, batteries must be replaced and they are expensive (they are also toxic). So, as one person emphasized here, there is always a trade off. In many niches the electric car may be a good solution, but the idea that the majority of persons should go electric is just absurd. Remember, passionate issues require dispassionate analysis. I'm just being objective. How about hybrid cars? Well, I'm not a huge fan of hybrids for a variety of reasons. There is added complexity. A hybrid is basically a standard automobile with lots of additional components. Not my idea of elegance. However, I do believe that a series hybrid car (like the Chevy Volt) is a step in the right direction. We still have the internal combustion engine with the fuel limitations, expensive emissions controls, and nasty emissions. The overall complexity remains high, but not so much as parallel hybrids. The fuel cell solves some problems, but presents more including more limitations on fuel availability. Now consider a modern steam engine. I invoke the Cyclone Engine (see previous post) for reference. Let's look at performance, range, efficiency, emissions, reliability, longevity, safety, fuel availability. 1. Performance - Similar to a two stroke gasoline engine, but starting torque is far greater (and Cyclone is FAR less noisy). A 100 hp Cyclone has a starting torque of 700 ft lbs. The torque profile is like a gas engine's flipped backwards.... torque is highest starting out and falls, but always remains at least twice as high as a 4 stroke gas engine at the same speed and rated power. The torque curve is such that a transmission is NOT required. Engine is self-starting (can operate at 1 rpm up to 3600 rpm). Engine can even reverse itself. A Diesel automotive power plant (including all auxiliaries.... transmission, emissions controls, radiator, starter motor, flywheel, etc.) with the same power as a Cyclone automotive power plant weighs 2.5 times as much as the Cyclone. 2. Range - Higher efficiency and ability to use fuels with greater energy density will extend range relative to gas autos. 3. Efficiency - Measured at 36% thermal efficiency.... roughly equivalent to Diesel engines. However, there are fewer power transmission losses because, well, NO transmission is required, only a much simpler gear box. 4. Emissions - With no emissions controls at all (no computers, sensors, catalytic converter, etc) the emissions are far lower than the cleanest internal combustion engine. Additionally, nitrous oxide emissions are virtually nonexistent. The Cyclone passes CA smog standards for the year 2020, and with NO modification. 5. Reliability - A Cyclone automotive power plant has less than 1/5 the parts count of a standard automotive power plant (including power transmission equipment). The 6 cylinder radial Cyclone has one cam to operate all 6 inlet valves and there are NO exhaust valves. There is a single thermostat to control boiler temperature (50+ year old technology), and a single electric motor driven blower fan. Steam generator, condenser, and auxiliary heat exchangers are simple and integrated with the engine. Peak engine temperature is 1200F vs nearly 2500F in internal combustion. Average speed is lower. Engine cylinders and bearings are WATER LUBRICATED. NO OIL CHANGES! Water and steam is in a closed system.... no adding water, either! 6. Longevity - Lubricating quality of water and the composite materials used in the Cyclone is the same as oil lubrication in internal combustion engines, but there is NO fouling of the system as seen in internal combustion. The closed system of the Cyclone is always clean. Additionally, operating temperatures are lower in the Cyclone and average speed is lower. 7. Safety - The power plant itself is perfectly safe. But more importantly, the high power to weight ratio and CRAZY torque provides no need to compromise on vehicle safety (like electric cars and hybrids often do). One great application for the Cyclone is the trucking industry and earth moving equipment. 8. Fuel availability - The Cyclone truly shines here! The Cyclone has been operated on the following fuels (so far) with no modification to the engine: gasoline, ethanol, E-85, diesel, biodiesel, SVO, fuel oil, kerosene, orange oil, acetone, propane, butane, hydrogen, crude oil... the engine has even operated on solid fuels including coal dust and wood flour. Additionally, there is no reason at all why a biomass gasifier cannot be used as well (wood chips, wood pellets, paper pellets, seaweed pellets). For stationary applications (a generator for example) the Cyclone can also operate using concentrated solar (a Cyclone has been operated by heat lamps just to illustrate the concept). I can go on and on, but it should be a slam dunk. Steam is the way to go... and we've only scratched the surface of its potential. Steam is the better power plant for automobiles. Those who disagree most often do not understand steam, and/or they are biased in favor of other options. Steam solves all of the problems presented by the alternatives. The primary issues are performance, range, efficiency, emissions, reliability, longevity, safety, fuel availability. Let’s compare:
Electric cars get points for performance, emissions, reliability, and fuel availability. Efficiency is lacking. One person here argues that municipal power plants are more efficient implying that the electric car is on net balance more efficient. Not quite. There are an average of 30% transmission losses from power plant to battery charger. Battery charger sees additional 10% loss. Batteries themselves only deliver about 75% of the energy used to charge them. Motor controller has losses and motor has losses. Therefore, on net balance the electric car is seeing about 15% efficiency at best. Then there are other problems to contend with…. the range of the electric car is limited, batteries take time to charge, batteries must be replaced and they are expensive (they are also toxic). So, as one person emphasized here, there is always a trade off. In many niches the electric car may be a good solution, but the idea that the majority of persons should go electric is just absurd. Remember, passionate issues require dispassionate analysis. I’m just being objective.
How about hybrid cars? Well, I’m not a huge fan of hybrids for a variety of reasons. There is added complexity. A hybrid is basically a standard automobile with lots of additional components. Not my idea of elegance. However, I do believe that a series hybrid car (like the Chevy Volt) is a step in the right direction. We still have the internal combustion engine with the fuel limitations, expensive emissions controls, and nasty emissions. The overall complexity remains high, but not so much as parallel hybrids. The fuel cell solves some problems, but presents more including more limitations on fuel availability.
Now consider a modern steam engine. I invoke the Cyclone Engine (see previous post) for reference. Let’s look at performance, range, efficiency, emissions, reliability, longevity, safety, fuel availability.
1. Performance – Similar to a two stroke gasoline engine, but starting torque is far greater (and Cyclone is FAR less noisy). A 100 hp Cyclone has a starting torque of 700 ft lbs. The torque profile is like a gas engine’s flipped backwards…. torque is highest starting out and falls, but always remains at least twice as high as a 4 stroke gas engine at the same speed and rated power. The torque curve is such that a transmission is NOT required. Engine is self-starting (can operate at 1 rpm up to 3600 rpm). Engine can even reverse itself. A Diesel automotive power plant (including all auxiliaries…. transmission, emissions controls, radiator, starter motor, flywheel, etc.) with the same power as a Cyclone automotive power plant weighs 2.5 times as much as the Cyclone.
2. Range – Higher efficiency and ability to use fuels with greater energy density will extend range relative to gas autos.
3. Efficiency – Measured at 36% thermal efficiency…. roughly equivalent to Diesel engines. However, there are fewer power transmission losses because, well, NO transmission is required, only a much simpler gear box.
4. Emissions – With no emissions controls at all (no computers, sensors, catalytic converter, etc) the emissions are far lower than the cleanest internal combustion engine. Additionally, nitrous oxide emissions are virtually nonexistent. The Cyclone passes CA smog standards for the year 2020, and with NO modification.
5. Reliability – A Cyclone automotive power plant has less than 1/5 the parts count of a standard automotive power plant (including power transmission equipment). The 6 cylinder radial Cyclone has one cam to operate all 6 inlet valves and there are NO exhaust valves. There is a single thermostat to control boiler temperature (50+ year old technology), and a single electric motor driven blower fan. Steam generator, condenser, and auxiliary heat exchangers are simple and integrated with the engine. Peak engine temperature is 1200F vs nearly 2500F in internal combustion. Average speed is lower. Engine cylinders and bearings are WATER LUBRICATED. NO OIL CHANGES! Water and steam is in a closed system…. no adding water, either!
6. Longevity – Lubricating quality of water and the composite materials used in the Cyclone is the same as oil lubrication in internal combustion engines, but there is NO fouling of the system as seen in internal combustion. The closed system of the Cyclone is always clean. Additionally, operating temperatures are lower in the Cyclone and average speed is lower.
7. Safety – The power plant itself is perfectly safe. But more importantly, the high power to weight ratio and CRAZY torque provides no need to compromise on vehicle safety (like electric cars and hybrids often do). One great application for the Cyclone is the trucking industry and earth moving equipment.
8. Fuel availability – The Cyclone truly shines here! The Cyclone has been operated on the following fuels (so far) with no modification to the engine: gasoline, ethanol, E-85, diesel, biodiesel, SVO, fuel oil, kerosene, orange oil, acetone, propane, butane, hydrogen, crude oil… the engine has even operated on solid fuels including coal dust and wood flour. Additionally, there is no reason at all why a biomass gasifier cannot be used as well (wood chips, wood pellets, paper pellets, seaweed pellets). For stationary applications (a generator for example) the Cyclone can also operate using concentrated solar (a Cyclone has been operated by heat lamps just to illustrate the concept).

I can go on and on, but it should be a slam dunk. Steam is the way to go… and we’ve only scratched the surface of its potential.

]]> By: powaz74 http://www.damninteresting.com/the-last-great-steam-car/#comment-16754 powaz74 Fri, 10 Aug 2007 17:35:56 +0000 http://www.damninteresting.com/?p=669#comment-16754 <p>well, here i am way down at the bottom - i think forums like this should post the most recent comment at the top... just from a design standpoint - anyway, yes steam is an awesome technology. prooven, yet forgotten by money. go see Harry's stuvv in florida: http://cyclonepower.com/</p> well, here i am way down at the bottom – i think forums like this should post the most recent comment at the top… just from a design standpoint – anyway, yes steam is an awesome technology. prooven, yet forgotten by money. go see Harry’s stuvv in florida: http://cyclonepower.com/

]]> By: GearheadPA http://www.damninteresting.com/the-last-great-steam-car/#comment-15791 GearheadPA Wed, 20 Jun 2007 13:28:28 +0000 http://www.damninteresting.com/?p=669#comment-15791 <p>Check out http://greensteamengine.com for a new twist (!) on steam engines.</p> Check out http://greensteamengine.com for a new twist (!) on steam engines.

]]> By: mariasman http://www.damninteresting.com/the-last-great-steam-car/#comment-11018 mariasman Wed, 13 Dec 2006 17:26:04 +0000 http://www.damninteresting.com/?p=669#comment-11018 <p>Nutramistic, I agree with you.... you're not really that smart.</p> Nutramistic, I agree with you…. you’re not really that smart.

]]> By: nutramistic http://www.damninteresting.com/the-last-great-steam-car/#comment-10006 nutramistic Fri, 10 Nov 2006 13:16:17 +0000 http://www.damninteresting.com/?p=669#comment-10006 <p>What we do is for ourselves. What we can't do as cheaply as others, we have outsourced to China or India. That isn't truly "America" though. It's corporations doing what they can because a lack of government regulation allows it. As we continue to move towards a service-based economy, our dollar will continue to drop in value, unless said services are the type that increase the standard of living. By what rubric do you measure standard of living. I would prefer to live underneath a giant mushroom like the smurfs. Those blue things are awesome!</p><p> All that said, don't take me seriously. I'm not really that smart.</p> What we do is for ourselves. What we can’t do as cheaply as others, we have outsourced to China or India. That isn’t truly “America” though. It’s corporations doing what they can because a lack of government regulation allows it. As we continue to move towards a service-based economy, our dollar will continue to drop in value, unless said services are the type that increase the standard of living. By what rubric do you measure standard of living. I would prefer to live underneath a giant mushroom like the smurfs. Those blue things are awesome!

All that said, don’t take me seriously. I’m not really that smart.

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