So they 'invented' a steam engine... Wow. The people in the 1830s would have been impressed.What will these guys invent next, the wheel perhaps? Sure its an innovative way of creating the steam but the incredibly low efficiency makes the coal/wood fired steam engines of yesteryear look like warp drives.
True High Binder, but what made this one unique in my estimation, (and I've operated steam engines) is the introduction of oil and water together to generate steam. By taking this approach the old reciprocating steam engine problem of oil and water separation in the returns is reduced, since total separation isn't strictly required to protect a boiler wall. And comparing it to other solar energy recover devices makes efficiency less of an issue since solar photovoltaics are even less efficient.
In my comment on the link (under the name "Steamer") I mentioned its resemblance to an old engine design by the Skinner Company. I posted it here primarily because I think it's good people are trying to think about energy usage differently.
Pin it! 
2 comments
Login to comment →
High_Binder 11 years, 12 months ago
So they 'invented' a steam engine... Wow. The people in the 1830s would have been impressed.What will these guys invent next, the wheel perhaps? Sure its an innovative way of creating the steam but the incredibly low efficiency makes the coal/wood fired steam engines of yesteryear look like warp drives.
Reply
BruceG 11 years, 12 months ago
True High Binder, but what made this one unique in my estimation, (and I've operated steam engines) is the introduction of oil and water together to generate steam. By taking this approach the old reciprocating steam engine problem of oil and water separation in the returns is reduced, since total separation isn't strictly required to protect a boiler wall. And comparing it to other solar energy recover devices makes efficiency less of an issue since solar photovoltaics are even less efficient.
In my comment on the link (under the name "Steamer") I mentioned its resemblance to an old engine design by the Skinner Company. I posted it here primarily because I think it's good people are trying to think about energy usage differently.
Reply