Steam Engine: Difference between revisions
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{{Category=Steam Engine}} | {{Category=Steam Engine}} | ||
[[Steam Engine/Index]] - topical index to all steam engine pages. | |||
The Open Source Ecology project seeks to develop a modular, scalable, open source steam engine capable of converting steam generated by a solar collector or boiler into power that can be used to generate electricity or drive machines found in the [[Global Village Construction Set]]. | |||
Steam engines take energy available as high pressure, high temperature steam and convert it into reciprocal motion. This motion can then be turned into rotational motion using a crankshaft. At the start of the twentieth century, steam engines provided power for farms, factories, and transportation. They were largely replaced by internal combustion engines. The Open Source Ecology project is interested in reviving steam technology to develop a modern steam engine to provide alternatives to engines driven by gasoline or diesel - which are becoming increasingly more expensive as our world passes the point of peak oil production. | Steam engines take energy available as high pressure, high temperature steam and convert it into reciprocal motion. This motion can then be turned into rotational motion using a crankshaft. At the start of the twentieth century, steam engines provided power for farms, factories, and transportation. They were largely replaced by internal combustion engines. The Open Source Ecology project is interested in reviving steam technology to develop a modern steam engine to provide alternatives to engines driven by gasoline or diesel - which are becoming increasingly more expensive as our world passes the point of peak oil production. | ||
[[Image:Design-7-A.png|thumb|Current conceptual view]] | |||
=Steam Engine Projects= | |||
Several attempts have been made to design an OSE steam engine. These include: | |||
* An early design attempt: [[Steam Engine Design/2009]] | |||
* An electronic design using solenoids: [[Steam Engine Design/Solenoid]] | |||
* The arrowhead bump valve design: [[Steam Engine Design]] - this is the current design under development. | |||
* A rotating valve design using stepper motors: [[Steam Engine Design/Rotating Valve]] | |||
* A proposed ball bump valve design: TBD | |||
See [[Steam Engine Intro]] if you are interested in the current OSE steam engine project. | See [[Steam Engine Intro]] if you are interested in the current OSE steam engine project. | ||
* [[Steam Engine Concept]] | * [[Steam Engine Concept]] - a conceptual description of steam engines | ||
* [[Steam Engine Breakdown]] | * [[Steam Engine Breakdown]] - | ||
* [[Steam Engine/Terminology]] | * [[Steam Engine Specifications]] | ||
* [[Steam Engine Specifications/Geometry]] | |||
* [[Steam Engine/Terminology]] - terms used in steam engine technology | |||
= Joining the Steam Engine Team= | |||
OSE policies on GVCS projects specify that only active, contributing people are considered part of the project team. While we are always looking for people to help out, we need people who are committed to making real contributions. We do not need people who want to talk about building steam engines, we need people who want to design and actually build them. If you are such a person, please fill out the [[Team Culturing Survey]] and get yourself set up with accounts on the forum and wiki. All Steam Engine documentation is publicly posted on the OSE wiki. | |||
After joining OSE, have a look at [[Steam Engine/Things To Do]] and the Steam Engine Pivotal Project [https://www.pivotaltracker.com/projects/300681#]. Pivotal is a project management tool that allows us to track tasks that need to be done. Figure out what you are interested and what matches your skills and experiences. Then get in touch with the Steam Engine Project Manager (Mark Norton - markjnorton (at) earthlink (dot) net). | |||
You will be given one or two tasks to complete before being invited as a full project participant. To some degree, this is a test of your commitment. More than that, it is a way of building trust in your ability to make a meaningful contribution. OSE GVCS Project teams are deliberately lean and agile. The pace can be fast at times and we need you to adapt to the current rate of development. | |||
=Research= | =Research= | ||
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*** [[Steam Engine Design/White Cliffs Report]] | *** [[Steam Engine Design/White Cliffs Report]] | ||
*** [[Steam Engine Research/Power Kinetics]] | *** [[Steam Engine Research/Power Kinetics]] | ||
[[Category:Steam Engine]] | [[Category:Steam Engine]] | ||
Revision as of 17:28, 20 July 2011
Main > Energy > Steam Engine
Steam Engine/Index - topical index to all steam engine pages.
The Open Source Ecology project seeks to develop a modular, scalable, open source steam engine capable of converting steam generated by a solar collector or boiler into power that can be used to generate electricity or drive machines found in the Global Village Construction Set.
Steam engines take energy available as high pressure, high temperature steam and convert it into reciprocal motion. This motion can then be turned into rotational motion using a crankshaft. At the start of the twentieth century, steam engines provided power for farms, factories, and transportation. They were largely replaced by internal combustion engines. The Open Source Ecology project is interested in reviving steam technology to develop a modern steam engine to provide alternatives to engines driven by gasoline or diesel - which are becoming increasingly more expensive as our world passes the point of peak oil production.
Steam Engine Projects
Several attempts have been made to design an OSE steam engine. These include:
- An early design attempt: Steam Engine Design/2009
- An electronic design using solenoids: Steam Engine Design/Solenoid
- The arrowhead bump valve design: Steam Engine Design - this is the current design under development.
- A rotating valve design using stepper motors: Steam Engine Design/Rotating Valve
- A proposed ball bump valve design: TBD
See Steam Engine Intro if you are interested in the current OSE steam engine project.
- Steam Engine Concept - a conceptual description of steam engines
- Steam Engine Breakdown -
- Steam Engine Specifications
- Steam Engine Specifications/Geometry
- Steam Engine/Terminology - terms used in steam engine technology
Joining the Steam Engine Team
OSE policies on GVCS projects specify that only active, contributing people are considered part of the project team. While we are always looking for people to help out, we need people who are committed to making real contributions. We do not need people who want to talk about building steam engines, we need people who want to design and actually build them. If you are such a person, please fill out the Team Culturing Survey and get yourself set up with accounts on the forum and wiki. All Steam Engine documentation is publicly posted on the OSE wiki.
After joining OSE, have a look at Steam Engine/Things To Do and the Steam Engine Pivotal Project [1]. Pivotal is a project management tool that allows us to track tasks that need to be done. Figure out what you are interested and what matches your skills and experiences. Then get in touch with the Steam Engine Project Manager (Mark Norton - markjnorton (at) earthlink (dot) net).
You will be given one or two tasks to complete before being invited as a full project participant. To some degree, this is a test of your commitment. More than that, it is a way of building trust in your ability to make a meaningful contribution. OSE GVCS Project teams are deliberately lean and agile. The pace can be fast at times and we need you to adapt to the current rate of development.
Research
The following links contain theory, general information, and research into steam engines and related sub-systems.
- Theory
- Engine Elements
- Design Notes
- Installations
- White Cliffs Solar Power Station