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{{Category=Steam Engine}}
{{breadcrumb|Energy|Steam Engine}}
{{ToolTemplate|ToolName=Steam Engine}}


see {{Steam Engine}}


=Description=
= Description =


[[Image:Integrated_Energy_System.jpeg|thumb|Complete steam engine system.]]
[[Image:Integrated_Energy_System.jpeg|thumb|Complete steam engine system.]]
Line 11: Line 11:
* Scalable power from 5 to 100 horsepower
* Scalable power from 5 to 100 horsepower
* Modular design for easy building, maintenance, and repair
* Modular design for easy building, maintenance, and repair
* Simple unaflow design - steam flows in a single direction from input valves to exhaust port(s)
* Simple uniflow design - steam flows in a single direction from input valves to exhaust port(s)
* Modular crankshaft design to allow additional units to be added
* Modular crankshaft design to allow additional units to be added


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* Easy to troubleshoot and repair
* Easy to troubleshoot and repair


Steam power is not taught in general. For mastering this topic, we need a Steam Power Reading List.<br>
'''Reading About Steam Engines'''
I have some of this material from Tom Kimmel, of [http://www.kimmelsteampower.com/ Kimmel Steam Power]<br>
Mike Brown offers a reading list [http://www.mikebrownsolutions.com/order.htm here]


Description of this system by author and excellent background info on home power steam [http://www.fastonline.org/CD3WD_40/JF/JF_OTHER/BIG/Reciprocating%20Steam%20Engine.pdf]
Steam power is not taught in general. To master this topic, you should consider having a look at the information in [[Steam Engine Research/Books]]  Tom Kimmel, of Kimmel Steam Power has some good material [http://www.kimmelsteampower.com/] as does Mike Brown in a reading list [http://www.mikebrownsolutions.com/order.htm].  Description of this system by author and excellent background info on home power steam [http://www.fastonline.org/CD3WD_40/JF/JF_OTHER/BIG/Reciprocating%20Steam%20Engine.pdf].  Skip Goebel has thoughts on an electronically controlled steam engine taken from [http://www.mail-archive.com/sustainablelorgbiofuel@sustainablelists.org/msg01818.html].


Apparently Skip Goebel thinks similar to me about electronically controlled steam engines taken from [http://www.mail-archive.com/sustainablelorgbiofuel@sustainablelists.org/msg01818.html]
== Additional Information ==
 
==Additional Information==


* '''[[:Category: Steam Engine]]'''
* '''[[:Category: Steam Engine]]'''
* '''[http://openfarmtech.org/weblog/category/global-village-construction-set/steam-engine-construction-set/ Blog post and interview with Harry Schoell]'''
* '''[[Steam Engine/Index]]''' - steam engine pages organized by topic.
* '''[http://openfarmtech.org/weblog/forum/steam-engine-construction-set/ Related Forum]'''
* '''[http://blog.opensourceecology.org/category/global-village-construction-set/steam-engine-construction-set/ Blog post and interview with Harry Schoell]'''
* '''[[Steam Engine/Correspondence]]'''
* '''[http://blog.opensourceecology.org/forum/steam-engine-construction-set/ Related Forum]''' - discussion forum.
* '''[[Steam Engine/Terminology]]'''
* '''[[Steam Engine/Correspondence]]''' - reviews, messages, letters,etc.
 
* '''[[Steam Engine/Terminology]]''' - terms, jargon, abbreviations, etc.
* '''[[Steam Engine/Things To Do]]'''
* '''[[Steam Engine/Others]]''' - Links to commercially available steam engines, plans, other projects, etc.


=Project Team=
= Project Team =


OSE:
OSE:
Line 44: Line 42:
* Marcin Jakubowski, Visionary
* Marcin Jakubowski, Visionary
* Mark Norton, Project Manager
* Mark Norton, Project Manager
* Andrew Buck, Simulations, CAD
* Josh Jordan, Electronics and Sensors


Design Reviewers:
Design Reviewers:
Line 51: Line 51:
* Harry Schoell, Cyclone Tech. ??
* Harry Schoell, Cyclone Tech. ??


Additional Input:
* Ron Whaley, PKI Alumnus (White Cliffs Solar Project)
== 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.


=Design Rationale=
= Design Rationale =


Although it is a matter of some debate, there are many who feel that our global civilization has past the (so called) point of peak oil. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peak_oil | Peak oil] refers to the point in time when easy sources of petroleum have been exhausted.  Past that point, demand continues to rise (largely pegged to global population growth) but production rolls off.  If we accept that we have past the point of peak oil, then how will we maintain civilization's need for energy?  While part of the answer lies in reducing consumption, a bigger part lies in alternative sources of energy.  The Open Source Ecology project is exploring a number of [[Category:Energy | alternative energy sources]], the Open Source Steam engine is the focus of this OSE project.
Although it is a matter of some debate, there are many who feel that our global civilization has past the (so called) point of peak oil.   Peak oil [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peak_oil] refers to the point in time when easy sources of petroleum have been exhausted.  Past that point, demand continues to rise (largely pegged to global population growth) but production rolls off.  If we accept that we have past the point of peak oil, then how will we maintain civilization's need for energy?  While part of the answer lies in reducing consumption, a bigger part lies in alternative sources of energy.  The Open Source Ecology project is exploring a number of [[:Category:Energy | alternative energy sources]].  Given reliable energy sources, the Open Source Steam engine can be used to convert steam energy into motion (and thence into electricity, etc).


Steam engines have a number of benefits over other kinds of motive power:
Steam engines have a number of benefits over other kinds of motive power:


* Relatively uncomplicated, few moving parts (compared to other engines)
* Relatively uncomplicated, few moving parts (compared to other engines)
* Driven by steam, produce in a variety of ways (boiler, solar concentrator, etc.)
* Driven by steam, produced in a variety of ways (boiler, solar concentrator, geothermal, etc.)
* Can be made modular:  steam source, controller, cylinder, crankshaft
* Can be made modular:  steam source, controller, cylinder, crankshaft
* Scalable power:  connect more steam engine units onto a common crankshaft
* Scalable power:  connect more steam engine units onto a common crankshaft
Line 66: Line 77:
Additional reasons to design and build an open source steam engine include:
Additional reasons to design and build an open source steam engine include:


* Relevant as an appropriate technology choice in both poor and rich countries, when coupled to flash steam generators
* Relevant as an appropriate technology choice in both poor and rich countries when coupled to flash steam generators
* Basis for another kind of [[Power Cube]]
* Basis for another kind of [[Power Cube]]
* May be coupled directly to linear hydraulic pump (feasibility study required)
* May be coupled directly to linear hydraulic pump (feasibility study required)


= Design =


=Design=
[[Image:Design-7-A.png|thumb|right|Current Design]]
[[Image:Steam Engine CAD Render.png|thumb|right|Current Design - CAD Model]]
[[Image:Steam Engine CAD Render (Cutaway).png|thumb|right|Current Design - CAD Model, internal components.]]


[[Image:Design-5-A.png|thumb|Current Design]]
Overall design of the Open Source Steam Engine breaks down like this:
Overall design of the Open Source Steam Engine breaks down like this:


Line 79: Line 92:
** [[Steam Engine Design/Historic]]
** [[Steam Engine Design/Historic]]
** [[Steam Engine Design/White Cliffs]]
** [[Steam Engine Design/White Cliffs]]
** [[Steam Engine Design/White Cliffs Report]]
* OSE Engine Designs
* OSE Engine Designs
** [[Steam Engine Design/2009]]
** [[Steam Engine Design/2009]] - an older design attempt
** [[Steam Engine Design]]
** [[Steam Engine Design]] - current design description
** [[Steam Engine Design/Solenoid]]
** [[Steam Engine Design/Solenoid]] - a future design
** [[Steam Engine Design/Valves]] - notes on different kinds of valves
* Steam Generator Designs
* Steam Generator Designs
** [[Steam Engine Design/Boiler]]
** [[Steam Engine Design/Boiler]]
** [[Solar Fire]]


== Summary of Proposed Design ==


==Summary of Proposed Design==
The current OSE Modern Steam Engine is based on design developed for the White Cliffs solar power station  in NSW, Australia (see [[Steam Engine Design/White Cliffs]]).  While the White Cliffs engine used a converted diesel engine, the essential concept is the same:  a uniflow steam engine using a bump valve control mechanism.  Our engine is greatly simplified from the White Cliffs design.  Initially, it will be a single cylinder (scalable by adding more to a common crankshaft) driven by steam from a boiler or solar concentrator (such as [[Solar Fire]]).  Two bump valves are activated by valve pins mounted on the face of the piston head.  Just before top dead center of the cycle, the bump the steam valves open, letting new steam into the cylinder.  A flywheel carries the piston past top dead center and at the cut-off point, the steam valves close.  Expanding pressure causes the piston to move down the cylinder until it nears bottom dead center, at which point the piston uncovers four exhaust vents allows steam (any any condensed water) to escape the engine.  An exhaust plenum is provided to capture spent steam so that it might be used for other purposes (like heating).


(summarize the bump valve based design here)
= Product Ecology =


===Typical Engines===
[[Image:Steam-Engine-Product-Ecology.png]]


Typical steam engine cylinders are made from cast iron. (What is the best metal to use for a steam engine?) Given that water is the working fluid, lubrication is required in the cylinder. (Is there any way to prevent corrosion otherwise?)
The steam engine gets inputs from:


*Cylinder - cylinder is made from cast iron.
* [[Solar Concentrator]], [[Solar Fire]]
**To cast this cylinder from scrap iron, use a (how many?) pound melt, and use a simple melting furnace such as (here?)
* [[Steam Generator]]
 
* Gassifier
The simplest way to cast a cylinder
 
[[User:Azuredu|Azuredu]] 03:43, 27 February 2009 (PST) Suggestion. To start with, why not try to adapt a recovered moto engine.


skaar: try iron gas pipe?
and provides power to:


jerryshaw: it may not be fully feasible yet, or maybe it already is, but high temperature plastics may actually be usable.  Temperature and pressure is well below an internal combustion engine, and there are no plastic IC engines but we already have plastic intake manifolds right next to very hot components, say 400 degrees in the intake of some supercharged engines.  If plastic works it would make for very inexpensive steam engines, as well as fairly light weight ones, making it easy to motorize things everywhere.  They could be cheaply manufactured from a cooperative owned plant, or perhaps the plastic formulations could be tweaked over time to even eventually use bioplastic and be printed in your own RepRap machine! http://reprap.org/bin/view/Main/RepRap  But until then don't entirely rule out plastic.  It should at least work with basic steam, maybe not superheated steam.  I have even heard of wood(!) being used to make a working steam engine (though I think it used iron piston rings, the piston and cylender and head were wood) although I wouldn't expect life to be terribly long.
* [[Power Cube]] - Steam Engine version
 
* [[Tractor]]
:I think an aluminum/silicon alloy would be worth considering.  It does not shrink much as it solidifies, and can be cast at a reasonable temperature, using plaster molds (lost wax or, when scaled up, a re-usable polyurethane master).  It's also fairly strong, reasonably corrosion-resistant, can be used to make heat exchangers, and is widely available as scrap, e.g. aluminum engine blocks are made from a suitable alloy.  David Gingery wrote some books that might be helpful.
* [[Open Source Car]]
 
* Truck
===Green Steam Engine===
 
An alternative engine design that may be worthy of further evaluation can be found [http://www.greensteamengine.com/index.html] here.  It looks as though o-rings are used in place of traditional tight tolerance cast iron cylinder boring.  Presumably this method is only good for low pressure and temperature steam. The linkage and valve system is highly innovated and would require no precision machining.
 
*Discussion of the Green steam engine:http://www.alternative-energy-news.info/green-steam-energy/ It does indeed seem that the o-ring method of sealing is incapable of handling high steam temps and pressures and the design is therefore inherently inefficient.
 
*Marcin says: I looked at this in detail 2 years ago, and purchased plans. When I asked for references of people who built this engine, the inventor did not provide me with any. I became suspicious about the effectiveness of the engine. Since then, I've heard reports from several sources that longevity and performance are questionable. In summary, if this worked as stated, we would see a large number of implementations on the internet. Since these are not to be seen, it does not appear to be a promising design.
 
=Product Ecology=
 
Describe relationship to:
 
* [[Steam Generator]]
** [[Solar Turbine]] - by concentrating sunlight onto a narrow pipe, we can boil water to drive a steam engine. Using a steam engine to make electricity from sunlight yields much more energy than using photovoltaic cells.
* [[Electric Generator]]
* [[Electric Generator]]
* [[Power Cube]]
* [[Open Source Welder]]
* Steam Powered Cars and Trucks
* [[Aquaponics]]
* [[Greenhouse]]




=Specifications=
= Specifications =


Inch to millimeter conversion chart [http://mdmetric.com/tech/cvtcht.htm].
Inch to millimeter conversion chart [http://mdmetric.com/tech/cvtcht.htm].


Specifications including dimensions are provided in [[Steam Engine Specifications]] and complete building instructions are given in [[Steam Engine Build Instructions]].  Sourcing of parts is specified in [[Steam Engine Bill of Materials]].


=Costs=
 
= Costs =


(Cost estimates go here)
(Cost estimates go here)




=Additional Links=
= Additional Links =


*Biomass CHP with steam engine - [http://www.pritchardpower.com.au/]
* Biomass CHP with steam engine - [http://www.pritchardpower.com.au/]
*60% vapor cycle efficiency in steam engine power plant? - [[http://www.lesa-maschinen.de/cms/index.php?page=technologie&hl=en_EN]]
* 60% vapor cycle efficiency in steam engine power plant? - [[http://www.lesa-maschinen.de/cms/index.php?page=technologie&hl=en_EN]]
* $300/hp steam engines in production, Peru - [http://www.sensiblesteamperu.com/index_archivos/Page581.htm]


*$300/hp steam engines in production, Peru - [http://www.sensiblesteamperu.com/index_archivos/Page581.htm]
== Steam Engine History ==


==Steam Engine History==
* [http://www.egr.msu.edu/~lira/supp/steam/ Brief History of the Steam Engine]
* [http://campus.udayton.edu/~hume/Steam/steam.htm The Steam Engine]
* A History of the Growth of  the Steam Engine: [http://books.google.com/books?hl=en&id=YiNMAAAAMAAJ&dq=steam+engine&printsec=frontcover&source=web&ots=upjyQA2XIn&sig=gBtrUy-6kRF-HaMr8T2FXppi4KY&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=2&ct=result]
* A Catechism of the Steam Engine:[http://www.gutenberg.org/etext/10998]


*[http://www.egr.msu.edu/~lira/supp/steam/ Brief History of the Steam Engine]
== Steam Engine Primers/Groups ==
*[http://campus.udayton.edu/~hume/Steam/steam.htm The Steam Engine]
*A History of the Growth of  the Steam Engine: [http://books.google.com/books?hl=en&id=YiNMAAAAMAAJ&dq=steam+engine&printsec=frontcover&source=web&ots=upjyQA2XIn&sig=gBtrUy-6kRF-HaMr8T2FXppi4KY&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=2&ct=result]
*A Catechism of the Steam Engine:[http://www.gutenberg.org/etext/10998]
 
==Steam Engine Primers/Groups==


'''Primers'''
'''Primers'''


*http://www.pioneer.net/~carlich/RSE/RSEprimer.html
* http://www.pioneer.net/~carlich/RSE/RSEprimer.html
*http://www.the-nerds.org/Steam-101.html
* http://www.the-nerds.org/Steam-101.html
*Promising forum with large library of working steam engine plans: http://www.paddleducks.co.uk/
* Promising forum with large library of working steam engine plans: http://www.paddleducks.co.uk/


'''Groups'''
'''Groups'''
Line 165: Line 167:
* [[Tinytech]]
* [[Tinytech]]


 
==See Also==
==Engine Plans/Products==
{{Steam Engine}}
 
*http://www.pioneer.net/~carlich/RSE/RSEengines.html
*http://www.nearfutures.com/products.htm
*http://www.greensteamengine.com/products.htm
*Triple Expansion Steam Engine Prints: http://www.carferries.com/triple/
*Lindsey Publications:http://www.lindsaybks.com/prod/sub/engines.html
*http://www.grahamind.com/
*http://quasiturbine.promci.qc.ca/Presse/SteamMuller050721.pdf
*These guys claim 30% efficiency on their non compunding multi cylinder steam engine http://www.energiprojekt.com/?product
*'''3kW steam engine for $1375''': http://www.thesustainablevillage.com/servlet/display/products/byCat/71/441/2557/
*Lots of Plans: http://www.john-tom.com/html/SteamPlans.html
*A nice simple double engine plan: http://openfarmtech.org/images/e/e0/MichelNiggelTwin.pdf
 
==Misc==
 
*Green wood chip burner: [http://www.sredmond.com/vthr_index.htm]
*Steam engine from scrap - http://www.btinternet.com/~jhpart/steam2.htm
*Vegetable Oil Based Lubricant:http://www.steamenginelube.com/chelesic.htm
*Homebrew Steam Engine Generator:http://www.otherpower.com/steamengine.shtml
*Steam Engine Manuf. Links: http://cedesign.net/steam/steam-links1.htm
* Harry Schoell's Cyclone Power http://www.popsci.com/scitech/article/2008-05/steam-under-hood http://www.cyclonepower.com/
*Oil Free Steam Engine Design for Vehicles: http://six6.region-stuttgart.de/sixcms/media.php/773/23_Platell_P.pdf
*Flash Steam Engine, Could this be advantageous http://www.huzar-power.com/steam_engines/revival/flash_steam.htm
 
Nick R. says, what are the limits to lathe boring diameters in cast iron?  This [http://www.john-tom.com/MyPlans/Steam%20Engines/MarineEngine.pdf] method of construction looks simple and attractive if it could be scaled up enough?
 
[[Category:Steam Engine]]
[[Category:GVCS 50]]

Latest revision as of 17:31, 2 July 2013

Main > Energy > Steam Engine

see Steam Engine Steam Engine

Description

Complete steam engine system.

We are proposing an open-source steam engine project, to deliver a highly-efficient modern steam engine with the following features:

  • Scalable power from 5 to 100 horsepower
  • Modular design for easy building, maintenance, and repair
  • Simple uniflow design - steam flows in a single direction from input valves to exhaust port(s)
  • Modular crankshaft design to allow additional units to be added

Project goals include:

  • Minimize expensive off-the-shelf components
  • Minimize fabrication costs
  • Easy to assemble and disassemble
  • Easy to troubleshoot and repair

Reading About Steam Engines

Steam power is not taught in general. To master this topic, you should consider having a look at the information in Steam Engine Research/Books Tom Kimmel, of Kimmel Steam Power has some good material [1] as does Mike Brown in a reading list [2]. Description of this system by author and excellent background info on home power steam [3]. Skip Goebel has thoughts on an electronically controlled steam engine taken from [4].

Additional Information

Project Team

OSE:

  • Marcin Jakubowski, Visionary
  • Mark Norton, Project Manager
  • Andrew Buck, Simulations, CAD
  • Josh Jordan, Electronics and Sensors

Design Reviewers:

  • Tom Kimmel, SACA
  • Ken Helmick, SACA
  • Harry Schoell, Cyclone Tech. ??

Additional Input:

  • Ron Whaley, PKI Alumnus (White Cliffs Solar Project)

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 [5]. 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.

Design Rationale

Although it is a matter of some debate, there are many who feel that our global civilization has past the (so called) point of peak oil. Peak oil [6] refers to the point in time when easy sources of petroleum have been exhausted. Past that point, demand continues to rise (largely pegged to global population growth) but production rolls off. If we accept that we have past the point of peak oil, then how will we maintain civilization's need for energy? While part of the answer lies in reducing consumption, a bigger part lies in alternative sources of energy. The Open Source Ecology project is exploring a number of alternative energy sources. Given reliable energy sources, the Open Source Steam engine can be used to convert steam energy into motion (and thence into electricity, etc).

Steam engines have a number of benefits over other kinds of motive power:

  • Relatively uncomplicated, few moving parts (compared to other engines)
  • Driven by steam, produced in a variety of ways (boiler, solar concentrator, geothermal, etc.)
  • Can be made modular: steam source, controller, cylinder, crankshaft
  • Scalable power: connect more steam engine units onto a common crankshaft
  • Easy to build: most parts can be fabricated from stock materials

Additional reasons to design and build an open source steam engine include:

  • Relevant as an appropriate technology choice in both poor and rich countries when coupled to flash steam generators
  • Basis for another kind of Power Cube
  • May be coupled directly to linear hydraulic pump (feasibility study required)

Design

Current Design
Current Design - CAD Model
Current Design - CAD Model, internal components.

Overall design of the Open Source Steam Engine breaks down like this:

Summary of Proposed Design

The current OSE Modern Steam Engine is based on design developed for the White Cliffs solar power station in NSW, Australia (see Steam Engine Design/White Cliffs). While the White Cliffs engine used a converted diesel engine, the essential concept is the same: a uniflow steam engine using a bump valve control mechanism. Our engine is greatly simplified from the White Cliffs design. Initially, it will be a single cylinder (scalable by adding more to a common crankshaft) driven by steam from a boiler or solar concentrator (such as Solar Fire). Two bump valves are activated by valve pins mounted on the face of the piston head. Just before top dead center of the cycle, the bump the steam valves open, letting new steam into the cylinder. A flywheel carries the piston past top dead center and at the cut-off point, the steam valves close. Expanding pressure causes the piston to move down the cylinder until it nears bottom dead center, at which point the piston uncovers four exhaust vents allows steam (any any condensed water) to escape the engine. An exhaust plenum is provided to capture spent steam so that it might be used for other purposes (like heating).

Product Ecology

Steam-Engine-Product-Ecology.png

The steam engine gets inputs from:

and provides power to:


Specifications

Inch to millimeter conversion chart [7].

Specifications including dimensions are provided in Steam Engine Specifications and complete building instructions are given in Steam Engine Build Instructions. Sourcing of parts is specified in Steam Engine Bill of Materials.


Costs

(Cost estimates go here)


Additional Links

  • Biomass CHP with steam engine - [8]
  • 60% vapor cycle efficiency in steam engine power plant? - [[9]]
  • $300/hp steam engines in production, Peru - [10]

Steam Engine History

Steam Engine Primers/Groups

Primers

Groups

See Also

Steam Engine Steam Engine

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