Steam Engine Design

Main > Energy > Steam Engine

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This page will be used to describe the OSE Open Source Steam Engine design, design issues, and completed drawings.

See bump valve prior art - http://www.rossen.ch/solar/wcengine.html

See also:

• Steam Engine Design/Historic
• Steam Engine Design/2009

Prototype One

Steam Fires

Steam Expands

Steam Vents

Description

This is a single-action uniflow steam engine that uses a bump valve to admit steam and an exhaust vent to emit cooled steam. Some of the features of this design include:

• Simple design with a mix of fabricated and off-the-shelf parts.
• Modular and stackable - cylinders can be ganged together to increase power.
• Easy assembly - minimal welding
• Repairable - comes apart for cleaning, maintenance, and repair.
• Easy fabrication - lathing, milling, cutting, and drilling.
• Self-lubricating - oil sprays.
• Crank shaft can be configured for multiple cylinders.

Sub-assembly Designs:

• Steam Engine Design/Bump Valve
• Steam Engine Design/Cylinder
• Steam Engine Design/Crank Shaft
• Steam Engine Design/Piston

Review Notes

Tom Kimmel of SACA

Some recommendations from Tom:

1. Do more research.
2. Come to my shop and look at real steam engines.
3. Add teeth to the flywheel to allow an electric starter motor.
4. Cylinder liners (sleeve) should be cast iron. Look into motor rebuild kits.
5. Valves are not "chinese hat". Talk to Jay Carr about his design.
6. Open or closed crank is a choice. Not critical.
7. Lubrication is important, but had no specific recommendations.
8. Start with conservative materials (like iron) and consider advanced materials later (like nitride coatings).
9. Consider designing an exhaust manifold from the start.
10. Visit Bill Ryan north of Chicago who has experience with making bash valves.
11. Don't use stainless steel as a cylinder line.
12. Consider 12v electric system for fans, solenoids, relays, water level sensors, and starter motor.