Steam Engine Planning

Concept Introduction

Nick Raaum is project manager. Our present concept is to use a single acting cylinder made from steam piping, using an electronically-controlled valve, and a position sensor that tells when the valve should open and close.

Design Rationale

• Use stock pipe section for replicability
  • Welded ends
• Flywheel and pulley is used
• About 150 rpm
• Use stock piston seals
• Machining boils down to lathing piston seal grooves
• Connecting rod threaded into piston, uses two nuts
• Use flywheel and linkage

Strategy

On 12.6.08, Nick and Marcin had a strategy session in which we decided:

• Pursue a simple, single-acting, steam engine with electronically controlled valve
  • Pursue stock pipe sections to eliminate casting requirements?
• First plan of action:
  • Design drawings
  • Materials and corrosion issues

Electronics

• Asco valve - 8 hz, 150 PSIg operating pressure solenoid steam valve - $100 new; one required
• Programmable Logic Controller - Arduino board?
• Position sensor - an optical sensor, photoelectric eye?

Materials

• A56 Schedule 80 half inch piping, carbon steel