Steam Engine Concept
Main > Energy > Steam Engine
Steam Engine Intro
Title
The Open Source Modern Steam Engine
Keywords
- Steam Engine
- Power
- Uniflow
- Bump Valve
Description
The OSE steam engine allows steam generated from a solar concentrator [1] or boiler [2] to be converted first in linear motion (pushing on a piston) and then to rotary motion (using a crankshaft) that can be used to perform useful work (like running a hydraulic pump) or to generate electricity [3]. The first prototype [4] is a uniflow engine design [5], which means that steam is admitted on one side of the piston and allowed to vent to the atmosphere after it has expanded. Steam is controlled using a bump valve [6].
Technical Information
There is a wealth of information on the OSE steam engine gathered in the OSE Wiki. The Steam Engine/Index page shows all of them grouped by topic. Pages of specific interest include:
- History of the idea [7]
- Commercial Examples
- Inputs and Outputs needed
- How well it meets OSE Specifications, goals, and requirements.
- Relationship to Other Concepts or Functions
- Specifications [8] including:
- Explanations of why certain designs are preferred
- Performance and Efficiency [16] and [17]
- Scaling to Different Sizes
- Uncommon Items Needed