Tom Kimmel

Tom,

Thanks for talking yesterday.

I would like to focus my discussion with you on assistance in achieving the following modern steam engine system specifications:

1. Open source design 2. Scalability in power, and modular design - such that, for example, different size pistons or multiples of pistons may be implemented readily. 3. Simplest possible design, from the standpoint of fabrication requirements. 4. Highest possible performance. 5. Flash boiler systems according to the same principles above.

I am interested in applications both for solar concentrator and vehicle power. Our focus to date is agricultural equipment, and we are aiming at private transport in the future.

I look forward to your materials and to further discussion.

Sincerely, Marcin

On Sun, Jun 1, 2008 at 1:45 PM, Marcin Jakubowski <joseph.dolittle@gmail.com> wrote:

   Also, 20% efficiency for the Tesla turbine - isn't that good performance? That's what Warren Rice showed in the literature
   (http://openfarmtech.org/index.php?title=Boundary_Layer_Turbine#Warren_Rice.2C_University_of_Arizona)

   What is the efficiency of steam engines? Naive observation on my part tells me 5-10% for single stage? That doesn't make sense - it should be more like 50-80% - if one uses valving instead of pumping for working fluid delivery. So basically, I have a fundamental lack of understanding. If you can school me in on all of this, I would be quite grateful.

   Marcin

   On Sun, Jun 1, 2008 at 1:40 PM, Marcin Jakubowski <joseph.dolittle@gmail.com> wrote:

       Tom,

       Looks like we are on the same page. I would love to learn more, perhaps even visit in the near weeks. I know deep down that modern steam is hidden from view - perhaps for reasons that you know more than I. I suspect it is another item that works - such as the CEB press - that could revolutionize certain aspects of just living.

       Please send your phone number. The number on your website - is that a good one for you? It appears to be some business.

       Mine was ########## - or skype - marcin_ose

       Sincerely,
       Marcin
       http://openfarmtech.org/index.php?title=UM_Presentation

       ===On Sun, Jun 1, 2008 at 8:41 AM, Tom Kimmel <tkimmel@locallink.net> wrote:===

           June 1, 2008  Dear Marcin Jakubowski,  This email is in reply to yours of May 31 concerning steam power.  First of all you have the right person and have asked the right questions.  I will send you a large packet of information at such time as I have your mailing address.  A brief internet search does not come up with a real address and there are hints that you are located in the Kansas City area.  I have spent about 20 years collecting modern steam power information and my purpose in life is to share my information and conclusions with anyone who is interested.  The only problem is that most people come to steam with more opinions than information and thus many of my conclusions will appear to be impolite.  It is possible to express my opinions politely but it takes a lot longer to do so.  Second of all your idea of having a primary solar collector to run a steam engine and then to have a back up using bio-fuels with a flash steam generator is a good idea.  I have enough information on both mono-tube steam generators and small high efficient steam engines to get you started in that area.  Thirdly, it has been my opinion that very little good steam information is available on the internet and in fact, most of the steam information that is available is incorrect, or more bluntly, just plain wrong.  The pursuit of the Tesla turbine as a steam engine is a good example of some really bad information.  I have in my library two engineering PhD. thesis that conclude a mechanical efficiency of less than 20% for a Tesla turbine.  Other than that, your basic project appears to be headed in the right direction.  There is a need for a stationary solar/bio-fuel power system and once that is perfected then the basic principles can be transferred to mobile steam power.  Good luck in your work and you are invited to visit my shop and library at any time.  I am located in Southwestern Michigan about a 12 hour drive from Kansas City.  Sincerely,  Tom Kimmel

           From: Marcin Jakubowski [1]
           Sent: Saturday, May 31, 2008 11:21 AM
           To: tkimmel@locallink.net
           Subject: solar steam turbine

           Hi Tom,

           I am working on a solar turbine system for electric power, and we are exploring the engine choices.

           We are planning on a backup flash steam generator.

           Can you point us to solutions that would work both for the steam engine and flash boiler?

           We are interested in car propulsion after this project.

           Sincerely,
           Marcin
           Open Source Ecology
           http://openfarmtech.org/index.php?title=Solar_Turbine
           http://blog.opensourceecology.org/