Will "Instant Steam" bring back the steam-powered car?
Although the process of making what Oxford Catalysts calls "Instant Steam" is not feasible for power generation on a large-scale, it might work well in smaller-scale energy production, like automobiles. As a matter of fact, the gasoline internal combustion engine that we all have in our cars doesn't make a great deal of sense when it comes to large-scale power production, but I digress.
Steam power was a popular option back when the automobile was in its infant stage. Because gasoline was cheap, it won out and the steam car has all but disappeared from our world. But, steam is used in many other industries as well, and the Instant Steam process is likely to be introduced first for removing gum from asphalt - which also could be considered auto-related. The next likely use would be in killing bacteria instantly in hospitals. Other potential uses include rockets and automobiles. One wonders if electric cars could use a portable steam generator as a range-extending device in a vehicle like the Volt. Who knows what will provide the ultimate solution for removing fossil fuels from our automobiles? Probably a combination of many things... including a return to the steam engine?
[source: Innovations Report]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Brian Drake 1:45AM (7/05/2008)
Jay Leno's been a big advocate for a return to steam powered cars for some time: http://www.popularmechanics.com/automotive/jay_leno_garage/1302916.html
If I can ever get the money up, I intend to build one: http://building.athena.googlepages.com/bapage1.html
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Snark 11:07AM (8/06/2007)
I've speculated quite a bit about the possibility of a steam cell as a genset for a PHEV. The thing is though, this technology uses methanol and hydrogen peroxide as its "fuel" - which is cool, but you still need a source for those chemicals. It's not just water.
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Omaha42000 11:58AM (8/06/2007)
I am no expert, but from what I've read, steam engines for automobiles is a bummer for a variety of reasons.
Steam Turbines can achieve approximately 35% thermal efficiency for turbines that produce 150 KW or more (all coal, gas and nuclear power plants use large steam turbines). I understand that efficiency often drops to 25% for smaller turbines. For Piston steam engines, it's pretty dismal, something like 5 to 10% thermal efficiency. 4-stroke gas powered ICE engines are 20-25% and diesels are 30-35%.
Steam piston engines can be "throttled" and have a very nice torque curve. Steam turbines cannot be throttled much - they need to run at a constant RPM.
Water is the medium of choice for steam. I've read that Butanol alcohol can also be used but it was never favored. Water will freeze at zero degrees (celsius) and that adds many practical hurdles for steam systems in autos.
A gentleman by the name of Bruce Crower has modified a 4 stroke gas engine into a 6 stroke gas engine w/steam (http://tinyurl.com/r66lk) and that is rather interesting.
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