The "Water Fueled Car"

[Doc]

You know, there was a time when we thought the Earth was flat, too. And that the universe revolved around us.

Time changes perception as new truths are revealed. As knowledge grows, old beliefs proven unfounded fade out. Steam, for all its worth, is inferior to internal-combustion in a lot of ways, most notably being safety. Granted, steam does have some advantages over internal-combustion, but if it was that greater a technology, it would have survived the evolution of technology. Darwin exists in much more than just nature.

See Occhi's comments on steam-powered cars. The biggest concern to steam-powered engines is safety. While it's all fine and dandy for a tractor (moving, at most, 15 MPH - in a field, without other traffic), or even a locomotive (one train per track means, again, no other traffic to worry about slamming into), it simply isn't safe enough for general use in automobiles. The risks are simply too great. Despite how explosively flammable gasoline is, the actual risk of ignition or explosion is very, very minor (outside of Hollywood, of course) compared to that of steam. If you slam into a car, it's generally built so as to make the gas tank fairly safe from rupturing, and indeed this does transfer over into the real world. Steam, however, has to be stored at extreme pressures in order to maintain viable, practical application. Because of this, ANY risk of rupture means potential explosion and almost guaranteed collateral damage to passengers, from the steam itself most likely.

It's just not safe enough for practical use in an automobile. The risk is far too great for the meger reward it brings.

Please, no offense when I say "Bunk!"

Some of the newer steam engines run at cooler temps and lower pressures than gas combustion engines. The danger is not as great as some might have you believe... Read that first link I posted. The extreme pressure bit is no longer the case... And with a piston based engine, all of the pressure is released when the piston extends. No pressure! Pressure builds again rapidly in seconds, and is released. No more dangerous than a combustion engine getting slammed. Also, many steam engines also produce more horsepower even while running at lower temps and pressure than their gas burning counterparts. Also, once the engine and nice and hot, friction keeps everything nice at hot... Many steam pistons don't use lube, the piston rolls in the cylinder on bearings, like many old motorcycles used to do. (Indians come to mind) Sudden influx of water in to the chamber keeps temps stable. While coasting with the engine pistons engaged, the friction from the engine actually keeps the water boiling quite well on it's own, needing very little electricity to keep things nice and hot.

The only real trouble with steam piston engines, and this has never changed, is that you must keep refilling them with water, and lots of it. I know that from experience with tractors, I've seen some of those boil though over 500 gallons in a hard day.

I have no idea how it could be done, but there needs to be some sort of water / reclaimation system that captures the water vapour somehow but still allows pressure to escape. I have no clue how to do that... Condensing cooling coils that rapidly turn the steam in to liquid water again and collect it? I have no clue.

Steam pistons are a better engine than combustion in many ways, which is why somebody is trying to build a car that will go the speed of sound on land using a steamer. For one thing, they are more stable and tend to be self cooling with all the water going in and out and evaporating rapidly. Less risk of overheating and exploding, engine running to hot and warping, or cylinder rod getting to hot and going soft.

For long running long hauls, I dunno, I still see steam as a contender. Trucks, busses, delivery rigs, etc. Maybe not a car. And with a hybred system of steam and biofuel rather than standard diesel or carbon charcoal oil type stuff, there is potential for a very clean burning workhorse engine.

Oh, forgot, there is one big issue with steam that should be addressed... Noise pollution!

A steam piston engine sounds like a bloody calliope falling down a flight of steel stairs once it builds up speed and a full head of steam.

With an 8 cylider engine you can hear four distinct toots :lol: