Anyone uses steam engine ?

greenspun.com : LUSENET : TimeBomb 2000 (Y2000) Preparation Forum : One Thread

I like to use a small steam engine to generate electricity 12 volts with does anyone has any idea about it or plan etc ?

-- Nasseri (ibmcc@colba.net), September 25, 1999

Answers

Nasseri,

I looked into the possibility of using a steam engine some time ago. What I found out is that it is incredibly inefficient and produces a lot of waste heat, unless you can use the excess heat to heat a greenhouse or something. If memory serves me right, a steam engine large enough to produce about 8KW of power would take something like 2 cords of wood per week. And it is not something you can just push a button to start and forget it; it takes constant attention and addition of fuel and water.

And on top of that, the whole setup costs more than a good diesel genset.

There was a very thorough article about it in "Countryside Magazine" a month or so ago. I don't know if they have a website or not.

Gerald

-- Gerald R. Cox (grcox@internetwork.net), September 25, 1999.


Nasseri,

I forgot to mention the email address of someone who could probably solve your 12VDC problem. His email address is:

Roy@Four-winds-energy.com

Drop him a note with a brief description of what you are trying to do and he can have an answer for you.

Gerald

-- Gerald R. Cox (grcox@internetwork.net), September 25, 1999.


Think about solar, too. Take a look at this site. http://www.global-merchants.com/home/solars.htm

-- mommacarestx (harringtondesignX@earthlink.net), September 25, 1999.

NASSERI:

There is only ONE reliable source for steam engine driven generation of electricity (for the homestead): Skip Goebel, Branson, MO, 417-334-2655, email: 146942@msn.com

Do not go NEAR the guy advertizing out of Florida --- it's a ripoff and following his plans will put you in great danger (seriously!)

It's true that steam power is complex & requires constant attention during generation. But when your electricity is gone, you may find the time to concentrate on watching the 'sight glass' on the boiler. My little system from Skip will put out 300 watts steady, and burns anything (wood, coal, scraps, whatever.) Ck into it. Bill

-- William J. Schenker, MD (wjs@linkfast.net), September 25, 1999.


NASSERI:

Added note: It's true the cost is as much as a good diesel genset, but tell me, how would you arrange to set up your own 'cracking tower', i.e., refine your own diesel, assuming you could get the crude ? (Of course those depending on their diesel genny, KNOW that the Y2K crisis can't last longer than their fuel tank's contents.)

Bill

-- William J. Schenker, MD (wjs@linkfast.net), September 25, 1999.



Try using the Search Engines & search under antique engines or Old Glory.Good 2nd hand source for steam engines are the agricultural stationery engine collectors clubs.You have a fair few in the States.

In the UK they are commonly known as vintage stationery engines.

-- Chris (griffen@globalnet.co.uk), September 26, 1999.


Nasseri,

Address for Countryside Magazine: www.countrysidemag.com

-- Jill D. (jdance@mindspring.com), September 26, 1999.


Moderation questions? read the FAQ