Steam Engine Planning



=Concept Introduction=

Nick Raaum was the project manager. Our present concept is to use a single acting cylinder made from steam piping, using an electronically-controlled valve, and a position sensor that tells when the valve should open and close.

=Design Rationale=
 * Use stock pipe section for replicability
 * Welded ends
 * Flywheel and pulley is used
 * About 150 rpm
 * Use stock piston seals
 * Machining boils down to lathing piston seal grooves
 * Connecting rod threaded into piston, uses two nuts
 * Use flywheel and linkage
 * Use a condenser - flat plate heat exchanger

=Strategy=

On 12.6.08, Nick and Marcin had a strategy session in which we decided:
 * Pursue a simple, single-acting, steam engine with electronically controlled valve
 * Pursue stock pipe sections to eliminate casting requirements?
 * First plan of action:
 * Design drawings
 * Materials and corrosion issues

=Electronics=
 * Asco valve - 8 hz, 150 PSIg operating pressure solenoid steam valve - $100 new; one required
 * Programmable Logic Controller - Arduino board?
 * Position sensor - an optical sensor, photoelectric eye?

=Materials=


 * A56 Schedule 80 half inch piping, carbon steel