Steam Engine Concept

Steam Engine Intro

=Title=

The Open Source Modern Steam Engine

=Keywords=


 * Steam Engine
 * Power
 * Uniflow
 * Bump Valve

=Description=

The OSE steam engine allows steam generated from a solar concentrator or boiler  to be converted first in linear motion (pushing on a piston) and then to rotary motion (using a crankshaft) that can be used to perform useful work (like running a hydraulic pump) or to generate electricity. The first prototype is a uniflow engine design, which means that steam is admitted on one side of the piston and allowed to vent to the atmosphere after it has expanded. Steam is controlled using a bump valve.

=Technical Information=

There is a wealth of information on the OSE steam engine gathered in the OSE Wiki. The Steam Engine/Index page shows all of them grouped by topic. Pages of specific interest include:


 * History of the idea
 * Commercial Examples
 * Inputs and Outputs needed
 * How well it meets OSE Specifications, goals, and requirements.
 * Relationship to Other Concepts or Functions
 * Specifications including:
 * Preliminary Drawings
 * Designs
 * Calculations and  and
 * Parts Lists
 * Build Instructions
 * other Documentation
 * Explanations of why certain designs are preferred
 * Performance and Efficiency and
 * Scaling to Different Sizes
 * Uncommon Items Needed