Previous SPS vehicular steam expander development is reviewed. A counterflow expander installed in the 3000 lb (1364 kg) California Steam Car is shown to give 6.2 mpg (2.2 km/l) over the Urban Federal Driving Cycle, for BSFC = 1.2. Advantages of the uniflow expander with impulse valves are discussed, and the equation for theoretical cycle efficiency is derived. Laboratory tests on a 4 cylinder uniflow with impulse valves and a 2000 psia (136 atm), 1400° F (760° C) monotube boiler are described, and efficiency results for steam temperatures up to 1100° F (593° C) are presented. The measured brake thermal efficiency of the test uniflow increases with expansion ratio E from .146 to .225 for 5.7〈 E 〈 14.0. The counterflow efficiency decreases with E, from .18 to .11 for 7 〈 E 〈 15. Internal losses are discussed, and the higher efficiency of the uniflow is justified on the basis of lower internal leakage, heat transfer and friction.
Recent Advances in Vehicular Steam Engine Efficiency
Sae Technical Papers
1976 Automotive Engineering Congress and Exposition ; 1976
1976-02-01
Conference paper
English
Steam engine research for high engine efficiency
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