[Graeme]

Updating the Steam Engine: the Cyclone

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('', 'C')yclone Technologies LLP, developer of the Cyclone external combustion engine, received an Automotive Engineering International (SAE’s publication) Tech Award at the SAE World Congress in Detroit.

The Cyclone modifies the traditional Rankin cycle steam engine to deliver the use of super-critical pressure (3,200 psi) and super-heated steam (1,200° F)—normally found in high-efficiency electrical power plants—in an efficient, compact package suitable for a vehicle.

Applications. Harry Schoell, the inventor of the Cyclone, forsees a large range of applications for his engine, from small electrical generators in the 1 kW range up through medium-size cyclones for light-duty vehicles, large Cyclones of up to 1,000 hp for the heavy-duty diesel market and beyond to larger ships and generators.

[OneLoneClone]

Nice, no lubricants needed, no transmission, no clutch...that is a pretty sweet evolution of a concept... nice engineering.

[ubercynicmeister]

While I like it, it has only one very minor draw-back: it can only use liquid or gaseous fuels. Traditional steam cars could use ANY fuel. And they needed no gear-box or clutch.