"N. Thornton" wrote in message
om...
"IMM" wrote in
"N. Thornton" wrote

Re efficient steam engines:

Well, I'd be happier to trust your word on this if you could show us a
ref. What you say certainly sounds good, but I would like to see it
backed up.

A few years back some car makers were looking at steam engines in view of
proposed increased emissions; no doubt their lawyers and lobbying prevented
the increase. The Stirling engine link I gave mentions the vast
improvements in the burners (from CH boilers mainly) giving very low
emissions. As a steam engine is external combustion also, the same applies.

There is no reason not to use Stirling or steam engines in slow moving town
and city utility vehicles like: buses, delivery trucks used by utility
companies, etc.

A Google will bring up lots on Stirling and steam engines. Lots of work is
being done on Stirling engines, with many models readily for sale.

Stirling and steam engines cannot give instant power, giving quick
acceleration, as the internal combustion engines can. This can be overcome
by having a Stirling/electric or air motor hybrid. The electric or air motor
is only used to assist in acceleration above a certain rate. Hybrid
technology is here with Honda, Toyota and now Ford.

The Stirling is imminent to use in vehicles and Combined Heat and Power
(CHP). Many points keep it from vehicle use: the industry is geared up for
the internal combustion engines, no energy crisis driving up fuel costs (AMC
made a Stirling engine car in the 1970s and were about to produce it when
the fuel crisis waned) and exhaust emissions have not yet been lowered
enough to preclude the internal combustion engine.

It was mentioned that CAT are lacking in tracking, and that if it were
a good idea they'd have more of them. I'd say fixed mirrors are a good
addition to PV, specifically angled to increase the light away from
noon, ie when the light level falls, and specifically using greased
silver mylar mirrors, which are very cheap. But AFAIK CAT doesnt have
those either. CAT doesnt have everything.

Some people want energy autonomous homes demanding little from the
environment. The Vales attempted this with partial success. The problem is
generating enough electricity and storing it. It would be simpler to:

1. Construct a house that requires minimum energy demands. Superinsulate
it with no thermal bridges, triple glazing and make it air tight, then
concentrate on producing and storing solar hot water for DHW and CH
(hopefully heating needs will be zero to minimal).

2. Have minimal electrical use by using electrical appliances that consume
as little power as possible, they are available, and use cheaper, and
cleaner, to run gas appliances where possible (gas ovens and tumble dryers
instead of electric, washing machines that take in hot water rather than
heat it itself, and the likes).

This is a far more cost effective approach for a new build, or full
renovation than trying to generate electricity.

The solar closets et al, are good retrofits to existing homes with some
added insulation points, as: triple glazing or double with low "e" glass,
make the house as air tight as possible, draught proof the windows and
doors, put over 1 foot insulation in the loft, install porches on outside
doors, etc.

The more a house is insulated and air-tight the less you need to generate
heat.



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