On 23-Apr-17 8:13 AM, harry wrote:
....
I suspect that the boilers and engines you are familiar with are more
nineteenth century technology than twenty-first century. A titanium tube
flash boiler can supply steam at up to 4,000 psi and 650C. Ceramics
allow engines to work at those temperatures and pressures and achieve
efficiencies not even dreamed of with conventional materials.

Total drivel.
Steam locomotive efficiency, typically 5%....

Third generation steam locomotives are not typical. They have been
specifically designed to use modern technology. The 5AT project failed
to get the target funding, but the calculation of drawbar efficiency is
given he

http://5at.co.uk/index.php/definitio...fficiency.html

Flash steam boilers are suited for rapid start up, cheapness and low weight. But are notoriously inefficient, high maintenance and short life.
Yes,I have run these too.

Using 21st century or 19th century materials?

Whatever you want to think, an R&D subsidiary of IAV Gmbh developed a
small, lightweight steam engine, using modern technology throughout,
that could be fitted into motor vehicles, although they see the initial
application as being in auxiliary power units, particularly in third
world countries. They claim fuel efficiency as being similar to a diesel
engine. It uses catalytic heating to avoid flames, which keeps emissions
down to very low levels, and can burn a very wide range of fuels. Steam
is viable, even if that does not sit well with your world view.



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Colin Bignell