Experiment # 6

“Demonstration of steam engine”

Objective:
 To understand the working and controlling of steam engine.
 To understand how the performance of steam engine is measured.

Literature review:
Steam engine:
It is the external combustion engine in which heat energy is converted into mechanical work.
OR
A steam engine is a heat engine that performs mechanical work using steam as its working fluid.

Classification of Steam Engines

Based on axis of engine Orientation of cylinder axis
1. Horizontal steam engine
2. Vertical steam engine
3. Inclined steam engine
 Based on speed of engine:
1. High speed engine- speed of 250rpm and above
2. Medium speed engine- speed 100 to 250 rpm
3. Slow speed engine- speed 100rpm and below
Based on type of steam action:
1. Double acting steam engine
2. Single acting steam engine
Based on type of exhaust from engine:
1. Condensing engine
2. Non-condensing engine
Based on number of cylinders:
1. Simple steam engine: one cylinder
2. Compound steam engine: more than one cylinder
 Based on type of governing:
1. Throttle governed engine
2. Cut-off governed engine
Based on type of application:
1. Stationary engine
2. Moveable engine
 Based on type of valve used:
1. slide valve engine
2. Corliss valve engine

MAIN PARTS OF SIMPLE STEAM ENGINE

Cylinder:
This is the chamber in which the piston moves to and fro due to the action of steam.
Steam Chest:
This is generally cast integral with the cylinder. There are two ports called inlet port and outlet
port made in the casting for connecting the steam chest to he cylinder.
Piston:
This is made of cast iron and moves to & fro in the cylinder by the action of steam.
Piston Rings:
The function of piston rings is to prevent the leakage of steam and any wear and tear taking place
in the cylinder.
Piston Rod:
The piston rod connects the piston and cross head and is made of mild steel.
Cross head:
It connects the piston rod and connecting rod and moves between guides.
Connecting rod:
It is made of forged steel. One end of connecting rod is connected to the cross head by gudgeon
pin and other end is connected to the crank.
Crank shaft:
It is made of alloy steel. The crank shaft is main part of steam engine which serves the purpose
of converting the force applied by the connecting rod into a rotational force.
Valve:
It reciprocates over the valve seat in the steam chest by the eccentric so located on the crank
shaft relative to crank so as to admit or exhaust steam to & from the cylinder at the proper time
through the port.
Eccentric rod:
The valve rod connects the valve and the eccentric rod through a valve rod guide which prevents
the bending of the valve rod while the eccentric rod connects the valve rod and eccentric.
Governor:
The function of governor is to maintain the speed of engine fairly constant irrespective of the
load.
Main Bearings:
Generally two main bearings are provided at each end of the crank shaft to support it, the
bearings are attached to the frame.
Working of Steam Engine:
Steam from the boiler enters the steam chest and is admitted to the front end of the cylinder
by the valve slide. The high-pressure steam presses the piston backward, driving the engine
wheels around one-half turn
At the end of the piston stroke the valve shifts, allowing the expended steam to escape through
the exhaust port.
At the end of the forward stroke, the steam is released from the rear portion of the cylinder
At the same time, the valve slide begins admitting high pressure steam to the back end of the
cylinder.
This presses the piston forward, pulling the engine wheels around another half turn.

Brake power or shaft power:

The power available at crankshaft is known as brake power or shaft power
Indicated power:
The power actually obtained in piston is known as indicated power
Formula for shaft power:
P=τ×ω
=F×R×ω
=(W-T)×R×ω
=(W-T)×R×2πN60

Advantages:
1. Steam engine (or external combustion engine) could be located anywhere because water
is heated in a separate boiler to produce steam
2. A steam engine (or external combustion engine) can be used at any time because steam
can be produced at any time.
3. A steam engine (or external combustion engine) can be used to run trains for going from
one place to another.
4. A steam engine (or external combustion engine) is much more powerful than a windmill
or water-mill.
5. A steam engine (or external combustion engine) can use virtually any combustible
material for fuel-wood, coal, oil, old furniture, …anything that can be put into the
firebox.

Disadvantages:
1. A steam engine does not start at once
2. A steam engine is unsafe to use.
3. A steam engine has low efficiency
4. Giving too much pollution
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