Bob Bourque - New Steam Engine

Chapter	Title
1	Background
2	Motivations For This Engine
3	Requirements and Constraints
4	Progress
5	Prototype Development
6	Description of the Bourque Cycle
7	Features of the Cycle
8	The Complexity Issue
9	Fuel Requirements
10	First Example Engine in a Vehicle
11	Description of the Expander
12	Expander Hot Cylinder Lubrication
13	Expander Piston Structural Analysis
14	Two More Engine and Vehicle Examples
15	Other Engine Components
16	Materials
17	Safety
18	Water Freezing
19	Control System
20	Starting Time
21	Summary
	Acknowledgments
	Some Unit Conversions
	Notes and References

A Compact Pollution-Free
External Combustion Engine
with High Part-Load Efficiency

1. Background

Steam engines in automobiles were eclipsed in the mid-1920’s by the simpler, more compact, and easier-starting internal combustion (IC) engines [1]. This occurred even though IC engines required refined fuel, while steam engines did not, and more complex transmissions for good performance.

Over the years, attempts have been made to revive steam engines by hobbyists, corporations, and governments [2,3,4]. The efforts had some success in improving performance. However, the large improvement that would be required to retire the IC engine has not happened.

The Bourque Steam Engine

A Compact Pollution-Free External Combustion Engine with High Part-Load Efficiency

A Compact Pollution-Free
External Combustion Engine
with High Part-Load Efficiency