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

8. The Complexity Issue

One may argue that this cycle is too complex for vehicle applications. But the complexity is needed to achieve the desired high efficiency. In general, high performance of any system usually requires complexity. In mass production, complexity is less of an issue than total weight, type of materials, and type of fabrication. As seen below, the result is very good performance and low weight and bulk volume.

It is believed that this complexity does not reduce reliability. In fact, reliability may be greater because of the smaller heat exchangers and high-pressure components.

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