Doble Steam Car Engine
Introduction
The Doble steam car engine was a type of external combustion engine that used steam to power a piston. It was invented by Abner Doble in the early 1900s. Doble steam cars were known for their smooth operation, quietness, and efficiency. They were also very expensive to build, and only a few hundred were ever produced.
Design
The Doble steam car engine was a double-acting engine, meaning that steam was admitted to both sides of the piston. The engine had two cylinders, which were arranged in a V-configuration. The cylinders were made of cast iron and had a bore of 4.5 inches and a stroke of 5 inches. The engine was rated at 100 horsepower at 1,000 rpm.
The Doble steam car engine was a very efficient engine. It had a thermal efficiency of 25%, which was much higher than the thermal efficiency of gasoline engines at the time. The engine was also very quiet, because the steam was muffled by the condenser.
History
The Doble steam car engine was first used in a car in 1909. The car was a success, and Doble soon began to produce steam cars for sale. Doble steam cars were very popular among wealthy buyers, and they were used by many celebrities, including William Randolph Hearst and Thomas Edison.
The production of Doble steam cars ceased in 1931, due to the Great Depression. However, the Doble steam car engine continued to be used in other applications, such as locomotives and power plants.
Advantages
- Smooth operation
- Quietness
- Efficiency
- Low emissions
Disadvantages
- High cost
- Long startup time
- Limited range
Conclusion
The Doble steam car engine was a revolutionary engine that offered many advantages over gasoline engines. However, the engine was also very expensive to build, and it had a limited range. As a result, only a few hundred Doble steam cars were ever produced.
