Possible to start up the compound steam engine via R/C?

[Jens Eirik Skogstad 1Participant @jenseirikskogstad1]

Hi folks, is it possible to start up the compound steam engine via R/C i steam boat?

I can see there is a trouble with the HP cylinder is in TDC or BDC, there is not possible to start up the steam engine.

Can i mount the start valve between HP cylinder and LP cylinder to start up the comound steam engine?

I can think the LP piston has larger area than HP piston hence the power is greater in LP piston than HP piston and it will start up the steam engine with starting valve while the steam chest in HP cylinder where steam pressure is ready to drive the HP piston as soon the piston is set in action affected by LP piston via crankshaft while the starting valve is activated.

[Jens Eirik Skogstad 1Participant @jenseirikskogstad1]

[MICHAEL WILLIAMSParticipant @michaelwilliams41215]

Hi Jens ,

Fitting 'simpling' valves for starting purposes is common practice on full size compound engines . A few examples can be found on railway engines but many more on marine and road transport engines . Many ways of actually doing this but a common way is to use a slide valve 'switch' to divert steam and exhaust connections to each cylinder for simple or compound working .

The fact that the cylinders are different sizes doesn't matter much just for starting purpose .

There is an alternative approach and that is to use a 'barring' engine . This was a small auxilliary engine which could be engaged (usually via gearing) to rotate crankshaft of main engine into a favourable position for starting and then disengage . Something similar could be done using a small electric motor and clutching mechanism .

Fullsize barring engines were also used to rotate the main engine when not in steam for maintenance purposes .

Regards ,

Michael Williams .

 

Edited By MICHAEL WILLIAMS on 11/03/2012 16:25:00

[Jens Eirik Skogstad 1Participant @jenseirikskogstad1]

With the generally word: will it be possible to use starting valve in the Stuart compound steam engine?

[MICHAEL WILLIAMSParticipant @michaelwilliams41215]

Hi Jens ,

It would be straightforward on a two cylinder compound . For a two cylinder compound you only really need a simple switching valve near the low pressure valve chest and some rearrangement of pipes .

For a three cylinder compound it gets a bit complicated on a small engine though it has been done in full size .

MikeW

Edited By MICHAEL WILLIAMS on 11/03/2012 19:53:05

[Jens Eirik Skogstad 1Participant @jenseirikskogstad1]

Thanks

[Author]

Posts