Modern safe advanced steam engines

Hi Nancy
The engine can certainly function as a generator/home heat source and tractor without changing the setup, in the way you describe. The versions pictured in the video are the fully one or the other setup's.

So cool that you guys have linked up with HEL, Michael. Panapa's a mate and I'm hoping to get back up to the Waiapu Valley before the end of the year and see how things are going.

Michael Galloway wrote:Hi everyone

First time poster so please let me know if I mess up the posting process.

I'm curious what you'll think of this:
Mackwell
Mackwell Youtube channel

I'm working for a startup working to displace diesel with advanced steam power. We're learning from the successes and failures of the steam age along with the best of it that was never widely implemented, and improving on that in areas where we can.

Our boiler are safe with no explosion risk, no sparks and no smoke when running. We'll have a 35 hp engine for sale by the end of the year and the first one is under construction now.

The boiler's are entirely mechanical in operation, though an electric fan speeds the startup. The boiler is self regulating and stable. They're designed for a long service life and easy maintenance.

I'd be very interested to hear any of your thoughts.
thanks
Michael

I became aware of this operation a couple years back. The combination of a gasification furnace and monotube steam generator was a critically important decision for making a practical system - along with optimizing expander efficiency (especially with more superheat, higher expansion, and piston valves). In my opinion, the generator platform seems too large and unnecessarily complicated. But I think the tractor once fully developed can be brilliant in some settings. I second your enthusiasm for making use of locally sourced fuels like wood that require minimal processing. I consider the best application for modern small scale steam power to be combined heat and power with low cost fuel (especially where minimal processing is required like wood chips, shredded household waste, and waste oils).