Re: Re: Re: Re: Why did steam tractors die out

Posted by Bob M on February 17, 2003 at 18:19:17 from (66.66.123.133):

In Reply to: Re: Re: Re: Why did steam tractors die out posted by G Taylor on February 17, 2003 at 09:40:52:

Yeah – for the "ideal" cycle efficiencies for gas/diesel engines your numbers are correct. But after you deduct for real world inefficiencies like internal heat loss, working fluid pumping (throttling) loss, mechanical friction losses, auxiliary drive losses (cooling fan, oil pump, water pump), combustion inefficiencies (incomplete combustion due to quenching) etc, what's left to actually do work will be somewhere between 8% - 15% of the original energy content of the fuel – perhaps a bit higher for today's most efficient turbocharged/intercooled diesels.

You are also correct about efficiencies of combined cycle central station plants. However these plants are fiendishly complex, and must operate at extreme temperatures/pressures to achieve this level of efficiency (= extremely high cost!). And they require careful operation and maintenance to sustain this efficiency. Contrast that to a reciprocating, non-condensing steam engine fed saturated steam from a hand-fired 125 psi boiler, filled with dirty pond water, and operated by an "engineer" who has at best only a rudimentary understanding of the thermodynamics of efficient steam plant operation. These would be fairly typical steam tractor operating conditions – and do not favor fuel efficiency!

Another problem with steamers: The consequences of inattentive operation. If steamer is not properly maintained and operated, a boiler explosion is a real threat. And explosion will destroy the machine (and it's operator!) and usually results in dramatic collateral damage as well. (Witness the tragedy involving a steamer at a show in Marion OH a couple years ago.) Compare that to the consequences of an inattentive operation of an internal combustion tractor. Generally the worst that will happen here is the tractor simply quits running, and perhaps a few expensive parts must be replaced. Insurance companies would throw a fit and terminate farm coverage quickly if every farm were to have steamer or two on the premises!

Bottom line is I like the look, sound and smell of a steamer as much as anyone. However is the agricultural steam engine is a technology whose time has clearly passed!

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