Is steam a serious power source for the American automobile? Though largely written-off over 80 years ago, steam-powered cars may hold promise. The application of modern technology and metallurgy could still offer us a reasonable alternative to the internal combustion engine.
Clean Steam?
The phrase "steam power" usually conjures up images of large, soot-blackened locomotives belching clouds of sulfur into the sky - not exactly the model of clean and efficient power. However, most people tend to forget that steam itself is simply a transfer medium for energy.
Steam is as clean as the fuel that is burned to produce it. Coal and oil were the most convenient and widely available fuels for this purpose (and they still are), so they were the most widely used. But anything that can be burned is a potential source of fuel.
Historically, the materials and manufacturing processes that were used also led to the downfall of steam power. A tweaking of the basic design didn't occur until the 1940s, and the base machine itself remained stalled developmentally at the turn of the century.
Anyone who has compared the internal workings of a Model T Ford to a modern Honda Civic can appreciate how much progress has been made since then. With railroads, steam engines were quickly outpaced by diesel locomotives because diesel engines benefitted from every improvement made in the automotive and electrical industries.
Once Upon a Time, There Were Steam Cars
Several auto manufacturers built steam cars and enjoyed a moderate measure of success. However, a combination of higher costs and executive mismanagement ultimately led to the closure of these companies.
Today, the examples that survive are highly-desired collector items whose owners swear by their reliability and efficiency. Celebrity talk-show host Jay Leno has even said that one of his collectible cars, a Doble Steamer from the 1920s, is clean enough to pass California's stringent emissions and mileage laws. This is especially impressive since Leno's steam-powered car is over 80 years old and twice as heavy as a modern "economy" vehicle.
It cannot be said that steam power's advantages and potential use are up for debate. The fact of the matter is that almost no one is even discussing them! But given our current situation and the limitations posed by our other alternatives, maybe it's time for another look. What do you think?
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