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From: fiddler%concertina@Sun.COM (Steve Hix)
Newsgroups: sci.physics,sci.misc,sci.electronics,misc.misc
Subject: Re: Small steam/air turbines and generators
Message-ID: <34149@sun.uucp>
Date: Tue, 17-Nov-87 19:22:32 EST
Article-I.D.: sun.34149
Posted: Tue Nov 17 19:22:32 1987
Date-Received: Fri, 20-Nov-87 06:57:56 EST
References: <300@ndmath.UUCP>
Sender: news@sun.uucp
Lines: 34
Keywords: steam, turbine, motor, generator
Xref: mnetor sci.physics:2631 sci.misc:640 sci.electronics:1755 misc.misc:2050

In article <300@ndmath.UUCP>, milo@ndmath.UUCP (Greg Corson) writes:
> 
> Also I am looking for a source of small generators which could be connected
> to the various sizes of steam turbine mentioned above.
> 
> The purpose is a battery replacement system that runs off available heat
> or steam power.  The small version would be intended to power low load 
> devices or trickle charge batteries.  A large version might power a small
> portable computer.
> 

You might try looking to some advertisers in "Live Steam",
a magazine for steam/sterling cycle enthusiasts.  Try looking for
it in a good hobby shop.  It will give you pointers to local
live steam associations.  They're mostly filled with (large)
model train fanatics, but almost always include stationary
engine enthusiasts.  Those are the people who will have solved
most of your potential problems already.

Some of the advertisers would be Lindsey Publication (for plans
and whatnot) or "Saturated Steam" who sell plans kits and finished
steam engines.

By the way, piston steam engines are pretty widely available in
various sizes ranging from fit-in-a-thimble to power-your-30-ft-
boat versions.  A piston engine almost certainly will be cheaper
than an equivalent-power turbine.

	seh

p.s.  Whatever the actual efficiency (if you've already got a
source of heat/steam, who cares), a steam-electric generator
will almost certainly be quieter than an equal-output gasoline
fueled generator.