Steam Wankel Engine: Could it Run Efficiently?

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SUMMARY

A three-rotor Wankel engine can potentially run efficiently on steam if heat loss is minimized through ceramic coating of rotors and chambers. The design requires a valving system to manage steam flow from high-pressure to low-pressure chambers, resembling a semi-turbine mechanism. Concerns regarding lubrication can be addressed by injecting oil into the steam, similar to air tools. The discussion also highlights the possibility of using electronic control for rotary valves, suggesting that any engine designed for gasoline can be adapted for steam or compressed air operation.

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wolram
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Could say a three rotor wankel engine run efficiently on steam? If heat heat loss was kept to a minimum may be by ceramic coating the rotors and chambers, i know some valving system would be needed to pass steam from the high pressuer chamber to the LP chambers, seems to me that i would have a semi turbine. :smile:
 
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Woolie, I've been planning to do that for about 20 years. Never had the funds available.
My main concern was lubrication, but I figured that oil could be injected into the steam the way air tools are set up. I also wasn't quite sure what bits, if any, would need to be rust-proofed.
 
You do understand that the classic triple expansion engines had increasing displacement volumes as steam moved from high, through intermediate, to LP pistons? Or, are you planning on stacking two or three Wankel rotors with increasing displacements?
 
I thought that the valves could be controlled electronicaly, a sensor on the engine would control a sevo motor which would opperate rotory valves, if i could find a engine and get it running on compressed air first, hmmmm.
 
Yes. Any engine design that will work for gasoline can also work for steam or compressed air.

I'm not too sure that a particular rotary motor can easily be converted.
 

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