off-the-shelf steam valves
Posted by: john f. (IP Logged)
Date: January 03, 2005 02:56PM
<HTML>Off the shelf valves:
I’m toying with the idea of creating a small steam engine to power an auto alternator to charge car batteries. (Some day these may power a small lawn tractor or something, but that comes later) it’s important to me to use just as much off-the-shelf components as is humanly possible, even if they don’t work particularly well. Just so they work well enough to function at all.
So, for my first attempt I’d like to attach two hydraulic cylinders (the steam pistons) to the peddles of a bike and connect the alternator to the bike rear wheel by a ‘v’ belt (fan belt). The best idea I have for off-the-shelf steam valves is quarter turn ball valves. If anyone has a better suggestion for off-the-shelf valves, I’m all ears.
Thanks everyone.
John f.</HTML>