rogerzilla
Legendary Member
A reciprocating steam engine of typical non-condensing type is between 5 and 10% thermally efficient. The maximum theoretical efficiency with a 280psi boiler is only about 17%, most of the loss being in the cylinders; the incoming steam isn't all that hot in thermodynamic terms, and the exhaust steam isn't all that much cooler. Internal combustion was a huge leap in efficiency!Say what you like but I don't see steam replacing electric cars.