Seems like if you could use a 95% efficient boiler (they have them for home heating, so why not?) a steam engine could be very efficient, compared to about 30% for internal combustion.
Been too long since thermogoddamics, but it's not that easy to win against the house. That 95% means that only 5% of the heat was lost, but in a car it's not heat you're after. You want _work_, which is a whole 'nother can of fish. The ultimate efficiency of any heat engine is limited by the difference between the inlet and outlet temperatures, and practical considerations have a whole lot to do with those. Outlet is bounded by ambient, of course, but you usually can't get anywhere near. Inlet temperature is whatever you're able to impart to your working fluid.
Consult a textbook, and learn all! -- Jim _______________________________________ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
