The prime problems of the early steam engine were threefold:
1) it was relatively inefficient, with a very poor energy conversion ratio (that is, the amount of potential energy stored in the fuel vs the amount of energy actually usable for work)
2) it needed to be quite large; and it used fuel that was of lower-energy density than later designs.
3) early steam engines could be rather dangerous, as they produced a large quantity of dense smoke and particulate matter, and were prone to explosions due to over-pressure flaws in their steam chambers.
However, modern-day steam engines (generally, a steam turbine) are some of the most efficient, compact, and safe forms of power generation available.
whats so bad about the steam engine
the steam engine
James Watt biult the steam engine in the 1770
The Watt steam engine was invented in Scotland by James Watt.
The steam engine was invented in England by Thomas Newcomen in the early 18th century.
Lower efficiency than diesel, and much higher maintenance .
A steam engine is an external combustion engine. As the steam engine combusts outside of the engine itself.
A rotary steam engine was a fire engine basically
According to research online, the horse took the lead initially, then the steam engine caught up and took the lead, only to lose the race when mechanical problems ensued.
Steam is created in a steam engine by heating water in a boiler until it turns into steam. The steam then builds up pressure, which is used to power the engine and drive machinery.
the steam engine was improved in 1769.
A steam engine?
Steam
noun: an engine worked by steam, typically one in which a sliding piston in a cylinder is moved by the expansive action of the steam generated in a boiler.A steam engine is an external combustion engine. As the steam engine combusts outside of the engine itself.
Steam in a steam engine is made by heating water in a boiler until it turns into steam. The steam is then directed into a cylinder where it pushes a piston, creating mechanical energy that powers the engine.
Robert Fulton.
James watt popularised steam engine.