And in the shortest possible time you can make a simple steam generator. Such a device is capable of generating electric current from almost any fuel; everything that burns will be used. These can be sticks, solid alcohol, a candle, tree bark, dry grass, etc. You can take such a generator with you when going to hiking trip. You can charge it from it mobile phone or light a couple of LEDs for illumination.
The engine is single-piston, with a spool valve.
Materials and tools for assembly:
- a piece of tube from a television or radio antenna, with a diameter of at least 8 mm;
- a small tube to create a piston pair (can be bought at a plumbing store);
- copper wire (diameter 1.5 mm, can be found in coils or bought);
- nuts, bolts and screws;
- lead for making a flywheel (can be found in old car batteries, fishing equipment, or bought);
- wooden bars;
- bicycle spokes;
- plywood or textolite to create a stand;
- a tube;
- an olive jar or similar.
The tools you will need are: hacksaw, emery, soldering iron, epoxy resin, cold welding, superglue, drill.
Steam generator manufacturing process:
Step one. Schematic diagram generator
In the diagram you can see how the mechanism works. That is, it is a crank that is connected to the piston through a connecting rod. The system also has a valve (spool) that opens and closes one of two channels. When the piston is at bottom dead center, the spool opens the channel and steam under pressure enters the cylinder. Reaching top dead center, the spool shuts off the steam supply and opens the cylinder to release steam to the outside, the piston then lowers. Reciprocating movements according to the classics are converted by a crank into rotation of the generator shaft.
Step two. How to make a cylinder and spool tube
Three pieces need to be cut from the antenna tube, the first should be 38 mm long and 8 mm in diameter. This will be a cylinder. The second piece should be 30 mm long and 4 mm in diameter. The third piece should be 6 mm long and 4 mm thick.
In the second tube you need to make a hole with a diameter of 4 mm, it should be in the center. The third tube needs to be glued perpendicularly to the second; superglue is used for this. When the glue dries, everything is covered on top cold welding.
You need to attach a metal washer to the third piece, and after drying, you also need to fix everything with cold welding. When the welding has dried, the seams need to be processed on top epoxy resin for maximum strength and tightness.
Step three. Manufacturing of piston and connecting rod
The piston is made of a bolt with a diameter of 7 mm. To do this, it needs to be secured in a vice and wound on top copper wire, in total you will need to make about 6 turns, depending on the diameter of the wire. The wire is then impregnated with epoxy resin. The excess edge of the bolt can be cut off. Next, when the resin dries, you will need to work sandpaper to adjust the piston to the cylinder diameter. As a result, the piston should move easily, but should not allow air to pass through.
To attach the connecting rod to the piston, you need to make a special bracket, it is made from sheet aluminum. It needs to be bent in the shape of the letter “P”, holes are drilled at the edges, the diameter of the hole should be such that a bicycle spoke can be placed into it. The bracket is glued to the piston.
As for the connecting rod, it is made from a bicycle spoke; pieces of tubes from the antenna, 3 mm long and 3 mm in diameter, are installed on its edges. As for the length, the distance between the centers of the connecting rod is 50 mm. The connecting rod is connected to the piston pivotally, using a “U”-shaped bracket, as well as a piece of a bicycle spoke. To prevent the knitting needle from falling out, it must be glued at both ends.
The triangle connecting rod is made in a similar way, but here there will be a piece of spoke on one side and a tube on the other. The length of this connecting rod is 75 mm.
Step four. Spool and triangle
A triangle needs to be cut out of a sheet of metal, three holes are drilled in it. As for the spool piston, its length is 3.5 mm; you need to ensure its free movement in the spool tube. The length of the rod can be different, it all depends on the flywheel.
Supports are best made from bars; they are selected individually. As for the piston rod crank, it should be 8mm, and the spool crank is 4mm.
Step five. Steam boiler. The final stage
The author used an olive pan with a sealed lid as a cauldron. In order to be able to pour water into the boiler, a nut must be soldered to the lid; a bolt is used as a lid. You need to solder the tube to the lid.
Subsequently, the engine is assembled on a wooden platform, with supports used for each element. You can see how the engine works in the video.
Battery, but has much more high performance , not to mention the availability of this kind of devices. The very functioning of such units is to convert mechanical force into electrical force by heating water until it turns into steam. It is this force that sets the desired mechanism in motion.
It makes sense to use such units in those industries modern industry or the domestic sphere, where there is sufficient a large number of vaporization, which can be used as a converter to electricity. It is steam-type generators that are widely used in boiler installations, where they form a kind of thermal power plant together with a boiler and turbine.
Such units allow you to significantly save on their operation, as well as reduce the cost of obtaining electrical energy. That is why steam plants are often considered one of the main operating units of many power plants.In addition, if you study the principle of operation, as well as the design features of such steam generators, you can try to implement them yourself, using certain means. However, this possibility will be discussed a little later.
Device and principle of operation
According to their own design features, boiler plants have a fairly similar structure. They include several working units, which are considered to be decisive - directly himself and the turbine. The last two components form a kinetic connection with each other, and one of the varieties of such systems is a steam-type turbine electric generator.
If we look more globally, then such installations are full-fledged thermal power plants, albeit of smaller dimensions. Thanks to their work, they are able to provide electricity not only to civilian facilities, but also to large industrial sectors.
The steam itself electric generators boils down to the following main points:
- Special equipment heats water to optimal values, at which it evaporates, forming steam.
- The resulting steam flows further onto the rotor blades of the steam turbine, which sets the rotor itself in motion.
- As a result, we first obtain kinetic energy converted from the resulting energy of compressed steam. Then kinetic energy turns into mechanical, which leads to the start of operation of the turbine shaft.
The electric generator included in the design of such steam plants, is decisive. This is explained by the fact that it is electric generators that carry out the transition of mechanical energy into electrical energy.
In terms of environmental friendliness, a steam electric generator is an alternative solar panels, only an order of magnitude more productive and somewhat more affordable. The operating principle of such a device is based on the conversion of mechanical energy into electrical energy, only the mechanism is driven by heating water to the point where it turns into a vapor state.
Details about the appointment
Steam generator in Detroit
This electric generator is used in areas where it is possible to convert the excess amount of generated steam into electrical energy. In particular, systems of this kind are widely used in boiler installations. Together with the turbine and heating boiler the generator is a kind of mini-thermal power plant.
This kind of technology makes it possible to reduce the cost of generating electricity, thanks to which it is used as one of the main components in power plants.
Knowing the principle on which a steam generator operates, you can try to implement it on our own using an electric generator and a boiler to heat water.
Device and principle of operation
Considering the boiler installation, we can distinguish three main components involved in the operation. This is the boiler itself, the steam turbine and the electric generator. The combination of the last two devices is called a turbine unit, which implies the presence of a kinetic connection between the two devices. A steam turbine electric generator falls under this definition.
Taken together, all this equipment makes it possible to create a mini-thermal power plant that will provide electricity to large industrial or civil facilities.
Principle of operation
The principle of operation of such equipment as a steam turbine electric generator comes down to the implementation of several stages of the process:
- Boiler equipment heats water to a certain temperature at which it turns into a vapor state.
- The steam hits the turbine rotor blades, thereby setting it in motion.
- The result of this process is the conversion of the potential energy of the compressed hot steam into kinetic energy, and then into mechanical energy when the turbine shaft begins to move.
- A steam turbine electric generator produces electrical energy. In this case, the function of the electric generator is decisive in this circuit, since it is this node that is responsible for converting mechanical energy into electrical energy.
Depending on what power needs to be achieved, several such MTES units can be used, connected in parallel with each other.
There are many benefits from using this technique. First of all, it is possible to realize the excess steam produced by heating boiler equipment. And in addition to this, it becomes possible to provide power supply to a large facility without significant costs for the purchase of liquid or gaseous fuel.
But for such a solution to be profitable and not unprofitable, it must be implemented at a facility whose maintenance will require sufficient turbine and generator power.
Criterias of choice
The use of large-sized equipment, such as a turbine unit or mini-thermal power plant, is justified only if it is used to supply power to large facilities (boiler houses, etc.).
An electric generator operating on steam can be selected based on the following criteria:
- Rated electrical and thermal power;
- Rotation speed of the rotors of the two main structural units (turbine and generator);
- Type of current, usually such equipment is designed for three-phase current, accordingly the output voltage will also be three-phase;
- The value of steam pressure in a compressed and free state.
The combination of an electric generator and a steam turbine can also be called a turbogenerator. But in in this case it will be assumed that a synchronous generator is used.
Model overview
Kaluga Turbine Plant produces and supplies different countries equipment for providing facilities different sizes electricity. In particular steam turbines domestic production Turbo steam. This type of technology is offered in various designs, the power range is 100-1000 kW. The generator and turbine rotors rotate at the same high speed - 3000 rpm. The generator is cooled by air. Steam pressure does not exceed 0.8 MPa.
turbogenerator TAP 6
The cost of equipment of this kind is quite high, as is its maintenance. If we consider a fully functional mini-thermal power plant, then we are talking about amounts of several million rubles.
Using this type of equipment, it is possible to provide electricity to large facilities for both industrial and civil purposes. The Power Machines company offers turbogenerators in different designs.
For example, a device of the TA series, in particular, the TAP-6-2 model, is designed for a power of 6 MW. The efficiency of such a machine is 98%, rotation speed is 3000 rpm.
Feasibility of operation
Buy a turbine steam electric generator for home use, of course, it is possible, only this idea will pay off in decades, if not hundreds, since the cost of such equipment is high, as well as the weight and dimensions. Therefore, in everyday life it is better to get by with a device that runs on liquid fuel, and use a steam turbine generator to supply power to large industrial or agricultural facilities.
Steam powered cars
Electric generators for boiler installations are very popular today, since, starting from certain values power, equipment of this type exhibits a high degree of productivity. And at home, if you wish, and also if you have certain knowledge and experience, you can try to make a steam compact electric generator with your own hands. Only if for large-sized equipment the intermediate link is a steam turbine, then at home an engine is used to drive the generator. However, in this case you will have to solve the problem of connecting the boiler.
Turbine hall of mini-thermal power plant
As you can see, the task of creating a steam generator is not an easy one. And at the output the user will not receive the desired level of efficiency due to the low load on the system. Therefore, after weighing all the pros and cons, it is still better to use the equipment for its intended purpose.
And only if you have firm confidence in success and experience in solving such problems, you should proceed to the design of a steam generator. Calculations will be an excellent help, on the basis of which the user will be able to determine the answer to the question of whether such a mechanism will really justify itself in operation.
Thus, the use of turbine electric generators, as well as mini-thermal power plants based on such equipment, is in great demand today. Servicing large facilities, in particular, ensuring their power supply, has its advantages and disadvantages. Considering high cost such technology, you should first calculate the expected efficiency of its functioning.
A steam generator is not used in everyday life due to the large dimensions of the equipment, as well as its high price and cost of service. Manufacturers initially recommend using this technique, starting with certain power values. It is not for nothing that most devices are produced in versions of 100 kW and above. Only such models will allow us to see the efficiency of operating steam turbine electric generators.
Increasingly, tired residents of big and small cities are moving out of town to small and cozy houses.
A distinctive feature of such equipment is the simplicity of its design and operating principle. Such an electricity generator, regardless of its type, consists of a motor mounted on a structure frame that burns fuel and a generator. Through a mechanical transmission, rotating torque is transmitted from the engine to the generator.
An important factor influencing the great popularity of such installations is high level coefficient useful action, close to 98%.
For this you will need:
- Canned food can
- Aluminum wire
- Small sheet of tin
- Fasteners
The manufacturing process itself is quite simple:
- IN tin can make two small holes
- Solder a tube into one of them
- Take a sheet of tin and cut it into small strips so that you get a turbine impeller
- Attach the finished impeller to a tin strip, previously bent in the shape of the letter “P”
- Using fasteners, attach the strip with the impeller to the second hole. It is worth paying attention to the fact that the impeller should be located towards the tube
- All holes and seams made during the manufacturing process of the installation must be soldered. This is necessary to ensure the tightness of the structure
- Make a stand from wire on which the finished equipment is installed
- The system is filled with water using a syringe.
- Under the stand in a special box, set fire to dry fuel
Made according to these instructions Steam engine unable to provide a home required quantity energy. Here you can easily and easily familiarize yourself with the principle of a steam generator of electricity.
The process of creating such an installation that could provide the house with the necessary amount of energy is a little more complicated, but nothing is impossible.
To make it you need to take a base - the Peletier element. It can be purchased separately in the store, or can be removed from a failed desktop PC.
In addition, for work you will need:
- Module equipped with USB output
- Sheet of metal for making the installation body. You can do it yourself, or you can take a ready-made PC case
- Cooling radiator with cooler
- Seam sealing paste
- Metal cutting scissors
- Riveter
- Drill
- Soldering iron
- Rivets
At the beginning of the process, make a small container into which you can put small ones and light a fire. Design the upper part of the container in such a way that you can place a small saucepan of water on it and bring it to a boil.
Attach a Peletier element to one side of this container. On the other side, use a pestle to attach a cooling radiator with a cooler.
Experts point out that the radiator and cooler must be powerful enough. The rate and amount of electrical energy release depends on how large the temperature difference is.
If the equipment is used in cold weather, it can be left standing directly in the snow and it will be practically solved. If the installation is used in warm weather, you cannot do without a powerful cooler and cooler. We must not forget about careful sealing of all seams and fastenings.
Solder the voltage stabilizer to the Peletier element. This device is necessary in order to be able to set a certain indicator of electrical energy at the output.
The stabilizer can be bought ready-made in the store. Its advantage is that when the required indicator is reached, the light on the device lights up.
It is also important that the already soldered stabilizer must be sealed in such a way as to completely prevent contact with it. The operation of this steam generator model is capable of heating two coolers.
You can also make an even more powerful model of a steam generator - a heating element.
Its basis is a fairly large container in which heating elements (one or several) are mounted.
This depends on the expected capacity of the future installation.
Drill holes in the sides of the container to attach the heating element.
Nuts with rubber gaskets are ideal for fastening.
If you plan to install two heating elements, it is important to place them in such a way that they do not touch each other. Place the second one next to the first container.
It will contain water, which is transferred to the first container as needed. It is necessary to pay attention to the fact that during operation of the equipment it will not be possible to open the lid and see the water level in the first vessel.
Both containers are connected to each other by a strong tube, which is inserted into drilled holes, located below the level at which the heating elements are installed. Carefully seal all seams.
In order for the water to quickly warm up, it is better to twist the pipe through which a fresh portion of water will be supplied in the form of a spiral. Before permanent installation and operation of this unit, it must be tested for leaks.
In addition, the valve must withstand the required pressure, otherwise the equipment will not be able to operate. An installation created using this principle is characterized by almost 100% efficiency. But it must be maintained in working order.
To do this, it is necessary to periodically check the heating elements for the presence of scale on their walls. If there is too much of it, they may not work at full capacity or warm at all.
In order for scale to form, it is necessary to periodically add citric or acetic acid in the first container as little as possible. Some people only fill the tank with special soft water.
Situations often occur when a steam electricity generator for a home fails due to the fact that it was running dry. To avoid such trouble, it is recommended to set the minimum and maximum quantity water in the container.
In order to protect the finished installation from power surges in the network, you can install a special voltage regulator, which automatically turns off the equipment when the voltage drops.
PGE is a unique equipment that is an autonomous source of electricity. Its operation has a number of advantages:
- Possibility to work on different types fuel, which is the most profitable for each installation owner.
- High output power level.
- The power can be adjusted manually by the owner at his request. This increases the operating efficiency of the installation.
- If the energy source is selected solid fuel, for example, firewood, ash, which remains after their use, serves as an excellent fertilizer for garden and vegetable plants.
The industry produces such installations in a wide variety. In addition, it is possible to make a steam generator yourself at home. There is no need to use expensive materials and details.
Exist different variants and manufacturing schemes for such installations. Before choosing any particular method, you must first take into account the power of the steam generator, which is required at the output. In the process of creating a PGE, it is necessary to follow safety rules and pre-test the finished installation.
You can watch the video on how to assemble a steam generator for a bath yourself: