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A steam engine is a heat engine that performs mechanical work using steam as its working fluid. ... the few steam-powered engines known were, like the aeolipile, [9] ...
The 1698 Savery Steam Pump - the first commercially successful steam powered device, built by Thomas Savery [1] The first recorded rudimentary steam engine was the aeolipile mentioned by Vitruvius between 30 and 15 BC and, described by Heron of Alexandria in 1st-century Roman Egypt. [2]
Steam was a familiar technology, adapted well to local facilities, and also consumed a wide variety of fuels; this led to its continued use in many countries until the end of the 20th century. Steam engines have considerably less thermal efficiency than modern diesels, requiring constant maintenance and labour to keep them operational. [96]
An illustration of Hero's aeolipile. An aeolipile, aeolipyle, or eolipile, from the Greek "Αἰόλου πύλη," lit. ' Aeolus gate ', also known as a Hero's (or Heron's) engine, is a simple, bladeless radial steam turbine which spins when the central water container is heated.
Newcomen's atmospheric steam engine. The first practical mechanical steam engine was introduced by Thomas Newcomen in 1712. Newcomen apparently conceived his machine independently of Savery, but as the latter had taken out a wide-ranging patent, Newcomen and his associates were obliged to come to an arrangement with him, marketing the engine until 1733 under a joint patent. [2]
1st century AD – Hero of Alexandria describes the Aeolipile, as an example of the power of heated air or water.The device consists of a rotating ball spun by steam jets; it produced little power and had no practical application, but is nevertheless the first known device moved by steam pressure.
International Steam.co.uk – comprehensive coverage of stationary steam engines in their original locations, working and non-working, in many countries; preserved stationary steam engines – includes lesser-known museums containing such engines (UK) Steamers steam engine forum – Questions and answers about old steam engines, traction engines
Thomas Savery (/ ˈ s eɪ v ər i /; c. 1650 – 15 May 1715) was an English inventor and engineer.He invented the first commercially used steam-powered device, a steam pump [1] which is often referred to as the "Savery engine".