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In a message dated 17-Feb-03 00:26:45 Eastern Standard Time,
writes:
> Has anyone on this list ever see a steam boat rally?
> Have you ever marveled at how so much power can be generated almost
> silently and applied so effectually?
> Our most modern warships employ a system very similar. The only difference
> being the source of heat to produce steam.
>
Steamboats are inefficient. A great deal of heat is wasted through the
condenser, boiler, and all the pipes. It takes about 50% more fuel to push a
steamship, as well as 24 hour watches, so most merchant ships these days are
diesel. The advantages of steam are less maintainence due to no combustion
byproducts in the machinery and the ability to use cheap fuel. Diesels use
less fuel, but require constant work, especially in the area of fuel
filtering and fighting the effects of soot and sulfuric acid combustion
byproducts, but they can be left on their own at night with an alarm system
if something need attention.
Naval ships that are not nuclear powered are often turbine powered. Poor
fuel economy, but lots of power in a small, lightweight engine.
Norm
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