VIDEO Steam-Powered Race Car Out to Set World Record

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Full steam ahead! Cyclone Power Technologies founder Harry Schoell and Chuk Williams, head of the U.S. Land Steam Record Team, stand in front of a car designed to set a land speed record for steam-powered vehicles.



We usually think of steam powering things such as old-fashioned riverboats, locomotives and tea kettles. But a team of steam-punk speed freaks says hot air has a place on the road.

Chuk Williams is striving to set a land speed record in a custom-built race car outfitted with a steam-powered engine.

As early as August, Williams and the metalheads at Cyclone Engines could head to Utah's Bonneville Salt Flats in an attempt to make history, according to the New York Times' Wheels Blog.




Even though steam might not sound like cutting-edge technology, the engine-makers insist their machine is perfect for the road -- not to mention trains, trucks, generators and gardening equipment.

The Cyclone engine can process a number of fuels -- from standard gasoline to biofuels -- to rapidly heat water-filled coils. The steam inside the coils powers the engine's pistons, then turns back into water, creating a closed-loop system.

That leads to very low emissions and a lower carbon footprint than standard combustion engines -- not to mention enough horsepower to get a race car to speeds greater than 160 mph, according to Harry Schoell, Cyclone's chief executive.

"Our calculations show that we can break this record with our stock automotive engine," Schoell said. "We can turn higher rpm levels at the same torque figure and will do so in the race car."

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Full steam ahead! Cyclone Power Technologies founder Harry Schoell and Chuk Williams, head of the U.S. Land Steam Record Team, stand in front of a car designed to set a land speed record for steam-powered vehicles. In a unique blend of nostalgia and modern engineering, Cyclone Power Technologies is setting its sights on the land-speed record for steam-powered vehicles. As noted in an engaging recap from the New York Times, Chuk Williams, a seasoned engineer and the overseer of this ambitious project, is building a custom race car designed to achieve this remarkable feat, showcasing steam as a viable propulsion method in a high-performance context.

The Fallacy of Old Technology​

Steam engines aren't often placed in the spotlight, typically associated with quaint riverboats, old locomotives, or steaming tea kettles. However, Williams and his team, in collaboration with Cyclone Power Technologies, are reassuring skeptics that steam can roar down the racetrack. Their objective is clear: to claim the land-speed record currently held by a British team that hit 148.308 mph back in 2009.

Innovative Engineering at Work​

At the heart of this steam car is the Cyclone engine, crafted with a focus on efficiency and low emissions. According to the team's founder, Harry Schoell, the engine boasts the ability to utilize various fuels, including traditional gasoline and biofuels. This adaptability is pivotal since it enables the steam engine to heat water within its specially designed coils to extraordinary temperatures—over 1200 degrees Fahrenheit—in a matter of seconds.

Environmental Implications​

One standout feature of the Cyclone engine is its closed-loop system. After powering the pistons, the steam condenses back into water, minimizing waste and emissions compared to standard combustion engines. Schoell emphasizes that their calculations predict a successful record attempt using their standard automotive engine, capable of delivering impressive torque and horsepower levels. They aim to achieve higher revolutions per minute (RPMs) without sacrificing torque.

The Road Ahead​

While the engineering and design progress is promising, the Cyclone team is anticipating spring testing in North Carolina, leading up to their record attempt at the Bonneville Salt Flats in August. The enthusiasm within the team reflects their ambition not only to succeed in this bid for speed but also to showcase steam power in a new light. "We think it hasn’t gotten a fair shake," says Christopher Nelson of Cyclone Technologies.

Conclusion​

For those intrigued by innovations in automotive technology, the quest for a steam-powered land-speed record presents a fascinating juxtaposition of the old and the new. It raises questions about the potential renaissance of steam as a practical energy source in modern vehicles. As we follow this project, it’s essential to consider not just the speeds these vehicles can achieve, but also their implications for a sustainable future. What are your thoughts on this unconventional approach to racing? Do you think steam can reclaim its reputation as a viable energy source in the modern automotive landscape? Share your insights and any related experiences below!
 
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