Rotary propane steam engine road vehicle

Abstract

The Rotary Propane Steam Engine and Road Vehicle is an invention that substitutes a low carbon fuel, propane, to supply energy to a road vehicle, which can be used in place of the polluting gasoline engine. Propane gas is used to boil water spray and the resulting steam moves the rotary parts of the engine, and subsequently, the shaft that powers the transmission and in turn, the wheels of the vehicle. By means gears and pulley, the alternator generates electricity to supply power to the vehicle's accessories as well as to charge the battery, which is needed to ignite the propane gas when starting the engine. The Rotary engine has relatively few moving parts when compared to its gasoline counterpart and the widespread use of propane as the source of energy for road vehicles can lead to less dependence on foreign oil.

1 . The Rotary Propane Steam Engine and Road Vehicle is a stream driven devise in which steam, produced by boiling water spray using the heat of burning propane gas, drives a rotary engine by means of forcing steam into the one of three rotating steam chambers and releasing the steam as that steam chamber rotates past the steam/water exhaust opening; the propane being supplied by a commercial propane tank as used in a propane outdoor grill; the water from a similar pressurized canister. 
     
     
         2 . The Rotary Steam Engine turns a shaft which by gears and belt powers a small alternator which is used for electrical accessories, like headlights and radio, as well as charging a 12 volt battery, needed to ignite the propane, and via a clutch is attached to the transmission of the vehicle. 
     
     
         3 . Necessary switches and gauges control the flow of water and propane, and appropriate valves allow for the easy release of the canisters when replacement is necessary.