73-21 AB
An Evaluation of the Worcester Polytechnic
Institute Steam Car
March 1973
Emission Control Technology Division
Office of Air and Water Programs
Environmental Protection Agency
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Background
Under a grant from the Environmental Protection Agency, several
participants in the August 1970 Clean Air Car Race (CACR) were
offered contracts for additional vehicle testing. These con-
tranct were offered as prizes to the participants in each of
several vehicle categories.
The Worcester Polytechnic Institute steam car was able to cross
the starting line but was unable to complete the race due to
lack of speed and reliability. However, even though their accom-
plishments were modest they were sufficiently successful in
their category to receive a contract for vehicle performance
and emission testing at the EPA emission test facility in
Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Vehicle Tested
The steam system was a modified version of a design by Richard
J. Smith Automotive Steam Systems, employing a monotube steam
generator and a six cylinder uniflow expander of the single action
type. The system was built at WPI by a student group and in-
stalled in a 1970 Chevelle body. The original engine and trans-
mission were removed and the steam system was installed in the „
vehicle engine compartment. Power was transferred by direct
drive with no clutch.
Test Program
The car was delivered to the Ann Arbor laboratory on December 28,
1972. Since the vehicle burned fuels containing heavy hydro-
carbons, emission testing would be accomplished by using the
proposed 1975 Federal Test Procedure (FTP) for light duty Diesel
vehicles. Performance testing would be for vehicle acceleration
tj.mes (0-30 mph, 0-45 mph, and 20 to 50 mph) and maximum cruise
speed.
Results
Due to numerous leaks and mechanical problems (see attachment),
testing was terminated February 28, 1973, without any performance
or emission testing. The vehicle had by then experienced its
second high pressure blowout, showed considerable combustion
chamber heat erosion, and was probably having major expander or
pump problems.
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Conclusions
Although the vehicle accumulated two hours of time (including
one hour on the steam generator) during repairs, no quantitative
or qualitative conclusions could be made about the system.
Recommendations
The person most knowledgable about the vehicle, a student, was
attending school. In addition, WPI acknowledged that the vehicle
needed considerable improving. These added considerably to the
burden of testing a relatively untried system. This serves to
reinforce EPA's present policy that testing of unconventional
vehicles, unproven vehicle configurations, and new components at
EPA must be preceded by sufficient data indicating that the
desired results are achievable, the system is reliable, and
sufficient resources are available to support testing.
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SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT PROBLEMS AND EVENTS
Six leaks in low pressure steam lines required repair.
Two blowouts at same place in high, pressure steam line
(in generator - no safety hazards); repaired once.
Condenser boils over easily.
Inaccessability of portions of system.
Misadjustments of chains, fuel settings (repaired).
Susceptibility to failures.
Inability to move car under own power (after first high
pressure blowout was repaired)
Significant overheating and erosion of combustion chamber and
air breather.
Exhaust fumes in passenger compartment.
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